FOUR Year 11 students at a Flintshire high school are thrilled to have been elected as head and deputy head students and are looking forward to getting started in their new roles.

One of the first duties for Ysgol Treffynnon head students Abi Frost and Henry Jones, supported by deputies Justin Hathaway and Zuzanna Piertzak, will be helping to prepare for the school's upcoming open evening on Tuesday, September 26.

Abi Frost and Henry James, head students at Ysgol Treffynnon.

Abi Frost and Henry James, head students at Ysgol Treffynnon.

The recruitment process for these prestigious and responsible roles took place at the end of last term. All Year 10 students were invited to campaign and submit their manifestos, with a covering letter, to the school council setting out their ideas about the changes they would like to help introduce if elected.

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After considering all the applicants' manifestos, the Holywell school council presented them to all students in assemblies over the course of a week and created an anonymous online form to enable students and staff to cast their votes. All the votes were automatically calculated by the online programme and the successful candidates were informed soon afterwards.

Abi is looking to continue her predecessor's commitment of working with the canteen staff to look at reducing food prices and introducing a greater variety of vegetarian and vegan options. She also hopes to encourage more students to volunteer in the local community, launch more rewards for e-praise, and the production of yearbooks for the leaving class.

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Describing herself as a 'capable and friendly person' who 'understands the struggles many students face', Abi said: "I am so grateful for this opportunity to represent the students in our school, and I am committed to achieving everything I set out in my manifesto."

Henry is passionate about introducing more inter school events and competitions for students as well as sports activities during form time. He also wants to make the cold servery available for students during breaktimes in addition to lunchtime, in order to ease the queues for hot food.

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He said: "This is a very exciting opportunity, and I will work hard to achieve the things I have set out to do.

Justin says he will be 'dedicated in achieving requests made by students' and amongst his pledges is to look at introducing more eco-friendly activities and fundraising opportunities.

More fundraising activities is also one of Zuzanna's promises, as well as bringing back Christmas trips as per pre-covid, and reintroducing meal deals with sponsorship from external companies to help with costs. She is also keen to launch a mentorship programme for GCSE students, bringing in speakers from schools, colleges and companies to talk about application processes and different career paths.

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Rebekah Rae, ALN teacher and student voice lead said: "As the student voice lead, I am very proud of how the council ensured that all eligible students had the opportunity to apply, and their determination to have a fair and eco-friendly voting system.

"The successful candidates are dedicated and truly worthy of their new roles. They have demonstrated that they want to support the students and staff in our school in a range of different areas and I am excited to work with them to see their dreams come to fruition. I am delighted to wish them all the best for the coming year."

The students will be on hand during the open evening to answer any questions from prospective students and their families, give tours of the school and facilities, and hand out prospectuses and goodie bags.