Tribute paid to Lisneal staff

In his address he said that not only was he amazed that the College had been operational for seven years, but last year's results had been excellent.

" Virtually every department saw a significant improvement in their results which is a great tribute to the teachers and pupils who performed to a very high standard. The A Level results last year were also exceptional and the best we have ever achieved.

"I would like to thank the parents who in their own way support these young people through what can be a daunting experience. The support from parents and the close partnership between school and home is a vital factor in the success of our students.

"The pupils in this school are very fortunate to be taught, guided, mentored and advised by such a good teaching staff, teachers who are prepared to go the extra mile to help children achieve these excellent results. This is due in no small part to the enthusiasm, imagination, knowledge, hard work and commitment which the teachers display day in, day out. The pastoral care given also goes well beyond the call of duty."

Praising staff for their dedication and commitment, which included a successful Easter School for which they gave up holiday time, he said: "There is no doubt that this, along with other initiatives such as after school revision classes and Saturday School definitely accomplished one of our main aims, to see our students realise their potential academically and personally."

Referring to the wider use of the school, Mr Funston said facilities continued to be used by the community, with "very positive feedback".

On a serious note, however, Mr Funston turned to the transfer process, saying: " Last year I reported on the unsatisfactory situation regarding the transfer process and hoped that this year would see a more acceptable process. However, once again we have an unregulated system with no sign of any improvement. I continue to be concerned and dismayed at the present situation.

Important decisions

"The anxiety caused to pupils, parents and teachers this year again is really not acceptable. I can only offer my sympathy to those who lead, teach, work and learn in our primary schools. And once again we have seen a delay to the implementation of the single employing authority. Someone at a high level will have to make important decisions soon or education in Northern Ireland will continue to be in disarray.

Stressing the importance of the school in preparing pupils for the workplace and making valuable members of society, he said: "As a member of the Foyle Learning Community, which is made up of the 15 post primary education providers in this area, we are committed to working collaboratively to increase and develop curricular provision for all pupils. We work closely with our partner schools in giving our young people greater choice in the subjects available to them while encouraging the students to embrace other cultures."

Welcoming the newly constituted Board of Governors he paid tribute to those Governnorns who had stood down for their contribution to the college and welcomed the new Governors, namely Maureen Hazlett, Jack Allen, Alistair Simpson, David Ramsey, Peter Eakin and David McCleery.

Poignantly, he paid tribute to Parent Governor Elect, Eddie Sargent, and two pupils Kyle Bonnes and Jennifer Caldwell, who had died.

"Eddie was a strong supporter of this school and I have no doubt would have made a significant contribution to the work of the governors. The loss of two young people with their whole lives ahead of them is very difficult to deal with. Kyle died tragically and we were indebted at that time to the critical incident team from the Western Board who counselled Kyle's classmates and friends. Jennifer died in the summer after a courageous fight against cancer. Our

Complementing the staf thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of both of them," he said.

Thanks

Mr Funston went on to thank his Deputy Heads, Terry Wright and Alan Rowan and the pastoral leaders Dennis O'Hara and Joyce Smith, he paid tribute to retiring teachers Mrs Manning and Miss Nutt, as well as to Mr Morrison who had recently left and to Mrs Campbell who was moving to Foyle and Londonderry College. He also thanked Mrs Marie Ewing who retired as lunchtime supervisor.

"To the members of the Parent Teacher Association under the chairmanship of Peter Eakin I say a very sincere thank you for their continued support and significant contribution to the College. Their energy, enthusiasm and initiative, apart from the funds raised through various activities, have been a source of great encouragement.

"My thanks are also due to the non-teaching staff that provide outstanding support in their various roles – our willing, enthusiastic and efficient band of learning support assistants, administrative staff, technicians, groundsmen, canteen staff and last but by no means least, the cleaning staff under the direction of our excellent caretakers Mark Docherty and Ronnie Donnell," he said, adding: "The team I have the privilege to lead has proved to be more than capable of meeting that challenge. The results speak for themselves and these young people who we reward tonight are a testament to the commitment by all. We face the future with confidence and I am convinced that we will build on the significant improvements we made last year and continue to be successful."

The guest of honour at Lisneal College Prize Day was the Deputy Chief Constable, Julie Gillespie, who complemented the staff and pupils on their modern surroundings, and acknowledging the amount of work that went into the school's exam success, DCC Gillespie said: "I know only too well the temptations and distractions that lie outside the sanctuary provided by this College and it is difficult not to become entangled in the many vices which others would seek to encourage you to sample. Your future depends on your courage to say no, your ability to be strong and resilience to resist. I have no doubt that your principal and his colleagues are more than up to supporting you in this challenge – despite what you think, they have been around a few corners and know a few things. Facebook doesn't always have all the answers," she said.