Role and Purpose of the Student Council
Here at St. Clare’s, we consider it very important that the pupils should play an active, positive role in the life of their school and believe that our Student Council helps to achieve 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
- discuss issues relevant to our school and encourage and promote initiatives from the pupils
- 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 central to the life of the school
Student Representatives
The student representatives are required to be active participants in the Council, attend meetings regularly, participate in activities and be role models for other students. All Student Council members wear specially designed badges for easy identification, including the head boy and head girl.
Procedures
Members meet once a month. Council Meetings are facilitated by Deirdre. Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda. These items are then discussed, brought to Staff Meetings and sometimes to the Parents’ Association Meetings, for further deliberation. As well as bringing matters to the Council for discussion, the members are required to report the outcome of meetings to the other classes.
The Council has an important role to play in the organisation of: Open Days, special occasions, special presentations of Flags/Awards/Certificates etc. and having an input into relevant school policies.
Through our Student Council, we hope to give our pupils a more active role in the organisation of our school and ensure they are listened to and respected for their ideas and concerns. It involves the students in many of the decisions that are made regarding students in St. Clare’s school. Discussions in classes and at Council meetings help to develop social and learning skills in many areas including speaking and listening, problem-solving, brainstorming and the decision-making process.
Discussion Topics and Activities
Topics that come under discussion at Student Council meetings may include the following: school rules, behaviour and discipline, green issues, health and safety, health promotion, active school, homework, friendship, lunchtime games and activities, school uniform, fundraising, making yard a happier place, school tours lunch box surveys and food dudes evaluations.