School Council
St Michael’s School Council – Giving Pupils a Voice
At St Michael’s, we believe every child should have a say in shaping school life. Our School Council provides a meaningful way for pupils to share their ideas and influence decisions that affect them. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for children to develop leadership skills and learn about democracy in action.
“We all have a say in what happens at St Michael's. Together, we will make a difference.”
What is the School Council?
The School Council is a group of pupils elected by their classmates to represent their views and help make our school even better. Our council includes representatives from KS1 and KS2, ensuring every voice is heard.
At the start of each school year, every class elects one representative. These councillors meet fortnightly to discuss ideas and plan projects.
Learning Roles and Responsibilities
Before starting their work, councillors learn what it means to be a School Council member. They explore their responsibilities, such as:
- Representing the views of their classmates.
- Attending regular meetings and sharing ideas.
- Helping to organise charity events.
- Promoting respect and care for our school environment.
They also learn the qualities needed to succeed – being reliable, enthusiastic, respectful, and committed to making our school the best it can be.
How Does It Work?
- Each class keeps a School Council book to record suggestions and issues.
- Representatives bring these ideas to the council meetings.
- After meetings, councillors feedback to their class and encourage discussion and voting on actions.
- Meeting minutes are displayed on the School Council board and published on the school website.
Why Is This Important?
Through their work, councillors help organise charity events, improve school life, and encourage pupils to respect and care for our environment.
This also supports the fundamental British Values:
- Democracy – Pupils vote and share ideas.
- Individual Liberty – Children express their opinions freely.
- Mutual Respect & Tolerance – Listening to different viewpoints during discussions.
- Rule of Law – Understanding why rules matter and how decisions are made.
We are proud of our School Council and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make this year!
Meet our School Council:
Our school council is formed of KS1 and KS2 pupils, who were elected by their class members, to represent the views of all pupils and to improve our school.
🌟 Our School Council Song 🌟
We’ve chosen “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars as our School Council song because it shows what we believe in – helping each other, being kind, and working as a team. Just like the song says, you can always count on us to listen, share your ideas, and make our school the best it can be!
//www.youtube.com/embed/6k8cpUkKK4c#t=0.5
School Council Blog
Term 1: Our Plans for the Year
Our newly elected School Council is ready to make a difference!
This term, they kicked things off by leading a whole-school assembly where they introduced themselves and shared their responsibilities as councillors.
They also revealed their vision for the year, inspired by our school motto:
“We all have a say in what happens at St Michael’s. Together, we will make a difference.”
Before diving into their projects, the councillors spent time learning what it means to be a School Council member.
They explored their roles and responsibilities, including:
Representing the views of their classmates.
- Attending regular meetings and sharing ideas.
- Helping to organise charity events.
- Encouraging respect and care for our school environment.
They also learned the qualities needed to succeed in this role – being reliable, enthusiastic, respectful, and committed to making our school the best it can be.
Over the next few weeks, the Council will be gathering ideas from across the school on how we can make St Michael’s an even better place to learn, play, and grow. All suggestions will be collected and used to create an action plan that will guide their projects for the year.
We can’t wait to see the positive impact our School Council will have. Watch this space for updates on their progress and the changes they’ll bring!
Term 2: UK Parliament Week
This term, our School Council has been busy leading UK Parliament Week across the school!
To kick things off, they delivered an engaging assembly to explain what Parliament is, how it works, and why it matters. The children learned about the Houses of Commons and Lords, the role of the Monarch, and how laws are made. They even discovered fun facts – like why the benches are green and red, and that Big Ben is actually the bell, not the tower!
But the learning didn’t stop there. Over the coming days, pupils will get a taste of democracy in action through a series of exciting activities:
- Petitions – Classes will create petitions about changes they’d like to see in school.
- Debates – Pupils will take part in mini debates, sharing ideas and listening respectfully to different viewpoints.
- School Vote – Finally, we’ll hold a whole-school vote, using ballot boxes just like in Parliament!
These activities will help children understand how decisions are made and why every voice counts. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the democratic process first-hand and see how they can make a difference.
UK Parliament Week is a brilliant way to embed the fundamental British Values in our school community:
- Democracy – Children learn about voting, representation, and having their say.
- Individual Liberty – Pupils express their opinions through petitions and debates.
- Mutual Respect & Tolerance – Listening to different viewpoints during debates encourages respect and understanding.
- Rule of Law – Understanding how laws are made and why they matter reinforces the importance of rules in society.
Through these activities, our pupils are not only learning about Parliament but also living out these values in a practical, meaningful way.
Stay tuned for updates on the petitions, debates, and the big vote!
Term 3: British Values
This term, our whole school is focusing on British Values – the principles that help us live together kindly, fairly, and respectfully. These values are:
- Democracy
- Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We began Term 3 with a whole-school assembly exploring what these values mean and why they are important in our everyday lives. Pupils learned how these values guide us to make good choices, respect each other, and celebrate differences.
