1947

President _ - R.P.Hastings
Secretary _ - C.R.Collins
The School Council has in divers ways proved its worth. To it are taken suggestions from the boys themselves for the smoother and more efficient running of the School. Many questions concerning the boys, such as points of discipline for example, are decided by the Staff, and the only chance of letting the boys say what they think of these decisions is afforded by the Council. Thus besides giving Monovians a taste of democratic government, which is one of the aims of the Council, it provides for the Headmaster a useful pointer of opinion amongst the boys.
The business transacted has not been of a startling nature, election of prefects and the discussion of motions concerning games, the house system, and school dinners amongst others. One welcome feature of late has been the increased attendances, which mean that more interest is being shown in the affairs of the Council.
Two changes in the constitution have been proposed recently. Since it has been found that the practice of electing any sixth former to be chairman at Council meetings sometimes leads to people with little knowledge of the rules of debate being elected, a proposal has been put forward that a member of the staff should be in the chair. A further proposal would allow boys more than one speech on each motion. This seems to indicate that members are becoming more and more ready to propound their views upon a given subject, which is a happy augury for the future.

President: S. J. Barker
Secretary: F.G. Claridge
Attendance at some meetings of the School Council has been rather poor, but in spite of this the Council has dealt with a considerable amount of business.
Three new monitors have been elected and two representatives were chosen to serve on the School Finance Committee. One meeting had the record number of thirteen motions before it, but these were disposed of in a remarkably short time. Of course, familiar subjects such as milk distribution and the supply of lapel badges were again up for discussion. It was suggested, however, that the School authorities should supply the Football First Eleven with shorts, shirts, etc. The Junior School Council has met, and three motions from the first meeting were handed to the Senior Council for consideration. Although not of particularly great moment, they showed that the junior School is no longer afraid to express opinions, and with free discussion the suggestions will probably become more and more constructive. Once again the importance of the Council as preparation for participation in local and national government affairs must be emphasised, and it is to be hoped that the whole School will take a more active interest in it.