Student Council
Who we are
The Student Council of the International School of Tallinn (IST) is the official student body representing the voice and interests of all students from Grade 3 through Grade 12.
Our mission is to create a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring school environment by organizing events, fostering communication between students and staff, and promoting positive change in our community.
The Council serves as a bridge between students and the administration — ensuring that every student has a say in shaping school life
How Students Can Join or Participate
Every academic year, Student Council elections are held in each class, allowing students to nominate themselves and be chosen by their peers.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Share your voice: Students can bring suggestions, feedback, or concerns to their class representatives at any time.
Run for election: At the start of the school year, each class elects one main representative and up to two vice-representatives.
Participate in meetings and projects: Council meetings are open for class input, and students can propose ideas or help with event organization.
Apply for leadership roles: Older students (from Grade 9 and up) can run for School President or Vice President, following a fair and transparent election process that includes speeches and debates .
Student Council President
The School President is the highest representative of the student body at the International School of Tallinn.
Elected from the upper grades (MYP 4 and above), the President leads the Student Council, ensures that meetings are fair and productive, and acts as the main link between students and school administration .
The President’s main responsibilities include:
• Leading Council meetings and maintaining a respectful, collaborative environment.
• Representing the interests and ideas of the entire student body.
• Communicating with teachers, staff, and leadership on behalf of students.
• Encouraging student involvement and supporting Council projects.
• Ensuring that all Council actions align with IST’s values of respect, inclusivity, and integrity.
The President is chosen through a transparent and democratic process that includes candidate presentations, Council evaluations, and debates to ensure the best possible leadership for the school community.
Rafael is originally from Azerbaijan and joined IST in 2023. This year, he was honored to serve as the Student President of IST. He was elected by the students and took part in debates for the role.
Alongside that, he is also the school’s mascot, a proud TISC member, the owner of the PPSO (Personal Project Supervision Organization), and the Vice President of the Newspaper Club. He is always actively involved in school life—whether it’s helping organize events, supporting his peers, or simply bringing positive energy and good vibes to the community.
Outside of school, Rafael enjoys mixed martial arts, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. He has competed in the U16–U17 categories in all of these disciplines. In addition, Rafael has a passion for languages. He studies Spanish at school and is fluent in English, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian.
Rafael aspires to pursue a career in psychology.
