Student Council Program – St. Hugh Catholic Church & School

St. Hugh Catholic Middle School:

The Student Council at St. Hugh Catholic Middle School is composed of 8th-grade student representatives who are elected to serve as role models, demonstrate academic and behavioral excellence, and actively contribute to the school community. The 7^th and 6^th graders also elect a class representative. These students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills in a Catholic environment that values service, integrity, and respect for others. Through their participation, students will grow in their faith and their understanding of how to lead with compassion, humility, and responsibility.

Student Learning Objectives:

Develop Public Speaking Skills: Build the confidence to speak in front of an audience, with an emphasis on sharing ideas that reflect Catholic values.
Learn Teamwork and Collaboration: Work together as a unified Student Council to accomplish tasks, with an emphasis on empathy, cooperation, and support for one another.
Encourage Service to Others: Identify opportunities to serve the school and broader community, fostering a spirit of Catholic charity and care for the needs of others.
Model Leadership with Integrity: Lead by example, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also moral behavior that reflects the teachings of the Church.
Promote Respect and Responsibility: Uphold high standards of behavior and personal accountability while serving as role models to peers and demonstrating their Catholic faith.

Roles and Responsibilities:

President:

Shall be in 8th grade during their term.
Shall preside over meetings, ensuring the meetings are conducted with respect and in accordance with Catholic principles of justice and fairness.
Shall represent the student body at school and community events when called upon by the principal, always reflecting the Catholic values of humility and service.
Shall work with the executive board to create and implement initiatives that serve the spiritual and educational growth of the school community.
Shall foster a spirit of unity, inclusion, and service among Student Council members.

Vice President:

Shall be in 8th grade during their term.
Shall take on the role of the President in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and the upholding of Catholic values.
Shall assist the President in planning and organizing Student Council events and activities.
Shall encourage fellow students to participate in service opportunities and to live out Catholic teachings in their daily lives.

Treasurer:

Shall be in 8th grade during their term.
Shall maintain accurate records of all Student Council financial transactions, ensuring accountability and transparency in line with Catholic values of honesty and integrity.
Shall prepare and present the budget to the Student Council, ensuring that funds are used responsibly and in support of programs that benefit the school and its community as needed.

Secretary:

Shall be in 8th grade during their term.
Shall record and distribute meeting minutes, ensuring clear and transparent communication to all members of the Student Council.
Shall handle all official correspondence and maintain accurate records of Student Council activities.
Shall assist in the planning and implementation of service-driven initiatives that align with Catholic teachings as needed.

Grade Level Representatives 6^th and 7^th grade:

Must attend all General Assemblies and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.
Shall serve as a liaison between the Student Council and their peers, sharing news and updates, and bringing any concerns or suggestions from their grade.
Will be expected to promote and participate in service initiatives, acting as role models in their commitment to serving others.
Shall help organize and support school activities that promote Catholic values, such as prayer services, charity events, and community outreach programs.

Role of the Student Council:

Collaboration with School Leadership: Work with the Principal, moderator, staff, and fellow students to create a better school life by promoting a Catholic environment of respect, kindness, and service to others.
Fostering Leadership Development: Provide opportunities for all students to grow in leadership, emphasizing the Catholic virtues of humility, service, and stewardship.
Encouraging Participation: Encourage students to become more aware of the operation of the school and empower them to express their needs and ideas constructively.
Contributing to School Policy Development: Be involved in the development of school policies, offering insights that align with the values of Catholic social teaching.
Serving as Liaisons: Serve as a bridge between students and the staff, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and that students’ voices are heard in a respectful and constructive manner.

Service and Moral Excellence:

Each member of the Student Council is expected to actively serve the school community and model exemplary moral behavior. This includes:

Respecting others: Treating all individuals with dignity and kindness, in line with Catholic teachings on respect for life and human dignity.
Promoting Service: Participating in and organizing service projects that benefit the school and local community, such as food drives, charity fundraisers, and volunteering at local shelters.
Being Role Models: Demonstrating integrity, kindness, and responsibility in academic work, behavior, and interactions with others. This aligns with the Catholic value of “loving your neighbor as yourself.”

By embodying these values, the Student Council members will not only contribute to the success of school activities but also grow as compassionate leaders who will continue to serve others with faith and conviction.