Staff and pupils have been celebrating an important milestone in the history of the school: our 50th Anniversary. Education on the current site at Ballymaghery began in 1857 when two schools were opened - a school for boys and a school for girls and a major celebration was held in 2007 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the original schools.
A new era of education began on September 5th 1966, with the official opening of St Patrick's P.S. A modern building for boys and girls was created and since then the community has witnessed 50 wonderful years of learning. The celebrations of the 50th Anniversary began in February 2016 with a celebration Mass to coincide with Catholic Schools' Week. Celebrations concluded on Sunday 16th October with a lovely mass for the entire school community. The six months of celebrations included an open afternoon for parents, an art competition which produced a logo used on school notepaper for the months of September and October, along with charity fund-raising to which the parish community contributed the amazingly generous sum of £4, 521. There was a wonderful celebration of the events of 1916, a disco organised by our marvellous Parent Association, the preparation and burial of a 'Time Capsule', a visit from Image Musical Theatre, several visitors to the school whose expertise enhanced learning in curricular areas. On 12th October we were delighted to welcome back many of the retired teachers from St Patrick's who returned to share their memories of the history of the school with the pupils. Our visitors included the three former principals of the school - Mrs Kevin Mussen, Mrs Gregory Hanna, and Mrs Kathleen Cousins.
A constant focus of the dedicated staff throughout the years has been the supporting and nurturing of strong family and community links and the mission of promoting and deepening the Catholic faith of the children.
Thanks to Mrs Eileen Mooney and the church choir of St John's church, Ballymaghery. Thanks to the school choir members, instrumentalists and the musically talented team of teachers who helped prepare the beautiful singing and instrumental music for the mass. Thanks to everyone else who contributed to the mass in any way and a very special thanks to Canon Jarlath Cushenan, our parish priest and member of our Board of Governors who always supports the school willingly and cheerfully. Thanks also to the Board of Governors, past and present, who have faithfully served the school throughout the years. Huge thanks to the parents and grandparents of our pupils who are always helpful and supportive of all school endeavours. A special word of thanks to Mrs Mary Savage who gave us tremendous help in the organisations of the Photographic Display in school and who kindly cut the anniversary cake for us.
Thanks to the wonderful staff of St Patrick's - a dedicated team of teachers, classroom assistants, lunchtime supervisors and kitchen staff all supported by our wonderful Senior Clerical Officer, caretaker and cleaners.
Well done, everyone! Here's to the next 50 years of quality education!
Una Lawless
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