 Loreto
Secondary School, Letterkenny
The Headmistress of Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny
is Sr. Siobhan Ni Chuill. The teachers taking part in
the SchoolSat project are Monica McDevitt and Niamh Fallon.
Loreto Secondary School has a student population of 990
girls.
Historical Background
The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, familiarly
known in Ireland as The Loreto Order, was founded by Mary
Ward in the 17th Century and introduced into Ireland in
1821by Mother Frances Teresa Ball. In 1854 the then Bishop
of Raphoe, Dr. McGettigan, invited the order to set up
a secondary school for girls in Letterkenny and gave them
the house which still forms the nucleus of the Convent.
The school opened on September 4th. 1854 with five pupils.
A new wing with Concert Hall was built in 1939 and further
extensions were added in 1972, 1978 and 1986, bringing
the school to its present standard of accommodation and
facilities. A further extension has been sanctioned and
it should be ready for occupation by September 2004. The
school is one of nineteen Loreto Schools in Ireland. The
Loreto schools share a common educational and maintain
links through inter-school co-operation and extra curricular
activities.
Management
The school is under the control of a Board of Management.
Representatives are elected by the Loreto Order, by parents
and by teachers, and serve for a three year period. In
School Management is in the hands the Principal, Sister
Siobhan and the Deputy Principals. They are responsible
for the day to day running of the school under the auspices
of the Board of Management.
Parents Association
The Parents Association supports the school in fund raising
activities, environmental issues, sporting activities,
supervision of study and in other needs that may arise.
Each year new members are invited to join the Association.
The A.G.M. ratifies membership.
Prefects/Student Leadership Team
This is a team of Leaving Certificate students, who are
nominated by the staff and their classmates. Following
interviews, a Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl are appointed
from his group. The prefect team assist staff and management
in the smooth running of the school. Membership of this
team is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Student Council
This is a group of students elected to represent their
fellow students. Each year group elects two representatives,
with the exception of Transition, who elect one representative.
The aim of the Student Council is to act as a representative
body that liaises with other students, staff, Board of
Management and Parent's Association. Extra Curricular
activity has a high priority at Loreto, Letterkenny. Music,
drama, sport, clubs and charity work are all part of the
fabric of the school.
Music and Drama
Talent shows are eagerly anticipated, hotly contested
and thoroughly enjoyed. Students also participate in the
school choir, the school orchestra and traditional music
groups. We welcome students from Loreto schools in Spain
each year and participate in student exchanges with France
and Germany. Students link with the European Youth Parliament
each year at national level and have been selected to
represent Ireland at European level.
Clubs
Prominent groups currently in the school include the
Environmental Group, the Pioneers, Just Action, Library
Committee and Gaisce. The Lor-Echo group publish the school
newsletter and the year book. Yoga is offered to Leaving
Certificate students.
Sport
The theme is "Sport for all" and the range of activities
available there is something for everyone - basketball,
camogie, gaelic football, soccer, badmington and swimming.
Dance is an integral part of the P.E. syllabus and is
also offered as a lunchtime activity Visiting dance companies
give workshops or run projects within the school.
Loreto, Letterkenny has been awarded the Green Flag and
our efforts to make our school even greener continue.
Conserving energy, waste management, improving the grounds
and general appearance of the school are ongoing projects.
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