Issue Twelve - December 2019

NUACHT MHUIRE The Newsletter of St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt ST. MARY’S LEGAL EAGLES Year 13 Pupils Win National Legal Competition page 3

Inspiring Excellence, Fulfilling Potential MEET YEAR 8

In September, we were delighted to welcome Year 8 pupils to St. Mary’s. We know that they will each ST. MARY’S make a special contribution to the life and spirit of the school. We wish every pupil happiness and fulfilment LEGAL EAGLES throughout their time in St. Mary’s. Back in June, two Year 13 pupils from St. Mary’s were crowned the winning team in the prestigious national competition, ‘The Legal Apprentice’.

Una Campbell and Luke McCallion competed French and History, and Luke, who studies PRINCIPAL’S against eight other finalists from three schools Business Studies, Chemistry, English Literature across the UK in the competition which was and Mathematics, each received £500 prize 8A INTRODUCTION hosted by law firm Kingsley Napley LLP in money and will be interviewed by Kingsley 8A pupils pictured with their Form Teacher, Mrs Burke partnership with The Times. Napley for the ultimate prize of winning a highly “Education is what remains after coveted apprenticeship at the firm’s London office The final took place on 19 June at News UK in upon completion of their A-Levels. As the winning one has forgotten what one has London (HQ of The Times) where finalists were school, St. Mary’s also received £5,000. learned in school.” tasked with advising a fictional client, representing NUACHT MHUIRE that client in a police interview and then making a Una and Luke were guided through each stage As I browse the pages of this issue of ‘Nuacht Mhuire’ bail application on the client’s behalf. The clients of the competition, from application to final, by and reflect on the breadth of experiences enjoyed by were played by professional actors. Ms Donoghue, Head of Careers. Reflecting on

- December 2019 December - St. Mary’s pupils this term, I am reminded of the words the students’ achievement, Ms Donoghue said: 8B - December 2019 of Albert Einstein. The learning acquired by pupils in All four teams were judged in front of an audience “We are absolutely thrilled by Una and Luke’s 8B pupils pictured with their Form Teacher, Mrs Bradley the classroom is evident in the school’s examination of 180 of their peers. The five judges were senior success. Given the number of schools competing, outcomes and the range of prizes distributed during lawyers and journalists, including Stephen we never anticipated when we entered the our annual awards ceremonies. Arguably, however, Parkinson (Senior Partner at Kingsley Napley), competition that we would be a finalist so to

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT the learning which occurs outside the classroom – on Judith Seddon (Partner at Ropes and Gray LLP), actually win the competition was incredible.” the sports field, through the charity and volunteering Cordella Bart Stewart (Director of the Black work, or by participation in competitions – is the Solicitors Network), Frances Gibb (former Legal learning which pupils will remember ten years from Editor of The Times) and Colin Passmore (Senior now. How fortunate it is then that the pupils of St. Partner at Simmons and Simmons LLP). 8C Mary’s are afforded so many opportunities to access a Una, who is studying A Level English Literature, 8C pupils pictured with their Form Teacher, Mr Burke diverse education and develop the skills and attributes which will equip them for life beyond school.

I commend pupils for both their academic efforts and participation in extra-curricular activities throughout the term and offer my appreciation to the staff of the school for their commitment to providing pupils with a high quality education. I also wish to thank parents/ 8D guardians for their ongoing support of the school. As 8D pupils pictured with their Form Teacher, Miss MacOscar we approach the end of a very busy first term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone within the St. Mary’s community a happy and holy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

