EIPS students in grades 5, 8 and 11 gather from across the Division to attend Student Voice 2022.

Sherwood Park, AB. — More than 150 students from Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) shared their perspectives at Student Voice, a divisionwide engagement session this week. On Monday, December 5, junior and senior high students gathered to speak about topics important to their learning and success. Led and facilitated by EIPS, the forum focused on student engagement, diversity and inclusion.

“It was such a wonderful experience for students across a wide range of grades and schools,” says Emily Brzezicki, a Grade 11 student from Salisbury Composite High. “We had open and honest discussions about some difficult topics and got to advocate for ourselves as students—I felt both heard and validated.”

Using the World Café style—a technique used to facilitate open discussions—grades 5, 8 and 11 students shared their thoughts on student engagement, particularly what makes their school a compelling place to learn and what EIPS can do to improve their educational experience.

Students also discussed diversity, equity and inclusion, highlighting what EIPS does to make students feel welcome, cared for, safe and respected, and what the Division could focus on in the next few years. “We’re asking students these questions to ensure that our schools are welcoming, respectful and positive learning environments,” says Marcus Reed, Director of Specialized Supports at EIPS. “For students to do their best and be engaged in their education, they need to feel safe and supported first.”

Over the coming weeks, the Division will review the responses gathered at Student Voice to help guide future decision-making. EIPS will use the feedback to inform the Division’s priorities, Four-Year Education Plan and individual school education plans. The Four-Year Education Plan and priority strategies are updated annually in May.

“It’s so important to be open about topics like diversity and inclusion,” says Brzezicki. “Students need these opportunities to talk about their experiences, especially with mental health—we want to bring positive change across the Division.”

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,460 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902