St Marys Celebrating 50 Years

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celebrating

50

Years

St Mary’s

THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—25

Down memory lane - special souvenir pullout

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26—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

Sr Mary Aquinas, first principal at St Mary’s.

The first conignment of uniforms arrived at Sacred Heart in December 1958.

Mr Forte hands over the keys to the new school.

School in the heart of town

S

T Mary's was opened in January 1959 as a Secondary Intermediate School to serve the girls who did not go to Grammar School from the Parishes of Shankill, Seagoe, Magheralin and part of Tullylish.

A knitting class in 1959.

GEMINI COACHES Tel: 028 3834 4222

Davy would like to wish St. Mary's all the best on their 50th Anniversary and offers the best of luck for the next 50 years!

T h e f i r s t P r i n c i p a l w a s Sr M Aquinas. The initial enrolment was 374 pupils with a staff of 16. The principal and six teachers were Mercy Sisters.

During the 1960s the school flourished and increased. Between 1969 and 1971 extensions were added w h i c h p r ov i d e d m u c h n e e d e d Science, Music and Art facilities, additional Home Economics rooms, extra classrooms and a second Gym hall.

In 1972 pupils began to enter the new Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) which provided a much needed motivation for both pupils and staff.

1973 was a year of big changes. Sr M Aquinas retired, the school leaving age was raised to 16 and St Mary's joined the Dickson Plan.

Miss K O'Reilly the new Principal had the task of managing a change to a non-selective school for 11 to 14 year olds.

This change brought about a very rapid increase in enrolment during the 1970's, in addition the pupils who did not transfer to the Senior

The Hair Salon Wishing St Marys All The Best On Their 50th Anniversary 18A Edward St, Lurgan Co Armagh, BT66 6DB

High School at 14 stayed at St Mary's (originally a temporary arrangement which became permanent).

Enrolment peaked at over 740 in 1980-81.

Miss O'Reilly retired in 1981 and was succeeded by Miss M T O'Neill.

In 1982 it became school policy for all pupils to be given the opportunity to enter for public examinations.

The school joined the first cohort of schools in the 11-16 programme in 1984 and found it very beneficial because of the level of support.

Plans to extend the school grounds and improve the sports facilities were completed in 1988. A computer network was installed in 1989. Two Science rooms were refurbished and a Technology Suite was fitted in 1993. Home Economics rooms were refurbished in 1996. A second computer network and extra science facilities were installed in 1998. A further extension to the Technology Depar tment was completed in September 2004.

Miss O’Neill successfully managed the school through the implementation of the Nor ther n Ireland Curriculum in 1989 and retired in 1998.

Ms DJ McNally was appointed as Principal in 1998 and St Mary’s has continued to be an outstanding centre of excellence under her leadership.

In 2002 St Mary’s acquired the adjacent vacant Sacred Heart School building which gave them much

needed extra accommodation. The school is very well equipped, although the building itself is now dated.

The Technology Suite has recently been extended and refurbished, the Science Suite was refurbished a number of years ago.

In 2005 the C2K network of computers was rolled out and in 2007 they upgraded the stand alone computer suite for Business Studies.

They have also installed a third computer suite in the Sacred Heart Annexe linked to the C2K network and this combined with mobile laptops for daily classroom use ensures that both pupils and teachers have very good access to ICT facilities.

L a s t ye a r a p l a t f o r m l i f t w a s installed to facilitate a pupil confined to a wheelchair and just recently substantial renovation projects have been completed in the PE and Art departments.

In this time of change and the move towards a provision which takes account of the vocational as well as the academic Ms McNally is proud to lead and support a dedicated and professional staff that is fully prepared, confident and ready to embrace any changes which will come in their direction in the future.

Everyone in the school community continues to look forward to these challenges and providing a high quality Catholic Education based on gospel values to the next generation of young people in Lurgan.

Street, Lurgan IN-FLOOR Tel:William 028 3834 8648

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THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—27

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School The girls of St Mary’s.

Mrs K. O’Reilly, the second principal.

RIGHT:- Girls in the first uniform.

LEFT:- A class singing along in the 60s.

St Mary’s High School Celebrating 50 Years of Quality Catholic Education

We, in St Mary’s, would like to pay tribute to past & present generations of Governors, teachers, staff, parents and pupils who have contributed to our school in any way since 1959.

