The Student Senate serves as a representative body that amplifies student voice across the school board. Comprised of elected secondary student leaders, the Senate provides input on board initiatives, fosters collaboration among schools, and promotes leadership development. The Student Senate ensures that student perspectives are considered in decision-making processes, while also creating opportunities for mentorship, engagement, and community building among elementary and secondary students.

The Student Senate consists of two secondary students from each Catholic secondary school. Two elected

Student Trustees, are included in this membership, who serve as Co-Chairs, and act as the representatives

of all students. The term of office for all executive positions on the Secondary Student Senate is for one

school year, with the exception of the Student Trustee position.

In addition to providing the student voice throughout the vetting of Board Policies, the Student Senate will annually be responsible for leadership in the organization of a Board student conference(s), including the Niagara Catholic Student Leadership Symposium.

ELIGIBILITY

In compliance with the Student Trustees Policy (100.4), to be eligible to serve as a member of the Niagara Catholic Student Senate, student nominees will hold the following qualifications:

· be actively supportive of the distinctive character, philosophy and goals of Catholic education, respect the faith and traditions of the Catholic church, and support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Niagara Catholic District School Board;

· be enrolled as a full-time student, In good standing, in a Niagara Catholic secondary school, for the duration of their term;

· be endorsed by the principal of their Catholic secondary school;

· conduct themselves with proper demeanor at all times, upholding the Mission, Vision, Values and Policies and Administrative Operational Procedures of the Niagara Catholic District School Board;

· must be able to attend Student Senate meetings and contribute as a representative voice at their school.

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

Through an election process, the Student Senate will annually determine the selection of Student Senate representatives to the Growth and Retention Ad Hoc Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and the Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (NCPIC).

In the event that a Student Senator is unable to fulfill their duty as a Student Trustee and Co-Chair of Student Senate or as a student representative on the Growth and Retention Ad Hoc Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), or the Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (NCPIC), a newly appointed Student Senate representative will be determined through a by-election process.

The Student Senate will assist the Student Trustees, the student representative on the Growth and Retention Ad Hoc Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and the Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (NCPIC) in determining student issues, gathering student opinion and communication with students. The Student Trustees on the Board, and the student representatives on the Growth and Retention Ad Hoc Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and the Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (NCPIC) will be responsible for reporting back to the Student Senate on a regular basis.

MODERATORS

A minimum of two secondary administrators will be appointed by the Director of Education as moderators to facilitate the operation of the Student Senate, and to act as a resource, along with the Student Leadership Consultant. The moderators and the Student Senate will dialogue with and report to the Director of Education.

Niagara Catholic District School Board *STUDENT SENATE – SECONDARY POLICY* ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
100 - Board	Policy No 100.6.1

Adopted Date: March 27, 2007	Latest Reviewed/Revised Date: April 29, 2026