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Notes on Translation
The electronic translation service on the York Region District School Board's website is hosted by Google Translate. The quality of the translation will vary in some of the languages offered by Google. Google Translate is a free service and currently offers translation in over 50 languages, although an impressive number, this does not capture all languages or dialects. The basic translation’s goal is to capture the general intention of the original English material.
The York Region District School Board does not guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any translated information. Before you act on translated information, the Board encourages you to confirm any facts that are important to you and affect any decisions you may make.
The York Region District School Board is committed to parent, family and community engagement, and it is our hope that by providing this tool on our website that we are making our information more accessible to families whose first language is not English and thereby enabling better engagement in public education.
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Student Trustees
STT
Student Trustees
Please note: this page can be translated into over 100 languages using the Google Translate button on the top right of this page.
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2022-2023 Student Trustee Elections
Each year, students in Grades 5-11 have the opportunity to vote for the two student trustees who will represent their voice across York Region District School Board. Voting takes place between February 14-22, 2022.
Voting Instructions
Log into your YRDSB Google (GAPPS) account using your student email address and password
- Voting opens Februrary 14th, 2022 and ends Februrary 22, 2021 at 8:00 pm.
- Cast your vote for the 2021/2022 Student Trustees.
- Identify up to two candidates you wish to vote for to be your next student trustees.
Student Trustee Election All Candidates Debate
Students can learn more about the candidates running during the campaign period. An all-candidates debate was held between the four final candidates on February 2, 2022 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
To learn more about the important upcoming dates and the overall election process, please make sure to take a look below.
Key Dates and Process:
Application Deadline:
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January
10-21, 2022, closes @ 11:59 p.m.
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Interview
Period:
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January 25-27, 2022
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The Campaign
Period:
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January 31 – February 11, 2022, closes @ 11:59 p.m.
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All-Candidates
Debate
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February 2, 2022 (register to attend the live event or watch the recording on the Student Trustees website beginning February 3)
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Online
Voting Period:
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February 14-22, 2022
closes @ 8 p.m. Voting is now.
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Election Results Announced:
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February 24, 2022
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* Additional engagement
opportunities may be considered as part of the
process.
The Final Four Candidates
Teerka Baskaran
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128 623 students in the YRDSB, 4 Student Trustee candidates, and 2 future Student Trustees.
To begin, I fall into that first category as a regular student in the YRDSB, making my way through the halls of Bayview Secondary School, playing basketball, and trying to become the next Masterchef one cake at a time. Now, as a student and student leader serving on the York Region President's Council, working closely with the previous Student Trustees to amplify your voice, I understand that there are gaps in the education system and the crucial contributions that students can make in identifying those gaps.
Having been given the privilege of representing this incredibly diverse group of YRDSB students, including you as a Student Trustee candidate, my top priority will be to collect and amplify your voice and use it to advocate for necessary changes both at the board and provincial levels! As one example, I will advocate for a proactive mental health strategy, including the implementation of a form that students can submit once a semester to request an extension for any missing work, no questions asked! As well, I will always advocate for equity and inclusivity including implementing mandatory workshops for teachers on misunderstood topics, incorporating preferred pronouns into attendance lists, email signatures, and google meets, and proving an anonymous method for students to inform teachers of their uninclusive practices.
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Instagram: @vote.teerka |
Prisha Bhavsar
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"Do you like salad? I hate salad, but it’s healthy! Tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers, and many more vegetables can be part of a salad. For me, these vegetables represent the ideas, voices, and concerns of all 122,000 students in OUR YRDSB.
I’ve had the privilege to talk with many of you, which made me realize OUR concerns. As a Student Trustee, my top priority will be to amplify your voice and make an actionable, measurable, and practical plan to address them.
For example, I understand mental health is a priority, and that’s why I will advocate for BREAK days, where once a month we get a day off, as well as drop in meditation sessions & therapy dogs. Moreover, I’ll advocate for equity and inclusivity through having equity reps & workshops at each school that support our diversity. I’ve also heard concerns around academic and social student success. That’s why I’ll advocate for a board wide peer tutoring program, have weekly opportunity shoutouts on social media, and push for a safe return of school sports/clubs/arts with increased funding.