Please join with us in our Celebrations

PAST PUPILS’ FUNCTION 5 March 2009 Ashburn Hotel

SPRINGTIME CONCERT

5, 6 & 7 May 2009 St Mary’s High School

OPEN DAY June 2009 St Mary’s High School

Waring Street, Lurgan Tel: 028 3832 2446 www.stmaryslurgan.com

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28—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

Eithne and Rosemary on Blankenberge Beach, Belgium, 1960.

Kay Kealey on the school tour to Belgium 1960.

Miss Carville on the first school tour to Belgium, April 1960.

Ann Withers in her school days with friend Ann Poland. LM0809-951

Tasting waffles with fresh cream

A

NN Lappin (nee Withers) well remembers meeting the new girls at St Mary's indeed she was a new girl herself as she attended the school from its first day.

She transferred to St Mary's from Sacred Heart along with her teacher Sister Mary Aquinas, the first principal at the new school.

"I was 13 when I started and I remember the uniform with a blouse and a beret, none of us had that before.

"I had to be down to the school to meet all the girls starting, that's what I remember most."

During that first day Ann and other pupils from Sacred Heart had the job of showing other pupils round, they'd been up and down to the new school over preceding months: "We had to

show groups of girls around, they were from all over but they weren't Magheralin girls or Derrymacash girls, they were St Mary's Girls.

"There was great excitement, we all had brand-new leather school bags."

She also remembers one school rule in particular: "We had to walk on one side of the corridor and had to carry our bags on the inside so we didn't scrape the walls."

In common with other class mates it was the first time Ann had been taught by lay teachers.

Another abiding memory is of a school trip to Europe: "Miss Carville took the girls on a continental tour to Belgium, France and Holland. We visited Bruges and Brussells.

"None of us had been on a boat before, it was so exciting.

"It was my first experience of foreign travel, we wore our uniforms during the day but in the

Maeve, Eithne, Kay and Patricia School Tour, Belgium 1960.

Congratulations to all pupils past and present celebrating St Marys 50th

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evening we were allowed get changed. "it was a wonderful eye-opening experience, we got to see

how other people lived. I remember tasting waffles and fresh cream for the first time. I can still taste them."

Former St Mary's pupils, Annette Mulholland (nee Coleman), Ann Lappin (nee Withers), Peggy O'Neill (nee Harte), Cathy Douglas (nee Martin) and Geraldine McCann (nee McGeown). LM0809-142gc

Getting the first school uniforms in string wrapped packages.

J Kear ney Plastering & Scr eeding

Tel: (028) 3834 7036 • Mob: 07880 738170 309 Belvedere Manor, Lurgan, Co. Armagh Congratulations to St. Mary's on their 50th Anniversary and best wishes for the future

Celine McCready Podiatrist BScHons DPodM MSCh. HPC Reg.

Wishing all pupils of St Marys every success from one of the first pupils there.

If your feet are giving you problems there is a solution

Contact Celine on:02838 321 020 or 079905 54212

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THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—29

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

Uniforms arrived in brown parcels P EGGY O'Neill (nee Harte) started at St Mary's the day it opened and well remembers the uniform the girls used to wear - topped by a fetching beret.

The girls got their uniforms a month before the school opened: "I remember

they arrived in brown parcels wrapped in string."

Peggy's four sisters - Marie, Sheila, Ursula and Katheleen also attended the school through the years.

Of her school days she said: "It was the first time we had lay teachers, it was the first time I'd been taught by anyone other

than the Sisters.

"I made a lot of new friends and it was the first time we had an assembly every morning. The whole school was there with the teachers sitting across the back."

Peggy recalled: "Kathleen O'Reilly, the first teacher I had, was very interested in poetry, I got that at home too because my

father was very into poetry.

"I walked to school every day from the Avenue Road. I guess I never got into any trouble at school and I left when I was 15."

Peggy went on to do nursing, moving to America for a time before returning to Lurgan in 1990.

Pupils of St Mary’s who organised a party for needy children in the Lurgan area. Included are Mr R Turner of the NSPCC and Mr S Boyes, teacher.

Sr M Aquinas at Dublin Zoo on School Tour March 1961.

We put the customer first-not profit!

A library class in 1959.

Head girl May Mawhinney hands over a cheque for £100 as a donation from St Mary’s for St Paul’s new church in 1964.