ActingF. Dunlop Principal (Mr) 8E 8E pupils pictured with their Form Teacher, Mr Morgan 2 3 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com EXAMINATION EXCELLENCE TOP PERFORMERS In August, St. Mary’s celebrated another year of exceptional performance in A-Level and GCSE examinations. At A-Level, Students from St. Mary’s were among the highest achieving students in this an impressive 96% of all examinations taken by students resulted in A* - C grades. At GCSE, 97.5% of students achieved year’s GCSE and A-Level examinations in a number of subjects, including A*-C grades in at least 7 subjects, including English and Mathematics while 60% of all grades were A*-A. Art and Design, Chemistry, Drama, Geography and Spanish. At A-Level, Barry McErlean achieved First Place in Chemistry and Geography. At GCSE, Such outstanding results reflect and reward the consistent endeavour of students and the commitment of highly skilled Catriona Toner achieved First Place in Drama, Siún Cummings achieved and dedicated teachers who guided students along the path to success. The support and encouragement of parents and Third Place in Spanish and Adam Rocks achieved maximum marks in Art and guardians are also integral to the exceptional performance of students. Congratulations to all. Design. The students, their families and teachers attended the Celebrate with CCEA Awards Ceremony in the Titanic Centre, Belfast on Tuesday 17 December 2019. NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 Adam Rocks - Top Marks in Art NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

Barry McErlean

Catriona Toner

ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS CARD This year’s school Christmas card was designed by Adam Rocks, Year 13. Thank you to Adam for giving of his time and talent in creating the artwork for the card. 4 5 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY On Tuesday 10 September 2019, St. Mary’s held its annual Awards Ceremony to recognise and reward the academic and extra-curricular achievements of students. The Guest Speaker for the evening was Professor Roderick Paisley who holds the Chair of Scots Law at the University of Aberdeen. The theme for the evening was: “Success leaves footprints. Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go.” The Awards Ceremony was particularly significant for the staff of St. Mary’s this year as they presented, for the first time, the Living Faith Award in memory of their friend and colleague, Mrs Irene Hynds (Assistant Principal), who passed away in April 2018. Introducing the award, Father Gates paid tribute to Mrs Hynds and the imprint she had made on the hearts and minds of those who knew her. He explained that the bespoke award had been specially commissioned and was symbolic of so many elements in the life of Mrs Hynds. The family of Mrs Hynds, including her husband, Seamus, and son, Daniel, attended the Awards Ceremony and Mr Hynds presented the Living Faith Award to its first recipient - Year 14 student, Laura Diamond. NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

6 7 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com INTERNAL AWARDS CEREMONY CELEBRATING SUCCESS The achievements of pupils from Year 8 - Year 11 throughout 2018/19 were rewarded during a number of internal awards ceremonies. A wide range of awards were distributed in recognition of pupils’ success in many areas, both inside and outside of school, including awards for academic performance, musical accomplishment, sporting achievement, school attendance, exemplary behaviour and contribution to class spirit. Congratulations to all our award winners. NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

8 9 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com INTERNAL AWARDS CEREMONY INTERNAL AWARDS CEREMONY NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

10 11 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com INTERNAL AWARDS CEREMONY LEADING THE WAY

The 2019/20 Student Leadership Team is as follows:

Head Boy Philip Baine Head Girl Catherine Skelly Deputy Head Boys Mark Comer, Aidan McCluskey, Conor McGarry, Ryan McKenna Deputy Head Girls Catherine Byrne, Emma Dace, Laura Diamond, Ella McKenna

We wish them well in their roles this year. NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

12 13 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com SOPHISTICATION AND STYLE EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES 2019 On 24 September 2019, Key Stage 4 language students had the opportunity to It was an evening of sophistication and sartorial splendour as students from St. Mary’s attended the annual Year 14 visit Holy Family Primary School to teach Irish, Spanish and French as part of the Formal. The event was held in the Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena on Friday 20 September 2019. Organised by celebration for European Day of Languages. The St. Mary’s students introduced the Mrs McGee, Head of Year 14, and the Year 14 Formal Committee, the evening provided students with an opportunity to primary pupils to vocabulary such as commands and played a range of games such celebrate the friendships they have developed during their time at the school and reflect on the many experiences they as ‘Simon Says’ using the different languages. have shared together.

