Speak Up

Student Voice


Regional Student Forums

Why is the Ministry hosting regional student forums?

We want to hear your perspectives and ideas about your education. Be a champion for Student Voice in your school!

What you told us at the first student forum in 2008:

On May 12, 2008, the Minister met with 60 students. Students talked and we listened to their ideas about what they want to see in their schools. They shared their ideas on how to promote Student Voice, what they want from their education, and how to get more students excited about learning and going to school. The energy at the forum was contagious. We plan to keep the lines of communication open and keep building on this momentum by continuing to listen to students.

Andrew and Pascal are the students who facilitated the student forum. Listen to what they had to say in these video clips about how to engage students and get them excited about school:

What you told us at the 2009 and 2010 regional student forums:

Here are some ideas students had that would strengthen their engagement and ensure all voices were heard:

  • Based on students' interests, expand the available co-curricular options to include enrichment, peer support, homework help and activities
  • Consult with students and inform them on decisions that impact their educational experience.
  • There should be strategies in place to help student learn life skills, such as leadership, teamwork and communication skills
  • A learning environment that is socially inclusive would give students opportunities to talk about issues such as mental health, bullying, racism, diversity and inclusiveness.
  • In a learning environment that is academically inclusive, teachers understand individual student needs and learning styles.
  • Build on the Student Voice initiative to ensure that all students feel welcome and empowered in their schools

What is involved in a regional student forum?

As a student in Grades 7 to 12, you may be invited to participate in these forums. The forum is a one-day consultation with other students from across the region.

A variety of education topics will be discussed. Every year the Minister's Student Advisory Council suggests topics for the regional forums. The information shared at the forum will be shared with the ministry and the Minister of Education.

When will these regional student forums be held?

Regional student forums will be organized throughout the school year. You will meet other students, exchange ideas and work together to make positive changes at your schools.

How can I participate in a regional student forum?

A different group of students will be invited to participate in each forum to ensure diversity and various perspectives from students across the province.

Please talk to your Student Success Teacher if you are interested in getting involved in a forum and share this with those you think would also be interested.

If you are not sure who your Student Success Teacher is, please talk to your principal.

Past Forums

2011

  • February 23 – Barrie
  • March 3 – Sault Ste. Marie
  • March 21 – Toronto
  • March 28 – Renfrew
  • March 29 – Hamilton
  • April 19 – Hanover
  • April 20 – Burlington
  • May 18 – Ottawa

2010

  • February 26 – London
  • February 26 – Ottawa
  • February 26 – Sudbury
  • February 26 – Thunder Bay
  • February 26 – Toronto

2009

  • November 19 – Collingwood
  • November 19 – Markham
  • May 29 – Fort Frances
  • May 27 – Hamilton
  • May 26 – Waterloo
  • May 21 – Chatham
  • May 20 – London
  • May 19 – Sudbury
  • May 15 – Toronto (Grades 7 & 8)
  • May 15 – Kingston
  • May 4 – Toronto
  • May 1 – Thunder Bay
  • April 28 – Ottawa
  • April 28 - Timmins (French)
  • April 28 – Burlington (French)
  • April 27 – Chatham (French)
  • April 23 – Timmins
  • April 22 – North Bay
  • April 17 – Sault Ste. Marie
  • April 16 – Guelph
  • April 15 – Mississauga
  • April 14 – Sudbury (French)

2008

  • November 13 – Collingwood
  • November 25 – Ajax