School highlights wonderful work of Castletown team

Having been refreshed by our summer break, the team has returned to Castletown Pastoral Centre to deliver our programmes for the coming year.

So far we have welcomed 6th year, 5th year, TY and 3rd year groups to us and we have been delighted with them. 

In addition to those groups we have also facilitated student leadership programmes for Prefects and student mentors.

One such group of students, called 'Cairde' mentor the new 1st year students in their school and we were very humbled by the review of their day with us, which they shared on their school's social media. It summarised very well their day with us and affirmed for us as a team that we are making a difference with the students we work with.

Their review was as follows:

TY Cairde Training Day at Castletown Retreat Centre

Transition Year students recently gathered at the Castletown Retreat Centre for a special Cairde training day, designed to prepare them for their important role in supporting incoming first years.

The day began with lively ice-breaker activities, giving students practical ideas they can use to help first years get to know one another and feel at ease as they start secondary school. These fun and engaging games also allowed the TY group to bond more closely as a team.

A key part of the day was a workshop on what it feels like to be a first year. TY students reflected on the challenges and worries that new students often face, from finding classrooms to making friends.

Together, they explored ways they can offer support, encouragement, and reassurance to help first years settle in smoothly and feel a real sense of belonging.

Another highlight was the Extend the Hand of Friendship activity, where the TY students shared kindness and encouragement among themselves. This powerful exercise demonstrated the importance of empathy, positivity, and teamwork – and showed the group how they can model these values for the younger students they will be mentoring.

The training day concluded with a thoughtful closing ceremony, bringing everyone together to reflect on what they had learned and the responsibilities they are about to take on.

Overall, the Cairde training day was a great success, leaving the TY students enthusiastic and well-prepared to welcome and support the first years in the year ahead.