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12th edition Summer 2025 St Cecilia s News In this edition Taking Centre Stage GROWING THE FUTURE Award Illustration by Emily Shiels 11Peace Amazing Athletes winning school Young News Readers 1

12th edition Summer 2025 Welcome to the Summer edition of St Cecilia s News The 2024 2025 school year has been a very busy one in St Cecilia s College We have enjoyed the year very much and this edition of our school magazine will showcase all the best bits for you Behind the scenes our writers have been working hard to suss out stories find the hot topics and bring you all the latest news about our pupils achievements We have creative writing sporting heroes and hot topics to debate I am delighted that so many new writers have come onboard for this edition There are a lot of talented people in St Cecilia s College who have breathed new life into this Summer edition On the stage on track on the field and in the classroom we have all tasted success and enjoyed the benefits of being part of a diverse dynamic and vibrant school community Remember to get in touch if you have any stories for future issues Mrs Brady Editor Junior Editors Literacy Co Ordinator Kaidence Shields Feeney 10Hope2 jbrady054 c2ken net Chloe McCay 9 Courage Rebecca Dunn 9 Peace 2

12th edition Summer 2025 Nuestra experiencia en el St Cecilia s College In October St Cecilia s played host to a group of Spanish students Alba Salgado Viso and told us about her experience Llevamos aqu casi una semana y stas son algunas cosas diferentes que hemos notado Una diferencia de los colegios en Espa a es queaqu hay m s clases y son m s cortas Aqu hay un recreo m s corto y se come en la clase en Espa a tenemos dos recreos de 20 minutos y comemos en casa El Instituto es m s grande tiene m s alumnos y son solo ni as Aqu las normas son m s estrictas hay que llevar uniforme y no puedes ir con la ropa que te d la gana Desde nuestra opini n estar en este colegio es una experiencia diferente e inovadora A pesar de todos los cambios nos estamos adaptando bastante bien gracias a nuestra buddy las compa eras y nuestros incre bles profesores que nos ayudan a mejorar 3

12th edition Summer 2025 nuestro ingl s Evidamente no entendemos todo pero estamos trabajando en ello Nuestra parte favorita del colegio es la cantina la comida est muy rica y lo pasamos muy bien en la hora de comer Muchas gracias a St Cecilia s College por acogernos y ayudarnos a mejorar nuestro ingl s Translation Our experience at St Cecilia s College We ve been here for almost a week and these are some differences we ve noticed Unlike schools in Spain there are more classes here and they are shorter Here there is a shorter break and they eat in the classroom in Spain we have two 20minute breaks and we eat at home The school is bigger it has more students and they are only girls Here the rules are stricter you have to wear a uniform and you can t wear whatever clothes you want From our personal opinion being at this school is a different and innovative experience Despite all the changes we are adapting quite well thanks to our 4

Summer 2025 12th edition buddy our classmates and our incredible teachers who helped us improve our English Obviously we don t understand everything but we are working on it Our favourite part of the school is the canteen the food is really delicious and we had a great time at lunch time Many thanks to St Cecilia s College for hosting us and helping us improve our English Muchas gracias to Se ora O Mainain for her help proof reading this report and its accompanying translation This is the map of our country Spain This is the map of Galicia our region We live in Vigo which is part of Pontevedra 5

12th edition Summer 2025 St Cecilia s College wins award in pupil development St Cecilia s College has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Pupil Development Award which offers a robust framework to evaluate a school s pastoral curriculum Mrs O Carolan Principal of St Cecilia s commented on the achievement The Excellence in Pupil Development Award recognises excellence in developing pupil s personal attributes and attitudes such as self confidence resilience and self discipline These are all attributes we have long nurtured in our pupils to allow them to reach their full potential in life It is particularly gratifying to be recognised at a national level for this investment in pupil s life long skills Pictured with the award are Mr Lafferty Vice Principal and Mrs O Carolan Principal of St Cecilia s College 6

12th edition Summer 2025 The Irish News Young News Readers Read all about it Mrs Brady s year 8 English group enjoyed working on The Irish News Young Readers project this year Each week pupils explored the edition of the newspaper and completed various activities to enrich their vocabulary reading and comprehension skills During the packed eight week programme the girls interviewed their family got to grips with health and well being and created advertisements to sell their school and much more To acknowledge their enthusiastic participation each week they were delighted to receive a visit from Chris Sherrard Editor in chief and Jo McGinley Director of the main Sponsor EY Mrs Brady s year 8 English class 7

12th edition Summer 2025 The Sound of Music The music department in St Cecilia s is always keen to celebrate the many talented students in our school Head of Music Ms McConnell is delighted to shine the spotlight on the success of many of our musical maestros She commented I love being able to give the pupils in St Cecilia s an audience and to let the public see just how amazing our girls are Music gives them so many positive experiences and offers both an escape from day to day stresses and a skill set that can become a career pathway I am very privileged AS student Maeve Coyle came second at the Derry Fleadh and will now be representing Derry at the Ulster Fleadh at the end of July to work with each and every one of them Our Junior choir who took part in The Sister Clare retreat at Lumen Christi College 8

12th edition Summer 2025 Jazz Festival Our School of Rock band had a slot at the Derry Jazz Festival performing on the Gay McIntyre Stage at the Guildhall The group is formed from across the year groups and they performed hits by artists such as Billy Ocean and Amy Winehouse The audience were thoroughly entertained and impressed by the level of talent on display Shannon Mooney a year 12 student commented It was a really wonderful experience I am glad that I had the opportunity to perform with everyone onstage I sang two songs by Billy Ocean and Amy Winehouse Eimear Black year 10 told us I wasn t as nervous as I thought it would be and I loved seeing all the happy faces when we were performing Sophie Farren told us Playing the clarinet was really fun and I enjoyed playing with other people in the band The atmosphere was really lively and it was clear that the audience loved it The girls are really looking forward to future events like the Busking Festival for charity in June 9