MACMILLAN COFFEE BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP MORNING In September, 70 Year 13 Biology students visited Portaferry sea shore and carried out a number of field On 27 September 2019, the staff of St. Mary’s took part studies. They were able to increase their knowledge in the ‘world’s largest coffee morning’ in aid of Macmillan and understanding of the biodiversity of this unique Cancer Support. Organised by Mrs McCormick, Head of ecosystem. They also visited Exploris where they had a History, the event raised £855.00 for the charity. guided tour of the aquariums and displays. NUACHT MHUIRE - December 2019 December - - December 2019 NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY It was World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2019 and all pupils and staff in St. Mary’s were provided with a green ribbon, the international symbol for mental health awareness, to wear that day. Mrs McGee, Head of Year 14, and a team of senior students made and distributed the ribbons to ensure that everyone within the school understood the significance of the date. On the day, Form Teachers also delivered a presentation to all pupils with advice on how young people can keep themselves mentally healthy. 14 15 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com PEN PAL EXCHANGES ART WORKSHOP WITH Year 8 French pupils were busy in November writing pen pal letters to pupils in Collège Marcel Cuynat in In Spanish, Year 8 – Year 10 pupils are waiting for ROBERT PETERS Monestier de Clermont, France. They are all excited replies from their Spanish friends in our partner school, On Wednesday 25 September 2019, Key Stage 4 and Key about receiving their replies and learning about school Colegio Aristos (Getafe – Madrid). Stage 5 Art and Design students took part in a drawing life in France. techniques workshop with artist, Robert Peters. Robert Peters has been a practising artist for more than 30 years and his work encompasses a range of artistic media such as drawing, photography, print and digital art. Each student LES GARCONS took great inspiration from his knowledge and advice on transparent drawing for their portfolios. Year 10 French pupils had a fantastic morning at the Onatti Theatre Company’s production of ‘Les Garçons’ held in the Rainey Endowed School on 10 October 2019. 10B pupils, Leah SURE START VISIT Brewster and Con Campbell, were even GCSE Child Development students in St. brave enough to get up on stage and show Mary’s welcomed Rachel Scroogie from off their acting skills in French. Sure Start Northern Ireland to their class. Rachel visited the class to discuss safety in the home for young children as part of the students’ study of the subject. Miss Allen and the class wish to express their sincere ROAD OF HOPE appreciation to Rachel for taking the time SHOEBOX APPEAL to deliver a very informative and interactive

session which considered a range of NUACHT MHUIRE Key Stage 3 pupils from St. Mary’s once again responded specialist terms and statistics. generously and enthusiastically to the annual Road of Hope Shoe Box Appeal. Road of Hope is a voluntary charity organisation which relies on the goodwill of local people to help support those who are underprivileged in - December 2019 December - countries such as Bosnia, Croatia, Romania and Africa. A ST. MARY’S PUPILS RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE - December 2019 total of 132 shoeboxes were filled and sent overseas to WORK OF THE HOLY FAMILY SISTERS OF BORDEAUX disadvantaged children in poverty stricken parts of the Year 9 and Year 11 pupils in St. Mary’s have been raising The money was raised via a sponsored Readathon on world. By donating very simple and yet practical gifts, St. funds to support the work of the Holy Family Sisters of World Book Day and Year 11 pupils also sold tickets for Mary’s pupils will have made a huge difference in the life

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT Bordeaux. a draw. of another child at Christmas. Pupils participating in the Pope John Paul II and Muiredach Cross Awards assisted by Sister Sheila visited Year 9 Assembly on Wednesday Sister Sheila explained to pupils how the money was wrapping the gifts and transporting the shoe boxes on 6 November 2019 to thank Year 9 and Year 11 pupils sent to Okara in Pakistan and helped fund new facilities the day of collection. for generously donating £3037.51 to the Holy Family and amenities at a school there. Sisters of Bordeaux.

PART OF THE ACTION Action MS Chief Executive, Ann Walker, visited St. Mary’s as part of a special awards presentation to thank Year 10 pupils for their tremendous efforts on behalf of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Year 10 pupils took part in the Walk for MS during the summer term and raised a total of £3510.00 in aid of Action MS, Northern Ireland’s Multiple Sclerosis Charity.

