Leadership is a fundamental value at VSSS. As such, VSSS Prefects are valued leaders. They require a high level of commitment not only because of the extra workload but because Prefects are held to a higher standard than the rest of the student body. They are in touch with the needs of the community, and they provide a respected voice of student opinion.
Prefects are in essence the ‘custodians of school values, traditions and culture’ and they shoulder a great deal of respect for the spirit, tone, and attitude of the school. Prefects are proud of their school and are largely motivated by a desire to give back. They receive various training in terms of formal leadership, conflict resolution, effective communication, team building and event coordination.
Prefects are some of the school's best role models; they have an excellent record of behaviour, attendance, punctuality, and uniform.
Becoming a prefect is a great way to contribute at school and is a massive advantage for students in the future. Research shows that many successful businesspeople held positions of responsibility while they were at school. Reference letters are provided to all school Prefects to be included in their personal resumes.
A Prefect is
- A positive role model, able to be a strong ambassador for the school
- Confident, shows initiative and is a good problem solver
- Active in setting a positive tone for the school
- Engaged in school life
- Cooperative, helpful, well-mannered, and trustworthy
- Respected by peers and Respectful toward teachers, peers, and the school environment
- Honest, conducting themselves with integrity o Willing to serve and is organized in terms of time management
- Responsible and willing to take on responsibility
- Loyal to the school and abides by the guidelines of behaviour in terms of a safe and caring school
- A creative problem solver o Able to communicate effectively with adults and students
- Able to be both compassionate and just
- An independent worker and complete tasks without supervision.
- Positive and enthusiastic with ability to encourage/motivate fellow students
In our safe and caring school, Prefects may be asked at any time to assist in the smooth running of the school. They are responsible in concert with teachers for the good conduct of the student body, especially at times when the school meets as a unit (at school assemblies, morning and afternoon breaks, field trips, after school activities, etc). Prefects do not have the right to give punishments and all serious and persistent offences must be reported to a Teacher or the Principal.
THE GOOD PREFECT (GUIDELINES)
METHOD 1 > SETTING GOOD EXAMPLE
1. HAVE A POSITVE ATTITUDE
Set and comply with high standards of appearance, behavior, overall attitude, and a positive format of everyday communication. Try not to get frustrated or angry in front of other students. As a role model, you want to show them that optimism, enthusiasm, and a good attitude are the keys to success, even in difficult situations. You must be cooperative and self-disciplined, on & off the school.
Forma a positive image of the school inside for students and the wider community from the outside.
2. BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS
Whether you're interacting with another Student, a Teacher, a member of the school faculty, or any staff – irrespective of their job/positions; BE RESPECTFUL.
The HUMBLE BOW followed by a WISH should be hygiene to your character/behaviour & practiced to all (even the guards/maids) Other students will be looking to you to see what’s acceptable behavior, so set a good example for them. As a Prefect, if you’re disrespectful to someone, chances are that other students will think it’s OK to act the same way.
3. DO YOUR BEST IN SCHOOL
Be Cooperative, helpful, well-mannered, trustworthy, and responsible. Be willing to take extra responsibility and promote right values and standards of behaviors. Display leadership qualities; confidence, initiative, problem solving skills. Demonstrate good work habits in all aspects of school life.
Participate in class/club activities and hand in your work on time. Maintain a good academic & behavior record and lead by example. Work together as a single body (team) with the House Captains to promote cohesiveness and discipline in all their domains.
4. BE HONEST
Don’t lie to students or your teachers, and don't make-up excuses. If you forgot to do your homework, tell the truth. Show students that being honest, even when you're afraid of the consequences, is better than lying.
METHOD 2 > FOLLOWING THE RULES
1. ABIDE BY SCHOOL DRESS & GROOMING CODES
Set and comply with high standards of appearance and grooming. Make sure you exemplify set standards of the school; be it clean & wrinkle-free uniforms, polished shoes, etc. Check the dress & grooming codes of every student and suggest corrections, if required.
2. HAVE GOOD ATTENDANCE RECORD
Always maintain an excellent attendance record. Avoid unexcused absences and try to limit the days you miss school. Missing school also prevents you from fulfilling your Prefect duties. Prefects lead by example and show school spirit by participating in various event, or even organizing house teams.
3. BE PUNCTUAL
Be on time for duties and attend all Prefect meetings. Finish assigned tasks within the stipulated time period. Other students will notice if you’re frequently late, so set a good example and arrive at class on time. If you have a genuine reason for being late, make sure you get a note and hand it to your teacher when you arrive at class.
4. BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
As a Prefect, you should be available and easy to find if students or faculty need you. You are expected to assist in the monitoring of behavior of students on campus and within assemblies.
Do not hang out, prioritize personal likings, or leave mid-way through your assigned tasks. Your assigned tasks are your prime responsibilities
METHOD 3 > BEING THERE FOR STUDENTS
1. BE APPROACHABLE AND WELCOMING
The Kind and friendly Prefect will gain the most respect. Smile and WISH (Good morning / Hello) students when you pass them in the hall/ class & campus. Be approachable & try to be as friendly and as possible when you’re talking to them. Avoid things that make you look distracted or busy, like looking down or always having your face buried in a book. Counsel and guide students in positive discipline. Inculcate right behaviors in students.
2. BE A GOOD COMMUNICATOR
Communication must always be positive. The key in communicating effectively is to be approachable, whether it is to students, faculty, parents, or visitors. To be a confident Prefect is something accomplished with practice. Prefects will watch how people react to language and tone and change their communication style accordingly to become a better communicator. Another important component of communication is responding positively to student concerns and sharing concerns with administration.
3. BE SENSITIVE TO STUDENT’S PROBLEMS
If a student does not cope with academic / school disciplines or struggling to make friends, support them, and offer to help. Don’t tease students or talk about them negatively with your friends. If a student confides in you, you should never share that information with anyone else, unless it’s something serious that needs to be reported to a faculty member. Always give good advice to the student who needs it.
4. BE FAIR
Prefects must focus on being fair at all times, not to wary standards, not to have favourites or enemies, and not to allow personal prejudices to interfere with fairness and integrity. Prefects should never find themselves in a position where it would be impossible for members of staff to support them.
If the chosen Prefects / Captains do not follow expectations & responsibilities, then they are at the risk of losing their role.