In September, the new chairpersons of the student council for 2022/23 were elected. For Laura Maurer Stroh, currently in Grade 11 European Section, this makes her second year as chairperson. 11-grader Robin Kramer will join her in his role as chairperson representing German Section.
Both have been in GESS for a significant period – Laura since kindergarten and Robin from 2016. Their familiarity with GESS and support from their schoolmates will put them in good stead in the roles.
We asked them about their motivation for applying:
Laura – This is the last year I can run for student president, and I feel there is still so much to be done at GESS, as I had only just begun to make a real difference to the school. I have multiple ideas which I wanted to introduce but were too late to begin in my previous term as Student Council president.
Robin – Last year, I was the Upper School Speaker, which gave me good exposure and interesting perspectives. I have identified several problems at GESS that can be fixed and ideas that can improve the quality of life for our students. My motivation is to develop and implement the ideas I have in mind.
Laura, you were chairperson of the student council last year. What was it like?
Being Student Council President last year was an extremely meaningful and challenging experience. Despite COVID-19 and the ever-changing mask and group size regulations, we were still able to implement many projects, one of which was introducing the widely requested and well-received school hoodies. We worked in partnership with the GESS Communications Department to create Limited Edition hoodies to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary.
Everyone in the council was extremely hardworking and great to work with, I’m extremely grateful to all the committee heads and representatives for their commitment towards the council.
What makes the student council an important part of the GESS community?
The student council is what ties the students to the management at GESS. We are the voice of students. It’s extremely important to listen to the students because at the end of the day, we students are the internal and primary stakeholders who are constantly and directly impacted by changes made in the school.
What projects do you have in mind for this school year?
Now that we are finally allowed to meet again and there are no more restrictions, we would like to organise some events for the students. We will also work towards making some changes to the sanitary facilities, such as installing mirrors.
When you’re not at school and studying, what do you do in your free time?
Laura: I love musicals, especially singing! I also write songs myself (on the guitar, ukulele and keyboard) and like to play volleyball after school.
Robin: I like doing sports, especially track and field and I recently joined the MUN CCA at GESS, which I also really enjoy!
From all of us at GESS, congratulations to our new student council chairpersons and we wish you every success! – – –
