Meet our Student Council

We formed our first Student Council in September 2022.

Role and Purpose of the Student Council in Newcastle NS

Newcastle N.S. 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 

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

The Election Process

Students from First to sixth class 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 one respresentative from our junior classes (1st-3rd) and two representatives from our more senior classes (4th-6th) 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

Our student council meet regulary and discuss a range topics and matters.  Prior to each meeting, the student council draw up an agenda.  The student council collect ideas and suggestions from all classes, for the agenda. 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

• fundraising

• extra- curricular activities

Through our Student Council, we  hope 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 they are playing a significant role in organising and helping with many school activities and events in our school this year