Student Council & Student Voice
Your Voice. Your School. Your Ideas.
The Student Council gives students at Elphin Community College a voice in school life. It allows students to share ideas, raise suggestions, discuss issues that matter to them and work with school staff to help make our school community even better.
Student voice is about listening, respect, responsibility and action. It gives students the opportunity to contribute positively to the life of the school.
What is the Student Council?
The Student Council is a representative group of students who bring forward ideas, suggestions and views from the student body. Representatives work in partnership with school management, teachers, parents/guardians and students for the benefit of the school.
The Student Council helps students to take an active role in school life and supports communication between students and the wider school community.
Why Student Voice Matters
When students are listened to, they feel more connected to their school. Student voice helps students to develop confidence, leadership, responsibility and a stronger sense of belonging.
Leadership
Students learn how to represent others, organise ideas and take responsibility.
Communication
Representatives listen to their classmates, speak at meetings and report back clearly.
Belonging
Student voice helps students feel that they are part of the school community.
Positive Change
Students can help identify practical ways to improve school life for everyone.
What Does the Student Council Do?
The Student Council may work on a wide range of areas linked to school life, student wellbeing and the school community.
- listens to student ideas, suggestions and concerns;
- brings student views to Student Council meetings;
- works with school management and staff on agreed priorities;
- helps promote positive behaviour, respect and inclusion;
- supports school events, campaigns and awareness days;
- encourages student involvement in school activities;
- helps strengthen communication between students and the school;
- promotes pride, belonging and school spirit.
Student Council Priorities
Each year, the Student Council may identify priority areas for action. These may include:
Student Wellbeing
Supporting initiatives that help students feel safe, included and connected.
School Environment
Suggesting practical improvements to shared spaces, facilities and school routines.
Student Belonging
Helping students feel welcome, respected and represented in school life.
Student Activities
Encouraging students to get involved in clubs, events, campaigns and extra-curricular life.
How Representatives Are Chosen
Student Council representatives are usually elected or selected early in the school year. The aim is to ensure that students from across the school have a voice and that each year group is represented fairly.
Representatives are expected to listen to their classmates, attend meetings, contribute respectfully and report back to their class where appropriate.
Student Council Roles
The Student Council may include a number of leadership roles. These roles help the Council to organise meetings, communicate clearly and follow through on agreed actions.
Student Council roles and responsibilities
| Role |
Main Responsibilities |
| Chairperson |
Leads meetings, helps prepare agendas and ensures that all voices are heard respectfully. |
| Vice-Chairperson |
Supports the Chairperson and may lead meetings when the Chairperson is unavailable. |
| Secretary |
Records attendance, keeps minutes and notes agreed actions from meetings. |
| Communications Officer |
Helps share Student Council updates with students and promotes good communication. |
| ISSU Representative |
Helps connect the Student Council with the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union where appropriate. |
| Class Representatives |
Bring ideas from their class to meetings and share updates with their class afterwards. |
How Students Can Raise an Idea?
Every student has a voice. Students do not have to be on the Student Council to share an idea.
- Think about the idea. What would improve school life? Who would benefit?
- Speak to your class representative. They can bring the idea to a Student Council meeting.
- Be practical. Good ideas are clear, respectful and realistic.
- Work together. Some ideas may need support from students, staff, management or parents/guardians.
- Follow up. Representatives should report back where possible.
Examples of Student Council Projects
Student Council projects can vary from year to year depending on student ideas and school priorities. Possible projects may include:
- student wellbeing campaigns;
- anti-bullying and inclusion awareness;
- student surveys and feedback;
- school environment improvements;
- supporting new first-year students;
- promoting attendance and belonging;
- Green-Schools or sustainability initiatives;
- charity and community projects;
- student voice displays or noticeboards;
- supporting school events and celebrations.
What Can Be Discussed?
Student Council meetings focus on ideas and issues that affect groups of students or the whole school community. The Council works in a positive, respectful and constructive way.
Appropriate areas for Student Council discussion
| Suitable for Student Council |
Not Suitable for Student Council |
| Ideas to improve school life |
Discussion of individual students |
| Student wellbeing and belonging |
Discussion of individual staff members |
| Student activities and events |
Private or personal matters |
| School environment and shared spaces |
Disciplinary issues involving named individuals |
| Student feedback and suggestions |
Confidential school management matters |
Working with ISSU
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union, known as ISSU, is the national representative body for second-level students in Ireland. ISSU provides support, training, resources and opportunities for student councils.
Student Council members may use ISSU resources to help them develop their leadership skills and learn more about student voice at local, regional and national level.
Student Council Meetings
The Student Council meets during the school year. Meetings are supported by a liaison teacher and follow an agreed agenda. Minutes and agreed actions are recorded so that ideas can be followed up.
Members are expected to attend meetings, listen respectfully, contribute positively and represent the views of students in a fair and responsible way.
Our Student Voice Commitment
At Elphin Community College, student voice is about partnership. We want students to feel that their ideas matter, that they can make a positive contribution, and that they have a role to play in building a respectful, inclusive and welcoming school community.
The Student Council is one important way that students can help shape school life.
Useful Student Voice Links
Need More Information?
Students who would like to get involved in the Student Council should speak to their class representative, Year Head, Student Council liaison teacher or the school office.
Parents or guardians who have questions about the Student Council can contact the school office.
Email: info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031
Accessibility Statement
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