Matthew Burns Head Boy 2015/16

Congratulations to Year 14 pupil Matthew Burns on being elected as Edmund Rice College’s new Head Boy for 2015/16

My name is Matthew Burns, and I am currently studying A’ levels at Edmund Rice College, in Applied Science, Religious Studies and Biology.

I have had the honour of taking on the role of head boy here in Edmund Rice College; it is a great privilege that gives me the chance to give something back to the school that has given me so much. Everyone in the staff from the teachers to the cleaners are some of the friendliest and most supportive and encouraging people I have had the pleasure to meet. They are all invaluable to the school.

The hard work that the teachers have put into me helped me to achieve my great As Level and GCSE results. Without their help I wouldn’t have achieved as well. I will always be grateful for the way the teachers pushed me and made me work to my very hardest in encouraging me to become more confident and take on new opportunities and push myself to become more outgoing. Anything is possible with the right support.

Throughout my years at the college I have been involved in many extra circular activities.  My love for music has been allowed to flourish in the school through playing guitar in the school choir and taking guitar lessons throughout my time.  I have been able to take part in so many different programs and different things like student council. The school shows were a massive help in developing my confidence and helping me to become a more outgoing and comfortable in myself. The key program was also a massive help in my development as it helped me to gain leadership skills as well as gaining confidence.

One of aims of Edmund Rice College is to help the individual to develop holistically. I strongly believe that each pupil is enabled to develop on both an academic and personal level.  This helps the pupils of the college find their path in life.  During my time in the student council, peer mentoring and paired reading this has given me a desire to help other people, and has helped me realise what I want to do in life, which I will always be thankful to the staff for.

One of the most important areas the school has is the pastoral care. It is exceptional and has been developed due to the efforts of Mr McMeekin and his team.   This clearly highlights how approachable the staff are, their aim is to make the school a more enjoyable place for all.  During my time in sixth year I was privileged to be trained as a Peer Mentor.  I was able to meet with a younger pupil and talk to him about what was going on and help him if anything was wrong. This gave me the chance to help another pupil develop into a person who would be more open and interested in his future. Just another one of the programs the school has in place for helping the pupils who need a hand.

I honestly have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time at Edmund Rice College. I now feel equipped with the knowledge and skills to enter into the world of third level education.  The leadership skills and personal skills that I have gained through Edmund Rice College  there are no words to say how much I appreciate the hard work and dedication from all at the college shown to me over the last seven years.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank every member of staff in Edmund Rice College, who have been so helpful in my development. They have always been there for me, no matter if it was something I really needed help with or I just didn’t understand a homework question, they were always there for me to speak with and to give advice when and where I needed it.