Ahead of this morning’s speeches, can I invite you to please switch off your mobile phones.
We are not expecting a fire evacuation this morning; however, in the event of the fire alarm sounding, please quickly and safely make your way to your closest emergency exit point. The emergency exits in the Assembly Hall are positioned to your right, to the front and back of the hall.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and a very warm welcome to our prospective Year 8 pupils. My name is Esther, and I am honoured to be speaking to you this morning as this year’s Head Girl. It is a privilege to stand before you and share why Foyle is not just a school, but a place built on strong roots where values, character, and confidence are nurtured, and where bright futures are shaped.
Choosing your next school is an important decision, and it’s completely natural to feel a little overwhelmed. However, from the moment you walk through the doors at Foyle, you are not just joining a school – you are becoming part of the Foyle family. It is a community where our core values of respect, determination, integrity, responsibility, and commitment are lived out every day, not simply displayed on a poster. Through the encouragement of teachers, and the friendships you will form, you will quickly discover that Foyle is a place where each of you will thrive.
We have all had our own unique journeys at Foyle. When I first joined, I was unsure of where I would fit in. However, my worries were soon remedied when I was greeted with a warmth like nowhere else. With the reassurance of teachers and friends around me, I gradually found the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and realise what I was capable of. One of the biggest ways this happened was through sport, particularly hockey. The PE department at Foyle are incredibly supportive, with teachers who challenge you while always believing in you. Through their encouragement, I developed not only my hockey skills, but also the confidence to push myself further, eventually earning a place on Foyle’s 1XI hockey team. Being part of that team has been one of my most rewarding experiences, from the friendships I have made to opportunities such as a hockey tour in Holland.
Music has been another important part of my time here. Through involvement in both the jazz band and the orchestra, I have had the opportunity to perform at concerts and festivals, playing a variety of musical styles. These experiences have helped me grow in confidence and taught me the value of teamwork, commitment, and balance alongside academic life.
What makes Foyle so special is the sheer range of opportunities available. Are you an athlete? You’ll love our incredible sports programs, with rugby, hockey, football, cricket, netball, and many more. Are you into music or drama? Our arts departments are second to none, with orchestras, choirs, and productions that bring together all year groups and let your talents shine. Or maybe you’re a scientist, a writer, or a debater- with clubs, societies, and trips ranging from investigating the world of business in New York, to exploring glaciers in Iceland, there is something here for everyone. But let’s not forget the core of what makes a school so great – learning. All of our teachers are extremely dedicated to ensuring pupils have a comprehensive understanding of their subjects and are well-prepared for exams. Our staff our extremely supportive and give up a huge amount of their own time to run revision classes as exam season approaches to ensure we succeed. In addition, we also have a fantastic learning support team who work around the clock to ensure that our students can perform their best not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.
So, why should you choose Foyle? Because here, you will be valued for who you are and supported to grow into the best version of yourself. You’ll form lifelong friendships, discover passions, and create memories that stay with you long after you leave. At Foyle, we believe in giving pupils strong roots, while also equipping them for bright futures full of opportunity. You see this across the school: on the sports fields, in classrooms, and through experiences beyond the timetable that allow pupils to explore who they are and who they want to become.
Whether through global opportunities or quieter moments of personal growth, Foyle is a place where potential is recognised and nurtured. Today offers just a glimpse of what life at Foyle can be. As you tour the school and meet our staff and students, I encourage you to ask questions, explore what is on offer, and imagine yourself as part of this community. And who knows, in seven years, it could be you standing here, reflecting on your own journey, and sharing what Foyle has meant to you with the next generation of students.
Thank you for listening and I am now pleased to invite our Principal, Mrs McLaughlin, to the stage.