12th edition Summer 2025 Feis success Many of our pupils had success at the Derry Feis over the Easter break and won cups and medals for their singing talents Pictured are Aya Miley Katie Alannah Rubie and Sarah Aya Seymour told us Being in the Feis is a great way to build your confidence and I was very pleased with my success The next big ticket is the annual busking event in June and this year we will be raising money for Alzheimers NI a very worthy cause Ms McConnell enjoys showcasing talent promoting pupil confidence whilst ensuring pupils get every opportunity to develop their musical skills Well done to all our musical maestros 10

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12th edition Summer 2025 Nurturing and growing This year the appointment of two new staff members Mrs Sally Learning Support Teacher and Ms Smyth as our Refresh Champion have made a huge contribution to the well being of pupils in the school St Cecilia s news caught up with Ms Sally who told us all about their work in the school I feel that as a Learning Support Teacher working alongside Ms Smyth we can play a vital role in the Nurturing Learning Classroom wellbeing spaces and the greenhouse We are not just a teacher and a member of the support staff we try to be guiding lights for the pupils in the school We also foster a love for nature through the Soul Sisters and Soil Sisters a passionate group of young guardians who nurture the plants and vegetables in our greenhouse and surrounding area Our commitment to instilling values of responsibility and teamwork is evident in the way the Soil Sisters are thriving under our mentorship Mrs Sally has established a seed library for staff and pupils 12

12th edition Summer 2025 Ms Sally continued Jo Smyth plays a crucial role in promoting the well being of students at our school by offering 1 1 counselling sessions and organising courses tailored for both small groups and individual classes throughout the school Jo s dedication to fostering a supportive environment is evident in the way she connects with students providing them with the tools and guidance they need to navigate their challenges As already stated Jo is also a valued mentor of the Soil Sisters a group committed to nurturing our school plants and vegetables This initiative not only enhances the school s green spaces but also teaches students the importance of caring for the environment and the joy of growing their own food Jo s contributions have significantly enriched the school community and an invaluable member of the well being department Beyond her classroom Mrs Sally has written a children s book about a honeybee Members of Soil Sisters 13

12th edition Summer 2025 named Bea who faces the challenge of learning the intricate waggle dance This delightful story serves as an inspiring story of perseverance emphasising the importance of support from our teachers mentors family and friends in overcoming obstacles Recognition Mrs Sally s contributions to education over the years have not gone unnoticed as she continues to connect us all to nature She has been recently nominated for a prestigious fellowship with the Chartered College of Teaching a recognition that stands as one of the highest honours in the teaching profession Mrs Sally like the other members of staff at St Cecilia s College has an unwavering dedication to her students and the community this embodies the spirit of nurturing and growth that we cherish at St Cecilia s College 14

12th edition Summer 2025 What are you reading Meghain Harris 10H told us all about The Girl of Ink and Stars By Kiran Millwood Hargrave I enjoyed this book very much The day I read the first chapter I was hooked I knew from the beginning this book held great adventure and thrills This book had everything from murder to friendship to adventure to death with a wholesome ending My favourite character relationship is Isabella with her dad Isabella and her dad rely on each other and no one else They remind me of me and my daddy Isabella grew up with her dad telling stories about Arinta and his great adventures So too I grew up with my daddy telling me stories of pirates and faraway lands of adventure and magic So for this reason I have the strongest connection with these characters The author did a great job of capturing the emotion in the pages of the book Whilst reading it I felt like I was there with the characters experiencing what they were going through I felt the pain when the Tibicenas came or the heat of Yotes lair even the panic escaping the Deldalo whilst it was filling with water Every moment felt so real Isabella had such a strong connection with Lupe like sisters only by choice They fight all the time but would sacrifice their life for the other which is exactly what Lupe did Their bond was unbreakable Now Isabella can look at Lupe s tree and remember all of the great memories they had now just a distant dream Overall I think it was a great book and would definitely recommend it to others This book shows the meaning of true friendship and trust that every young girl should experience 15

12th edition Summer 2025 Exploring the Past Upcoming History Trip to Berlin Mr Rodgers Head of History has an exciting trip planned We are delighted to announce that 53 of our GCSE and A Level History students will be heading to Berlin this term for an unforgettable educational experience The trip will be led by Mr Rodgers accompanied by Ms Boyle with additional support from Mr O Kane Ms McIntyre and Ms Mallon Together they will guide students through one of Europe s most historically significant cities Historical Sites Berlin with its complex and powerful history and offers students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of key topics we study in school Over the course of the visit students will explore significant historical landmarks including The Berlin Wall Memorial to examine the Cold War and the realities of a divided Germany Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp where students will engage with the history of the Holocaust and reflect on the importance of remembrance The Reichstag Building a symbol of democracy and political change in Germany Topography of Terror Museum documenting the operations of the Nazi regime The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe a powerful and moving tribute to Holocaust victims 16

Summer 2025 12th edition This trip directly supports our curriculum helping students to connect with topics such as the rise of totalitarian regimes the Second World War and the Cold War in an immersive and impactful way Beyond the classroom Beyond the historical visits students will also have the chance to experience Berlin s vibrant culture architecture and cuisine broadening their understanding of modern Germany We are incredibly proud to offer this opportunity to our pupils and we are confident it will be both educationally enriching and personally memorable 17

12th edition Summer 2025 Published Poets Congratulations to our prize winning poets who attended the Foyle Poetry Schools Competition celebration in the Rathm r Centre on World Poetry Day Lily Ann Brennan and Mary Kate O Neill are also featured in the anthology having been highly commended by the judges Well done to all our published poets Sophie Feeney in year 14 scooped 2nd place in the post 16 section The Free Derry Corner I stand tall as the world Passes me by People come to visit me Someone new every time I am no longer just an old gable wall The words You are now entering Free Derry Painted on me I hold history old and new Year 10 pupil Caitlin Coyle was The Palestine flag and tricolour 3rd place in the Key Stage 3 Painted on me too competition There have been many times I have Been painted To promote different causes But yet I am still standing Tall from the year 1969 By Caitlin Coyle 18