Through receiving the Community Impact Award from the Town of Stouffville & Mayor for my social advocacy, publishing my advocacy interviews in Toronto Star and YorkRegion News, I believe that I won’t just be your friend, peer, but someone who will always be there for YOU!
Learn more about my campaign @voteprisha! As cheesy as this salad sounds, it's totally healthy.
So why not support it, to support you?" |
See Prisha's video. |
Yael Lazebnik
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Yael is overjoyed to be running for the position of Student Trustee for the 2022/23 school year.
She is currently an ambitious grade 11 student at Thornlea Secondary School, where she leads the debate team and directs an arts & technology award show. Outside of school, she’s a Flight Sergeant at her air cadet squadron and a regular volunteer at a local animal hospital.
Yael is passionate about bringing student voices to the board table, where she hopes to prioritize representation and ensure schools are preparing students for post-secondary life. Her focuses are on environmentalism, mental health advocacy and financial literacy. Hard-working, proactive and bold, Yael is a strong candidate for this election. |
See Yael's video. |
Interviews and Selection of Four Candidates
A panel, composed of the
2021-2022 Student Trustees, members of the York Region Presidents’ Council,
York Region Presidents’ Council staff advisors, Vice-Chair of the Board, and a
member of the Inclusive School and Community Services will review all
applications.
Each applicant
will be invited to participate in a short interview (by video conference)
between January 25-27, 2022. Applicants will have an opportunity to respond to
several predetermined questions.
Four candidates,
one from each of the Board’s geographic areas (North, East, West, Central) will be selected to campaign for the position of
2022-2023 Student Trustee for the York Region District School Board. Only the
four identified candidates will be notified at the end of the day Friday,
February 24, 2022. All other applicants are thanked for taking the time to
submit an application and are encouraged to work with current and future
student trustees to engage in initiatives that elevate student voice across
York Region.
Campaign Period (Monday,
January 31 to Friday, February 11, 2022, closes @ 11:59 p.m.)
IMPORTANT: No applicant or candidate may campaign prior to January 31, 2022.
Once the four
candidates have been notified, they will work with the 2021-2022 Student
Trustees and staff to develop the following campaign materials. These materials
will be posted on this page to support student electors in making an educated
decision on Election Day.
1. A short summary about each
candidate
2. A short, two minute, video
Criteria and
information to be included in these resources will be provided to each of the
four candidates.
Starting on Monday, January 31,
2022, the four candidates may begin campaigning.
Information about each candidate will be posted on this page, communicated to
student electors and shared via social media.
During this
period, candidates will participate in several events to elevate student voice.
This may include a live-streamed All-Candidates Debate and a short presentation
to the Board of Trustees.
All eligible
student electors will be provided with information about the candidates and how
they can vote.
The campaign period ends at 11:59
p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Voting and Voting Results
Voting begins on Monday, February 14, 2022 and closes Tuesday, February 22, 2022. at 8:00 p.m.
The results of the election will be shared with the four candidates at a predetermined time on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
A formal communication will be sent from the Student Trustees via social media on Thursday, February 24, 2022
The results will be posted on this page following the Student Trustees’ Twitter Announcement.
Support and Transition
At the Board
level, Administrative,
Legal and Trustee Services supports the work of the student
trustees. Four Administrator advisors support the work of the YRPC.
The two individuals elected to the
role of Student Trustee for the year 2022-2023 will be provided with key dates
and additional information to support their transition into this important
role.
For additional information and
election resources, please visit the Student
Trustee website.
Questions
If you have any questions about
the Student Trustee Election Process, please contact the Student Trustees at student.trustees@yrdsb.ca or through our Instagram @yrdsbstudents.
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Voting for the 2021-2022 Student Trustee Election has been extended to Monday, March 15, 2021 at 8:00 pm.
The results will be announced on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 to the four finalists.
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2021
Student Trustee Elections
Voting is now open for the 2021-2022 Student
Trustee Election
Voting Instructions
Log
into your YRDSB Google (GAPPS) account using your student email address and
password
- Voting open March 8, 2021 at 12:00 pm and ends March 15, 2021 at 8:00
pm.
- Cast your vote for the 2020/2021 Student Trustees.
- Identify
up to two candidates you wish to vote for to be your next student
trustees.
