Student Leadership
Councils of the School
The six councils of SLA develop public leadership skills including the ability to communicate confidently, set goals, and enlist the help of others. Each council is student-led, has a distinct mission, and highlights one of the five virtues of the School. This allows students to consider their personal talents and the best ways to use them. It also allows students the freedom to create meaningful programs that advance the mission of the School.
The tradition of giving flowers is an opportunity for students to acknowledge and celebrate their fellow peers who live out the virtues of SLA. Six flowers are handed out by our six student councils: the dahlia, with its varieties of colors and patterns, represents the many forms of curiosity; the lilac-colored daisy brings joy to others and represents generosity; the lily, atop its narrow column, petals splayed heart-open as though standing alone, represents sincerity; the anemona viola’s rich purples symbolize the depth and importance of a life lived with integrity; the protea's bold variations of shape, hue, and texture represent the adaptability of courage; and the thistle’s vibrant bloom depends upon the integrity of its roots and the fortitude of its stem. It stands proudly through adversity, reminding us that we must labor to create beauty and cultivate goodness in this world.
Academic Council
Virtue: Curiosity | Flower: Dahlia
The Academic Council takes a leadership role in faculty hiring, honoring academic excellence, and providing student feedback about SLA’s academic programming—including elective offerings. The Council hosts events that tend to the life of the School. The Council makes an effort to represent a diverse array of academic interests and learning styles.
Membership on the Academic Council is by faculty appointment. Consideration is given to two students per grade who consistently demonstrate curiosity and academic excellence.
Community Life Council
Virtue: Generosity | Flower: Lilac
Members of the Community Life Council are responsible for planning and carrying out events that bring the School community together. This may include group outings, School dances, barbecues, Red and White competitions, pep rallies to support SLA athletics, and more! The CLC develops and sustain the traditions of the School.
Community Lice Council members make a special effort to support their peers who need help or encouragement, including new and younger students.
Head’s Council
Virtue: Sincerity | Flower: Lily
The Head’s Council is composed of members chosen from the five other Councils for their leadership, curiosity, and sincere engagement with School life. Working with the Head of School, the members of the Head’s Council discuss big picture topics relating to all elements of School life, as well as taking responsibility for facilitating discussion and conflict resolution.
The Head’s Council’s focus is informed by community input from fellow students, faculty, staff, and SLA families. The Council also delivers important information to students via grade level meetings.
Honor Council
Virtue: Integrity | Flower: Anemona Viola
Members of the Honor Council educate the School community about academic and social integrity and the nature and function of the Honor Code. The Honor Council is fundamentally responsible for continually updating the Honor Code, as well as seeking community input for new policies. The Honor Council may convene to take part in justice-based discussions in instances when peer students may have violated the Honor Code.
The Honor Council is composed of the Director of Student Affairs and up to two faculty sponsors, a student chair, and four students, all elected.
Service Council
Virtue: Courage | Flower: Protea
The Service Council identifies needs, both locally and globally, that SLA students can address in a meaningful and sustainable way. Each year, the School takes on a number of community partners—organizations SLA builds continuity with by working together over the course of the school year in coordinated volunteer and service endeavors. The Service Council is responsible for selecting these organizations and identifying ways that all students can participate.
Members of the Service Council also participate in immersive Service Trips, from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the U.S. Southern Border, in order to broaden their service endeavors and, critically, learn from organizers, autonomous communities, and communities struggling against structural oppression.
Students to the Service Council are recognized by their peers for their courage and are willing to serve people in need.
Vestry
Virtue: Integrity | Flower: Thistle
The Vestry takes a leadership role in Chapel. They officiate each service, plan special services, and invite speakers. The Vestry works with the chaplain to create the schedule for readers, acolytes, and student chapel speakers. Vestry members serve as stewards of the Chapel and work to make it an inspiring experience for the whole community.
Students wishing to be on the Vestry must demonstrate integrity. Members of the Vestry are appointed by the current Vestry and the chaplains and elected by acclamation of the student body.