In expressing her appreciation to pupils, Ann said: “Thanks to the generosity and support of schools like St. Mary’s Grammar School, the Walks for MS are at the core of Action MS support services. Action MS supports people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families and carers in Northern Ireland.” The pupils and staff of St. Pictured is Sister Sheila, Mr Brady (Head of Year 9) and Mr Mary’s are proud to provide continued support for this Dunlop (Acting Principal), along with a representation of local charity. Year 9 and Year 11 pupils. 16 17 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com A PICTURE OF HORROR DRAMA STUDENTS ATTEND LYRIC THEATRE On Wednesday 24 October 2019, former PRODUCTION OF ‘BLACKOUT’ St. Mary’s pupil, Ciara Hampsey, visited the Art and Design Department to deliver a Halloween On 9 October 2019, A-Level Drama students attended a sequences by David Calvert, this high-energy production special effects make-up workshop. More than performance of Blackout at Sperrin Integrated College, was followed by a Q&A with a panel of young 60 pupils from Year 8 - Year 10 enthusiastically Magherafelt. Blackout tells the story of James, a young man people with first-hand experience of custody and took part in the exciting event which included a from a dysfunctional family. The death of his grandfather the judicial system. The performance waspresented demonstration by Ciara, as well as the opportunity results in his dabbling in drugs and alcohol in conjunction with the Department of Justice NI and to experiment with the shocking special effects – a path which leads him to court and a possible custodial Hydebank Wood College. St.Mary’s pupils were techniques themselves. sentence. Directed by Philip Crawford, with an atmospheric impressed with the style of the performance and also the soundtrack by Chris Warner and physical theatre subject matter of the play. YEAR 10 SUCCESS IN POETRY COMPETITION Year 10 pupils, Georgia Lavelle and Zoe McAllister, were awarded Highly Commended in the prestigious Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Competition. Georgia’s poem, ‘Feeding Time’, was inspired by the work of Seamus Heaney. She vividly recalled a personal memory shared with her grandfather and reflected on the wonderful experiences that come from working with animals. Zoe’s poem, entitled ‘Yellow Rose’, reflected on the innocence of childhood memories and celebrated the simple things in life. NUACHT MHUIRE

ALL AN ACT

- December 2019 December - Drama students enjoyed a range of theatrical experiences ‘Juno and the Paycock’ by Sean O’Casey in St. Patrick’s throughout the first term. In September, GCSE and Academy, Dungannon. - December 2019 A-Level students participated in a physical theatre workshop facilitated by the Lyric Theatre’s Creative Key Stage 3 pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit to St. Learning Department. Students also had the opportunity Colm’s High School, Draperstown to see their production SOMETHING’S COOKING TALKING RUBBISH to attend a production of ‘The Playboy of the Western of ‘Oliver!’

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT World’ by J.M. Synge in the Lyric Theatre, Belfast and Pupils across all key stages in St. Mary’s enjoyed cookery On 21 November 2019, Year 8 pupils had a fun morning demonstrations delivered by Patricia Mitchell from the when they participated in the ‘Bin It!’workshop in St. Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC). Mary’s.

As part of these demonstrations, pupils developed an The aim of the ‘Bin It!’ show is to help pupils understand THE BIG DRAW understanding of food provenance, quality assurance, why it is important to take personal responsibility for During the week commencing 30 September 2019, five of the versatility and convenience of beef and lamb, and the correct litter disposal. The workshop included an the MLP Art and Design Departments organised the Key importance of these within a balanced diet. All pupils got entertaining and educational live performance which Stage 3 ‘Big Draw’ activity with the aim of involving Key to sample the delicious dishes prepared by Patricia. aimed to tackle the challenging problems about litter in Stage 3 pupils in each school in using the universal skill of the most sustainable way – by changing behaviours. ‘Bin drawing for learning in a wide range of subject areas. It It!’ raised pupils’ awareness of the environmental costs was a great experience for pupils in the classroom and, on and social issues surrounding discarded the final day, Year 8 pupils gathered to create the letters litter, particularly chewing gum. This ‘BIG DRAW’. Well done to everyone involved. engaging performance also helped to deliver key Citizenship learning points, as well as encouraging student co- operation, interest and participation.

