Student Leadership & the Student Council
At Gorey Educate Together Secondary school we recognise the importance of student voice in our decision-making and the value of their input in our ongoing school development. To this end, the Student Council plays a vital role in student leadership in the school and gives students a forum to have their suggestions and opinions heard.
At GETSS we demonstrate our commitment to student involvement by ensuring two members of our Student Council also attend and present their reports at Board of Management meetings and are associate members of the Board.
The GETSS Student Council aims to provide a voice for the students on the Board of Management. In addition, the student council plans to work closely with the Parent Association to fund-raise, advocate and support the work of the school and staff.
Student Council Elections & Meetings
In September, first year students were democratically elected by their peers to our first ever Student Council and so given the responsibility of representing their classes.
The Student Council meets weekly at lunchtime to discuss issues brought to them by fellow students. These meetings are chaired by the students and student representatives then bring these concerns to the attention of the school leadership team via meetings or in writing to the members of the school community concerned.
Training, in meeting facilitation, consensus decision making, minute taking and conflict resolution is provided to support members of the Student Council in their duties.
Student Council Members Responsibilities
It is the role of the Student Council to ascertain students’ opinions on a range of issues and ensure that all students are represented equally. Through their involvement in the Student Council, representatives contribute to and inform decision-making at a whole school level, they develop a greater understanding of the complexities of school management and actively contribute to creating a positive school culture.