As a school in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) network, CBS New Ross recognises the importance of student leadership and student voice as part of our mission to empower students as active agents in the life of the school community.
The role of Head of School at CBS New Ross is a position of high honour, rooted in symbolic leadership and service. Inspired by the model of the President of Ireland — who represents the spirit and values of the nation without engaging in day-to-day governance — the Head of School embodies the ethos of CBS New Ross and acts as a unifying presence within the student body.
Students who campaign for the position do so with the understanding that the role is more symbolic and representative — similar to a president — rather than political leadership and decision-making, like the Taoiseach. The Head of School leads through presence, example and respectful representation. The strength of this role lies in its ability to inspire and influence, not through power or policy, but through personal integrity, respectful dialogue and visible commitment to the school’s values, Code of Behaviour and the ERST Charter.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Representing the student voice with dignity at official school functions and events.
- Serve as role models of behaviour, attendance, punctuality and respect for the school’s Code of
- Conduct and uniform standards.
- Communicate student voice through regular meetings with the Principal and/or Deputy Principal
- and/or Year Head.
- Supporting communication and collaboration between students and school staff.
- Promoting our core expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness in everyday school life.
- Being a symbol of unity and pride for the student community.
- Support wider student leadership teams.
Qualities of a Head of School
- Candidates should demonstrate:
- Leadership and teamwork skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- Confidence in speaking appropriately with staff, students, parents and visitors.
- Willingness to build relationships with students in junior years.
- Courtesy, graciousness, maturity, clear judgement and responsibility.
- Reliability, good attendance, punctuality and wearing our uniform with pride.
- Model our core expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness.