Student council plays enormous role in running of school

THE student council at Carrigaline Community plays an enormous role in the running of the school.

Council president Gearóid O’Rourke has been involved since it was set up when he was in first year and has seen many benefits for students.

For the 920 students, the gains have included seating in the canteen and a relaxation area for sixth-years, proving popular during preparations for this month’s Leaving Certificate orals.

Abimbola Adediji, council vice-president, said it is more than just a talking shop.

It gives students an opportunity to express their views in a sympathetic forum, she said.

The council holds a weekly meeting, at which the elected members bring forward concerns from their own particular year groups. They also receive strong support from staff, with teacher Margaret Corcoran acting as student council co-ordinator.

Gearóid meets principal Donal Murray every week and brings up issues on which the council would like support or wants changes.

A number of sub-committees are also working on specific issues, one of them dealing with school rules. They are consulting with students on a review of policies on issues such as bullying and the school’s religious ethos.

One of the main issues of concern is the rule that students’ appearance must be acceptable, which many of them feel is very vague. They want a better definition of what is acceptable, in line with changing trends, such as piercings and footwear.

The council’s role is not just restricted to school life.

Fifth-year student and council member Rebecca Maher explained they had begun working with the local community association to address the lack of facilities for young people in the town.

Around 10 miles from Cork, Carrigaline is one of the country’s fastest-growing towns and has 16 nationalities among its student body.

“Two of us are planning to survey young people in the area to see what things they would like, and we will present the results to Cork County Council in September,” said Rebecca.

The council includes representatives from all years, elected before the summer to begin work in September. First-year students elect their delegates soon into the first term.