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Online Safety - support for keeping children safe online.
Posted on 13 Oct 2021 | News
On Tuesday 12 October 2021, PSNI Schools’ Officer, Wendy Stevenson, visited St. Mary’s to distribute reflective bands to Year 8 pupils. The reflective bands have been kindly provided by the Mid-Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) to encourage Year 8 pupils to stay visible when using the road, particularly when the dark mornings and evenings arrive. We are grateful to Wendy and the Mid-Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership for promoting this important road safety message in St. Mary’s and for providing these valuable safety resources for Year 8 pupils.
Posted on 07 Oct 2021 | News
On Monday 4 October 2021, St. Mary’s welcomed representatives from the PSNI and Translink to deliver a presentation to Year 8 pupils about road safety and bus safety. We are grateful to Wendy, Stuart, Kevin and Susan for a most informative and thought-provoking session.
Read full storyPosted on 07 Oct 2021 | News
In advance of World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October 2021, each Year Group in St. Mary’s had the opportunity to attend an Action Mental Health talk on Friday 1 and Monday 4 October 2021. The workshops were delivered by Colette Slevin and covered a range of themes from Year 8 Transition, Social Media, Self Esteem and Confidence, Body Image and Mental Health in Sport. We are grateful to Colette and Action Mental Health for these very engaging and relevant sessions.
Read full storyPosted on 27 Sep 2021 | News
To mark World SuicidePrevention Day on Friday 10 September 2021, St. Mary’s Grammar School held a ‘Guess the Score’ competition ahead of the All-Ireland Final. Pupils and staff took part and raised a total of £555.00 for local mental health organisation, The Olive Branch.
Read full storyPosted on 02 Aug 2021 | News
Congratulations to St. Mary’s current and past pupils who won the All Ireland Minor Football Championship
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Posted on 30 Jun 2021 | News
On Tuesday 22 June 2021, St. Mary’s welcomed local PSNI Schools’ Officer, Wendy Stevenson, who delivered a presentation to pupils in Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11. The purpose of the presentation was to provide pupils with key messages about keeping safe in both the real world and the digital world, particularly during the summer holiday period. During the address, Wendy provided pupils with important information and advice on a range of issues, including online safety, social media, cyberbullying, sexting, drugs and vaping.
As the school year draws to a
close, we wish all of our pupils a safe and relaxing summer break.
Read full storyPosted on 23 Jun 2021 | News
Year 10 Silver Fáinne speaking exams usually take place during ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ but due to the pandemic 10A,10C & 10D had to wait patiently until after their Summer Examinations. The three Year 10 classes put three years of Irish language learning into practice. The top three girls and boys who achieved 100% and were awarded Corn Bhríde were LusaÍ Ní Bhiataigh & Liam Ó Muirí (10A), Daire Mac Meanman & Darcie Nic Conmidhe (10C) and Cathair Ó Corra & Méabh Ní hAmhsaigh (10D). Roinn na Gaeilge anseo I Scoil Mhuire are extremely proud of all of the students and wish them the best for GCSE. Maith sibh Bliain 10!
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Read full storyPosted on 23 Jun 2021 | News
A Level Irish students at St. Mary’s have made History being the first group to achieve their ‘Fáinne Óir.’ They are pictured wearing their Fáinne’s to show that they have a high proficiency in spoken Irish. Roinn na Gaeilge are extremely proud of each and every one of them!
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Posted on 27 May 2021 | News
Congratulations to the winners of our Eco-competition who produced our new Eco-Code. This will be displayed in all classrooms to remind us what we can do as a school community to support our environment and look after our mental health.
Winner - Conor Sargent
2nd - Anna Hackett
3rd - Niamh Fox (absent)
Read full storyPosted on 10 May 2021 | News
Due to Covid the final of the Oisín McGrath Cup wasn’t played. The finalists, St. Mary’s Magherafelt and St. Colman’s Newry shared the trophy.
Read full storyPosted on 05 May 2021 | News
If you are aged 11-19 and are worried or concerned about any aspect of your health and wellbeing send a text to 07480 635 982 and chat in confidence with a school nurse.
Read full storyPosted on 29 Apr 2021 | News
Our School Community are joining many other Schools, Sporting Clubs and organisations across the country in creating a partnership with ALPs (All Lives Are Precious) and Talk to Tom and today invite you to join us over the summer months on our 2021 Walk a Million Challenge .
