CHALK TALK

A little taste of school life in Ireland… all the way from Atlanta! 🇮🇪🇺🇸

While spending her summer holidays in Ireland, Ciara, from Atlanta, Georgia, got the chance to experience a day at St. Mary’s and by all accounts, she loved every minute of it.

Ciara is the daughter of Karen Leonard, a proud past pupil of the school, making the visit even more special as another generation walked through the same doors.

A huge thank you to Principal Cóilín Ó Coigligh and all the staff for giving Ciara such a warm welcome and making her feel right at home. It’s a day she’ll remember for a long time.

Very happy memories of my time in St Mary’s Primary School from 1985 - 1993. How privileged I was to have the young and wonderful Ms Siobhán O’ Gorman (Nally) at the start of my primary school journey in Junior Infants, followed by the lovely Ms Coughlan in Senior Infants. I was also very lucky to have the inimitable ‘Sister Mac’ (Immaculata) for two years in Room 13 where we had plenty of visits from her pal Sister Eileen, with lots of fun and learning along the way. Thank you to St Mary’s for providing a fantastic education in a warm and happy environment. Best of luck with the exciting new chapter ahead. Scoil Naomh Pádraig Abú!

Written by Jenny Lynch
1985- 1993

Former pupil Niamh Clavin has shared photographs from the memorable day the St Mary’s Primary School choir welcomed President Mary Robinson with song during her visit to Dalgan Park on 10 March.

Led by their teacher Pauline Egan, the girls’ choir performed in the chapel as President Robinson made her first visit to Dalgan. Despite the drizzle outside, it was a day many former pupils have never forgotten.

Were you one of the choir members? Do you remember rehearsals with Pauline Egan, the excitement of the President’s visit, or perhaps you have photographs from the day?

Share your memories in the comments or email [email protected].

Photo: The Droichead team of two mentors Fiona and Jacinta, Siobhán, Coilin and the first two droichead qualified teachers in the school Lorraine and Karen.

In 2015 we were invited to feilte to discuss our experience of droichead and how we engaged in the pilot scheme. Throughout my time in St Mary’s Convent School, I learned so much from the dedicated, driven and innovative staff. Their desire for growth and development was contagious and stayed with me throughout my teaching career. Eleven years later, I have progressed to a principalship position. I know that I was privileged to start of my career in St. Marys Convent School as gave me the opportunity to learn from an amazing group of staff and students. The fond memories I have will remain with me throughout my career. Best of luck to all the staff as you transition to Scoil Naomh Padraig, Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chèile

Written by Karen Murray

Education has changed a lot over the years… but it’s lovely looking back at old copy books from school. They can bring you right back!

Not sure of the year but will update when we find out. Thanks ☺️

Celebrating St. Mary’s: Memories from the Classroom

By Elizabeth O’ Sullivan (Kerry).
My association with St. Mary’s began in September 1986 when, as a newly
qualified teacher, I moved from my native Kerry to Meath, swapping the
Kingdom for the Royal County. As it was my first permanent teaching post, I
arrived with great enthusiasm and excitement.
Over the next six years, I honed my craft alongside some of the most
dedicated teachers one could hope to meet, ably led by our principal, Sr.
Claude, who exuded a sense of calm wherever she went.
Room 1 was where my teaching career truly began, and it will always hold a
special place in my heart. Its walls echoed with the boundless energy that
can only be found among Junior Infants. Four years later, armed only with
boxes of white and coloured charts and without an interactive whiteboard in
sight, I moved to Room 7 and the equally enthusiastic Senior Infants.
It is often said that experience cannot be bought; it must be gained. To that, I
can certainly attest. The six years I spent in St. Mary's provided the
foundation for what would become a rewarding 40-year career in education.
As life unfolded, I returned to my native Kerry in 1992 to take up a
principalship post.
One of my standout memories from St. Mary’s was organising my very first
Nativity play for parents. Initially daunted by the task, both my cast of senior
infants and I soon overcame our stage fright, and the production proceeded
smoothly. However, just as the Three Wise Men arrived to present their gifts,
a flustered father appeared at the classroom door, late through no fault of
his own. As a result, the Holy Family, the shepherds, the innkeeper and the
Wise Men had to retell one of the greatest stories ever told for a second
time! It was innocence at its very best.
It is hard to believe that those same children are now in their forties. I
fervently hope that, whether they travelled far afield like the Christmas Star
or remained close to the banks of the Boyne, life has been kind to them and
that they are happy and well.
I also hope that their memories of St. Mary’s, like mine, remain among their
fondest. To the wonderful children, colleagues and friends I was privileged to
encounter during my time there, I offer my heartfelt thanks.

Beannachtaí agus míle buíochas.

Athboy Community Council Culture Competition winners from O'Growney NS, with Ebbie Ennis, chairman of Athboy Community Council, Bridget Ennis NT, and Andy Byrne, Athboy Community Person of the Year - Valerie Coleman, Claire Gallagher, Gavin Smyth, Christina Nea, Fionnuala Hammond, and front, Trevor Matthews.

Photo: Meath Life through the Lens

Where Are They Now?

St Mary’s pupils walked through the streets of Trim in their school uniforms, retracing part of the school’s journey through the town and marking the end of an era.

Along the route, they paused at Wellington Lodge on Emmet Street, where the first Mercy Sisters lived when they arrived in Trim and established their first school. Today, the house is home to Charlotte Reilly and her family, who kindly shared these photographs with Chalk Talk. The children of St Mary’s Trim gathered outside for one final photograph, creating a poignant link between the school’s beginnings and its final chapter.