Committed to the philosophy of giving students and young women a voice, the Ruyton Student Council (RSC) has, again, been a dynamic group. Continuing past projects with enthusiasm and diligence, and initiating new ones have been features of this year’s committee.
Addressing Concerns
The RSC continues to address issues arising from students’ concerns. These include questions about locker-rooms, uniform and facilities. The RSC considered ways in which students use the locker-rooms, and how the care for these areas could be improved. Under Mrs Nicholls’ direction, the downstairs locker-room was painted, and the responsibility for keeping it clean and tidy was handed to the students.
Student Council Conference
The RSC has also considered issues beyond Ruyton. Five members attended a Student Council Conference at Genazzano in June where they were given the opportunity to discuss issues facing students in a range of schools. Collaboration on devising solutions was a key component of the day’s activities. The girls who attended returned with a greater understanding of the purpose of student councils, and with some exciting new ideas for the RSC.
UNIFEM International Women's Day Breakfast & Women of Note Mentor Breakfast
Members of the RSC also attended the UNIFEM International Women’s Day Breakfast in March, where they heard a Bangladeshi victim of acid violence speak of her experiences and her determination to make a difference to others in similar situations. Other RSC members attended the Women of Note Mentor Breakfast at the ANZ Pavilion in May. At this event, the girls had the privilege of hearing Viv Benjamin speak of her experiences as a volunteer for the Oaktree Foundation. As a consequence of her engrossing and inspiring presentation, Viv was invited to speak at a Ruyton assembly where she made an impression on all the Senior School students.
UNIFEM Spring Walk
These opportunities gave the RSC motivation to run the annual UNIFEM Spring Walk in August. This was a huge success, with a high proportion of Senior School girls wearing something pink, participating with their Houses in the relay, enjoying the BBQ and getting into the dancing. All members of the RSC are congratulated on their diligence and enthusiasm for this activity. They were a highly reliable group who displayed a great deal of energy and initiative.
The Annual RSC Art Competition
The annual RSC Art Competition was held in early Term 3. Again, the entries were of a high standard. The theme this year was 'A Day Without Rain'. Congratulations to the winner Kariesa Van Zyl and to Sarah Lee who was awarded Second Place. Thank you very much to Martin Gallon, who gave of his time so generously and judged so ably.
RSC Survey
A survey of the RSC was also undertaken to assess the direction this group should take in 2010. As a consequence, the new student leadership role of RSC Chair was created. Congratulations to Stephanie Gallacher who will be the first student to undertake this role in 2010.
Ruyton Student Council Conference
The final event for 2009 was the Ruyton Student Council Conference. A number of local schools were invited to attend, and girls from Strathcona and St Catherine’s joined the RSC members from Years 7 to 11 for a morning of ideas and discussion. Two guest speakers, Katie Sargent and Krista Seddon, founding members of Young UNIFEM Melbourne, spoke of their experiences as student leaders at their schools, and of their university and voluntary work since leaving school. They were inspiring and thought-provoking. The participants then considered issues facing girls in school and globally. A commitment to continue working together in 2010 was made between students from the three schools. It will be exciting to see what the girls can achieve together in 2010. The conference was hosted by the 2010 Co-Captains elect, Sarah Bush and Madeleine Reilly, and the RSC Chair 2010 Stephanie Gallacher.
The RSC was very ably led by the enthusiastic and reliable School Co-Captains, Eliza Bramwell and Charlotte Malon. The RSC members for 2009 should be proud of what they have achieved this year.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Beverley Sill b. 1929
Ms Julie Hoskins, Co-ordinator of Student Leadership