Student Council

Role and Purpose of the Student Council in Le Chéile National School

Le Chéile National School believes that students have a vital role to play in creating a positive and welcoming school environment conducive to learning and happiness. We believe that our Student Council plays a requisite role in achieving this.

 

The Role of the Student Council in Le Chéile National School

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 in Le Chéile National School and to represent the school in a positive way during these events.

 

The Election Process

Each year, students from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class are invited to nominate themselves for a place on the Student Council. Prior to the election, nominees are invited to canvass and engage in debates with other candidates in their class.  An election is then held in each class and two representatives from fourth and fifth class, and four representatives from sixth class are awarded a seat on the Student Council for the duration of that academic year. Substitute members are selected in the case of several members being absent on the day of a meeting, or if deemed necessary to assist with a school event.

The elected pupils are required to be active participants in the Student Council, to attend meetings regularly, participate in activities and be a role model for other students. A photograph of members of the Student Council is displayed in the main entryway so that all members of the school community are aware of who is on the council.

 

Student Council Meetings

Members meet once a fortnight, at lunchtime, in Ms. Quirke’s classroom.  Council Meetings are facilitated by Ms. Quirke. Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda.  Also, faculty members may put forward topics to be discussed or upcoming events which need to be deliberated about at the meetings. As well as bringing matters to the Council for discussion, the members are required to report the outcome of meetings to the other classes.

Topics that come under discussion at Student Council meetings may include the following:

  • School rules
  • Behaviour and discipline
  • Green issues
  • Health and safety
  • Homework
  • Friendship
  • Lunchtime games and activities
  • School uniform
  • Fundraising
  • Extra-curricular activities

 

The Council has an important role to play in the organisation of:

  • School celebrations – International Day; Seachtain na Gaeilge; Friendship Week
  • School Fundraising – Cake sales
  • Special occasions – Green Flag raising ceremonies; visitors to the school; open days; sports days
  • Special presentations – attendance medals
  • Implementing new initiatives

 

Through our Student Council Le Chéile National School hopes 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. Discussions in classes and at Student Council meetings help to develop social and learning skills in many areas including speaking and listening, 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 organising and helping with many school activities and events that were held this year in Le Chéile National School.