Spirit of Catholic Education Award 2022

24th Jan 2022

We are delighted to inform you that St Mary’s High School has achieved a prestigious award; the Spirit of Catholic Education Award with Distinction. The school has been recognised, and praised by the Down and Connor Catholic Schools’ Support Service for our outstanding commitment to partnership and community outreach. The award recognises the importance that the school places on the holistic development of our students in terms of their academic, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

The school’s submission for the award was led by the Head of Religion, Mrs Wylie.

To acknowledge this wonderful achievement, representatives from the school were invited to an awards ceremony on Monday 24th January, organised by the Down and Connor Schools’ Support Service.

In recognition of this award the CSSS said;

" St. Mary’s High School is to be commended for the in-depth audit which they undertook in examining how their school was responding to promoting Partnership and Outreach within the ethos and values of the gospel message. The analysis of their work was measured against the strong values-led tradition of Sr. Catherine McAuley and the Mercy Sisters whose legacy of service to the young women and families of Downpatrick and surrounding areas is found within St. Mary’s High School. Just as Sr. Catherine McAuley looked out into the world that she lived in and provided education and support for young women and their families, the principal, teachers and staff of St. Mary’s High School, Downpatrick “look out” for their students. They look and provide for their girls’ academic opportunity, pastoral care and faith formation. Under the patronage of Our Blessed Lady, St. Mary’s reflects the role of Mary as mother protector and source of strength for its students and their families both in good times and in times of difficulty. Whilst the audit affirmed the vision of the school community it also went further to see what else needed to be done to be a source of support in terms of partnership and outreach to the students when they face challenging life circumstances.

At all times the teaching and learning opportunities for students, their pastoral care, mental health and well-being were at the very centre of the school’s response. St. Mary’s have responded to Christ’s call to walk in accompaniment and solidarity with others so that they can have life to the full. It is against this evidence that the CSSS is delighted to present St. Mary’s High School, Downpatrick with the Spirit of Catholic Education Award 2022. "

We are delighted to have acheived this very prestigious award. We are thankful to everyone within our school community who helped us to achieve this.