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 an 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 an 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
A Welcome to our new first year students (2020/2021)
essential school appAll parents/guardians MUST download the school app stmarysedenderry available on the Playstore or Appstore. Our school app is updated regularly and provides essential notifications and points of information. The school app is also the only method to pay for school services, books and other items.
You may also like to refer often to our Twitter platform @SMESeondary which we use to celebrate achievements and special events Planned return to school dates (Subject to Covid restrictions)The proposed dates of the return to school for 2020/2021 school year are shown below (subject to change due to health advice).
ALL OF BELOW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN LIGHT OF THE UP TO DATE COVID RESTRICTIONS AND FORECASTS Draft plan (revised August 13th , 2020) Staff Meetings Thursday 27th August (Covid Awareness, Training and Planning) Friday 28th August (Curriculum and general planning) Induction Day for New First Years Monday 31st August (1pm finish) New First Years – Classes and assembly Tuesday 1st Sept 1st and 6th years (including LCA Year 2) only Wednesday 2nd Sept 3rd years and 6th Years only Thursday 3rd September 3rd Years, 5th Year (including LCA Year 1) and 6th Years only Friday 4th Sept 1st Year, 2nd Years and 3rd years only Monday 7th Sept Transition Year and all other years Tuesday 8th September Message to our Sixth Year students re Calculated Grades |
Note to parents 13th August 2020Dear all Parents, Guardians and Students,
I wish to present this second brief update on our preparations for the reopening of the school. A huge amount of work is underway planning and preparing alterations to our facilities in order to minimise the risk of the spread of the virus. We are creating classrooms in areas such as the canteen and sports hall and reconfiguring some classrooms to allow for recommended distancing during class. The remaining classrooms will operate with strict ppe controls. We are also sourcing off campus accommodation. In very case it will be mandatory to wear a mask, as per Government guidelines. We are also in the process of sourcing additional off campus facilities to further spread out the student population and minimise contact. These and other measures are necessary to facilitate a full or partial return for all students. Unfortunately, there will be no canteen service in the short term and no access or limited access to students lockers. We will bring you greater clarity on these and other precautions before the end of the month. A key aspect of our planning is the safe circulation of students in and around the school. Students and staff will have to follow strict procedures in order to safeguard everyone’s wellbeing. There will be new arrangements regarding dropping off and collecting students. As part of this preparation we are bringing back each year group in a slightly longer sequence than before. See return to dates schedule below. This schedule is subject to further revision in light of emerging HSE advice regarding the virus. Keep an eye on the school website for the latest return dates. Note that most year groups will return for a day or two and then remain home for a short period as other year groups are introduced to the new systems. It will take time before we know we can manage with the full cohort of students. Our draft timetable for students is currently being extensively revised. This is a huge task. Teachers will work on revising the curriculum and assessment methods following guidance that is expected from the Department of Education and Skills. There will also be modifications to the Code of Behaviour. These and many more matters are under consideration. We appreciate your patience. May I remind you again to complete the payment of school charges through the school app and ensure that the office has your latest contact details. Thanks to all who have done so already. The school office is open from 9.30 to 2pm each day although your attendance in person is discouraged given the current local restrictions in place. Enquiries may be sent to the following email address office@stmarysedenderry.ie Details on the distribution of books via the book lending scheme will be communicated to you before the start of term. Other matters for your consideration will be communicated to you in the coming weeks. In the meantime, take great care. Kind regards Rob Halford 13/08/2020 A Message for 6th Years from Mr Halford |
A Message From Bishop Denis Nulty
Messages of support to our students, parents and staff
To view all of our Covid 19 messages of support and direction for our students, parents and staff please upload the school app stmarysedenderry and school twitter @SMESecondary
PLEASE SEE NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS
| covid_19_note_1to_parents.pdf |
On behalf of the management and staff of St Mary's I want to wish every one of our students and their families the very best of health over these very challenging days when the country and the globe is subject to the Covid 19 attack. My colleagues and I endeavour to support your learning as best we can using technology and various other means. We ask that our students engage actively and daily in the lessons and assignments as presented by your teachers. This will allow you to continue with your learning. It will also give your parents some comfort and relief as they cope with new and unexpected challenges. But do not be stressed by the work assigned to you. Only do what you can and to the best of your ability. Be patient with us too as we learn how to vary our lessons and adapt to emerging technologies. The most important thing is to support your family and follow instructions regarding social distancing and self isolation where needed. As well as engaging with your teachers through TEAMS be sure to keep an eye on the school app and the school website on a regular basis. We look forward to returning to school and resuming our classroom lessons and all the other activities that make our school so great.