Starting on May 16 Mental Health Week 2021, until World Suicide Prevention Day September 10 2021.
Read full storyPosted on 21 Apr 2021 | News
Aoife McKenna (Placed 1st)
Sinead McKeever (Placed 2nd)
James Kealey (Placed 3rd)
By way of supporting Religious Education and Literary Endeavour, the Knights of St. Columbanus invited Year 12-13 students in all Secondary and Post-Primary Schools throughout the island of Ireland to participate in a special essay competition. Students were required to compose a critical essay of up to 2,000 words on religious and ethical themes, notably, social media and the Gospel; Justice and Peace; Living the Christian life and Young Christians in today’s Church. Adjudicators commented that the winning entries from St. Mary’s Grammar School demonstrated excellent clarity of expression; clear exploration of the topic from a religious, spiritual and faith perspective; excellent inclusion of insights from Church and other sources; coherent use of literary techniques in support of arguments, opinions expressed and a high level of personal insight and opinion. The students’ essays are going forward for adjudication for the National Awards.
Read full storyPosted on 20 Apr 2021 | News
Congratulations to everyone who participated in our Key Stage 4 Express Yourself competition as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
We are delighted to announce that the winners of this competition are:
The winners were presented with a One4All shopping voucher while all other participants received a Take 5 goodie bag.
Well done and thank you to everyone who entered the competition.
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Posted on 13 Apr 2021 | News
Our Year 8-11 pupils enjoyed their long-awaited, safe and happy return to St. Mary’s yesterday. Pictured are a selection of winners from our Key Stage 3 Easter Maths Challenge. Well done to all who took part and congratulations to those with winning entries! Egg-cellent effort!
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Posted on 13 Apr 2021 | News
Congratulations to Year 13 pupil, Cara Murray, who walked a marathon with her friend to raise money and awareness for the South Derry Down Syndrome Group and the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. The girls raised an impressive £3000 which was split between these two very special charities.
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Posted on 31 Mar 2021 | News
Thank you to the pupils who entered our Express Yourself competition as part of Children’s Mental Health Week 2021.
The standard of entries was very impressive. We are delighted to announce that the winners of the Key Stage 5 competition are:
First Place - Oran O’Kane, Second Place (Joint) - Holly Dougan and Emma Meeke Third Place - Cara McDonald.
Congratulations!
Read full storyPosted on 25 Feb 2021 | News
The Department of Education for Northern Ireland has this week launched a new Text-a-Nurse service for young people aged 11-19.
The service aims to provide young people with a secure and confidential text messaging service which will allow them to easily and anonymously get in touch with a school nurse for advice and support about their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Read full storyPosted on 08 Feb 2021 | News
Safer Internet Day 2021 is on the 9th of February and will be celebrated with the theme ‘An internet we trust – exploring reliability in the online world’. Safer Internet Day inspires conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively. Coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees thousands of organisations get involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. In 2020, the campaign reached 49% of young people aged 8-17 and 26% of parents.
Read full storyPosted on 04 Feb 2021 | News
Hear from the experts!
Read full storyPosted on 02 Feb 2021 | News
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme for this year is “Express Yourself”. For more information about Children’s Mental Health Week, including a Virtual Assembly, visit www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk
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Posted on 10 Dec 2020 | News
This year’s school Christmas card was designed by Jessica O’Neill, Year 14. Thank you to Jessica for giving of her time and talent in creating the artwork for the card.
Posted on 26 Nov 2020 | News
The Head Boy of St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt has been named as one of the winners of the national Spirited Arts 2020 competition. Adam Rocks entered the competition which is held annually by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) and challenges students to think about Religious Education through Art.
In its 17th year, this competition has attracted over 320,000 participants averaging 20,000 competitors per year since 2004. Hundreds of UK schools get involved, with entries submitted from as far afield as Cyprus and Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.
Adam’s artwork was based on the theme ‘Art in Heaven’ and he called his piece ‘The Age of the Ocean’.