School Council Leading the Way
Our School Council representatives from Years 1 to 6 will be leading activities each week to help their classes reflect on these values. Here’s the plan for the term:
Week 1 – Democracy
Classes will hold a vote on a fun decision and discuss what makes voting fair.
Week 2 – Rule of Law
Pupils will create a “Golden Rule” for their classroom and think about why rules matter.
Week 3 – Individual Liberty
Children will share choices they’ve made and how those choices affect others.
Week 4 – Mutual Respect
Classes will explore what respect looks like and why it makes school a better place.
Week 5 – Tolerance
Pupils will learn something new about a different culture or belief and share it with their peers.
Follow Our Journey
Each week, we’ll update this blog with photos, quotes from pupils, and highlights from the activities. We want to capture the voices of our children and celebrate how they are living out these values in school.
Check back regularly to see how our pupils are making British Values part of everyday life at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School!
Week 1 – Democracy at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School
This week, our focus is on Democracy, one of the five British Values that guide us in living together fairly and respectfully.
In our whole-school assembly, we explored what democracy means: everyone has a voice, and decisions are made fairly. We talked about how voting helps us share ideas and make choices together.
School Council Activity:
Each class held a vote on a fun decision – from choosing a story to picking a game. Our School Council representatives led the discussion and explained why voting matters.
Pupil Voice:
“I liked voting because everyone got a chance to choose.”
“It was fair because we all had the same say.”
Reflection Question:
How did voting make people feel? Was it fair?
📸 Check back soon for photos of our classes in action and more quotes from pupils!
Next week, we’ll be learning about Rule of Law – why rules are important and how they help us.
Week 2 – Rule of Law at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School
This week, we focused on the Rule of Law, learning how rules help keep us safe, happy and able to learn together.
In assembly, we discussed why rules are important both in school and in the wider world. The children shared thoughtful ideas about fairness and consequences, and how rules help everyone to feel secure.
School Council Activity:
Each class worked together to create a “Golden Rule” for their classroom. Our School Council representatives led discussions about what makes a good rule and why it matters.
Pupil Voice:
“Rules keep us safe.”
“If we didn’t have rules, things wouldn’t be fair.”
Reflection Question:
Why is it important that everyone follows the same rules?
📸 Look out for photos of our classroom Golden Rules and more pupil reflections!
Next week, we’ll be exploring Individual Liberty and the importance of making our own choices.
Week 3 – Individual Liberty at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School
This week, our focus is on Individual Liberty – understanding that we all have the right to make our own choices, while respecting others.
During assembly, we talked about freedom and responsibility. Pupils discussed how the choices we make can affect not only ourselves but those around us.
School Council Activity:
Children shared examples of choices they make every day—big and small—and discussed how these choices can have positive or negative outcomes.
Pupil Voice:
“I can choose to be kind.”
“My choices can help other people feel happy.”
Reflection Question:
How can your choices make a positive difference to others?
📸 Keep checking back for examples of children’s work and more thoughtful pupil comments.
Next week, we will learn about Mutual Respect.
Week 4 – Mutual Respect at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School
This week, we explored Mutual Respect and what it means to treat others how we would like to be treated.
In assembly, pupils reflected on the importance of kindness, listening, and valuing everyone’s ideas. We discussed how respect helps create a positive and inclusive school environment.
School Council Activity:
Classes worked together to identify what respect looks like in school—through words, actions, and attitudes.
Pupil Voice:
“Respect is being kind to everyone.”
“It means listening when someone else is speaking.”
Reflection Question:
What can you do to show respect to others in your class?
📸 Look out for displays and class work celebrating respectful behaviour across the school!
Next week, we will focus on Tolerance.
Week 5 – Tolerance at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School
This week, our final focus is Tolerance—celebrating differences and learning about others.
In assembly, we talked about how everyone is unique and why it’s important to respect and learn from different cultures, beliefs, and traditions.
School Council Activity:
Pupils explored something new about another culture or belief and shared what they learned with their classmates.
Pupil Voice:
“I liked learning about different traditions.”
“Everyone is different and that’s a good thing.”
Reflection Question:
What have you learned about someone else that you didn’t know before?
📸 We look forward to sharing photos and pupil work showcasing our learning about tolerance!
-
School Council Leading the Way: Celebrating Our Differences
Term 4 Focus – Respect, Inclusion and Belonging
During Term 4, our School Council led a series of activities focused on respecting and celebrating the differences that make each of us unique. Rooted in our Catholic values, we explored how we are all created in God’s image and are called to treat one another with dignity, kindness and love.
Throughout the term, pupils reflected on what it means to belong, to be treated fairly, and to show understanding towards others in our school community.
