The Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) board is hoping to get to know what's on the minds of high school students.
    
Trustees will be sitting down with a group of 24 high school students Thursday, from Winkler's Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) and Northlands Parkway Collegiate (NPC).  Board Chair Laurie Dyck says they want to hear directly from students about their thoughts on their education, experiences, concerns, and celebrations.   

Dyck says the participants will be asked four broad questions.  "We're curious to know one piece for sure, the transition from junior high to high school.  So how are those experiences going for them.  Is it going well?  What could be improved..."  

Dyck said they will also touch on anxiety and mental health.  "We hear a lot about that in the media, and the Tell Them From me Surveys tell us different things about that as well."

Students will also be asked their thoughts on the division's mission and belief statements, and about programs and courses that are offered.

Dyck notes the goal of this exercise is to create a safe place for students to share their experiences, and to let them know their opinions are valued.  "We haven't ever concentrated on connecting directly with students.  Typically it's with public, parents, and staff, and we thought why aren't we giving this a shot and seeing what our high school students are saying about their high school experience."

Students were given the questions in preparation and encouraged to get feedback from their peers prior to the forum.  

Dyck said the board will go over the notes from the table discussions, and share those notes with the admin at the two high schools.  

12 GVC students, 12 NPC students, and 9 school board members will take part in the forum.
    
Table 1 = 6 gr. 9+10 GVC students + 2 trustees
Table 2 = 6 gr. 11+12 GVC students + 2 trustees
Table 3 = 6 gr. 9+10 NPC students + 2 trustees
Table 4 = 6 gr. 11+12 NPC students + 2 trustees