THIRD MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL APRIL 2nd 2020 |
Second Video Message from our Principal March 26th 2020. |
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A note from our counselling team
To all of our students from our counselling team (March 23rd 2020)
We hope you and your families are keeping well at this time. Rest assured that our Guidance Counsellors Ms. Keane and Ms. O’Sullivan will continue to provide support to you in the weeks ahead. Please remember that we are all in this together and you are not alone.
If you would like to talk to Ms. O’Sullivan or Ms.Keane regarding any personal, educational or career issue you can email josullivan@stmarysedenderry.ie or dkeane@stmarysedenderry.ie. Give your contact number and either Ms. O’Sullivan or Ms. Keane will phone and speak to you directly. Emails will be checked and phone calls made during school hours.
We have posted up a list of Mental Health Services - on our school website, click on Career Guidance Notices, scroll down to ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’. We will also use ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’ to keep our 6th years up to date on matters relating to college etc. Our 6th years can also keep up to date by viewing ‘Career Events Nationwide’ (directly underneath our ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’).
Can we remind those students who are registered with REACH+ Programme to engage with the apps on Career Planning and Research, Self-Assessment, Study Performance, world of Education and World of Work. REACH + Programme provides a wealth of information and activities via apps. Ms. Keane and Ms. OSullivan are here to help and support you. Remember we are all in this together and you are not alone.
Take care of yourselves.
We hope you and your families are keeping well at this time. Rest assured that our Guidance Counsellors Ms. Keane and Ms. O’Sullivan will continue to provide support to you in the weeks ahead. Please remember that we are all in this together and you are not alone.
If you would like to talk to Ms. O’Sullivan or Ms.Keane regarding any personal, educational or career issue you can email josullivan@stmarysedenderry.ie or dkeane@stmarysedenderry.ie. Give your contact number and either Ms. O’Sullivan or Ms. Keane will phone and speak to you directly. Emails will be checked and phone calls made during school hours.
We have posted up a list of Mental Health Services - on our school website, click on Career Guidance Notices, scroll down to ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’. We will also use ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’ to keep our 6th years up to date on matters relating to college etc. Our 6th years can also keep up to date by viewing ‘Career Events Nationwide’ (directly underneath our ‘School Guidance Noticeboard’).
Can we remind those students who are registered with REACH+ Programme to engage with the apps on Career Planning and Research, Self-Assessment, Study Performance, world of Education and World of Work. REACH + Programme provides a wealth of information and activities via apps. Ms. Keane and Ms. OSullivan are here to help and support you. Remember we are all in this together and you are not alone.
Take care of yourselves.
Condolences to oaklands community college
It is with great sadness that we send our condolences to the family and friends of the recently deceased student of @oaklandsCC. May she rest in peace. Condolences also to her sister who is a past pupil of ours and to her school colleagues and teachers in Oaklands Community College
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Child SAFEGUARDING Statement 2019 / 2020
The Board of Management of St Mary's Secondary school has updated and ratified the school's Child Safeguarding Statement for 2019/2020. This is a mandatory, annual requirement. See 'Child Protection' under policy tab at the top of this page.
AND THE WINNERS ARE..............
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Latest news, articles and Tweets from @SMESecondary
PE XPO
11 students from St. Mary's, Edenderry took part in the PE Xpo held in the Sports Arena at DCU on Wednesday March 4th. The group had 4 projects in total based around the areas of well being, sports psychology and the power of sport. For the last 2 months the students worked very hard researching, evaluating results and putting their presentations together. The day in DCU was very enjoyable, the students were all interviewed about their projects by a number of judges and they all spoke very well. Katy Doyle and Chloe Moore took the top prize in their category with their project titled The Truth About Dance. Congratulations to all the groups for representing their school so well at this big event.
Well done 
LCA LINO PRINTING
Ms Casey’s LCA 1 Visual Art students created exciting self-portrait Lino prints. Students have researched portraits and silhouettes in preparation for their lino print. These will be displayed in the art room 27.
vision 2025 launch
On Thursday evening 23rd January St. Mary's Strategic Plan was launched in the school. The plan is the culmination of many months of consultation with all the stakeholders of the school and sets out the vision for the future of St. Mary's. Speakers on the night were, School Principal Mr. Halford, Chairperson of the Board of Management Ms. Marian Corcoran, Ms. Allison Lawton, and Fr.PJ McEvoy.
