With an increased focus on wellbeing in our schools, it is very important to ensure that the voice of the pupil is heard. To this end, we recently introduced a Student Council in our school. We have learnt so much during this process and it has been a really positive initiative in our school. Here is our story so far.
Introducing the idea
We began with chatting to the children about what a student council is at our assembly.
We discussed the importance of all voices in the school being heard. The council gives the children an opportunity to be a part of decision making on issues that directly affect them. It also offers them a chance to foster leadership and communication skills.
Election time!
We asked the interested pupils to prepare a short speech about why they would be a good council member.
Their peers then engaged in a democratic voting process to elect a boy and a girl from each class – there were so many learnings for us as teachers in this part of the process!
We also provide 2 opportunities per year for pupils to be elected
- Council 1 from Sept – Jan
- Council 2 from Feb – June.
This allows 4 children in each class to have an opportunity to serve on the council.
Getting the basics right
We began with providing each council member with a student council badge and a notebook for them to jot down their ideas.
We regularly remind the pupils that they are the voice of their peers.
Our leadership team meets with the council on a regular basis. These meetings take the format of a circle where all council members are encouraged to share what is working well and where we can improve.
A genuine font of fresh ideas
Our council have come up with a great range of wonderful ideas so far. Some may need some adaptation – unfortunately we can’t get a swimming pool on the roof!!
However, some of their wonderful ideas that have come to fruition include:
- more fish in the fish tank,
- charity events,
- cake sale,
- litter picking,
- addition of requested titles to the school library,
- basketballs and skipping ropes in the yard.
Engaging the council with school events
The children regularly help out with school events such as Active Schools Week, Grandparents Day and welcoming our new Junior Infants in June.
We also visit the Office of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights in Dublin City each year. The children participate in a fantastic workshop on Children’s Rights and meet the Ombudsman, Niall Muldoon.
There are lots of wonderful education materials on their website: https://www.oco.ie/childrens-rights/education-materials/
The feedback so far
The feedback from the parents has been overwhelmingly positive. In our circles, the children report that they love being on the Council as it makes them feel important, valued and listened to.
If your school is considering beginning a similar initiative, I wouldn’t hesitate. It has been a wonderful way to connect with our pupils and enhance wellbeing in our schools.
As the seanfhocal says…
Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí.
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