St. Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt

News

Enterprising students at St Mary's

A group of Year 13 students formed a Mini Enterprise Company at the start of this school year. They worked on many challenging ideas and achieved much success. Throughout the year, they sold products to the school community and made a profit of £1,400. The Company then took the very noble decision to donate their profits to a worthwhile charity: the Marie Curie Cancer Charity. Their success was due to the strong leadership of Fergal McGrenaghan and Kathy McKeever (Managing Director and Assistant Managing Director). They were given excellent support from the other group members: Helen Close, Nicholas Collins, Kieran Conway, Aoife Deery, Mark Donnelly, Andrew Keenan, Helena Laverty, Sarah Maguire, Kirsty McGarvey, David McGuckin, Paula McGurk, Conor McLarnon and Shane McLarnon.

Children's Texaco Art Competition

Congratulations to Vincent McKenna whose exceptional Formula One study using colouring pencil received a Special Merit Award for his entry in the 2010 Texaco Children's Art Competition and won £100.

An Act of Bravery Recognised by the British Heart Foundation

Four students from St Mary's Grammar school were successful when dealing with a medical emergency; using their emergency life support skills they were able to save a life.

This act of bravery was recognised by the British Heart Foundation, who presented certificates to the students and used the story for their appeal bulletin.

The students were subsequently invited to the launch of the appeal, which is going out to all Magherafelt District. They met the Chairman of Magherafelt Council and Chairman of the BHF. The appeal is to encourage emergency life support training in the area.

Relieving the Distress through Boxercise.

Year 8 pupils in St Mary's Grammar School are pictured with Mr Ciaran McGuckin: the top fundraisers presented him with a cheque for £3230 for Distress Aid Direct to Africa. It is a charity with strong local links as Fr Terence Mc Guckin, native of Ballinderry, is based in Zambia. The money, raised through of an afternoon of Sponsored Boxercise, will be used to build a nursery/preschool as the people of Chibombo Parish believe "Education is the key to progress." When this is opened, the parish hopes then to build an education and formation centre where orphans and vulnerable children, the numerous single mothers and other young adults can learn life skills and can receive much needed education.  Mr McGuckin thanked the Year Group on behalf of his brother and said the money would be gratefully received by St Paul of the Cross Parish. He added that he will ask that photographs are taken of how the money is spent and he will forward these to the school. These photographs will then be viewed by pupils: the pupils will come to realise the importance of being contributors to society and how their unselfish ways have brought so much to those less fortunate than themselves.

Also included in the picture is School Principal, Mr Lambon and Head of Year 8, Miss AM McKee. She said, "I am very proud of the outstanding efforts of the Year Group. I am indebted to the form teachers for their support and encouragement. I also acknowledge the talent and willingness of Ms C Donnelly, a PE teacher in this school, who expertly taught the pupils the art of Boxercise. Finally, I thank all those who sponsored the students, especially at a time when so many people are facing economic pressure."

ICT Becta Mark

St Mary's obtains recognition for excellence in ICT on the 11th December 2007.

St. Mary's Celebrate their 80th Anniversary

On Friday, 7th December, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in St. Mary's to mark the anniversary of the school's foundation.  Bishop Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh concelebrated with Monsignor O'Byrne,  Fr. P. Murphy, Fr. J. McKeever and Fr. H. McCann, the latter two priests being past pupils. Master of Ceremonies was Fr. D. Moore,  our School Chaplain.  St. Mary's welcomed guests from the Holy Family Sisters, past staff,  local Principals and our education and business  partners. Mrs Pauline McGurk and the staff of Cafe Bordeaux  provided a celebratory meal which was much enjoyed by all.  Afterwards, the Music Department presented a short programme of musical entertainment.

Year 9 Pupils Raise 1,440 for 'Children in Crossfire' Charity

Year 9 pupils from St. Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt handed over a cheque for £1,440 to the 'Children in Crossfire' charity raised for completing a sponsored orienteering activity.

The event was organised by Mr T. Collins, Head of Year 9 and took place during a General R.E. Lecture for U6th students.  Mrs Hynds, Head of Religious Studies, welcomed Mr. Richard Moore founder of 'Children in Crossfire', who received the cheque on behalf of the charity organisation.

'Children in Crossfire' exists to make a significant and lasting contribution towards the eradication of poverty.  With this support 'Children in Crossfire' will give children the chance to choose a better future.  Well done to all Year 9 pupils!

St. Mary's and St. Pius College Enjoy Inauguration of Their Eucharistic Ministers

Congratulations to the L6th & U6th students from St Mary's and St Pius X College who were inaugurated as Eucharistic Ministers on Wednesday 16th April at The Church of the Assumption, Magherafelt.  We offer our congratulations to these young people!

Year 8 Boxercise Activity Raises £2,333 for Cancer Charity

The event was organised by Miss McKee, Head of Year 8.  Ms C Donnelly, from the schools PEd. Department and a Year 8 Form Teacher, put the Year 8 students, senior prefects and the other Year 8 Form Teachers through their paces. Vera McElroy, Rose Kelly, Regina Donaghy and Brian Donnelly attended a Year 8 Assembly and then received the cheque on behalf of the charity organisation.

The 'Termonmaguirc Care for Cancer' Fund uses the money raised to purchase equipment, like syringe drivers, and to assist families affected by cancer. It is a most worthwhile charity.  Well done to all Year 8 pupils!

St Mary's Win Prestigious GLEO Competition

On the 27th of May the Irish Department travelled with Mr Dunlop and four pupils, Aisling Ní Bhriain, Sorcha Nic Cionnaith, Rian Mac Cionnaith and Lára Nic Aodha, to Dublin where they received the prestigious GLEO award. This award recognises the efforts of the school community in the promotion of Irish language throughout the school and compliments the enthusiasm of the Department over the past year.