12th edition Summer 2025 Too Many Choices too many shops Driving around to find a parking spot The smell of oil fills the air Walking through the doors and getting blasted with freezing frigid wind The hiss of the Costa coffee machines The smell of perfumed candles coming from the Yankee store And the Edinburgh woollen mill where people take an hour after saying I will only be five minutes The lifts the stairs and the dreaded escalators To the next floor we go with children begging their parents for a new Smiggle bag Rock music from Angry Cherry and Pop music from H M Seasonal decorations hanging from the roof Loud laughter from teenagers on the next floor sitting at McDonald s My bags are heavy but my pockets are lighter Mary Kate O Neill River Foyle Right in the middle of two halves of a city in a constant flowing state Vans driving over top of it Eternally water rushes past running through the gap of the city Forever it separates us only flowing through Yet it saddens as propellers jump to join it living on in the water Everlasting the sun falls Lilly Ann Brennan 19

12th edition Summer 2025 AI is Killing Creativity Kaidence Shields Feeney one of our junior editors feels very strongly about the use of Artificial Intelligence I think we are all guilty of using AI for stuff we could just as easily do ourselves Writing poems essays emails etc We don t really have to stop and think about something and write because we have the technology at our fingertips Being able to write and use critical thinking is such an important skill for us all Being able to use our minds and let our thoughts flourish into something great Over dependence on AI takes this away The AI takeover AI is becoming more widely available and putting people s jobs on the line especially creative jobs like writers and artists AI is capable of things humans aren t which is why people feel AI is better A I could replace 300 million workers for certain parts of a job AI doesn t need to be paid AI doesn t need days off It is said AI could displace around 300 million jobs worldwide Jobs like data entry scheduling and customer service are at risk 20

Summer 2025 12th edition However there are flaws in AI systems AI gives responses based on the information it is trained on so this can form a biased opinion whether it be racial gender prejudice etc It s not completely accurate therefore it isn t always a reliable source The Environmental Impact Not to mention the environmental impacts To put it in simple terms AI has increased electricity demand and water consumption I ll explain AI requires large data centres These data centres need cooling systems to avoid overheating The cooling systems require substantial amounts of water making the scarcity of water in certain regions even more severe For example a simple conversation with a chat bot uses the equivalent of a 500ml water bottle Think about how many people are using AI every day AI is not only a risk to creative minds but also to our future as a society Stop using AI if you care about your future AI Chat Bots use up valuable resources like water 21

12th edition Summer 2025 Writing Wrongs Year 11 students Ruby Brown and Faye Doolin were very keen to express their ideas about how young people see themselves Do the thoughts of others eat away at you Ruby Brown Dear Readers Why do we care so much if we re following the latest trends I just find it infuriating to an absurd degree I mean let s be serious now ripped jeans make you look homeless Why did we ever think it was even a good idea in the first place Why does following trends worry us It s been proven by the department of education that 75 of pupils are constantly checking their own social media posts throughout school days But why I hear you ask Take a seat because what I am about to tell you is flabbergasting They re checking how many likes their posts on social media have gained Pick up your jaw shocking I know But dear readers aren t we all meant to be individuals instead of sheep who follow the crowd That s what makes us ourselves after all Wouldn t it be taking up too much of our limited time on earth caring about what others think It s dystopian You weren t born into this world to conform to what other people think you were born to be yourself Not a fake You only get one life after all We must also take consideration of the wealth of the people you surround yourself with Money is a big insecurity with how your friends can be showing off their new Christmas presents which seems to be from miracle workers It s only natural you want nice items too But you ll just have to find people who aren t materialistic It s not the end of the world if you can t buy the newest 22

12th edition Summer 2025 shoes Not to mention they might be replaced once the newest pair is released again It s a vicious cycle Our bodies are our temples Why do we care so much to adjust to the beauty standards of today Especially in school Do I look fat Who cares about that Faye Doolin Welcome back my fellow peers Just this morning as I was getting ready for school I noticed how my hair was resembling a lion s mane more than luscious locks This made me feel so insecure so I spent a century trying to fix it I then realised that I could have spent this time looking over notes eating breakfast or doing anything slightly more productive I m sure you all have had a similar experience to mine which leads me to the conclusion that as students we all worry too much about what other people think of us Within the last 10 years GCSE results in the U K have dropped 15 A news reporter asked 16 year old Jacob Fisher what he was doing with his time instead of studying he said My friends and I are more interested in the gym at the minute studying isn t really a priority When this news statement was released there was an uproar within the education system Surprisingly though many counsellors came to the defence of these students They explained how students mental health has been deeply impacted by what others think of them so they go out of their way to feel more confident It s a sad subject to agree on but I m sure a lot of you readers have experienced some form of bullying This has proven to seriously impact our confidence Caring too much about what others think of us is insane Although we should see these past exposures to negative people as a part of our journey to growth A study in New Zealand said that 100 of bullies only hurt others due to their own problems Reading this study made me feel so much less worried about what others think of me and my looks and I hope it does the same for you too 23

12th edition Summer 2025 Uncomfortable moments Have you ever had a really awkward or uncomfortable moment when you made a joke you thought was hilarious and no one laughed We ve all been there Although it s embarrassing in the moment we shouldn t run a play byplay of it in our bashful brains A doctor in Ireland studied these awkward moments people go through every day and she found that when we feel insecure or anxious about our personality it becomes 50 more likely that you start to worry about how you look physically So moral of the story is don t get worked up about those awkward moments because no one else will give it another thought Chances are they probably just didn t see that movie you were making a reference to or didn t hear you right Botched fillers left Hull woman looking like a gargoyle Regulating cosmetic surgery in U K is a nightmare says top surgeon These are just a few of the gross traumatic and mortifying cases of cosmetic surgery going wrong Do you really want to end up like that You could be doing more enjoyable activities instead of caring about your looks Social media has become an influential monster that is always lurking and lingering How would you feel if someone fell in love with a plastic version of yourself So many people love you because you are you and true beauty is on the inside Although I m sure all you readers are drop dead gorgeous So don t be afraid to show yourself to the world Haven t you heard Being unique and yourself are the beauty standards Stay in the loop until next time 24

