Interviewer:
“Thank you for joining us today, Ms. McGee. To begin, could you share how members personally benefit from being part of the SLC? Additionally, do you have a special success story of a student who has grown and developed within the SLC?”
Ms. McGee:
“Being a part of the Student Leadership Council not only gives our members a special purpose, but also important responsibilities within and for our community that help them build important skills for the future. While our team ranges from students in Grade 5 to 12, they all learn to lead with confidence, collaborate with others, and better organize themselves. All of our students grow through their time with us and become success stories in my opinion, for example, I have seen students who have struggled to find their voice and avoid public speaking turn into Team Leaders who have stood in front of an assembly of peers to lead a campaign.”
Interviewer:
“Could you please explain in detail what the Student Leadership Council is and its main purpose?”
Ms. McGee:
“The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is a student-led group that enables students to contribute to the administration of our school by playing an active role in their education and making a positive difference in the local and global community through service leadership. The Council is led by a Head and Deputy Head Prefect, and 8 Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders who are responsible for a specific department.”
Interviewer:
“SLC consists of several different departments. Could you tell us what these departments are?”
Ms. McGee:
“Academic Achievements and Conduct, Elementary School, Events, Magazine and Yearbook, Physical Health and Wellbeing, Press and Media, School Spirit, and Social Involvement.”
Interviewer:
“What are the specific responsibilities or roles that students take on within the different SLC Departments?”
Ms. McGee:
“Each Department has a Team Leader, Deputy, Junior Deputy and a team of Prefects who help plan, organize, and execute projects, events or initiatives. For Example, our Events Team plans events like school dances, our Academic Achievements and Conduct departments plans special campaigns like Stomp Out Bullying Week, and our Social Involvement Team helps plan projects like the Neusser Tafel Charity Collection.”
Interviewer:
“What skills or competencies do students develop when they join SLC?”
Ms. McGee:
“Students develop a variety of skills to improve their communication, time management, problem-solving, teamwork, respect, integrity, accountability, and overall leadership abilities. These are all areas that help them well beyond their time at ISR.”
Interviewer:
“How does the SLC support our school community and contribute to our positive school environment?”
Ms. McGee:
“SLC does a variety of things behind the scenes and in front of our community. For example we volunteer at events like Open House, by giving tours to our families and helping with different activities, but the students themselves also make an impact on the everyday classes by being a role model for others.”
Interviewer:
“What qualities or requirements should students have if they want to join the SLC? How can students apply or get involved with the SLC?”
Ms. McGee:
“We look for students who are dependable, respectful, and passionate about making a difference. Students can apply to be an official part of our team during our spring recruitment in Term 2. The application requires them to explain why they would like to join and how they would like to impact our community, as well as get a reference from our community. However, we are always open to students looking to spend some time with us through community service!”
Interviewer:
“Could you share examples of special projects or events that the SLC organizes?”
Ms. McGee:
“The 8 various departments have a variety of events throughout the year, we have something going on at least every week, and sometimes every day! These events range from Spirit Days, like when we celebrate Halloween or Back to School, to big events like a Spring Dance, or quiet initiatives to help promote wellness, kindness, cultural appreciation and giving back to the community through charitable donations or community service.”
Interviewer:
“What do you like most about your work as an SLC Advisor?”
Ms. McGee:
“Helping students discover who they are and grow into the best versions of themselves is what I love most. It’s truly rewarding to watch a young person realize the impact they can have – and to see them understand that they have the power to shape their world and the world around them.”