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Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

p Big tri

Some interesting encounters over mini-skirts

dI ium, an an to Belg as ISTER Mary Finbarr THE trip o Holland, w ich I ls think a l journey wh s we McCartan who was on eventfu ber vividly, a boat the staff of St Mary's in e m e th m n re ery ill o Be lf a s t to v t 1959 shares her memories. o g all g fro m st leg St. Mary's, which opened in c ro s s in m on the fir January 1959, grew out of a need Heysha urney! n ie d of the joe re a c c o m p a t h a t for an alternative education style We w a c h e r s o n o n for ages eleven to sixteen. So, while te t by la y e a ls o w e n 1961 there was emphasis on academic W pril achievement it was according to A t r ip . in r trip nd Sr anothe M Aquinas a haps the ability of the student, St Mary's introduced a more and Sr arr (and per achM Finbuns and lay te s t o innovative, comprehensive eduu other n c o m p a n ie d n d , cation/formation. This was a e r s ) a c u t h o f I r e l l i n , reflected in the curriculum, and the range of subjects offered. In the So d i n g D u b addition to the usual academi n c l u y, Cashel etc. e n r Killa e ics, there was a focus on social e (n le oy ary O'B onohoe) and cultural development.

Rosem D Consequently, music and drama developed the talents of many, and gave us memorable musical performances. Art and crafts, cooking and needlework provided much enjoyment and displays. Sports and the debating teams built up a spirit of competi-

S

tion and community.

The library, a new experience for our pupils, was furnished and supplied in such a ways that it developed a love of reading, at all levels, and quiet time for research and browsing.

The school uniform provided a sense of belonging and pride as a student of St Mary's. However, the sixties was the age of the miniskirt. The uniform requirement of "to the knee, or below" provided many an interesting encounter between the fashion-conscious students and me. My past pupils can supply the details!!

As St Mary's became a busy, productive and pleasant centre of education, we had some interesting "trial and error" in the mastery of new equipment. The "purple" mimeograph manual machine was replaced by the Gestetner copier, a black-ink "nightmare! A sixteen "mm." projector for films took some skill and patience to have the sound and picture coor-

dinated! Slide projectors were known to "chew" slides, etc. etc!!

In the context of the present age of technology, our experience seems like no challenge.

Move the "mouse and click" was still in cyberspace in the sixties!!

I would like to speak in detail about our outstanding teachers of 1959, under the leadership of Sister Mary Aquinas, who were so cooperative and creative in bringing the St Mary's mission to reality.

Each one, in her/his department, provided great leadership, genius, and Christian witness for the students. Some individual names I have forgotten, but I still sense their presence, their personalities and their dedication.

This school community was our "baby" born in 1959. Now, the present staff, including some past pupils, continue to enrich and enhance St Mary's through its "adult" years. May the good work be blessed, for at least another fifty years.Thank you.

On a trip to the Lake District in the 60s. We will make no comment on the length of the skirts!

Kathleen Cassidy and Maria Wilson at the school in the 60s.

Committed to Education through Care, Partnership and Excellence

Congratulations to St Marys High School on their 50th Anniversary Celebration and we wish them the best of luck for the future LISMORE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL Drumgask, Brownlow, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT65 5DU Tel. Craigavon (028) 3831 4950 - Fax: (028) 3831 4966 E-mail: info@lismorecomp.craigavon.ni.sch.uk

Principal: J. Corrigan, BA (Hons), DipEd

ABOVE: A class group in the 60s.

R I G H T: - A c u p presentation.

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On stage in 1966.

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Wishing St Mary's all the best for the future.

We would like to congratulate St. Mary's High School on their 50th Anniversary!

For Reservations Tel: 028 3834 8848 Email: palomo.lurgan@hotmail.co.uk

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THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—31

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

Prayer

When M 8s class r Finn made o copy h all stand up a ur im do actions nd A re th a F little pra ra n k li n - Sa y to yer!! a Anna-M arie O'N eill

Preparing for a school play in the 1970s.

Given a love of learning L

AURETTA McGeown (nee Withers) shares her memories of St Mary's.

I was enrolled in St Mary’s school in September 1973. I believe that was the first year of the Dickson Plan. I didn’t take the 11plus exam but I remember that some pupils in Mrs Gaffney’s primary 7 class in the Sacred Heart did. I also rememb e r a f e w p a re n t s w e re s o horrified at the prospect of their daughters going to St Mary’s that they were removed from primary 7 and sent a year early to St Michael’s.