12th edition Summer 2025 Selling our City Year 10 student Meghain Harris has been busy travelling the world metaphorically in Mrs Murray s English class The pupils have studied the writing of many intrepid explorers and learned about the conventions of this genre of writing Meghain shared her piece about Derry with St Cecilia s News Derry City I ve just entered the city of Derry and I am greeted with the smiling faces of the good natured people I walk through the arch of the proud standing walls to see the Guildhall in all its glory the sun glinting off the face of the clock I asked a local where to go and they said the Peace Bridge so I walked over to it I took the first step on the steel structure knowing that this bridge was built on peace and patience to connect both sides of the water the two different communities I walk around the town and see big beautiful buildings with stunning architecture and a big worn out sign displaying the name Austins I imagine all the old Christmas shops and the Halloween is tomorrow and you still don t have a costume screeches of a stressed out mother Next I phone a taxi to take me to a history filled area The cabbie takes me to the Bogside I wander around stopping to take in murals that are bursting with emotion I almost feel that I can hear the screams and gunshots smell the gas and smoke and feel the fear those people felt for themselves their children and their families Finally I walked to the free Derry corner I know if that wall could talk it would have stories to tell Like a grandparent reminiscing about their younger years This place has everything shopping and history peace and war There really is a place here for everyone in this small town 25

12th edition Summer 2025 24 hour phone fast in aid of HURT In May Mrs McCarron Deane s form class 8C made a courageous decision They wanted to do some good whilst switching off their phones Mrs McCarron Deane told us all about it In an inspiring display of community spirit some of our Year 8 pupils made the brave decision to be parted from their mobile phones for a 24 hour period to raise much needed funds for HURT a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals in our community Phone Fast The phone fast event which took place on Monday 12th May aimed to encourage pupils to reflect on their dependence on technology while fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility Pupils handed over their phones on the morning of the 12th and spent the day free of devices The phones were kept securely in the school overnight Most pupils reported that they didn t miss their phone as much as they thought they would with many stating that they spent more time talking with friends and family than they usually do Almost all stated they enjoyed having a connection with people rather than spending hours on their phones Incredible Amount With the determination of our year 8 pupils and the support and generosity of their families friends and neighbours they managed to raise an incredible 400 50 These funds will go directly to HURT and will help benefit the lives of others This initiative showcases the importance of youth engagement in social issues while also demonstrating to our young people that small sacrifices can have big impacts 26

12th edition Summer 2025 Disclaimer No streaks were lost or harmed in the making of this phone fast We at St Cecilia s College are extremely proud of our year 8 pupils for taking part Chloe McCay and Rebecca Dunn interviewed the class and asked them about their experience of the phone fast Some of the girls said that during the phone fast they were bored and some said they found it fun Another pupil told us that she found it weird not being dependent on her phone The girls in 8C commented that instead of being on their phone they had ideas about what they would do instead which included going out with friends and even cooking The class noted that there were positive aspects of not having their phones such as waking up more easily being more talkative and feeling more social and one pupil said they were more focused in school Whilst other pupils felt that it was hard because they would normally use their phone for music or checking the time Many of them said the first thing they did when they got their phones back was to check their social media missed texts and even their snap streaks A lot of them said they might do it again whilst others said they wouldn t but the best thing about the phone fast was Mrs McCarron Deane s class raised over 400 pounds for the charity H U R T Well done girls Would you do a phone fast 27

12th edition Summer 2025 The Desert Of Despair By Evie Crawley 11 Courage2 The sun is a hammer beating down on me each strike a reminder of my stupidity Sweat clings to my skin like a second layer a constant uncomfortable reminder of my body s rebellion My tongue feels like sandpaper each swallow a painful reminder of the water I no longer have How long has it been A day Two Time blurs out here bleached by the relentless sun I keep moving though every step is a battle My legs scream in protest muscles burning with exhaustion But the thought of turning back of going back is a sharper pain Home was a cage built of harsh words and heavier hands Each brick laid with my mother s silence and my father s rage I remember the day I decided to leave The final blow wasn t physical but the look in my little sister s eyes a hollow acceptance of our fate That s when I knew I had to escape and break free for both of us The desert stretches before me an endless expanse of sand and rock It s a cruel beauty indifferent to my suffering But in its vastness I find a strange sense of freedom Here there are no walls no expectations only the raw unforgiving reality of survival I am alone yes but I am also free Free to choose my own path even if that path leads to nowhere I stumble on fuelled by a desperate hope and a fierce determination to never ever go back However I m wondering if this was really worth it The sand clings to my tattered clothes a constant reminder of how foolish I was My jeans once a symbol of teenage rebellion are now stiff with sweat and grime The tank top I threw on in a hurry offers little protection from the scorching sun Every step is a monumental effort my body heavy with exhaustion I should have thought this through Each grain of sand feels like a tiny weight on my conscience Regret gnaws at me a dull ache in my chest Maybe running wasn t the answer Maybe I should have stayed and fought or at least tried to find help But the fear was too strong the need to escape too overwhelming Now stranded in this endless expense of nothingness I wonder if I made the right choice Is freedom worth the suffering Is a life on my own better than the hell I left behind The desert offers no answers only the relentless sun and the mocking whisper of the wind 28

12th edition Summer 2025 Crocs crumbs and a curious catastrophe Aya Seymour 11 Peace Hi My name s Mo and boy do I have a story for you Last week I was on the most relaxing holiday and then suddenly I was on a desert I ll explain it better now Last week I was in my second favourite place in the whole world Lanzarote my favourite place being my bed The air was as cool as ice and the pool was enormous It was safe to say I was living in luxury For my spectacular holiday I bought the comfiest clothes I bought the most stylish sunglasses trendy t shirt and the comfiest pair of crocs As you can see I was all set to go what could possibly go wrong Let me take you back to the beginning On Monday the 12th of July I was leaving on a jet plane to Lanzarote I don t know when I ll be back again When I was on the plane I was listening to my music and when I looked out the window there wasn t a grey cloud in the sky I was in paradise When I got off the plane the warm summer breeze hit me right in the face We then went to our hotel and relaxed in our room for a bit All my friends went out shopping but I had previously booked a boat trip to see the second cutest animal ever Dolphins the cutest is narwhals but who cares When I was on the boat the ocean was like a mirror You could sea right through it All of a sudden there were thunderous clouds that rolled in and it scared the heart out of me The next thing you know I was stranded on a random beach in who knows where Me being the curious girl I am I decided to have a look around 29

