St. Mary's Prospectus 2020

Moving to St Mary’s College:
The Big Sister Programme
Transition from Primary School to Post-Primary
School can be challenging for some pupils. We
have an engaging transition programme that
begins in year 7. We have strong links with primary
schools and we engage in a range of transition
programmes. We invite all our Year 8 pupils and
their families to a Welcome Ceremony on their
first day at school. Year 8 pupils also have a ‘Big
Sister’ who shadows the class, keeping a close
eye on your daughter and ensuring she settles into
new friendship groups. Big Sisters communicate
regularly with our pastoral team and it is a very
effective way of monitoring every pupil, as they
become accustomed to their new school.
Roxanne Nixon, a Youth &
Community Worker and past pupil
Roxanne, as part of the HYPE Programme (Helping
Young People Excel), provides support to our pupils
in the following areas: anxiety, mental health, social
isolation, family – home life, bereavement & sexual
identity. Roxanne works closely with our pastoral
team, co-ordinated by Mr Conor Lynch.
Enrichment: Health & Wellbeing
Your daughter will also have 70 minutes out of
timetable per week where the focus is firmly
on health & wellbeing. At this time, pupils will
experience meditation, dance, health & well-being
workshops, all designed to reduce anxiety and
improve resilience. It allows the school to put
together a bespoke programme that addresses
the needs of our pupils. The pupils take a break
from the demands of the timetable with smiles and
laughter the name of the game.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2020
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