I don’t know whether my mother would have entered me for the 11 plus had the Dickson Plan not been introduced but I don’t remember being particularly clever or studious at that age and I don’t imagine I would have passed - so I am very grateful for a system that gave me opportunities for an education that I may not otherwise have enjoyed.

I remember being very worried about the entrance exam and I thought the maths was very difficult but I was placed in the “grammar stream” and so had the prospect of transferring to St Michael’s after three years.

I remember my mother being very pleased at this news but I don’t think I really cared or attached any significance to it at the time. Most of my friends were not in the grammar stream.

Being in the grammar stream had advantages and disadvantages. We were bullied from day one for being “snobs” and “stews”. Mrs Elliott had a class of “special” girls who were particularly vicious and

particularly terrifying.

Venturing down Waring Street was intrepid, but only the most foolhardy strayed into Arthur Street territory.

On the other hand I remember the school as being a nurturing environment. The teachers always seemed genuinely pleased to be teaching us and I feel they instilled a great sense of self belief in us. I had listened to my older sisters talking about St Mary Aquinas in less than glowing terms but when I was there the Principal was Ms O’Reilly. I mustn’t have got into trouble too often because I have no real recollection of her.

My greatest fear was of Mrs McLaughlin because I had no musical talent whatsoever. I remember getting whacked over the knuckles with my recorder on more than one occasion, and even my singing re n d i t i o n o f “C h e r r y R i p e Cherry Ripe” was somewhat substandard. She did, however, permit me to prance about the stage in the production of “The Arcadians” – obviously not a singing part – there must have been a crowd scene!

I wasn’t much use at languages either but I remember thinking that the French teacher Ms Keeley was very beautiful and she used to play the guitar and try to teach us songs in French.

I was even less use at Irish than French but I enjoyed going to the Gealtacht because I met gorgeous Dublin boys. When at the Gealteacht I remember myself, Roisin McGibbon, and Evelyn Molloy performing in a concert wrapped in bedcovers (as evening gowns) impersonating the Three Degrees singing “When will I see you again” in

St Paul's Junior High School Francis Street, Lurgan Principal: Mr S Flanagan M.A H.Dip Ed

Congratulations to St Mary’s High School on celebrating their 50th Anniversary !

Irish. Now if that’s not self belief what is?

The Irish teacher also taught Latin which at the time I thought was a waste of effort but now that I am an enthusiastic gardener I wish I had paid more attention because I would understand the Latin plant names. I did enjoy the projects we did about Roman life and later went on to take Ancient History at A level so obviously it w a s n’t a w a s t e o f e f f o r t – teacher knew best!

I also wish I had paid more attention in Mr McKinley’s science classes which I mainly used to copy Delores Maginness’ Latin homework!

Everyone loved Mr McKinley because he was good fun and always very kind. I remember him and Mr Elliott working hard at the scenery for our production of The Arcadians.

I liked cooking and sewing in Home Economics with Mrs Green but I have a vague recollection of an attempt at sex education with Mrs McBride (who was also a Home Economics teacher as I remem-

ber) being bewildering – It was only some time later I realised what she had been trying to talk about!

I loved Art and Mrs McCann organised an after-school club for art & crafts. We weaved with raffia, did batik dyeing, made mosaic, drawing, painting.

Ms O’Neill was the history teacher who brought history to life.

Besides the teachers I remember chips from the Manila Cafe, sweets from Nailey Moore’s shop, having the odd smoke from a cigarette from some of the older girls, rolling up the waistband of my school skirt to make it shorter – all the usual.

St Mary’s school gave me the grounding to go on and enjoy academic success, and the confidence to know I was good enough to compete with anyone from any walk of life. But beyond academic or career success contact with inspirational people like Pat McCann, Marie O’Neill and Mrs Vallely gave me a life-long love of learning and interest in art, history, and reading that has enriched my life

and actually helped me escape from the stress of every day work and life.

A big thank you St Mary’s from Lauretta McGeown (nee Withers).

Arcadians Musical 1976 with Ethna McLoughlin.

St Teresa's Primary School Tel:02838 323425 "Congratulations to all involved in St Mary's High School on their 50th Anniversary Every good wish for the future"

Congratulations to St. Mary’s High School for providing quality education to the young ladies of Lurgan for the past 50 years.

