The new principal of St. Mary’s High School, Ms. Ann Carrigan, commented on the “community spirit” of Brollagh and the surrounding areas during her speech at the annual Prize Night on Thursday November 29.

After welcoming pupils and their families, fellow staff and invited guests, Ms. Carrigan said: “It is a strong testament to the community spirit here in Brollagh and the surrounding areas to see so many pupils, parents with their extended families, Board of Governors and staff here tonight to celebrate the proud achievements of pupils who have paved their pathway in life from the skills and academic abilities they developed in St. Mary’s High School.”

Noting that Prize Night is always a “highlight” in the school calendar, Ms. Carrigan said: “Tonight, for me, is particularly special as it lets us shine a light on the boys and girls – recognising their efforts and talents. We are here to celebrate their academic, personal, artistic and other successes.”

During her speech, Ms. Carrigan paid tribute to her fellow members of staff, recognising their “talent and commitment” and also thanked former members of staff who have “started a new chapter in their lives.”

Commenting on taking on her new role as principal of St. Mary’s, Ms. Carrigan said: “It has been a year where I have stepped into a role as principal when the landscape for Education throughout the whole of Northern Ireland is in transition.”

She continued: “During times of transition we have to pull together as a true community with support and integrity. This is a school that we feel that we all belong and one that continues to envisage our school ethos ’Education for all.’”

Ms. Carrigan proceeded by highlighting the combined academic success of the pupils. She said: “During the academic year 2017 to 2018, we have seen 86 per cent of our pupils achieve five A* to C grades in their GCSE results. These results are well above the Northern Ireland average for non-selective schools and are a tribute to the hard work and commitment made by the pupils and staff with continued support from parents.”

“Enjoy the celebration of your success with your fellow teachers, re-living past stories and affirming your hopes and dreams for the future,” she added.

Speaking about the pupil’s extra-curricular activities, Ms. Carrigan said: “School life is also much more than achieving GCSE results. It is about the holistic approach for every young person. It is about belonging to a community.”

She continued by remarking on the “organisation, mannerism, professionalism and commitment” of the pupils in their community endeavours. She said: “That community spirit has been evident when I see the generosity of pupils in local fundraising events - Mental Health awareness, Genes for jeans, The Patrick Leonard fund and most recently through pupil’s vocational pathway in the Princes’ Trust coffee morning when I got to meet many of the local community.”

Speaking on the benefits of St. Mary’s being a “small school,” Ms. Carrigan said: “As a small school, we have the benefit of getting to know each of our children personally – their likes, dislikes, their strengths and development needs.” She believes that with this insight, the school can give the “best advice and direction” to help instil the confidence and knowledge for the pupil’s to discover their passion and purpose in life. She also noted that although St. Mary’s is a “small school,” it has made its mark on “the wider stage.”

“As a principal, I want all pupils to be happy and to achieve in St. Mary’s High School. I wish pupils to feel included, for their diverse needs to be recognised and for their individual learning needs to be met. Family, School and Faith are what encompasses our school,” said Ms. Carrigan.

She concluded her speech by introducing the guest speaker for the evening, former St. Mary’s pupil Dineka Maguire. Commenting on Miss Maguire’s accomplishments, Ms. Carrigan said: “You have excelled not just academically but also on the sporting field through rowing, snorkelling, wakeboarding, shotput and discus but most notably bog snorkelling, getting the Junior and Senior titles beating both the men and women. What an achievement.”