Student Leadership

Prefects

Our Sixth Year Prefects lead by example, setting a high standard of behaviour, responsibility, and care throughout the school. Acting as positive role models, they play a vital role in welcoming new First Year students, helping with induction, and ensuring their smooth transition into school life. They are there to answer questions/discuss issues students might not feel like raising with a member of staff. Where possible they will help them address any concern they have. Occasionally they may need to discuss what students tell them with a member of staff and they would tell students this in advance. At Christmas they organise and help run a party night for first years only. These students are chosen because of their record as exemplary students of St Joseph’s themselves and for their potential as leaders in our school community.

 Mercy Leaders:

The Mercy Leaders are a remarkable group of students who embody the core values of St Joseph’s—kindness, care, and respect. Serving as positive role models, they lead their peers by organising meaningful initiatives that reflect and promote our school ethos in engaging and thoughtful ways. Their aim is to “promote faith through fun” and they so by engaging the student body in different activities at important times in our liturgical calendar. Through initiatives such as “Tea and Talk”, which encourages open conversations among students, and “November We Remember”, a reflective tribute to members of our school community who have passed, they create spaces for connection, compassion, and remembrance. They have forged a strong link with the Nursing Home in Tyrrellspass and they have run a very successful Christmas hamper Appeal over the last number of years. Last year they launched our school TikTok account which celebrates our characteristic spirit in a very fun way.

 Wellbeing Team:

The Student Wellbeing Team in St Joseph’s plays a vital and compassionate role in supporting the holistic development of every student. Rooted in the principles of care, inclusion, and early intervention, the team works collaboratively with the Wellbeing Coordinator and those on the Teaching Wellbeing Team to create a safe and nurturing environment where all students feel valued, listened to, and supported. The team meets regularly to identify emerging needs, coordinate supports, and implement wellbeing initiatives in line with the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice. They help to organise and run initiatives such as Smile Week, Anti Bullying Week and World Mental Health Day. By promoting positive mental health, resilience, and belonging, the Student Wellbeing Team works to ensure that each young person in our school can engage fully in their learning and thrive both in school and beyond.

 Student Council:

The Student Council in St Joseph’s plays a meaningful and empowering role in giving students a voice and helping to shape the life of the school community. Made up of elected student representatives from various year groups, the council acts as a bridge between students and staff, offering a platform where ideas, concerns, and suggestions can be shared openly and respectfully. Through regular meetings and collaborative projects, the Student Council promotes active citizenship, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. Whether organising events, supporting wellbeing initiatives, or contributing to school policies, the council helps foster a positive, inclusive school culture where every student feels heard, respected, and involved.