The award was presented by both Batt O' Keefe, Minister for Education & Science in the Republic and Caitríona Ruane, Minister for Education in the North. A bursary of £2000 accompanies the award and it is stipulated that this shall be spent on further developing departmental initiatives. The Irish Department would like to thank all members of staff who offered support during the application/ inspection process. Go raibh maith agaibh uile go léir. Dr Ó Néill & Mr Mac Feilimí.

Congratulations to the Ulster Finalists of the Junior Gael Linn Competition

Year 10 pupils who study Irish at St. Mary's took part in the annual Gael Linn Junior Quiz held in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown, on Wednesday 15th October 2008.

Four pupils from St Mary have emerged victorious from the 450 pupils present. They will now take part in the Ulster Final of the Gael Linn competition. Congratulations to Eilis Dougan, Catherine McKenna, Catherine Tennyson and Maria Tennyson. All pupils who took part should be commended on their excellent behaviour throughout, with a special word of praise for Laura Johnston who entertained everyone with some spectacular Irish dancing during the interval.

St. Mary's Student has Art Work Selected for the Children's Texaco Calendar 2009

Congratulations to Vincent McKenna Year 13 whose exceptional seascape painting was selected as one of the 12 months in the 2009 Texaco Calendar. Over 33,000 pieces of Artwork were submitted to the competition by young artists throughout Ireland.  Well done!

Celebrating Excellence Awards from CCEA for Achievement in Art & Design 2008

In A Level Art & Design Katrina Kelly, Emma McCrystal and Teresa O'Brien scored full marks and were placed first equal in Northern Ireland.  The artwork of these students has been chosen for the True Colours - Best of A Level exhibition.  Six GCSE students, Grainne Cassidy, Shane Donnelly, Katrina McCormack, Danielle McCrystal, Catherine O'Neill and Pearse Walls each obtained full marks in GCSE Art & Design.  Catherine O'Neill's artwork was also chosen for the True Colours - Best of GCSE exhibition.

Conor McKenna, A Level Student Recieves CCEA Award for 1st Place in Northern Ireland in ICT.

Talented St. Mary's Student Enjoys Theatrical Success

A Drama and Music student from St. Mary's has recently wowed a number of audition panels with her exceptional dramatic and musical talent.  Claire Burns, a Year 13 student, successfully auditioned for Youth Music Theatre UK, MT4UTH and Standin' Ovation.  With so many opportunities offered to her, Claire has decided to accept the MT4UTH offer and will perform on the stage of the Grand Opera House, Belfast in a production of Godspell.  This will not be the first time that Claire has tread the boards of the Grand Opera House stage, having captivated audiences with her portrayal of Nancy in Oliver!  in November 2007 when St. Mary's became the first school to stage a musical in Northern Ireland's premier theatre.  In advance of her performance in Godspell, Claire will participate in a range of workshops and master classes with leading industry professionals such as Chris Egan (Elaine Paige's Musical Director), Annie Skates (Vocal Coach for Simon Cowell's team on ITV's The X-Factor), Jan Winstone (Musical Director currently working with Billy Elliot, Wicked, Jersey Boys and Spamalot) and the team behind Stomp.  During the workshops, Claire will meet and work with guest tutors drawn from leading musicals such as Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom - Phantom of the Opera) and Tasha Sheridan (Sophie - Mamma Mia).  Last week, this budding actress was overjoyed to learn that she has been cast in the role of Juno for the St. Mary's production of Juno and the Paycock in the Burnavon Theatre in November 2009. 

Upper Sixth pupil selected to represent Ireland at the 41st International Chemistry Olympiad in Cambridge in July.

Congratulations to Ciaran Coney, an Upper Sixth pupil at St. Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt who has been selected to represent Ireland at the 41st International Chemistry Olympiad in Cambridge in July.

Ciaran's route to selection started in January when he won a Silver medal in the 2009 All-Ireland Science Olympiad in Chemistry. This competition is held annually in Dublin City University and is open to all secondary level students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As a result of his success in the All-Ireland competition, Ciaran was selected on to a panel of fourteen students who were given additional training and assignments including an intensive residential training programme in Dublin City University over the Easter holidays. The fourteen shortlisted students then sat a very demanding practical and theory exam on Saturday 2nd May and based on this Ciaran and three other students have been chosen to represent Ireland at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Cambridge in July.

Ciaran, along with the other three members of the Irish team, will receive a weeklong intensive residential training programme in Dublin City University on the International Chemistry Olympiad syllabus prior to their departure for Cambridge. Students who represent Ireland in this very prestigious competition have the added incentive of the IBM University scholarship scheme which awards €2,500 for an international gold medal, €1,250 for silver and €750 for bronze. St. Mary's staff and pupils wish Ciaran continued success in July.

Fashion Show Raises £2,500 for Charity.

St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt, Religious Studies Department saw the launch of its very successful Coffee Club this term. A group of pupils and the teaching members of the department, met together every Thursday after school to discuss issues and enjoy a cup of tea! During one of these meetings, the pupils decided that they would like to do something for charity and so fulfil one of the requirements of the new Muiredach Faith Award. The Fashion Show ‘St. Mary’s does it in style’ was the result. The show was very well attended and supported by local businesses and on Friday 11^th December, an outstanding £2,500 was raised. This was distributed among three charities: Women’s aid in Dungannon, RVH for Sick Children, and the Coronary Care Unit in Antrim.  A successful night was had by all. Mrs Hynds and Mrs Fullerton would like to thank all those involved in making the night a very enjoyable one.