Ceist Leadership Conference

Students from all over Ireland attended a great student leadership day organised for their schools by the CEIST Trust Board. DCU Institute of Education was very pleased to host the day and have our student ambassadors look after our visitors.  The day began with a welcome from the Deputy President of DCU Prof. Daire Keogh. He was joined by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin who addressed the students and gave them his blessing for the day.

Highlights of the day included a talk from one of Ireland’s youngest Paralympians, Nicole Turner, from Coláiste Ísogáin, Portarlington. Workshops included student presentations on how they had shown leadership in their own school and discussion of Pope Francis’ theme on ‘care for our common home’ from his letter, Laudato Si’.  There was a wonderful atmosphere of work, enjoyment, making new friends and appreciation of people and their efforts.  

In the afternoon the conference was addressed by the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton TD. Also in attendance was the new Executive Dean of the DCU Institute of Education, Dr. Anne Looney. Dr. Gareth Byrne, Director of Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, led a scattering prayer before the students and their teachers headed back home.  A great day! Well done all!