18 19 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com CLIMATE CHANGE PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES CONFERENCE Eimear Duffin, Ella McKenna, Emma McNally, Meabh helping to push wheelchairs for sick and frail pilgrims; Cassidy and Emma Taggart from St. Mary’s participated helping with practical matters, assisting with carrying On Saturday 9 November 2019, 15 pupils from St. in the annual Derry Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage which banners and equipment. The pupils were part of a large Mary’s travelled to the Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library to participate in a Climate Change took place during Summer 2019. Once again, the Youth Team, who also shared in their own activities – Conference. pupils from St. Mary’s volunteered five days of service visiting the City of the Poor, attending the Torch Light to helping the supported pilgrims. During the week, Procession, having special times of prayer together and The event, which gave students an insight into the the pupils fully immersed themselves in the pilgrimage, enjoying recreational times too. issues surrounding climate change, was organised by the Justice and Peace Group at the Armagh Diocese. Speakers presented on a range of issues from the very topical environmental impact of climate change to exploring some of the challenges in tackling the current crisis.

Two pupils from St. Mary’s, Peter Cassidy (Year 11) and Conal Heaney (Year 13), sat on the panel and spoke passionately to those in attendance. The presentations were followed by group discussions and the floor was then opened to the attendees to pose questions to the panel.

TALL TALES NUACHT MHUIRE On Wednesday 9 October 2019, Year 8 pupils enjoyed a fun-filled morning of creative stories told by local author and storyteller, Liz Weir. Pupils were enthralled by Liz’s spine-tingling tales just in time for Halloween and

- December 2019 December - even had the opportunity to deliver their own creative - December 2019 stories to a captive audience. Returning to St. Mary’s on 6 December 2019, Liz delivered a Christmas-themed creative writing workshop for Year 9 pupils. PREFECT TRAINING TAEKWONDO WORLD

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT On Friday 6 September 2019, 90 Year 13 prefects CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 received training with staff from YMCA. The training Congratulations to Year 13 student, Conal Heaney, who was interactive, informative and worked on developing participated in the Taekwondo World Championships the students’ leadership skills so that they can become 2019 in Glasgow achieving two World Silver Medals in excellent role models for junior pupils. It introduced Taekwondo. Conal achieved Silver in the Patterns 16-17 the prefects to the idea of ‘coaching’ as a strategy to year olds category and Team Sparring 16-17 year olds help someone to get the very best performance out of category with a mixed country team (the Northern Ireland themselves – the potential for which was already there. and Dutch Team). The training also gave them the opportunity to begin practicing the skills of coaching which will prove very useful when they engage in the successful subject peer mentoring scheme which runs in St. Mary’s. The students also received child protection training.

A SAD TALE’S BEST FOR WINTER A Level English Literature students travelled to the Odeon Cinema in Belfast on the evening of 4 December 2019 to enjoy a screening of the National Theatre’s production of ‘The Winter’s Tale’. Accompanied by Mrs Reid, Miss Cumiskey and Mr Quinn, the students appreciated the opportunity to see this set text brought to life from the page to the stage 20 just one week before the school’s mock examinations. 21 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com SOROPTIMIST SUCCESS Tráth na gCeist On 21 November 2019, six pupils represented St. Mary’s Year 10 Irish students travelled to the Glenavon House in the Regional Heat of the 38th Annual Soroptimist Hotel, Cookstown to represent the Irish Department in International Public Speaking competition which was held the annual Gael Linn Tráth na gCeist. Over 300 students at Ballymoney Health Centre. The competition is open to competed on the day, enjoying both the language and girls in Year 12 and Year 13 and has a number of key aims, the cultural experience. St. Mary’s students - Aoife Kelly, such as encouraging girls to play a more prominent part Sarah Heron, Anna Lavery and Áine Campbell achieved in public life and encouraging girls to develop the skills to second place. They will now travel to represent the school speak effectively and to articulate with clarity. Participants in the Ulster Final which will be held in January 2020. presented a speech from a choice of six topics which Maith sibh go léir! represent the areas in which Soroptimist International is involved: Advocacy; Economic Empowerment: Education, Environment, Sustainability; Food, Security and Healthcare; Violence and Conflict Resolution. Kara ‘Sweatshops – are we responsible for their creation?’ and GAEILGE 24 AN GAELBHRATACH Clerkin, Year 12, selected the topic ‘Overfed or underfed was awarded third place. Emer Bateson, Finola Bateson, As part of its commitment to the promotion of the Irish Following the success of the Gaelbhratach Committee – a modern day issue!’ and was awarded second place. Erin Lynch and Keeva Noonan, all Year 13, also represented language in school, the Gaelbhratach committee sought for the last three years, a new committee has been Emma Likeman, Year 13, delivered a speech on the topic St. Mary’s on the evening. to enter the school in the Gaeilge 24 challenge, organised formed to lead the promotion of Irish language and by Conradh na Gaeilge. Year 13 and Year 14 A-Level culture in St. Mary’s for the academic year 2019/20. The Irish students in St. Mary’s took part in Gaeilge 24 on 12 committee is made up of over 20 passionate, motivated November 2019. The aim of this challenge is to encourage and determined members who will organise key events SCHOOLS BIBLE ENGLISH EXPERTS CLUB young people to try to speak Irish non-stop for one whole throughout the year, as well as surveying the school day: at home, at school, in shops and businesses, around community on their knowledge and awareness of Irish. PROJECT WINNER September 2019 saw the formation of the St. Mary’s the town, in sports clubs and with friends. This was a This year, the committee members are being leg by English Experts Club. Led by Year 14 English Mentors great opportunity to boost the students’ confidence for Treasa Ní Chathain (Cathaoirleach), as well as other ALevel In June 2019, pupils in Year 8 – Year 11 were given and Year 10 English Experts, the aim of this weekly club is their upcoming Speaking Examinations and it will also the opportunity to enter the Schools Bible Project students. On 5 November 2019, Gael Linn provided to encourage Year 8 pupils to participate in fun English- contribute towards achieving Gaelbhratch status once training and mentorship for these members in St Mary’s. competition. Thousands of pupils from schools across related games and activities, whilst also developing their again this year for St. Mary’s. Over 300 schools and NUACHT MHUIRE the UK enter each year and four St. Mary’s pupils were Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí! English skills. The highlight this term was the Halloween 30,000 students took part in the challenge and the Irish awarded prizes in this year’s competition. Club where we had a Harry Potter themed quiz followed Department had plenty of fun facilitating the day for the by a rousing rendition of Ghostbusters. The English students. Labhair í agus mairfidh sí! The Schools Bible Project competition allows students the Experts Club meets every Friday in C2 and all Year 8 opportunity to find out more about a major event in the - December 2019 December -

pupils are welcome. - December 2019 life of Christ by imagining they had been present. Pupils who chose to enter were supported by their RE teacher in writing their essay.

Kara Clerkin was awarded one of the top prizes in the

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT UK. The judges agreed that her work was outstanding. In December, Kara had the opportunity to travel to London with family members and her RE teacher, Miss Burns, to enjoy a tour of Parliament, tea at Westminster and to attend the annual awards ceremony.

Three other pupils - Rachel McCormack, Aoibh Bateson CLUB MHUIRE and Lucy Robinson - were also awarded book prizes in Club Mhuire, the Irish Department’s annual Irish recognition of the very high standard of their work. language club for Year 8 students, is in full swing once BBC VISIT FOR IRISH again. Year 13 Irish students organise and run the STUDENTS club and have so far offered Irish songs, céilí dances, REMEMBRANCE language games and Halloween-themed activities. The As part of the Shared Education Programme History Key Stage 5 Irish students were delighted when they club is open to all Year 8 Irish students and is held in G2 Project, 15 Year 10 pupils from St. Mary’s attended were invited to be part of a live audience for BBC’s on Wednesday’s during junior lunch. a Remembrance play facilitated by the Corrymeela popular TV show, I lár an Aonaigh. The students went to Community in Magherafelt High School. BBC Belfast to listen to special guests such as Gweedore player, Kevin Cassidy, tell his story and they even got to meet the presenters.

22 23 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com BRIGHT SPARKS U16 CAMOGIE YEAR 8 PUPILS GO On Monday 21 October 2019, Year 13 and Year 14 English COMPETITION TO THE POLLS students took part in a ‘Paired Reading’ workshop led by Learn Spark. During the workshop, pupils were In October, the U16 Camogie team During this term, Year 8 pupils were invited trained in the skills of peer mentoring. They engaged in lost out in a thrilling game against to join the school’s Student Council to some fabulous team-bonding exercises and immersed Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle. ensure that their views are represented. themselves in the world of books. Pupils found the Learn Leading at half time, they battled bravely Each Form Class nominated two Class Spark training extremely informative and they were able against a strong breeze but fell short to the strong Representatives to create their Year Group to create and apply practical strategies to help improve favourites for the competition. Council and these pupils then stood for reading skills. election as the Year 8 Representatives on the Student Council. On Monday 11 November 2019, during an extended assembly, each pupil standing for election BPW SUCCESS delivered an address to outline why Congratulations to Year 14 students - Karen Lagan, Thomas Hong Kong. His emotive and engaging speech won the their peers should vote for them. On 14 Doherty and Declan Murray - who successfully qualified for hearts and minds of his audience. Holly and Nayana were November 2019, Year 8 pupils went to the BPW Northern Ireland Final when they competed in the equally as eloquent as they welcomed a new speaker to the polls to vote for the two pupils they Ballymena Heat. Karen’s speech on ‘Community Immunity’ join their committee. wished to elect to the Student Council. provided her listeners with a plethora of arguments, Congratulations to Michael Lennon (8A) and outlining her view that vaccination should be mandatory. Emma Bradley (8B) who were elected. Her lively and engaging remarks captured the attention of her audience. In his role as Chairperson, Thomas Doherty proved to be a charismatic and confident host as he chaired the meeting with ease. In his role as Expresser of Thanks, THE VOICE OF THE PUPILS Declan attentively detailed the positive aspects of the EDUCATING The Student Council was busy throughout the first term. speaker’s presentation. We commend the trio for their At the first meeting of the Student Council, it was agreed THE HEART NUACHT MHUIRE tremendous hard work. that pupils would contribute to three key areas in school Thank you to Richard Moore from during the year: Anti-Bullying, Positive Behaviour and Congratulations also to Year 12 pupils - Shea Heaney, Children in Crossfire who delivered Pupil Well-Being. Anti-bullying was a key focus during Holly Dougan and Nayana Chauhan - who were awarded an inspirational address entitled first place in the Belfast Heat of the BPW Competition. On the first term. Members of the Student Council were ‘Educating the Heart’ to Year 14 invited to contribute to a review of the school’s Anti- - December 2019 December - Thursday 21 November 2019, Shea took to the podium to students on Monday 25 November - December 2019 address concerns in relation to the recent political crisis in Bullying Policy, with a particular focus on the types of 2019 as part of the school’s General bullying referenced in the policy. The Student Council, RE programme. Richard spoke about led by the Student Leadership Team, also prepared his own experiences of living values of and delivered assemblies to all pupils on the theme of forgiveness and compassion. anti-bullying, as well as issuing a pupil survey to capture

NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT CHANGE STARTS ANTI-BULLYING pupils’ views on the effectiveness of the school’s WITH US – ANTI- POSTER COMPETITION approach to anti-bullying. Following the election of Year 8 pupils to the Student Council, each Head of Year BULLYING WEEK To promote the theme of Anti-Bullying Week, the Student Leadership Team HISTORY HAPPENS held a Year Group Council meeting with their Class organised a poster competition for Key Stage 3 pupils. Many pupils entered 2019 Year 13 History students availed of Representatives. This provided pupils with a forum to the competition and produced excellent poster designs. A winning entry was discuss matters pertaining to their particular Year Group picked from each Form Class and Year Group, as well as an overall winner. the opportunity to attend lectures on As part of Anti-Bullying Week 2019, and to identify issues they wished to refer to the Student Congratulations to Aedin Reid (8E) who was the overall competition winner. German and Russian History, organised members of the Student Leadership Council for discussion with Senior Management. Team and Student Council planned by the School of History, Anthropology, and delivered assemblies to all Politics and Philosophy (HAPP) at Queen’s Year Groups through which they University, Belfast. raised pupils’ awareness of the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act and their understanding of the definition of the term ‘bullying’. The assemblies also considered different types of bullying, the impact of bullying and strategies to use if bullying is experienced or observed. The theme of Anti- Bullying Week this year was ‘Change Starts With Us’ and pupils were reminded of their individual and collective responsibility to promote the school’s anti-bullying ethos by treating everyone with respect.

