Class 2A, under the guidance of Ms. Lorna Simkins, recently concluded their creative writing workshop with author in residence, Malachy Doyle. The second last instalment of Malachy Doyle's creative writing workshop took place on Tuesday, 17th April in the library. Malachy began by reading from one of his books, 'Long Live Paddy the Cope.' In it he told the story of how Paddy the Cope at the age of ten went off to the Lagan for a hiring fair. The students then wrote two pieces.

Read more: Class 2A Completes "Author in Residence" Initiative

The writer, Mr. Malachy Doyle, is continuing his creative writing workshop with 2A in the library every Tuesday. The students are writing first drafts at the workshop, and then redrafting their work in class. Below is a witty second draft from Dean Doherty 2A.

No Nose
"Boom" said Jimmy as he got hit in the face by a flying shoe which seemed to come out of nowhere. He couldn't think of where it could have come out of but he was on the ground in pain.

Read more: Author in Residence - Malachy Doyle

'The Girl Who Married a Fly' - sound weird? You're right! The boys from St. Patrick's N.S. and a first year English class from CCS have teamed up to investigate the story behind this strange title. They have discovered that Madison Cotton is 14 and does indeed marry a fly. His name is Oliver. He loves tattoos, coffee and horses. As you might assume, Madison's family have other plans for her fiance. Unfortunately for Oliver, these plans involve a crazy granny called Nana Bricknell, lots of insect killer and an assortment of colourful fly swatters...

'The Girl Who Married a Fly' photo album

On Tuesday, 24th January acclaimed teen writer, Mr. Malachy Doyle began an eight week creative writing workshop with some of our second and third year JCSP students. He began by reading a chapter from one of his books, Run, Jimmy, Run. Our budding writers were then put to work with an outline and a title - 'No Noses.' Below is a 20 minute first draft from Dean Arrow, 2A.

Read more: Malachy Doyle JCSP Creative Workshop

On Wednesday 5th October, our TYC class went to see MACBETH in the Millenium Forum, Derry. At 9am we set off on the bus, and on arrival at the theatre, we were greeted by staff who directed us to our seats...right up at the front of the theatre! The play was very unusual and we had to really concentrate so as not to miss anything. After the play, we went around Derry for an hour and had some lunch, before returning to school to reflect on our experience. Our class enjoyed the play and the day as a huge success.

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

(4.1.10) Weird Sisters

On Friday, 11th November 2005, CCS published a volume of verse - Inis Dúinn Poetry Anthology. The neat little booklet consisted of carefully chosen poems from Inis Dúinn magazines, 1990-2000. Retired English teacher and long-time Inis Dúinn editor, Mr. Mícheál Lynch coordinated the effort, assisted by Art Department pupils and staff. The result was a finely illustrated collection of poetry for all tastes. For those feeling nostalgic, there are still a handful of printed copies available for purchase from the school library (€3). The Inis Dúinn archive is slowly making its way online - see here. The hope is that by June 2011, all magazines, including class photos and some eye-opening articles from the 70s and 80s will be available for download as fully searchable PDFs.

Plans are already in motion for the next BIG publication...you may not have heard of "THE GATHERING 2013" yet, but you will soon. In step with Derry~Londonderry City of Culture 2013, CCS is looking for its diaspora to check-in! Over the coming year, CCS will be contacting past pupils and staff who are currently overseas, those who have returned and those who are contemplating the possibility of emigration. All will have the opportunity to document their adventures in a Gathering Guestbook of sorts. A Facebook page will shortly be set up to kick The Gathering off...more to follow...