Patrician 2019

St. Patrick’s College
Maghera

The Patrician 2019

www.stpatricksmaghera.org

@StPatsMaghera /StPatricksCollegeMaghera



Contents 5
6
Foreword 7
Staff 2018-2019 8
We said goodbye to... 9
Junior Leadership Team 10-11
Families First NI Awards 12-13
Every Child Matters - Conor McAtee 14-16
Memory Lane 17-29
Exam Result Success 30
Awards/Achievements 30-39
Open Day January 2019 40-41
School Trips 42-43
Formal 44-47
Autism Awareness Month 2019 48-49
Fundraising 50-67
Year 8 Hallowe'en Event 68
Art & Design 69-70
BTEC Construction 71-75
Careers 76-85
English 86-87
Geography 88-91
History 92-93
Home Economics 94-98
Languages 99-103
Learning Support Centre 104-105
Maths 106-107
Moving Image Arts 108-109
Music 110-111
Performing Arts 112-113
RE 114-177
Science 116-117
Sport - 118
St Patrick's Ballarat Visit
Ulster Colleges’ All Stars Awards The Patrician 2019 3

Contents

Primary Schools’ Castle Cup - Football 2015 119-121
Primary Schools’ Castle Cup - Hurling & Camogie 2015 122-124
Senior/U14/Junior/U16 7-a-side Camogie 125-127
Year 8 Camogie
Leaving the Line - Anne Quinn 128
Mageean Cup/Paddy Buggy Cup 129-131
Forrester's Cup 132-135
Leonard Cup
Year 8 Nigel Quigley Shield 136
Wheel Chair Hurling 137-138
Gallagher Cup 139-140
MacRory Cup
Rannafast Cup 141
Brock Cup 142-143
Corn na n-Óg 144-147
D’Alton Cup
Nannery Cup 148
Oisin McGrath Cup 149
O'Farrell B 150
Stephen Quinn Memorial Shield 151-152
Athletics 153
Ladies GAA 154-155
Sports Day 2018 156
1989/90 Champions Reunion 157-158
Conor Glass / Anton Tohill 159-170
Year 8 Classes 171-173
Year 12 Classes 174-175
Year 14 Classes 176
Year 14 177
Signatures 178-185
186-193
4 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera 194-199
200-212
213-218

Foreword

Dear Reader, a single point to eventual champions St Michael’s
Enniskillen in their semi-final game. Thank you to Mallon
Here we are again at and McCormick for their sponsorship for the team. This
the end of another was a first for the College in that the past pupils provided
eventful year with significant sponsorship, which was greatly appreciated.
many pupil successes, The Senior Ladies football team lost out in their Shield
not least in our Final to a very strong Dominican College team.
pupils’ academic
performances. Our In hurling we are Ulster Champions in the Gallagher
pupils experienced Cup. This is the second year in a row that we have won
great success in their this title. We were finalists in the senior hurling Mageean
GCSEs and A levels, Cup and went forward to the All Ireland Semi-Final
with an outstanding representing Ulster. We were also runners up in the Year
10% increase in A*-C 11 hurling competition the Leonard Cup.
grades at A level.
No wonder we were In camogie we were beaten finalists in the Under 14
placed fourth in the Irish competition. The girls have had a very successful
News League Tables. competition, but unfortunately lost out in a very tight final
This is a whole school to St Louis Ballymena by one point! At the time of going
achievement that I am to print we have reached the Year 8 Camogie Final.
very proud of and it is noteworthy that we are consistently
in the top 4 schools in the league tables. However, it is The pupils have also had a brilliant year in Athletics, which
not all about league tables as you will see in the content you can see in the sports section.
of this magazine.
Our pupils continue to excel across all areas and we even
We had a few changes in our staffing this year with Mrs have a Chemistry Olympian – Oisin McCullagh. Those of
Catherine Browne from the Home Economics Department you who were fortunate enough to ‘be our guest’ at our
moving to a school closer to home and Mr Eamon Curran Beauty and the Beast musical, will remember the fabulous
from the Technology and Design Department retiring opportunity that our pupils had to develop their musical
at the end of February. Both made their impact on the and dramatic talents. We had our first ever matinee
College and its pupils. We wish them well in their new performance with ‘guests’ dressing up in princess gowns
ventures. and fancy dress costumes. For me, this was one of the
many highlights of this academic year.
We welcomed Mrs Noirin McCrory to the Home
Economics Department and Miss Kerry Anne Cunningham You will see that our pupils are academics, musicians,
(who is a past pupil) to the Technology and Design actors, artists, environmentalists, scientists, humanitarians
Department. We also welcomed Miss Niamh Donnelly to and leaders. This year saw the appointment of our first
the PE Department for this year. Joining us in the capacity ever Year 10 leadership team.
of Classroom Assistant we had Mrs Louise McCrory, Mrs
Joanne McNally and Mrs Michelle Hennessey, Miss Aoife We also launched our three guiding principles for all –
McCabe (past pupil) and Miss Aoife Lynn. We wish them Ready, Respectful and Safe! If we can do all three of these
all well as they become part of the St Patrick’s family. at all times, we will have a very strong College family.

