Student Trustees Celebrate Ten-Year Anniversary

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - The Ontario Student Trustees' Association - l'Association des élèves conseillers et conseillères de l'Ontario (OSTA-AECO) celebrated its ten-year anniversary this past weekend at its Fall General Meeting in Toronto. The conference entitled "Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future" concluded with a gala which hosted current and past student trustees, members of education stakeholder groups, and former Ministers of Education Kathleen Wynne and Janet Ecker. Student voice was a recurring theme in the addresses by the Ministers. "The contribution when the student trustee stands at the table to speak is a heavy one. The student voice is very valuable," said Wynne. "I think that when you have such a strong alumni network, are becoming incorporated and have a spot at the educational stake holder table, that speaks volumes and is exceptional in the education system," added Ecker. "OSTA - AECO has transformed our students into leaders, role models and successful people. Ten years, who knew?" 

President Maria Bun provided this statement about the anniversary: "Through OSTA-AECO, we have seen a history of student representation in all aspects of the education system for the past ten years.  As we gather to reflect upon the historic accomplishments of student leaders and OSTA-AECO successes, we envision a future in which each student becomes the primary driver of his or her own education. I look forward to the projects that student trustees will continue to take the lead on in collaboration with our partners in education."

OSTA-AECO also rebranded its image this weekend, with a new logo and website. Communications Officer Alex Vander Vlugt led the rebranding with technological assistance from Operations Officer Jaxson Khan. "The new brand will provide a fresh, professional look for the association. After ten years of success in student engagement, it was felt by the association that the logo should be updated to reflect changing times" said Vander Vlugt. Khan remarks, " The big picture is that students will be able to find information easily. A more accessible website means better communication among student trustees, and therefore better representation of students in the public education sector."

As the largest student stakeholder in Ontario's education system, OSTA-AECO represents  over 2 million students. The association promotes the unity without conformity of all affiliated student trustees in order to advance the student vision. Student trustees are youth representatives elected by their peers to bring the student voice to school board tables to improve the quality of education across the province. Hundreds of current student trustee and alumni applauded with pride as Mellissa Ann Retty, chair of the OSTA-AECO Alumni Network, closed the gala with the passionate line: "Once a student trustee, always a student trustee"

For further information:

Alex Vander Vlugt, Communications Officer
[email protected]
1 416 477 2069 ext 2.
http://www.osta-aeco.org