About the International Student Congress of St. Mary's (ISCS)

To provide the best learning and living environment for the international students, we operate a student-led organization known as the International Student Congress of St. Mary's (ISCS) where your voices are heard, your concerns addressed, and your ideas transformed into meaningful actions to benefit our diverse community.

At present, St. Mary's School operates two principal councils: the International Student Congress and the Dorm Council. While these two councils may appear similar, they differ significantly in their fundamental structure, focus, and scope.

The Dorm Council typically hosts small meetings in the dormitory common area, facilitated by a Resident Assistant. These meetings address a range of issues, from event requests and grievances to dormitory decorations for seasonal celebrations. It is encouraged for all students to participate in Dorm Council without a binding commitment while offering the opportunity to earn community service hours.

Conversely, the International Student Congress is a fully student-run organization that handles all matters typically requiring faculty involvement or substantial student discussion. This includes involvement in dormitory rule-making, addressing instances of discrimination towards international students, albeit rare, and improving the environment for international students at St. Mary's. Members of the Congress represent their respective countries and are dedicated to enhancing and actively participating in communications with the student body, dorm staff, and

school faculty members.

Current Members:

House Speaker: Yoochan "Mason" Jun '24

Secretary: Minji "Ivy" Kang '25

Clerk: Sirun "Angel" Li '25

Members: Soomin Kim '24, Harhim "Pauline" Kim '25, Bill Kao '26, Yixin "Amanda" Su '26

Within the Congress, there are three major roles: House Speaker, Secretary, and Clerk. The House Speaker will oversee Congress proceedings, manage operations, collaborate closely with members, and approve any publication or announcement made in the name of the International Student Congress. The Secretary will be tasked with note-taking, preparing comprehensive reports of each Congress session, and reviewing any written content published under the organization's name. Finally, the Clerk will manage the Congress Docket Google document, time the speeches of representatives, and keep a record of proceedings. Should any member of the Student Congress cease participation for any reason, including graduation, they will not be replaced by another student. To maintain the effective operation of the Congress, however, internal roles may be re-elected to cover any

vacancy.

All representatives are expected to attend monthly sessions, typically held at the

beginning of each Mod. In addition, to foster effective communication with the school, representatives participate in monthly meetings with the faculty, including Ms. Darcy Yazzolino (Director of Residential Life), Ms. Anita Cooper (Vice-Principal), and Mr. James Meyer (Principal), where they can discuss various subjects previously addressed during International Student Congress sessions. Generally, four to five members attend these meetings, with the Secretary and one of the House Speakers required to participate.

To ensure active representation of students' voices, each international student will have access to the Anonymous International Student Suggestion Box and the right to voice their concerns or share their ideas with any representative. This Suggestion Box, a Google Form available to all, serves as a forum for students to propose topics for discussion during the monthly Student Congress sessions. Moreover, each representative has a responsibility to closely listen to and consider the input of students, particularly those from their own countries. This commitment forms a crucial part of their role as representatives, ensuring a platform where every voice can be heard and every opinion matters.

Thank you for your time and attention to the International Student Congress. Your engagement and participation are key to the success of this initiative. At St. Mary's, we value each member's unique contributions to our diverse and vibrant community. Remember, the International Student Congress is not merely an organization—it is a platform for your voice and for positive change. I encourage you all to seize this opportunity to contribute and shape our collective experience.

For any queries or further discussions, please do not hesitate to contact yoochan.jun@smschool.us. Let's continue fostering meaningful dialogues and progressive growth together.