Student Council
We value the voice of our students in our school. Our Student Council is a representative structure for students, from First to Sixth Class, through which they can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management, staff and the PA for the benefit of the school and the students. It also helps them to learn how democracy works. We believe that students have a vital role to play in creating a positive and welcoming school environment conducive to learning and happiness and our Student Council plays a requisite role in achieving this.
The role of the Student Council is to:
- provide an opportunity for pupils to voice their opinions and offer suggestions in relation to many aspects of school life
- offer an opportunity for all pupils to voice their opinions on proposed changes and thereby play a very significant role in improving our school
- act as a channel of communication within the school organisation, between pupils and between home and school
- encourage pupils to organise events and to represent the school in a positive way during these events.
Members meet once a month, at lunchtime. Council Meetings are facilitated by Ms Doorley. Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda. Also, Ms Doorley may put forward topics to be discussed or upcoming events which need to be deliberated about at the meetings. Suggestions are then discussed, prioritised and are brought forward for further discussion, if needed. The Council members voice opinions in proposed changes in our school, are involved in some decision making and also help reflect the voice of students in some policies. As well as bringing matters to the Council for discussion, the members are required to report the outcome of meetings to the other classes.
Through our Student Council, we hope to give our pupils a more active role in the organisation of our school and ensure they are ‘heard’ and respected for their ideas and concerns. Discussions in classes and at Student Council meetings help to develop social and learning skills in many areas including speaking and listening as well as problem solving, brainstorming and the decision-making process. We are very proud of our Student Council representatives this year and they have played a significant role in our school.