St. Mary's Secondary School
Ballina

Student Support Team

Pastoral Care

At St. Mary’s Secondary School, we are committed to the wellbeing and success of every student. As part of this commitment, the school has a Student Support Team (SST) in place.

The SST is a core part of how we respond to the needs of our students. It is a multi-disciplinary team made up of school leaders, the Guidance Counsellor, Additional Educational Needs (AEN) staff, Year Heads, and other pastoral support members. The team meets weekly to coordinate supports for students who may be experiencing challenges – whether academic, emotional, behavioural, or social.

The key goals of the Student Support Team are to:

  • Identify and support students who may require additional help
  • Develop clear and coordinated support plans for these students
  • Promote student wellbeing and positive behaviour across the school
  • Engage with families and external agencies where appropriate to ensure students are supported holistically.

The work of the SST is confidential and student-centred, with a focus on early intervention and strong communication. We believe that with the right supports in place, all students can thrive.

If you ever have concerns about your child’s wellbeing or progress in school, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s Year Head, the Guidance Counsellor, or any member of staff. We are here to work with you in supporting your child’s development.

28-Jun-2026
As our Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students complete their State examinations, everyone at St. Mary's Secondary School would like to congratulate them on reaching this important milestone.
23-Jun-2026
Congratulations to Grace Cunnane, who has been placed second in the International Young Reporters for the Environment
© 2026 St. Mary's Secondary School