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August 22, 2022

Early Start for 1st Years in Newcastlewest

LYS staff were joined by TY students and staff from Scoil Mhuire agus Íde

It was an early start to secondary school for First Year students at Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastlewest this past week, as they took part in Limerick Youth Service’s ‘Moving On Up’ Primary to Secondary Transition Programme.

Titled ‘Moving On Up,’ the Primary to Secondary Transition Programme introduced the students to their new school and classmates and focused on the personal and social challenges some students face as they start second level.

Delivered by the youth work team at LYS, the Moving On Up programme included workshops on topics on such as communications, wellbeing, changing friendships and peer pressure, while a fitness session with Limerick Sports Partnership was also part of the day.

Students taking part in a communications workshop with LYS

‘Our Moving On Up programme includes a number of workshops that gives students the space to explore any feelings of anxiety or indeed excitement that they feel starting secondary school,’ said Eithne Stembridge, LYS.

‘While the start of secondary school can be an exciting time, for some young people it can be quite a daunting experience,’ said Eithne adding ‘some students can find the move from a small rural school with twenty students to a college with over 500 students quite daunting and it may take them time to settle in.’

An ice breaking session with Ger Curtain, LYS

Eithne, thanked the 120 students for taking part in the Moving On Up programme saying ‘we had a very enjoyable day and the feedback from students and staff very positive.

‘On behalf of LYS, we’d like to wish all the 1st year and remind them that LYS will have plenty of extra-curricular activities such as youth clubs that will be of interest to many!’ continued Eithne.

LYS wishes to echo Eithne’s wishes to the incoming First Years and thank the staff and TY students at Scoil Mhuire agus Íde for their kind welcome and support to deliver the Moving On Up programme.

The Moving On Up Primary to Secondary Transition Programme is made possible to through the support of basis.point.

A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centres, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to supporting and encouraging young people to be active participants in shaping their futures.

ENDS####