Front row: Mr. Paul Fiorentini, Jessica O'Brien, Felicity Downes, Scralett Harkin, Hannah Doyle, Amy Doherty, Laura Doherty, Aine Kelly, Hollie McLaughlin, Echo McNally, Ms. Claire Doherty, Erin Doherty, Ciara Fagan, Mr. Mark Spencer
Back row: Jessica Harkin, Niall Fogarty, Roy Davison, Odhrán McLaughlin, Tanya McLaughlin, Amy Harkin, Emily Molyneaux, Mary McCloskey

French Exchange 2013 photo album

Kate Doherty presents the John Doherty Memorial Award - The Spirit of TY - to Aoife Bell, Fourth Year

This year marks the launch of a new award and one that is very special to all the staff of Carndonagh Community School. The John Doherty Memorial Award honours the memory of a former teacher in our school, an esteemed colleague and more than anything else, a friend. John was a committed French teacher, but as much as he loved French, his great passion was hill-walking and mountaineering. 

John taught Outdoor Pursuits to TY students and together, they spent many an afternoon rambling over the hills and mountains of Donegal.  Because John shared his passion for the mountain with the TYs, it was felt that it would be fitting that an award in his memory should go to a TY student. The personal attributes that help a climber reach the summit are the same qualities that help us overcome the challenges faced on the mountain of life.

Aoife Bell is the first recipient of the John Doherty Memorial Award. Aoife did not ask what Transition Year could do for her, but rather, what she could do for TY. The embodiment of all that is good about TY, Aoife embraced all opportunities from the outset. A highly motivated and organised individual, Aoife took on the AIB Build a Bank Challenge and demonstrated that she can complete tasks alone or as part of a team. She also undertook the Gaisce challenge and was awarded the Gaisce Bronze Award last November. A selfless girl, whenever help was needed in the school, Aoife was always the first to volunteer. This altruism was manifest also in the time she spent visiting the elderly in the local hospital after school, for which she received the John Paul II Award. Her pleasant personality and bright smile made the journey easier for her fellow travellers in TY, pupils and teachers alike. Aoife Bell is a very worthy recipient of the John Doherty Memorial Award – The Spirit of TY.

Ms Nabla McGeehin

Aine Bradley TYA (Clonmany) came 3rd in the Adult Novice section of the Euro Dance Competition 2013 in Bristol on Saturday, 27th April (her birthday!). That's third in all of Europe! She is a member of Dimensions Dance School in Derry, run by Danielle Duddy and Linda Brady.

Access to Law Mock Trial photo album 

Congratulations to Jane Doherty TYA who won 3rd prize in Courtroom Photographer category of the National Mock Trial Competition on Saturday 20th April 2013. Her winning shot is of Detective Garda Wilson (AKA Tiarnan Doherty TYC) and Garda Pluck (AKA Grace Connor TYA). Two years ago C.C.S. student Anita Davenport L.C. won in the Courtroom Artist category of the same competition. Well done, Jane!

TY Public Access to Law photo album

A group of big-hearted slimmers from Carndonagh are celebrating raising €1070 for special educational needs by losing 43 1/2 stones in six weeks. The members of the Carndonagh Slimming World group were sponsored to lose weight by friends and family as part of the club's Slim for Good campaign.

The group's proud consultant Roisin Mc Colgan says "I'm so proud of what the members in the group have achieved during the last six weeks and supporting a worthwhile cause like the Carndonagh Community School Special Needs Department has given everyone a focus and real commitment to their weight loss goals. For many members, being sponsored has been a great way to kick-start their weight loss, and for others it's been a boost to help them stay on track. At Slimming World we pride ourselves on the care and support we give each other to lose weight – we're known as the club with the big heart! So when members started talking about raising money for this cause, and as one of our members is a student - our very own Leah - there really was no stopping us!"

Slimming World group runs every Thursday in the Colgan Hall at 9.30am & 7.30pm. For more information, call Roisin on 087 7658900.