Say Hello to your Heads!
I sat down with the heads of Bell High School’s Student’s Council, Natalia Bushnik and Dylan Bartley to discuss their plans for the year, their vision for Bell High School and their addictions to caffeinated beverages…
Why did you want to become head girl/boy?
N: I’ve been on student’s council since Grade 9 and have slowly been taking on more of a leadership role in the organization. When election time came around last year, I thought I was ready to take on the responsibility of Head Girl. I love getting involved in the school community and I have always been really enthusiastic with school spirit and events.
D: Well, I wanted to give back to the school because over the last three years, the school has really helped me grow and learn.
How will this year be different from last year?
N: There are a few new things that are happening this year such utilizing social networking sites, such as Youtube and Twitter, to their optimum potential.
Can you explain the Youtube and Twitter thing?
N: Yeah! This year our communications officer, Vanja, created a Youtube account (www.youtube.com/bellbruins) with video advertisements for upcoming events. The ultimate goal for these videos is to play them on the TV’s at school and on the website.
Bell SC also started a Twitter account (@bellhs) that gives status updates on things that are going on in the school community.
Another big change would be that I want SC to be accessible to every student. I don’t want it to be seen as an exclusive group; I want everyone to feel like they can join without fear of not being welcome. As a side note, we’re also bringing back Oscars this year (more info to follow)!
D: We have some new events planned, we’re talking to the students more to get their input and it will be a thousand times more exciting!
What is your opinion on the new healthy food regulations and the change of food in the vending machines and caf?
N: I’m not going to lie. The new caf food isn’t exactly my first choice. It’s not the ideal situation when it comes to fundraisers but I think that it’s a definitely a move in the right direction to promote healthy living. The Board made the right decision, it’s just too bad that there’s no more caffeinated coffee.
D: Sure I miss the junk food but this change will surely benefit us in the future.
To students in younger grades, what words of advice do you have for
them to get the most out of Bell High School?
N: Two things. Number one: get involved, whether it’s participation in events or joining in a new club. Don’t be afraid to join clubs that your friends aren’t joining because as soon as you do, you meet so many people who have the same interests as you and that’s how you expand your horizons and network yourself within the school.
Secondly, as cheesy as it sounds, you have to be yourself because as I’ve grown up in Bell, something that I’ve learned is that Bell is an extremely accepting place because everyone is so supportive.
D: Try out for everything. Get involved in as much as you can and always remain positive because Bell is a great school and everything you learn will benefit you in the future.
You mentioned getting involved in the school, can you expand on that?
D: Try out for the different sports teams, audition for the musical, join some clubs, attend meetings and go to events hosted by Student’s Council such as the 30 Hour Famine (November 18-19), the dances (October 28), and Haunted House (October 31).
If you are interested in getting involved in Student’s Council, we encourage you to come out to the General Council meetings every Wednesday in Room 124 at noon. More information about Student’s Council and its upcoming events can be found on Facebook (General Student’s Council 2011/2012), Twitter (@bellhs) and Youtube (www.youtube.com/bellbruins).