The third annual CEIST Student Leadership Conference took place on Tuesday last, 14th March 2017.
We were delighted that students from 76 of our 107 schools were represented at the event which took place again in the DCU Institute of Education, Drumcondra formerly known as St. Patrick’s College.
The day began at 10 am when students were addressed by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, who kindly called in to launch proceedings.
Nicole Turner a second year pupil in our CEIST school in Portarlington, Co. Laois and our youngest Paralympian then spoke to the Conference about how she has shown leadership in her own field of swimming.
Nicole pictured above with Justin Brown, School Co-ordinator CEIST and Dr. Marie Griffin, CEO, CEIST represented Ireland at the Paralympics in Rio last year and combines a gruelling training schedule with her school work.
Nicole’s ended her address reminding her fellow students of her motto – Dream it, Believe it , Achieve it.
In the second part of the day students were divided up into workshops where they heard students from other CEIST schools make presentations on how they had shown leadership in their own schools.
Pictured above are students from Presentation Secondary School, Waterford with Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, Dr. Gareth Byrne, Senior Lecturer DCU Institute of Education and Director of Mater Dei Centre of Catholic Education, Ruth Gallen, Deputy Principal, Presentation Secondary School, Waterford, Dr. Marie Griffin, CEO, CEIST and Orla Bolger, Teacher, Presentation Secondary School, Waterford.
Later and in the context of Pope Francis message the students explored the theme of ‘Caring for our common home’ and the impact of climate change on our world.
After lunch the students were addressed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, who spoke to them about the challenges of being a leader today and how as future leaders they would have to make difficult decisions.
The Minister allowed time for some questions and students asked him about the teaching of Irish in schools as well as the funding of Third Level and student fees.
Pictured above are students from Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington, Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk, Scoil Dara, Kilcock and St. Joseph’s College, Lucan.
To conlude the day students were treated to a spectacular performance of dance by Amy and Mollyanna from St. Joseph’s College, Lucan.
Dr. Gareth Byrne, Senior Lecturer DCU Institute of Education and Director of Mater Dei Centre of Catholic Education led the scattering prayer and the 260 student leaders from our CEIST schools across Ireland returned home after a busy but hopefully enjoyable day.
Pictured above are students from Scoil Bhríde, Mercy Secondary School, Tuam at the CEIST Student Leadership Conference.
Pictured above (LtoR) Bernard Keeley, Chairperson, CEIST Board of Directors, Dr. Amalee Meehan, School Co-ordinator, CEIST, Justin Brown, School Co-ordinator, CEIST, Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton, Dr. Marie Griffin, CEO, CEIST, Catherine McCormack, School Co-ordinator, CEIST, John Woods, ICS Manager, CEIST and Rosemary Greene, Office Secretary, CEIST.
Student Leadership Conference Photo Gallery
Click here to view photo gallery from the CEIST Student Leadership Conference 2017.