Student Council 2023-2024

Student Council – Policy Document and Constitution Introduction

A student council is a group of students from within the school elected to represent
their fellow students. The Students Council works with the principal, and high school,
and middle section coordinator, coordinating teachers and students when organizing
events. The HPS wishes to actively encourage the Student Council to engage in the
process of dialogue and consultation. The Student Council must respect the policies of
the school in all matters. After the election, the new Student Council meets with the
teacher who works with the council as soon as possible. Their role is to assist and guide
the members in all matters. All decisions must be discussed with this teacher at
meetings arranged by the members.

Role of Student Council

The student council aims to act as a representative body and liaise with other students,
teachers, school coordinators, and principals on matters of importance to students
within the school.

The student council has two main functions:

● To organize social events for the students of the school (talent shows, cake sales,
table quizzes, etc.).
● To ensure that students have a say on matters that affect them.

The Student Council primarily provides an opportunity and enables students to work
with staff, management and parents.

The Student Council may also:

● Provide a forum for students to enhance their leadership and communicative

skills.
● Encourage an atmosphere of cooperation between students and staff.
● Provide opportunities for fundraising for student activities, charities, etc.
● Encourage students to act democratically and be independent.
● Assist with the organization of school events and extracurricular activities.

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 ● Provide an opportunity for students to consider policies relevant to them.

Representative Application

This document contains information for students wishing to become involved in the
Student Council as Middle School or High School Students for 2023– 2024.

Students MUST read all portions of this document carefully, complete all necessary
pages, obtain all required documents to be returned with the application, and meet the
deadline found in these documents.

Application Must Include the Following

● Representative Application: Applicant must fill out the application form and
attach a passport-sized picture. The applicant must make sure they do not miss
out on any part.
● Student Council Questionnaire: This is your chance to demonstrate quality
writing and thinking skills. The Student Council Questionnaire will provide the
advisor with valuable information concerning your skills as a student leader. In
addition, it is your chance to explain why you would be a good fit for the council.
● Letters of recommendation: Each applicant must submit at least one letter of
recommendation from a school staff member.
● Student Council Parent Permission Slip: Each applicant must submit a signed
permission slip.
● Student Agreement Form: Each applicant must sign the agreement form after
reading the information mentioned in the Student Council Packet.
● ALL documents must be submitted fully completed to be reviewed by the
school.

Student Council Application Timeline

● Thursday September 28, 2023- Deadline to submit the Student Council

Form

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● Monday October 2, 2023 Candidates’ Campaign and president speeches
begins
● Monday October 9, 2023- Elections Day

Why Should I apply for the Student Council?

1. To provide opportunities for students to gain leadership skills and appreciation

for responsibility and accountability.
2. To provide ways in which students may broaden their interests and develop new
experiences.
3. To foster healthy student-student, student-teacher, student-administration, and
student-community interaction.
4. To provide a channel of communication through which students can contribute
to the school program.
5. To develop an interest in current issues that involves all segments of the student
population.
6. Promoting student body involvement through pep assemblies, “information”
assemblies, and other whole-school events.
7. Community Hours

Student Council Representative Responsibilities

1. Attend ALL meetings. Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from
the Council.
2. Demonstrate leadership skills. Remember that you are representing other
students at school and should act responsibly all along.
3. Keep grades as high as possible. 75% is the minimum average. Failure to do so
will result in automatic dismissal.
4. Ask for input from your team. You are their representative and should make sure
you cater to their needs as much as you can.

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 5. Perform all assigned responsibilities at activities and events.
6. Show a positive attitude at all times.
7. Refrain from disciplinary referrals related to disobedience, classroom
disruptions, absence, gross offenses, etc.

Terms and Conditions

● The President will be a student in grade 12.

● The Vice President will be a student in grade 11.
● The Secretary will be a student in grade 10.
● The Treasurer will be a student in grade 9.
● Grade 6-8 each class will elect one class representative.
● Each class will vote for the president and vice president.
● Council members will be elected among the representatives after the elections.

Duties of Student Council Leaders

President:
● Represents the student body at school.
● Develops agenda for and presides at student council meetings.
● Knows the basic rules of parliamentary procedure.
● Votes when there is a tie.
● Informs officers of progress and problems that arise.
● Delegates' tasks of the committee.
● Follow up with members to be sure they are completed.
● Fulfills the committee goals/action plan as designated.
● Conducts themself with academic integrity and exemplary conduct.