In GAA sport this year we won 3 Ulster championships. I hope that you enjoy reading this year’s Patrician and are
In football we are Ulster Champions in the Oisin McGrath as proud of the achievements of all our pupils as I am.
Year 8 Trophy for the third year in a row. We are also
D’Alton Champions. The MacRory Cup team lost by .

Mrs B. Mussen
Principal

The Patrician 2019 5

Staff

6 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Staff 2018-2019

BR (L-R): MBack Row: Mr J. Quigley, Mr C. Lavery, Mr P.O’ Connor, Mr N.O’ Kane, Mr S.M. Lockhart, Mr M. McLoone, Mr C. Martin, Mr S. McGregor,
Mr J. Henry, Mr T. McDaid, Mr G. Brudell, Mrs C. McCrossan, Mrs A. Burke.

Row 4: Miss B. Quigg, Mrs S. Bell, Mrs A. Duddy, Miss N. Donnelly, Mrs M. Devlin, Mrs F. Walls, Mrs G .Forsythe, Mrs J. Breen, Mrs N. Convery,
Mrs G. McKeefry, Mrs R .Convery, Mrs J. McNally, Mrs T. Lowry, Mrs K. McGuinness, Mrs S. Coyle, Mrs A.M. McElhinney, Mrs M. McKee, Mrs J. Baxter,

Mrs M.B Higgins, Mrs M. Bell, Mrs B. Edwards, Mrs M.T. Brady, Mr M. McConnell, Mrs C. McErlean
Row 3: Mr B. McCallion, Mr W. Sweeney, Mr D. Convery, Mr M. Molloy, Mr A. Clifford, Mr W. McAteer, Mr M. Quinn, Mr G. Harkin, Mr S. Cunningham,

Mr P. Toner, Mr R. O’Donnell, Mr D. Tracey,
Row 2: Miss K. O’Neill, Mrs E. McGrogan, Mrs J. Crawford, Mrs M. Griffin, Miss M. Devlin, Miss E. Devlin, Miss A.Gormley, Miss E. McAleer,
Mrs S. Dempsey, Mrs E. Armstrong, Mrs C. McCloskey, Mrs E. Lavery, Mrs D. Bryson,, Mrs M. Quinn, Miss M. Higgins, Mrs J. Diamond, Mrs L. McCrory,

Mrs E. Doherty, Mrs R. Taggart, Mrs N. McRory, Mrs L. MacRory, Mrs B. McKeefry,
Row 1: Mrs S. Glass, Mrs M. Taggart, Mrs M. McDaid, Mrs S. Gaile, Mrs C. Johnston, Mrs K. McAteer, Mrs M. Kelly, Mrs M. Kealey, Mrs M. Nolan,
Mrs J. Conway, Miss J Cochrane, Mrs A. Murray, Mrs M. McGuckin, Mrs M. McNicholl, Mrs C. Hendy, Miss P. Murray, Mrs A. McKenna, Mrs D. Foye,

Mrs H. McKenna, Mrs B. Stewart, Mrs C. Kelly, Mrs S. McGuckin
Front Row: Mr P. Hughes, Mr M. Donnelly, Mr B. Coyle, Mrs M. Conway, Mrs A. Quinn, Mrs M. Donelan, Mr A. Terrington, Mr D. Walls, Mrs J. Young,

Mrs B. Mussen (Principal), Mr J. McGale, Mrs G. Hughes, Mrs T. McConnell, Mrs P. Mallon, Mr J. Hendry, Mr E. Curran, Mr D. McNicholl,
Mr H. McGuigan, Mr G. Harrison, Mrs A. Higgins.

We said goodbye to...

Eamon Curran

This past academic year saw Mr Curran bid us
farewell. He headed off to the next chapter of his
life. Having spent some 29 years in the Technology
and Design Department, he was key to the many
changes and developments which have taken
place throughout and his support was key to the
successful implementation of these. Whether it
was developing new units of work, preparing
resources or delivering lessons Mr Curran always
had the same level of professional and enthusiastic
approach. His work was not limited to a role
within the department and he was always keen to
be involved in assisting with the extra-curricular
program, whether it be building a set for the
school show or acting as compare. He was a huge
advocate of providing a vocational education to
pupils within the College and it was his foresight
and leadership which led to many courses being
introduced. St Patrick’s now has a variety of courses
to enable so many of our pupils to progress to
university. This is in no small part to the contribution
of Mr Curran. He will be missed greatly by all those
staff who were on the receiving end of his many
witty quips during the staff social gathering. One
thing is for certain, Room 24 may never be the same
again now he has left.

