Student Voice

STUDENT VOICE

"Promoting and facilitating the development of student voice, student participation, and student leadership".

Objectives

• To recognise students as stakeholders, value their views, and ensure their involvement in the operation of the school.
• To ensure that the student council is democratically elected and representative, and is a catalyst for change, with an active role in decision-making and policy development
• To support students in taking leadership roles by facilitating relevant training and providing opportunities to lead school initiatives.
• To consult and engage with students to review and improve teaching, learning and assessment practices.

Adapted from 'Looking at Our School 2016: A Quality Framework for Post-Primary Schools'

In the Abbey Vocational School, students working in partnership with the staff and the wider school community is very important to the success of our school. Please see the leadership teams for 2021 2022 in the AVS.

Student Body Leadership Team

Head Boy - Conor Campbell

Head Girl - Savannah Timoney

Deputy Head Boy - Setanta Tanham

Deputy Head Girl - Ellen Canavan

Senior Prefects

Junior Prefects

1st-year mentors

TY Peer Mentors

Scott Browne

Luke Darnell

Katie Furey

Jane Faulkner

Aimee Gillespie

Jayne Glenn

Robyn Given

Amy McGroary

Kayleigh Boyle

Rachel Boyle

Maeve McCauley

Hannah McCaughan

Ava Kennedy

Abbie Bustard

Emma Sweeney

Zoe Gallagher

Ciara Cannon

Aisling Kee

Lily Reid

Conor Lang

Eve O’Donnell

Meabh McNamara

Shannon Meehan

Tori Murchan

Message From Head Boy and Head Girl 2021 2022

Savannah: Head Girl 2021 2022

Hi everyone, my name is Savannah and I’m delighted to be this year’s head girl.

After the challenges of last year, it has been wonderful to see everyone getting back into the swing of school life and taking part in activities they enjoy. But with the re-opening of society comes a new set of challenges for many. Over the past term, you may have noticed some of your friends and classmates struggling with the transition, maybe with a lack of social confidence after so long in isolation or trouble keeping on track with schoolwork after a year of online classes. This is why this year’s theme of kindness is so important. I urge us all to treat our peers with the same patience and respect that we would like to be afforded ourselves. Although many of us will thrive back in the school environment, we have no way of knowing what others have on their minds, so it is more important now than ever to treat those around us with compassion.

In my time here, I’ve always felt encouraged and supported by our school community and I hope everyone can feel the same. We must remember that it is our actions that shape our school environment so it is up to us to create a community that we want to be a part of. I am sure that if we all take small actions to help those around us, no one will be left behind as we transition back into normal school life.

Education is about more than just academics so it is important to keep developing other skills that you enjoy. As extra-curricular activities re-open, this is a great time to pick up a new pastime. Everything from rowing to chess club to dance is ongoing at lunchtime throughout the week and there are many more activities after school, so there is something to interest everyone. Trying something new is a great way to get active, meet new people, develop new skills and have a good time. It’s always daunting to try something new but I’ve found that you have the most fun and make the most memories when you get out of your comfort zone. The only way to know if you enjoy an activity is to get stuck in and try it out, so don’t be afraid to give something new a chance!

If you need any support or advice throughout the year, the prefects and myself would be delighted to lend a hand or a listening ear. We all want to leave the Abbey Vocational School as the best versions of ourselves so I hope we can all show kindness to one another, embrace new opportunities and develop into the people we want to be.

Conor: Head Boy 2021 2022

My name is Conor Campbell and as this year’s head boy, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome the whole school community to our school .I am delighted to be head boy and am looking forward to what I hope will be an enjoyable and prosperous year for us all.

The past two years have been challenging for everyone, however we have worked very hard to keep the school a happy and safe environment for everyone. It is time for us to look forward at the hopeful future ahead and make the most of the many opportunities that we are fortunate to have as students of AVS.

I have personally had a brilliant experience as a student of the Abbey Vocational school, enjoying the academic side of school life but also participating in many extra curricular activities. I would encourage you all to experience the various aspects if school life on offer. Check out the many clubs and activities, meet new friends and get involved in school life. It will provide you with valuable memories and skills for the future.

We are lucky to be part of a school community which values and celebrates diversity and inclusion and I would encourage you all to be respectful towards each other and mindful that at times we all experience difficulties. Help each other by offering support and assistance if you see someone struggling. Your kindness can change someone’s day. Your prefects as well as myself and Savannah are here if you have questions, need support or just want a chat.

I’m hopeful that we will all enjoy the year ahead, push ourselves to achieve our goals, try new things and recognize the importance of kindness.