History of Carndonagh Community Scool

In 1973 Carndonagh College ( based in the Colgan Hall ), The Convent of Mercy Secondary School ( based in the Convent opposite the Hospital and which now belongs to the Health Board ) and the Vocational School ( whose buildings known as Unit 4 still form part of the Community School Campus ) amalgamated to form Carndonagh Community School. The new school had to cater for 840 pupils from North, East and Central Inishowen. As the new building for CCS was not completed on time, students remained in the three schools for the first year of operation and moved between the buildings to attend classes. The school is managed by a Board of Management representing the partnership of patrons, staff, parents and community.

The now familiar logo and school crest was inspired by the Carndonagh Celtic Cross of St. Patrick which stands immediately outside the grounds.

In 1974 the new main building was opened. The first Principal was Fr. Kevin McKenna who was formerly a teacher and principal in Carndonagh College. The first vice-principal was Mr. Jim A. McDonagh who had been principal in the Vocational school. Amongst the staff of the new school was Fr. Francis Lagan later to become Auxiliary Bishop of Derry. In 1991 Fr. McKenna was succeeded as principal by Mr. Brian Mullins. The current principal Mr. Paul Fiorentini who had attended Carndonagh College and Carndonagh Community School as a pupil, and later served as a teacher in CCS, succeeded Mr. Mullins in 2000.

The initial pupil population of 840 grew steadily over the years to a peak of over 1600 pupils. This necessitated an ongoing programme of building in the 1980s and 1990s. The 13 classroom block named Unit 5 was completed in 1980. The purchase of the former Parochial House and grounds allowed the campus to be consolidated with the building of the Maths Building ( 10 rooms ) and refurbishment of the former stables ( 4 rooms ) in 1990. In 1995 the Technology Block was completed providing modern facilities for Science, Art, Technology, Home Economics, I.T. and Languages. Dynamic fundraising contributed to the construction of the school´s Assembly Hall, officially opened by An tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íos and consequently christened ` The ARÁS`. In 2001 the school refurbished its entire Woodwork, Metalwork and Home Economic facilities to meet the demands of new syllabii.

In the last 9 years the school has experienced a decline in pupil numbers due to the opening of an additional school in the catchment area. This has created challenges and opportunities. The availability of surplus rooms afforded the Board the opportunity to provide for facilities that were hitherto unavailable due to space constraints. The transformation of a former technology room into a well equipped Library with I.T. facilities for pupils was achieved in 2002. Leabharlann Mhic Cionnaith was named in honour of former principal Fr. Kevin who officially opened the Library. The Board of Management has continued with development plans, completing Phase I of the Sports Development Project - Gaelic Pitch and All-Weather Pitch in 2004 and Phase II in 2007 - Athletics Track and Soccer Pitch.

Throughout its years, Carndonagh Community School has offered opportunity of education to the children of Inishowen. It is our intention to continue to respond to the needs of our pupils. The support of parents over the years has enabled us to advance many projects. In the last eight years the school has moved from 107 staff to currently 70 staff and from 1530 pupils to 900. The School offers a full Programme with open enrolment catering for all abilities and backgrounds- Junior Cert. Schools Programme, Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Transition Year, Post Leaving Certificate.