PYP Student Council
The PYP student council at XLIS started in 2018.The student council aims to provide opportunities for students in the upper primary, from P4-P6 to represent students’ voices, choices, interests, and concerns. The student council allows our young IB learners to express their values, perspectives, and opinions responsibly to be heard within the XLIS community. The students enhance their communication and leadership skills as they contribute to making our school a better and safe place for everyone.
This year, Ms. Julia, the PYP Chinese Assistant Coordinator, and Ms. Maria, the PYP Coordinator and Head of All Staff Wellbeing were the advisors for the student council. Students from P4-P6 were invited to apply and had to write an essay to express their interest and why they would like to join the student council. The members were selected based on the votes they got in class. We are fortunate to have 15 members in the student council this year.
The student council meeting is held every Wednesday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Due to disruptions, the student council first met on November 16. The first meeting was focused on getting to know you, logo making, and initial conversations on the issues the students feel need to be addressed at school. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and commitment of the students as they shared their ideas and feelings. The students took responsibility for taking the minutes of the meeting.
As one of the issues brought up during the meeting was about bullying, Ms. Maria and Ms. Julia facilitated a session about bullying. The group deep-dived into what bullying looks like, what we can do to prevent it, and asking for help. The session provided opportunities for the students to gain a shared understanding of the topic.
The student council helps students to develop their communication and leadership skills. Every Friday, the students were given the opportunity to make announcements at the assembly to advocate and inform our community about the issues they cared about. This year, some initiatives brought by the student council members focused on bullying, vandalizing such as writings on the walls, taking care of PE equipment, and bringing awareness on the importance of using English at school as much as possible. The student council also organized a fund-raising event to sell Candy Grams to celebrate the holiday season. The funds were donated to a local charity.
Secondary Student Council
End of Year Reflection
The past year was an incredible year of growth and leadership for the secondary student council. From augmenting Sports Day with additional activities, to planning school-wide events such as Kindness Day, Halloween, and prom to supporting the Xi’an and global community through direct and indirect action—the secondary student council has endeavored to be the change they want to see in the world.
Although Ms. Yorke left to continue her educational journey in Vietnam, Ms. Bella and Mr. Ridolfo were joined at the start of the new school year by Mr. McGarry to advise the student council and help them realize their potential.
This school year started by restructuring the student council and evolving it into two distinct groups: Executives & Representatives. The executive team took on the challenge of planning activities and developing outreach programs that provide all students with the opportunity to grow as caring and principled community members. Whilst the fall semester posed many COVID-related challenges that limited the student council’s involvement in the wider Xi’an community, they were able to continue traditions and add new ones during the Winter Holiday season by expressing their gratitude to all the teachers, administrators, and staff members who are key members of the XLIS community.
Class representatives took on the challenge of creating inclusive communities within their homerooms whilst developing a safe environment that promoted communication, balance, and risk-taking. Representatives provided a direct line of communication to the executive and supported the mission of the student council to develop an inclusive community and create a culture that supports social, emotional, and physical growth while developing everyday leaders. Class representatives modeled effective Approaches to Learning skills and represented the qualities expounded by the International Baccalaureate’s Learner Profile Attributes.
In the spring, executive members hope to redoubled their efforts and go into the community to take direct action by organizing and promoting monthly service opportunities across Xi’an. Furthermore, they aim to build connections between the other international schools by planning and organizing a interschool prom. They also hope to continue to add additional fun activities during Sports Day to support the development of community and inclusion at XLIS.
Although many hurdles have been placed in front of the student council members this past year, they have demonstrated incredible perseverance as they adapted to ever-changing circumstances.
Ms. Bella, Mr. McGarry, and Mr. Ridolfo could not be prouder of the growth and grit the students have demonstrated as they continue their life-long pursuit of expanding their knowledge and skills. We are excited to support the continued development of the student council over the rest of the school year.
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Authors:
Maria Zialcita (PYP Coordinator & Head of All Staff Wellbeing)
Jesse Ridolfo (DP and MYP English Language & Literature Teacher, Language Literature Subject Area Leader)
