The Student Council of Presentation College is a group of twenty-two 6th form students which seeks to be a collective and

representative voice of the entire student body. The premise upon which the Council was formed was, still is, and always will be to effectively and efficiently serve the needs

and requests of the students. The Council worked tirelessly to

Martin Jones (President) and Marrisa Hicks (Vice President) were dynamic and efficient leaders. They were helped immensely by the other five executive members: Kavi Rampersad, Quincy Howe, Jason Mulrain, Jon Dieffenthaller and Kysha Gibson.

There were three main projects carried out during our year in office. Firstly, the council organized several fund raising activities and used the money obtained to purchase student council badges which will be handed down from council to council. Secondly, we organised an interclass football competition for the lower and middle schools which was reasonably successful.

Thirdly, the council has encouoraged the resurgence of basketball in Pres by renovating the court. Plans to stage a talent show were in the making and the new council, trained by us, will proceed with this idea.

In addition, the council maintained fluent comunication with the student body through tri-weekly meetings between each class and their assigned council member. Problems raised during these meetings were addressed, and in some case resolved by the council.

The Student Council of Presentation College is still a young and developing organization. We hope that the Council will continue to build on its present foundations so that in the future it will be more efficient and successful in serving the student body.

"Laudate Parentes Dominum."

Emerging from the ingenious minds of the teaching fraternity of Presentation College, San Fernando, the idea of a Parents' Council was born. To make the vision a reality, all parents were invited to attend the first meeting in May 1996.

We were informed that the Mission Statement of the college would also apply for the Council-" To form well-rounded and balanced youths with God as the centre of their lives and to inculcate practical awareness of their underprivileged brothers and sisters". Monthly meetings and an interim executive with four main committees were some of the early decisions taken. An organisational structure reflecting a wide span of interests and a participatory leadership style were features that were attractive enough to warrant one's involvement.

The interim Executive is comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer and the four committees are Fund Raising, Education and Counseling, Outreach and Sports. In the embryonic stage of any organization there are inescapable teething problems and this organization was certainly not exempted from such experiences.

Not withstanding that fact; the 'Pres spirit' - that 'Parents are partners to the school's curriculum' has prevailed!! It is not surprising, therefore, that those parents who persevered can feel proud of some achievements over the last year. Outstanding among these were

1. A Cake Sale

2. Educational talks such as "Stress Management", "Financial Management" and "Parenting Skills"

3. Presentation of a Christmas Hamper of toiletries for the Children's Ward of the San Fernando General Hospital.

4. An outing for some students of the Moruga R.C. School to visit places of interest in North Trinidad - transport and refreshments were provided by parents and the College.

5. The Sports Committee's arrangements of several parents to assist in both the Cross Country Race and the Annual Sports Day and one can safely say that the Cross Country was truly exciting and certainly made middle-aged parents feel like "teenagers".

6. The first Annual Christmas Fellowship which was a well- organised and exciting event and which no parent should miss in

1997!

Every parent is automatically a member of the Council which is still unfolding and growing. It is not too late to get involved. Ask your child about the dates of meetings and come along with your ideas; share your time and skills; lend your support and help us to grow together. Bear in mind:

The voice of parents is the voice of God for to their children, they are heaven 5 lieutenants."

"Laudate, Pueri Dominum."

"Boys, Praise that Lord."

(Interim Secretary)