The delegation from Saskatchewan Rivers School Division received the award in Regina this week. (submitted photo/Saskatchewan School Boards Association)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Excellence in Education

Local school division receives provincial award

Nov 20, 2019 | 5:52 PM

The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division has been recognized provincially.

This week in Regina, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) gave Saskatchewan Rivers the premier’s award on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. The award aims to acknowledge organizations for innovation and excellence.

The local division was nominated for its student trustee initiative, which sees students brought in to work alongside elected trustees. Board Chair Barry Hollick said the award is a nice one for the division.

“To be the first school board in the province to have established the position of student trustees in Saskatchewan, really recognizes us for being quite progressive,” he said.

Hollick explained the board got the idea for student trustees from Ontario where they are in place across the province. Since the trustees were introduced at Saskatchewan Rivers, Hollick said they have helped to bring some important issues forward.

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“There were marking rubrics that were put forward several years ago, students had concerns about them, they wanted them explained, why the school division was going in that direction,” he said.

Hollick added student trustees have also brought concerns around mental health to the board’s attention.

Along with the award the division also received $3,000. Hollick said they are not sure where this money will go, but said they are hoping to put it toward a student initiative of some sort.

One of the student trustees, Kelly Lam, from Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert, said being part of the initiative has allowed her to bring mental health issues forward. She explained the issue is an important one needing to be taken up. She added they are pushing for more to be done on that front.

“We’re trying to get more counsellors. We are trying to actually create our own mental health support system,” she said.

Lam said winning the award was an honour. She encouraged students coming into high school to be open to exploring leadership opportunities as it can lead to a life changing experience.

Elizabeth Pala, a student trustee from Birch Hills, said the two have been able to help their fellow students, as being at meetings has made them aware of supports which are available for students in some areas.

Pala added having students as part of the process is valuable given the unique perspective they can offer.

“Who knows the students better than the students,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn