Clonmoney NS Student Council 2022-23
(Back Row L – R) Tom Coyle, Lexie Toomey, Ronan Gavin, Cian Murphy, Lily May Kilker, Síomha Crowe
Front Row: Jaden Dillon, Oran McGahon, Tom McHugh & Sophia Moroney
Student Council '22/23
The elections for the school Student Council 22/23 took place prior to the Halloween break in 2nd – 6th classes. Congratulations to Jaden Dillon, Tom McHugh, Sophia Moroney, Oran McGahon, Tom Coyle, Síomha Crowe, Lily May Kilker, Cian Murphy, Ronan Gavin, & Lexie Toomey who have been elected by their various classes to represent their fellow students’ views on how we can further improve our school, both in terms of wellbeing of all and suggestions on new equipment & materials. The student council will meet regularly, once a week, with members of staff to bring forward their ideas.
Role and Purpose of the Student Council in Clonmoney National School:
Clonmoney 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 Clonmoney 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 Clonmoney National School and to represent the school in a positive way during these events.
The Election Process
Each year, students from First, Second, Third, 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 5th & 6th classes, with one representative from First, Second, Third & Fourth classes 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 specially designed badges to ensure they are readily identifiable as Student Council representatives.
Student Council Meetings
Members meet once a fortnight, at lunchtime, in Room 2. Council Meetings are facilitated by Mr Barry. Prior to these meetings, the Student Council representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda. Also, Mr Barry 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, Active Week
- School Fundraising- Cake sales
- Special occasions – Green Flag raising ceremonies; Book Fairs; Visitors to the school
- Special presentations
- Implementing new initiatives- Amber Flag
Through our Student Council Clonmoney 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 and they play a significant role in organising and helping with many school activities and events that are held in Clonmoney National School.