Equestrian Team Get New Gear
From left to right, Caitlin Rigney (teacher), Lucy Carroll, Mr. Rob Halford (principal), Isabelle Lawless, Amy Carroll, Ruby Steuven, Anna Lacy, Ciara Staunton, Lauren Coloe (teacher) and Davis Staunton representing Mark Staunton, C.E.O. Facilitas Group.
St. Mary's Secondary School Edenderry are delighted to welcome Facilitas Group on board as sponsor of our equestrian team. C.E.O of the Group, Mark Staunton, is a past pupil of the school and has generously kitted the team out with show jumping jackets for the riders and saddle pads for the ponies. We will certainly be starting the 2020 year in style when we take part on our next event in the spring. We are very grateful for such a generous investment in our team. Commenting on the sponsorship, Mark Staunton had this to say, 'As a past pupil of St Mary’s Secondary in Edenderry I am delighted to recognise and support the exceptional efforts of parents and staff in the promotion of extracurricular activities for pupils. St Mary’s is renowned for its involvement in a wide range of sports each of which in its own way, enhances the learning experience by promoting active participation and inclusiveness; values which the pupils will no doubt bring with them into their future working lives. I am particularly delighted to be directly associated with the school’s equestrian team.' Historic Win For St. Mary's
Congratulations to our Junior boys rugby team who created history by being the first rugby team from St. Mary's to win a Leinster title. In an exciting game played in Donnybrook, St. Mary's defeated Mountrath CS 22 - 10 in the Pat Rossoter Cup. Congratulations to the team and to coaches Mr. Tom Rehill and Grainn Vaugh.
Congratulations also to our Junior and Senior girls rugby teams who recently defeated Wilson's Hospital. 
Choir goes Skating
Last week the members of St. Mary's choir swapped the singing for skating on a trip to Mullingar on Ice. They were accompanied by Ms.McEntee and Ms. Duke who showed some nimble moves on the ice rink. Dancing with the Stars watch out.
Magritte Photo Shoot
First Year Visual Art students are currently studying the work of Surrealist artists and in particular the work of Magritte. Surrealist art is so much fun and captures the attention of young questioning minds. They will be creating their own Magritte style portraits and to get in the mood, we had a fun dress-up photoshoot! Students dressed in a top coat, red tie and bowler hat just as Monsieur Magritte did. This image has become iconic and many students already recognised it from the advertising world.
Hand Printed Christmas Cards
First Year Visual Art students recently made hand-printed Christmas cards for the special people in their lives. Students made designs inspired by Matisse and pressed them into Styrofoam. From this they rolled several prints. Some students are posting them home to loved ones in Lithuania and Poland!
Girls in Stem
Well done to the girls from 1st year who took part in the Girls in STEM project held last week in UCD. The project is aimed at increasing female participation in Science and the Arts. Thanks to all the teachers who got involved in this great project.
lip sync extravaganza
What a night! What a show!
After many months of preparation, practicing, fund-raising and organising, St. Mary's Lip Sync finally took place in The Hamlet Hotel Johnstownbridge. And what a show it was. Everyone in the packed ballroom was treated to a spectacular show of song and dance by 14 so talented and polished acts. Every act had the audience singing, clapping, and shouting out for more. The judges had a near impossible task of picking a winner but eventually after much tension and excitement the winning act was announced ...... PRINCIPAL ACT. Consisting of our own Principal Mr. Rob Halford and 5 so talented students, Miss Dylan Foy, Liam Farrell, Lee Pearson, Luke McNmaee and PJ Reynolds the lads performed an amazing medley of songs from Singing in the Rain to Umbrella to Don't Stop Believing to The Greatest Showman. Well deserved winners everyone would agree. It would be impossible to thank everyone who was involved in this amazing fundraiser. So many people and businesses helped and supporred and to each and everyone of you we say a huge THANK YOU For lots of pictures go to Galleries/LipSync at the top of this page DAY OF THE DEAD PROJECT
First Year Visual Art students finished their amazing Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead project in time for their Halloween celebrations. Students spent many classes researching and learning about Mexican folk art and the work of Frida Kahlo. They designed beautiful linear patterns on their skull images drawn on tin foil. They also made beautiful Mexican shadow boxes adorned with clay skulls and embellishment that act as shrines to the spirits. The students were even motivated to use this theme in their own fancy dress Halloween Costumes!
student council newsletterClick the link below to view the latest Student Council Newsletter
open night a great successOn Wednesday evening 23rd October the doors of St. Mary's were opened up for all incoming 1st years and their parents' to view for themselves what life in St. Mary's is like. A huge number attended and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to come and visit and we look forward to seeing you all next September.