Best wishes from St. Patrick’s Primary School Aghagallon

Telephone:028 92651017

FAX: 02838 322078 We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate St. Marys High School on reaching their 50th Anniversary and wish them all the best for the future!

32—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

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The class of

The St Mary's High School year 10 form group. LM1009102gc

The St Mary's High School year 9 form group. LM1009-101gc

The St Mary's High School year 12 form group. LM1009-104gc

The staff at St Mary's High School. LM1009-105gc

The class of

The St Mary's High School year 11 form group. LM1009-103gc

2009

The St Mary's High School year 8 form group. LM1009-100gc

THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—33

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

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34—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

s y a d t Grea

s om Mr ries - fr all had o m e e m many lass where w u Art" are so c o THERE hlin's music ow Great Th with Mr g g McLau the hymn "He, to pleadin v a r io u s to sing us out of tun r k s f o r t h e n e a n d a f in most o le y f o r + m e ird re, G ra for very d Mc K in - Ma e v e, D ve them - an s a Ho u s e He always g 70s e late Eimear. 's in th y r a M little. days at St Great . dy McGra 0s Fiona early 8

A school trip to Lourdes in 1967.

A happy place to work 'A

HAPPY place' was how two former vice principals described their time at St Mary's.

Brendan McKinley (Right) and Tony Elliot (Below) notched up 75 years service between them.

Science teacher Brendan was the first male member of the teaching staff when he joined in 1963.

"I was often called on to do all the odd jobs around the school," said Brendan.

"The headmistress, Sister Aquinas labelled me Brother Beck 'n' Call."

Brendan was par t of a small teaching staff with just under 300 pupils enrolled at the school.

He continued: "It was my first post after I qualified.

"It's rare for a teacher to spend his whole career in St Mary's certainly for 40 years. But it was a great school and I wouldn't have

wanted to be anywhere else.

"It was a very happy place to work I can honestly say I looked forward to going to work every day."

Brendan progressed through the teaching ranks to become vice prin“Sister Acquinas labelled me Brother Beck ‘n’ Call” Former VP B r e n d a n McKinley

cipal, apost he held for 20 years before retiring in 2003.

On leaving he was presented with the Benemerenti Medal from the Pope. It is awarded to those that show long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. It is also the

highest accolade the church can bestow on lay people.

"I must have been doing something right," added Brendan.

"I have a lot of fond memories of the school and I can count many of the staff as some of my closest friends."

Tony Elliot was a geography and maths teacher at the school from 1967 before retiring in 2002. He was made head of the geography department before becoming vice principal in 1988.

He said: "There were a lot of changes over the years. The school leaving age was raised to 16 and we also had the introduction of the Dickson Plan.

"It was a challenging time for the school, especially with the Dickson Plan. Because of the small number of schools involved in the new system there was a lack of support.

"But the school progressed and

developed well, I believe we used the Dickson Plan to the advantage of the school.

"Despite some of the best pupils heading off to St Michael's, many of those that stayed on did very well “ We u s e d t h e Dickson Plan to the advantage of the school.”

Former VP Tony Elliot in the school.

"Indeed the school was ver y proud of its academic record and the amount of pupils leaving without qualifications was very small.

And many more actually went on to further and higher education.

"There were pupils that have went

on to become teachers at the school. I remember past pupils telling me they remembered jokes I told them 20 or 30 years ago and they still didn't find them funny."

He continued: "And the school had a good sporting tradition, we had great success in camogie, netball, gymnastics and athletics.

"My favourite time of year was mid-August when the results came in - it was good to see the fruits of our labour."

After 35 years service at the school with 15 years as vice principal Tony retired.

He concluded: "The staff room was always abuzz, a real hive of activity, we were a very professional group but there was never a dull moment.

"We had our ups and our downs, but I have nothing but the best of memories from my time at the school."

Leavers with Bishop Brooks in 1976.

St Mary’s staff in 1975-76.

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THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—35

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

The art of teaching

F

ORMER principal Mary O’Neill spent a remarkable 37 years at St Mary’s School.

St Mary’s was Marie’s first and only school since gaining her teaching qualifications at Queen’s in 1961.

She’d also been there as a sub for nine months in 1959 when the school opened.

