Write a commentPresent and past students of St Mary’s High School celebrated their achievements at the annual Presentation Evening on 21st November 2012. Laura Hillen, Deputy Head Girl welcomed the guests who included members of the Board of Governors, , Primary School Principals, Former Principals , Representatives from Dankse and Bank of Ireland, parents, pupils past and present and the guest speaker Dr Gerard O Hare CBE. . The Music Department’s Traditional Group and Choir provided the entertainment for the guests.
Dr Gerard O Hare CBE congratulated the Music students, commenting on their talents and vivacity. He commended the students on their excellent GCSE and GCE Advanced Level results and on the many curricular and extra curricular achievements while at St Mary’s High School and added,
"Be proud of your achievements - Success should be celebrated - Excellence should be commended but also recognize the role that others have played in helping you achieve.
During your seven years in St Mary’s the compassionate nurturing, the high standards of education, the Christian values you learn, are the ingredients that come together to shape your life and that of those around you and indeed shape your eventual role and contribution to society.”
He praised the outreach ethos in the school in particular the schools link with the Newry Africa Project and commended the pupils on their spirit of compassion and generosity.
Mrs Margo Cosgrove, Principal, was delighted by the high standards set in recent years in the GCSE and GCE Examinations. Once again St Mary’s is among the top performing non selective post primary schools in Northern Ireland. In this very successful year students have achieved excellent results ,83 % of the Year12 pupils achieved five or more subjects at grades A* - C.. She noted the superb results at GCE Advanced Level; 100% pass rate with students gaining entry into a range of Universities Courses and colleges or Employment.
Mrs Cosgrove commended the energy, dedication and commitment of the staff and leadership team, praising their shared vision – a vision which directed and channelled the activities of the school preparing young people for the future “We are maintaining our high standards and as a Specialist School in Mathematics and Business Studies ,these and our other highly successful departments are driving whole school improvement to ensure success for each and every student. Coupled with our strong links with our primary and post primary partners and the local business community we are ensuring pupils are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to confidently take their place in the working world”
She commented that this was a night of great celebration, a time to reflect on the many achievements both academic, pastoral, musical and sporting,, She commended the dedication of the school community which was recognised through the receipt of the Investors In People Award ,ECO and Rights Respecting School’s Award. These accolades recognise the combined achievements of all staff in ensuring St Mary’s creates an environment that is proactive in embracing change, embedding new initiatives and celebrating success. She took the opportunity to commend the students but also to pay tribute to those who have supported these young people on their journey to success. She praised the partnership with parents “the first educators” and the sterling work carried out in the local primary schools where the ground work for the evening successes was firmly established.
Congratulations also went to the many students achieving the Bronze President’s Award and The John Paul II Awards who have demonstrated their commitment to Voluntary and Community Work. These along with numerous other extra curricular activities enrich the lives of the students as they acquire many essential life skills
Mrs Cosgrove commented. ‘Our highly successful collaborations with St Colman’s College, The Southern Regional College, St Mark’s High School and Newry High School enables students to study a wider range of courses at Advanced Level and increase opportunities for all.
She paid tribute to parents, pupils and staff and all those who generously gave their time and expertise including a wide range of Financial and Business Partners .along with many agencies and individuals whose support enriches the life of the school.
Vice principal Ms Denise Crawley concluded the evening and thanked Dr Gerard O Hare CBE, Guest Speaker and Mr J E McClelland ,Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Governors, and invited guests for their attendance.
