Comhairle na Scoile – The Student Council

Since 1998 Student Councils have been compulsory in all Irish Second-Level Schools as a means of giving the students a voice in school affairs. The Student Council is a representative structure for students only, through which they can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management, staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students.

The Student Council has responsibility for

• Working with the staff, Board of Management and Parents’ Association in the school;
• Communicating and consulting with all of the students in the school;
• Involving as many students as possible in the activities of the Council;
• Planning and managing the Council’s programme of activities for the year;
• Managing and accounting to the Student Council and Board of Management, for any funds
raised by the Council.

In Coláiste Éanna, the Student Council consists of four Sixth Year students and four Fifth Year students. The Sixth Year students, as the senior members are the officers of the Council, with the Fifth Year students, acting as a deputy in each position. A Liaison teacher attends all meetings and when necessary the Student Council will meet with the School Principal. Representatives are elected at the end of Transition Year by the students, using the PR system. Once elected the students get to wear the distinctive black jumper, to identify them as Council members.

The Council generally meets every two weeks and these meetings are presided over by the Chairperson, together with the Liaison Teacher. Each senior member of the Council has a specific role to fulfil, ably assisted by the Fifth Year students. Officers of the Council include:

• Chairperson – Organise & chair meetings, meets with School Management
• Secretary – Prepares the agenda for the meetings and records the minutes
• Treasurer – Manages any funds raised by the Council
• PRO – Keeps the whole school informed about the activities of the Council

As the Council represents the student body they conduct an annual survey to identify key issues of student concern. Last year the value of student identity cards, with discounts on travel and retail purchases was identified. The Council set about obtaining the cards for any students who wished to purchase one. In total over 80% of the student population availed of this facility.

During the course of the year the Council is involved in organising a number of fund-raising events including a Sports Marathon, Talent Show and Non-Uniform Day. Monies raised are donated to Charities recognised by the Council, including Umbrella Foundation, Niall Mellon Trust and S.H.A.R.E . All of these Charities have a connection with Coláiste Éanna in that several of our past pupils are actively involved in it.

The Student Council promotes the environmental “Green Flag” programme in the school. The school received its first Green Flag in April 2010 at an Award ceremony in Croke Park. Past Council Chairperson, Eoin Callaghan had the distinction of receiving the flag on behalf of the school. The Council actively supports the Green Flag programme by encouraging all students to reduce, re-use and recycle.

Having a say in the affairs of the school is a huge responsibility for Student Council members. However, it is an excellent opportunity for students to take on this responsibility and develop their leadership skills for the good of the students they represent.

2012/13  Council Members

  • Fionn Maguire
  • Kevin Brophy
  • Barry Morton
  • Gavin Lynch