Thinking about introducing a Student Council? Do not hesitate any longer!

For the past two years, despite an ongoing global pandemic, a small number of the students of Tandem IMS have been meeting at least once a month to represent their peers, promote positive action and decision-making within the school, engage in the community and learn about the democratic process. We are looking back at the first phase of the Student Council at Tandem IMS.

The Importance of a Student Council

The reason for having a Student Council is that students are given an opportunity, with the support of a facilitator, to develop their understanding of and participation in the democratic process and civic responsibility, as well as having the chance to develop leadership and communication skills.

Its Representatives and Responsibilities

The Tandem IMS Student Council consists of representatives from the Primary School and every month the council holds a meeting to brainstorm ideas, make decisions about upcoming events to be organised or discuss how the council can support the school and throughout the year the students become more confident at communicating with one another and accepting of differences of opinions. 

The representatives (a girl and boy from each class) are elected at the beginning of each school year by their peers and the successful students from grade 4 to 6 are then able to stand for election for the administrative positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer.

The President is responsible, with support from the facilitator, for running the meetings and to meet with the head of the school and staff to discuss ideas and provide feedback raised in meetings.The Vice-President is to support the President in their duties. The Secretary is responsible for communicating with the school community about the decisions and projects that the council undertakes. The Treasurer ensures that any money that the council receives or uses is accounted for.

The Projects

Since the Council's creation in August 2020, there have been several projects that the Council has either run or supported. The representatives have engaged in holding dialogue with their classmates and with the caterer to make adjustments to the lunch menu. They have helped organise a Sponsored Run to support WWF Sea Turtle protection programmes, raising over 12000chf in the process, and are currently working with the Tandem Environmental Committee to run several ECO Talks with the other students. The core project for this year is currently in the process of being organised: A «Tandem IMS Flea Market» with the aim to raise money for new playground equipment. 

Simply a Great Opportunity

It is a great opportunity to support the Student Council and a wonderful experience to watch the students grow and thrive within a different school setting to what they usually find themselves in. They grow in confidence. They consider their role within their class, school and community and they build an awareness of what roles and responsibilities they have. 

I look forward to seeing the Student Council continue to grow and thrive and becoming an integral part of the Tandem IMS community.