What is a Student Council?
A Student Council is a representative structure through which students in the school can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students.
The role of the Student Council
The main role of a Student Council as set out in the Education Act is “to promote the interests of the school and the involvement of students in the affairs of the school, in co-operation with the board, parents and teachers”.
A Student Council will set its own objectives, which will vary from school to school. Some general objectives include:
- To enhance communication between students, management, staff and parents
- To promote an environment conducive to educational and personal development
- To promote friendship and respect among pupils
- To support the management and staff in the development of the school
- To represent the views of the students on matters of general concern to them.
Alternative:
Function of the Student Council and Assembly in Thomond Community College :
- To create in collaboration with the Management, staff, parents and fellow students a better school life for the students of our school.
- To give students the opportunity to express leadership skills whilst encouraging responsibility in students.
- To contribute to overall school development by being involved in school policy development and to be a resource working in partnership with the School Management.
- To act as a liaison where possible between the students, management and teaching staff of the school.
- To encourage and engage students to become aware as to how the school is run.
- To provide students with the opportunity to identify and express their needs in a positive constructive manner.
- To help improve the school atmosphere, conditions and facilities.
- To provide a forum to enhance student participation in the life of the school.
A Student Council is a representative structure for all the students in the school.
- It provides students with the opportunity to become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management, staff and parents.
- The Student Council works for the benefit of the school and its students.
- Issues of interest and concern are raised by students in discussions held during student council meetings.
- Concerns are prioritised and brought directly to the attention of the school management.
Student Assembly & Council in Thomond Community College
Every class group in the school will elect a Class Representative, through Student Voice class, to be part of the Student Assembly.
Student Assembly meetings will take place during the school day, with meetings each month.
This allows for a great cross-section of opinions and a real opportunity for each class group to have its voice heard.
In recent years our Student Council and Assembly have worked hard to achieve positive changes suggested by students - including aspects of the code of behaviour, and, in the lunch choices provided by the school canteen.
Student Council
From the elected Class Representatives in the Student Assembly interested students can seek nomination to be elected to the Student Council.
Students must submit nomination forms and election will be ratified within the Student Assembly.
Student Council meetings will most often be held at lunchtime.
Within the Student Council the following officers will be elected:
- Chairperson & Deputy Chairperson
- Secretary & Assistant Secretary
- Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer
- P.R. Committee
Responsibilities of Class Reps
- Attending meetings of the student Assembly/Council
- Voting on any issues that may arise in meetings
- Making proposals on behalf of the students they represent to the student council
- Actively representing the interests of their peers
- Reporting back to the class they represent on updates or events.
Participation in the Student Assembly & Council can create opportunities for students to:
- Be a part of a positive change.
- Learn key skills which will help in class subjects and outside of school.
- Avail of opportunities that come with being a student council member, including attending external events.
- Meet and work with students from other year groups.
- Be a role model in your school.
- Develop leadership skills.