PRINCIPAL’S INTRODUCTION As we began this 90th anniversary school year, we looked forward to a year of celebration. We were, however, unaware of the loss and sadness we would experience as a school community. The passing of Mrs Hynds, Assistant Principal, on 16 April 2018 had a devastating impact on St. Mary’s. Pupils, staff and parents - both past and present – were shocked to learn of the death of a caring, compassionate and good-humoured teacher who was held in high esteem by everyone. Mrs Hynds was an inspiration to all, providing an example of faith, friendship, fashion and fun. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and remember with affection and gratitude the outstanding contribution she made to St. Mary’s throughout her 28 years of service. We will forever “cherish the memory” of a truly remarkable lady who has left a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds. Mrs Hynds had great pride in St. Mary’s, its people and its success. As always, this newsletter captures so much of the great work of St. Mary’s pupils and staff. I, therefore, dedicate this issue of Nuacht Mhuire to Mrs Hynds. May she rest in peace. Ms D. Gillespie, Principal A LIFE REMEMBERED MRS IRENE HYNDS (ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL) 20 August 1967 – 16 April 2018 “Thy will be done.” A native of Roslea in Co. Fermanagh, Mrs Hynds was the youngest of four children born to her parents, Jim and Susan Toye. In 1996, she married her husband, Seamus, and in 2005 their son, Daniel, was born. Mrs Hynds began her teaching career in St. Mary’s in 1991 when she was employed as a teacher of Religious Education by the Principal at the time, Sister Immaculata O’Connor. She later became Head of Religious Education and Student Council Co-ordinator before becoming a Senior Teacher in the school. In 2015, Mrs Hynds was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal with responsibility for the care, welfare and guidance of pupils. When news of her death broke early on the morning of 16 April 2018, pupils and staff came together to remember Mrs Hynds and to reflect on how she touched the lives of so many people during her time in St. Mary’s. Pupils, colleagues and parents – past and present – joined the large crowd of mourners in the Church of the Assumption, Magherafelt where Requiem Mass for Mrs Hynds was celebrated on Wednesday 18 April 2018 by Father John Gates. In his homily, Father Gates reflected on the time he spent with Mrs Hynds during her final days and he spoke of her strong sense of faith, courage and acceptance of God’s plan for her. “My work on earth is done,” she said. “God has another role for me.” Throughout her illness, Mrs Hynds found great comfort in her faith and peace in prayer. One of the last things she did in the weeks before her death was visit Knock with her family where she enjoyed time in quiet contemplation. Rather than questioning God, Mrs Hynds showed absolute trust in Him through her frequent prayer: “God’s will be done.” Following her passing, many people visited St. Mary’s to record fond thoughts and memories of Mrs Hynds in a Book of Condolence. Among the many tributes, Mrs Hynds has been remembered as “a beautiful person with such a caring heart”, “a wonderful teacher” and an “inspirational lady, true to her values.” Mr James McKee, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, recalled a lady who was “loyal, visionary, dedicated, good-humoured, faith-inspiring and pupil-centred” and someone who “acted with integrity and warmth, and always for the good of a school she loved.” Sister Anne-Marie Glynn, a mentor to Mrs Hynds in the early years of her career, described her as “a Christian of outstanding integrity, professional to a degree of excellence and a most loving human being.” The passing of Mrs Hynds leaves a huge void in St. Mary’s but her guiding example over many years will continue to influence the school long into the future. Gloria Deo Soli. TAE KWON DO CHAMPION Conal Heaney (Year 11) enjoyed a successful start to 2018, having secured both regional and national Tae Kwon Do titles. In March, Conal travelled to Meath to compete in the All Ireland Championships, winning Gold in Sparring and becoming the 2018 Open All Ireland Champion. In April, Conal competed in the Northern Ireland Regional Competition in the Bangor Aurora Aquatic Centre, winning Gold in Patterns, Sparring and the Flying Scissor Kick categories, as well as lifting the Northern Ireland Champion title. Conal’s successful run continued at the UK Championships in Scotland. Having won Gold in the Patterns, Sparring and Flying High Kick at the competition in Ravenscourt, Conal secured the UK Champion 2018 title. Not content with his Tae Kwon Do