The Student Representative Council

by Tyler-Luke Camilleri

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly reverberated through many spheres of life, including our institute – Sir Michelangelo Refalo Sixth Form. Despite this drawback, the Student Representative Council, better known as the SRC, has attempted, through its initiatives during this scholastic year, to turn back time and revive the excitement of the pre-pandemic days. In order to appreciate its efforts, it is a prerequisite to understand the SRC’s unique structural arrangement. Comprised of several different yet essential roles, the SRC consists of both 1st year and 2nd year students, enabling diversity and broader perspectives. This year, fourteen students made up the SRC line-up, taking up various role, with one aim in mind: to brighten students’ lives at the institute. This notion is at the heart of the SRC and in order to realize such an ideal, it was crucial to carry out engaging activities. Despite the ominous presence of the pandemic, the SRC was still successful in organizing enthralling activities: Pink October Event – In aid of breast cancer awareness, the SRC organized a bake sale in the latter stages of October to raise funds for the cause. A stunning sell-out of goodies and treats enabled us to raise a healthy and impressive donation for the Marigold Foundation. Sixth Form Day – Although not entirely in the hands of the Student Representative Council, the SRC still turned up to the event, spurred on from the successful Pink October Event, dishing out even more finger-licking treats to the enjoyment of both students and teachers alike. Christmas Photo Hunt – Having not been organized since 2019 year because of the pandemic, the SRC saw the Christmas Photo Hunt as an opportunity to mark the institute’s return to its pre-pandemic years. Although several changes in format were set in place, the photo hunt turned out to be an entertaining event, teeing up the participants for a pleasant Christmas season and concluding the first term on a good note. Bake Sale in Aid of Ukraine – The Russian invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves across the world; however, thanks to a global human effort, Ukraine has held strong and been buoyed by support and aid from other nations. In light of this, the SRC organized another bake sale, raising a substantial amount of funds for Ukrainian families, evidencing as well the SRC’s engagement with international affairs. These peppered initiatives did not only color further the days at sixth form but they also allowed the SRC members to get to know each other better, integrate together and learn many values pertaining to cooperation and teamwork amongst other skills. Such values and skills exercised and embraced by the SRC are essential for an educated citizenry and a healthy democracy. Conclusively, this scholastic year has revitalized the SRC, enabling it to pick up from its previous successes while simultaneously initiating a new crop of members.