Summer 2025 12th edition I guess curiosity killed the cat Now I m on a random desert on a random beach in the Middle Of Nowhere Great The sand is sinking into my crocs and my clothes are like sandpaper I need to get home I tried to call my friends but my biggest fear came true My phone was dead I had no other choice than to call for help in the hope someone would hear me After 5 minutes my face was the same colour as a crab Roaring red 10 minutes go by 15 20 25 After 30 minutes my whole body was so hot and sticky When I was walking in the blistering heat I saw the brown dirt on the top of the sandy dunes I was a bit hungry and it looked like Oreo crumbs I think you could guess what happened next it didn t taste nice I begin to think what may happen if I get stuck here Will I have to eat dirt for the rest of my life All of a sudden I hear shouting in the distance Hello Is anyone here Still curious I decided to follow the screaming Hello It got louder and louder and louder My ears were ringing at this point Turns out it was a rescue ship I was saved I don t have to eat dirt for the rest of my life On the boat ride home the ocean was crystal clear No turbulence for me I also got to see the cutest animal in the sea kingdom narwals and dolphins So now I m back home burnt and eating a REAL Oreo not dirt and watching Lilo and Stich Oh One last thing if you see dirt on a mountain and you re hungry don t eat it 30

12th edition Summer 2025 Eco Winners This year Ms Rainey has led her environment group to victory once more She took time out of her busy schedule to tell St Cecilia s News all about it The Environmental Club members have had another successful term Members are dedicated and so giving of their time emptying recycling bins planting trees litter picking hosting swap shops creating awareness of environmental issues recycling batteries putting up bird houses improving biodiversity and being all round green goddesses This year they were awarded Excellence in Sustainability and the Environment at the Local Women Education Awards in Belfast and have also achieved the prestigious Green Flag for our school This is an internationally recognised Eco Schools green flag in recognition of all their hard work on environmental sustainability Visits The club have enjoyed visits to Creggan Country Park Fujitsu and the school green house I will be hoping for more volunteers to join next year Swap shops will continue next year also as they have been hugely popular among pupils and staff Our attitudes to fast fashion 31

12th edition Summer 2025 are hopefully changing to more sustainable ones Finally I am immensely proud of the Environmental Club s effort and would like to thank each one of the members Darci Conaghan 8P Angelina Cox 8G Dara Sheina Batts 9F1 Caitlin Doherty 10H1 Daisy Collins 10H1 Erin Wilson 10H1 Caoimhe Wilson 10H1 Ava Mc Laughlin 10H2 Kyra Walsh 10H2 Eimear Wilson 10P Olivia Cox 11P Ellie Gallagher Year 14 32

12th edition Summer 2025 Vibrant Volunteer Grace Lough 10 Courage recently received an award for her volunteer work with St John s Ambulance She reflected on the benefits of being involved in this organisation I joined St John s Ambulance in February 2023 after hearing really good things about it St John s has given me amazing opportunities and allowed me to get involved in events in the city My first duty was at the Jazz festival in 2023 and now after two years I have racked up more than 150 hours of service Grace pictured at First Aid Competitions St John s Ambulance enter their volunteers from competition at the St John s Ambulance Belmont Awards evening held in the SJA Hub all over Northern Ireland for competitions The first competition that I participated in was in Coleraine and I won 3rd in the individual category This qualified me for the Regional youth finals and I was delighted to achieve 1st place in the Junior Cadet individual first aid category This achievement brought me great joy and led to my being nominated for the Derry Credit Union Awards I was delighted to receive a prize in the All or Nothing Category and we received some prize money for our unit in St John s I feel that being a volunteer for St John s has improved my confidence and I honestly feel it is making me a better person It s the best place to be Prize winners at the Derry Credit Union Awards 33

Summer 2025 12th edition A Celebration of Talent Dance Showcase May 2025 Ms O Donnell is always happy to celebrate the achievements of her students She told St Cecilia s News all about the latest highlight in the dance department The school hall came alive this May with rhythm energy and passion as students from Years 8 to 12 took to the stage for our muchanticipated Dance Showcase The evening was a vibrant celebration of movement and creativity highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of our young dancers From the moment the curtains opened the audience was treated to a dazzling array of dance styles The showcase featured everything from the raw energy of street dance to the expressive flow of contemporary the precision of Irish dance the flair of musical theatre and the boldness of commercial dance Each performance was a testament to the students hard work and artistic growth 34

Summer 2025 12th edition Special recognition goes to our Irish Dance Club and Street Dance Club whose members delivered standout group pieces that had the audience cheering The GCSE Dance class also impressed with their choreographed routines demonstrating both technical skill and emotional depth The evening included a dynamic mix of group performances duets and solos Whether dancing in sync with a team or commanding the stage alone each student performed with confidence and charisma Their commitment to their craft was evident in every step leap and turn We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated Their outstanding performances not only showcased their talent but also their courage and dedication It was a joy to see them shine on stage and we look forward to seeing where their passion for dance takes them next Bravo to all our dancers you truly made this showcase unforgettable 35

12th edition Summer 2025 Dancing Dreams There are many successful Irish dancers at St Cecilia s College and we caught up with three of them to ask them about this demanding hobby Mia Carlin year 8 Mia Carlin has built a very good reputation in the dancing world She has competed in many domestic competitions before winning the All Ireland and World titles Mia dances for the Ferry Academy of Irish Dance here in the city under the tuition of the talented Derry teacher Matthew Ferry Mia s titles to date include The Irish Nationals champion twice Ulster champion the All Ireland title the All Scottish championships in Glasgow the Great British Championships in London and now World Champion for two consecutive years Though Mia remains very humble about her dancing career Mia Carlin Photograph by Lee Simpson Ria O Kane year 8 Another brilliant dancer Ria O Kane achieved 2nd in the recent Worlds competition Ria dances with McCloskey Mc Cafferty school of Dance The competition was held in Killarney Co Kerry She was thrilled by her recent success Well done Ria 36