Read full storyPosted on 12 Nov 2020 | News
Anti-Bullying Week takes place from 16-20 November 2020. The theme for this year is United Against Bullying. To mark the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week, St. Mary’s is joining other schools to take part in the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum Odd Socks Day initiative on Monday 16 November 2020. Pupils and staff in St. Mary’s are being invited to wear odd socks in recognition of the uniqueness of each individual and to celebrate diversity within our school community. Together, we are united against bullying. Read full story
Posted on 10 Nov 2020 | News
On Tuesday 10 November 2020 St. Mary’s was delighted to welcome representatives from Gideons International to the school. Due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to hold our usual Year Eight assembly but through Religion classes, pupils will be told about the work of the Gideons and will receive their own copy of the Bible. Many thanks to Gideons International for taking the time to visit the school and for providing a Bible for each Year Eight pupil to keep.
Read full storyPosted on 09 Oct 2020 | News
World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday 10 October 2020. The theme for this year is ‘Mental Health for All’.
We know when we are mentally and physically well but sometimes we need a little extra support. To ensure that we remain mentally and physically well, we can follow the Take 5 Steps to Well-Being:
1. Connect
2. Be Active
3. Take Notice
4. Keep Learning
5. Give
Read full storyPosted on 01 Oct 2020 | News
Barnardos has launched a new emotional well-being service – See, Hear, Respond.
This service will work with children and young people in Northern Ireland who might need additional support to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, offering practical and therapeutic support. It will also offer advice and guidance to any adults who are concerned about a child’s mental health and well-being.
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Posted on 01 Oct 2020 | News
Business Studies and Economics students in St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt were busy before the Covid-19 lockdown setting up and running a successful Mini-Company to raise money for local mental health charity, ALPS. Mini-Company Director, Caitlin McCormack, and her team successfully designed and distributed over 800 jerseys and crew neck jumpers to the St. Mary’s community. The students were delighted to present a cheque for £2,500 to ALPS founder, Ronan Gilchrist. In thanking the students, Ronan stated: “I am totally blown away by the support provided to ALPS by St. Mary’s and the Mini-Company within the school. To see young people wearing our logo on their school jumpers and jerseys really was one of the proudest days of our organisation. ALPS is indebted to the school and everyone involved for everything.”
Read full storyPosted on 25 Sep 2020 | News
Mid Ulster District Council is seeking YOUTH VOICE members to represent the voices of young people across Mid Ulster.
Young People aged 16 – 21 years old who live in the district are invited to apply to be part of Mid Ulster Youth Voice. This 2 year programme will be managed by the Council in Partnership with the Education Authority Youth Service.
Youth Voice will provide young people with the opportunity to:
- engage with key decision makers;
- have their say on local issues;
- meet new friends;
- be a representative voice for young people in their area; and
- be involved and pro-actively engaged with local decision-making processes.
Mid Ulster Youth Voice will meet on a regular basis to identify and take forward common issues relating to young people in the local area along with opportunities for residentials and to participate in study visits to UK or Ireland.
For more information and the online application form visit: www.midulstercouncil.org/youthvoice
The deadline for applications is Friday 23 October 2020.
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Posted on 23 Sep 2020 | News
The National Children’s Bureau survey for children and young people on mental health services in Northern Ireland is now open.
Children and young people between the ages of 13-25 are being asked what they need and want from mental health services in Northern Ireland.
The link to the survey is:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YA-survey
The closing date for the completion of the survey is 1 October 2020.
Posted on 23 Sep 2020 | News
This year, the University of Exeter set a Grand Challenge for Key Stage 4 pupils. Students were asked to submit an essay discussing what concerns them most about climate change. Peter Cassidy (Year 12) was awarded first place - a £100 Amazon voucher and a University hoodie for his entry. Peter’s unique approach in critiquing the question and the intertwining of Religion (and Nemo!) into the theme impressed the judges.
Read full storyPosted on 18 Sep 2020 | News
We are delighted with how well our new Year 8 pupils have settled in to life at St. Mary’s as we come to the end of their first two weeks of lessons. We wish the class of 2020 every success as they begin their journeys of excellence at St. Mary’s.
Posted on 11 Sep 2020 | News
Following the release of 2020 examination results, Mr Dunlop (Acting Principal) has reported that 99.3% of A Level students in St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt were awarded 3 A* - C grades while 99.8% of all entries resulted in A* - C grades.
