Meitheal: The Second Half
Amongst the madness of our school year, it was very important to us leaders to have a more serious discussion with our first years. We highlighted the dangers and consequences of bullying, especially online. We wanted to get our point across in a fun way using small demonstrations carried out by first years themselves. Although they enjoyed the assembly and got really involved we believe they thoroughly understood the seriousness of the topic.
To celebrate the Christmas spirit, we decided to hold a secret event for first year’s just days before the holidays. Meitheal leaders surprised first years with a Christmas party. They were treated to hot chocolate and sweets with some Christmas music and fun activities. We sang and danced to festive songs and really enjoyed the time out of class! After months of getting to know the first years, we decided to test them on their knowledge of us leaders. It was a really positive and merry way to end the amazing 2018.
During our Christmas break all nine Meitheal students travelled to Carlow for our further training day. On this we fully completed our training programme. It was refreshing to reunite friendships and hear of fun activities that other Meitheal groups had done in their schools and what problems they faced. This really motivated us to organise one last big and fun event as a Meitheal team and so the organising of the cinema trip began.
After weeks of planning and preparation we treated our first years with a special trip to Odeon Cinema, Newbridge to see “Instant Family”. Every student was given popcorn and a drink as we went to watch the film. We really enjoyed the day as did all students and teachers involved.
On March 1st all Meitheal leaders, accompanied by parents and Meitheal co-ordinator, Ms O’Keefe, travelled to Askea, Carlow for our graduation. It gave us all a chance to reflect on all that we have achieved as a group, all the memories made and friends we’ve come to know. In the weeks that followed, Rob returned to our school to select the Meitheal team for 2019/2020. We want to wish them the best of luck and hope they have as much fun as we have. We would love to thanks the first years for making our job so enjoyable, and also Ms O’Keefe for the endless help, guidance and support she has given us.
Yours truly
Emma, Orlaith, Katie, Rebecca, Hannah, Aísling, Dean, Dan and Ross