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22 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 16, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Changing of guard for student trustees By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF With the end of the 2006-2007 school year so, too, ends the tenure of the Halton Catholic District School Board's three student trustees. Burlington student Trustee Ryan Durran, North Halton student Trustee Heather MacKinnon and Oakville student Trustee Jaclyn Peluso attended their last mandatory board meeting June 5 where they were given a hero's sendoff by the trustees they leave behind. "These three student trustees, I think, have represented exceptionally well," said Board Chair Al Bailey. "At this point in time, what we'd like to do is just take a moment and recognize these trustees for their efforts over the past year, and wish them well as they move along to bigger and better things. Maybe politics, we don't know." One by one, each outgoing student trustee rose and approached Bailey and Director of Education Lou Piovesan where they received a gift basket containing, among other things, a letter of recommendation and a bursary cheque for $2,500. After receiving their parting gifts and the applause of all present, the students were invited to speak. "The past year has been an awesome experience and everything I've learned I will take with me for the rest of my life," said Peluso. MacKinnon also spoke fondly about her time with the board. "This experience has opened up countless doors and has been without a doubt the most educational experience I've ever had," she said. Durran made it clear in his statement that, despite the chaos and the turmoil that had surrounded the board over the course of the year, there were no hard feelings. "We're just so honoured to have the privilege to sit with you here tonight, like every night for the past year," he said to the board. "God knows we haven't always agreed with you, but we definitely do have a great amount of respect for each and every one of you." The feelings expressed by Durran appear to have been mutual as trustees, some that had voted with the students and some that had voted against them, voiced their reverence for the students. "As Ryan pointed out, we haven't always agreed, but that's the nature of being a trustee I think," said Burlington Trustee Bob Van de Vrande. "The fact that at this stage in their lives these students have been able to state their case, state it well, represent their constituents and bring these issues forward, is to be commended." Despite the fact that their board votes are not legally binding, the three student trustees have made their voices heard loud and clear on a number of important issues over the course of the year. A letter written by MacKinnon, which condemned a call by five trustees for the chair and vice-chair to step down, received roaring applause from an audience of nearly 100 people who had attended an April meeting to watch that drama play out. Durran and Peluso also voted no on this motion. The votes of student trustees also proved louder than thunder when applied to motions said to be for the good of students. A motion that could censor surveys put to students received a thumbs down from all three student trustees as did a motion calling for continued bus service within the Stewart's Mill area, near Christ the King Secondary in Halton Hills. MacKinnon refuted the explanation that the bus service was necessary for student safety stating that she lived in the area and that it contained no walking hazards. Durran also voiced his opinion on the motion, stating that it was unfair for one group of students to receive special treatment while another did not. Even though this year has seen a growth in student trustee powers and responsibilities, such as the ability for student trustees to attend in-camera meetings, Durran believes more is necessary. "Legally binding votes," he said. "I'd like to see that added in the future." With their last meeting behind them, the student trustees took the time to reflect on their reasons for entering what, at times, can be a very volatile board room. "At first, I really didn't know that much about the position, I just knew that it was a Catholic leadership role that involved sitting at the board table representing students," said Peluso. "It was something I wanted to pursue and it has come to be a great experience." The privilege of representing their peers was also what drew Durran and MacKinnon to their positions, however, sometimes this meant entering the maelstrom. "Thank God for the arguments because it means something is working," said Durran. "We've been blessed with the opportunity to see some democracy at work, we don't always agree, but certainly that's good and we feel fortunate to have seen what we've seen." With Durran, MacKinnon and Peluso off to bigger and better things, three new student trustees have emerged. "You have some big shoes to fill," said Bailey to two of the new trustees during the June 5 meeting. "But we have no doubt you can accomplish this."