Mona lisa selfiesMiss Casey’s creative first years have created modern day Mona Lisa’s. Students studied the famous portrait by Leonardo Da Vinci. We discussed what it might be like to be Mona Lisa as a student in St Mary’s Secondary school. What clothes would she wear out of school, what hairstyle would she have, what background would she be in for the painting? Students took a Mona Lisa inspired selfie for their art homework. The results are excellent contemporary snapshots of the St Mary Modern day Mona Lisa.
1st year well being banner
During their Taster module IN Visual Art, Incoming First Years made beautiful leaf linear patterns with oil pastels scratched through black acrylic paint. This is a technique called Sgraffito or Scratcher Board.
Miss Farrell’s group made a Well Being banner for the First Year area with the many leaves made, choosing the quote: I AM A LEAF IN THE WIND, WATCH ME SOAR! visual artIn Visual Art this month, first years have been learning to be free with their mark-making by using charcoal and pens on long bamboo sticks like the great Henri Matisse. They have also been drawing with their feet! We looked at the work of our own wonderful Christy Brown. Students now have an appreciation for the work of these two great artists who overcame their disabilities so as they could remain creative. Great fun!!
Miss Farrell’s Second year Visual Art students have been focussing on Colour Theory in art class. They have been learning about the mechanics of colour mixing as well as the powerful expressive quality that the use of Colour has in Art, Design and market branding. The class have been experimenting with the kaleidoscopic effects of colour when food colouring catches onto the fat molecules in milk! Integrating STEAM initiatives into class can be so much fun.
Mr Gerry Connolly RIPThe St Mary’s Secondary School Community extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Gerry Connolly (principal in Oaklands Community College) upon his untimely passing. It is a great shock for Edenderry and the surrounding areas. Gerry was held in very high regard by all. He made an enormous contribution to the development of education in Edenderry and much further afield. He ensured that a solid, practical and close relationship was maintained between Oaklands and St Mary's. He will be deeply missed.
We wish the students, parents and staff of Oaklands every comfort through these difficult days. May he rest in peace. R Halford Principal darkness into light/ pieta house
Last Tuesday morning members from the Darkness into Light Group and Pieta House visited the school for a tree planting ceremony. On a beautiful sunny morning the LCA students along with their teachers, took part in the tree planting ceremony with the aim of making students aware that there is always someone to talk to if they are feeling a bit down or anxious. It's ok not to be ok..
1800247247 Gaisce awards
Well done to last years TY class who were presented with their Gaisce President's Award last week. Over 50 students completed the Award. Congratulations to you all.
welcome to our new 1st yearsAll in St.Mary's would like to give a big welcome to our new 1st Year group as they embark on the start of their secondary education. This is the biggest group of 1st years the school has had, with 191 students beginning. It has been a busy week for the students with each student getting a taster of the various subjects on offer.
We hope that their time in St. Mary's will be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. We also would like to say WELL DONE to last years' 6th Years who did themselves, their families and St. Mary's proud in the Leaving Cert 2019. We wish them all the very best as they embark on their next part of their life. 
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Trip to Blood Brothers
Over 300 students along with their teachers paid a visit to The Bord Gais Theatre for a performance of the musical Blood Brothers. It was a very enjoyable and successful trip with everyone thoroughly enjoying the performance.
Some students met Harry Crosbie (pictured) who told them all about developing the Bord Gais Theatre and the surrounding area. 1st Years' art Collage
Miss Casey’s first year Visual Art students have created a collage inspired by the contemporary artist Maser. Student’s researched Maser’s work creating an artist project on his art works. Students cut coloured paper into various shapes to create their original collage. Maser is our artist of the month in Ms Casey’s art room. Maser is an interesting Irish artist as he started out with graffiti which turned into the popular medium of street art. He creates installations, collages and paintings. He has set up his own gallery and art studio in heart of Dublin city called ‘Atelier Maser’. Maser’s most famous and controversial piece of work is his mural for Repeal the 8th.
