2023 September Program Council

IB21

In attendance: Fouad, Saman, Nina, Arad, Altan, Valerija, Sjaak, Roxanne, Vaish, Alek, Meng

IB22

In attendance:  Sami, Rares-Andrei, Paola, Joel, Kartikey, Tilde, Siham, Rasmus

IB23

In attendance: Primrose, Umay, Pietro, Linnea, Shayaan.  Missing: Sue

Teacher reps in attendance: Ms. White, Dr. Freitas, Krista, Renée, Marit

Points and Notes taken:

1. Plan against discrimination and offensive treatment. We look to the survey results from last year with students in IB21. This helps us prioritize areas we need to take measures with which to work.  The Plan will be revised by October 10 after receiving input from students and teachers.  

We wanted to know:

a) What can we do so students can trust that adults are doing enough if a student has been wrongly treated?

 b) What can we do about the result that some students feel afraid of other students or adults at school?

c) What can we do to ensure students are not discriminated upon based on the 7 grounds written about in Swedish law?  

A general discussion ensued. Students wanted to know what concrete measures we take to ensure their feeling of safety at school. The measures are in the "Inclusion Policy" and in the section where you find the "IB Program Rules" it follows some consequences that can occur for breaking the rules.  We explained that in order to take concrete actions we need to know  the information upon which we can take action. We explained that measures taken are related directly to the individual who needs it and their guardian(s) (if under 18), and that such information will not be shared. Thus, it can be impossible for students to know what actions are taken since we keep this information confidential.  The result, however, should be visible in that offensive behavior comes to an end. 

Students brought up some specific situations where they did not feel at ease.  If students from another school enter our school building, we encourage you let us know who they are so we can follow it up. We'd need to know the students' names and what school they attend. 

Students wish that teachers will take more action towards classroom management and/or ensuring a calm climate by not allowing large groups to gather and become loud. This applies to both in the classroom and also the hallway.  

It was brought up that students don't really trust that a report of offensive treatment can be anonymous.  (Note, there is a form that is technically anonymous which can be accessed here.)  Students feel like no matter what, eventually, it will come to light and there could be unpleasant repurcussions.  Krista reflects this means we may need to approach reporting in a different way. Ideas can be sent directly to Krista.  Just as importantly, students need someone to talk to and a support system/friend group.  Thus, if you as a student are feeling lonely or lacking a support sytem or friend group, please let someone in the student health team know!  

It was asked why political parties can be outside of school and it was explained that the driveway area in between the walls is public space and they are permitted their freedom of speech there.  To be on school grounds, they must get permission and permission is only granted to certain organisations.  More about that can be taken up at "Påverkansråd"

2. Whole School Matters which must be taken up to "Påverkansråd".

• The Red Locker is often empty.  

• A request from students to the cafeteria: Could the macronutrient count per 100 g of food be posted?

• A request from students to the cafeteria:  Halal meat options are requested (as opposed to having a vegetarian option instead). 

• Teachers:  since there is often a long queue to the bathrooms, can you please consider going to the staff restrooms instead?  

• S 409 and 408 have weak internet connection.

3. Class Specific Issues with an IB Focus

• Year 2 would like more information about the Extended Essay. This is, by plan, to start in Week 3. 

• Year 2 wants to know when what is happening re: mentor time and Krista reminded about the IB Program Calendar where the "master plan" exists for that time.

• Year 2 also feels like they'd appreciate time to talk through things like EE, CAS, etc in smaller groups.  This will happen during "mentor" time at different intervals...but as a whole group instead. We can take the feedback into consideration for how to organize next year. The reason for this is that we have arranged mentor time the way it is based on feedback from last year's program council/and/or reference groups. 

• Year 3 would appreciate written instructions, with screen shots preferable, for how to access and use Managebac in regards to EE and CAS. The DPC and CAS Coord will follow this up in their meetings booked with you during "mentor" time.

• Year 3 doesn't know where to write their Group 4 reflection from last year.  Krista will ask the Group 4 teachers to follow this up. 

• Year 3 ran out of time and Fouad was offered to set up a time with Krista so she can get the feedback.

• Years 1-3  (not all students but some) complaint about having long days (from 8-17 sometimes) and long breaks during the day. Changes cannot be made, however, Krista can see about the scheduler coming to talk to IB22 so you can understand how many factors go into making a schedule and how impossible it is to make major changes now.  

Connected to this, we remind you that school is your "job" right now and a schedule from 8-17 can be expected. Planning for effective things to do in your breaks is the best way forward at this point.  Long breaks lend themselves well to studying, completing homework, having a snack, having a walk, exercise, etc.  Plan ahead for what you will do in your break so you make the most of your time and live a happy, healthy, productive lifestyle. 

Thank you for your time and engagement.