“I went back to the school recently and talked to a group of year 12 girls who were compiling a memory book,” said Marie, who was vice principal from 1973 to 1981, then principal from 1981 to 1998.

“Myself and Mrs Lappin (a former pupil) talked to the girls about what the school was like when it opened.

“It was very funny - one of the girls asked, “Were they alllowed to bring their mobile phones to school?”

Marie went on to list the difference between the school when she started and today’s classroom.

“Discipline was a bit more rigid,” she recalled.

“There was a staff of 18 between 200 or 300 pupils - class sizes were a

bit bigger. When it opened first the staff there were the Sisters of Mercy.

Three of them are still alive which is amazing.

She added: “The biggest difference was that there wasn’t a great interest in exams. There was plenty of employment for girls in factories when they were finishing at 15.

“In 1973 it was raised to 16. The interest in exams had begun to start since then.

"When we became comprehensive in 1973 children didn’t need to do the 11 Plus and it proved to me that the 11 Plus was a very wrong thing for deciding children’s future.”

Mary, who taught mainly History, but also Geography, English and French, told of her fond memories of St Mary’s.

“I must say I enjoyed my 37 years at St Mary. My memory is actually better for the girls I taught at the beginning. One of the unfortunate things about being principal is you only get to know badly behaved girls.

“I always used to say to parents if I didn’t get to know your daughter it’s a good sign.”

Marie continued: “A lot of the girls have done very well for themselves doctors, scientists, all kinds of things.”

Always one to support her girls, in her house Marie has a piece of art from one of her former pupils, Anne Harrigan.

“I enjoyed being principal otherwise I wouldn’t have done it for as long as I did,” commented Marie, who is on the Board of Governors at St Paul’s.

“The one thing I didn’t like as a teacher was corrections.

“I liked the pastoral side of being principal. I was very lucky to have two fantastic VPs - Tony (Elliot) was great for looking after the building and maintenance and Brendan (McKinley) had a great head for finance.

“Paperwork became increased as time went. I definitely would not enjoy the role as much now as there’s too much paperwork.”

She concluded: “I must say I was very fortunate to have a dedicated and hard working staff. It’s a tribute to the school that a lot of them are still there.”

Miss Marie O'Neill, past principal of St Mary's High School. LM0809125gc

Trip to France in 1980.

Bank of Ireland competition winners in 1983.

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The student council with Miss O’Neill in 1982.

Maginn and McCreanor Schools of Dance Congratulations to St Mary's on their 50th Anniversary and best wishes for the future

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Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School LEFT:- Students who were successful at CSE in 1983.

g n i t r a t S

irst en I f er wh r e i n a b m e I rem d w e w e we had e s t a r t all 1R and Donald c s s la rs Mc s. c ic vely M the lo me econom o h r fo

RIGHT:- Eithna McLauglin retires.

A golden T

HE anniversary celebrations at St Mary's are a 'golden milestone', according to the school's principal.

A childcare class in 1981.

Deirdre McNally succeeded Miss Marie O'Neill in 1998 as principal, and under her stewardship the school has grown from strength-tostrength.

She said: "This is a very special year of celebration in St Mary’s as we mark our golden jubilee. It is a golden milestone on the journey of Catholic post-primary education in Lurgan which has seen St Mary’s grow from strength-to-strength over the years."

The school opened in January 1959 to 374 pupils

and 16 staff as a secondary inter mediate school for girls. The first principal was Sister Mary Aquinas of the Order of Sisters of Mercy "She lit the beacon and laid the foundations for a successful school," continu e d M s M c N a l l y. H e r philosophy and values of achievement through hard work and service to others are an integral part of the ethos of St Mary’s today."

Sr Mary Aquinas was succeeded as principal by Miss Kathleen O’Reilly (both now deceased). Ms McNally continued: "I have just completed my first decade as leader – a decade which has been most rewarding, very fulfilling yet challenging.

"Change has been a part of

educational life over the years. In 1973 St Mar y’s became part of the Dickson Plan, commonly referred to as the two-tier system of Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools.

Although St Mary’s had the name Junior High School, the school, did and still does, cater for 11 to 16-yearolds. Transfer at 14 plus became the norm and this demanded a huge leap of faith at that time for pupils, parents and staff of all the schools in the area.

"The school has embraced the changes wholeheartedly and positively, always seeking out what was best for the individual pupil.