Supermacs Collage
Two proud young men who have just finished their "Supermacs Collage" Leaving Cert Applied Visual Art project. Both Jake o Callaghan and Aaron Gorry love to spend time socialising in Supermacs after a busy week in school! This event became a perfect source for their art work.
They collected the material themselves for the collage from the restaurant. They then spent several hours cutting, arranging and planning the final piece. We are all so proud in the Art Department of the two best friends! 
Wellbeing Visual Art
Miss Farrell’s First year Visual Art classes decided to make a very valuable link with their Wellbeing classes by turning their Silhouette portraits into a book! They began by learning about positive and negative shapes and how Silhouettes were used in the past as a means of recording a person’s profile image so that they could be remembered by their loved ones. They used inspiring quotes from the amazing Doctor Seuss of ‘Cat in the Hat’ fame as printed backgrounds for their portraits. These quotes really resonated with the students and they enjoyed bringing the Silhouette book to their Wellbeing classes where the whole class could join in on the possible messages to take from these images and words placed together
ty scifest
Well done to all our TY students who put on a magnificent display of their SCIFEST projects in the school gym. On the day judging of the projects took place and special thanks to our judges, Dr. James Merrick, Evan Hackett, Henry Gunning, Mary Connolly and Sheila Porter.
Congratulations to Sophie Leddin and Amy Lynch who were awarded first place in the competition. The school was also presented with an award for their commitment to promoting STEM in the school. 
Certified Irish Angus Beef Competition
On Tuesday 14th of January the team of David Hill, Leo Cullen, Michael Dowling and Daniel Dowling represented St. Mary's Secondary School Edenderry in the second stage of the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition which was held in Mullingar. To enter, the students put together a three minute video outlining their interest in agriculture, information on their school, knowledge of the Angus breed, their knowledge of the competition sponsors and their plans for the promotion of the Angus breed. From a large group of entries approximately 60 schools were selected for interview. The team were interviewed by an Agriculture Science teacher and a representative from each of the sponsors; Irish Angus Producer Group, ABP and Kepak. In the interview, their video entry, plans for breed promotion and work they've done so far were discussed. From the interview stage approximately 30 teams will be selected to represent their schools in the final of the competition in Croke Park on March 4th. Our team have represented us brilliantly so far and have put huge work into their promotion of the Angus breed in the last few months. To keep up to date with their progress, find them on instagram at smeanguslads20. We wish them the best of luck with their entry.
First Aid Course For TY'sTY classes in St. Mary's have just completed a first aid course under the instruction of paramedic James Mullen. During the course the students learned invaluable life-saving skills such as C.P.R., dealing with a choking incident and dealing with burns.
Carol Singing
The school choir on route to provide some Christmas entertainment for the residents of Sancta Maria Nursing Home.
Athletics Success
On Tuesday 17th November 33 Athletes from St Mary's Secondary School Edenderry travelled to Athlone Institute of Technology to compete in the Offaly School's Indoor Athletics meet.
A great day of track and filed events took place with St. Mary's students participating in the track event of 60 m, 200 m , 800 m and the 4 by 200 m relay, while also competing in the field events of Shot put and Long Jump. St. Mary's had great success in all events entered, First year students Ultan Gill won Silver in the First year boys Shot Jump, Declan Osagie won SIlver in the Long Jump, Lee Mooney won his heat in the First year boys 60 m and came 4th in the final minutes after winning his heat . Senior cycle students were extremely impressive on the day winning a clean sweep of medals in the Senior Boys 200 m where BIlly Corrigan won Gold, Michael Dowling won SIlver and Daniel Dowling won Bronze. Robert Higgins won Gold in the Senior Boys Shot Put. Lydia Buckley Won Gold in all three events she entered winning the Senior Girls 200m and 800 m and winning the Relay with Robyn Nicholson, Sian Corrigan and Ruby Steuven. Robyn Nicholson won Bronze in the Senior Girls 60 m, Habib Goloba won Silver in the Senior Boys 60m, while Billy Corrigan won Bronze in the Senior Boys 60m, Gold in the Senior Boys 200m and was also part of the Gold winning Senior Boys Relay team along with Michael Dowling, Daniel Dowling and Habib Goloba. The School would like to congratulate all our Athletes on their great success and look forward to building on this success in the New Year. U19 Girls' Basketball
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