Empowering student voice: meet your 2024-2025 student trustees
Claire Heitzner, Grade 12 student at St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School, and Carter Peios, Grade 11 student at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, bring their individual passions and perspectives to the role of student trustee, united by a shared commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and creating vibrant school communities. With Claire’s focus on fostering curiosity and Carter’s emphasis on active citizenship and reconciliation, these two young leaders are making their voices heard—and empowering others to do the same.
Student trustees take part in all public meetings of the Board, participate with other trustees in discussions, provide reports to the Board, and represent student positions. They do not vote on issues. The Student Liaison Committee, which includes the student trustees, junior and senior reps from all six secondary schools in the Board, a trustee, principals and the director of education, meets monthly to discuss student issues. Issues that are generated at the Student Liaison Committee are brought to the Board of Trustees via the student trustees.
Claire Heitzner: Fostering Curiosity and Creativity
For Claire Heitzner, serving as the senior student trustee is both an honor and an opportunity to make a lasting impact. As she heads into her final year, Claire is eager to take on her leadership role with a sense of purpose. “I’m excited as to what the year ahead holds,” she shares. “I hope to continue to foster an environment of learning and a positive atmosphere—one where we always ask questions to help expand our curiosity and knowledge”.
One of the highlights of her tenure so far has been witnessing the fruits of her labor, especially in planning events like the Student Council Liaison Committee (SCLC) retreat day. Claire finds joy in collaboration and advocacy, particularly through her involvement with the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO). “I love that I get to be an advocate for student voice and opinion at the board table,” Claire notes, reflecting on the rewarding experiences she’s had in projects ranging from Earth Day initiatives to Orange Shirt Day advocacy.
Academically, Claire is balancing her interests in science and the arts while also aiming to graduate with a French Immersion certificate. Although she’s not entirely sure of her future career path, she’s considering a university degree in biology and has a potential interest in becoming a French Immersion kindergarten teacher. Outside of academics, Claire is a multifaceted individual—whether she’s reading, baking, or playing in her school’s senior band and drama club, she’s all about embracing new experiences. “I love spending time outdoors and going for walks with my dog, Jasper,” she adds. Plus, when she’s not at school, you might find her playing hockey, horseback riding, or doing aerial arts.
Carter Peios: The Advocate for Student Engagement and Reconciliation
In his first year as a student trustee, Carter Peios brings an enthusiastic drive to represent and elevate student voices. “I wanted to join the Board table as a student trustee for two main reasons: to amplify student voice at the board and make sure that students are engaged and active citizens,” Carter explains. Inspired by his educators, Carter’s passion for advocacy and change has led him to not only listen to his peers but also actively work toward advancing reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and community-building within his board.
Carter is keen to build connections this year through greater student engagement and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of student representation, stating, “Every decision made should have students in mind, and by having a student perspective… it allows Board members to know what our thoughts are and if the changes they are proposing truly reflect the needs and wants of the people who will be affected the most.”
On the academic front, Carter is aiming high. With plans to study Political Science at university, he’s currently serving as the Chair of Truth and Reconciliation for OSTA-AECO. Carter is driven to enhance Indigenous education across the province and is committed to balancing his board duties, school responsibilities, and extracurricular activities.
“I hope that through my advocacy work, I can leave a lasting legacy for our board and create change that makes a meaningful impact for students and our community,” he said
In his free time, Carter enjoys a mix of school and personal activities. He’s deeply involved in his school’s community as a Student Cabinet member, co-leader of the Social Justice Club, and a LINK Leader helping Grade 9 students adjust to high school. Out of school, Carter enjoys listening to Rihanna, visiting art galleries, skiing, and a good cup of Starbucks coffee.
About The Student Council Liaison Committee
The Student Council Liaison Committee includes the student trustees, junior and senior reps from all six secondary schools in the Board, a trustee, principals and the director of education, who meet monthly to discuss student issues. Issues that are generated at the Student Liaison Committee are brought to the Board of Trustees via the student trustees. The committee is comprised of a junior (Gr. 11) and a senior (Gr. 12) representative from each PVNC Catholic Secondary School. Members represent the student voice at the Board level and have the opportunity to participate in special board-wide events.
Each year, the Student Council Liaison Committee and Student Trustee(s) plan four events for the student councils from across the board to meet with one another.
Being Creative: Voices that Accompany Student Handbook