NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2025NRSD4618
September 11, 2025
Sunshine Coast School District Welcomes New Student Trustee for 2025–26
SUNSHINE COAST, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Sunshine Coast School District is proud to welcome Poppy Makenzie Arnet as the Student Trustee for the 2025–2026 school year. Poppy officially took the oath of office during the Regular Board Meeting in Gibsons on September 10, reaffirming the district’s commitment to student engagement and leadership.
As the thirteenth student trustee in the district’s history, Poppy’s appointment continues the tradition of elevating student voice in Board discussions. Guided by Regulation 1290, the Student Trustee role ensures that student perspectives are represented in decisions that shape the future of education in our community.
Supporting Poppy in this position is the District Student Leadership Team (DSLT), a group of students from all four secondary schools in SD46. The DSLT provides opportunities for collaboration and ensures a wide range of student experiences and ideas are shared. With mentorship from the Superintendent of Schools, the District Principal of Indigenous Learning, and school leaders, the team meets regularly to address topics that matter most to students.
The DSLT is made up of students in Grades 10 through 12, selected through an application and interview process. Each year, the team elects a Grade 12 student trustee to represent them at the Board table.
Poppy shared her excitement for the year ahead:
“I am so excited and grateful to be able to represent the students of our district through this position. Student voice is something that I am very passionate about, and it’s incredibly important to me that every student feels that their experience and voice are valued. The students of SD46 have the power to improve the education experience through their ideas and insight, and I am honoured to work with the DSLT to help amplify this power. I look forward to bringing the diverse voices of our district to the board where they will help shape a learning community where every student feels heard and empowered.”
Board Chair Amaral also welcomed Poppy, noting:
“We are thrilled to have Poppy join the Board in this important role. The perspective of students is vital to the decisions we make, and we look forward to learning from Poppy’s insight and passion. Student trustees bring energy and vision that enrich our conversations and help us build a school district that truly reflects the voices of those we serve.”
Poppy began her education off coast at École Pauline Johnson and also spent time homeschooling and attending Fresh Air Learning, a forest school and currently attends Pender Harbour Secondary. She has a passion for creative writing and science, particularly personal research projects, and hopes to pursue a degree in environmental studies or a related field after graduation. Beyond academics, Poppy enjoys crafting, exploring the outdoors, reading, swimming, and following the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The Sunshine Coast School District extends heartfelt congratulations to Poppy and looks forward to her contributions as Student Trustee for the 2025–2026 school year.
For more information on student leadership in our district, please visit our website or refer to Regulation 1290, Student Leadership.
Media inquiries:
Stephanie Murawsky
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent | Communications Officer
T: (604) 886-4489
E: communications@sd46.bc.ca | W: https://sd46.bc.ca/
Social: @SD46SC – FB / IG / YouTube
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude the unceded lands and waters – the Temíxw of Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw and the swiya of shíshálh Nation, where we learn, collaborate, and journey together.
###