Student Council elections and activities at Coláiste Fionnchua

Schools might only be back a few short weeks, but the Student Council in Coláiste Fionnchua is already up and running. Student elections have been held and year group representatives elected. They have already met to brainstorm some ideas and kick-start some initiatives they believe will be to the benefit of the school and its students.

Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic created a ‘disposal’ culture of sorts, which led to a lot of waste. Reducing waste is one of the main targets of the Student Council. Prior to the summer, the committee approached the canteen and worked with them to reduce plastic used. Plastic water bottles have been replaced with cardboard ones, plastic forks have been replaced with wooden ones, and other, more environmentally friendly packaging has also been introduced to help achieve this goal. In addition to that, ‘Treat-Day Thursday’ has been introduced, as well as a healthy tuck shop.

The Student Council is now focused on food waste, and last week they surveyed the student body with regards to their lunch habits, dietary favourites etc. This data will then be used to help the canteen reduce food waste produced.

In addition to that, the Student Council has also kick-started the Buddy System whereby the 1st year students are paired with a TY student. This not only helps 1st year students to settle in properly to the school community but also gives them a mentor in Senior Cycle if they even need advice or help. The student council are also working together to create events for the House System which allows the whole school community to work together and enjoy various activities both fun and academic.

Achieving a Green flag is high on the priority list for the Student Council this year, as well as regaining our Amber flag. Student Council mentor, Ms Vaughan, is pleased with the progress of the Student Council: “We try to positively problem-solve in our Student Council to make the school environment a happy and successful place. I’m delighted with the progress the Student Council has made. We have very pro-active members this year who are keen to represent the year groups to the best of their ability.”

Coláiste Fionnchua Student Council Representatives are Chloe Dennehy and Zac Darcy (1st year); Freya Corbett and Sean Walsh (2nd year); Cameron Sweeney and Darragh Sheehy (3rd year); Kerrie Sampson and Donal Nolan (4th year); Orla Ryan (5th year); Chloe Crotty (LCA); Mary Ellen Casey and Sean Russell (6th year).

TRANSITION YEAR ACTIVITIES

Transition Year students had an active start to their school year as they took on the challenge of Corrin Hill, just outside Fermoy. The sun shone as they tackled the 728ft climb. Students also got a lesson on the history of the area which includes an ancient cairn and a ringfort from the early Iron Age.

Next on the agenda of activities was a visit to Ballyhass Adventure Centre where, as well as a variety of team-building exercises, they tried their hand at rock-climbing and high-ropes. The day finished with a well-earned and much needed trip to the water park.