St. Mary's Secondary School
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School Ethos

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Mercy

St. Mary's College was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1936 and, as such, supports the religious and educational philosophy of its founder Catherine McAuley. Catholic schools in the Mercy tradition give expression and witness to the values of the Gospel, the traditions of the Church and the charism which Catherine McAuley exemplified.

True to the inspiring vision of our foundress, Catherine McAuley, we aspire to foster in all our students a deep respect and compassion for all people, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of practical help.

While maintaining a strong Catholic tradition and ethos, we welcome students from every religious tradition and nationality. In St. Mary’s Secondary School, we believe that such diversity and inclusivity mean that all are enriched by the experience and culture of fellow human beings.

CEIST

St. Mary’s Secondary School is under the trusteeship of CEIST - a Catholic Education Irish Schools Trust. CEIST is the trustee body for the voluntary secondary schools of the Daughters of Charity, the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of Christian Retreat and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. The Vision of CEIST is to create a compassionate and just society inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Their Mission is to provide a holistic education in the Catholic Tradition.

The CEIST community is committed to living the vision and the core values of the Charter. These values have their roots in the Gospel of Jesus and have been central in the tradition of the five founding Congregations.

CEIST Core Values

  • Promoting Spiritual and Human Development
  • Commitment to excellence and continually improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning
  • Showing Respect for each Individual
  • Creating a sense of Community with a special welcome for those most in need
  • Being Just and Responsible in our Relationships.

The core values of CEIST are intended to support and nourish the lives of the people who are at the heart of their schools – students, staff and parents.

CEIST is committed to building school faith communities where good personal relationships are fostered and where the staff are supported and faciliated in their vital role within the school. For more information please visit the CEIST website.

Under the guidance of CEIST, St. Mary's Secondary School continues to provide a well-rounded education that combines intellectual growth with the development of character, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility. CEIST's focus on nurturing the whole person will ensure that students receive a well-balanced education, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

At St. Mary's Secondary School, we honor the profound contributions of the Mercy Sisters and express our deep gratitude for their dedication to our community. We are confident that the school's cherished legacy will thrive and that future generations of students will continue to be inspired, challenged, and guided by the values that have defined St. Mary's throughout its history. Together, we look forward to a bright and promising future, built upon the solid foundation laid by the Mercy Sisters and carried forward by CEIST.

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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