Kohl Corner, centre, at the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Dufferin Crescent Campus during a recent meeting of Student Voices. During the learning session, students contributed to discussions about leadership and engaged in an improv-inspired games.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
Students in Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are discovering new ways to share ideas, connect with one another, and make a real difference through the Student Voices Circle initiative.
What started as a way to hear student perspectives has grown into a place for leadership and taking action.
Since the fall, students have met at different schools and sites for tours, discussions, and hands-on sessions. These meetings give students a chance to learn from each other, see new places, and discuss what is working or could be improved at their schools.
For Kohl Corner, a recent Grade 12 graduate from Island ConnectEd, he said joining the initiative helped him see things in new ways.
“We share what works well in our schools, what we think should be different, and we learn from each other,” he said. “Every school brings a new factor, which is one of the best things that Student Voice can offer us … And just knowing that you’re not the only kid in the world trying to make a difference.”
Instead of formal presentations, these sessions are led by students. School district employees and adults who help facilitate the program step back and let students guide the conversations.
This way of working helps students find and develop their own solutions and helps form ideas that shape school district decisions.
“To know that adults care about how we feel, instead of how they think we feel. That’s a big difference,” Corner said. “I’d love to see Student Voice happening two times, maybe even three times a month.”
Brett Hancock, the director of priority populations, who helps facilitate Student Voice, said some of the goals are to have students actively participate in dialogue that can influence the school district and community decisions, help develop leadership skills, and strengthen school district relationships.
“Part of my role has been a facilitator, and the other part has been a teammate,” Hancock said. “This group of students lead amazing things in the school and community. They inspire me and others. It’s an honour to get to be part of this team.”
During the year, students visited John Barsby Secondary, Ladysmith Secondary, Cedar Community Secondary, and Dover Bay Secondary. These experiences helped students better understand the school district and encouraged them to take action in their own schools.
Corner said that when the group toured Cedar Community School in January, he found their sense of community amazing.
“I saw how their community was built around a thriving school that really had new activities every day, and how active their leadership group is. I could tell that they really put an effort, and it was a really inspiring day.”
The opportunity also provides students with ideas that may work in their school.
“Now, when we hear an idea from another school, we think, ‘Let’s try that here,’” Corner said. “Even small things—like community events or ways to get students involved—can make a difference.”
One great example of student impact this year was their push for free public transit for secondary students. Dover Bay leadership students worked on the idea and workshopped it during Student Voices meetings, and then shared it with the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Since the beginning of the school year, Hancock said he’s noticed that students have built a strong sense of belonging for anyone who joins the group.
“Selfishly, I hope to get to be a part of the Student Voice group moving forward. Their voices and actions inspire other school leaders and me. Our graduating students are now working with some younger students who have a voice that needs to be heard and will step into the student voice role next year,” he said.
As new leaders step forward, the work evolves. For many, the biggest takeaway isn’t just the ideas they share but the realization that their voices are appreciated and can build significant change.