Student Voice Advisory Committees
HWDSB is committed to developing safer, more equitable and more inclusive learning environments. To support student learning and well-being, HWDSB has a responsibility to ensure student voice is centered, valued, and acted upon.
Creating a positive school board culture and environment where all students and staff feel safe, supported, and accepted is one of the goals of the HWDSB Equity Action Plan 2021/2022, under the key Priority Focus Area 3: Positive Culture & Well-being. The creation of Student Voice Advisory Committees is part of the ongoing effort to achieve this goal and include the voices, experience, insight, and ideas of students who belong to groups which have been historically and currently marginalized by the education system.
These groups include, but are not limited to:
- Indigenous
- Black
- students of colour
- Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+
- students with disabilities (including those who require special education supports/services)
- faith-based groups
Student Voice Advisory Committees will allow participants to reflect upon their identities, and to share their lived experiences as well as specific challenges and successes. These committees will serve to connect students from different schools and provide insight on policies, programs and practices to improve outcomes for all students. Meetings will occur at least once per month via MS Teams and will be facilitated by HWDSB staff. In the future, meetings may move to an in-person format in accordance with Hamilton Public Health protocols. Should that happen, we will endeavour to provide opportunities for students who cannot attend in-person to do so remotely.
For more information on the Student Voice Advisory Committees please contact the Equity Department at [email protected]
Learn more about the HWDSB Human Rights and Equity department here.
Updated on Wednesday, November 03, 2021.