“And I think of the war years, when we had pupils from Nigeria, London and Glasgow. A Nigerian girl won a prize for Irish history at Feis an Duin. I miss the camaraderie of the staff, the foibles of colleagues and my own. The pageant passes, life is short; - one tries not to waste a minute of it.”

Mary Goss described how the past pupils union had been revived, during a pilgrimage to Lourdes in the Marian Year of 1954. They had been attired in national costume, the school banner being weaved in a Celtic design. The co-operation involved had “demonstrated what could be achieved by the combined effort of an enthusiastic and dedicated group, determined to represent their school to the best of our ability.”

Writing from New Zealand, Mary Downey, who became Sister Elizabeth, stated that “when I was faced with the painful decision whether to leave Ireland, the main factor was that maybe sometime, somewhere, I could be to other people what the Mercy Sisters in Newry had been to me and many others.”

Martina Quinn stated “I got a good education and enjoyed myself as well. I don’t think that it is possible to say better of any school. After all, the role of a school is to prepare young people for life in general, not just for a job. There is a danger that, because of the uncertain employment climate, schools will be nothing more than factories, training mass-produced good examination results, at the expense of all else. That would not be the case at Our Lady’s.”

Speaking at the centenary celebrations, the principal, Sister Olive McConville said: “A school is not a place. We took with us our heritage, our achievements and our spirit. We will be enriched by the inspiration of the past, distilled by 100 years’ experience. Thousands of girls have shared a common fund of memories, identifying with a unique spirit and tradition.

“But schools have to be about the real world. They have to meet the needs of the pupils, responding to social demands. Today’s society, far removed from the uncomplicated way of living organised by the past, has had its inevitable repercussions. Education for technology has seen traditional subjects jostle with science, economics and business, media and computer studies, health, education and social life skills,” the principal added.

Certainly, 2003 has seen the students at Our Lady’s Grammar School excel at a diverse range of subjects, academic, sporting, musical and cultural. For example, at GCE `A` Level nine girls got 4 Grade A; 26 had 3 Grade A, while 12 received two Grade A and one Grade B. and at GCSE level, three girls had 10/11 or 12 A*, 20 got 10 Grade A* and A, while 22 received 8/9 Grade A* and A.

In sport, camogie, introduced four years ago by Rosie Smyth, and coached by Aaron Clements, had a very successful year. About 100 pupils now take part in the sport. They won the Down county championship at under-12, under-14 and under-16 level, reaching the Ulster semi-final at under-16 level.

Meanwhile, Our Lady’s pupils dominated the British Gymnastic Championships, securing gold medals for the team and silver for the pairs. And they collected first and second prizes in the under-13 section of the Northern Ireland Championships. Being awarded the Newry and Mourne Sports Personality of the Year Award, hosting the Schools Gymnastics Championships at the Newry Sports Centre. Great credit is due to Roxanne Connor and Celine McAteer.

In classical dance, school teams won three cups at Portadown Feis, got the top award at cross-country, has collected prizes at swimming, as well as being involved in netball, golf and equestrian events.

On the musical scene, under the direction of Collette Lavery, the school orchestras have been busy, the senior section with the musical “The Pinafore Pirates,” involving 200 students. Some are involved with outside orchestras, choirs and bands. On leaving Our Lady’s, many continue their studies at university or music college, graduating as music teachers, or performers with the Ulster Orchestra, etc. The Traditional group is also very active.

The school won first and second prizes in the Regional Heat of the Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the Soroptomists. And over 50 students participate in after-school drama, coming first at Newry Feis. Strong links have been forged with the Tinderbox Theatre Company in Belfast, while students attend a wealth of theatrical events in Belfast and Dublin.

Education for Mutual Understanding is an important part of the curriculum, and Our Lady’s pupils are involved in twinning programmes with other schools, sponsored by Co-operation North. And they take part in exchanges with Granada in Spain, as well as attending the Irish language school in the Donegal Gaelteach. Students also support such charities as Trocaire, Concern, St Vincent de Paul, Children’s Cancer Society, etc.

The principal, Geraldine Pettigrew stated: “As a Catholic school, we work to build up the values of home, fostering a strong sense of faith in all our pupils. Our Lady’s has a superb record in academic success at GCSE and `A` level, where our pupils achieve outstanding grades. This is the result of their ability, hard work and the support they receive from home, as well as the dedication and inspiration of their teachers.

“Our Lady’s is, above all, a happy school, where pupils are expected to work hard, but where they will also find friendship, enrichment and fun. We are confident that every girl who comes to us will be well-prepared for the exciting challenges of her life.”

< Previous Page