Amplifying Student Voice: Meet your 2025-2026 PVNC Catholic Student Trustees

Sept. 12, 2025

Senior Student Trustee – Carter Peios

Carter Peios, a Grade 12 student at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Courtice, is serving as this year’s Senior Student Trustee. Alongside his trustee role, Carter is also the President of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO), representing more than two million students across Ontario and leading the organization’s advocacy work.

Carter first became a trustee to ensure students had someone they could approach who would share their successes and concerns at the board table. Carter believes student voice is essential because every Board decision impacts students’ daily lives, and hopes to strengthen connections with students across PVNC Catholic this year.

Carter is especially focused on protecting the role of student trustees at the provincial level, enhancing truth and reconciliation initiatives, advancing equity, and planning the annual Student Council Liaison Committee (SCLC) retreat. 

Reflecting on his past year as Junior Student Trustee, he says listening with empathy is at the heart of his approach:

“Listening is often more important than talking, and it is that perspective that I have and will continue to carry with me,” Carter said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to sit at the Board table and see how decisions are made, and I am excited to continue to be an authentic, empathetic ambassador of students, ensuring that students have a dedicated representative that they need and deserve.” 

He encourages his peers to take risks, get involved, and never underestimate the power of their voices: 

“Your voice is your power and you should never be afraid to use it to call for better,” he said. “We are all influencers in our schools, so use your influence to stand up for what is right, even if it isn’t popular, advocate for things you are passionate about, participate in your school community, and most importantly be your authentic self. Don’t be afraid to take a risk or do something scary, because by choosing to take that scary first step, you are unlocking the door to some amazing opportunities right now and in the future.”

Junior Student Trustee – Vivica Muinde

Vivica Muinde, a Grade 11 student at Holy Trinity CSS, is serving as this year’s Junior Student Trustee. She describes herself as someone grounded in fairness, kindness, and courage, values that were recognized when she received the Strength of Spirit Award in Grade 8.

Representation and equity are central to Vivica’s leadership. 

“As a Black female student, I’ve experienced firsthand how important representation is. That’s why equity and inclusion—especially within the POC and Black community—are at the heart of the work I want to do,” Vivica said. “I also hope to become a lawyer one day, which feels connected to this role because both are about advocacy, justice, and making sure every voice is heard.”

She hopes to bring that perspective to her role by amplifying voices that may not always be heard and by creating safer, fairer, and more inclusive schools for everyone.

Vivica believes student voice is powerful when it leads to action. This year, she plans to connect with students through conversations, forums, and multiple platforms so that no one feels left out of the discussion. She is especially passionate about advancing equity, inclusion, and mental health supports, and wants students to see themselves reflected in their school communities.

Her message to peers is simple but strong:

“I want to tell students this: your voice matters,” she said. “You don’t have to wait until you’re older or have a title to make a difference. Getting involved can look different for everyone—joining a club, speaking up in class, supporting a friend, or even sharing your ideas with a teacher. Change doesn’t start with one big moment—it starts with everyday courage. When we all speak up, especially together, we have the power to shape our schools into places where everyone feels like they belong.”

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