Sydenham High School Student Council
The Sydenham High School Student Council is made up of 15 executive members and 8 elected grade representatives.
The Student Council is comprised of students that strive to make the school a more positive, enjoyable environment, as well as to achieve the wants and needs of the students at this school. All members enjoy creating changes and organizing some of the events that make high school fun.
The objectives of the Students' Council is to provide representation of the student body, to expose students to the democratic process, and to offer leadership opportunities. Students' Council is also dedicated to aid other organizations within the school financially, as well as facilitating communications between students and staff/administration.
The Student Council is divided into seven executive ministries to access varying concerns and needs of the school.
Members of the 2010-2011 Council
The Co-Presidents: Joey Pugh and Pat Vanderholst
Pat and Joey lead the Student Council. It is their responsibility to organize weekly meetings, student council events, and to provide council and advice. Both Co-Presidents are also obligated to protect, enforce, and uphold the rules outlined in the Student Council Constitution. They preserve the integrity of the council, and are able to apply their leadership skills to the school, community, and council. Pat and Joey are fully aware of all aspects of the council, and must communicate its progress and activities to the principle. Pat and Joey are also ambassadors of the school,their representation is often administered during school and community events.
The Executive Secretary: Alex Green
Alex records the minutes of the meetings. She is responsible for maintaining attendance records, providing or creating any documents, recording the events of the meetings, and relaying this information to the council. Through this an accurate documentation is provided for future purposes and referrals. Alex makes this accessible to the council by upholding the Student Council group, so other members may utilise information if needed. Her duties also include maintaining the Student Council page on the Sydenham High School website. If the both the Co-Presidents were absent then Alex would then chair the meeting.
The Ministry of Finance: Kody Thomson
Kody is personally liable for all Student Council funds. Kody must keep an accurate and detailed record of all financial matters involving the Student Council. His duties include paying all bills authorized by the executive council, preparing cash boxes for events, collecting and organizing funds acquired from such events, and maintaining communication between the financial staff advisor and main office clerk. Kody ensures that no money is lost, he provides knowledge that allows for budgets to be set, and his orderly reports of the Student Council's financial abilities allow for proper decision making.
The Ministry of Communications: Kate Clarke, Jacob Sharpe
Kate and Jacob read the morning announcements daily, and in doing so convey any events created by the Student Council or other groups to the student body. Both work diligently to form a relationship between the Council and students. This is accomplished in many forms, mainly through morning announcements, the large school calendar, the suggestion box, and organizing grade rep walks as well as elections. Jacob and Kate determine the most appropriate and efficient method to use when maintaining relations with the students, groups, and administration of Sydenham High School.
The Ministry of School Dances: Megan Gordon, Kelly Sigsworth, Phillipe Fauvel
Megan, Kelly and Phillipe make our school dances successful through planning, organization, and creativity. All three provide ideas and suggestions that make our school dances enjoyable, which in turn promotes a positive school environment. Multiple tasks accompany this responsibility. Megan, Kelly, and Phillipe set the dance dates, select a DJ, ensures the dances are safe by hiring OPP security, and gathering staff and students to fill jobs. The three ministers have provided the school with refreshing, creative dance ideas which have proven to be effective.
The Ministry of Special Events: Kayla Gibson, Kreg Lonnenburg
Kayla and Kreg are inventive in their creation of school spirit days. Their duties include providing fun filled, imaginative days the student body will partake in. This allows general assembly opportunities to nurture Sydenham High School pride and school spirit. It is this spirit that fosters tradition, student leadership, comfort, and assists student growth outside of the classroom. Sydenham's positive environment is sustained by the spirit days Kayla and Kreg organise.
The Ministry of School Clothing: Parker Golbraith-Nolan, Eamon Hillis
Parker and Eamon design, develop, and distribute clothing to the students and administration of Sydenham High School. Logos, designs, and cuts approved by the council and student body are provided by Eamon and Parker, who bring the clothing ideals to fruition. It is then that they create clothing order forms, distribute them to the student body. Then, it is their responsibility to have the clothing produced by a reputable clothing supplier. When the clothing arrives, they ensure that each order is received and to the student's expectations. In doing so, they help form a relationship and sense of identity among the students.
The Ministry of Ambassadorial Outreach: Josh Quantick, Stanley Laforte-Cirne
Josh and Stan could be considered grade reps, the only difference being that they reach a larger audience without the barriers of grades. They understand and make inquiries towards the well-being of the students, which in turn is communicated to the council, where such concerns are addressed. Stan and Josh are also responsible for finding room for improvement throughout the school. Their primary concern is benefiting the school, and to foster the emotional, social, and environmental needs of the students.
The Liaison to the Student Athletic Association: Not yet appointed
The SAA reps are appointed to Student Council by SAA itself. They are to attend weekly meetings in order to communicate the activities of the Student Athletic Association to Student Council for purposes of co-ordination with the Student Council.
The Grade Representatives:
Grade 9: Leah Gurr & Erica Veldman
Grade 10: Bryar Vuyk & Morgan Claire
Grade 11: Madi Strong
Grade 12: Jordan Dawson
School to Community Representative:Ed Burling
As Grade reps, these individuals represent the concerns of their respective grade to Student Council and take leadership from the Minister of Communication concerning home form visitations. They are also present in order to help out other Ministries whenever possible and they are to consist of one male and one female if possible.
