Students Council
The Student Council 2009 – 2010
The Student Council plays a significant rôle in the life of C.B.S. Charleville. It provides an opportunity for students to become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management, staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students.
Following information sessions and democratically held elections in September the following students were elected by their classes on to the Student Council to serve a term of one year.
Gerald Barry – 1A; Lawrence King – 1Alpha
Mikey Browne – 2A; Brian O’Connell – 2Alpha
Gavin Kelleher – 3A; Joseph O’Connell – 3Alpha
David Sheehan – T.Y. Patrick Hedderman – 5th Year
Finbarr Hanley – 5th Year; Alan McCarthy – 6th Year
Kevin Madigan – 6th Year; Stephen Dawson – 6th Year
Following their election, the Student Council representatives attended a training session where they explored the role and function of a Student Council. Each member was presented with a copy of the Student Council Constitution and signed a contract in which they promised to represent their class group responsibly. Ms. Jacqueline Morrissey, Chairperson of the Board of Management, welcomed the new Student Council and wished them well for the academic year.
Following interviews, Stephen Dawson and Alan Mc Carthy were appointed as joint Chairpersons.
The new Student Council was formally commissioned by Canon Cotter during the Mass for the Opening of the New School Year. Each member received his badge and the group was encouraged to be of service to their school and the wider community.
First Year Induction
In an effort to help our new First Years to get to know each other and settle into their new environment, the Student Council helped to co- ordinate a number of activities for them in September. An afternoon of traditional board games was organized for each First Year class group. The students were provided with an opportunity to interact with each other and make new friends while enjoying games such as Connect 4, Battleship, Hangman, card games etc. The students enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon.
Another welcome break from the routine of the new timetable came in the form of a table-quiz, organized once again by the Student Council for the new First Years. Excitement was high as each team battled for first place. Congratulations to the winning teams! Winning team – 1Alpha with Student Council
Open Evening
The Student Council members were busy once again on the occasion of the School’s annual open evening, where they acted as guides to the parents of prospective First Year students. An opportunity was given to Chairpersons Alan McCarthy and Stephen Dawson to address the parents and students in attendance. Each student spoke eloquently and confidently of the rôle the school has played in his personal development. Lawrence King, impressively, shared with the gathered assembly his experiences of life as a First Year.
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Food Appeal
During the early weeks of December the Student Council co-ordinated a food appeal within the school in aid of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. The response from the students of the school was overwhelming, resulting in the provision of a number of well stocked hampers for deserving families at Christmas.
The Haiti Appeal
Acutely aware of the intense suffering of the people affected by the Haiti earthquake disaster, the Student Council assumed responsibility for the co-ordination of a whole school response. A non-uniform day was organized for Friday 22nd January. Each student in the school was invited to make a donation to the Haiti Appeal. All the students responded with incredible generosity, resulting in a collection of €1,727.71. The money was sent directly to a contact in Haiti.
World Book Day
To mark World Book Day on March 4th, and to promote reading within the school, the Student Council opened the school library during lunch time and organized a competition for all book borrowers on the day. The student council is proud of the school library for which it is responsible. Many thanks to Daniel Cagney of 3A who gives of his time to running the school library and to Kieran Cooney and David Sheehan who spent time re organizing the books after the recent construction of new book shelves.
Conor Galvin 1A wins prize on World Book Day Presented by Finbarr Hanley (Student Council) Student Council Meetings The Student Council meets on average once a fortnight and has held approximately 15 meetings. The students of the school are invited to make contributions through their class representative and/or the suggestion box. Issues of concern are debated and solutions sought. An agenda is set before each meeting by the Chairperson and minutes recorded by an appointed secretary. The student council members have learned to conduct their meetings efficiently and have developed valuable interpersonal and leadership skills. The Student Council members of 2009 -2010 agree that their time on the Student Council has been a positive and rewarding experience.