Student Trustee Election All Candidates Debate
All four candidates will be participating in the All Candidates Debate scheduled for February 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Replay the All Candidates Debate
The Final Four Candidates

Anissa Rampersaud – West Area
Hello everybody! My name is Anissa Rampersaud and I am a nominee to be your Student Trustee for the 2021-2022 school year. I am currently a Grade 11 student attending Maple High School. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, gaming, tending to my beautiful little plants, meeting new people and being able to make a positive impact wherever I can. Throughout my life, I have always made it my goal to help lessen other people’s burden, as it’s of great understanding to me the importance of empathy and using my place of privilege to support and uplift those who are not afforded the same. As such, I have participated in a myriad of volunteer opportunities in my elementary and secondary years like putting on dances and fundraisers, helping with food drives, participating in SickKids Get Loud and most recently, joining the extraordinary organizations TUGI (The Urban Garden Initiative), and Thrive Like a Girl. As for some of my other, less volunteer-oriented interests, I really like cooking and trying out new recipes, playing and building houses in The Sims 4, playing Minecraft and Skribbl.io with my friends, and exploring my neighborhood for new restaurants and bubble tea shops (I’ve found four so far). I hope this has been helpful in learning more about me, and offers some more insight for your Student Trustee decision!
See Anissa Rampersaud’s video.

Bruce Yu – Central Area
Hey everyone! I’m Bruce, I’m currently a grade 10 student at Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School and I’m excited and honoured to be one of your 2021-22 student trustee candidates. I’ve been elected twice to student council and my time working alongside other council members has strengthened and solidified my belief in the importance of student voice. Within my community, I hold leadership positions at a registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting secondary students across Canada and at a student-led nonprofit aiming to get more young people involved in politics. My top priority as a student trustee will be to implement practical action plans to address student concerns about the lack of mental health resources, grading discrepancies and introduce a later school start time. Above all else, you can remain confident that my door will always be open and that I’m ready to work with you and for you.
See Bruce Yu’s video.

Hanifah Johnson – East Area
My
name is Hanifah Johnson and I’m an 11th-grade student at Bill Crothers. In
school, you can find me contributing to the Student Council, working on the
Black Student Alliance and preparing for Model UN debates. Outside of school,
you will find me training with my basketball team working at A&W and
working as a research assistant at York University. As we look to the future,
school will look different and it will be imperative that the Board hear from
us, the students. What we need and want. My goal is to make the 2021-2022
school year the best it can be for all 124 000 students across the board. Know
that your voice matters and with this position, I will work hard to make sure
it’s heard and that we are included in the decisions being made about our
future. I look forward to connecting with you all!
See Hanifah Johnson's video.

a
Hey! I’m Munira Chakera! I’m a grade 11
at Stouffville District Secondary School and I am so thrilled to be running for
a YRDSB Student Trustee position! Over the years, I have gotten the chance to
be involved in many different clubs, councils, and sports teams. I hope to be
able to use the skills I have developed from these experiences to represent
you. As a trustee, I would prioritize making mental health services more
accessible and available for all students, and would work to build ways to make
your school experience more equitable and inclusive. In these times when social
media is our greatest form of connection, I also think it is necessary to
find ways to virtually reach and keep in touch with you, possibly through
social events where you can share your opinions and concerns with me!
In my spare time, you can find me
in Stouffville: playing sports, volunteering in my community, and constantly
rewatching The Office (it’s an issue I know). To learn more about me, my
experiences, and my campaign, make sure to give me a follow on Instagram @munira.yrdsb
and feel free to shoot me a DM if you want to chat about anything! After
all, I’m all ears when it comes to hearing your voice! So on March 8th, help
me, represent you, by voting Munira for student trust
See Munira Chakera's video.
Key
Dates and Process
Application Deadline |
Wednesday,
February 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
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Interviews
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Wednesday, February 17, 2021 and Thursday, February 18, 2021
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Notification to Candidates
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Friday, February 19, 2021 (End of Day)
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Campaign
Period Begins
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Monday,
February 22, 2021
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All Candidates Debate
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Thursday, February 25, 2021 |
Elevating Student Voice (Board Meeting) |
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 |
Advanced Voting Period
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Monday, March 8, 2021 to
Thursday, March 11, 2021 (at 8 p.m.)
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VOTING DAY ENDS
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Monday,
March 15, 2021 (at 8 p.m.)
