The school was founded in 1927 by Monsignor John Ward, Parish Priest of Magherafelt, to provide secondary education for Catholic girls of the area under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux.
Sports
In St. Mary's we promote health and physical fitness through sport. The Physical Education department encourages all pupils to enjoy physical activities as they gain an awareness of both competitive sport and sport for leisure. Pupils are encouraged to develop a knowledge and understanding of human performance by participating in a range of sports; to acquire and develop a range of physical skills related to selected games and sports and a knowledge of safety relevant to the activities. While the department is justifiably proud of its fine sporting tradition in Gaelic Football and Camogie, it is committed to meeting the needs of every pupil. The department offers a wide range of activities during and after school, including;
- Aerobics
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Camogie
- Coaching courses
- Cross-country running
- Gaelic football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Health-related fitness
- Netball
- Rounders
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Sport Hall Athletics
- Swimming
- Tennis
The PE department provides an exciting and varied extra-curricular programme and each pupil is encouraged to participate in a sport after school. All levels are catered for from elite to beginner. Senior pupils are given the opportunity to achieve coaching qualifications in a range of sports and some are involved in the Top Link Programme, helping to organise an annual sports festival for primary school pupils.
Each year, individual pupils and teams are entered for Area Board, Provincial and All-Ireland competitions, often with notable success.
Physical Education classes also enable pupils to develop socially and psychologically and sport promotes tolerance, respect for others and responsibility for decisions. It teaches pupils about perseverance, the strength of the human spirit and it not only develops character but reveals it. It encourages self-discipline, confidence, competence and a positive attitude in the individual.
