Life at Burke's
Student Leadership
At Burke's, every student position is held by a girl. Each year, each elected position in Youth Voice, Burke's student government, is won by a girl. Girls are the captains of every sports team and play the lead roles in every production.
But beyond that, cultivating leadership qualities is something that every student experiences in her nine years at Burke's. Fourth graders lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Lower School's weekly assemblies and have a hand in deciding the lineup for the annual Holiday Sing. Every seventh-grade student is charged with delivering a full speech on the subject of her choice in front of the entire Upper School — and sometimes, the entire student body. By the end of their time on campus, eighth graders run the weekly Upper School assembly and decide on special activities and dress-up days for their division.
As an institution, Burke's encourages independence in thought. Students learn to challenge assumptions, to identify essential questions, and to form and support well-reasoned opinions.
But beyond that, cultivating leadership qualities is something that every student experiences in her nine years at Burke's. Fourth graders lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Lower School's weekly assemblies and have a hand in deciding the lineup for the annual Holiday Sing. Every seventh-grade student is charged with delivering a full speech on the subject of her choice in front of the entire Upper School — and sometimes, the entire student body. By the end of their time on campus, eighth graders run the weekly Upper School assembly and decide on special activities and dress-up days for their division.
As an institution, Burke's encourages independence in thought. Students learn to challenge assumptions, to identify essential questions, and to form and support well-reasoned opinions.
Youth Voice Positions
List of 4 items.
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Community Leaders
Student(s) selected for this office will have the opportunity to run officer/rep meetings and prepare the agenda for these meetings. In addition, they will lead the Upper School in community building activities during the year. This role will focus on how to engage with others in the community, model and reflect positive leadership, and engage YV reps in democratic leadership. Community Leaders will coordinate birthday celebrations, as well as run Upper School assemblies which will also include meetings with the faculty supervisor before all assemblies. -
Equity and Inclusion Officers
The student(s) in this office will focus on bringing awareness and education around diversity, equity, and inclusivity topics to the Upper School. This position will take on the role of leadership in education around current events, heritage months, and holding all offices and activities in the Upper School accountable around equity. -
Service and Sustainability Officers
The student(s) in this office will increase awareness for the Upper School, as well as the entire community at large, of environmental issues, service opportunities, and civic engagement. Service and Sustainability Officer(s) will plan, organize, and publicize activities and events that will focus on the service needs and environmental issues of our community of Burke’s as well as beyond our school community. -
Spirit Officers
The student(s) in this office are responsible for encouraging community and school spirit through various activities that include spirit days, sports teams’ celebration, and a general appreciation for the Burke’s community at large.
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke’s
An independent K–8 school for girls
7070 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415.751.0177 Fax: 415.666.0535Directions | Employment | Contact Us | Adult-Student Interaction Policy