Catherine Browne

Catherine arrived in St Patrick’s Cooking Skills for those pupils who was at the core of all her teaching.
College as a fresh-faced young returned to school hoping to enhance Catherine also conducted her role
Home Economics teacher in their GCSE profile. The pastoral as class tutor with enthusiasm and
September 2010. Initially, she was aspect of the job took precedent and in a ‘motherly’ fashion to meet the
employed on a part-time basis needs of many pupils over her time
teaching junior school three days per in the College. She was involved
week. Catherine juggled this position in the introduction of Ladies Gaelic
alongside a two-day employment football in the school. Catherine got
in Holy Cross College, Strabane. In married and had two little sons during
September 2011, Catherine became the time she spent with us. She had
a permanent full-time member of the a long commute every day from Co
Home Economics department. In Donegal so when the opportunity
her time with us she delivered GCSE arose to take up a position as
Food and Nutrition and Health and coordinator of Home Economics in St
Social Care both at AS and A2 level Columb’s College, Derry, Catherine
as well as Home Economics at Key felt it was time to bid farewell. We
Stage Three. Catherine was also wish her every success in her career
instrumental in developing Home going forward.

The Patrician 2019 7

Junior Leadership Team 2018-19

Junior Leadership Team 2018-19

Above: BR: Ger Rafferty, Lucy Kelly, Ailis McWilliams (Deputy
Head Girl), Aodhan Cassidy (Deputy Head Boy), Caoimhe
McCloskey, Dara McGurk,
FR: Eimear Turner (Deputy Head Girl), Aoife O’Donnell (Head
Girl), Mrs B Mussen(Principal), Kile Diamond (Head Boy),
Killian Mallon (Deputy Head Boy)
Right: Mrs Mussen with Kile Diamond and Aoife O Donnell.
The new Junior Leadership team for 2018-2019 was
announced in St Patrick’s College. This year was a
new departure for the College and its first ever Junior
Leadership Team.:
n Head Girl - Aoife O’Donnell
n Head Boy - Kyle Diamond
n Deputy Head Girls - Eimear Turner, Ailis McWilliams
n Deputy Head Boys - Killian Mallon, Aodhan Cassidy
n Prefects- Lucy Kelly, Caoimhe McCloskey, Dara
McGurk, Ger Rafferty

8 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Families First NI Awards

Families First NI Awards

The local charity, Families First, have are so supportive to the wains, you "Very well deserved. An amazing
as part of their rationale a desire to deserve it." person with a heart of gold!"
recognise ‘those who have gone
above and beyond their duty to make "Congratulations, Colum, well "Could everyone please vote for this
life a bit easier for family life’. In this deserved. Good luck for 11 May and Amazing teacher who gives so much
context, it was with great pleasure keep championing those in your and supports our children in every
that St Patrick’s acknowledged the care" way.""
nomination for Amazing Men in
Education which came the way of "Amazing doesn't even scratch the The Awards Ceremony was a
College teacher, Mr Colum Lavery. surface!" glittering occasion in the Clandeboye
Lodge Hotel in Bangor and although
Nominations are made by people "Couldn’t agree more!!! It’s been not selected as the overall winner,
from outside your own organisation 15 years since he taught me in St Mr Lavery’s choice as one of
and are intended to recognise those Patrick’s. One of the best teachers only five finalists in the Amazing
people who have done that little bit I’ve come across" Men in Education category was a
extra to support and help families tremendous achievement and is
they come in to contact with. As "Congrats, Bwana. I hope the judges reflective of the quality of the Pastoral
Pastoral Head of Year 12, Mr Lavery are aware of the amazing work you Care in the College.
has had many different situations and St Patrick’s have carried out in
to deal with in the course of his Tanzania."
school year and his quiet, trustworthy
and caring approach to his duties
earned him his nomination from a
very grateful parent. This parent had
experienced first-hand Mr Lavery
’s compassionate approach and
dedication to the development of
and care for the pupils in his year
group. When all nominations had
been considered by Families First,
Mr Lavery was chosen as one of only
five finalists from across the province
in the category for Amazing Men in
Education.

Many parents and past pupils
took time to support Mr Lavery ’s
nomination with comments and
testimonies acknowledging his
tremendous work with the pupils in
his charge.

A small collection of these are shown
below::

"Best of luck Colum Lavery you’re
the best teacher and Head of Year,
all the wains think you’re great, you
are so supportive to the wains you
deserve it."

"Best of luck Mr Lavery, you’re the
best teacher and Head of Year, all
the wains think you’re great, you

The Patrician 2019 9

Every Child Matters - Conor McAteer

Every Child Matters

As a student of St. Patrick’s College, to help you. Please don’t waste that KS3, mostly because I learned not
I wish to share my experience with opportunity! to hide my personality, and because
you. My name is Conor McAteer and they were genuinely good company.
since the age of two, I have been Friendship was also another huge
diagnosed with high-functioning difficulty for me. While I did make I remember that with them my
autism. I am studying Geography, some friends in my fi rst few years, formal in September 2017 was
English Literature and History at you could say I gradually drifted away one of the best nights I have ever
A-Level. This year, I am currently in from them during my GCSEs, partly experienced. But I did have to say
the middle of my A2 modules in the due to my aforementioned sensory goodbye to most of them as they
latter two subjects, having repeated problem and also, to deal with that left for university last May. I was so
the AS modules in them last year problem, I tended to bury myself in emotional, I couldn’t even go to the
(summer 2018). my work (I still do a bit.) But I learned. Leaver’s Mass, and I’m not afraid
to say that. (I do regret it though).
As Geography was the one subject As I matured and my confidence But my interactions have allowed
where I achieved my targeted grew as I entered Sixth Form, I made me to mature emotionally and I’ve
grade (B), I did not have the need to probably more friends than I did in reconciled myself with the fact that
repeat it. The College gave me the
opportunity to spread my A-Levels
over three years to reduce any
anxiety that may arise, which has
benefited me greatly.

