Here at Drogheda ETSS, we offer a variety of leadership opportunities for our students to get involved in, take initiative, and make a difference. Whether it’s leading a club, organising events, or taking part in our programmes such as TY Mentors and Prefect system. Such programmes and initiatives can help students build confidence, learn new skills, and grow as leaders.
TY Mentors:
TY Mentors work with 1st year students to help them adapt to their new school and make the transition from primary to secondary school.
TY Mentors help familiarise 1st year students with classrooms, timetables, lockers, etc. They provide a ‘friendly face’ and someone to talk to if the student is having a difficulty. TY Mentors meet with their mentees frequently during tutor time. They also organise different events such as ice breakers in September and a Christmas Quiz.
TY Mentors volunteer for this role and must apply to become a TY Mentor. They attend a workshop where their role is clearly shaped. Throughout the year they work closely with 1st year class tutors.
The benefits to the Mentors include practical opportunities to experience the following;
- Building confidence and capacity
- Learning from and with a younger person
- Learning new skills especially social, emotional, listening and communication skills
- Self-reflection
- Taking a leadership role and developing leadership skills
- Active role within school life
Educate Together Student Advisory Committee:
Educate Together annually selects two students to join the Ethical Education Student Advisory Committee, offering them a chance to become leaders within our community. Committee members participate in regular meetings and contribute to organising national educational events in collaboration with Educate Together.
Student Council:
Our Student Council consists of members from every tutor base class in the school and have representatives from 1st to 6th year. Members are nominated, and then elected, in whole school elections held at the beginning of each school year. Our council meets weekly to discuss important issues within the school and are key stakeholders in our school community.
The role of a student council member consists of numerous responsibilities such as:
- Promoting communication between students, staff, and the greater school community,
- Advocating and fostering student voice and leadership within the school,
- Supporting students and staff in developing school policies,
- Championing our four pillars of innovation, respect, community and excellence,
- And many more…
Currently our council members have been working hard;
- reviewing and updating our anti bullying policy,
- developing ways for students to get in contact and voice their concerns through the use of QR codes, and,
- planning charity events that will take place within the school in the coming days/weeks.
Anti-bullying Ambassadors:
At Drogheda ETSS, we take a strong stance against bullying with the help of our dedicated Anti-bullying Team, consisting of teachers and our student council members. They work tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. From organising themed awareness weeks, such as Internet Safety Week, and Inclusion and Diversity week, to conducting anti-bullying report audits, they are proactive in their approach to tackle bullying and promote kindness/‘Cinealtas’. The team are partnered with DCU – FUSE Anti-Bullying Programme, and have recently achieved Shield Status, from the ISPCC Anti-Bullying programme. Together, they strive to make our school a place where everyone feels respected and supported.
BOM Student Reps:
Our Board of Management student representatives play a vital role in ensuring that students' voices are heard and valued. These students actively participate in meetings, contribute to decision making processes, and help foster a positive and inclusive school environment. Their leadership strengthens the connection between students, staff, and the wider school community.
Prefects:
Innovation Prefects:
Our Innovation Prefects are all about sparking new ideas and embracing creativity within the school. They provide guidance to students on how to make the most of their iPads, helping everyone use technology in a safer, smarter and more exciting ways. Whether it’s exploring new apps, working on projects, or finding fresh solutions to everyday challenges, the Innovation Prefects encourage students to think outside the box and get creative with their learning.
Respect Prefect:
Our Respect Prefects are dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusivity and a positive school environment. They play a key role in initiatives like Green Schools, Wellbeing Week, Anti-Bullying Week and fundraising events, helping to raise awareness and inspire action. Working closely with our Community Prefect, the Respect Prefects encourage students to respect one another, support each other’s well-being, and contribute to a caring school community.
Community Prefect:
Our Community Prefect is dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusivity and a positive school environment. They play a key role in initiatives like Extra-curricular activities, Wellbeing Week, Anti-Bullying Week, and fundraising events, helping to raise awareness and inspire action. The Community Prefect encourages students to engage in team activities. Working closely with our Respect Prefect, they inspire students to respect one another, support each other’s well-being, and contribute to a caring school community.
2nd Year Community Prefects:
Our 2nd Year Community Prefects are here to support and guide students as they transition from 1st to 2nd year. They play an essential role in helping students settle back after the summer break. 2nd year Community Prefects act as positive role models, they provide encouragement, share advice and create a supportive environment where all 2nd year students feel valued and connected.
Excellence Prefect:
Our Excellence Prefects are committed to inspiring academic achievement and a culture of continuous improvement. They lead initiatives like study skills workshops, subject information sessions and student-led projects, helping peers develop effective learning strategies and reach their full potential. The Excellence Prefects encourage students to strive for their best in all areas of school life, fostering a supportive and motivated academic community.
Head Students:
Our Head Students are passionate leaders who inspire and represent the entire student body. They work closely with staff and fellow students to promote a positive school culture, lead key events and ensure that student voices are heard. With a focus on fostering school spirit and personal growth, the Head Students serve as role models and ambassadors, guiding the school community so that all students reach their full potential. Our Head Students regularly attend Student Council meetings.