April 2015

Student Councils from schools in the Derry area got together on Friday 24^th April at a conference focussing on tackling mental health issues for young people in the city.

Hosted by the Student Council of St Joseph’s Boys School, Derry, the panel of support services consisted of representatives from The Samaritans, Zest, the PSNI and Childline, along with the Mayoress of Derry and Strabane.  They received questions on how to recognise the signs of depression, and how to raise awareness and provide appropriate provisions.  Discussions about how to educate and advise those surrounded by or suffering from anxiety, the links between depression and bullying, and how to handle the transition from school to further education took place.

Five members of the Student Council of Lumen Christi College attended the event – Niall Grace, Blaise Smyth, Mark O’Brien, Eoin Clarke (Chairperson) and Callum Canavan.  All five enjoyed the event and the stimulating conversation.

Year 13 recently visited Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel on Friday 24 April 2015 as part of their GCE Applied Business course. Students were briefed by Mr Andy O’Doherty General Manager. An informative and interesting visit to the hotel was enjoyed by all. The transport was provided in association with Airporter. Many thanks to both companies for their hospitality.

Congratulations to Ben McCarron, Marc Masoliver, Christopher O’Donnell and James Logue from 10E who won the annual Lasco charity quiz held by the Spanish Department just before Easter. Muchas gracias to all the pupils who took part and raised money (£140) for this Derry based charity which helps street children in Latin America.

The Business Studies Department presented a cheque of £335.00 to the Foyle Hospice.  The money was raised through selling candy canes and having an Easter raffle.

This year’s Spring Concert on Tuesday 30th March followed the usual format, featuring soloists from the Year 14 Music class. We were enchanted by a wide range of musical performances, from Romantic Chopin piano to contemporary tuba and traditional Irish fiddle music. The vast array of musical ensembles continue to be at the heart of the department, and we were spoilt with a foot tapping rendition of ‘Lord of the Dance’ from the Orchestra, along with a beautiful ‘Jubilate Deo’ and ‘Music of Life’ from the Senior Choir. The Junior Choir, Brass Band, Jazz Band and Senior Strings provided an eclectic mix of entertainment, and we finished the concert on a high with the majority of the music department taking to the stage for a reprise from this year’s show, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Congratulations to the year 14 Music class for another outstanding showcase, and we wish you luck for all your future musical endeavours. Well done!

Congratulations to Alexandra Collins who received an award for 1st place in Northern Ireland in GCSE Child Development in June 2014 at the recent CCEA Celebrating Excellence Awards in the Stormont Hotel.

Well done to Alexandra and her teacher Mrs Mooney!

PTA wishes to thank all parents, pupils and staff who supported the Spring Fayre last week in any way.

It was a very enjoyable evening and we are very proud of our budding entrepreneurs in year 8&9 and their teachers who worked very hard on the evening raising £3000 towards equipment for the Fitness Suite.

The Business Studies Department have raised £335 for the Foyle Hospice. Year 14 students sold candy canes at Christmas and organised an Easter raffle. The lucky winner of the 1st prize  a chocolate hamper was Muireann Mc Mahon and 2nd prize a hand-made scarf was won by Ms Mc Menamin from the French Department.