Welcome to our School Council
What is a School Council?
A School Council is one way of giving pupils a say in the way our school is run.
A School Council gives children a VOICE in school matters.
A School Council gives children a chance to talk about their feelings to each other.
A School Council gives children a chance to make changes for the better in our school.
Who is on the School Council?
Every year the pupils elect two representatives from their classes, from Year 1 to Year 6 onto the School Council. They are chosen because they are, sensible and reliable and can work as part of a team. They are also good organisers and listeners.
Our aims are:
To meet regularly to discuss their views and be heard.
To organise whole school and class events
To organise charity events
To make sure our school is a happy and safe place for all of our children
To make sure children have a place to voice their concerns, opinions, and thoughts
To encourage all children in school to suggest ideas and improvements
To ensure any suggestions or concerns are listened to and acted upon.
Why do we have a School Council at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Primary School?
The United Nations Convention on The Rights of a Child states that,
“All children have the right to express the views they have and those views should be listened to in anything that affects them.” Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) -Respect for views of the child.
At St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Primary School everyone can get involved, share ideas and be part of a team.
We all strive to listen to each other and respect the viewpoints of others.
What kinds of things does a School Council discuss?
Every discussion is different but topics have included, raising money for equipment and charities, bullying, after school clubs and safety in and around the school.
Council often has to discuss, negotiate and make compromises as this is what it means to work as a team.
Council also has to be realistic about what it can do. Some things can be changed and others cannot.
When does the School Council meet?
Meetings are usually held every fortnight. The meetings last for about 20 minutes.
What is the School Council involved in this year?
Over this year we are hoping to support a charity by raising money through events organised by the School Council. We will ask the whole school to nominate worthy charities and as a school we will then vote for the one we consider the worthiest.
The School Council will organise this vote and be responsible for making sure it is carried out in a fair way.
The use of the rest of the money will be discussed by the School Council and decisions made put to the classes they represent. The School Council can then spend the money as they see fit.
This year the School Council will run a basic financial account that details money coming in and going out this year.
The School Council will carry out a safety walk every term to help to identify any play equipment that needs repairing or replacing. During this walk they will discuss areas of the school where children may feel vulnerable and ways of improving these areas. Their findings will be reported to the Senior Leadership Team.
The School Council has a suggestion box for other pupils in the school. They can bring these suggestions to Council Meetings.
The School Council will talk to the whole school about issues and events during our Celebration Assembly on Fridays.
The School Council will look at relevant School Policies and voice suggestions for inclusion.
During the summer term it is hoped to get together with other School Councils to share ideas.