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T
hey knew instinctively that it’s what the elementary
school needed. And Ras Beirut Elementary School
director, Julia Kozak and English teacher, Antony Di
Nardo, set to work creating it: an Elementary Student Council.
For the first time, young students have their own platform
to express their grievances, solve their problems and raise the
awareness of various issues to their peers.
“We know from past experiences (in Canadian schools) that
student councils are usually a very good vehicle for ensuring
that kids have opportunities to express leadership,’ said Di
Nardo. “And to put leadership in practice in their schools.”
Earlier this year, elections were held for class representatives
and co-representatives in all fifth grades, English and French
sections. Fourth grade representatives were appointed by teach-
ers. All together, 16 students now make up the Council.
The Council meets once a month to discuss a specific theme
with Di Nardo and two other teachers. After several meetings,
the Council holds an assembly gather-
ing all fifth graders from both sections
in the auditorium. It is their call to
organize it, present it and run it. Their
first theme centered on safety issues
within and outside the school grounds.
Members used power point, a filmed
interview with the gate guard, even a
rap song to get their point across.
The next theme is the environment, specifically their school
environment and ways to beautify the building, decrease water
waste and the use of plastic bottles. The Council will be holding
another assembly shortly.
But it’s not all about meetings and assemblies. Members have
playground duties every day. They are the official “refs” for the
younger students. Armed with whistles, members take turns
supervising and refereeing games played by lower elementary
school students during recess. Furthermore, the Council is also
responsible to listen to student concerns (ex, not enough balls on
the playground) and bring those concerns up during meetings.
“And if I think it merits more attention,” said Di Nardo, “I
then bring those concerns to Miss Julia.”
Another responsibility: members have to model good behav-
ior. In essence, they have to be the ideal citizen.
“They have to walk the talk,” said Kozak. “They can’t say
practice safety when they are not doing it themselves. If they
want things to run better in their school, then
they have to be there doing their share.”
Council members seem to be taking their
role quite seriously. Patrick Rizk,10, has noted
that jealously (especially among girls) is on the
rise and Adnan Ammach, 10, has definitely
noticed that there is too much rough play in
the playground.
“In the next meetings, we should talk about
how we treat each other,” said Adnan.
“We should talk about friendships.”
Patrick agreed.
“Sometimes the first and second grad-
ers hit each other,” he said. “So we should
bring up this problem at the meetings be-
cause little kids don’t always listen to us.”
It is up to them to find a way to deal
with this issue during the meetings and
brainstorm for solutions – all part of be-
longing to a Council.
“Being a problem solver is a very im-
portant skill in life,” said Kozak. “We
don’t just discuss problems and leave
them, we also find solutions to the
problems.”
When all is said is done, once gradu-
ated from elementary school, members
(and hopefully others) will now be ready
for another role: running for the Middle
School Student Council.
A new addition: The Elementary Student Council
IC Features
Adnan Ammach settles a dispute
Patrick Rizk referees a soccer game