At GCSE, 84.2% of pupils achieved A* - B in 7 or more subjects, including English and Maths.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
The St. Mary’s community has been greatly saddened by the death of our esteemed colleague Mrs Sonya Monaghan (RIP) who passed away on 10 April 2020. Requiem Mass for Mrs Monaghan was celebrated in Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown on Sunday 12 April 2020.
Mrs Monaghan joined the staff of St. Mary’s in 2013 as Head of Mathematics and in 2015, she was appointed to the school’s Senior Leadership Team. The Mathematics Department flourished under Mrs Monaghan’s tenure. In her Senior Leadership role, she had primary responsibility for the academic progression of pupils at Key Stage 5. Mrs Monaghan was innovative and forward-looking in her approach to education and was pivotal in bringing about curricular reforms at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
ICSS are providing a summer service. This is so that any young person can obtain counselling between 1 - 14 July and 17 - 31 August. All referrals can be made directly via the digital referral form on the Familyworks website or via telephone helpline numbers, which are 02891821721 and 02891820341.
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Posted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) is the United Kingdom’s leading centre for geographers and geographical learning and promotes Geography by recognising and rewarding excellence in geographical examinations through the RGS Excellence Award. Barry has the distinction of being the top A-Level student in the CCEA A-Level Geography examination in June 2019 and his achievement was recognised by CCEA in December 2019 at a reception in The Titanic Centre, Belfast. Barry has now also been recognised as one of the top performing students in A Level Geography in the UK through receiving the RGS Excellence Award. He was presented with his certificate from the RGS by Mr. Dunlop (Acting Principal) and Mrs Bradley (Head of Geography).
Barry also received a cash award from the RGS.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
Our Year 14 Economists enjoyed resounding success in the Young Economist of the Year Competition. The competition required students to submit a research project of their choice on a current Economic topic.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
St. Mary’s GS are working in partnership with ALPs and Talk To Tom and inviting all in our St. Mary’s community to take part in the Walk a Million Step Challenge.
Starting on the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week, this Sunday May 24th 2020, until World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th 2020, together we can assist to change lives across the country whilst promoting Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
By Walking, Running, Jogging, Dancing over 109 days, you are asked to achieve the million steps.
The challenge can be done on your own, in a family or a team setting- it is entirely up to you!
Registration is £12 and can only be done online through this link on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-a-million-tickets-104236899372
We look forward to walking a million together
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
For the fourth successive year, St. Mary’s students have achieved top awards in the 2020 LifeWorks Education National Life Advocate Essay Competition. Final year student, Orlaith McAuley, received high praise for a thought-provoking essay that picked up first place in the essay-writing competition. This annual competition for senior cycle students aims to encourage research and critical thinking on human rights and right to life issues.
This year students were asked to discuss the following words of Martin Luther King Jr, ‘injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. Chloe Toner, Year 14, and James Murray, Year 13, also received Highly Commended for their essays.
Geraldine Aherne, LifeWorks Co-Ordinator noted, ‘We saw a big increase in entries to the competition this year, which was all the more impressive given the difficult conditions teachers and students are presently working under. The field was very competitive, and the judging panel praised the high standard of student’s work’.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
St. Mary’s Art & Design Department were delighted with all the entries to their Positive Image Photography Competition. The winning entries, in all categories, were chosen by Dr Ruth McGonagle, an A&E Doctor at Antrim Area Hospital. She said the photographs fitted the brief perfectly and she was very impressed by the high standard and quality of our pupil’s photographs.
The winners in each category are as follows;
Year 8 Winner – Aoibhinn Lloyd Evans
Year 9 Winner – Lorcan Tohill
Year 10 Winner –Frances Creighan
Year 11 Winner – Eryn McManus
Please click here to view photographs.
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
We are very proud of Mr O’Connor, Miss Coburn and Mr Teague from our Technology and Design Department as they produced almost 350 PPE facemasks!
Read full storyPosted on 17 Apr 2020 | News
Please click here for Guidance for students, parents and teachers
Please click here for Message to students and families
Read full storyPosted on 18 Mar 2020 | News
Please click here to see attached letter from the Minister of Education.