12th edition Summer 2025 Kayla Fullerton in year 11 is a seasoned Irish dancer and recently she reflected on the physical benefits of dancing When you become diligent with your training you can develop consistency You can be proud of your achievements when you know that you ve worked hard to get there For example I injured myself at the worlds in 2023 but I was even more motivated to prove to myself I could ve got a championship recall and I went back and got th 9 place in the hornpipe with an injury This year I finally got my championship recall and th came 39 in the world championships out of 169 amazing dancers I was so proud of myself for having the resilience I needed to rebuild myself to this level Kayla Fullerton 11Grace pictured at the Worlds in Killarney 37

Summer 2025 12th edition St Cecilia s welcomes CiCi The launch of an innovative new tool for Careers took place this term Mrs Conaty is at the forefront of bringing the AI Chatbot CiCi to St Cecilia s College St Cecilia s College is first school in Ireland including N Ireland to introduce Careers A I through the Careers Chatbot Charlie Mrs Conaty told us We believe this will transform Careers Advice and Guidance within St Cecilia s College AI will assist the teachers in providing quality meaningful tailored careers advice to our pupils 24 7 Careers Advice Mrs Conaty feels confident that this technology will be good news for pupils CiCi sets itself apart by prioritising 24 7 personalised career exploration featuring conversation flows and videos mirroring the typical careers information and advice interactions between careers practitioners and clients Notable functionalities include multilingual support translating into 100 languages text to speech technology and the option for users to download their career exploration journey engage with career guidance staff at St Cecilia s College Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE developed CiCi Deirdre is a leading international careers specialist She has worked in four UK universities and has written over 125 articles and book chapters She is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick Institute for Employment Research IER and Director of DMH associates 38

12th edition Summer 2025 Sporting Success The P E department in St Cecilia s always have a lot to celebrate Here s a round up of some of the achievements they want to highlight this term Don Bosco s Football Club Mrs Thompson commented We are beyond proud to announce that Eimear has been selected for NI Woman s u15 training squad after making her way through the national player programme This is all testament to her talent hard work and dedication massive well done from your coaches all your team and everyone at Bosco s Year 9 Make History Another success was highlighted by Mrs Thompson For the first time ever St Cecilia s College has claimed the Minor Cup at the Ulster Schools Championships awarded to the school with the highest overall points in the category A monumental achievement and a proud moment for our athletics team Millie Sandy led the charge with two outstanding gold medal performances Long Jump 4 78m PB and Shot Put 10 67m Cora Prenter added to the school s tally with two brilliant bronze medals in the High Jump and 75m Hurdles Ms Thompson concluded A massive congratulations to all our athletes you ve earned your place in the history books 39

12th edition Summer 2025 U14 Plate Final St Cecilia s vs St Louis Monaghan 19th May Our Gaelic team reached yet another final this school year showcasing their determination and skill throughout the competition We hoped it would be third time lucky for the girls in green but unfortunately St Louis Monaghan proved to be the stronger side on the day While our girls made getting to the final look easy things just didn t go their way when it mattered most Despite the disappointment their commitment teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the season have been good and we are incredibly proud of their efforts 40

12th edition Summer 2025 Amazing Athletes Millie Sandy 9 Grace told us all about her achievements in athletics and how it all began Growing up I ve always been very much involved with sport as my mum is a PE teacher and my dad is a very keen runner I decided to give athletics a shot when I was 10 years old I discovered I was quite good at it and really enjoyed it I joined Lifford Strabane A C as my mum helps coach there and I have gone from strength to strength Since knowing that St Cecilia s College has a great sporting tradition that was a big incentive for me when deciding what Post primary school to go to Furthermore Ms Thompson has always been a great role model especially for athletics so I knew I would be in safe hands Since joining St Cecilia s I have represented the school at both District and Ulster Schools at the long jump and the shotput and also combined events I had a great experience at both District 2nd in shot with a throw of 10 10m and 1st in long jump with a jump of 4 65m PB and I became Ulster Champion for both of the events Success This year has been my most successful athletics season as I qualified to my first ever Irish Secondary Schools final at shotput and long jump in the U15 Minor Girls Category Tullamore Although I did not make the podium at these championships in Tullamore I have gained so much experience that can only help me succeed at a higher level in future competitions My mum is my number 1 supporter as she drives me all around the country to attend various competitions I will always be grateful to her for everything she does for me She is the best person and mum I could ever ask for My form class 9 Grace are also my biggest supporters as they are always so happy and cheerful all my goals throughout the years They are the most amazing supportive people in the school including my form teacher Mrs O Donnell Mrs Mallett and Mrs Moore The best form class ever I would love in the future to represent Ireland on an International Stage for athletics and 41

12th edition Summer 2025 even try to get a scholarship to the USA So I ve decided from here on that I am going to come back harder and stronger to achieve my full potential and try to be the best that I can be Cora Prenter 9 Grace2 Cora Prenter started athletics when she was 12 and started doing competitions at the end of last year Even though she began athletics recently it is evident that she has a lot of skill and obvious talent Her motivation came from school and she looks up to Ms Thompson who has played a big part in Cora s athletic journey Her family and friends are one of her biggest supporters and Cora said she would do athletics professionally or even as a side job in the future Millie Sandy and Cora Prenter 42

