A Decade in the Making – St Chris School Council’s Constitution Review
In a significant milestone for St Chris, the School Council embarked on a journey to revitalize the institution’s constitution. For the first time in over a decade, an Action Day organised by Lizzie Hedderson brought together the Major Officials at the Arunwood Ecocentre to delve into the intricacies of the constitution and explore avenues for making it more relevant to the current student body. This landmark event underlines the School Council’s commitment to fostering a culture of active participation and responsibility among St Chris students.
The decision to review the constitution after more than ten years signals a pivotal moment in St Chris’ commitment to adapt and evolve – a decision made and led by the School Council itself. This overdue examination recognizes the changing dynamics within the school and acknowledges the importance of aligning the constitution with the current needs and aspirations of the student community.
The School Council, comprised of Major Officials elected from Year 12, played a pivotal role in spearheading this comprehensive review. This assembly of student leaders, including the Head Girl and Boy, Deputy Head positions, and Chairs of various committees, showcased their dedication to shaping the future of St Chris through active participation and thoughtful decision-making. Pupils were invited to share their ideas about St Chris – their likes and dislikes and opportunities for improvement.
The venue for this transformative event, the Arunwood Ecocentre, provided an inspiring backdrop for the Major Officials to immerse themselves in the constitutional review. Discussions ranged from policy development to the practicalities of implementation, demonstrating a collective effort to bring the constitution in line with the ethos of the school.
The significance of this review process was underscored by the presence of Head Rich Jones, who joined the summit towards its conclusion. Pupils discussed with Rich the gravity of the changes and the challenges associated with ensuring the document’s accessibility to the entire school.
The School Council’s dedication to this constitution review is a testament to St Chris’ philosophy of empowering students with both responsibility and accountability. By actively participating in initiatives such as this, the Major Officials are not only shaping the governance of the school but also learning valuable lessons about the power and influence that come with responsible leadership. This endeavour exemplifies the entire school community’s belief that active involvement in governance fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability, preparing students not just for academic excellence but for a lifetime of informed decision-making.
The journey initiated at the Arunwood Ecocentre marks the beginning of a new chapter in St Chris’ governance, where the constitution will reflect the aspirations and values of the vibrant student community it serves.
