BOYLE — Trustees of Aspen View Public Schools (AVPS) travelled to the Boyle School for their first monthly meeting of 2025 during which they heard from soon-to-be graduate and president of student council, Riley Jonker.
On Jan. 9, Jonker gave trustees and administrators an in-depth update on Boyle School’s successes so far and strides made to create and uphold a welcoming, inclusive environment.
“So far, this year has been incredible for student council, we’ve done so much. We’ve been focusing on building a sense of community, creativity and leadership within our school,” said Jonker.
In the four months since the start of the 2024/2025 school year, she said the student-led initiative has hosted a movie night, created a branch of council that involves elementary students, and does their best to keep assemblies entertaining with ‘minute to win-it’ games.
One notable event for Jonker was putting on the second iteration of a haunted house for Halloween in October.
“The kids loved it, they were so excited to go in. A little scared when they came out, but that was the goal,” she said.
At Christmas time, Jonker and other student council members set up a Christmas tree in the school’s lobby for students to collaboratively decorate. The organization also encouraged families to spread the spirit of giving by way of donation initiatives for local organizations, complete with a cupcake party initiative for the class who contributed the most.
“We also did a coat drive to give to people in need, and a food drive to donate to the Boyle Angels in Motion. I was a part of the Angels in Motion, and we were very grateful to get all of the food.”
Christmas was a busy time for Jonker and other council members, who also organized their own fundraiser to build up their coffers for activities by selling candy cane ‘candy grams’ that students could dedicate to each other.
“We wanted to give back to our students a little bit,” said Jonker. “It helped us raise money for student council so we can do more fun things, and also just let kids write sweet messages to each other.
“We have accomplished so much already. The kids have so many more ideas for the school year, they keep coming up to me asking me when we can do things. It’s been amazing watching all these kids come together.”
Jonker’s presentation, with its emphasis on involving every student and creating a community focused on giving back, garnered positive feedback from the officials around the table.
“Riley, I know that student council went away from the school for a few years,” said AVPS board chair Candy Nikipelo. “I see a group of students that are just so eager to be part of the student council. You said about building school community, and you are definitely doing that.”
Trustee Donna Cherniwchan commended student council’s efforts to include perspectives and ideas from young students, a concept similar to the one that brought Jonker herself in front of the board.
“One of our priorities is to make sure that we hear the voice of students, and I don’t think you realize this, but when you’re actually going around to the elementary (students) and asking for their input — you’re doing the same thing, and it’s really important.”
Trustees were also interested in hearing Jonker’s first hand feedback as a Grade 12 student ahead of their discussion on the follow-up engagement survey AVPS final-year students were asked to complete.
Former principle and teacher Dennis MacNeil was curious if there were any lessons on the importance of citizenship and giving back to the community, two of the division’s priorities, she wished she had received over the years in Boyle School.
She said in hindsight, emphasizing the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community to youth especially, could not only help shape responsible young adults ready to set out in the world, but help those young adults acquire funding for post-secondary pursuits.
“I have been accepted to college and I’m going to become a vet tech,” said Jonker. “(I’m) realizing going to look for scholarships how important it is to be involved, they don’t always just look for marks.
When asked what she would change about the village school, Jonker replied she had no notes.
“I’ve been since grade 9, and it’s been a very good experience,” she said. “I definitely enjoy it, I enjoy the small school because the teachers get to know you, you get to know everyone in your class, I know kids in elementary to kids that are already graduated.”
“You’re a positive leader, keep up the good work,” added Nikipelo.
