ASSEMBLIES

RATIONALE

Assemblies are a great way to generate interest and deal effectively with important issues. One guideline to use is -- Only use Quality. If a school assembly is not of the highest quality, you are probably wasting time and frustrating your staff by having them supervise restless students. A good assembly is one where the staff could all go for a coffee and the students would still be completely attentive. This means you must closely screen each potential assembly. Many seem to think that all you need is a good cause (ie. the environment, drinking and driving, drugs, etc.) and an assembly will work. WRONG!!! A good cause poorly represented can have damaging effects.

WHY USE ASSEMBLIES?

First, they are a great way to get important messages to a large group of students. Secondly, they can help to build school unity. The school - both staff and students - can see each other as a cohesive unit working toward the same end. Finally, they allow you the opportunity to invite members of the community and school board into your school to hear the excellent calibre of speakers and presenters.

HOW DO YOU SET ONE UP?

You may feel that most are quite pricey, however, many schools share these speakers and presenters. Contact nearby schools and divisions to see if they will split costs with you. Perhaps you can find community groups who may want your speaker for an evening session. The Jostens Speakers Bureau has a great directory . If you need recommendations about a speaker, contact some of the people around your province who might have used them.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Has the presenter had experience in front of a high school audience?

Is your audience familiar with the cause? Do they require background information prior to the assembly?

Who is the presentation for?

Can the message be delivered more effectively in a classroom setting?

POINTS TO CONSIDER

A good cause deserves a good presentation.

Your students must be trained to behave properly in assembly situations.

Make the audience aware of the expectations of behaviour for each assembly.

SOME TIPS ON IMPROVING ASSEMBLIES

Some schools have problems with the behaviour of students during assemblies. Students must learn how to behave and be told what is expected of them during assemblies. Some assemblies require them to be exuberant and unrestrained, such as spirit assemblies. Other assemblies require a respectful attitude, such as Remembrance Day assemblies. The following list attempts to highlight points that will lead to better assemblies.

• Assign classes to sit in designated rows and have teachers take attendance according to a seating plan.
• Assign spots for teachers to sit in the assembly. Assemblies are learning occasions and not a free period for the teacher.
• Let teachers know what the assembly is about in advance with a detailed memo. State behaviour expectations clearly and ask teachers to instruct their students about this.
• Make the presenters aware of their obligations during your assemblies. Many presenters are not aware of the rigours of presenting in front of a high school audience.
• Remove trouble-makers immediately. This will set the tone for all concerned.
• Plan assemblies that will be interesting for the staff as well as the students. The more teachers you have in the assembly hall, the better.
• Mix the tone and content of your assemblies. Motivational assemblies are great, but the message loses its meaning if this is the only type of assembly presented.
• Have different departments in your school responsible for presenting assemblies. This will vary the content and learning levels of your presentations.
• Voluntary assemblies make teachers and classes responsible for behaviour. These can be on a first-come-first-served basis or on a reward system.
• Allow time to process the information presented. Too many assemblies happen and then the class goes on to the next subject on the daily timetable. If the assembly was important enough to be held, then it deserves some discussion and processing time after the presentation.
• Have separate assemblies for juniors and seniors according to content and interest. Nothing will kill an assembly faster than having the content addressed to only 50% of your audience.
• Attempt to have quality assemblies that have been well-organized and planned with quality speakers or presentations. An assembly is another opportunity for your students to learn something. Some people view assemblies as a break, but be prepared for behaviour problems if an assembly is viewed as recess time.

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