Our Whole-School Journey
Across the term, children took part in weekly discussions and activities led by their School Council representatives. Each week focused on an important aspect of inclusion and respect:
Week 1 – Everyone Belongs
Classes explored what it means to be part of a community. Pupils shared ways we can make everyone feel welcome and included in our school.Week 2 – Respecting Differences
Children discussed how we are all different and why this is something to celebrate. They thought about how we can show kindness and respect to everyone.Week 3 – Being Fair
Pupils explored the idea of fairness and why it is important that everyone is treated equally and with respect.Week 4 – Families and Community
Children reflected on the importance of family and the different people who care for us. They discussed how all families are special and deserving of respect.Week 5 – Speaking Up and Being Kind
Classes talked about the importance of using their voice to stand up for what is right and to support others.Week 6 – Celebrating Ourselves and Others
We finished the term by celebrating what makes each of us unique while recognising the values that bring us together as a school family. -
Pupil Voice
“I like that everyone is different because it makes our school interesting.”
“We should be kind to everyone.”
“Everyone belongs here.”What We Learned
Through these discussions, our pupils demonstrated a strong understanding of how to:
Show kindness and respect to others
Celebrate differences positively
Stand up for fairness
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment
- We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful contributions and maturity shown by all year groups.
- Living Our Faith
- This term linked closely to our Catholic mission of loving our neighbour. Pupils recognised that showing respect and inclusion is part of living out our faith each day.
School Council Leading the Way: Wellbeing Matters
Term 5 Focus – Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
During Term 5, our School Council focused on an important theme: wellbeing and looking after our mental health.
As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, pupils across the school explored simple but powerful ways to take care of their minds, support one another and build positive habits for everyday life.
Our Whole-School Journey
Throughout this shorter half term, our School Council representatives led weekly discussions and activities to support pupils’ wellbeing:
Week 1 – Understanding Feelings
Children explored different emotions and talked about how it is okay to feel a range of feelings. Classes discussed ways to recognise and express emotions in a healthy way.
Week 2 – Talking and Listening
Pupils focused on the importance of talking to a trusted adult or friend. They practised being good listeners and supporting each other with kindness.
Week 3 – Looking After Ourselves
Children learned simple self-care strategies, such as getting enough sleep, being active, and taking time to relax and reflect.
Week 4 – Being Kind to Ourselves and Others
In our final week, pupils reflected on how kindness—both to ourselves and to others—can have a positive impact on wellbeing.
Pupil Voice
“Talking to someone helps when you feel worried.”
“I feel happy when I play outside with my friends.”
“It’s important to be kind to yourself.”
What We Learned
Through these activities, pupils developed a better understanding of how to:
- Recognise and manage their feelings
- Support others with kindness and empathy
- Build healthy habits for body and mind
- Know who to go to if they need help
We were incredibly proud of how openly and thoughtfully pupils engaged in these discussions.
Living Our Values
This focus linked closely to our school values and Catholic ethos. Pupils reflected on how caring for one another, showing compassion, and looking after ourselves are all ways of living out our faith in daily life.
-
School Council Leading the Way: World Environment Day
Term 6 Focus – Caring for Our Planet 🌍
This term, our School Council and Eco Warriors are leading the way as we focus on World Environment Day and how we can all help protect our planet.
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June, reminding us that we all have a responsibility to care for the Earth. Throughout this term, pupils will be learning that even small actions can make a big difference when we work together.
Our Whole-School Mission
At St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School, we are working together to:
Reduce waste
Save energy
Care for our school environment
Build positive, eco-friendly habits
Our School Council and Eco Warriors will lead activities across the school to inspire everyone to become Eco Heroes—making thoughtful choices that help protect our world.
-
Weekly Eco Focus
Each week, classes will take part in activities designed to help us make a real difference:
Week 1 – Caring for Our Environment
Children will explore why our planet is special and why it is important to protect it.Week 2 – Reducing Waste
Pupils will focus on recycling, reusing materials, and reducing rubbish in school.Week 3 – Saving Energy
Classes will learn how simple actions, like turning off lights and equipment, can save energy.Week 4 – Saving Water
Children will explore ways to avoid wasting water at school and at home.Week 5 – Tackling Plastic Pollution
Pupils will learn about the dangers of plastic waste and how we can reduce single-use plastics.Week 6 – Becoming Eco Heroes
We will celebrate our efforts and reflect on how we can continue helping the environment every day. -
Pupil Voice
-
“I can help by turning off the lights.”
“I will use my water bottle instead of plastic.”
“We can all help the Earth in small ways.” -
Our Challenge
As a school, we are setting ourselves a challenge:
How much of a difference can we make by the end of the term?Through teamwork, responsibility, and care for God’s creation, we know we can make our school a greener, cleaner, and kinder place.
-
Follow Our Journey
Each week, we will update this blog with:
- Photos of our eco activities
- Pupil reflections and ideas
- Examples of how we are making a difference
Together, we can show that:
“Small actions really do make a big difference.” 🌱
-
Keep checking back to see how our pupils are becoming true Eco Heroes at St. Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School!