College Council Report

This year the student council comprised of 22 dedicated and forward thinking young men, all of whom gave up their time to ensure their peers would get the most out of being a St Thomas man. Ranging from year 7 to 13, the diversity in age gave the council depth in perspective and a well-rounded understanding of what the students wanted. Meeting every two weeks, ideas were never sparse with at times VERY ambitious ideas put forward, as well as other creative ideas that along with being achievable would make sure the students could see change occur within their school walls.

On the 28th of May the school held its annual work day; a day which see’s funds raised by the students themselves through a day of work in the public. Through the hard work of the students, the Council would come together to use those funds to improve the everyday lives of the men. Through collaborative discussion the council made multiple purchases such as a permanent concrete tennis table for use at lunch times, new speakers and microphones for assemblies and mass; money was spent to fix grandstands on the sporting fields, it saw the purchase of a new school van and new barbecue’s and equipment for use in the future.

Aiming to make the lives of the men at St Thomas an enjoyable one, the council saw the opportunity to use some of the funds raised to bring back an old tradition during special character week, the school fair. This was an extremely well organised day by the student council and involved a superhero themed mufti day which saw iconic dress-ups among students and teachers. With the help of Mr Brendan Biggs the school fair saw the hiring of an inflatable gladiator arena’s, sumo suits for harmless wrestling as well as the most popular attraction, the bubble balls which had students running at what seemed like a 100kmph at each other whilst protected by a giant inflatable bubble covering them. The school fair also included multiple student-run stalls which involved games as well as unique and “interesting” options of food. The money raised from this day was split up and gifted to the cancer society and the India trip who would personally deliver the proceeds to the organisations in need in India.

It is an extremely difficult task to be given only one year to attempt to make positive as well as visible change in the school, but through the help of my fellow councilmen I feel we have had a wonderful year! We have brought back traditions that unite the whole school and we have implemented changes that will have a positive impact on the lives of future St Thomas men. I feel utterly privileged to have led the Student Council this year, and I am sure that the young men involved in the council will go far in their time at STC and continue to make a positive impact on the character of the College.

Adrian Els

Chairman of the College Council 2015