Speaking to the 'Journal' in the week in the period leading up the celebratory 'May Ball' due to be held on the 23rd of this month in the Everglades Hotel, current Head Girl Caitlin Mullen said that the student body and teachers are "looking forward" to marking their 40th Anniversary in a number of special ways. The ball will be one of the highlights as it's going to be attended by past pupils, teachers from the past and present and all who have been acquainted with St.Cecilia's over the past four decades.

"We have been doing interviews over the past few months with past principals, teachers, caretakers, auxiliary staff and past pupils who are now teaching in the school to hear their stories and experiences of school life," she said.

Caitlin said that she was surprised by how much she has learned about the Troubles from listening to past pupils' stories about their school life.

"I attend a class every Tuesday night with about 22 other senior pupils to learn and research Derry's past, I never realised how little I actually knew about the Troubles.

The pupils are also taught creative writing and publishing techniques in preparation for their 40th Anniversary booklet, due to be published at the end of the month.

Meanwhile past pupil and current Drama, English and RE teacher at the school, Catherine Ruddy, shared her own experiences about life growing up in the corridors of St. Cecilia's.

Mrs Ruddy said that despite the obvious physical changes to the school, which saw them move from Bligh's Lane to Northland Road, the ethos of the school has remained the same over the years.

"There was and still is a lovely atmosphere in the school, there has always been a focus on developing the pupil as a whole and encouraging them to go for what they want whether it be an academic or a vocational route," she said.

Like all pasts, St.