RAY National School has proudly marked a major milestone in its long tradition of community spirit and pupil leadership.
Last year, the school was selected as a DCU Changemaker School, joining a growing all-island network dedicated to inspiring young people to lead positive change in their schools and wider communities.
The DCU Changemaker Schools Network is a social innovation initiative to help primary school teachers and students across Ireland to put in place and lead programmes of change in their respective schools and wider communities to address societal challenges.
As part of a network that has expanded from 28 to 46 primary schools across Ireland in 2025, Ray National School now stands among a small and distinguished group – becoming only the third school in Donegal to receive this honour.
Ray National School is a small Church of Ireland school in Manorcunningham. The school has three classrooms and support rooms.
Students from Ray NS preparing for last years tractor run.
“While we are a small school our pupils grow and learn to lead our school. Each senior pupil is part of a committee to help organise events and inspire change in our school,” said Principal Tracy Doran.
“There is a strong family atmosphere throughout the school and pupils support each other in their learning.
“All classes come together and take part in dress-up fun or show and tell, to name a few.
“Our pupils have organised a
tuck shop for treats on a Friday, bring and buy sales and recipe books to fundraise for their school tours.”
Ms Doran also spoke of how the Parents’ Association supports the school in all areas.
“There are school events and fundraisers throughout the year. Next year we are having our second Tractor Run which proved very popular last time.”
Every summer the school has a fun day, which kicks off with a prize-giving and performances by the pupils.
It was during this event that the schools DCU Changemaker flag was raised by The Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald, their Chairperson.
“It was a lovely day of celebration and fun,” added Ms Doran.
“Our small school is full of changemakers who work together to make Ray National School a lovely place to work and learn.”
