Studying: Honours Geomatics Co-Op at University of Waterloo
Currently: Wards 1 & 2 HCDSB Trustee Candidate
Email: KirstenBKelly@outlook.com
Phone: (905) 802-4524
I define my success through positive impact and service.
About me
As a former Student Trustee of Halton Catholic District School Board, I understand the responsibility of having a voice and a vote at the Board table in a public education system. I understand that being elected as a board trustee is to be entrusted with the learning of thousands of students and the workplace of numbers of staff. For this reason, I made the decision to run as a Board Trustee to serve our community and help to uplift the concerns of our students and our community stakeholders.
Platform
What I believe our Halton Catholic Board needs to focus on.
Student Success
Uplifting student voice is vital to a successful education. I understand this, both as a former student trustee and a recent alumnus of Halton Catholic District School Board. Students are one of the primary demographics that are impacted by school policies and procedures; for such reasons, student success and wellbeing should be thoroughly considered when making decisions that impact them. Having been a Halton Catholic student who took on many Advanced Placement courses in high school, and graduated from an Extended French elementary school, I would like to focus on promoting such programs that further enhance students' education, including Extended French/French Immersion, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate. These programs should be accessible to students prepared to advance their education in a means that uplifts their academic merit. Ultimately, focusing on the sucess of students should allow all students to realize their full potential in a learning environment that supports them and keeps them safe.
Equity & Inclusion
I believe that all staff and students should feel safe and welcome in all school environments, regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and religion. For one, students with diverse abilities should be able to be accommodated with little trouble. Students should never feel isolated or put on the spot for having them leave the class for extra support, but be able to find ways for everyone to be supportive and inclusive to all needs. To ensure this, I want to advocate for better resources and training opportunities for teachers and staff, which would help them feel more confident to work and program for students with special needs rather than solely relying on the school's Special Education Support Team. Similarly, it is essential to ensure that a diverse body is present in influential positions within the school board. Not only is this important for decision-making that impacts our schools, but it is also essential to ensure that our board is appropriately representative of our school board's student population. Students should have a mentor they can reach out to and relate to in times of need. And given the situation where students or staff feel unequipped, I would like to focus on providing informative and accessible resources for mental health and anti-bullying measures. The diversity of our school system should each have their needs not only acknowledged but also celebrated. I would advocate for different opportunities throughout the year to allow students to celebrate their differences through art, media, guest speakers, and extracurricular events. Ultimately, I would pursue an educational environment where teachers feel confident to take on a diverse class where all identities are celebrated and accepted, and students can see themselves represented and celebrated throughout our system.
Stakeholder Engagement
As an involved member in Burlington and the Halton region, I find it of utmost importance that board trustees stay involved in the community, especially in our schools. As an elected trustee, I want to make sure that the residents of Wards 1 & 2 elect me with the confidence that I will represent their interests in the Catholic school board. I believe that a trustee should put aside their own personal beliefs and opinions and listen to what the majority of students, staff, and community stakeholders are expressing. I will make sure that citizens can elect me to adequately represent the overall community in good faith.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Involvement
My involvement in the community, employment, and education sectors. Click the plus icon to learn more about each position.
Features
News articles, broadcasts and more that I have been featured on.
Article
18-Year-Old Hopes to win Aldershot's seat on Catholic School Board
There are only ten days left to nominate for the position of Halton Catholic District School Board trustee and, so far, there is only one candidate for the job in Wards 1 & 2.
Profile
2022 HCDSB Trustee Election Candidate Card for Kirsten Kelly
The only sure way to affect change in the HCDSB, is by electing trustees who are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for staff and students.
Article
Pride flags fly over more Catholic schools in Ontario this year
The Pride flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and its fight for equal rights, is flying over Catholic schools in at least three more Ontario school boards this year,
Article
Motion calling for no Halton Catholic District School Board fundraising for organizations connected with abortion or stem cell research fails
5-2 vote defeats 'Sanctity of Life' return
Article
Toronto schools to stick with virtual graduations, and Doug Ford is ‘extremely disappointed’
Public and Catholic boards say plans will stay the same, despite government urging for outdoor festivities for all grades.
Article
TDSB opts for quadmester model for teens for the entire 2021-22 school year
The move comes after the government urged boards to continue cohorting students because of COVID-19.
Article
All 9 Halton Catholic high schools show support for LGBT students after board says no to Pride flag
Halton Catholic District School Board voted against flying Pride flag at its schools in June
Article
Catholic school board in Halton rejects push to fly Pride flag
Nic Hotchkiss...asked if the school could fly the Pride flag....Kirsten Kelly, one of three student trustees at the board, worked with [them] to push the motion forward.
Article
Should Ontario’s spring break go ahead? ‘People need time to turn their laptops off and get five days of respite’
Premier Doug Ford has promised parents will know by the end of the week if any changes are coming.
Article
Uncertainty adds to fears of Ontario students before schools reopen
Class sizes, shifting strategies and a lack of direct communication are among the concerns of students with the start of the school year just weeks away.