Student Council

Role and Purpose of the Student Council

St. Mary’s School considers it important that the pupils should play an active, positive role in the life of their school and believes 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

The Election Process

Every September, representatives from year 3,4,5and 6 are elected and take a seat on the Council for the duration of that academic year. The council also nominates student council officers (Chairperson, Treasurer and Clerk(s)) who may meet more regularly to drive Council initiatives forward and communicate the work of the council to Teachers, Parents or Governors.

The elected pupils are required to be active participants in the Council, to attend meetings regularly, participate in activities and be a role model for other students. All Student Council members wear specially designed badges for easy identification.

Members meet once every half term. Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda.  These items are then discussed and actions determined. 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 listened to and respected for their ideas and concerns. It involves the students in many of the decisions that are made regarding the day-to-day running and management of St. Mary’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.

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

school rules

behaviour and discipline

environmental issues

health and safety

homework

friendship

lunchtime games and activities

school uniform

fundraising

making yard a happier place

The Student Council has been instrumental in the many positive changes that have taken place in our school since the Council’s inception. We, at St. Mary’s Primary School, are very proud of the role played by our students in developing our school and  believe that we achieve a more pleasant and vibrant learning environment, as a result.