New deputy principal appointed at Crana College

A new deputy principal has been appointed to Crana College in Buncrana.
Philip McGuinness is to join the school’s senior management team of Kevin Cooley, Principal and Sinead Anderson, deputy principal.
The additional deputy principal post in Crana College, which is run by Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), arose as a result of the continued increase in enrolment in the school.
From Buncrana, Mr McGuinness has been employed in Crana College for the last seventeen years, initially as a science and biology teacher, and more recently as the home school community liaison coordinator.
Previous roles included delivering equality of opportunity in schools (DEIS) coordinator, public relations and enrolment, as well as an academic year as acting deputy principal.
He holds a Masters in Education and Leadership from Ulster University, along with Postgraduate Diplomas in Education at Queen’s University, Belfast and School Development Planning at University of Galway.
Mr McGuinnes, who will take up his appointment over the summer, has also taken on a number of roles nationally with the Junior Cycle for Teachers, Professional Development Service for Teachers and National Induction Programme for Teachers.
“I am excited about the prospect of being deputy principal in the school that I attended as a student, and in which I have worked for the majority of my career,” Mr McGuinness said.

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“The support in place and the commitment from staff to the school is exemplary. We are very community focused, and I hope to further enhance this through my role. Crana College is a very special place to work as there is a positive atmosphere of respect, care and achievement. Crana College has an exciting future - in particular, the new school building will be very welcome by students, staff and parents and also a great additional resource to the Buncrana community and beyond.
“I am looking forward to working with Kevin and Sinead, my colleagues, students, and the parents in this new role, and I am excited to embark on this new chapter in my career.”
Crana College has a school population of more than six hundred students, with a teaching staff in excess of fifty and another twenty support staff members, including sixteen special needs assistants (SNAs).
In congratulating Philip on his appointment, Donegal ETB’s director of schools Dr Martin Gormley said: “I am delighted to welcome the appointment of Mr Philip McGuinness as an additional Deputy Principal at Crana College. With his considerable experience and expertise in education, I have no doubt Philip can complement the existing senior management team of Mr Kevin Cooley, Principal and Ms Sinead Anderson, Deputy Principal. Philip's passion for fostering academic excellence, dedication to student well-being, and proven leadership skills will undoubtedly enhance the ability of Crana College to provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for all the students.
“I look forward to supporting the management team as the school continues to strive for excellence, while creating a supportive and inclusive environment for the entire school community,” he added.