Jack and Steven have Minister Education's ear

Near North District School Board
News Release

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Two students from the Near North District School Board have been invited to sit on the Provincial Student Advisory Council to provide advice to the Minister of Education on a variety of topics regarding the publicly funded education system.

Successful applicants, W.J. Fricker Public School student, Jack Bowness and Almaguin Highlands Secondary School student, Steven Hepburn were among almost 1,000 students, between grades 7 to 12 from across Ontario who applied for a spot on the 60 member advisory council.

Grade eight student, Jack Bowness (pictured with the Minister) is enthusiastic about this new opportunity. He said “I think it is really cool that the Minister would be interested in getting a kid's opinion. This is an awesome opportunity and I hope that other students take advantage of the student voice project."

Steven Hepburn was equally excited. “I was unsure as whether to apply or not, so I printed off the application forms and showed them to my mom, she was all for it! She knew that if I applied, and was accepted that I would be in my element,” said Steven. “I applied for the council because I aspire to be a politician one day, but only after becoming a teacher, so I thought this would be a great way to have my voice heard and start something good in schools.

Known as the Minister's Student Advisory Council, the council had their first meeting on May 12 at Queen’s Park in Toronto with Minister of Education, Kathleen Wynne. The advisory council is about empowering students to be more engaged in their learning, to think big, and speak up to help students from across the province. It is part of "Student Voice", the government's Student Engagement Strategy.

The Near North District School Board is very proud of Jack and Steven on their appointment to the Minister’s Student Advisory Council.

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