My ASD has thrown up numerous
challenges for me over the years,
and while some of them have been
extremely harsh, I have learned
successfully to simply take one day at
a time. Possibly the biggest problem
was a sensory issue that I developed
during my GCSE years and which has
wracked me ever since. It may sound
ridiculous, but I have a particular
aversion to the sounds of particular
people coughing. To someone like
me, it is the equivalent of a bullet
being fired into your ear. For roughly
a year and a half, I would say that it
was at its worst.

Throughout this time, my teachers
and my teaching assistant, Geraldine
McKeefry (who has worked with me
for the last 15 years), were nothing
short of exemplary in lending their
help to me. With their help, and my
gradual acceptance of it, I have
learned to manage this problem.
The staff of this College will always
be willing to open their arms if there
is anything at all playing on your
mind, and they will drop everything

10 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Every Child Matters - Conor McAteer

I will see them again if I get into my So, it was in October 2016 that I I currently have my heart set on
course this September. (More on that went off to the offices of the County a History degree from Queen’s
later). Derry Post in Dungiven. For five days, University, Belfast. It has always
I relished the opportunity to work been my favourite subject and I
Now I should probably move on to with actual journalists, reporting on have always expressed a great
talk about the heart of Sixth Form: topical issues from across the entire enthusiasm for the subject matter
your subjects. If you are as big a county, which is a particular treat since a young age. It has developed
devotee of English Literature and for someone as involved in current my understanding of the fundamental
History as I am, I can safely tell affairs as I am. In February, I landed political questions of the world in
you that you will relish the subject a seat in the audience for Stephen which we live.
matter that you will be taught. In Nolan’s Top Table for my passion. I
English, you can dissect the poetry even enjoyed the Post so much that To get me better acquainted with
of Robert Frost, Seamus Heaney and in June and July 2017 they let me the place beyond open days, I
William Blake, examine witchcraft come back and most of my articles took a special tour of the campus,
hysteria gone mad in The Crucible were published that summer. With my last November, where I took in
and discover what makes a human (partial) repeat of Year 13, I took on the McClay Library (heaven for
monster with Frankenstein (sorry to another work placement in October bookworms like myself), the Sports
shatter your expectations, but no 2017 where I worked in Crawford’s Centre and took a look around Elms
mad scientists screaming ‘it’s alive!’) (and which proved convenient for my Village. These incredibly helpful up-
Geography classes). close looks have only made me even
In History, meanwhile, you will learn more determined to gain a place
to think critically and form your I worked a variety of odd jobs there this autumn.
own views on Hitler’s Germany, across many departments; fruit
Lenin and Stalin’s Soviet Union, the and vegetables, frozen food, gifts As I am writing this, I have received
Irish Revolution and the Cold War. and stationery to name a few. two offers from Ulster University in
Through my perceptive pursuit This undoubtedly developed my Coleraine (one for straight History
of both topics, my analytical skills interpersonal skills and confidence. I and one for History with English as a
have increased probably ten-fold. I am also very proud of my most recent major/minor combo) and am currently
have also learned to question and work placement, intended to fill my waiting for QUB to respond on the
challenge established views and my time on days where I would have had three courses I’ve put down for them,
fluency in both areas has scarcely four consecutive free classes. Due to (History, History and Politics and
been better. My pursuit of these my love for both English and History, History and English). For all the QUB
literary subjects has also reaped I managed to land a temporary job at courses, I need an ABB and I am
significant extra-curricular events – in the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in determined to put in as much time as
March 2017 Bellaghy, where I worked throughout it takes to ensure I am sitting in one
October and November. I helped to of their lecture theatres later this year.
I was one of only two students from put displays together (I did a glossary When deciding what to put on your
this school to participate in a trip for a ‘word hoard’ of colloquial terms), UCAS form in Year 14, talk about your
to Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp I shadowed tour guides and even personal strengths, showcase your
in Poland, an experience that will helped to decorate the Christmas achievements and, most importantly,
probably stay with me forever. The grotto. I will forever be indebted to show passion!
best advice I can give to anyone Geraldine for ensuring that I got the
deciding which subjects to chose opportunity to get out into the world Well, I guess that’s about it. There’s
at A-Level is to go with what your and learn some of the ways which that old saying that school is the ‘best
heart tells you. Consider this: if you anyone must utilise if they are ever days of your life.’ To me, St. Patrick’s
sincerely enjoy learning a subject to succeed. I have no doubt that the has met this quote and exceeded it.
and if you want to pursue a subject in Careers faculty will do the same for The memories I’ve made here will
that field, what’s stopping you? you; if you are just as passionate. endure for a long time – I sincerely
hope that they will do so with you as
Geraldine was also very Now let’s talk about that all-important well.
accommodating when it came to ‘U’ word: university. Personally,
organising work placements for me. Conor McAteer, Year 14

