DSAC Initiatives

By Shahrazad Amin

Have you ever heard of DSAC? The District Student Advisory Council, also known as DSAC, is essentially a student council at a district level. Each of the eight public high schools in Burnaby has approximately five members selected by their administration to represent their school and student body to the district. These schools include Alpha, Burnaby Central, Burnaby Mountain, Burnaby North, Burnaby South, Byrne Creek, Cariboo, and Moscrop. DSAC members meet monthly to discuss important issues pertaining to our district.

"DSAC is a committed group of individuals representing all of the schools [and students] in Burnaby," explains DSAC Vice President Saara Rajan. 

Through a number of different initiatives throughout the year, DSAC helps bring together and support members of the community. For instance, in previous years, DSAC helped organize and host Burnaby’s Got Talent to showcase local talent and help raise money for a good cause. Last year, the proceeds went to The Helping Families in Need Society and managed to raise over $3,000! 

This year, the main focus of DSAC is on mental health. DSAC is planning a huge, district-wide Mental Health Awareness Initiative. Through surveys, talking to the students, and working with teachers, DSAC is planning on collecting input and helping cater to the needs of Burnaby students. This means they will be attending to questions such as: What do students need? Are students using the resources available? What resources should the schools or district provide? What are some ways students can learn how to deal with stress or balance their lives? The goal of the Mental Health Awareness Initiative, in addition to addresses these issues, is to help drive change in the district and provide students with the help they need. 

The Alpha DSAC members, namely Shahrazad Amin, Sophia Clermont, Mina Garlick, Alicia Reil, and Catherine Wang, had the opportunity to attend the annual leadership retreat that takes place in Squamish, BC. This two-day event included attending workshops, communicating with other schools, establishing goals, and creating a plan for the upcoming year. It was also an opportunity to bond over a campfire, roast marshmallows, and get to know each other.

To find out more about DSAC, follow them on Instagram at @burnabydsac, or visit https://www.facebook.com/BurnabyDSAC/ to stay in the loop.​