This year, the new Russian Council, previously called the Russian Council, consists of a representative from each class. Wild walks the dance line and is a wanderlust. The council must also have as many walking routes as bus routes, so that there is a greater focus on the community.
Having more events and meeting places for all Russ, across fields of study, is the reason why Vilde wanted to be this year’s Russ president.
– I mainly wanted to ensure that everyone, not just bus drivers, gets a good driving time. In the past, there have been fewer events and meeting places for wanderlust. As a student, I notice that there is an “us and them” mentality, even if you don’t want it to be. There are clear divisions that prevent us from getting to know each other, and prejudices that affect the environment, she explains.
The new Russian Council believes that she has helped gather the graduating class. When students across fields of study get to collaborate and discuss issues concerning the Russian language, it strengthens belonging and community.
also read
The decoration was reported – now the police drop the case
More involved
Exclusion and outsiderness in the Russian era is not a new problem. Thor Heyerdahl works every year to ensure that every student feels included. At the start of the year, the graduating students gathered in groups to discuss precisely this. Then the increased use of drugs was something that worried many.
– There were several who said they dreaded the pressure about drugs and alcohol. It shows that more people want to distance themselves from it and you may not feel so alone. The event opened up discussion which I think is very important for the Russians, says Vilde.
The Russian president believes that finding a solution to the exclusion is difficult. Although all students have an equal responsibility to be welcoming, the council will make arrangements to ensure that everyone is welcome.
Here are the representatives in the Russian Council:
- The Russian president: Vilde Hatlo-Kvamme
- Vice-president: Rikke Andersskog
- Secretary: Marcus Seemann-Jensen
- Finance managers: Marcus Seemann-Jensen, Theodor Pedersen and Synthia Marie K. Christiansen
- Event managers: Marius Henry, Ludvig Theodor Kjendlie and Mohammed Aboulfish
- PR manager: Emerson Moe and Frida Bronebakk Halland
- Well-being manager: Bertine Amalie Bache
- Tulle and knot manager: Thea Sofie M. Ziegler
More events
Principal Lin Marie Holvik says that the school wanted to assist in a safe and inclusive Russian celebration, and is therefore more involved than in previous years.
– We were in dialogue with the Russians about the new council which should function representatively, like the student council. They didn’t quite agree with us at the start, but with good cooperation we have achieved their biggest wish, namely a meeting place, says Holvik.
Both the headmaster and the Russian think the council has been very successful. PR manager Frida Halland (18) attends the sports program and is from Halsen. She believes that the focus on joint events helps to lift the celebration for all the graduating students.
– We work with several events that are common to all russ. I wanted to be part of the Russian Council to make a difference, so that everyone has a safe and fun Russian time, says Frida.
She is on the “Vengabuss” bus, and hopes that, among other things, the Vestfold Russian “kick-off” in Horten can contribute to collecting bus and walking Russians.
Successful Russian ball
The graduating students at Thor Heyerdahl high school had a ball in February. It was a collaboration between the school, the Russian Council and Larvik municipality. Previously, the ball was more expensive, and took place in Sandefjord and Tønsberg.
– We asked for sponsorship from local businesses, so that those who had no opportunity due to finances could still participate. I don’t know if everyone who needed help dared to ask, but it was a very pleasant evening with almost 200 who turned up, says Russian President Vilde.
The school was helpful with both the rig and the pub license. Headmaster Holvik says that the school also sponsors breakfast for the christening, in addition to hot dogs and speakers at other events.
– We will have a barbecue in the backyard with parental guards and the police. We have done everything in cooperation with the Russians. So it’s very peaceful with us now. They behave well, as long as everyone is allowed to participate, she points out.
