Mrs Sheila Darling has been Principal of St. Mary's High School, from November 2010.
At the end of February 2019 she retired. A celebration mass was held in her honour.
Katie O' Connor, our Deputy Head Girl spoke about on behalf of the student body in our school.
In her speech she said;
"When I started my secondary school education here at St Mary’s, Mrs Darling had been principal for approximately two years. From attending the school’s Open Night, I was made very aware of the school’s motto ‘Every Child Matters’ and this was an influencing factor in my decision to come here to study. Now after seven years I can truly say that this motto is lived out in our school on a daily basis.
The main message Mrs Darling was sure to reinforce was that we should develop a can-do attitude in everything we do. We were reminded that we are just as good and as capable as any other students in the surrounding area. We sit the same examinations as other students. There is a high standard of teaching here at St Mary’s, and with the emphasis on a can-do attitude, every pupil believes that they are just as talented as those in any other schools."
Mrs Margaret Mc Nabb spoke on behalf of the Board of Governors and staff.
In her speech she said
"Mrs Darling ensured that St Mary’s adapted to change, change seeming often like the only real constant in education in 21st Century Ireland. She sought to prepare staff and students for the great changes that may well be ahead. Change was not something to be feared, in Mrs Darling’s St Mary’s, but something to be evaluated and, where necessary or appropriate, embraced.
The last eight years in St Mary’s have been a truly remarkable episode in the history of a great institution but it is not institutions that are important, it is what they deliver that really matters.
St Mary’s is a top preforming non-selective school. It reaches out, more than ever before, to a local community that appreciates the formal education but also the values on offer in this great school.
St Mary’s students excel academically. They serve the community. They demonstrate exceptional musical and artistic talent and, more recently they have been demonstrating prowess on the football field too.
We wish Mrs Darling a long, happy, healthy and active retirement. We extend best wishes to her successor, Mrs McLaughlin.
Mrs Darling’s legacy lies not in a building, or institution, nor will she be remembered as a portrait on the wall of the reception area. Mrs Darling’s legacy lies in the lives of her students, past and present, here in St Mary’s."
To Mrs Darling we would like to say the memories will last for many years. We will continue to work hard to ensure the education of our students is enriched and where 'Every Child Matters'. We extend our wishes to have a happy retirement.
