Derry principals mark International Women’s Day 2026 with celebration of shared strength

Roisin Blackery, Principal of Nazareth House Primary School, and Eilis McGuinness, Principal of St Annes Primary School in Derry have marked International Women’s Day with a visit to the children and staff of Nazareth House by Eilis McGuinness.  

The Nazareth House school community had been given a temporary home at St Anne’s Primary School for a period of five weeks at the start of 2026.  

Sharing accommodation marked the start of a strong working relationship for the two school leaders who faced a challenge together that neither had anticipated. In a fitting tribute to the strong leadership of both Principals, Roisin marked International Women’s Day by inviting Eilis for a tour of Nazareth House.  

Eilis was met with enthusiasm and excitement by the children who remember their time at St  Anne’s fondly.  

Eilis McGuinness commented: “When I was first approached and asked if we could  accommodate our neighbours, I did not hesitate. The Catholic Maintained school ethos is one  of love and support and I knew immediately that we would do all that we could to help our  colleagues in the Catholic Maintained family in Derry.” 

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However, welcoming guests in such large numbers was not straight forward and both Principals  worked through the Christmas holiday to address the numerous logistical challenges of accommodating two schools under one roof. Both Eilis and Roisin were clear that they wanted  to run their schools independently of each other, while sharing a building.

Finding the required  space wasn’t always easy and Eilis moved out of her office so that it could be used as  additional space for a P1 class. 

As an educator with some 35 years’ experience, Eilis continues: “We simply got on with the  task at hand. I have a deeply held belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to ensuring high quality teaching and learning for all pupils. I know that these values are shared by Roisin. I hope that we both set an example of women in leadership roles.

"When girls see women leading, making decisions, showing empathy and influencing change, it normalises the idea that they can do it too. I hope that this example can empower and inspire  our future female leaders.”  

Roisin commented: “It’s great to be able to invite Eilis here today to host her at Nazareth House  Primary School and to thank her for offering us sanctuary when we needed it. Through this shared experience I have gained a new strong female colleague.

St. Anne's PS Principal Eilis McGuinness meets with some of the younger children during their World Book Day Celebrations when touring the Nazareth House school with Principal Roisin Blackery. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

"I do think women have unique strengths to bring to the table; we tend to be very connection focused and value a collaborative approach. We support each other, encourage each other and  hold space for each other. I lead an incredible group of women, and I am inspired by each of them. I am also aware that everything I do in my leadership role is highly visible, and because  of that I always try to be the women that we want our girls to become.”