St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: Massive celebrations to mark landmark occasion

PICTURED ABOVE: St. Brigid's PS Principal Ms. Mary McCallion and some of her senior leadership team. From left - Julie McGowan, SENCO; Tina Ruddy, RE and Pastorol Care; Mark Doherty, Numeracy; Caitriona Quigley, PE; Orla McNamara, Literacy; Lynsey Thompson, Extra Curricular Activities ; Cora McDermott, Art and Design; Paul O’Doherty, Vice Principal and ICT, and Danielle McLaughlin, PR and Social Media. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)

To mark the 50th anniversary of one of Derry’s best-known Primary and Nursery Schools big celebrations will be held on Wednesday, 19th June and on Friday, June 21st in Carnhill when pupils and staff, both past and present, of St Brigid’s Primary and Nursery School are invited to come along for what will certainly be two very special occasions.

To get proceedings underway the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, will celebrate Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, at 2pm on Wednesday followed by a photographic walk down memory lane in the school where refreshments will be provided.

Everyone is welcome to the Mass and to the school afterwards where a special pictorial exhibition will highlight that 50-year history.

And then on Friday (June 21) there will be what's described as a "fun-filled day of celebration" in the school grounds with ice cream, inflatables, BBQ, tuck shop, face-painting and lots, lots more.

ALSO READ: St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: ‘It spurred us on to become the people we are today’

It's a community day and the community is invited!

The school has a rich heritage opening in September 1974 with Mr Neil McMahon as the first principal. He was ably supported by a dedicated team of teachers, including Miss Sheila Shanagher who became the school’s second principal.

50 YEARS OF ST. BRIGID'S PS. . . .Mrs. Mary McCallion, Principal and her staff pictured in celebration of the school's 50th birthday. (Photo: JIm McCafferty Photography)

Sadly, both Mr McMahon and Miss Shanagher passed away in November 2021 and April 2024 respectively, but their years of service and contribution to the school will never be forgotten.

The current principal is Ms Mary McCallion who, supported by a young, dedicated staff, has been guiding the school since 1998.

Speaking this week Ms McCallion said “The school has always attracted pupils from a wide catchment area, and we continue to enjoy the support of the communities in our city.

The Dinner Ladies who keep the school fed throughout the year.

"Our school has grown over the years and I have been proud to introduce and develop a range of additional educational provision including a Nursery Class, a Nurture Centre as well as Autistic and Learning Support Units.

"This specialist support has helped us move towards more inclusive education for all children, providing support for parents, carers and their families. We see ourselves as being embedded in this community, providing a holistic service.”

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Ms McCallion said she was “absolutely delighted” to be welcoming back past pupils as parents and grandparents.

“They have enriched our school community and provided strong generational links, establishing a firm foundation for the future success of the school and community which we serve. As with any organisation, a firm foundation is essential, and we are also grateful that our board of governors have provided that for us through many challenges down the years.”

She commented: “We invest in our children, but we invest in our staff too.

The teaching staff of St. Brigid's Primary School, Carnhill pictured on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

"I have been delighted to welcome back some of our past pupils as learning support assistants and together we have celebrated a National Training Award (one of only two in Northern Ireland that year) which recognised our desire to see that all our staff take ownership of the school’s policy and philosophy of being ‘the best you can be’ and putting it into practice.

"Following on from this we have sought to mentor and support everyone who makes the school a success, earning 3 Investors in People Awards from 2005 to 2015, a great source of personal pride for me.

“Our school has been at the heart of our community in Carnhill since its opening and we always endeavour to link with other organisations which are working, as we do, for our families.

"From the GAA and soccer clubs looking after the health of our young people to the Leafair Men’s group and Shantallow Community Residents Association looking after the welfare of the people and environment we live in; we recognise the importance of working together."

The Classroom Assistants at St. Brigid's Primary School pictured on the occasion of the school's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The principal concluded: “I am very proud of this school. I have great memories of our many pupils and staff over the years.

"I have delighted in seeing the fun which our children have experienced through the years whether that has been on a school trip to the Giant’s Causeway or racing each other on sports day and I have particularly loved seeing the spirit of joy in the Christmas Nativity plays. So, come and join us as we celebrate.”