When word spread around the corridors of Scoil an Linbh Íosa that, for the very first time, a new Student Council would be created, excitement and anticipation filled the air. Through careful organisation, the ball got rolling and the children were briefed on what would be expected of them if they became a member of our new Student Council.
One of the first tasks by the teachers was to gauge the level of interest among the children and to determine how many children would be running for election. Unsurprisingly, the number of candidates was enormous much to the delight of all the teachers. Following the proper protocols each class grouping held a meeting in which the hopeful candidates had to be nominated and their nominations had to be seconded by another person.
Once this step was complete, the hard work began with the candidates creating their election posters to try and persuade their peers to vote for them on the election day. Below are some examples of the excellent posters that can be seen all around our school:
Once this step was complete, the hard work began with the candidates creating their election posters to try and persuade their peers to vote for them on the election day. Below are some examples of the excellent posters that can be seen all around our school:
Work then began on the candidates' election speeches. For many classes, this tied in with our persuasive writing genre in which the children learned the ways in which they could appeal to and encourage their fellow classmates to vote.
Prior to the election speeches, the hopeful candidates received a visit from our local TD, James Lawless.
James chatted with the candidates about his career in politics so far. He discussed how it all began from the time when he wasn’t happy with the train service from Sallins travelling to his job in Dublin. This in turn was his first priority when he was elected. He also discussed the importance of canvassing for votes and used the analogy of a wall - the first voter wanted him to paint it black, the next pink, the next blue and so on. So he asked the children what they would do to keep the potential voters all happy. The children asked lots of very thought provoking questions.
Prior to the election speeches, the hopeful candidates received a visit from our local TD, James Lawless.
James chatted with the candidates about his career in politics so far. He discussed how it all began from the time when he wasn’t happy with the train service from Sallins travelling to his job in Dublin. This in turn was his first priority when he was elected. He also discussed the importance of canvassing for votes and used the analogy of a wall - the first voter wanted him to paint it black, the next pink, the next blue and so on. So he asked the children what they would do to keep the potential voters all happy. The children asked lots of very thought provoking questions.
The day then arrived in which the candidates were to give their speeches to their classmates. The children spent much of their free time planning and perfecting their speeches and presented their thoughts and hopes for the coming year with their classmates. The standard of speeches and thought-provoking ideas were amazing to listen to and all the candidates should be applauded on their hard work.
t last, the much anticipated election day arrived at Scoil an Linbh Íosa. Polling stations were set up in two classrooms and each class visited the station to cast their votes. Children manned the polling stations, crossed the names of the children who voted off the register of voters and tallied the number of voters on the day.
The voters were able to choose their favoured candidate from their ballot papers and put their anonymous vote in the box. All they had to do now, was WAIT!
The voters were able to choose their favoured candidate from their ballot papers and put their anonymous vote in the box. All they had to do now, was WAIT!
Thursday, 15th of November 2018 was a historic day for Scoil an Linbh Íosa as after much patience and anticipation, the first ever members of our student council were elected. Meet our council representatives below:
