Community Links
At Hollybush, we pride ourselves on our links with the Parish, the community and with other organisations. Below is a sample of some of these links which add value to the experiences of our pupils.
- We have a close working relationship with our Chaplain and Parish Priest, Fr Clerkin; with Julia Fitzpatrick, the new Parish Faith Coordinator, and with other pastoral groups who are involved closely with the work of the school at various times throughout the year.
- We work with Thornhill staff and students on the Numeracy Enrichment Programme for primary five pupils and on the Faith Friends Programme for primary four pupils.
- Mrs Dunn is part of a cluster group of Principals in the Derry area which meets regularly to share expertise and resources, and which lobbies the appropriate bodies to ensure the best possible provision for all our schools.
- Mr Friel is a member of the Culmore Community Partnership which is currently working on the refurbishment of Victoria Hall and on improving the recreational and community provision in the wider Culmore area, including the proposed development of the Culmore Country Park.
- Our Sport, Music, Literacy, Nursery and Numeracy Coordinators are all part of cluster groups, working with other schools to enhance outcomes for our pupils in a range of academic, sporting, musical and artistic/expressive areas.
- Hollybush is a member of the Outer North Extended Schools’ Programme in association with the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and a large number of local schools which helps us provide programmes such as counselling, speech and language workshops, Yearn to Learn (Literacy and Numeracy support), parenting programmes and full access to the resources of the Ethos Family Hub at Northside Village which has provided much needed support to some of our families over the years.
- We enjoy a very good relationship with many of our local businesses including Centra Culmore and Original Heating on the Culmore Road, both of whom support the work of the school through sponsorship and general support with programmes throughout the year.
- Karate and Scouts both use our school for their evening classes and we also host the Culmore Horticultural festival every summer.
- We host public consultations for Derry and Donegal County Council on issues such as the new Greenway.
- Our choir performs in local nursing homes every Christmas and we also support local charities such as St. Vincent de Paul and the Foyle Hospice.
- A number of our teachers take part in the Diocesan Teachers’ Choir.