12th edition Summer 2025 Lane 6 Aswell as enjoying success on the track Mille Sandy recently turned her hand to creative writing in Ms McCartney s English class Enjoy her story It was the final of the 100m sprint my main event The stadium buzzed with tension as I arrived I had been filled with nerves all day thinking and Millie Sandy 9 Grace overthinking what could happen At the same time I was scared questions flooding my mind What if I don t qualify What if I fall or trip What could happen I could hear the coaches shouting bellowing Spikes on Get ready concentrate All of these thoughts danced in my head When my spikes were on I warmed up I could see the sun glittering off the red track I made sure to stay in my zone no distractions or mistakes to be made I was wide awake at this point really really focused The official had his checklist of names of all the competitors I walked over quickly I cleared my throat and announced Hello my name is Millie I m here for the 100m final girls please He replied Oh yes hello Millie you re in lane 5 next to lane 6 I warmed up getting ready to go but something was off I thought it was a 5lane track But no A girl next to me was wearing all blue no athletics kit or anything no logos and no name The name on her bright blue bib was 0000 and I thought Who is she I had never seen her before and neither had the other girls We were all confused but stayed focused Anyway we all lined up in our blocks waiting for the gun Bang I burst out of my blocks taking a good start but suddenly I looked to my right and I saw the girl with a cheeky smile just passing me I got distracted and fell My hand scraped across the track My coach immediately ran over helping me to get up But I bleated There s only 5 lanes on this track but I saw 6 My coach said No Millie there s only 5 look I looked seeing only 5 my heart pounding I didn t see the girl at all Then all I could hear in the background was the wind the sun the rain and a voice saying Run faster 43

12th edition Summer 2025 The Legendary Relay for Life Year 9 Rebecca Dunn is a great advocate for Cancer Research Aswell as selling pins for this worthy charity she is also very keen to support the Relay for Life event Here she tells St Cecilia s News all about her experiences Hi my name is Rebecca Dunn and I m writing today about the Relay For Life fundraiser Relay For Life celebrates the fight to beat cancer Teams of friends family or work colleagues fundraise for Cancer Research They all come together as a community for a 24hr long weekend festival we will do whatever it takes to beat cancer The teams have to ensure that someone is holding the baton and walking continuously throughout the 24 hour period There are multiple relays around the UK and Ireland Rebecca s family at the Relay for Life in 2024 44

Summer 2025 12th edition We remember those who lost and ones who beat the fight The relay is to honour those who survived and fight for the ones that didn t This relay is part of an international movement with over 4 million who take part all relays for life around the world have raised over 7 billion The relay isn t a sorrowful occasion though and instead it is a celebration with discos and just overall happy vibes In the relay each team takes turns on the track to complete this 24 hour walk with various themes so show off your runway walk with themes like floral inflatable and superhero you can enjoy the various games and music My family takes part in this festival Last year we came in fourth overall in fundraising 6 324 Our team is called Ava Maria for our aunt who passed away from cancer Enter your team in the legendary Relay for Life in 2026 and help us in this fight 45

12th edition Summer 2025 Walking the Camino Mrs Brady has taken on a challenge Anyone who knows Mrs Brady knows that she likes to walk So this year she decided to push herself She has signed up to trek 116kms of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago De Compostela in July Mrs Brady raised 1700 for Children in Crossfire a charity that does a lot for children in less fortunate parts of the world So what does this charity do The story of Children in Crossfire has its roots in what began as a tragedy and ended as a triumph of the human spirit to overcome adversity Founded in 1996 by Richard Moore who was blinded as a 10 year old boy in 1972 during the Northern Ireland conflict Children in Crossfire supports projects helping some of the most vulnerable children on the planet that suffer from the injustice of poverty Children in Crossfire work in partnership with local organisations in Tanzania and Ethiopia to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged young children with a particular focus on Early Childhood Education In Ireland they work in schools and with the 46

12th edition Summer 2025 general public to raise awareness of global justice issues and advocate for increased investment in education Training To prepare for the Camino Mrs Brady has had to ramp up her training scheduled and tramp the miles to get ready Her schedule includes her usual daily walks of five miles Monday to Friday with weekend danders of 12 miles or more on Saturday and Sunday Not one to miss a chance for a bit of literary stimulation Mrs Brady can often be found wearing her ear buds and listening to the latest best seller I love walking I started my daily five milers during lock down as a way to fend off boredom monotony and stress Now it is very much part of my life and I can t imagine not doing it This healthy habit has helped me to cope with the day to day stresses of life and has kept me feeling fit as I age I would encourage everyone to walk I can be found in all weathers traipsing the roads I always dress for the weather and although I have been soaked many times I don t let it deter me Fundraising To raise the necessary funds to participate in the walk Mrs Brady set up a Just Giving page and has reached her target due to the very generous donations from staff and family members I feel very grateful for the support of my colleagues family and friends If you would like to donate you can use the link below https www justgiving com page jacqueline brady1 utm_medium FR utm_source CL utm_campaign 015 47

12th edition Summer 2025 Laying down the law on uniform Kaidence Shields Feeney In the headlines recently there have been reports about girls taking the initiative and demanding that the law in Northern Ireland be changed to ensure school uniform rules allow girls to choose trousers as a right rather than an option given at the discretion of each individual school The BBC reported Two school girls from County Fermanagh are campaigning for legislation to force schools to offer girls a choice between skirts and trousers Rhea and Astrid successfully campaigned for Enniskillen Integrated Primary School to allow girls to wear trousers and said it s weird and unfair that some schools still enforce skirts They are taking their case to Stormont s education committee on Tuesday afternoon as part of a hearing into broad changes to school uniform law In St Cecilia s College the uniform policy allows pupils to chose trousers if they want and girls at the school report feeling happy to have the choice The issue of rules around female clothing has been a hot topic on the field recently too Camogie has been dogged by controversy around players demands to wear shorts instead of the traditional skort The Guardian reported their successful challenge of the rules in recent weeks The Camogie Association votes to change archaic dress rule 48

Summer 2025 12th edition that critics say had deterred girls from taking up the sport This seems like another victory for the freedom of females to choose how they dress when engaging in sport Shorts offer more comfort and are more practical for such a demanding physical sport It is always interesting to ask our pupils about what they think about rules regarding items of clothing St Cecilia s star reporter Kaidence Shields Feeney found a range of opinions on this very topic I personally like the thought and freedom of wearing trousers but if I had to be honest the shape of the trousers isn t very flattering and they can feel stiff at times I wear trousers because they are more comfortable to me I like having the option and to me it makes me feel safer I don t wear skirts anyway and I feel good about getting to choose Evie Year 11 Emily Year 11 Kaidence wrote I think people focus too much on making sure what girls wear is traditional rather than prioritising comfort There have been too many incidents where girls are having decisions made for them without having any say in the matter Camogie players were told to wear skorts causing uproar because they re just not practical Players must focus on pulling their skorts down etc instead of concentrating on the game Especially in the sports environment comfort performance and practicality are key factors for players focus We are very lucky to have option to wear trousers or a skirt in our school It provides security for those who aren t comfortable wearing a skirt I asked a friend why she wears trousers and she said she wears trousers because she Doesn t like wearing tights 49