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Announcement
of Results
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Tuesday, March 16, 2021
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*Additional engagement
opportunities may be considered as part of the process.
Interviews and Selection of Four
Candidate
s
A panel, composed of the
2020-2021 Student Trustees, two members of the York Region Presidents’ Council,
two York Region Presidents’ Council staff advisors and the Vice-Chair of the
Board, will review all applications.
Each applicant will be
invited to participate in a short interview (by video conference) on February
17, 2021 or February 18, 2021.
Applicants will have an opportunity to respond to several predetermined
questions.
Four
candidates, one from each of the Board’s geographic areas (North, East, West, Central) will be selected to campaign for the position of
2021-2022 Student Trustee for York Region District School Board.
Only
the four identified candidates will be notified at the end of the day Friday,
February 19, 2021. All other applicants
are thanked for taking the time to submit an application and are encouraged to
work with current and future student trustees to engage in initiatives that
elevate student voice across York Region.
Campaign Period (Monday, February 22, 2021
to Sunday, March 7, 2021)
IMPORTANT:
No applicant or candidate may
campaign prior to February 22, 2021.
Once
the four candidates have been notified, they will work with the 2020-2021
Student Trustees and staff to develop the following campaign materials. These
materials will be posted on this page to support student electors in making an
educated decision on Election Day.
- A short summary about each
candidate
- A short, two minute, video
Criteria
and information to be included in these resources will be provided to each of the
four candidates on February 19, 2021.
Starting
on Monday, February 22, 2021, the four candidates may begin campaigning. Information about each candidate will be
posted on this page, communicated to student electors and shared via social
media.
During
this period, candidates will participate in several events to elevate student
voice. This includes the live-streamed All-Candidates Debate on Thursday, February 25, 2021 and a short
presentation to the Board of Trustees on March 2, 2021.
All eligible student electors will be provided
with information about the candidates and how they can vote.
The
campaign period ends at 11:59 p.m on Sunday, March 7, 202
1.
Voting
and Results (March 8 to 15, 2021)
Voting
begins at 12:00 p.m. on Monday March 8, 2021 and closes at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021.
Why
is it important to vote?
The
results of the election will be shared with the four candidates at a
predetermined time on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
A
formal communication will be sent from the Student Trustees via social media at
12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
The
results will be posted on this page following the Student Trustees’ Twitter
Announcement.
Support
and Transitio
n
At
the Board level, Corporate
Secretariat and Trustee Services supports the work of the student
trustees. Four Administrator advisors
support the work of the YRPC.
The two individuals elected to the
role of Student Trustee for the year 2021-2022 will be provided with key dates
and additional information to support their transition into this important
role.
Question
s
If you have any questions about the
Student Trustee Election Process, please contact:
Christine Lin at Christine.lin@yrdsb.ca,
Felix Nomerovsky at felix.nomerovsky@yrdsb.ca, or
Ashton Wood at Ashton.l.wood@yrdsb.ca.
You
may also contact Corporate Secretariat and Trustee Services at trustee.services@yrdsb.ca or
905-727-0022 ext. 2049.
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Page Content
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2020-2021 Student Trustees
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Munira is excited and thrilled to represent the students of the YRDSB for the 2021/22 school year.
Munira is a grade 12 student at Stouffville District Secondary School. In her spare time, you can find Munira in Stouffville: playing sports, volunteering in her community, and constantly re-watching "The Office" (she insists there's no better show out there).
Munira is eager to represent the students of the board to her best ability and is committed to ensuring that the voices of students are prioritized at the board table.
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Bruce Yu
Bruce is privileged and honoured to represent the students of the York Region District School Board as a Student Trustee for the 2021/22 school year.
He is presently a grade 11 student at the Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School and has a keen interest in school board governance.
Bruce looks forward to being a strong advocate for students at the board table and is committed to creating school environments that foster student success.
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Indigenous Student Trustee

Contact: chelbylynn.milton@yrdsb.ca
New 2022-2023 Student Trustees
The results of the Student Trustee Election and the appointment of the Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2022-2023 school year:
- Teerka Baskaran, Grade 10, Bayview Secondary School
- Prisha Bhavsar, Grade 10, Stouffville District Secondary School
- Holly Schlamb, Métis, Grade 11, Richmond Hill High School
Their term will officially begin on August 1, 2022.
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