Coláiste Chiaráin had success in Dublin this week, when sixth year pupils from the college received awards for participating in the Student Mentoring Programme, run under the School Business Partnership Programme. The five sixth year students involved were; Sinead Stapleton, James Kennedy, Emma NíLunnaigh, Jeffrey Buckley and James Deegan.

Coláiste Chiaráin believes that programmes like these, are of tremendous benefit to students, especially at senior cycle, according to Mr. James Galvin, Assistant Principal and Programme Coordinator in Coláiste Chiaráin, who led the project in the college.

The programme involved four employees from the Anglo Irish business sector mentoring five students from the college. The mentoring took place over a two year period which involved frequent meetings between students and mentors and external visits which included a number of social and recreational activities.

The mentors worked with the students focusing mainly on preparation for working life. The students were exposed to practical skills such as designing the most effective curriculum vitae, perfecting employment seeking skills and of course, the latest in interview techniques.

The awards ceremony in Dublin this week was hosted and presented by the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, TD, in the Clock Tower Conference Room, Department of Education and Skills building. Also in attendance was Mr. Seán Haughey T.D., Minister of State, and Ms. Eleanor Walsh, Mid-West Regional Coordinator for ‘Business in the Community, Ireland’.

Coláiste Chiaráin was further delighted to have the honour of having one of our participating students address the gathering. Miss Sinead Stapleton was selected to speak on behalf of all the students from all the schools and her remarks were warmly received and commended, particularly by the Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan.  

Congratulations again!