Leadership, Service, and Spirit Through STUGO
At River Valley School, we believe that leadership is not just reserved for adulthood — it begins in childhood, nurtured through curiosity, connection, and the confidence to share ideas. One of the most meaningful ways students practice leadership at RVS is through our Student Government (STUGO), a collaborative, student-led group of representatives from Grades 1–6 who meet regularly to share ideas, identify opportunities, and help shape school culture.
STUGO empowers students to think critically about issues that matter to them, encourages problem-solving and kindness, and provides an authentic platform for student voice. This term, our STUGO representatives have been particularly busy!
Big Ideas From Little Leaders
This fall, STUGO members brought forward several thoughtful suggestions aimed at building connection and spirit across our school community. Some of the ideas currently being explored include:
- A Community Movie Night
Students expressed interest in a cozy after-school movie event with popcorn. We’re exploring how this could align with the Parent Network’s upcoming holiday events. - “Eyeglasses for All” Donation Initiative
Students suggested collecting gently used glasses to support people around the world who don’t have access to corrective lenses. We’re investigating potential partnerships — including interest from RVS parents in optometry — as a meaningful spring outreach project. - “Fancy Monday” Spirit Day
Students asked for another fun spirit-day theme, which pairs beautifully with our festive spirit lineup in December. Expect to see a little extra sparkle in the halls! - Pop Tab Collection Drive
Students expressed interest in reviving a legacy RVS initiative that collects aluminum pop tabs for charitable purposes. Funds raised through recycling can help support mobility equipment and accessibility programs — benefitting others in a tangible way.
Each of these ideas demonstrates student creativity, empathy, and awareness of the world around them — exactly what we hope to cultivate through leadership learning.
Building Philanthropy Through Action
Beyond idea-generation, Term 1 STUGO representatives also helped run Snacky Wednesday, raising $561 in support of the RVS Student Bursary Program. This hands-on fundraising experience teaches financial literacy, event planning, community responsibility, and communication skills.
Students also supported this year’s Jacket Racket drive, helping collect warm winter clothing for children in Calgary — a cause made even more urgent this year.
Why Student Leadership Matters
Student leadership is more than planning events. At River Valley School, STUGO helps students:
- build confidence through public speaking and advocacy
- practice collaboration and compromise
- learn how to listen and consider diverse perspectives
- experience responsibility and follow-through
- feel connected to a community that values their voice
These are foundational skills that benefit students far beyond our walls — in future schooling, workplaces, and citizenship.
Authentic Voice, Real Impact
What makes STUGO truly special is that students see tangible results of their ideas. When they propose something, adults listen; when something sparks excitement, we explore it; and when a student highlights a challenge, we work together on a solution. This teaches students that their voice matters — not someday, but right now.
At River Valley School, we spark leadership not through competition, but through curiosity, empathy, and imagination. STUGO is one of the many ways we help students discover the power of their ideas and the impact of their actions, and we are continually inspired by the creativity, compassion, and personal growth our student leaders demonstrate each term. When students lead, the whole community grows