Read full storyPosted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
Please see link for Public Health England below, for information purpose only
Read full storyPosted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
AWARE Northern Ireland launched its inaugural Investors in Mental Health Awards on Friday 6 March 2020 in the Bridge Suite of the iconic Titanic Belfast. St. Mary’s GS were delighted to receive an Investors in Mental Health Award in recognition of our strong pastoral care system and promotion of positive Mental Health in our school community. Pictured are Mr Dunlop and Mrs. McNeill, Head of Year 13, alongside Year 13 pupils who participated in the recent Mood Matter programme coordinated by AWARE.
Read full storyPosted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
To help pupils prepare for their AS Modules, all Year 13 pupils attended the ‘Ready Steady Study programme’ on 9 March, delivered by Paul Gray, Company Director of Learn Spark. This course provided students with the attitudes, confidence and skill to study effectively and to A Level standard. It set out tried-and-tested techniques, strategies and approaches to support revision, and detailed the key steps required to effectively plan and manage learning and revision time. The day placed a strong emphasis on the students learning to think, act and study independently, all of which are essential life skills to implement in their learning and study.
Read full storyPosted on 12 Mar 2020 | News
We are extremely proud of our Year 10 pupil Charlie Curley who finished 46th place at the recent Irish Life Health All-Ireland Cross Country Championships. With over 100 competitors from schools throughout the country, Charlie ran 3.5k in just over 14 minutes which was a tremendous pace and demonstrated great work rate and tenacity. Charlie is pictured with his proud P.E teacher, Miss Donnelly.
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Posted on 09 Mar 2020 | News
Twenty year 8 pupils were chosen to attend “Young People Planting Trees” event on Monday 9 March in Loughry Campus Cookstown.
Read full storyPosted on 04 Mar 2020 | News
Schools are asked to note the following advice in relation to school trips and the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) outbreak.
Please click on the link below:
Read full storyPosted on 02 Mar 2020 | News
Eight Year 12 St. Mary’s pupils participated in the Stay Awake/Sleep Out in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry on Friday 28th February 2020 from 9:00pm until Saturday 29th February 7:00am.
Read full storyPosted on 28 Feb 2020 | News
Year 11 Art and Design pupils attended a comic book and character design workshop with comic artist, Tanya Roberts, organised by Scottish Book Trust, as part of their Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour.
Read full storyPosted on 28 Feb 2020 | News
Year 9 pupils in St. Mary’s Grammar School attended an introduction to the Take 5 Steps to Well-Being model.
Read full storyPosted on 14 Feb 2020 | News
Thank you to Orla McIntyre who spoke to our Sixth Form girls today about volunteering at one of their Summer Camps. A fantastic opportunity!
Applications are available via this link: https://michaelafoundation.com/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/summer-camp-volunteering-roles/
Read full storyPosted on 11 Feb 2020 | News
NI Water’s Pat McCauley recently visited Year 8 and Year 9 assemblies in St. Mary’s to highlight the impact single use plastic water bottles are having on our water environments.
Read full storyPosted on 07 Feb 2020 | News
ST. MARY’S PUPILS ATTEND NICCY WEBINAR
Read full storyPosted on 07 Feb 2020 | News
Congratulations to Year 12 pupils - Shea Heaney, Holly Dougan and Nayana Chauhan - who were awarded 1st Place at the Northern Ireland final of the prestigious BPW Public Speaking Competition.
Read full storyPosted on 03 Feb 2020 | News
The Student Leadership Team in St. Mary’s were delighted to welcome Raymond Love and his colleague from Sperrin Cultural Awareness Association (SCAA) in school last week.
Read full storyPosted on 23 Jan 2020 | News
STEPPING INTO ST.MARY’S
Hundreds of Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils from across three counties visited St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt this week.
Read full storyPosted on 21 Jan 2020 | News
Catholic Schools Week 2020
St. Mary’s is joining schools across the globe in celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2020 from 26 January to 3 February 2020.
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Posted on 20 Jan 2020 | News
During the month of December, staff and pupils from St. Mary’s Grammar School supported Trócaire’s Christmas Appeal by purchasing and promoting Gifts of Love.
Read full storyPosted on 14 Jan 2020 | News
The Ulster U16B Final took place on Friday 10 January in MUSA where St. Mary’s and St. Dominic’s battled it out to be crowned Ulster Champions.
Read full storyPosted on 10 Jan 2020 | News
The St. Mary’s community has been saddened by the death of a highly esteemed former member of teaching staff. Mrs Deirdre McCann (RIP) passed away on 1 January 2020.
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