School Council

Purpose of the Student Council in Breaffy National School

Breaffy National School believes that students have a vital role to play in creating a positive and welcoming school environment conducive to learning, happiness and well-being. We believe that our student voice plays a requisite role in achieving this.

The Role of the Student Council in Breaffy National School

• 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 Breaffy National School and to represent the school in a positive way during these events.

The Election Process

Each year, students from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class will be invited to nominate themselves for a place on the Student Council. Prior to the election nominees are invited to canvas and engage in debates with other candidates in their class.  An election is then held in each class and two representatives from each year group 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.

Student council Meetings

Members meet once a month and are facilitated by the appointed teacher. Prior to these meetings, the representatives collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda, through surveys or general feedback.  Also, the teacher representative may put forward topics to be discussed or upcoming events which need to be deliberated about at the meetings. As well as bringing matters for discussion, the members are required to report the outcome of meetings to their classes.

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

• school rules
• behaviour and discipline
• green issues
• health and safety
• School newsletter
• friendship
• lunchtime games and activities
• fundraising
• extra- curricular activities
• More ideas are always welcome

The Council has an important role to play in the organisation of:

• School celebrations- Graduations; Seachtain na Gaeilge; etc.
• School Fundraising- Cake sales, working with our parent’s association
• School assemblies
• Implementing new initiatives, school newsletter, etc.

Through our student council, Breaffy 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 this year and hope they play a significant role in organising and helping with many school activities and events in Breaffy National School