Welcome to St Mary’s Secondary School Edenderry
Welcome to all of our visitors!
You are very welcome to the website of St Mary's Secondary School. We are delighted that you have logged on to find out more about or school. Please explore our pages here on our website as well as our twitter account (@SMESecondary ) and our App (stmarysedenderry).
St Mary’s Secondary School is a large co-educational, voluntary secondary school serving the communities in and around Edenderry. We have 910 students following the Junior Cert, Transition Year, Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied courses. We have an extensive and expanding curriculum and a wide range of supports.
In St Mary’s we seek to pursue excellence in everything we do. We encourage all of our students to set high expectations, be the best that they can be and to bring a positive approach to their learning. We have a great tradition of achievement, academically and in extra-curricular areas. The successes in the classroom and exam halls are matched by magnificent achievement on the playing fields, stage, competitions and elsewhere. We put equal value on the quality of relationships throughout the school with emphasis on students' well-being and welfare. These are supported by policies and our daily practice.
St Mary's is implementing change and improvements all of the time. Our school has advanced in numerous ways in recent years. Development of our facilities will continue with a substantial extension due to start shortly as well as the establishment of a second ASD learning and support centre..
We hope that our website can keep up with all of the changes on the ground. You are welcome to explore our site or our other media platforms. Feel free to contact the school for more information
Rob Halford
Principal
You are very welcome to the website of St Mary's Secondary School. We are delighted that you have logged on to find out more about or school. Please explore our pages here on our website as well as our twitter account (@SMESecondary ) and our App (stmarysedenderry).
St Mary’s Secondary School is a large co-educational, voluntary secondary school serving the communities in and around Edenderry. We have 910 students following the Junior Cert, Transition Year, Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied courses. We have an extensive and expanding curriculum and a wide range of supports.
In St Mary’s we seek to pursue excellence in everything we do. We encourage all of our students to set high expectations, be the best that they can be and to bring a positive approach to their learning. We have a great tradition of achievement, academically and in extra-curricular areas. The successes in the classroom and exam halls are matched by magnificent achievement on the playing fields, stage, competitions and elsewhere. We put equal value on the quality of relationships throughout the school with emphasis on students' well-being and welfare. These are supported by policies and our daily practice.
St Mary's is implementing change and improvements all of the time. Our school has advanced in numerous ways in recent years. Development of our facilities will continue with a substantial extension due to start shortly as well as the establishment of a second ASD learning and support centre..
We hope that our website can keep up with all of the changes on the ground. You are welcome to explore our site or our other media platforms. Feel free to contact the school for more information
Rob Halford
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RETIRING PRINCIPAL AND RETIRING TEACHERS
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The whole St Mary's school community extend their best wishes to Mr Halford, Ms Droogan and Ms Potterton on the occasion of their retirement. They have each contributed greatly to the school's traditions and reputation. We wish each of them many years of good health and happiness.
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WElcoming our First Year Students for 2021/2022
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Our in-coming First Year students will make a number of choices regarding subjects for the Junior /cycle. See our own guide to making the best choice for you.
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CHALLENGING TIME FOR ALLTHE WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WISHES ALL OF OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF THE HEALTH, STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE DURING THIS TIME OF REMOTE LEARNING AND NATIONAL LOCKDOWN. We understand the challenges that you face and are available to support you in any way that we can during this difficult time • Here’s a reminder of the supports available to you • •your teachers / •your Year Head / •Guidance Counselling and Pastoral Care Team / Deputy Principals / School principal / Office staff • •School office - office@stmarysedenderry.ie Ms. R. McCann rmccann@stmarysedenderry.ie •Ms. C. O’Meara comeara@stmarysedenderry.ie •Ms. Joan O’Sullivan josullivan@stmarysedenderry.ie • You can contact us by email, or on teams FOR MORE DETAILS SEE THE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORTS TAB IN THIS WEBSITE |
Latest news, articles and Tweets from @SMESecondary
Lots of Farewells in St. Mary'sIt's that time of year again when we bid farewell to our 6th Year class of 2021. What has been an unprecedented year came to a conclusion on Wednesday when we informally said good-bye to the 6th Years. Covid restrictions wouldn't allow us to celebrate their graduation as normal, but a short outdoor event was held to mark the occasion. Our 6th years have shown remarkable resilience, maturity and good humour for the past 2 years despite so many restrictions being imposed on them. All in St. Mary's wish our 6th Years the very best in the upcoming Leaving Cert and all the very best for your future.
We also are bidding farewell to Mr. Halford, our principal and to Ms. Droogan and Mrs. Potterton who are all retiring this year. We wish you all many years of health and happiness and hope you enjoy your retirement. You will all be greatly missed. 
Students and Teachers get ActiveDuring the recent lock-down the PE department introduced an initiative which encouraged both students and teachers to get active during lock-down. With a combined effort from students and teachers, we succeeded in covering the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head by adding each participants weekly distance covered. After reaching the target in record time, a new target was set, covering the distance from Ireland to Tokyo. Within a few weeks this distance was covered also. Well done to all involved and thanks to Ms O'Brien for keeping the tally and keeping everyone motivated. The pic below shows some of the students involved receiving t-shirts to mark the event.
