RP Mentors Programme

1st Year Induction Programme

(led by Student RP Mentors)

Our 1st year induction programme, ‘Be Here. Be You, Belong’ is in line with Bí Cineálta and led by student RP Mentors to build relationships first — so learning, wellbeing, and behaviour can follow.

Are you looking for a practical, ready-to-run 1st year induction programme?

Do you want to build student leadership with real purpose?

Do you need to bring BÍ Cineálta Procedures to life?

Is student engagement, teaching & learning and attendance a school priority?

Are you tired of 'train and hope' initiatives? Looking for measurable impact?

If you answered 'Yes' to the above, then the Relationship First Induction Programme for 1st Years is for you.

Scroll on down for more information

Training

A designated staff coordinator attends a face-to-face training day with Michelle (10.00am–3.30pm, lunch included), which outlines, and is complimented by 5 follow-on lesson plans, physical resource pack, and access to an online course aimed to support the school coordinator to build student leadership capacity for implementation.

Student Leader Capacity

Up to 20 senior students are trained by the designated staff coordinator as RP Student Mentors, developing skills in:

Communication and listening
Relationship-building
Facilitation and teamwork
Positive leadership
Conflict literacy

Peer-Led Induction

RP Student Mentors facilitate five structured, supported sessions with first year groups, using interactive games and activities that foster connection and belonging.

What Are the Benefits of Doing the 1st Year Induction Programme (led by RP Student Mentors)

For First Year Students:

Eases transition into school life
Builds confidence, coping & peer skills
Creates a sense of welcome and community

For Senior Students:

Develops leadership, communication & mentoring competencies
Enhances wellbeing through purposeful responsibility
Operationalises an existing leadership structure such as Prefects/Cara Aire or can exist as a new way to build student leadership capacity

For Schools:

A scalable, structured induction programme
Ready-made resources and support
Aligns with wellbeing initiatives and pastoral care goals
Surveys to measure impact on what matters – student wellbeing, engagement and leadership
Brings Bí Cineálta from policy to practice

Curriculum Resources/Supports/Lesson Plan

1. Staff Coordinator/Teacher Supports

Training day for a staff coordinator
Structured lesson plans for five peer-led sessions
Two surveys to measure impact
Access to a 12-month coordinator training and support course
Physical resources - posters, lanyard, giraffe talking piece

2. Resource pack for up to 20 x RP Student Mentors

Student journal with lesson & planning supports
Badges, lanyards and giraffe talking piece

Costs:

Investment of €1,295 (incl. 1 x staff co-ordinator place at the Training Day)

**Book using the links below or get in touch for more details hello@connectrp.ie

Dates / Locations:

29th April 2026 - Dublin West Education Centre

Time:

10:00am-15:30pm

Here What Michelle Has To Say About The Programme

"The restorative practice training was so engagement and interactive. I am energised running to my students."

Clíona O'Shaughnessy, Deputy Year Head

"The training was so practical, hands on and so easy to implement. I can’t wait to get back to school and bring back the positivity and energy and see how it can grow!"

Karen Smythe, Teacher

"The Restorative Practice student mentor program workshop is fabulous! Aspirational in many school contexts? yes, however, the day was jam packed with lots of practical games and activities that can be used in a variety of settings. The best CPD day I have attended in a long time, Michelle Stowe is inspirational, approachable and such a wonderful facilitator."

Louise Keane, Teacher

"I feel that this will enable the TY and 1st Years to have a more fulfilling experience in school."

Kevin Cullen

I find it a useful programme because of the structure and format that it gives the mentors. It streamlines their role and gives them a specific purpose apart from student council or sse committee. In my class I have used the curriculum circles for revision purposes. I have used RP to ‘talk’ students down who for whatever reason who feel that they have lost control for whatever reason. It provides a framework in many different scenarios that support learning in and outside of the classroom. It promotes the culture and ethos of the school. It enables our students to experience leadership which they will take with them forever. It embodies lifelong learning which as teachers means we have achieved our goals.

Teacher - Student Voice

Having a shared language and approach to to building relationships and for dealing with challenging behaviour and conflict. We know what we are supposed to be doing and where we are supposed to be going, even if we don't always get there.

Ciara McAuley, Acting Deputy Principal

Working with Michelle and Connect RP has been an excellent experience. We are growing Restortive Practice in our school. This Belonging Mentoring Programme links in perfectly as a follow on for our TY mentors as they will have completed the Relationship Keeper Programme. It is a fantastic practical approach to bring RP to our students, fostering relationship building and leadership skills amongst our students.

Melanie Browne, Year Head

Throughly enjoyed the training today, which really resonated with me and has given me lots of food for thought and some practical information also!

Natalia Stefanowicz - Project Worker

Thanks Michelle a very interesting workshop and engages well with all the participants. Opens our eyes to using this in our daily roles.

Laura Atti - Project Worker

Great fun and informative training looking forward to bringing the knowledge back to school.

1st Year Induction Programme