The Warwick Academy Student Council is a student-run committee made up of 12 elected representatives: Zachary Friesen, Savannah Stafford, Alize Daisly-Bailey, Damon Rosati, Shannon Bothello, Claire Conyers, Hannah Marshall, Théo Wolffe, Samir Rahman, Melanie DeSousa, Chiara Marshall, and Angus Betts. The Council acts as a forum where the average pupil’s ideas, interests, concerns, and suggestions are recognised. It works in partnership with the Senior Management Team for the benefit of the student body as a whole.

The Student Council meets on the first Friday of every month to discuss the issues at hand and to arrive at solutions that continue to promote a cohesive, communicative, and favourable school environment. When asked to comment on the Council’s meetings, Student Council President, Zachary Friesen, said: “[Members of the Council] decide on which improvements and goals are realistic and achievable, and then plan how to bring about this change.”

Warwick Academy is the first Human Rights Friendly School in Bermuda and as such, the Student Council aspires to create an environment in which every opinion is heard. According to Mr Dave Horan, Head of the Secondary Department: “The opportunity for students to have a voice is important in order for us to understand the needs and views of our most important constituent.”

In the first assembly of the school year, Zachary Friesen spoke about the purpose of the Student Council, the responsibilities of its elected members, and the role that the student body plays in the Council’s success. Zachary encouraged students to actively participate in this important facet of the school. He also shared that his goal for the first term of school was “to raise school spirit, awareness of the Student Council and the power the students have”.

In keeping with his stated goal, Zachary immediately initiated change. He created a new and improved merit award system, which was implemented on the first day of school. He also introduced a monthly business dress day for the International Baccalaureate students, in order to better prepare them for the expectations of a business environment.

Théo Wolffe, veteran Student Council member, intimated how the Council has improved under Friesen’s direction. “The Student Council has gone from average to extraordinary by engaging the student body more frequently and making the school a better environment for students.”

This term, the Student Council hosted two new events, ‘Mad Hair Day’ and ‘Spirit Week’. On ‘Mad Hair Day’ the students were encouraged to style their hair in a “crazy” manner. The funds raised were donated to PALS and cancer research. ‘Spirit Week’ included Pyjama Monday, where students and faculty wore pyjamas and were served a breakfast of pancakes and bacon; Twin Wednesday, where friends and faculty dressed as twins; Sports Day, where students competed in obstacle courses and gymnasium games; and Famous Friday, where students and faculty dressed as celebrities and historical figures. ‘Spirit Week’ raised $3,000 which has been earmarked for future advancements within the school. The enthusiastic participation in these events resulted in a strengthened unification of the student body. As Zachary Friesen expressed, “Positive energy makes such a huge difference. If you are surrounded by negativity, no progress will be made.”

With the success of his first school term in office behind him, Zachary is looking ahead to his next two terms in office. Looking ahead for the New Year, he states that the Student Council’s plan for 2014 is “to be more involved in the community outside of school, as well as to empower students as we partake in a New Year and new changes”.

With a hardworking president, dedicated representatives, and a clear plan for the New Year, the Warwick Academy Student Council is paving the way for a productive and successful 2014.