Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024
Nanak Sidhu will bring northern perspective to role as president of Ontario Student Trustees’ Association
Nanak Sidhu, who was sworn in last night as Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) student trustee for the 2024-2025 school year, has been elected as the president of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO). The group is the largest official student stakeholder group in the province, advocating on behalf of more than two million students.
Sidhu, a Grade 12 student at Chippewa Secondary School, was elected by his fellow student trustees from across the province. He submitted an intention to run form for the positions of president and vice-president public education. The process this year required him to record and submit a video that was reviewed by all student trustees, who then voted online.
“I was honoured to win the position,” says Sidhu, whose term as president began Aug. 1. “I’m incredibly grateful to Dora (Chen, last year’s student trustee). Without her guidance and support, I don’t think I would have had the knowledge or confidence to run in the first place.”
Sidhu says in the role, he will work with others on the leadership team to advocate to help make Ontario’s education system the best it can be.
Among his goals for his term as president are building on the progress that’s been made with menstrual equity, advocating for schools to embrace technology as a tool for learning rather than resisting it, and focusing on enhancing student well-being across the province, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
As for personal development, Sidhu says he hopes to gain the satisfaction of knowing “I’ve contributed to meaningful change in the education system, ensuring that student voices are heard and valued. I aspire to develop as a leader, gaining insights and experiences that will serve me in future endeavours, while also leaving behind a legacy of equity, inclusivity, and collaboration that continues to benefit students across Ontario.”
As for how his term as president of OSTA-AECO could benefit NNDSB students, Sidhu says” I believe there are definite benefits in bringing our unique student perspective to the table.”
The student trustee also encourages any NNDSB student to reach out if they want more information about becoming a trustee, joining student senate, or learning more about.
OSTA. “While any president is approachable, I hope my presence within our schools makes it easier, especially when it’s a familiar name and face,” he says.
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