Pictured (left to right): Ariff Bayonle Salami, Sakhe Liyabona Klassen, David Adeboyeku, Nóilín Ní Dhulaing (Edmund Rice Schools Trust), Gerry Berry (Edmund Rice Schools Trust), Séan Keyes, George Rares Botescu.
O’Connell’s Students Attend Student Council Conference 2026
Students from O’Connell Secondary School recently attended the Student Council Conference 2026, representing the school with pride and enthusiasm. The conference brought together student representatives from schools across the country to discuss leadership, student voice, and ways to strengthen student participation within school communities.
Representing O’Connell’s at the conference were George Rares Botescu, Ariff Bayonle Salami, Séan Keyes, David Adeboyeku, and Sakhe Liyabona Klassen. The students engaged in a range of workshops and discussions focused on student leadership, wellbeing, inclusion, and the important role that student councils play in helping to shape a positive school environment.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity for students to meet other young leaders, exchange ideas, and learn about initiatives taking place in schools around the country. They returned to O’Connell’s with new perspectives and ideas that will help strengthen the work of the Student Council in the months ahead.
O’Connell Secondary School is proud to be part of the tradition and values of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, where the importance of student voice, leadership, and community engagement is strongly encouraged. Opportunities such as this conference allow students to grow in confidence and take an active role in contributing to school life.
A special word of thanks must also be extended to Mrs Niamh O’Reilly, who has done outstanding work supporting and guiding the Student Council in O’Connell Secondary School over many years. Her dedication to encouraging student leadership and ensuring that students’ voices are heard has made a lasting and positive impact on the school community.
Well done to all the students involved for representing the school so well and for continuing the proud tradition of student leadership at O’Connell Secondary School.