The Student Council elections were held at the end of September. It proved to be the closest campaign we’ve had in many years.
To begin with, there were two rounds and all the children from 5th and 6th class were invited to put themselves forward as candidates. They prepared speeches and spoke in front of their classes. Following on from this, their classmates voted to shortlist candidates who then went forward to the school wide election.
By round two, sixteen brave nominees had two weeks to launch their own unique campaigns. They had to work within a stringent set of rules to ensure the campaign was a fair competition for all. Each candidate visited classes and met all the pupils. They placed posters around the school which detailed their ideas should they win one of eight seats on the council.
The campaign entered its final stage when each of the sixteen pupils made an impassioned one minute speech in front of a packed audience in the hall. Each candidate outlined the reasons why they deserved a vote. Some candidates illustrated their ideas using posters, power points, slogans and even a rap! The floor was opened up to the audience who questioned each candidate on their proposals. Although gruelling, every individual worked hard to answer the questions put to them.
When voting day arrived the competition was so close that only a vote or two separated those final few seats. Although disappointing for some, our resilient children wished the newly elected Council the very best of luck.
The Student Council of 2019-2020 have wasted no time at all and have gotten straight down to work organising a number of school wide events like the Movie Night and the annual Winter charity drive. They have also collaborated with the Parent Council and given their thoughts and ideas to Sinéad and the Board of Management on several initiatives and policies.
We look forward to working together over the coming year, it promises to be action packed judging by these go getters!
Congratulations to all!
