2009–2010 Student Council Elections Package

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

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Student Council 2008 – 2009

STUCO Dear potential candidate for the 2009–2010 Student Council elections: Student Council is an organization of students dedicated to reviving school spirit and making critical improvements in and around the school, with responsibilities in areas encompassing school functions and student life. With each school year, a new set of members brings new ideas to the table, and each member’s unique creativity and talents are harnessed for the benefit of the entire student body. Collectively, the councils of the past have begun new traditions, built upon older customs, and made significant impacts in the school. The bar rises higher and higher each year, and next year’s council has their work cut out for them. That’s where you come in. This is your opportunity to make a commitment to your school and to your fellow students. Once you’re in, you’re committed to the poster parties, the late nights, the debates, the meetings and the planning. You’re determined to put forth all of your effort while maintaining a high academic average and juggling extracurricular activities. You’re open minded to change, flexible, and most importantly, prepared to take on the position of a role model and leader. High school may seem like a long four years, but these are the years that fly by most quickly. Student Council will occupy a large chunk of the limited time you have available, yet this also means that the people you meet, the events you plan and attend, and the experiences and skills you acquire will also have the greatest positive impact on your character and development as an individual. The memories you create will be everlasting, and looking back, those are the memories you can reflect on proudly. The final outcome of being on Student Council is one that is well worth the campaigning, pressure, stress, nerves, and restless nights. Like all commitments, sacrifices must be made, but there is purpose to your sacrifices and reason for your cause. Student Council is about personality, creativity, team work, and dedication. Once you’re in, there’s no turning back, and you may also soon find that you wouldn’t want to anyway, even if you could. StuCo is a lifestyle, a responsibility, and an opportunity. The following job descriptions have been compiled by current Student Council members, drawing on a rich history of past election documents. Read them carefully, choose wisely. All the best luck with your endeavours!

PRESIDENT (To run for this position, you must be entering grade 12)

Current: Fiona Chui

The President of Student Council has the responsibility of being the chief representative for the student population of RHHS. As such, you will be speaking regularly with the administration, teachers, custodial staff and secretaries. Your presence will be required at many meetings (these include School Council, YRPC, Student Council and even Staff Meetings) and you must possess essential interpersonal qualities. As a leader and a diplomat, your role on Student Council demands professionalism, and the utmost dedication. You must lead the council as you plan annual social occasions and are required to represent the students at events and ceremonies both inside (Grade 8 Orientation, Parents Night, etc.) and outside the school (conferences). Meanwhile, you must take on several smaller, but still important duties that need to be completed. It is a very demanding job but also incredibly rewarding at the same time. You will need to learn how to work with people and make every effort to bring the group together. You may also need to make some personal sacrifices in order to make the commitment necessary, but every sacrifice is well worth the final reward. Most of all, you must possess a genuine love for the school and its student body, and make every possible effort to make it better, happier, and prouder. 1 of 3

VICE PRESIDENT (To run for this position, you must be entering Gr. 11 or 12)

Current: Josh Lee

The role of the Vice President is simple yet important. Being the President’s right hand, it is your job to ensure the cooperation and functioning of Student Council. It is also your role to be the ‘all-around’ character on the council, assisting with any tasks that may require assistance. If the President is unable to attend scheduled meetings, then as the Vice President, you are expected to be informed and prepared to host the meeting on behalf of the President. This same concept applies to other meetings that may occur outside of Student Council, such as YRPC. If the President is having a difficult time with the behind-the-scenes administration aspect of his role, the Vice President needs to be on top of things and assist in giving the President an easier time. You ultimately have the same responsibilities as the President, and should work to ensure the smooth operations of council.

TREASURER

Current: Tiffany Santos

You are the money man (or woman). You are basically responsible for the finances of the Student Council as well as all of the other clubs in the school by keeping track of their expenses. Furthermore, you must be somewhat familiar with basic accounting procedures, as you must make an income statement after every Student Council event. Traveling is part of your job description to buy necessities for Student Council. Also, like other Student Council members, you are expected to contribute ideas and opinions on Student Council decisions, reminding the council of the financial aspects of their choices.

