A new era in education
THIS week marks a ground-breaking development in the history of education in the Downpatrick area as Lecale Trinity Grammar School opens its doors to welcome all its pupils for the first time.
Although the official celebrations to mark the opening of the school will take place on the 19th of September, the principal and staff have been working tirelessly to make sure that the first day for all new pupils is a memorable one.
The school, which is an amalgamation of two Lasallian schools, De La Salle High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School, and a school from the Mercy tradition, St Mary’s High School, opened on Monday.
Lecale Trinity Grammar School is a co-educational, 11-19, voluntary grammar school situated in Downpatrick with an overall enrolment of 1,600 pupils.
It is in the trusteeship of the De La Salle Congregation.
The school will operate on the existing sites of the three former schools pending capital investment for a one-site solution.
Year 8 and 9 pupils will be educated on the Mercy Campus, formerly St Mary’s High School, and Year 10-14 pupils on the Lasallian Campus. The school also has Specialist Provision to enable all students to have full access to the National Curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and 4.
In November 2023, Dr Fionnuala Moore took up position as Principal Designate and began the process of planning for the opening of the school, working closely with the Interim Board of Governors, and the staff and students from the three amalgamating schools.
Speaking on Monday, Dr Moore pledged her commitment to ensuring the highest standards of educational experience and pastoral provision for all pupils in Lecale Trinity Grammar School.
In particular, Dr Moore spoke of her determination to develop a centre of excellence which fulfils the school’s motto ‘Omni Puero Fides’, translated as ‘Faith in Every Child’.
“I am delighted that the school is now officially open,” Dr Moore said.
“Together, with our school community, we have been given the opportunity to create a unique and inclusive learning environment for our young people, where the children in a family have the opportunity to be educated together, and where the needs of each and every pupil are at the heart of the school’s ethos as a Catholic Lasallian school.”
She paid tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the new school, who have worked collaboratively with her and the Senior Leadership Team on this journey.
“I pay tribute to the dedication, commitment and tireless work of the staff who are determined to fuse the best practice from the three amalgamating schools with recent educational research to ensure the best possible educational experience for every pupil in their care.”
She also stressed the importance of ‘student voice’ in the new school.
“The ‘student voice’ has been an integral part of the planning process, with pupils working closely with staff to inform and monitor the implementation of planning and strategies around key areas directly affecting them.
“This has included the design of a curriculum to meet the needs of all learners along with pastoral and curricular programmes to address the importance of individual wellbeing in this important transition phase.
“This of course began with the exploration of key values underpinning the school’s ethos and the unwavering commitment to ‘Faith in Every Child’.
“The first ever cohort of Year 8 pupils were welcomed to the Mercy Campus on Monday by an excited staff and the Student Leadership Team, who have been thoroughly planning for this day.”
Pupils in Year 8 spoke of their excitement at joining Lecale Trinity Grammar School, and of what they were most looking forward to.
Cara said: “I’m looking forward to making new friends.”
Macy said she was looking forward to playing sports, especially netball.
Matthew said he was also looking forward to playing sports, especially Gaelic and soccer.
Jack said: “I’m most looking forward to meeting new teachers and making new friends.”
The school principal added: “As a new school community, we are looking forward to engaging with our parents and carers as we continue on this educational journey with them and their children.
“Their support, involvement, and active participation will play an integral role in their child’s success as we work hand in hand to nurture a love of learning and the provision of quality educational experiences in a faith-based community.”
Mrs McCartan, Chair of the Interim Board of Governors, paid tribute to many stakeholders whose vision, perseverance and hard work over many years have culminated in the creation of Lecale Trinity Grammar School.
“I pay tribute to the vision and commitment of the De La Salle Congregation and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, along with the Down and Connor Diocese,” she said.
“They have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with key stakeholders over many years to create an inclusive Catholic school grounded in the core values of the charism of the Lasallian Congregation and Sisters of Mercy.
“Their hard work and vision are realised today.
“I also pay tribute to the members of the Interim Board of Governors, established in January 2023, who have been responsible for the achievement of the strategic and operational priorities outlined on the Implementation Plan.
“Their perseverance, expertise and generosity of spirit have been outstanding.
“I thank all the staff led by Dr Moore and her Senior Leadership Team, whose hard work, positivity and child-centred focus have been exceptional.
“I conclude with the key partners in the process, namely the pupils and their families.
“We extend our best wishes to them as they begin their exciting journey in partnership with the staff in Lecale Trinity Grammar School.”
