Ms Molly Hynes:

Again, our school is fortunate to have a strong pastoral care system which engages daily with students and is quick to act on issues. Our senior students have the option to engage in two student programmes - the meitheal programme or our senior prefect programme. As part of these programmes, senior students who have undertaken training are assigned to first and second year base classes to help students in all aspects of school life. They are a wonderful asset to our base class teachers as students often see and hear things in our school which teachers do not and it can help us spot issues more quickly. Student councils can also be an effective way to promote positive messages and encourage student engagement within a school setting. It is essential that students have a voice within their school community and that they feel that voice is being taken seriously by management. Modules such as YSI, Green Schools, Global Citizenship Education and civic, social and political education, CSPE, all have the potential to give students a sense of purpose and the opportunity to effect change. Not all students excel in or enjoy the classroom setting. For some, the sporting arena is their comfort zone. Schools must have adequate facilities and equipment to offer these opportunities to all students. Appropriate funding must be made available to schools to fund these.