Following the annual elections in September, we are proud to welcome our newly elected Student Council leaders, who will carry forward the transitions of teamwork, service, and dedication that define our student body. At the helm are Student Presidents Jacob and Jayanth, supporting them are Vice Presidents Annika and Lucas, and representing our younger students, Primary Captains Vrinda and Joanna. We speak to them about their visions for GESS.
Could you introduce yourselves? What made you motivated to run for your position?
Jacob: Being a long-time member of the Student Council, I could see its success and where it fell short over the years. I ran this year to promote the change people wanted to see with this knowledge of the council and its problems.
Lucas: I am Lucas Gargiulo; I am the former Student President and the current Student Vice President for the European section. My original goal was to run for a second term as President to finish the projects I had started and expand what I had already completed. Ultimately, I became Vice President instead, but I still plan to assist the new Presidents in completing both ongoing projects as well as their own goals.
Vrinda: I come from India before moving to Singapore in 2022 and joining GESS in Grade 3. I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, writing, and playing tennis. Although I failed to become class representative in Grade 3 and 4, I persisted and was elected Deputy Class Rep. Inspired by this, I ran for Primary School Captain to make GESS a place that every student’s voice was heard, thrive academically and enjoy fun activities.
Joanna: My name is Joanna Khalimov. I am 10 years old, half German and half Indonesian. I came to Singapore when I was 4 years old. I like to play badminton, games, and write stories. I also like to play piano and clarinet. My motivation to run for Primary School Captain is to improve my leadership skills. I also want to be the voice of primary students, listening to their ideas and communicating them to the school. My goal is to bring about changes that will make our school an even better place.
Congratulations on being elected as Student Council Presidents! What are your main goals for this year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Jacob: We need to start at the basics. How are decisions made? How are the students involved? We need to get it done and make the council work for the students. I think transparency is key for this and the dedication of the wonderful Student Council members, some of whom I have encouraged to run for Class Reps or Committees because I see their leadership ability. ability. I think we need to work as a team and be bold in trying our very best and nothing less to achieve our goals and make the school better.
As Vice Presidents, how do you see your role in supporting the Presidents and the Student Council?
Lucas: As a former President, my experience is important in advising and assisting the new Presidents. I support my Presidents not only through the advice and know-how I provide them, but also by assuming their duties when they are indisposed. This means attending meetings they cannot, leading the Council if they’re unavailable, and writing texts they do not have time for.
Annika: I see our job as being an additional voice in the Student Council, one that is actively involved in the issues and projects of the SC in a leadership position but can also take a step back and work more closely with Committees to support them and the Presidents that way. We are there to voice both support and concerns on topics the Student Council deliberates on.
Taking on the role of the Primary Captain is a big take – what part of the position are you most excited about?
Vrinda: I am most excited about being able to collaborate with many other people and planning events to make school more fun for kids so that every day, they have something to look forward to.
Joanna: The part that makes me excited is when I can share my ideas and be part of the changes that happen in the school.
How do you plan to collaborate with the other committees to enrich the school community?
Jacob: We have a strong lineup of new and old Committee heads this year. I trust that coordination alongside them will be a breeze. They make the Student Council special. Each one of them with their own unique mandate. I fully trust each one of them.
Could you share some of the activities that you and your team have planned or are working on?
Lucas: There are many things in the works. Our Council is still young, and we await approval to begin our most expansive projects. For now, we are mostly in a transition period. That means deciding on what previous projects we plan to continue and what projects we plan to drop. Personally, I hope that some of last year’s almost completed projects are given the attention they need to come to fruition, but that is up to the Council, not me. I do not know exactly what the future holds for the Primary. I hope we can increase cooperation between the Student Council and the Primary SRB Team. Previously, we did not meet the Primary Captains. This must change if we are to properly represent the interests of the primary school.
Annika: Well, the Committees definitely have some neat projects planned this year, like working to reduce the food waste at school. We’ve also jumped right into talking about improving the SC’s transparency and promoting the Student Portal as a space where students can access all the resources they need. We’re gearing up for a school year full of opportunities to improve student life at GESS!
Vrinda: This year we are considering holding polls in each class taken by the representatives with approved ideas from the Student Council. There is also the works on our new school Garden taking place in the plaza to create an eco-friendlier environment. Although the idea was that of the senior School Council, the structure and plan was made by the students, as we held a drawing contest to find the best design.
Joanna: Together we have planned for events that took place in the school such as Halloween and Deepavali, and currently we will be involved in the Christmas Market that will take place on 30th November 2024.
What advice would you offer to future student leaders about the challenges and rewards of this role?
Jacob: Do not be scared. It might be intimidating at first. Meetings and meetings… and more meetings. Remember why you are there. You have a mandate. You have a job. It’s to represent the students. Getting stuff done and seeing change will be incredibly rewarding. I look forward to all that we can do in the next 6 months.
Vrinda: I would tell them that if they set their mind to something, it can be achieved. Also keep in mind that everybody’s voices and ideas count to make a difference. Along with the recognition, it can be tough, so you must always be ready to receive a short-notice project. When you’re in charge, try your best to be calm and confident and include everybody in the project.
Joanna: My advice is to be confident in yourself. As Primary Captain, there are responsibilities you have to carry. Speak your mind and share your ideas. When the school becomes a better place, that’s when you can be proud to be part of the changes.
