The Sixth Year Graduation took place this year on Tuesday 19th May. It is always a highly anticipated event on behalf of the Sixth Years and a milestone for their parents and teachers alike.
The students chose the theme of “Memories” this year as they acknowledged how much they have achieved and shared with their friends and classmates during their time here in St. Mary’s. The quote they chose was “ We didn’t just share classrooms, we shared moments that mattered” and this was shown as pictures of the students as children, in primary school and in 6th year were on the walls, showing their journey through secondary school and milestones they achieved on that journey. Fr Joe Mc Donald celebrated the Mass for us and made it a very relevant, memorable and spiritual ceremony for all.
The celebration began with a welcome address from Ms Devaney. This was followed by an entrance procession of the girls with their personalised graduation candles. A Candle Ceremony took place where Mr Paul Flanagan passed on the Light of Faith to his daughter Jane, followed by 6th Year Head Mr Beirne who passed on the light of knowledge toall 6th years. Fr Joe then began the Mass with Deputy Head Girls Anna Hughes and Sophie Martin doing the first and second readings.
Students, Parents and Teachers were all prayed for in The Prayers of the Faithful which were read by Ella O’Connor, Sadhbh Barr, Ella Duggan, Ella Grace, Grace Beatty and Erica Hunter.
The gifts brought to the altar during the Offertory Procession symbolised all aspects of the memories and growth of the students. Raima read a commentary as Caitlyn brought up a school jumper – a symbol of shared identity and memories, Camilla brought up a school bag – a symbol of the journey students have travelled together, Miesha brought up a school book – a symbol of the years of learning students experienced together, Amelie brought up a sports jersey, a symbol of teamwork, encouragement and school spirit and Sienna brought up a clock, a symbol of how quickly the time together in St. Mary’s has passed. Laya and Callie brought up the bread and wine – symbols of the Eucharist and spiritual nourishment. This was accompanied by the song “I will lift my eyes” by Tony Alonso.
After Holy Communion a poem called “The Labyrinth” by Caroline Joy Adams was read as a Communion Reflection by Olivia Grace while Niamh Moran brought up a picture of a labyrinth. This was followed by an Interfaith Prayer. The Mass ended with the choir singing “Vienna” by Billy Joel and “Thank you for the Music” by ABBA which had a significance for the students.
After the Mass
This led on to the Award Ceremonies where all 6th Year students received certificates from Mr Clarke, Ms O’Donnell, Ms Devaney and Mr Beirne, the 6th Year Head. Mr Clarke spoke to parents, students and teachers about their journey from first to sixth year in St. Mary’s. The Head Girl, Grace Daniyan and the Deputy Head Girls, Sophie Martin andAnna Hughes gave their valedictory addresses to the class of 2026. The Margaret Aylward Award, which the girls voted for themselves was highly anticipated and Ms O’Donnell had the honour of presenting the award to Grace Daniyan, this year’s well deserved recipient.
The evening was then brought to a lively and emotional conclusion with the girls and choir singing the Graduation Songs; “ History” by One Direction and “Don’t stop me now” by Queen.
We in the Religion Department would like to thank many people whose hard work helped to make this year’s graduation such a special occasion including; Fr Joe for hisdedicated commitment to the spiritual life of St. Mary’s this year. Mr Fox, Dad of Megan who supplied the fabulous graduation poster in the entrance foyer. Mr Coll and the school choir, whose beautiful singing always enhances the night. Colin and Conor for transforming the gym into such a special venue, Ms Dowling for the fantastic balloons, Ms Cryan for the beautiful flower arrangements, Liz for all her help with the booklet, not to mention anything else we might need, Denise and the Parents Association for organising the refreshments, the staff, who always support us and finally, Mr Clarke, Ms O’Donnell and Ms Devaney whose constant support gives us the freedom to be creative and make graduation such a memorable occasion for all.
L. Bohan and the Religion Department.