Tag: Advice

Let’s Talk Dirty?

Why do we need a Student Council?

Being elected to be a member of your school’s student council offers you the opportunity to grow as a person. You get to represent your peers while pursuing causes you’re passionate about. The is also the bonus of getting the chance to learn from others and develop skills that will help you in both university and your future career.

A good council allows…

Representation: 

The student council represents the student body by voicing their opinions, concerns, and suggestions to the school administration. They allow effective communication, ensuring that students have a say in decisions that affect them.

Leadership and Decision-Making: 

The council members develop leadership skills by organizing meetings, facilitating discussions, and making decisions on behalf of the student body. They learn to consider different viewpoints, collaborate with peers, and implement initiatives that benefit the entire school community.

Organizing Events and Activities: 

The student council also allows for fun plans and executes various school events and community service projects. These activities promote school spirit, unity, and create opportunities for student engagement and enjoyment.

Community Outreach and Service:

Student councils often engage in community service projects, such as volunteering at local organizations, organizing charity drives, or raising awareness about important social issues. These initiatives promote a sense of social responsibility and encourage students to make a positive impact beyond the school walls.

Advocacy and Problem Solving: 

The council serves as an advocate for student rights and concerns. They address issues raised by students, work towards resolving conflicts, and propose solutions to improve the overall school experience. They may also collaborate with school faculty and staff to implement beneficial changes.

Role Modeling and Mentorship: 

Student council members act as role models for their peers, demonstrating qualities such as responsibility, integrity, and teamwork. They inspire and mentor fellow students, encouraging them to get involved, develop leadership skills, and make positive contributions to the school.

Having a student council in a school not only empowers students but also fosters a sense of ownership, engagement, and school pride. It promotes a positive school atmosphere, encourages student involvement in the decision-making processes, and provides a platform for students to develop beneficial life skills that will assist them beyond their school years.

GO VOTE!

Monday, November 25th, 2024.

The State of Affairs

The state of affairs at our school lately have been uneasy to say the least. Perhaps there’s been something in the water, or even in the air. This week alone has been rife with strife, periods of panic and the overwhelming sense that “the kids are not alright”. 

More than a few 5th formers have been candid about their feelings of stress and anxiety due to the looming spectre of CXC. 4th formers have been mixing like oil and water, whilst 3rd formers have either found themselves in the sweet spot or stuck in a rut. Our 2nd form students have begun to assert that they are no longer the babies of the school and in 1st form, the actual babies seem to think that they are bigger than the rest of us. 

Such are the state of affairs at Princess Margaret that the past ten weeks have passed in a blur and yet felt like a boulder. And though the finish line is in sight, perseverance is necessary to keep on going. The missing assignments need to be found, the crowds in the corridors need to make their way into the classrooms and the students need to rally like the West Indies chasing runs. 

There’s a lot to look forward to with our house rivalries talent exhibition and the Karaoke competition where even the Principal tends to showcase his vocals. Here’s hoping the kids will be just fine in time to engage in such festivities. With a fairer state of mind, a better, brighter outcome is always possible. 

VIOLENCE

The question was asked, “A wha happen dey a PM yesaday?” “Two pickanega dey a fight and one get tab up!” The conversation overheard in the checkout line at a popular supermarket. The follow-up question, “Lawd fada a wumek them tap so?” After hearing the news about school violence, it is very natural for students, parents and teachers to worry. What if something like this happens again? What if it were my closest friend? What if it were my son or daughter? And what if it resulted in a fatality? The most important question, why does school violence happen?

Violence is behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. It is the strength of emotion or of a destructive force. When something like this happens, it is normal to have feelings of sadness and anxiousness and it is normal to want to figure out why the situation ended in this way.

Violence isn’t readily easy to understand and figure out. There is no one reason as to why students become violent at school or in general. Reasons may include repeating behaviors that are seen and frequently done at home, maybe something seen on the streets, in a popular movie, T.V. show or videogame. It may be the result of someone who is suffering from a mental health problem and it may also be the result of bullying. The bullied trying to reassert his/her value and worth by doing to someone what was done to them. It might be that someone was feeling isolated and rejected by their fellow students and it might be that someone was just having a bad day, week, month or year and that was their breaking point. These are just a few reasons why someone might be violent at school and there are still many, many more. There is however one thing we can say about school violence, weapons make it easier for someone to lash out against the things or people they don’t like and because of this school violence is scarier than we expect.

What can we do to help prevent school violence? We can look for the warning signs. Whether it be seeing someone with a weapon in their backpack, noticing the violent games and movies they seem to always talk about. Sometimes it’s as easy as overhearing a conversation about possibly committing a violent act on another student like bullying or making threats in simple non-conflict situations. Cruelty to animals is also a good indicator of a violent person as well. When someone seems to be showing these signs, it’s a good idea to get an adult involved like a teacher, parent, the school’s counselor and or the principal. Students who are violent need the extra help and support and reporting someone like this could be the best thing for them.

Remember, school safety and support is everyone’s responsibility and priority.