5th Year Mentorship Program of 1st Year pupils:
Our 5th Year Mentors play an essential role in supporting incoming 1st Year students, ensuring they feel welcomed, safe, and as confident as possible as they make the big transition from their primary schools into a post primary school environment as the newest members of Templeogue College. These mentors serve as trusted guides from the very beginning, providing reassurance and assistance during the critical first days and weeks of the school year. They help 1st Years navigate the campus, adjust to the structure of a post-primary school day, and answer any questions meeting pupils first thing in the morning and during breaks at the lockers, or throughout the school day. Their presence fosters a sense of belonging, easing the transition and ensuring our newest school community members always have a friendly, approachable, and dependable student mentor to turn to.
Throughout the year our mentors remain a consistent source of support, offering advice, encouragement, and friendship. They actively promote well-being and inclusion by organising a variety of social and team-building activities, such as lunchtime events and interactive initiatives designed to help 1st Years form connections and develop confidence within the school community.
In addition to fostering friendships, our mentors take on an important pastoral role, contributing to the school’s positive atmosphere. They have participated in anti-bullying assemblies, lead initiatives that promote kindness, respect, and inclusivity, that ensure a safe, supportive space for all students. Their involvement in these efforts reinforces the school’s commitment to a respectful and compassionate culture.
For 5th Year students, the mentorship program is an invaluable leadership development opportunity. Mentors gain key skills in responsibility, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which contribute to their personal growth and future endeavours. As active members of the student leadership team, mentors help shape the school’s culture, setting a positive example for younger students. They also serve as role models, inspiring 1st Years to engage with the school community and, in time, take on leadership roles themselves.
Becoming a 5th Year Mentor is more than just an assigned role, it is a privilege and a responsibility. Mentors make a lasting impact on their younger peers while simultaneously developing into confident, compassionate, and capable leaders. Through their dedication, they help ensure that every 1st Year student begins their secondary school journey with the support, encouragement, kindness and friendship they need to thrive.