SAC Candidate Interviews

Shirley Chan Senior Social Convenor

Over the years, I have developed into an enthusiastic, hard-working, reliable and caring individual who is eager to learn more about the SAC, which makes me an excellent candidate for the position of Senior Social Convenor for the '97-'98 school year. I am both insightful and have a good understanding of my strengths and goals. I might not have as much SAC experience compared to other candidates who are running for the same position, but I believe that being responsible is the key to success. Working for the SAC would be a challenging, yet rewarding experience and I would appreciate this opportunity.

What problems do you see with the current SAC? How would you fix these problems, if you were elected?

One of the major problems I see with regards to the current SAC is that very few students attend SAC dances. If I was elected, I would make SAC dances better than before, put up lots of advertising posters, try and arrange for songs that people want and make dances fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Why do you think so few students attend SAC meetings?

I think the reason why so few students attend SAC meetings is because it's every Thursday after school and some people can't make it. Also people might think that whatever the SAC is doing will not concern or affect them. People don't seem to find SAC meetings interesting.

Andrea George Communications Officer

What I have to offer the SAC are great ideas. More important than that though, I believe that through me, voices of all students can be heard. Being Communications Officer is not about running around wearing an SAC jacket or sitting in the office with the elected candidates. All the hard work you do (or lack of) is pointless if you're not giving the people what they want. I'm responsible and good at working with others to organise things. I am able to be objective- just because I like something doesn't mean the rest of the school will. Also, I am able to develop a good rapport with the administration. The elected council won't have to worry that I won't do my job- I'm reliable.

What problems do you see with the current SAC? How would you fix these problems, if you were elected?

Although I'm sure they try their best, they do not seem to be doing a very good job of promoting school spirit. People feel uninvolved and that none of their ideas are being taken into consideration. The way that this seen the most is through school dances. Hardly anyone attends. If I'm appointed, I'll work with the elected people to make sure that alternative/heavy metal/rock or rap/hip hop/reggae are played. No one likes dance music. They do not tell the students exactly what is happening with their money.

Why do you think so few students attend SAC meetings?

So few students attend SAC meetings because they don't think their opinions will be taken into consideration. Our school has been lacking spirit for so long that the few who actually care think it's pointless to try anything new. Lately their have been no important events happening to speak about. That is another problem. There should be at least one (spirit boosting) event a month. Also student problems should constantly be addressed. Going does necessarily mean that you will understand what is going on in the school. Other problems that need to be addressed are people's ideas about cafe food. Another thing is that no one in the school was asked or consulted about the colours used in the cafe. Also, many are angry that is never any soap in the washrooms.

Shaloo Savla Intermediate VP

I have three years experience on student councils. My long involvement gives me insight into the workings of these organisations. My goals after this election are to increase school spirit and renew the building. I think that the Woodlands has some great potential, but that some issues need to be addressed. I have excellent grades in school, and so I will have lots of time to give to the SAC and to speak with the student body.

What problems do you see with the current SAC? How would you fix these problems, if you were elected?

The biggest problem is the lack if commitment from some SAC members. Many don't attend meetings, and social events take to long to plan. I think representatives who fail their responsibilities should be asked to leave the SAC so that other hard-working students can join and produce results.

Why do you think so few students attend SAC meetings?

Many of the SAC meetings move slowly or get off-topic. I think we should have formal agendas for each meeting, prepared by the executives. Also, all students should be encouraged to come and speak their minds and ideas.

Michael Vasilakeris Senior Vice President

I bring the SAC the apparently long-lost notion that a government is an organisation that is meant to represent the best interests of the population. A government should work not on just their narrow minded agenda, but on the needs and desires of the people they represent. I bring back to the SAC the idea of letting people have their say. I want your opinion. I want to know what you would like to see changed around here, and I'm coming to you to find out. If you have something to say to me or the SAC, find me and tell me. You are why we have a student government. Remember, I'm working for all of you. Not the other way around.

What problems do you see with the current SAC? How would you fix these problems, if you were elected?

The biggest problem we have right now is that most students at the Woodlands don't give a damn about what goes on in their school. The SAC's problem is that they haven't taken any significant steps towards addressing this apathy. A couple of half-assed spirit weeks aren't going to fix a problem this big. The SAC needs to remember that a government is in place to represent the people, not a select elite group of individuals.

Why do you think so few students attend SAC meetings?

Not only do students not care about the school, they feel powerless to change anything they do care about. The SAC's elitist detachment from the general populace has made many students feel that their word is useless, and they can't instigate a change for the better. I aim to change all that. Already I am going to the students and asking them for their input, because it is important. Only when the students truly have a say in their government can the SAC be representative of public opinion.

Why we didn't print it: These interviews were intended to be part of a pre election feature, but Issue 3 came out after the election, rather than before it as we had orginally planned. Also the Woodchips stole our idea, and did the same feature. We had a few more interviews somewhere, which I never got around to typing, but we only ever had about half the candidates interviewed. Maybe we'll try again this year now that we have better connections.