Steelstown Primary School: Shaping futures and celebrating excellence

She came to Derry’s Steelstown Primary School 17 years ago as a temporary teacher,  to cover a maternity post, and “I’ve never left,” said Catherine Doorish, “because I love it”.

Now in her third year as principal, Mrs Doorish has been maths co-ordinator, PE co-ordinator, extended schools co-ordinator, SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator), and then vice principal. 

“I have worked alongside a lot of amazing principals,” she added, “Siobhan Gillen, Deirdre Gillespie and Kathleen Bradley. Ms Bradley gave me my first job and Ms Gillespie gave me a permanent job. I was very fortunate that all of those principals pushed me on in my career and helped me to get to where I am today,” she said, “ and having benefited from their experience, I try to do the same with our co-ordinators. 

“Steelstown PS has a lot of newly qualified teachers and a fairly new senior management team as well. We have Victoria O’Neill who has been our vice principal for two years, and we have Bronagh Lynch who is in her first year as our SENCO. We also have a new literacy co-ordinator, Ms O’Doherty and Ms O’Hara is our new numeracy co-ordinator. 

“We are also very fortunate to have three special setting classes - for special needs in mainstream - which means we can cater for children with additional needs. These are small class settings of eight with one teacher and two assistants each. 

“In addition we have three primary one classes, all the way up to primary six and next year we will have three primary classes, so Steelstown PS is a growing school, which is great and brilliant for the community.

“We enjoy excellent relations with our surrounding community. Just this week we had our carol service in the chapel across the road, our Lady of Lourdes, with our newly appointed Parish Priest, Father Declan McGeehan. We have also been down with our friends in Shantallow Community Centre; they invited all our primary ones, two and threes to their Winter Wonderland Experience,” said Mrs Doorish.

IN PICTURES: Steelstown P1 superstars light up the stage in festive play

Children from P1 took part in the annual Nativity play at Steelstown PS

IN PICTURES: Little stars shine bright at Steelstown PS Nursery Nativity

Pupils of Steelstown Primary School and Nursery Unit took to the stage for their annual Christmas Nativity

IN PICTURES: Christmas spirit shines bright at Shantallow Community Centre switch-on event

The Christmas tree switch-on featured local school and community choirs

“We also receive excellent support from Rory [McPartland] and all his team in Greater Shantallow Area Partnership, through the extended schools programme,” she added.

“We couldn’t function as a school without the outside agencies and the community, which is what makes Steelstown PS unique. We are a big school but a small school really because of that community atmosphere. 

“We have maybe three, sometimes now going on four generations of families attending Steelstown PS. Our school is in the heart of the community. We are surrounded by such good neighbours and that is really important,” reflected Mrs Doorish. 

Steelstown PS’s recent achievements have included its success at Maths Fest 2025 and the Outstanding Work Category of the Sing and Learn competition run by the Confucius Institute.

“These reflect our drive for excellence and global outlook,” said Mrs Doorish.

“We have a focus on STEM and ICT within the school, and we have an excellent Badgers team (first aiders) under the leadership of Ms McCafferty. We also have a football team, a Gaelic team, a netball team, and a very promising cross-country team. We have great links with  Steelstown Brian Ógs, Na Magha and Ballymoor FC,” she added.

“Steelstown PS is a school for all abilities. We are a school for every child. Rooted in strong Catholic values, we are guided by our school motto is, ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow’.

“We want all of our children going out into the world ready to be leaders of tomorrow in whatever field they choose. We are a vibrant, inclusive learning community where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding teaching and learning for all. 

“Our school is more than a place of education - it is a hub of innovation and care. With purpose-built facilities, specialist provision, and a dedicated team of teachers and support staff, we ensure a safe, nurturing environment where curiosity, ambition, respect and empathy thrive.

“We celebrate diversity and welcome children from all faith traditions, fostering tolerance and mutual respect. Our commitment to inclusion means meting pupils where they are, providing tailored support for individual needs, and promoting well-being at every stage,” said Ms Doorish, who invited interested families to visit Steelstown on its open day on January 7, 2026 - or contact the school and arrange another time - to discover a “vibrant, inclusive learning community, where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential”.