Overview of the Meitheal Programme?
Meitheal is a youth leadership and peer-support programme that we treasure in Ramsgrange Community School. It is rooted in the Irish concept of “meitheal”—a tradition where communities come together to support one another—which reflects the programme’s focus on care, teamwork, and shared responsibility.
In our school context, Meitheal is designed to:
- Educate and empower students as leaders
- Support younger students socially and emotionally
- Promote a positive, inclusive school environment
We are proud to say that the Meitheal programme has been running since the early 1990s in Ramsgrange C.S.
Structure of Meitheal in Ramsgrange CS
The Meitheal programme in Ramsgrange C.S. involves:
👥 Senior Student Leaders (6th Years) who are selected and trained as Meitheal leaders and then act as mentors, role models, and facilitators to our first year students. They work voluntarily to support the school community
🧑🎓 First Year Students who are the new entrants to our secondary school and receive guidance, support, and reassurance from the Meitheal team
🧑🏫 Staff Coordinator is Ms. Marie McCabe who is the teacher who oversees and guides the programme, ensuring safeguarding, structure, and continuity of the Meitheal programme in Ramsgrange C.S.
Training and Skills Development
Before taking on their roles, the 6th year Meitheal leaders undergo structured training during the summer months.
Training focuses on key life and leadership skills such as:
- Communication and active listening
- Teamwork and group facilitation
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership and responsibility
- Building self-esteem and empathy
This training helps students identify needs within our school and respond in practical, supportive ways.
Core Role: Supporting First Years
The central aim of Meitheal is to ease the transition from primary to secondary school, which can be a challenging time socially and emotionally. Meitheal leaders support first years by:
🧭 Helping them settle in
- Orientation activities
- Guidance on school routines (lockers, timetables, etc.)
- Answering questions in an informal, approachable way
🎉 Building friendships and inclusion
- Icebreakers and group activities
- Games, events, and team-building exercises
- Encouraging participation in school life
💬 Providing peer support
- Being approachable for concerns or worries
- Offering reassurance from a student perspective
- Acting as a bridge between students and staff
🌟 Creating a positive environment
- Promoting kindness, respect, and belonging
- Helping reduce anxiety and isolation
- Encouraging confidence and engagement
Overall, they help first years integrate socially and feel part of the school community.
Typical Activities in our School
Throughout the school year, Meitheal teams organise:
- Welcome programmes and induction days
- Weekly or monthly meet-ups with first years
- Icebreaker sessions and social events
- Study skills workshops
- Seasonal activities (e.g. quizzes, competitions, themed events)
- Informal check-ins and mentoring sessions
These activities are designed to create connections and support student wellbeing.
Meitheal Leaders engaging in Team Bonding Activities with 1st year RCS Students
Meitheal Leaders assisting 1st year with her locker
Benefits to the RCS Students of the Meitheal Programme
For First Year Students
- Smoother transition into secondary school
- Increased confidence and sense of belonging
- Stronger peer relationships
- Access to informal support
For Meitheal Leaders (6th Years)
- Development of leadership and communication skills
- Increased empathy and social awareness
- Experience in mentoring and teamwork
- Personal growth and confidence
For the School Community
- More inclusive and supportive atmosphere
- Stronger relationships across year groups
- Improved student wellbeing and engagement
Connection with the RCS Values of Respect, Community, Success
Meitheal is not just about activities—it is about values and culture .
It encourages our students to :
- Be leaders through service, not authority
- Show compassion, respect, and responsibility
- Take initiative to improve school life
- Support others in meaningful, practical ways
The programme emphasises that leadership in Ramsgrange C.S. is aboutcaring for others and contributing positively to the community, rather than competition or status. In Ramsgrange Community School, Meitheal can be understood as:
A student-led mentoring programme where trained 6th year students guide and support incoming 1st years—helping them adjust socially, emotionally, and practically to post-primary school life and support them in becoming fully fledged members of the RCS family.
We wish to sincerely thank our Meitheal Leaders from 2025/2026 and wish them well in the future.
