Garden Valley School Division trustees recently sat down with a group of 24 high school students from Winkler's Garden Valley Collegiate and Northlands Parkway Collegiate.  The round table style forum, included 6 students representing each grade from 9 to 12, with an equal representation from each school.  Two trustees were present at each table. Participants were asked four broad questions, which touched on anxiety and mental health, transition to high school from grade eight, and programs and courses.
    
Board Chair Laurie Dyck said the board's goal behind the forum was to hear directly from students about their thoughts on their education, experiences, concerns, and

Submitted photocelebrations, and she feels it was a positive experience all around.
    
She said there really wasn't anything surprising that came out of their discussions, and in some ways, the conversations affirmed a few things they already knew.  

From the kids that participated in the forum, Dyck said they voiced some different causes of anxiety than portrayed in the media.  "What causes stress and anxiety, at least from the group of kids we had there, it wasn't the way media in the country and the world has painted.  We heard lots about the stress of homework, and choosing jobs and choosing post secondary education."  

Dyck said when they asked about bullying and social media, it didn't seem to be a huge anxiety causing issue.  "Now again we remember it is a select group of population out of the schools," noted Dyck.  "And was the environment such that you could share some of those deeper thoughts and reflections?"

Dyck said the extensive notes taken from each table have been shared with the principals and vice-principals, and further discussion will be had with the senior administration at each school.  "I think there's definitely food for thought there."

At this time, Dyck said the board has not discussed whether this is something they will do again.

Related Article: GVSD Board To Have Face-to-Face With High School Students