The Patrician 2019 11

Memory Lane

MacRory Success 1983

Sporting Captains 2003-2004 Hogan Cup Sucess 2003

First Year Blitz June 2005
12 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Memory Lane

Captains and Coaches 2011

Trocaire Collection 2005 Violin Awards

Staff Picture 2012-13

The Patrician 2019 13

Exam Result Success August 2018

GCSE

14 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Exam Result Success August 2018

A Level

The Patrician 2019 15

Exam Result Success August 2018

A Level

16 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Awards/Achievements

International Success in Chemistry

The Irish Chemistry Olympiad is a LR: Mrs B Mussen(Principal), Oisin McCullagh,
competition for Irish students in the Mr D Walls (Teacher).
final year of second level education.
It is held annually in Dublin City Day 4 he will sit a Paris, this is already an outstanding
University. More than 100 students Practical Exam at achievement for Oisin.
from all over Ireland took part in this the Pierre Gilles de
year's competition. Oisin McCullagh, Gennes High School. He The Chemistry Department,
Year 14, was one of only 2 students returns to the same venue for a and indeed the entire College,
to be awarded a Gold medal. As a Theory Exam on Day 6. These are congratulates Oisin and would like
result, he progressed to the next both scheduled over a grueling 5 to wish him every success for the
stage of the competition, which hours! Regardless of the outcome in competition in Paris.
meant Oisin travelled back to DCU
over Easter and underwent further
training and testing. His efforts
earned him a place on the team
of 4 pupils, who were chosen to
represent Ireland at the IChO, 2019
in Paris, France.

The IChO... So what is it?

The International Chemistry
Olympiad is an international
chemistry competition at a very high
level, the equivalent of the Olympic
Games for Chemistry!

It is a major global event: during
the 2018 edition, 76 countries
participated (this year over 80)
and 300 students competed. Each
national team is composed of four
candidates and four adults, who act
as mentors and observers.

Oisin has a busy itinerary during
his stay in Paris (21st July – 30th
July). During his stay he will
have opportunities to visit
some of the world famous
tourist attractions that the
historic city of Paris has
to offer. He will enjoy a
guided tour of the Louvre
Museum and the Tuileries
garden, a guided tour of
the Versailles Palace and its
gardens and a visit to the Palais
de la Découverte.

His main focus, however, will be
on the competition. He will face
rigorous testing during his stay. On

The Patrician 2019 17

Awards/Achievements

Year 10 Attendance Awards - April 2019

Year 9 Easter Awards British Karate Champion

Caitlin Dunne became the British champion in two sections
in Karate. The Ladies 18+ -55kg plus the ladies 18+ -60kg. Well
done to Caitlin for this tremendous success.

18 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Awards/Achievements

Civic Reception for Year 8 Camogie and
Gallagher Cup

Mid-Ulster District Council continued their Year 10 Recycling Awards
very dedicated recognition of sporting
achievements in the local area when they Year 10 pupils who received awards due to their contribution to the battery
chose to honour the St Patrick’s Ulster collection. (L-R) Lorcan Porter, Niamh McAlister and Oisin Diamond.
Year 8 Camogie and Year 10 Gallagher
Cup Hurling winning teams from 2018 with
a Civic Reception in the Burnavon Theatre,
Cookstown in November.

The Council has often included St Patrick’s
in their list of recipients of this honour
and we are very pleased to maintain
that relationship, and recognition by the
Council for the efforts made in St Patrick’s
to promote active and healthy sporting
lifestyles among our young people.

The event was attended by a group of
pupils from each of the Ulster Title winning
teams and by their respective coaches,
Miss Brónach Quigg, Miss Mary Devlin and
Mr Paul Hughes.

Congratulations again to the winning
teams and thanks also to Mid-Ulster
Council for their recognition and
generosity.

The Patrician 2019 19

Awards/Achievements

Recycling Heroes Competition

Our College took part in the Mid-Ulster Council’s Recycling Heroes
Competition in term 1. Pupils were encouraged to bring in batteries
from home to be recycled in a more environmentally friendly way.
Quite a number of pupils went above and beyond and the College
collected a fantastic 0.1 tonnes of batteries. Well done to everyone
who helped to make our environment greener.

20 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Awards/Achievements

Above: Year 10 Littter Poster Winners along with Principal,
Mrs B Mussen..
Above right: Year 9 Littter Poster Winners.

Litter Poster
Competition
winners

The Patrician 2019 21

Awards/Achievements

Eco-Schools - Green Flag Success

The College has successfully renewed it’s prestigious Schools can choose from ten eco-topics ranging from
Eco-Schools Green Flag awarded by the environmental litter and waste to energy, biodiversity and transport to
charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. name but a few. Eco-Schools work towards achieving
awards - bronze, silver and the prestigious Green Flag.
The Eco-Schools Programme is the world’s largest
Environmental Education programme and aims to make The internationally recognised Green Flag is this highest
environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of award given to Eco-Schools and symbolises excellence in
the life and ethos of a school. Its participatory approach the field of environmental activity. Pupils in the College
and combination of learning and action makes it an ideal undertook development in Outdoor Learning, Litter and
way for schools to begin improving the environments Healthy Living. The College wants to thank Mr John
of schools and their local communities. Eco-Schools Murtagh in Mid-Ulster Council Offices for his great help
work through a simple seven-step process resulting in and support in renewing the Green Flag application.
the programme becoming central to the school's ethos.

