October 2013

On Wednesday 16th October, Eve McCully (Year 12) was awarded first place in the Derry final of the Soroptimist International Northern Ireland Public Speaking Competition. Eve presented her speech on the topic, "Education is the most important weapon to change our world"- Nelson Mandela. Eve will now follow last year's winner, Claire Bradley (Lumen Christi College) to the Northern Ireland final, to be held in Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor on 22nd February 2014. Eve received Foyleside vouchers and will retain the Hazel Cathcart Memorial cup for one year. We wish her every success for the final.

Mya Kelly (8A), pictured with her winning entry for the Peace Flame Art Competition. Mya will get to transfer her drawing onto a ceramic tile where it will become a permanent fixture at the Peace Flame beside the Guildhall. Congratulations to her and all those who entered the competition.

The Year 13 Annual Retreat took place in the beautiful Celtic Prayer Garden at the Iosas Centre. The students enjoyed the fantastic weather and the opportunity to encounter the charisms of the Celtic saints through prayer, crafts, a special walk, and a celebration of the Eucharist. We would like to thank Fr Neal, Maire and the staff of the Centre for the wonderful facilitation.

Lumen Christi will be Walking to School from October 21st-October 25th. 
As we are all aware, walking:

• Helps keep your heart healthy
• Helps control your weight
• Helps you concentrate better 
• Is better for the environment.
• Contributes to the 60 minutes of physical exercise we are advised to do per day. 

Monday 21st-Thursday 25th students will be walking voluntarily and accompanied by members of staff.

Friday 25th all students will be encouraged to walk accompanied by members of staff.

More details will be sent via text message.

Lumen Christi College Year 14s attended the City Hotel on Thursday 3rd October for their Formal. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. A special word of thanks to Dr Michael Gormley and all those on the Formal Committee who put so much time and effort into ensuring that the evening was a tremendous success.

All Year 12 students attended the Life NI Schools Conference in the Millennium Forum on Wednesday 9th October 2013.

This conference provided the students with the opportunity to take a closer look at the value of human life, abortion, unplanned pregnancy and relationships. It gave students the chance to discover new perspectives, to look at choices and how they affect us as individuals, as well how they affect our society and culture. Students were therefore given the opportunity to explore the issues, consider different viewpoints and raise questions.

- Top ICT students at GCSE and A-level both female

An annual bursary scheme, which recognises the achievements of Northern Ireland pupils studying ICT, has been launched by leading technology company, Capita Managed IT Solutions in partnership with C2k. The first GCSE-level winner is Derry/Londonderry student, Orla Kearney from Lumen Christi College.

The Mary Kane Award has been established in memory of the former C2k implementation manager who was passionate about ICT and its transformational impact on teaching and learning. As well as recognising the highest achieving students at both GCSE and A level, the bursary also encourages best practice within schools.
Orla was presented with £500 of ICT equipment to support the continuation of her studies. Lumen Christi College and its students will also benefit from an investment of £1000 in the latest ICT equipment, supplied by Capita Managed IT Solutions.

Speaking at the presentation, Glenn Parkinson, client delivery manager, Capita said: "We're delighted to be able to recognise Orla, Lumen Christi College and its ICT teachers on their success. This is a very fitting memorial to Mary who was a great advocate for technology and the far reaching educational benefits it delivers for our young people."

Tim Matchett, job title tbc, C2k added: "Thanks to our longstanding partnership with Capita, we're thrilled that Mary's legacy continues through this important bursary. We congratulate Orla on her achievements and hope her success encourages others to commit to ICT at school and beyond.

Glenn Parkinson added, "The winner of the A-Level award was Lauren Cornett, Portadown College, who received her bursary earlier this year. Mary would have been very proud that both inaugural awards have been presented to female students and encouraged this was a sign that gender diversity in ICT careers continues to improve.