"The school is a very caring school with a strong emphasis on and ethos of

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WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE ST MARYS HIGH SCHOOL ON REACHING THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR THE FUTURE!

We would like to take this opportunity to wish St. Mary's High School all the best on their 50th Anniversary!

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www.lurganmail.co.uk

THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—37

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

These girls were cooking up a storm in the 90s.

milestone Choir practice in the 90s.

pastoral care," added Ms McNally.

"Relationships at all levels reflect this. Parents and pupils have full confidence in the school, and the fact that a number of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, are past pupils of the school is a measure of this confidence."

St Mary’s boasts strong links with the local, national and international community and engages in numerous projects annually to raise aware-

ness of and give practical help to those who are in any way disadvantaged or in need.

Financial assistance is p rov i d e d a n n u a l l y f o r charities such as St Vincent de Paul, NSPCC, Cancer Research, Marie Curie, Southern Area H o s p i c e , Tr o c a i r e , Concern, Children of C h e r n o by l a n d Si m o n Community.

Ms McNally added: "Cross-community contact is high on our agenda with curriculum projects

involving Lurgan Junior High School and our link s c h o o l , B a d i - Un - D i n , Mahmud Girls College, Kandy, in Sri Lanka.

"St Mary’s has grown and moved with the times. It has become a centre of excellence both in curricular and extra-curricular terms.

"Our exam success has been consistently well above the Northern Ireland average, and we have achieved successes in the fields of sport, music, art, technology,

ICT and more."

S h e c o n c l u d e d : " We have much to celebrate and be proud of in this Jubilee Year and it is an honour and privilege for me as principal to lead this outstanding school.

"Change has been an integral part of the past and will, no doubt, be part of our future.

"We are well placed to adapt to the future, always ensuring that the provision for the pupils in our care will be simply the best."

Ms Deirdre McNally, principal of St Mary's High School. LM1009-125gc

Students who enjoyed musical success.

ABOVE:- A ski trip in the 90s.

L E F T: - D a n c i n g the night away.

C. MALLON

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Congratulations to St Mary's on their 50th Anniversary and BestWishes for the future

All smiles at the dishes.

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Well done to St. Mary's High School on their 50th Anniversary from all the branch & Club members!

www.lurganmail.co.uk

38—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

On the trip to Lourdes last year.

Lourdes trip made impression

I

HAVE had some terrific memories in St Mary’s but the best was when I went to Lourdes. I went to Lourdes on October 20, 2008 and it was brilliant. I got to see the Grotto, City of the Poor and the Torchlight procession.

The best part of Lourdes was when we went to the torchlight procession as it was beautiful to watch. We all carried a candle and held it up whenever everybody sang Ave Maria and also seeing the Grotto where

Our Lady appeared was brilliant. You were allowed to go and touch the Grotto and go say a prayer there as well.

At Lourdes they had a tiny little river full of Holy water where you could fill up bottles of Holy water and bring them home. Lourdes was full of people from all over the world.

We went during the 150th anniversary which was very exciting. Going to Lourdes was an amazing experience that I will never forget. It was the best memory I’ve had at St Mary’s.

Ann Dowds 9F

Competing for the UTV School Choir of the Year in 2004. The school won the competition ( celebrations pictured below).

Polish student is ‘so happy’

Excited at change

A

S I got off the bus and walked through the big scary gate, I became really excited because it was a really big change from my primary school.

I could not believe my eyes because there’s so much to do and so much to see.

When I first got to the assembly there were so many girls and no boys.

When Mrs McNally mentioned all the form teachers I wondered who is mine going to be? Is it a he or a she? My teacher was Miss Towe. I

said to myself she looks nice and sweet.

Miss Towe took us to our form class where she introduced herself, then I met Trisha, my helper. She is very nice.

We then got our timetable of new subjects.

The morning flew by and in no time it was break. I talked to the other girls in my class. As the day went on we began to follow our timetable until home time.

I got on the bus home thinking I was tired but happy as I had enjoyed my first day at my new school.

By Aoife Tennyson 8.T.

W

HEN I came to school for the first time, everybody was very nice and helpful to me. Mrs McNally told me that there were t h re e o t h e r Po l i s h girls in school.

Collecting for the hospice in 2006.

I w a s s o a f ra i d , b u t I smiled, because somebody spoke with me in my national language.

