Leavers Day Principal’s Address, Friday 20th May 2022
Good morning Fr. Lyons, Mr Robinson, Miss Convery, Ms Curran, Form Teachers and most importantly boys.
This morning, on your last morning in St. Mary’s as a student. I must say your time has passed quickly. I remember you as Year 11s when I joined St. Mary’s in 2019 and have watch you manage many challenges, particularly over the last two years. Your educational experience will be remembered for Covid-19, locked downs, face masks, hand sanatiser and time out of school and I suppose a return to public exams.
Throughout all of the challenges and difficulties you have continued to give of your best. You have for the most part, worked hard and this will hopefully have paid off in your upcoming examinations, the first summer public examinations for you in two years.
Look back on your time in St. Mary’s and all that you have learnt about yourself and what you have achieved and be proud.
Remember, St. Mary’s has prepared you to well. On 5th May we celebrated the Feast Day of Edmund Rice and I would encourage you to remember our Edmund Rice tradition.
You are privileged to have the opportunity for education, I want you to continue to aim high but know that the results you receive in August do not define you or limit you. Your true vocation in life is to be of good character, learn from your mistake.
Decency and kindness are important every day. Be resilient and never give up on the truly important things.
Thank you for your commitment to others, for the help you have given to our local and global charities and for the way you have supported the people of Ukraine this year and the ‘We are donors’ charity in the recent Year 14 V Staff soccer match. Take that experience with you, remember it and learn from it.
On your behalf I would like to thank a few people:
Fr Lyons for celebrating Mass for us today. We understand how busy he is but thank him for giving of his time so generously.
Mrs Farag for organising the Mass
Miss McAtamney for her overall organisation of today.
Miss Convery for her stewardship of the Year Group throughout the year and today.
Ms Curran, your study supervisor
Ms Karen Porter and her musicians
Mrs O’Connor for her careers advice and guidance on UCAS, further and higher education and employment
Patrick Harley- Moyes and the Prefect Team for completing his duties this year
Our canteen staff
Mr O’Neill for all the reprographics
Our caretaking Staff and Office Staff
Our cleaning staff
The staff in attendance today, particularly your form teachers
Boys please remember to always put your energy into being the best you can be.
You are a St. Mary’s boy and as you step beyond our doors believe in you because we certainly believe in you and don’t forget us.
I am looking forward to seeing you again on results day on 18th August, when we will celebrate with you
God Bless.
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the day!
