9.9.02

Student Council Minutes 9/9/2002

Present: Coffer, Furniss, Henniker, Jouzy, Morante, Vandervolk, Viita, Zinkin, BJO’K, JMcL Absent: Cordes, Espin

Parking

The council discussed the issue of student parking. Currently no boy may park on the school premises during the week, and those who drive to school park in Verdun Road. Paulines have, in the past, been targeted on this road walking to and from cars, and threatened or attacked. Vehicles of Paulines have had their tyres slashed. The council firmly believes that if the school is able to do anything to make journeys to school easier, it ought to, without placing its students in this kind of danger. The Surmaster told the council that the current rules preventing parking did not constitute a moral or environmental objection, simply the pragmatic problem of space. The council suggested there might be space in the bowl, though it was unsure whether parking there would clash with recreational activities. It was also suggested that there was space in the St Paul's Juniors car park, estimated at 25 spaces. It was suggested that local parking permits could be made available, either temporary or permanent (since the school is an employer). These would be purchased from the Surmaster’s office. Letters will be written to the local council; further discussion will take place.

Development

Debbie Barron, new to the SPS Development Office, will speak to the SC meeting in the next few weeks about the ten-year plan for the school’s architecture.

SPS Environmental Policy

The issue of the school’s environmental policy was raised. The Chairman will speak to the Surmaster for clarification.

Leavers’ Certificate

The Council discussed the possibility of a certificate for those leaving St Paul’s in the U8th. It was felt there was not much sense of closure at the end of a Pauline’s time here, and that the U8th summer term just “faded into holidays”. At present, there is the Yearbook, the Leavers’ Photograph, two gatherings for drinks (with parents before the last half-term, and on the last day of school), and the Leavers’ Ball (organised by boys). This was all felt to be somewhat informal, though the events were well attended. The leaving of St Paul’s should be a ‘package deal’ that is worth having.

The idea of a certificate was warmly received, though its format, content, and cost require further discussion. It should be given to all students, and not be optional; ideally the school would cover the cost, or it would be added to the bookroom account (as the yearbook is).

In order to imbue it with meaning and importance, it was thought there should be some sort of ceremony for presenting these certificates. This should take place at the end of the school year, possibly in conjunction with either drinks or the Summer festival. It should be made an event to celebrate leaving St Paul’s, and hopefully become part of the school’s tradition.

Elections

The following L8ths have been appointed to the Student Council: 

Basheer, H

Clausen-Thue, P

Fink, C

Gifford, H

Granger, A

Habib, R

Marmot, D

O’Boyle, A

Reizenstein, B

Thompson, C