Student leaders connect at Castletown
Students from across Ireland gathered in Castletown on Thursday October 16th and Friday 17th to participate in the Student Leadership Programme organised by the MEL Ireland Committee.
The energy and enthusiasm of the young people saw them make a valuable contribution to a very rich programme as they gained a greater understanding of the valuable roles they carry out in their schools.
From the outset, the participants embraced the theme of ‘All is Connected’ as they mixed easily between schools, creating bonds that greatly enhanced the programme and will hopefully continue into the future.
The event began with a discussion on the Five Core Principles led by Margaret Walsh and Br Tommy Walsh, which outlined the key aspects of the ethos that they leaders are helping to nurture in their schools.
One of the highlights of the two days was undoubtedly the drum workshop which not only proved to be a source of great entertainment, but summed up the the power of leadership, co-operation, listening and fun while combining individual talents.
A new initiative this year saw students given the opportunity to present to their peers as De La Salle Macroom shared their experience of Servant Leadership. Darragh Donovan, Simon Condon, Robbie Magee and Donagh Moss reflected on how student leaders took on the responsibility of introducing first and second year students to the Five Core Principles. The quartet reflected on how this was something enthusiastically received by all.
The Art Workshop further explored the theme of connection as each student designed a personalised piece that was used to create a large jigsaw as a symbol of the how the collaboration of individual can create a powerful community.
The free-time on Thursday night was another opportunity to strengthen the bonds and friendships that had been created during the day.
Friday morning saw the launch of the Lasallian Competition with students encouraged to ensure their schools took part in this very popular annual event, before the Castletown Retreat Team led a meditation/mindfulness session.
The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants by Br Tommy Walsh.
Br Tom thanks all the students for the enthusiasm they brought to the two days and encouraged them to continue the great work in sharing the Lasallian ethos in their schools, and expressed his gratitude to the teachers who had accompanied them. He also thanked the MEL Ireland Committee for the work they put into preparing the event, and in particular, Jason Poole, for leading the programme.
