Student Trustees and Student Senate
Student Trustees are elected students who represent all students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). They participate in Board of Trustees meetings and guide the Student Senate. They are also members of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, where they work with student trustees from across Ontario to advocate for students. They are elected by students to a one-year term, beginning August 1 of each year.
Kayla Hoare (she/her)
Kayla Hoare is a Grade 12 student from Port Perry HS, and this will be her second year in the role as a Student Trustee. With a keen interest in the arts and community service, Kayla aspires to make a difference through creative expression and outreach initiates.
In her final year, Kayla is passionate about representing her peers and advocating for their needs. She values open communication and works hard to ensure that every student feels heard and supported. When she's not immersed in her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Kayla enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending time with her friends and family.
Kayla is eager to continue contributing to DDSB’s thriving Student Senate, and she looks forward to leaving a lasting impact as she prepares for the next chapter in her life.
Nitishan Poopalasundaram
Nitishan is the Student Trustee elected from R.S. Mclaughlin CVI and a Grade 12 student within the DDSB. Nitishan is passionate about STEM work and hopes to pursue a career in this field in the future.
Known for his leadership and dedication, Nitishan consistently strives to make a positive impact through his proactive and hard-working approach. In Nitishan’s first term as a Student Trustee, he feels fortunate to be able to represent the diverse student body at the board table and foster a supportive and inclusive school community. Outside his commitments, Nitishan loves to binge TV shows, walk, and chat with friends.
With open discussions with the student body, Nitishan is dedicated to advocate for their needs to improve student success. He is extremely grateful to be representing the students of DDSB and opening new pathways and opportunities for them to explore.
Shampavi Vijayakumar
Shampavi is the Student Trustee elected from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and a Grade 12 student within DDSB. She is honoured to be serving students in her first term as Student Trustee. Shampavi is passionate about science, math, and advocating for student voice.
Shampavi embarks on her first term as Student Trustee with enthusiasm, eager to immerse herself in the role and learn from the experiences it offers. With a sincere dedication to understanding the needs of her fellow students, she looks forward to actively participating in discussions and contributing to the creation of positive change within the Board. She is excited to engage with her peers, striving to ensure that every student's voice is heard, valued, and represented effectively.
Shampavi is an organized and outgoing individual. She finds joy in dancing to music and unwinding with her favorite movies and shows. Her kind and approachable nature fosters connections with her peers, making her a valuable ally in representing student interests.
Send your feedback!
Your voice matters to the Student Trustees. Send an email to voice anything you would like, in relation to your school, the Board, Student Senate or the Student Trustees.
Interested in becoming a Student Trustee?
Student Trustees are elected prior to the end of February every year. Students interested in running for Student Trustee should contact their Principal prior to the winter break to learn about the process and put themselves forward as a candidate.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Student Trustees via email.
Student Senate
Student Senate is a body made up of student leaders from each secondary school in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Student Senate represents all students in the DDSB. It does so by voicing student concerns and perspectives on school and Board matters. Student Trustees relay these thoughts to the Board of Trustees.
Executive Council
Student Senate is led by a student Executive Council, made up of a president, a vice-president, three regional representatives, and three working group chairs, all elected by Senators.
Interested in becoming a Senator?
Senators are elected prior to May 30 every year. Full-time secondary students in the DDSB are eligible to run for Student Senate. Students should contact their school Principal to put themselves forward as a candidate.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Student Senate, please reach out to the Student Trustees via email.
Constitution
Constitution of the Student Senate
For more information, please contact a staff advisor for the Student Senate.
Staff Advisors
Student Senate staff advisors assist and guide the Student Senate in their work. This year’s staff advisors are:
