Good morning everyone and welcome to Foyle College. My name is Cormac Magee and I’m in Year 8. I came here from Good Shepherd Primary School. I know most of you in the room are in P6 and I still remember sitting where you are now feeling a bit scared that I was having to think about leaving primary school and doing the SEAG test. But can I assure you, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous, I remember feeling exactly the same! For the next couple of minutes, I’d really like to put you at ease about the whole process and explain how coming to Foyle and big school was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Foyle feels like home, the teachers, the clubs, the friendships – everything here has helped me settle in, feel confident, and I’ve enjoyed the transition into big school.

Even before Year 8 started, Foyle helped me feel ready. The Year 8 Summer Scheme meant I already knew people and felt more confident before classes began. On the first morning, when I walked through the doors, everyone was so friendly and welcoming – I felt at home straight away.

Foyle College really does feel like a family. I’m in Lawrence, one of our four houses, so I wear a blue tie. Being in a house makes you feel like you belong from day one.

Another thing that helped me settle in is the Foyle Guardians. Every Year 8 gets an older student to look out for them. My Guardian meets with me each week, and I can ask him anything I’m unsure about. It’s great having someone to chat to who’s already been through it all.

One of my favourite things about Foyle is the sport. We have PE each week and every Friday afternoon we have Games. I started playing rugby and attending after school training – I love it! It’s something I look forward to each week! The facilities are brilliant and there’s a big focus on teamwork, determination and not giving up. You’ll get a chance on your tour, to watch our Senior Hockey and Rugby Teams in action as they play their normal Saturday morning fixtures, and you’ll also see first-hand the buzz and excitement of Foyle sport!

The best thing about Foyle is the friendships and the atmosphere. I’ve made lots of new friends while still keeping my old primary school ones. There are so many clubs – I play the trumpet in the junior orchestra and the jazz band here. I also go to lunchtime games club where I play board games and relax with friends.

I’ve really enjoyed some of the trips I’ve been on so far, a highlight for me was our trip to Seamus Heaney’s Home Place in Bellaghy. It was amazing to visit the home of a Nobel Prize–winning poet that we’ve been learning about in English.

I am on the Student Council. It’s a great way to give our class a voice in school decisions. We even did a poll on homework to see what everyone thought, and we got to share the results with the teachers. It feels good knowing pupils can help shape things in the school.

Before I finish, here’s my top tip for starting Year 8:

Write your name on your clothes. Trust me -it really helps when things end up in lost and found!

On a serious note, we’re fortunate to have lots of great schools in our city, but Foyle is a place where you’re welcomed from the moment you walk in, where people look out for you and you’re encouraged to be the best version of yourself. If you choose Foyle, you won’t just be joining a school – you’ll be joining the Foyle family.

Thank you for visiting Foyle College this morning. I hope you enjoy looking around, meeting everyone and seeing for yourself what a fantastic school this is. I wish you all the very best for the year ahead, make sure to work really hard, I promise it will be worth it!

Thank you.