TY Newsletter 2nd EditionWell done to the TY team at TY News for publishing the 2nd edition of the TY Newsletter. Although still working from home, this talented bunch of students have produced another excellent publication with many interesting articles. Click on the link below to view the Newsletter.
It's Great to be Back!!
After nearly 3 months of silence, the corridors of St. Mary's finally reverberated to the sound of enthusiastic students once again. Our 6th year students along with students from the Laochra Centre returned to school this week after what was hopefully the last lock-down of the pandemic. The students are genuinely delighted to be back and are now eager to finish out their second level education without any more disruptions. Attention now focuses on doing their best for the rest of the year in preparation for the accredited grades or the actual Leaving Cert exam. We wish all students the very best in the coming months and hope they all fulfill their potential.
TY Newsletter LaunchedAlthough not in school, TY students in St. Mary's have been kept very busy and have shown great initiative by launching the first TY Newsletter. The Newsletter is packed with information about all the activities TY students have been getting involved in, before the current lockdown and during the lockdown. Well done to the writers and editors of this magnificent publication, namely, Shauna Comerford, Riona Loughery, Ciara Howick, Leah Daly, Mark Forde, Stevie Kane, Leah Farrell and Sean Briem. And also Ms. Gallison for over=seeing the project. Click on the link below to view the Nwesletter.
Laochra Centre Opens
St Mary’s Secondary School has officially opened the Laochra Centre, a centre of learning which will provide dedicated supports for students with additional learning needs, and further expand our school campus. The opening was attended by members of St Mary’s Board of Management, Parents’ Association, and invited guests. Guests of honour were, of course, the students themselves, accompanied by their delighted parents. The Student Council made a special presentation on the day, as a gesture of support and welcome.
The Principal, Mr Halford thanked the teaching staff and SNA team for their assistance to school management in getting the the Laochra Centre ready for opening and reported the good news that the school has received permission from the Department of Education and Skills and the National Council for Special Education to establish an additional class designated for students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder following a consultative process involving parents, local schools’ and other professionals. Furthermore, the Department have sanctioned the construction of a permanent building for the Laochra Centre. This will be incorporated in Phase 2 of the school’s ambitious building plans. Phase 1 is set to get underway next summer. Mr Halford added “this facility will not only expand the Laochra Centre, but it will complement the two long established classes for students with mild and moderate general learning difficulties, building on St Mary’s tradition to provide opportunities for all students to flourish in a school that supports all our learners. The Board of Management of St Mary’s were delighted to give their approval for this additional class and welcomed this good news as it will also allow the school to further reinforce its’ commitment to inclusion as stated in the school’s current Strategic Plan. Collectively, these classes provide specialist, dedicated supports for students who find learning and the routines of school most challenging. The range of special classes and SEN supports works hand in hand with the variety of facilities and learning styles that are already evident in Edenderry’s largest Secondary School.” The Student Council also treated all St Mary’s SEN students to selection boxes as a treat following an exciting morning where the students enjoyed a magic show. TY POP ART PORTRAITSMiss Casey’s TY art group have been busy creating these wonderful and colourful pop art portraits. They are inspired by the amazing Andy Warhol famous portraits. Students researched, designed and created a unique pop art portrait. Student explored various tints and shades of colour and composition. These will be exhibited on the schools walls. Keep an eye out for them.
Assessment windowsGreen Schools AwardSt. Mary's is delighted to announce it has been awarded a Green Flag for adopting a non-plastic bottle initiative and providing drinking water fountains around the school. Well done to the Green Schools Committee for this wonderful achievement. Pictured below are the hard working committee, proudly raising the flag.
Covid ArtWell done to Ms. Farrell's 5th Year Art class who produced amazing pieces of art based on their experience of Covid 19. The students' aim was to give expression to the many feelings they have experienced over the past number of months and in so doing created emotional connections within the school community. Click on the video below to view their wonderful work.
TY's Practice THeir Stitching
European Week of Sport
For the week September 23rd -30th the students of St. Mary's were set an interclass challenge. The aim was to see which class group could cover the greatest distance over the week. Each evening the students sent their distances to their PE teacher. A huge effort was made by many students for the week so well done to all who got involved.
1st year Allen were the overall winners in 1st year covering a distance of 173km in the week. Kells were the winning class group in 2nd year covering 145km. Slaney were the class winners in 3rd year with 185km covered in the week. Transition Year were the overall winners as the the 4 class groups together covered a staggering 950km in the week. 
Gaisce Awards
Some of the 50 students who were recently presented with their Gaisce Presidents Award are pictured below. They undertook 3 challenges throughout their Transition Year & adapted these challenges during the lockdown period to make a difference within their local communities.
TY's Flying High
Thanks to former student Eoin Tyrrell for taking this amazing picture of the TY class of 2020/21 in the GAA pitch.
