Portlaoise College recently hosted a Student Leadership Conference designed to empower students and create meaningful change for the wider school community.
The Conference was organised by Ms Finlay and Ms Cripps, in collaboration with various student leadership teams.
These included Meitheal, Deja Brew, Prefects, Green Schools, and the Student Council.
The Conference delivered a great many benefits to both the student participants, teachers, staff, board members and the overall school environment.
One of the primary goals of the conference was to develop leadership abilities among students.
Through workshops, discussions, and team-building exercises, participants learned essential skills such as effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
For many students, this was their first opportunity to step into leadership roles, helping them build confidence and an ability to inspire their peers.
A key theme of the conference was community involvement. Through a variety of activities, students explored ways to contribute positively to both the school and local communities.
This sense of civic responsibility instilled in students a desire to engage in community service projects and initiatives that support their peers, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration.
Board of Management member Councillor Willie Aird was invited to the conference to share his personal insights on leadership and the qualities that have enabled him to achieve his leadership goals.
The conference also provided a unique opportunity for students to network with local entrepreneur Kelly Ging, of Kelly Lou Cakes.
Ms Ging who shared her experience of turning a dream into a successful and thriving business.
The entrepreneur offered valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and explained how her leadership qualities helped her overcome obstacles in growing her business.
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