Vice President:
● Represents the student body at school. (As requested by the president)
● Knows the basic rules of parliamentary procedure.
● Serves in the absence of the president.
● Coordinates the work of committees.
● Heads important committees.
● Keeps bulletin boards and social media updated.
● Informs media about upcoming student events.
● Conducts themself with academic integrity and exemplary conduct.

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Treasurer
● Presents proposed budget of activities to the student council:
● Handles all funds.
● Keeps accurate records of income and expenses.
● Reports at each meeting on money matters.
● Coordinates fundraising projects for the student council.
● Conducts themself with academic integrity and exemplary conduct.

Secretary:
● Keeps accurate minutes of meetings.
● Handles all council correspondence.
● Reports at each meeting the minutes from the previous session.
● Types of materials for student council officers and committee chairpeople.
● Conducts him/herself with academic integrity and exemplary conduct.

Class Representative:
● Notices of what goes on in the class.
● Tries to solve problems and issues that come up in the class.
● Delivers information from the class representative to the student council body.
● Conducts him/herself with academic integrity and exemplary conduct.

Student Council Questionnaire

Please answer the following questions utilizing your best writing and thinking skills.
Give the questions serious thought before answering.
Off-topic answers will be considered incomplete, Therefore, only completed
questionnaires will be accepted.

1. Please explain why you would like to be a Student Council representative this year.
How would you personally contribute to the Council?

2. Tell us about yourself. What type of activities are you involved in both in school and
the community?

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3. If you could make ONE improvement at HPS, what would it be and why?

4. How do you respond when people disagree with your ideas?

5. The Student Council raises money to benefit the school. Please explain how you think
this money should be used and why.

Interview:

Candidates running for various positions will undergo interviews. Following the
submission of their applications and a review by the responsible personnel, interview
appointments will be scheduled.

Student Council Parent Permission Slip

Applicant’s Name: ______________________________________

We are aware that our daughter/son is applying to be a member of the Student Council
at Horizon Private School- Branch. We have gone over the duties and responsibilities
mentioned in the packet. We fully understand that these positions require effort,
diligence, and commitment from the representative. We also understand that failure to
perform the specific duties that have been outlined may result in our son’s/daughter’s
dismissal.
We further acknowledge the fact that parents are an integral part of the Student
Council’s success, and whenever the need arises, we will be willing to provide
transportation for our daughter’s/son’s meetings and special events.

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_____________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Student Agreement Form

I, _______________________________in grade ____ have fully read and understood all

the terms and conditions found in this student council packet.
By signing this agreement form I am acknowledging that I am fully aware of my future
duties and responsibilities in case I am elected. I am also mindful of the consequences of
failing to keep up with my commitments and responsibilities.

______________________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature Date

Application Form Date: ____________

Name

Date:

Grade level

Personal phone number

Personal email

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Birthdate

Year you joined

HPS-Branch.

Three qualities that best

describe you

Languages spoken

Hobbies/talents

Previous leadership
positions

Activities have been

done at school for the
past two years (list all)

Activities have been

done outside the school
for the past two years.

Recommendation Form

Student’s Name: ______________________________________

Recommender’s Name: _________________________________
Relationship to student: _________________________________

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Kindly check those that apply:
Character Student exhibits Student exhibits Student exhibits
exemplary many excellent some good
characteristics characteristics characteristics
befitting a student
leader: trustworthy,
positive, enthusiastic

Work Ethic Student is extremely Student works hard Student shows some
hard-working and effort in work habits
finishes what she/he
starts
Academia Excellent student Very good student Good student

Leadership The student leads by Good leadership Likes to be in charge

Qualities example. Others skills with some but directs instead of
want to follow other people. leads. I could work
her/him while being on being more
flexible. flexible.

Ability to Work Works well with a Works well with Works well with
With Peers diverse range of most people. compatible people
people – not just only.
students in his/her
“group” – without
exhibiting a sense of
superiority
Persona Well respected by all Respected by most Respected by some
peers and adults. peers and adults. peers and adults.

Note: This form should be returned in a sealed envelope.

Student Council Checklist

● Complete application form

● Passport size picture
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● Signed parent permission slip
● Signed agreement form
● Sealed recommendation form from a staff member
● Fill in the 3 required forms (application…………)

● Read all student council details

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