Now I am here three years and even if I have some sad a n d h a r d d a y s , I ’m s o happy. In school I got a lot of certificates and gold medals from volleyball matches. Also I have a lot of wonderful friends and my English is very good.

We should always have faith to confront our fear and never be afraid.

Aleksandra Szczypior Year 11

www.lurganmail.co.uk

THE LURGAN MAIL, MARCH 5, 2009—39

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

‘The happiest years of my life’ W

ALKING through the wooden doors of the foyer I was so nervous

I had come from Tannaghmore PS and from July 1 when school had ended for the summer, I couldn’t wait, but as soon as the 5th September arrived I was a nervous wreck.

Although as soon as I walked through to the assembly hall I was warming to my new school already. All the teachers were

very friendly, and made me feel very welcome. I was brought to form class and we began a friendly exercise which I’m sure will be friendships I’ll treasure forever.

Lifelong friends have been made in St Mary’s and I’m sure I’ll remember these three years for all my years to come. First year was one of the years where I was a shy girl with very low confidence, but by March I was beginning to open up. I would voice my opinions and was myself among new people.

Second year was one of my favourite times. I had great friends, a brilliant education and my confidence had come in leaps and bounds – I felt safe in St Mary’s and it was something I looked forward to school and seeing my friends.

As I continue what may be my last year here, I realise that the time has flown and I wish that everything would slow down.

My GCSEs are coming closer and the support from the staff here has been amazing.

My mum was a past pupil and many of

the teachers that taught her have now taught me and the standards of teaching have kept up, if anything improved. The school itself hasn’t physically changed according to my mum’s memory but it continues to deliver the high standard of education the people of Lurgan expect.

The three years I have spent here have been the happiest years of my life – and if I leave for St Michael’s I will most certainly be back to visit.

Shannon Dowds 10F

Memories of head girl I ’M now in my fifth year o f S t M a r y ’s a n d a m studying for my GCSEs.

I have accomplished a lot in my five years in St Mary’s, one of these was winning a story writing competition that was open to all of the UK. Winning this meant I had the opportunity to visit the House of Commons in London to receive my award for Sir Stephen Redgrave.

Just a few months ago I took part in the national finals of a road safety public speaking competition.

I had the privilege of reading at our jubilee mass in celebration of our school’s 50th year of education, this was a once in a lifetime experience, as was being the representative for the youth of the Dromore Diocese at a mass celebrated by Papal Nuncio at the launch of the John Paul II award.

This year we also took a school trip to Lourdes in the south of France. I’ve no idea how to even begin explaining this experience, there’s no words that give it the respect it deserves, it was one of

the most enjoyable and equally spiritual experience in my life, I will never forget about my time there.

I feel that looking back on my time in St Mary’s the thing that will have the most significance was when I became Head Girl, it was a major factor in being able to do so many great things in my last year of St Mary’s.

By Rosalind McConville Year 12 St Mary’s Head Girl 2008/09

Miss McGurn’s Geography Class, 10G, who raised £85 for Trocaire. The girls decided to buy pigs, chickens, a water supply and a vegetable patch for people in the developing world.

LEFT:- On a ski trip in 2001.

Year 12 students meet President McAleese.

Mrs McStravick meets the Dalai Lama.

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We would like to congratulate St Marys High School on their 50th Anniversary and wish them continued success for the future

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40—THE LURGAN MAIL, March 5, 2009

Celebrating 50 years of excellence at St Mary’s High School

St Mary's High School pupils who performed in song and dance at the 50th Anniversary special Massheld in J a n u a r y. L M 0 4 0 9 154gc

Part of the St Mary's choir with teacher Miss Fran McCann. LM0409-153gc

Bishop John McAreavey, Ms Deirdre McNally, principal, Miss Marie O'Neill, past principal and Canon Cathal Jordan with the St Mary's High School 50th Anniversary cake. LM0409-180gc

Past pupils of St Mary's High School at the anniversary lunch. LM0409183gc

Former St Mary’s teachers celebrate the anniversary in January. LM0409187gc

Former St Mary's teachers Patsy Toman and Tony Elliott at the service. LM0409-155gc

St Mary’s 50th Anniversary Special Mass

Fran McCann, Vera McGeown, Mary Tomelty, Deirdre McCann and Marie McClean who are some of the St Mary's longest serving teachers. LM0409-181gc

Congratulates St. Mary's High School on it's 50th anniversary.