L-R Caoimhe McCloskey, Mrs T McConnell, Danny McVey, Saffron Ledgewood, Mrs B Mussen (Principal), James O'Kane,
Mr P Toner, Oliwia Iglinska.

22 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Awards/Achievements

The Patrician 2019 23

Prize Giving September 2018

24 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Prize Giving September 2018

Prize Giving
September
2018

Special guest for the prize-
giving was Mr Gerry Campbell,
Chief Executive for CCMS.

The Patrician 2019 25

Senior Awards Day April 2019

RE Awards English Awards

Geography Awards KS4 Irish Awards

History Awards Maths Awards
26 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Senior Awards Day April 2019

Attendance Awards KS5 Business Studies Awards

Senior Awards
Day April 2019

Attendance Awards KS4

Prize-giving platform party. BR (L-R): Mr A Terrington, Fr RE Awards
Paddy Doherty. FR(L-R): Mrs T McConnell, Miss Gráinne Ní
Chathain and Mrs B Mussen (Principal).

The Patrician 2019 27

Senior Awards Day April 2019

Geography Awards KS5
28 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Open Day January 2019

Open Day - January 2019

Some of our prospective pupils enjoying our Open Day activities.

The Patrician 2019 29

Year 10 Trip June 2018 - The Jungle

30 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Year 10 Trip June 2018 - The Jungle

Year 10 pupils enjoying their end
of year trip to 'The Jungle'.
Lots of fun was had by all.

The Patrician 2019 31

Ski Trip February 2019

Ski Trip to Italy

On the 9th of February at 2.00 am at Once there, we got through the ordeal
the gates of St. Patrick’s, sat a yellow of learning how to put on and walk in ski
Chambers bus which filled the town with boots and we then embarked on one of
a warm light that distracted us from the the most exciting and exhausting weeks
heavy rain. We set off and arrived at an of our lives. Many would think a week
empty Belfast International Airport but away from home is a long time, but it fl
were soon in the air. Most fell asleep ew! We were physically exhausted and
while the best geography student, Anna mentally drained but it was an amazing
Marron sat at the window seat observing experience. Overall most of us came
the ‘real life geography’ on offer. From back unscathed excluding Mrs McGuckin
Verona Airport we embarked upon our and Anna who acquired matching sets of
four-hour bus journey and headed for bruises. The rest of us all came back with
the Alps. We eventually arrived, after new friends.
seeing a lot more ‘real life geography’, at
Allez Tres Baite hotel in Santa Caterina. Anna Marron, Year 13 and
Clara Tohill, Year 13
32 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Ski Trip February 2019

The Patrician 2019 33

School Trips

Manchester United Trip - December 2018

On the 30th December 2018, 7 teachers and 46 pupils travelled to
Old Trafford to see Manchester United play Bournemouth. We left the
school grounds at 4am in the morning to get the boat to Holyhead in
Wales. We finally arrived in Holyhead and got on the bus and made
our way to old Trafford in Manchester at 2pm.

When we arrived, pundits and special guests such as Jamie Carragher,
Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson were making their way to their
seats. The players soon arrived after that, once we were at our seats
we waited for the game to begin. It was an amazing atmosphere
throughout.

Man United won the game 4-1 with Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku

and Man of the Match Paul Pogba scoring twice. After getting many

autographs and pictures later we went to the Trafford Centre where

we had dinner. At 10pm we were at the hotel and were sleeping soon

after from the early start. At 8am we had breakfast and got back on the

bus and visited Old Trafford to do a stadium tour. This was a great trip

for everyone and was a great experience. Peter Hughes

34 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

School Trips

Balmoral 2019 - Year 10

The Patrician 2019 35

Charity Trip

36 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Charity Trip

School Aid Romania 2019

This year 21 pupils from Year 13 headed off to Brasov, holding their hand, colouring in with them or painting
Romania to give help to people in desperate need. their nails. To entertain them we all got up and sang and
School Aid Romania is known around St Patrick’s as the danced. This is one of my favourite memories from the
best week of your life, so when I found out I had been trip as some of the old people came up and joined us
selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity I was so and the joy on their face to have company and some fun
excited. really showed how lonely they are and how they rarely
spent time with other people.
We embarked on this journey alongside Methodist
College, Belfast. We all had to fundraise individually Although you make so many amazing memories on the
which included events such as ceilis, carwash, big trip you also see some really difficult sights, particularly
breakfast, concerts and quiz nights. In total we raised the poverty they are living in and the poor resources
£34,000 to spend on aid for all the places we were and housing they have. One of the hardest places I
going to visit in order to better their living conditions and visited was Timis and this was a home for those with
provide basic necessities they don’t receive over there. special needs. The first thing to hit you as soon as you
We would like to thank everyone for their generous entered the building was the smell, it is indescribable
donations as they really made such a huge impact on all and immediately it highlighted how neglected the people
the people we visited. were.

