Student Trustees and Student Senate
Student trustees are elected by students, to represent students at the Board of Trustee meetings, are governed by the Education Act, and serve for a one-year term, beginning in August and ending in June of each school year. The election process for Student Trustees begins in March of each year. Interested students are encouraged to contact their school's principal. Student Trustees begin their work in August and join the Board of Trustees at the table in September. Student trustees participate in Board of Trustees meetings and lead the Student Senate. They are also members of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO), where they advocate for students with student trustees from across Ontario.
Meet the 2022-2023 student trustees
It’s our privilege to serve as the voice of Durham students. If you have any questions, comments or concerns for us, feel free to reach out to our hyperlinked emails below. We look forward to hearing from you. - DDSB Student Trustees
Ben Cameron (he/him)
Hi, I’m Ben. I’m the Student Trustee elected from Pickering-Ajax. I’m in grade eleven and go to Dunbarton High School in Pickering.
Many know me for being hardworking, high-energy, loud, dramatic, and fun. Some fun facts about me: I like trashy TV shows, I can name every country in the world, I run sometimes, and this position has ruined my social life.
I am so passionate about the work we are doing at the Board. This year, I’ve been focused on making sure that students’ voices are being amplified and heard by everyone at the Board. I also work on the provincial level with the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) to make changes that positively affect all students across the province.
Lauren Edwards (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m the Student Trustee for Brock, Scugog & Uxbridge. I’m a grade 12 student at Uxbridge Secondary School and I’m hoping to go to the University of Waterloo for Engineering after I graduate.
A few fun facts about me: While most people think I’m loud and outgoing, I’m actually quite an introvert and prefer to spend most of my free time reading, or listening to music. Despite being pretty quiet, I’m on almost every school club imaginable and I think I spend more of my time at school than at home. I also play three instruments: flute, alto saxophone and guitar, and I love to bake!
I’m so glad I’ve been given this opportunity to advocate for students who don’t have a voice and make a difference at the Board level. I’m also so pleased we get to meet with our amazing Student Senate every month to hear their awesome ideas and make an even greater difference!
Gwen Kuyt (she/her)
Hi, I’m Gwen! I’m the Student Trustee representing students for Oshawa and Whitby. I’m in grade twelve at Brooklin High School and am hoping to continue my education next year at Queen’s University with a focus on human rights and law.
People describe me as determined, passionate about social justice issues, infatuated with literature, and an individual always seeking inclusion and equity through acts of kindness. I don’t play any sports as I am more of an artsy person, playing piano, trumpet, and violin.
I am proud to contribute to the greater difference we are making at the board through student voice, representing what students’ value and stand for in order to improve the future of our education.
Student Senate
Student Senate is a body made up of 2-3 student leaders from each secondary school in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). They attend monthly meetings led by the student trustees and represent their school at a board-level. They discuss issues facing students and how they can work to improve them, and act as an advisory body to the Student Trustees.
Social Media
Instagram: @DDSBStudentSenate
TikTok: @DDSBStudentSenate
The best way to stay in the loop is through social media! The DDSB Student Senate works hard to keep everyone up to date via social media, so be sure to give them a follow and see what they're up to!
Meetings
The group meets nine times per year. The goal is to create opportunities for communication and idea sharing between the school Board and its students. From Student Senate, the three student trustees bring issues, comments and concerns to the Board. A staff advisor also attends Student Senate meetings.
Meetings are held at the Education Centre on the first Monday of each month from October through June.
Constitution
Student Senate is governed by the Constitution of the Student Senate. For more information, please contact the staff advisor for the Student Senate.