SECRETARY

Current: Esther Phua

This position asks you to be everything you expect a secretary to be and more. Ultimately, you’re responsible for recording every decision the Council makes in weekly ‘minutes’ and forwarding those notes to all members, teacher advisors and administration in a prompt manner. The Secretary aims to be the component that keeps operations running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. To achieve this, you must be organized, knowledgeable, and have impeccable note taking skills (this means you’re a fast writer, a good listener, and can keep information clear and concise). You’re the one who thinks of the little details others missed out on, the one who is prepared for every possible outcome, the one with Plan B (and C and D and E and … you get the idea). You must be a quick thinker and a fast learner, unafraid to voice your opinions. You must be consistent, practical, and efficient. Essentially, you’re the one who thinks of all the questions, but often, you’re also the one with all the answers.

SOCIAL CONVENORS

Current: Terry Cho & Shelley Liu

As the Social Convenor on Student Council, you are required to be social and organized. Any time lost to procrastination could ruin an entire event for the school. The duties of the Social Convenor involve planning and organizing various events, such as communicating with DJs and Banquet Hall Coordinators, as well as promoting and motivating others to participate in annual events. This is a two-person position so you must be willing and able to work well on a team. Dedication is key, and as a contributing executive on Student Council, you must be outgoing and have initiative and charisma. This position best fits those who are determined to get students interested in social events.

MINISTER OF PUBLICITY

Current: Zimu Zhu

The job of the Minister of Publicity can be summed up in one simple phrase: you are what you do. As Minister of Publicity, you are not only in charge of publicity, more often than not, you are the publicity. And that is what makes this position such an important one. Any form of publicizing is your responsibility. From the daily morning announcements, to posters, to the outdoor sign, it’s all up to you. At the same time, as Minister of Publicity, you are still only one of the many pieces of the StuCo puzzle. But as long as you’re dedicated, responsible and diligent, you should be in for a fun and eventful year.

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MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Current: Jason Zhao

Participating in external affairs means that you won’t be the bread and butter for StuCo events, although you will still contribute. Your main raison d’être is to reach out to the clubs and councils of the school and administrations, and to attend meetings outside of school when the president can’t make them! Sounds vague? Your job will vary all year long. Approving clubs, distributing funds, hosting president’s meetings and regulating fundraising are only some of the tasks you will have. You will maintain constant communication with student groups, administration, and teacher advisors. Those with time management skills, high retention for complaints, and a passion for clubs at RHHS, are highly suited for the position of the Minister of External Affairs.

WEBMASTER

Current: Frederick Ding

This position requires you to have technical ability as well as patience and perseverance. Aside from maintenance of StuCo’s e-mail communications and online presence, you will be called on to publicize events through the Council site and on social networking services, and to seek modern ways to involve the student body in decision-making. As well, you are responsible for coordinating with Tech Crew and helping to arrange logistics. Consequently, when contributing to the Student Council deliberations and decisions as an executive, you must do so with consideration to your responsibilities and should offer ideas to increase the use of relevant technology in administrative affairs and student events. No modern StuCo would be complete without the person whose technology powers the organization! The Webmaster position is appointed with the input of the incumbent Webmaster and teacher advisors, following a supplementary application and interview process. Submit this form and visit http://www.rhhsstuco.org/webmaster .

GRADE REPRESENTATIVES (non-executives) Grade Representatives participate in Student Council decision-making processes by contributing their ideas and views. As a grade rep, you must consider the opinions and concerns of fellow students in your respective grade. You must be an energetic, open-minded individual who can spread awareness effectively about Student Council events, increase participation in such events, and promote school spirit! Grade Representative Elections are not held at the same time as the executives. Grade 10–12 Grade Rep Elections will take place after election week, but before the end of the school year. A minimum average of 75% is required. Being a part of Student Council is not something to take for granted. It’s not just another club, or just something to put on your resume. You must be dedicated, and the experience you gain from being on Student Council will reflect the dedication and time you put in. There will be good and bad times, obstacles to overcome, and ideas to be shared. Think carefully about the decisions you are going to make, and prepare yourself before signing up. It is up to you to make the experience a positive one. Don’t forget the potential opportunities StuCo presents, and take advantage! Additional information: candidates running for executive positions must have a minimum average of 80% on their midterm report; the school administration may make special exemptions for some candidates. If your application is accepted, Student Council will let you know about the poster regulations and other election matters by e-mail. Speeches can be up to 1 minute in length for all executive candidates, but candidates for President and Vice President will have 2 minutes; drafts must be submitted for approval after your application is accepted. I, have read the above and wish to run for the RHHS Student Council 2009–2010. I understand the responsibilities and duties that I will be taking on, and am fully committed if elected. I will be running for the position of . My midterm average was . My e-mail address is .





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