Best of Luck Edwin
Everyone in St. Mary's would like to send our congratulations to 6th Year student Edwin Agbaje who has recently left the school to take up a soccer scholarship with English soccer team Ipswich Town F.C. Former Edenderry Town F.C. and Shamrock Rovers player Edwin received the exciting news last week. Edwin is no stranger to the big stage of professional soccer having represented Ireland on numerous occasions with the U16 Irish Soccer Team. Edwin will begin his term at Ipswich playing for the U18 and U23 sides. We trust it won't be long before he makes the step up to the senior panel. We are all so proud of Edwin's achievements to date and wish him all the best in his future career. Below is a pic of Edwin with some of his classmates on his final day in St. Mary's 
Welcome to our new 1st YearsAs things begin to settle in St. Mary's and we are all getting use to the "new normal", it's time to introduce our new 1st year classes. What has been a very unusual start to secondary school, we hope that 1st years are beginning to settle into life in St. Mary's and are getting used to their new surroundings. Below are the different 1st year classes taken outside and socially distanced.
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TY Activity Day
The TY class recently enjoyed an activity day in the GAA grounds. The students were led by the team from Redhills Adventure in Kildare. A great day of fun and laughter was had by all.
"in their Shoes" Art ExhibitionFive of St Mary's Art and Design students were selected to be part of a community arts exhibition on behalf of Creative Edenderry. The exhibition called 'In Their Shoes' is displayed on the main street and is inspired by the legacy of Edenderry shoe factory. It aims to celebrate diversity and inclusivity by depicting members of our community with their favourite and memorable pair of shoes.
ART DURING LOCKDOWNAn exhibition of some beautiful work from our amazing Art Department! 2nd & 3rd year Art students' The boxes representing home, and the vibrant colours demonstrating the triumph of hope and creativity over adversity
WORLD BOOK DAY IN ST. MARY'SWorld Book Day was celebrated in a different and unique way in St. Mary's this year. Students shared stories online during classes, and shared pictures of themselves reading their favourite novels at home and some with their pets. View the pictures in the video below.
Work On School Field BeginsWe are delighted to announce that work on the school playing pitch has recently begun. The initial phase involves installing a wider, secure walkway for those wishing to access the church from School Lane. When completed the project will provide a long sought after resource that will support well-being and physical activity for all the school's students. The picture below shows a new entrance that has been opened up on school lane giving access to the field.
5Km Fun RunThe PE Department recently organised a 5k fun run for the various PE classes. Well done to all who participated and to the winners.
Fundraiser for Autism Ireland
Well done to the Student Council who organised a Blue Day in St. Mary's to raise funds for Autism Ireland. Pictured above are some of the staff and students who donned the blue last Thursday.
Tree of RememberanceDuring the month of November, the school community of St. Mary's remembers all those dear to us who have passed away. Our religion department have compiled a Digital Tree of Remembrance.
Ghosts and Ghouls in St. Mary's
Lots of students got into the spirit of Halloween on Friday last by dressing up in an assortment of colorful and frightening costumes. The dress up was organised by the prefects, with all funds raised going to charity. Well done to all who were involved and took part
JP2 Awards
Congratulations to fifteen 5th year students from St Mary’s Secondary School who received their bronze and gold awards virtually on Tuesday night from Bishop Denis Nulty from the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow for their participation in the Pope John Paul II Awards 2019/2020.
The award is given to those who contribute to their parish, their school, and their community. This year's students did not let the pandemic stop them from completing their award and continued to help out, by visiting the elderly, baking for those who were isolating and reaching out to those who did not get to finish 6th class, welcoming them into St Mary’s Secondary as incoming 1st years. 
On Friday 25th Sept the TY class traveled to Lough Boora to learn about bio diversity and to study the modern sculptures that are placed around the park. It was great to be finally take a trip out of the school and the weather was very pleasant too.
New Classrooms on the Way
Work has begun this week on the construction of 2 large prefab units, housing 3 classrooms each. We hope the classrooms will be ready in 3 weeks.
Well Done To Class of 2020.All in St. Mary's would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2020 on the magnificent results you achieved in the Leaving Cert 2020. It has been a very difficult time for you since leaving us on March 12th. We hope that some day we will be able to celebrate your great results with you all in person. We wish you all the very best as you now embark on the next part of your life's journey, and don't forget to call back to see us when conditions allow.
Picture below shows Aoibheann McAndrew, Agatha Drabik and Evelyn Coughlan who all achieved the top mark of 625 points. Well done girls, and we wish you the very best as you start in university in the coming weeks. 
virtual tour of st. mary's1st Year Outdoor Art Classes
1st Year Art students enjoying the recent good weather took the classroom outside for some socially distanced painting.
new 1st years enjoy an ice-creamOur 1st Years got a little treat today by way of a visit from Uncle Tommy's Ice-Cream van. Students and staff alike enjoyed the treat. Thanks to Tommy the Ice-cream man for the delicious treats.
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