Nazareth House Primary School pupils have channelled their creativity into a heartfelt musical tribute to former pupil Sister Clare Crockett, after a community appeal for help to record their song was answered by The New Gate Arts Centre.

The children of Nazareth House came together to write a song in tribute to the inspiring former pupil.

Nazareth House put out an appeal in Derry for help to record the song so it could be shared with other schools and young people across the world.

The school had its appeal answered by The New Gate Arts & Culture Centre, which agreed to bring the children in to record their catchy song, written by children, for children.

Principal of Nazareth House, Mrs Roisin Blackery, said they wanted to keep Sister Clare’s spirit alive and honour her legacy.

She said: “We are big singers in Nazareth House. It seemed fitting to write a song, but this song was written by the children. Mrs Higgins picked a little focus group of children who wanted to get involved in writing this song, children who have an interest in Sister Clare.

“What they came up with was astonishing. We underestimate what children can do. These lyrics are genuinely written by the kids and, as they say themselves, written by children for children.

“It’s called All or Nothing. We very much went all in to get this song written.”

Mrs Blackery said The New Gates Arts Centre approached the school after hearing the appeal on the radio and agreed to help record the song in their new recording studio, making Nazareth House’s ‘All or Nothing’ the first track to be recorded in the new space.

“Always extremely proud of our children,” said Mrs Blackery. “Especially this wee group, who really poured their hearts into this wee song. It’s just what we are all about, our motto, caring is sharing. A big part of that is spreading joy, and I think they have really done that. They have truly honoured Sister Clare’s legacy. I hope Sister Clare’s family enjoys the song. Never underestimate the abilities children have to be creative.”

Zoe and Faye, who are part of the choir and helped write the song, said Sister Clare is a role model to them.

Zoe said: “Sister Clare is a role model for all the children. She helped people and cared for everyone she met. Whether they were rude to her or nice to her, she decided that wasn’t going to bother her and carried on.”

“She worked really hard and she gave her all to everything. We want to be like her,” said Faye.

Both girls said they are really excited to record the song.

Music coordinator Mrs Joanna Higgins explained how the song came to fruition.

She said: “We workshopped for a few weeks with 12 children from Primary 5, 6 and 7. They came up with fantastic ideas for the song, how they wanted to remember Sister Clare in words and music. It’s very catchy and child‑friendly, something we can give to other schools as well.

“They wanted to take every letter of her name and write a line about that, so it was a good literacy lesson too.”

Keep an eye on Nazareth House’s social media for updates on when ‘All or Nothing’ is recorded.