Derry principal has big plans for Creggan school

The recently appointed principal of St Joseph’s Boys’ School in Creggan won’t accept any second-best billing for the school, looks you straight in the eye when saying she believes her boys can achieve anything before adding that she has “the best, most dedicated” teaching and non-teaching staff in Derry.

The new principal clearly wants to send out the message loud and clear that only the best for her boys will do. And she also makes it clear that the odd setback is no excuse for failure.

Mrs. Deane, who only took over the job in September of last year, wanted it put out there very firmly that it’s not how you start but how you finish that matters.

She points to herself as an example as she failed the eleven plus. But it was not the negative, she suggests, that so many believe it to be.

“People should remember that this is an examination that proves very little.

“In my case, when I went to St. Cecilia’s I was offered an outstanding education underpinned by aspirational guidance and leadership. I am live reflection of what St. Cecilia’s can offer and the achievements to be attained from a secondary education.

“I ended up going to UCD, then on to the University of Ulster and now here I am twenty plus years on principal of St Joseph’s, a school I am very proud to be principal of.”

Her own experiences have shaped her views in that she believes school is not all about academic achievement but also about preparing pupils for life outside, for careers and to succeed in the workplace.

School is about adding value to family, community and the wider world around each boy.

She commented: “Before they even come here St Joseph’s builds relationships with the feeder primary schools.

“We get to know the boys, we get to know their parents, we get to know what kind of things they are interested in.

“I am Derry girl myself in that I was reared in Park Avenue attending the local primary school St. Anne's so I have always walked to school in my own community. I am part of this community. I know this community and feel privileged to lead a school invested in the community.

“Our objective, and it’s a realistic objective, is to maximise the potential of every pupil who comes through our doors, and we are succeeding.

“Our pass rates are 88% from A* star to C at GCSE leading to high A-level outcomes. Expectations are exceptionally high as driven by my predecessor, Mrs Martina Mc Carron.”

When asked what it’s like being a female principal of an all-boys school she laughs before answering - “It’s my superpower!”

She goes on to explain: “There are 620 boys here. Being a woman and a mother of three boys myself I feel I have empathy and I believe the boys respond to that.

“I see myself as a person who wants to nurture them, to get them to be the very best they can be. I engage with them and I like to think they respect me for that - that they appreciate I am invested in them, that I want the very best for them.”

In fact, that is one of the key things she kept referring to during this interview – respect. For both pupils and the school staff the concept is vital.

“In the morning I have what we call ‘meet and greet’ where teachers gather to meet their students as they come in. In the evening we have ‘end and send’ where staff are there to see them off the premises. I want the teaching staff and non-teaching staff to encourage and reward positive behaviour.

“While we don’t accept bad behaviour, I think teachers and non-teaching leading by example are key - no raised or aggressive voices, no sarcasm, clear instructions, always operating under the philosophy of in loco parentis meaning in place of the parent.”

Mrs. Deane is at pains to point out that old perceptions need to change.

For example, the school has just received £220,000 to upgrade its 4G football pitch. This will open doors for boys who want to pursue careers in subjects like Physical Education and Sports Science at third level.

Mrs. Deane continued: “Our infrastructure is worth shouting about. Our computer suite is state-of-the-art. As is the Technology and design department hosting additional programmes in STEAM.

“Our Art studio is superb with a vibrate moving image art suite. As well as the core subjects like maths, English, Science and RE we have access to the full entitlement framework for A level.

“Alongside our two new autism specific classrooms ensuring a diverse and inclusive learning and teaching environment.”

Mrs Deane keeps a close eye to the skills in demands barometer and is keen to introduce new curriculum that is relevant and meets the boys needs.

“One new initiative is LLS, which is a three A level Sports Course giving our boys an opportunity to perform sports at a high level but to also continue their academic education,” she said.

Situated right in the heart of the community Mrs. Deane was anxious to pay tribute to the various local organisations who have supported the school over the years.

“I am a member of the Proud Creggan Committee, and we work with various groups like the Bogside Brandywell Health Forum, the Old Library Trust, the Rosemount Resource Centre, St. Mary's Youth club and are ably supported by our Catechetical parish. Fr Paul Farren and the St. Eugene’s Parish are invaluable support and guide.

“And I am always grateful to the board of governors, chaired by Mrs Siobhan McIntyre, for their unceasing support. They are brilliant.’

What’s it like to be responsible for all the staff after almost 20 years on the staff in St Joseph’s Boys school.

“It’s exciting, it’s challenging, the hours are long – I start at 8.00am with the ‘Breakfast Club’ where we provide up to 100 breakfasts – and it’s often after 6.00pm when I get home.

“I have a personal assistant, Lisa Grant, who is amazing. She sets everything up as we not only have the 620 pupils but also 42 teaching staff and 45 non-teaching staff. All that needs structure.

“Sure, I am the principal, but the day I think I’m the smartest person at the table I am in the wrong room.

“I am the principal, but this is a real team effort.

“I’ll take counsel and advice from the people in the room. But I have to say I love it, and I would like to think as principal I can make a difference.’

Finally, at the weekend she says herself and husband, Robert, who does everything!, have a busy weekend with their three sports mad boys - Hugo (20), Bobby (18) and Ethan (14).

“I spend a lot of time standing at the side of football pitches watching games. It’s full-on but I enjoy it!”