Renewed emphasis on the importance of second level education was clearly in evidence on Tuesday, 24th January as Sixth Class pupils and their parents filled the Áras for Open Night 2012. Ms. Elaine Meenan led the introduction to CCS alongside school Management and Student Council representatives, Blaine McCarron and Paula Coyle. An impressive array of stands and stalls decked the New Technology Building, promoting the wide range of subjects and programmes available at CCS. A number of Departments left nothing to chance, offering irresistible treats to prospective pupils and their parents. Even some members of staff expressed interest in languages and Home Economics, while insisting that crêpes, cakes and omelette did not influence their enquiries. Technical demonstrations, scientific gadgetry, artistic displays and delicacies kept those in attendance circulating for well over an hour. More than one parent suggested that they'd go back to school, given the chance. That might be how best to sum up Open Night 2012...

Open Night photo album

The Board of Management has agreed to develop a pilot project with St. Charles High School, Missouri, USA. In December the Board met a delegation to discuss the opportunities and advantages of such a venture. It was acknowledged that an opportunity existed for both communities to experience their respective cultures and build links. It is an excellent opportunity to promote Inishowen and explore mutual benefits.

Read more: St. Charles High School (Missouri) - Carndonagh CS Exchange

We are pleased to say that after nominations and an election, a Student Council was formed and is in operation throughout the school. The Council consists of thirteen students - a boy and a girl from each year and one representative from Sixth Year. The following students were elected:

1st Year: Kevin Doherty; Sammy Joe Diver
2nd Year: John Francis Doherty; Nicole Gordon
3rd Year: Niall Fogarty; Tanya McLaughlin
4th Year: Patrick Mathews (Treasurer); Amy McCarron
5th Year: Blaine Mc Canon (Chairman); Stephanie Diver (General Secretary)
TY Ryan Streete (Minute Secretary); Aoife Bell
6th Year: Stephen McLaughlin (Vice Chairman)

The role of the Student Council is to represent the students of Carndonagh Community School and voice their opinions to the school authorities. The council will meet on the second Monday of every month and will discuss issues brought forward by students, liaise with the Principal and try to resolve the issues. If any student has any suggestions, they can be passed on to their class representatives, any member of the Student Council, or placed in the Suggestion Box located in the Technology Building in the school.

The following documents relate to a motivational evening hosted in the school in January 2012 and are relevant to both pupils and parents.

Homework+ Plan

Leaving Cert - Setting the Target

Ten tips to help parents and children get through exams

Support at Home

The Study Contract

School Prefects act as role models in the school; they set an example for younger students, represent the school at events, assist at school functions and help with lunchtime and break-time supervision.

This year, we had over 70 applications for 4th year prefect positions. Thirty-five of these received at least four nominations from the Teaching Staff, and an election was held in early October. The following ten 4th years were elected as Carndonagh Community School Prefects:

• Matthew Crampsey
• Amy McCarron
• Conor Brennan
• Sally Byrne
• James Theseira
• Anita Davenport
• Adam Byrne
• Louise McLaughlin
• Patrick Mathews
• Paula Coyle

These 4th years go on to assist our existing ten 5th year prefects from last year:

• Blaine McCarron
• Catherine Smyth
• Conor Fagan
• Stephanie Diver
• Daniel Harkin
• Lauren Todd
• Stephen Friel
• Laura McLaughlin
• Stas Drabysheuski
• Conor E Doherty

Prefects are also assigned to a First Year class whom they help throughout the year. They meet with the classes on a regular basis and answer any questions they may have.