By Christine Kilfoil
The York Street Student Council is a group of students committed to making the school better for their classmates and staff. The executive consists of co-chairs Karen and Dahbia, administrator Jane and treasurer Ibrahim (also known as the money man). The Council is also made up of class reps Athenes, Barack and Noureen and is guided by Grade 8 teachers Meghan Burden and Denis Spencer. After spending time with this impressive group of school leaders, it is clear that the future will be in very good hands.
Dahbia explained that she decided to run for Student Council to make sure things happened in the school. Her co-chair Karen echoed that view. She felt she could make change for the better and make the school a safe environment for students and educators. Noureen explained that she ran for Council because she felt she could be part of something that made the school better. Athenes joined the Council after the original class rep was unable to continue and because she likes organizing events for the school. Jane mentioned she wanted to make sure this year was better than the previous year that had been hurt by the pandemic.
Barack thought about running after he saw the candidates and felt he had new ideas to contribute. Ibrahim noted that because the pandemic limited his activities to school then home he was bored and wanted to do something different. Student Council gave him a chance to do something fun and different and he liked organizing things like the Terry Fox Run. All of the council members felt the student council had not been able to be active last year and wanted to make this year better.
The students pointed to the success they have had in organizing the Terry Fox Run, a school dance for the Grade 8 class and a bake sale. Moving forward, they are busy organizing the Grade 8 graduation, including a graduation dance and either a dance or an outdoor water gun-battle between the Grade 7 and 8 students. They would also like to organize a field trip. As Dabhia explained, “For so long we felt stuck, not in control of anything, so we want to have some control back.”
Dahbia pointed with pride to their successful funding raising. “It was stressful at first because we only had 27 dollars and we wanted to make the school better.” Dabhia said that initially they could only email companies to fund raise and many companies were not able to help them. As the rules loosened, the Council was able to organize a bake sale.
But it has not been without significant challenges. These students have spent their middle school years in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic. Karen explained that the COVID rules impacted their ability to socialize. Athenes said that the bake sale activity took a really long time to organize because the Grade 7 and 8 students could not be together at the same time. But this Council is nothing if not adaptable and resilient. Ibrahim explained that the Council either made the items or brought them in. They obtained permission to use the kitchen in the school and gave up their after-school time to bake. Their teachers also helped with donated items and money for the sale. An educational assistant in the school donated ingredients for the baking.
Dahbia expressed amazement at their success in raising 280 dollars. It was the first fund raiser since the pandemic began. “We made even more that we expected. It was amazing.” In fact the Council has successfully raised close to 800 dollars with donations, including from the York Street parent council and the bake sale. They would like to use the money for the activities planned in June and leave a little for the Student Council next year.
The enthusiasm of the students was clear. They believe in the school and its students and staff and want to be part of making York Street School better. The Council has some advice for the next Student Council. Ibrahim suggested talking to your friends and classmates to make sure the things you are doing are what the students want. Athenes advised the next Council to make organization and communication a priority. “Have things lined and ready for events and talk to each other.” Karen noted that you will look back at the things accomplished, the events you were part of putting together and get a really good feeling. “You will be able to look back and say I did this.”