Shared values, Partnership and Belief at St Patrick's & St Brigid's College, Claudy

Located in the gateway to the Sperrin Mountains, St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College strives to work in partnership with pupils, parents/guardians, governors and the local community.

As soon as I walked through its doors at the beginning of this academic year, I experienced a warmth of welcome, a sense of ‘family’ and somewhere where there is a belief to become even better.

Celebrating its 60^th year, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College actively promotes Christian and shared values in its day-to-day business. It welcomes and embraces pupils from all backgrounds. It is a fully inclusive school which recognises the need to promote tolerance, respect and acceptance of others and strives to fully integrate all children.

Our Christian and shared values teach us that while living in a community requires effort, that effort brings great benefits, such as a strong sense of belonging. These values are not easy to measure but they have a deep impact and are fundamental to the formation of who we become as people, which is why they are placed at the heart of St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College.

Founded in 1963, the aim of St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s College was to create a Christian environment inspired by the teachings of Christ and to provide an education focused on the formation of the whole person. The motto at the college is Laudate Dominum, 'O praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise him, all ye people' (Psalm 117).

One of the reasons I was drawn to St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s College was its belief to not only help pupils flourish academically but also socially, emotionally and spiritually. This means they are equipped for life, to be able to make the strongest possible contribution in their Parish and wider community.

An education with Christ at the centre, which is what our values aspire to, equips young people to see the value of things and to exercise good judgement. We encourage pupils to become more centred individuals, able to separate truth from noise and distraction. Pupils are encouraged to value the small, day-to-day moments of life and not always be looking impatiently for the next diversion.

Our team of staff are vital partners with parents/guardians in each child’s education. The basis of this partnership is loyal, mutual understanding of each other’s complementary roles. All staff within the college foster close and productive relationships with pupils. They have a key role in supporting the wellbeing of pupils guiding them through the many challenges of being a young person today.

We look forward to our 60^th Anniversary Mass with Bishop McKeown, Fr. O'Kane and invited priests at 7pm on Thursday, May 2 in St Patrick's Church, Claudy. Refreshments will be served afterwards from 8pm in the college when there will be an opportunity to browse photographs and purchase commemorative items. There will be a photographer on site and guided tours for those who are interested. It is going to be a wonderful opportunity for former staff members and former pupils to reunite. There will also be some keepsake items to take away! Our celebrations so far in this academic year have included a cross country event, a GAA football blitz for Primary School children and a poetry competition. Moreover, there are plans for a Sports Gala dinner to support a new building programme, so watch this space!