24 25 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com ST. MARY’S OVERALL WINNER IN NEBSSA ALL STAR AWARD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to Year 13 student, Caitriona Toner, who was awarded an St. Mary’s was named as the overall winning school in the NEBSSA Cross Country Championships. The event was held at Ulster Schools Camogie All Star for Six Mile Water Park, Ballyclare on Wednesday 27 November 2019. 35 pupils from Year 8 – Year 12 represented St. Mary’s 2019/20 following her participation at the event, completing a challenging 1.6k or 3.2k race in difficult conditions. The St. Mary’s team enjoyed much success, in trials at the Ulster University, being awarded places in five out of the eight team prize categories with many outstanding individual performances also. Jordanstown in October. ACHIEVEMENTS 1st place individual (Year 9 Boys) Michael Walls 1st place individual (Year 10 Boys): Charley Curley

2nd Place 2nd Place 2nd Place Year 8 Boys Team Event Year 9 Boys Team Event Senior Boys Team Event ST. MARY’S GIRLS AMONG • Diarmuid Bradley • Michael Walls • Diarmuid Mulholland THE DERRY U14 GIRLS • Michael Higgins • Peter Shore • Jake Donnelly • Liam McLernon • Conn McAllister • Iarfhlaith McKeating HONOURED BY LORD • Luke O’Connor • Oisin McWilliams • Lorcan Bradley • Cohen Cassidy • Rory Small MAYOR AT GUILD HALL • Mark McQuitty 2nd Place Congratulations to Leah Brewster, Rachael Keenan, Sarah 1st Place Year Year 10 Girls Heron, Niamh O’Donnell, Seannagh McLarnon, Natalie 10 Boys Team Event • Caoimhe Ferris McKenna, Katie Watson and Eva Quinn who were among • Charley Curley • Leah Brewster the 2019 Derry U14 girls to be presented with an All- • Sean McKeown • Hannah McEldowney Ireland medal by the Lord Mayor of Derry and Strabane, • Enda Mullan • Niamh O’Donnell Michaela Boyle, at a Civic Reception in the Guild Hall, Derry • Eoin McLernon • Sarah ONeill NUACHT MHUIRE on 2 December 2019 in the presence of Michelle O’Neill, • Aoife Kelly Deputy Leader.

CROSS COUNTRY SUCCESS - December 2019 December - - December 2019 26 pupils from St. Mary’s attended the Mid Ulster Council Year 9: Michael Walls 9D (3rd Male U13) Cross Country event on Tuesday 5 November 2019 at Year 10: Charlie Curley 10E (1st Male U15) DANSKE BANK MUSA, Cookstown. Pupils competed in U13, U15 and U17 Year 12: Annie Kilpatrick (1st Female U17) RANNAFAST CUP team events with successful individual performances from: Jake Donnelly (1st Male U17) Iarfhlaith McKeating (2nd Male U17) NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT FINAL 2019 Lorcan Bradley (3rd Male U17) St. Mary’s met St. Patrick’s College, Maghera in the Congratulations to all participating pupils. Rannafast Cup Final held in Bellaghy on Saturday 30 November 2019. It was a nail biting game from start to finish but the St. Mary’s team was defeated by a single point in the last moments of the game. Nonetheless, the boys showed great determination, skill and future promise.

26 27 www.stmarysmagherafelt.com - December 2019 December - NUACHT MHUIRE NUACHT

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