Our journey to Romania had a very early start at 5 am on When we were taken into the room it was very small but
Saturday 19th January. Although we were all tired nothing about 20 people were all crammed in around two tables.
could hide the happiness on our faces to be finally going.
The journey down to Dublin airport was in no way quiet
as we all were too excited to sleep. This was the first
time we would be meeting the pupils and teachers from
Methody that we were going to go on this adventure
with.

On our first day in Romania we began the day by going
to a religious service in order to get a feel for local
culture and beliefs. You had the choice of going to a
different religious services and I chose to go to the
Baptist service as it was a new experience. The locals
were very welcoming and they even translated the
service into English so that we could understand it.

Also on this day we visited the home for the elderly. This
experience really touched me as all the inhabitants were
all so grateful for the aid we were providing. We did a
bag pack and brought each patient toiletries. We spent
a lot of time bonding with the old people by simply just

The Patrician 2019 37

Charity Trip

As soon as I walked in a boy grabbed my hand and held made me realise how lucky we are for everything we have
it for the duration of my time there, looking up from his and how much we take for granted.
colouring every couple of minutes to make sure I was still
there and smiling. It was obvious he just wanted some During our trip we also visited TB hospitals, primary
attention and company. When I was standing beside him I schools, houses such as house Santa Maria, House Patrick
took a moment to survey my surroundings and you could and House Ireland. One of my favourites was House
see how the walls were damp and tiles were missing. At Patrick as the young adults were so happy to see us and
home this building would not have been acceptable. welcomed us with open arms, Irish dancing with us and
instigating a snow ball fight!
We were supervised at all times by the carers as we were
not allowed to make the inhabitants too excited, this could The standards in this house were better than any of the
result in them being very unsettled and difficult to control. places we had been before. What I found so inspiring
The carers were very strict and not always compassionate. about the people in this house was their positivity. They
I felt that the people I met were frightened of the carers had been given opportunities to engage in education and
and they were more like guards. This really hit home as it most of them had jobs. This house really showed how

38 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Charity Trip

much School Aid Romania actually helps and benefits Not only did I make memories with the Romanian people
people. we met but I made new friendships that will last a lifetime
with the people I travelled with, we all have such a strong
When we visited the primary school the children greeted bond that no one else can understand.
us by singing us songs in Romanian and in return we
taught them some of our childhood favourites, “Heads, Also this trip would not have been the same without the
shoulders, knees and toes” and “Old Mc Donald”. After helpers that came with us such as Mr Clifford, Mrs Devlin,
this we then got a chance to go into their classes and Mrs Scott, Joanne Curry and obviously Nina who is out
spend time with them. We brought our aid to the children there working on the project throughout the year. Even
and passed out books, pencils, balloons, bubbles and though we played pranks on each other; we respected
face paint. The children were so grateful and excited to their experience, guidance and support. They made the
have some fun. This experience also showed me that trip so unique and special. I would encourage anyone in
language isn’t always a barrier because it didn’t matter Year 12 to apply to participate in School Aid Romania as it
that we didn’t speak the same words, we still had the best really was the best week of my life and it is a life changing
experience by sharing joy, laughing and having fun. opportunity that you will forever remember.

