Meitheal
In St Angela’s College, the main aim of the Meitheal Programme is to facilitate the transition from primary to secondary school for First Year students.
The Meitheal Programme is a leadership programme for Fifth Year students. The members of the Meitheal team are selected at interview and undergo training by the SCALA team. Through the four-day intensive training, students learn to identify needs in the school and to use their own initiative and talents to respond in a practical way. Meitheal gives students an opportunity to grow in awareness of themselves, and in the needs of others. It is not about focusing on standards, major events or results; it is about students doing their best, caring for each other and growing in confidence.
The Meitheal Team’s first activity at the beginning of the school year is to meet and greet the new pupils on their first day in St Angela’s College, showing them to their new classroom and generally looking after them throughout the two days of induction. Thereafter, they meet with them regularly and organise a series of activities or events for them throughout the year: bowling, table quizzes, films. Through the efforts of the Meitheal Team, the new First Years quickly begin to feel part and parcel of their new school community.