12th edition Summer 2025 Tights can be uncomfortable itchy and can be a sensory issue for some Another downside to skirts is people can roll them up too high I get that the skirts can be too long but it gets to a point when the length of the skirt becomes an issue Even pupils agree some skirts are far too short and should be rolled down to a reasonable length What do you think On the other hand for some people skirts can be very freeing and can boost confidence They are flexible and can work in winter and summer by just wearing socks instead of tights The tights also add an extra layer of warmth during colder days I think the people in charge of designing uniforms or making decisions for pupils should put comfort and security to the forefront of their decision Also let people get involved in decision making Let them choose what they want to do because at the end of the day it s them that must tolerate the outcome of your decisions P E Uniform Another aspect of this story was raised by Mrs Murray s year 9 English class They recently wrote to Mrs O Carolan to request a change to the uniform policy for P E 50

12th edition Summer 2025 St Cecilia s College Bligh s Lane Derry 14th May 2025 Dear Mrs O Carolan We are Mrs Murray s Year 9 English class and we are writing to politely request that you consider allowing girls to wear their P E uniform into school on the days we have P E on our timetable There would be several advantages to this change in policy 1 It would limit behaviour issues and messing in the changing rooms 2 We would have more teaching and learning time in our P E lessons 4 More people would do to P E as they wouldn t need to change Some people are uncomfortable and self conscious changing and dread the accidental icy showers 5 More time and more girls doing P E equals better mental health and physical health 6 We are already exhausted carrying our huge bags around so adding the weight of another bag on a marathon walk home is cruel It is killing us In fact while we are discussing uniform it would be a great improvement if we could also wear shorts loose Gaelic football shorts in the summer to be cool and comfortable Yours faithfully Mrs Murray s Year 9 English Class 51

Summer 2025 12th edition Mrs O Carolan provided a very detailed reply to the year 9 group Dear Pupils Thank you for your letter dated 14 May 2025 Our Senior Leadership Team met with the student council and discussed the very issue that you wrote to me about Pupils have been advised to wear their t shirt under their blouse for a quick change and for privacy if they require it We believe pupils could change in five minutes which does not have an impact on your teaching time It is government guidance that you have one hour of physical activity per week You actually have more than that with KS3 dance being considered physical activity The bag issue is a concern across all schools but you do have access to a locker to place your sports bag and other equipment into during the school day SLT counted the number of spaces to change and considered a few points easy to slip leggings on under your skirt before removal private toilets and changing areas that pupils can use if they are self conscious The data we gathered did not support the view that wearing PE gear to school increased pupil participation We have no evidence I am sorry I am very happy to continue this discussion with you and would welcome an opportunity to visit your lesson Yours Faithfully Mrs O Carolan Principal As you can see Mrs O Carolan has the best interests of the school at heart and we can see that she has thought a lot about the issue of uniform in St Cecilia s College She needs to juggle the government guidance and the popularity with pupils Her response may not be the end of the argument though and let s hope she can continue the discussion when she visits Mrs Murray s English group We will keep you all posted Mrs O Carolan Principal 52

12th edition Summer 2025 LIFE IN TUDOR ENGLAND By Evie Crawley 11 Courage 2 Evie loves History and in this article she has researched the topic of the Tudors First let s talk about some notable Tudor monarchs We all know who Henry VIII is but I want to bring some attention to his two daughters Mary and Elizabeth Mary who was born to Henry s first wife The Tudor Rose Catherine of Aragon is also known as Bloody Mary because she inspired the paranormal ghost game due to the fact that she killed so many Protestants during her reign by burning them at the stake Elizabeth was the child of Henry s second wife Anne Boleyn She is considered the best Tudor monarch earning the nickname Good Queen Bess She never married leading historians to call her The Virgin Queen She even inspired the look of The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland After she died England was in debt Mary Tudor and her sister Elizabeth during their respective reigns Next I am going to talk about Tudor beauty standards The ideal woman had a large forehead which they would achieve by plucking their eyebrows and pushing back their hairlines For makeup they would use a foundation made out of lead which would often times give them skin disease Blusher or lipstick would be made out of crushed berries 53

12th edition Summer 2025 Clothing is perhaps one of the most recognised parts of the Tudor era Standards for men were different from women Men were expected to wear tunics the colour and fabric would depend on class Underneath they would wear tights and wooden shoes Women had to wear veils to cover their hair Elaborate skirts and frilled gowns were a must Some were so big they couldn t fit through doors Replica of a dress Anne Boleyn wore during her time as Queen The last topic I am going to talk about is the diet of people in Tudor times Diet was largely defined by status Poor people would usually live on whatever they could find in their garden such as berries crops and wheat They would also drink cheap mead or spiced ale Rich people would have a more lavish diet which included seafood and fancy meats usually more than they could even eat Henry VIII who was known for his obesity consumed over 75 000 calories per day Thank you for taking the time to read this I hope you found it interesting and learned something new 54

12th edition Summer 2025 Picture Parade Award winners at the Derry Credit Union event Award winners at the Local Women event More amazing athletes Participants at the Foyle Hospice walk 55

12th edition Summer 2025 Pupils attended Fan the flame event at Celtic Park The environment club hosted another Swap with Style event in Ms Rainey s room 56

12th edition Summer 2025 Just for fun 57

12th edition Summer 2025 Would you like to get involved in our next edition Could you write a fabulous feature Have you got a nose for news Could you be a sensational sports reporter Have you an issue that you want to get off your chest Are you the perfect poet Get in touch email Mrs Brady jbrady054 c2ken net contact Mrs Brady 58