The Patrician 2019 39

Formal

The Millennium Formal

Friday 7th September 2018, is a date that not many of As good as the night was, we were missing one vital
us are likely to forget for many years to come. A chance key-player. Unfortunately, due to unfortunate personal
for the class of 2019 to let their hair down one final time, circumstances, our beloved Sixth Form supervisor, Mrs.
before the stresses and trials of the new and for many of Geraldine Forsythe and her sister Mrs. Clare Glass could
us, final school year begin. Work had begun in June (when not attend our Formal. They were missed and we had
we inexplicably found ourselves back after study leave) as originally planned for Geraldine to pick the Prom King and
soon as the Head Boy, Conleth McShane, Head Girl, Ellen Queen. In her absence, the honour fell onto another very
Warnock and their Deputy Head Boys, Michael McCormick special figure who I have neglected to mention thus far,
and Conor Crilly and Deputy Head Girls, Enya Young and our Head of Year, Mrs. A Duddy, who helped us invaluably
Emma Shaw were appointed, our first task in our new roles over the organising process. The Prom King and Queen
was the organisation of the 2018 Formal. appointed were Ryan McGuigan and Maria Rafferty, two
fabulous choices.
The theme chosen for our Formal was one that we felt, After all that business was over, it was time to take to
truly, only the class of 2019 could justify doing (well, the floor, led wonderfully by our new Prom King and
besides perhaps the class of 1999 and, if our school Queen and let the DJ play and party the night away. I feel
continues for many years, the class of 2999 as well. The confident in saying our Formal has to have been one off,
new Millennium. We are the first year group in the history if not the best in the school’s history, that is if the many,
of St. Patrick’s College that have been born (almost) many photographs, professional and photobooth are to be
entirely in the 21st Century. So, what better excuse to party believed.
like its 1999 again, since most of us missed it the first time I, on the behalf of the entire student leadership team,
around. would like to once again thank everyone who had a hand
in helping this night become the magical event that it was,
Then the night came, one sunny Friday evening four with a thanks to all the staff and friends of the College who
coaches pulled up to the Tullyglass Hotel, with students attended and made the night that little bit more special.
ready for one of the most memorable nights of their lives. And of course, to our fellow students, thank you for all
The hotel function room was decorated beautifully by the attending and making not just this night, but also the last
staff, with some help from the previously mentioned heads seven years of many of our lives just as wonderful and
and their deputies, who fabulously decorated the many memorable as well, and as we go forth into the world, on
tables, each one inspired by a noteworthy or memorable many different path ways, let us always look back fondly
event from the last 18 years, including a range of diverse on the memories of our formal, for the class of 2019.
topics from Harry Potter to IT and a table inspired by the
Pixar movie, UP, which mysteriously continued to lose most Conor Crilly, Deputy Head Boy
of its balloons as the evening went on.
Mary Ann Tohill, Niamh Tohill, Eimhear Downey, Blanaid Tohill
Preceding the meal, Mrs. Mussen gave a speech and Emma Elder.
welcoming us all for the evening and commenting on how
well turned out we all were (which we were) and then
after the meal, it was our turn. Conleth and Ellen both
delivered excellent speeches detailing their thanks to all
who had helped and their pride in being representative
of the St. Patricks College community. Following this,
we had the presentation of the awards, led by myself,
Emma, Michael and Enya but not before a more sombre
task; remembering all those members of our year group
over the past 7 years who, for one reason or another,
did not get to see the Year 14 Formal, presented in the
form of an Obituary. After this it was on with the Awards,
which included the classics such as ‘Most likely to get
married,’ ‘Most fashionable’ and ‘Biggest glow-up/Biggest
improvement’ to some more personalised entries such as
‘Most likely to appear on Jeremy Kyle’ and the ‘We know
you’ve broken your pledge’ award.

40 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Formal

Daniel Mooney and Maria Pascal Deery and Michaela Darach Palframan and Eimear McIntyre and Barry
Rafferty. McKenna. Laura Groogan. Walsh.

Top row LR Emma Shaw, Ellen Warnock, Mrs A Duddy,

Mrs B Mussen and Enya Young (BR): Conor Crilly, Conleth Eimear Brolly, Orlaith McCloskey

Ciara Convery and Owen Grant. McShane and Michael McCormack. and Bronagh Gallagher.

Lauren Watters, Eilis Toner, Meghan McGonigle Lucy McGurk and Dara Caroline McKendry, Sinead McGill, Niamh
Gribben and Caoimhe Murray
and Niamh McKegney. Simpson.
The Patrician 2019 41

Autism Awareness Month 2019

42 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Autism Awareness Month 2019

Autism Awareness Month 2019

The College launched our first Autism
Awareness Month in April 2019. A number
of events took place across the College
in order to raise both the profile and
awareness of Autism among our school
community.

Members of the Autism Support group
led informative and thought provoking
assemblies on the theme of Autism
Awareness for all year groups. These were
well received by all members of the school
community.

A bake sale and staff break took place on
Tuesday 4th April to coincide with World
Autism Awareness Day. Barbara Teague
from Autism Advisory and Intervention
Services attended the event and was
overwhelmed by the support shown by
our school community. Staff and students
were invited to wear blue and to make a
contribution to the fundraising campaign
for Autism support in the College.
Subsequent fundraising events included
the sale of Crème Eggs and an Easter
Hamper raffle. £1165 was raised during
April for Autism support across the College
and we acknowledge the generosity of our
students, staff and parents for this worthy
cause.

The Patrician 2019 43

Fundraising

Presentation Cheque to SVdP

Members of the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Maghera, Granaghan and Lavey, were presented with a cheque for £650
following various fundraising events held in the College in the lead up to Christmas. The College, would like to thank all pupils
and staff who made such generous donations. Pictured are Mrs C Kelly, Mrs B Mussen, Principal and Miss E McAleer presenting
the cheque to members of the local St Vincent de Paul branches.

Raising funds for the Michaela Foundation

The College presented a cheque to members of the Michaela Foundation.
44 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Fundraising

Support for St Vincent de Paul

The Patrician 2019 45

Pink Friday

Pink Friday
fundraising for
Marie Curie

46 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Pink Friday

The Patrician 2019 47

Year 8 Hallowe'en Event

48 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Year 8 Hallowe'en Event

Year 8 Hallowe'en Event

The Patrician 2019 49

Art & Design

Above: Key Stage Three Art and Design pupils showcasing
their wonderful pencil drawings and Below: ceramic pots/
vases.

Ciara Friel.

Year 8 Fish Pottery

Frankie Diamond.

Seana Calderon. Happily working together in Year 8 Art and Design - sharing
50 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera resources and ideas as they develop their imaginative oil
pastel compositions.