Student Council
Role and Purpose of the Student Council
Raheen 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.
Through our Student Council Raheen 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 are excited to play a significant role in organising and helping with many school activities and events this year in Raheen National School.
Role of the Student Council
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 Raheen National School and to represent the school in a positive way during these events.
The Election Process
Each year, students from Third, Fourth, Firth, and Sixth Class are invited to nominate themselves for a place on the Student Council. Prior to the election nominees are invited to canvas and engage in debates with other candidates in their class.
An election is then held in each class and two representatives from both third and fourth class, and three representatives from both fifth and sixth class, are awarded a seat on the Student Council for the duration of that academic year.
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.
All Student Council members wear specifically designed badges to ensure they are readily identifiable as Student Council Representatives.
Student Council Meetings
Members meet once a fortnight, at lunchtime, in the Resource Room. Council Meetings are facilitated by Ms Browne.
Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda. Also, Ms Browne 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 - World book day; Seachtain na Gaeilge, Friendship week
- School Fundraising/Charity Fundraisers
- Special occaisions - Flag raising ceremonies; 1916 Commemoration, Visitors to the school
- Special Presentations
- Implementing new initiatives
