The new principal of St Oran’s National School in Cockhill, William Doherty, has said he is "delighted and excited" to be appointed to the role. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery
The Malin native was the principal of St Francis National School in Clonmany for 12 years until he took over at Cockhill last month.
Mr Doherty replaces Rosemary Lennon who was principal of St Oran’s NS. Mrs Tara Doherty had been acting as principal in the intervening period and is the current deputy principal of St Oran’s.
Before becoming principal of the Clonmany school in 2013, William taught in Scoil Íosagáin for eight years alongside his wife Gráinne, where their six children attend. He wasn’t always involved in education; before becoming a teacher he served as a Garda member for four years.
While teaching at Scoil Íosagáin he completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management (MEd Hons), and he recognised that he had a desire to develop a school in a leadership capacity. “When the opportunity arose in St. Francis NS, I put myself forward and to be honest, I’ve never looked back.”
“I very much see my role in education as continuing that theme of giving back and making a difference to society. I love to see children begin their journey in education and admire the great work that my colleagues achieve as we pass children on to second level education. I see our role as educators as formative and fundamental to shaping our future society.”
While he has only been in the position for a matter of weeks, the new principal is committed to raising standards in teaching and learning within the school.
“With the dedicated staff, I see St Oran’s as a centre of excellence. People are very important to me and I invest a lot of time in building a collaborative school community spirit where all stakeholders are included.
“As leader of a Catholic school, I value the Catholic ethos as foundational and permeating every aspect of school life, which essentially motivates the pursuit of high standards of the school community.
“My passion is for all children to be given the best education possible and for them to achieve to the best of their ability. I see school as a happy and fun place of learning where all children can flourish.”
Having been involved in education for over 20 years, he loves to see children perform not only in the classroom but in many different settings. William fondly recalls performances staged in Clonmany and sees those activities as something he can bring to the Cockhill school while helping St Oran’s to maintain its great reputation on the sporting fields.
Mr Doherty is relishing the challenge of being in charge of an extra 107 students. St Oran’s NS has 232 pupils while St. Francis NS has 125 students, and “it is what inspires me. I see the role as simply 100 pupils more and not something that is a challenge. I look on it as an opportunity to help the children to achieve their potential and support the staff now that I am an administrative principal. In a way, this new role is going to provide me with the opportunity that I have always wanted – that is to guide, support, develop, and inspire this school community holistically.”
Having proudly completed 12 successful years in Clonmany, William notes that he is privileged to have worked alongside such wonderful colleagues and he further adds that St Francis NS will always have a special place in his heart.
He says: “I have made lifelong friends and formed many close bonds with my former colleagues. We have come through many challenges and the strength of their support will never be forgotten.
“I have fond memories of meeting the children and their parents at the school gate each morning. I loved the smiles, chats and connections with the wonderful young children and helping support parents with their children’s education.”
The proud Inishowen man is delighted to have finally taken up the role - and in a short space of time, the St Oran’s community has inspired him as well as made him feel right at home.
“I am deeply appreciative of Fr Bradley’s genuine and sincere support and welcome, which has ensured a very positive transition. Now really it’s down to the hard work of leading teaching and learning and showing the good people of Cockhill that I want the best for their children.”
William was raised and lives in Malin Head, he says farming was a big part of his upbringing. He echoes that it is an honour to be the principal of another Inishowen school, not too far from where he grew up
“I am only too aware of the strength of the parent body and I love their passion for education and sport. I just hope that I can match their passion in my work.”
Meanwhile, Helen McGonagle has been installed as the new principal of St Francis NS.
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