The Student Mentoring Programme is made up of a team of Transition Year students nominated by class teachers as positive role models for first years.
Mentors receive training in September in conjunction with Limerick Youth Service. Training is geared towards working with younger students. Ongoing advice and support is given to mentors throughout the year.
The role of student mentors is to liaise with first year students, helping them to feel comfortable in their new surroundings while providing a big brother / sister role model.
First years may feel more at ease revealing concerns or asking for guidance from their peers, rather than a teacher. Mentors introduce themselves on the first day of the new academic year and then continue to foster positive relationships.
Mentors can be of help to class teachers or indeed any teacher organising activities involving first years. Teachers are very much encouraged to avail of their assistance.
The transition from Primary to Secondary can be a difficult one for some, but Student Mentors contribute to making it that bit easier.