At Portlaoise College, Transition Year students are given the opportunity to engage in a vast array of programs to develop skills and qualities in various areas.
One such program is LIFT (Leading Ireland’s Future Together), where students learn and adopt a host of leadership skills, such as Listening, Positive Attitude, Respect, Competence, Dedication and Determination, Empathy and Understanding, Accountability, and Honesty and Integrity.
Through a combination of interactive workshops, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, LIFT fosters essential leadership qualities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
The programme encourages students to explore their unique strengths and passions, enabling them to develop their leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Over two hundred and seventy schools engaged in the LIFT training, and under the guidance of Ms Wilson, Portlaoise College’s Transition Year students were successful in acquiring the LIFT Ireland school flag.
Portlaoise College LIFT Coordinator Adele Wilson said: “We want to inspire our students to step forward, take initiative, and make a difference not just in Portlaoise College but in their communities.
“With the LIFT programme, we are building a foundation for lifelong leadership development”
Principal Noel Daly said: “We believe that each of our students at Portlaoise College is a leader, whether that is within their family, school community, sports teams, or with their friends.
“Portlaoise College shares LIFT’s vision, which is that by developing our personal leadership values, we can make Ireland a more equal, caring and positive society, now and in the future”
National Training Coordinator for the LIFT programme, Val O’Connor commented: “This is a great achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication of Ms. Wilson and the 48 TY students in promoting positive leadership values and developing strong leadership skills.
“The flag recognises Portlaoise College’s commitment to excellence and a willingness to go above and beyond to create a positive school community.
“This also serves as an emblem of the achievement of our students as well as providing inspiration for future students to strive to maintain this reputation. We believe Better is Possible”
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