efforts, Conal also took part in the 2018 Belfast Marathon. He completed his 7.2 miles leg of the relay in 1 hour 3 minutes. Congratulations, Conal. MUSIC FESTIVAL SUCCESS Declan McFerran (Year 10) secured top place in three competitions at the recent Ballymena and Portstewart Festivals. Declan competed in the Pianoforte Solo (12-14 years) and the Singer and Accompanist (under 18) categories at the Ballymena Festival and was delighted when he was awarded First Place in both. On the back of his success in Ballymena, Declan then went on to win the Rosaleen Courtney Challenge Cup, after securing his third First Place of the weekend in the Pianoforte Grade 5 / 6 competition. Well done, Declan. WHAT’S THE STORY? Year 8 pupils, Fiachra Duffin and Zoe McAllister, became part of the Commonwealth’s rich storytelling heritage by entering this year’s short story writing competition. Zoe and Fiachra, pictured with Miss Burns, entered stories into the 11–14 age category on the subject of ‘Peace’ in line with the Commonwealth theme for this year. The competition was a great way for the students to flex their creative muscles. Well done, Zoe and Fiachra. BEBRAS NATIONAL FINALS 2018 Following success in the UK Bebras Computational Thinking competition, Eimear Harkin (10B) was given the opportunity to take part in the Irish Bebras National Finals in Maynooth University, Co. Kildare on Saturday 21 April 2018. Well done, Eimear. COUNTY DERRY FÉILE CHAMPIONS On Sunday 15 April 2018, Ballinascreen Camogie U14s won the County Derry Féile Final at Owen Beg and were crowned Derry Féile Champions 2018. A number of St. Mary’s pupils were on the panel including: Niamh Boyle and Sophie Donnelly (Year 10), Anna Higgins, Erin Cullinan, Kerry O’Connor, Cara McIvor and Amy Rose Mulligan (Year 9), and Emer McNicholl and goal scorer Natalie McKenna (Year 8). The Derry Féile Champions are now Galway bound for the 2018 All Ireland Féile Championship in June. We wish the girls and their team the best of luck. D’ALTON SHIELD FINAL Year 9 boys finished the year with some silverware as they beat St. Colman’s College, Newry in a thrilling game in Derrytrasna on 8 May 2018. In very difficult underfoot conditions, both teams played some excellent football with St. Colman’s heading in 9 points up at the break. This was despite some excellent scores, including a goal from Ronan Mawhinney and points from Niall O’Donnell and John Lavery. The introduction of Conhuir Johnston, who missed almost all of the D’Alton Cup through injury, at half time sparked St. Mary’s into life and they played with much more confidence. John Lavery rolled in a goal after a brilliant team move and added a stunning free kick later. Conhuir Johnston also grabbed two goals and further points from John Lavery, Ronan Mawhinney, Conall Higgins and Conhuir Johnston again took St. Mary’s over the line. There were outstanding performances all over the pitch and St. Mary’s will look to build for the future with this team. Final Score: St. Mary’s 4:09 – St. Colman’s 3:07. Team: 1. Sean MacOscar (Castledawson) 2. Charlie Curley (Lavey) 3. Tom McLarnon (Castledawson) 4. Dylan Ormsby (Desertmartin) 5. Ben McLarnon (Cargin) 6. Ruairi Forbes – Captain (Ballinderry) 7. Pierce Morgan (Magherafelt) 8. Niall O’Donnell (Ballinderry) 0-1 9. James Murray (Magherafelt) 10. Conall Higgins (Magherafelt) 0-1 11. John Lavery (Magherafelt) 1-3 (1 Free) 12. Sean Byrne (Portglenone) 13. Joshua Cassidy (Bellaghy) 14. Ronan Mawhinney (Bellaghy) 1-3 (1 free) 15. Paul Duffin (Moneyglass) Subs: 22. Conhuir Johnston (Cargin) 2-1; 23. Tiarnan McLarnon (Newbridge); 19. Ciaran McPeake (Cargin); 20. Niall Baine (Loup); 17. Danny McVey (Ballinderry) Adam Maher, Adam Gilligan, Patrick Kinoulty, Ethan Canavan, James Gribben, Padraig Kelly, Daire McPeake. CÚCHULAINN CUP Following a number of trials, Ulster GAA selected several Year 11 girls from St. Marys to represent the Magherafelt area in a regional blitz. Eve Dunlop, Elizabeth Cullen, Eimile Downey, Tertia Neely and Erin Lynch played in the Cúchulainn Cup Blitz which took place on 14 March 2018 in Meadowbank Sports Arena. EMPOWER PROJECT LECTURES Teachers and Learning Support Assistants from St. Mary’s and other local schools attended a series of workshops in St. Mary’s with a focus on supporting pupils with additional learning needs. Organised by Mrs McComb (SENCo), the workshops were provided through the Empower Project, a Big Lottery funded initiative offering support for children and families of children with autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. DUNEANE PARISH YOUTH MISSION On Friday 27 April 2018, nine pupils from a range of year groups attended the Duneane Youth Parish Mission. The Mass, which was held in St.