MEITHEAL LEADERS 25/26 (Photographed above) :
Back - Angel, Hannchen, Cayley, Ms Rowe (co-ordinator), Ellie-Jo, Laura, Hazel
Front - Noah, Luke, Jamie, Ionut
Supporting Our First Years: The Meitheal Student Leadership Programme at CBS New Ross
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a big step. It can be both exciting and overwhelming – a new building, new teachers, new subjects and lots of new faces. At CBS New Ross, we understand how important it is to make our first-year students feel supported, welcomed and confident as they begin this journey.
That’s where our Meitheal Student Leadership Programme comes in — a powerful part of school life that reflects the values of care, community and leadership.
What is Meitheal?
The word Meitheal comes from the Irish tradition of community cooperation – neighbours helping each other to bring in the harvest. In the context of schools, Meitheal is a leadership programme where a group of senior students are trained to support first years as they begin their secondary school experience.
These student leaders are more than just friendly faces — they are mentors, role models and a key part of building a strong, positive school environment.
How Meitheal Supports First Years at CBS New Ross
Starting secondary school can be a big change. Some students may feel nervous or unsure. The Meitheal leaders help to ease those worries by:
- Welcoming first years on their first day
- Organising fun bonding activities and games
- Helping students find their way around the school
- Being someone to talk to when things feel tough
- Creating a sense of belonging and community
In many ways, they are the bridge between students and teachers, offering a listening ear and peer support in a way that feels approachable and safe.
How are Meitheal leaders chosen and trained?
Students apply for the Meitheal programme. They go through an interview process and, if selected, attend a special training programme during the summer delivered with the support of Wexford Local Development. There, they learn about leadership, teamwork, communication and how to support others with empathy and respect.
Our Meitheal team receives specialist training, This training helps prepare students for their leadership role, focusing on teamwork, communication skills, active listening and how to support others effectively and empathetically.
The training also includes elements of personal development, confidence-building, and ethical leadership — helping our students grow into strong, compassionate leaders, both in and outside the school.
MEITHEAL AWARDS JANUARY 2025 :
Back – Olivia, Ella, Aidan, Deri, Josh
Front - Ms Rowe (co-ordinator), Leah, Abbie, Ellie, Darragh, Allen Bobinac (guest speaker)
The impact of Meitheal
For first years, having a friendly face to turn to can make a huge difference. Many students say that Meitheal helped them settle in, make new friends, and feel more confident in those crucial early weeks.
For Meitheal leaders themselves, the experience is just as powerful. They develop leadership skills, grow in confidence, and leave a lasting legacy in their school. It’s a chance to give back and to show that leadership is about service, not status.
A School Culture of Support
At CBS New Ross, we believe that a school is more than just a place to learn — it’s a community. The Meitheal Student Leadership Programme is one of the many ways we strengthen that community, ensuring every student feels supported from day one.
Together, with the continued partnership of Wexford Local Development, we are proud to empower young leaders and create an environment where all students can thrive.