Bishop attends opening of new Lecale Trinity Grammar School

Bishop attends opening of new Lecale Trinity Grammar School

25 September 2024

LECALE Trinity Grammar School in Downpatrick proudly marked its official opening on Thursday.

A mass in St Patrick’s Church was celebrated by Bishop Alan McGuckian, who later unveiled the school plaque.

The school, which is an amalgamation of St Patrick’s Grammar School De La Salle High School and St Mary’s High School opened its doors to pupils earlier this month.

The opening of the school marks a significant milestone in the region’s educational landscape. 

Joining Bishop McGuckian at the mass were Canon John Murray, parish priest of Downpatrick, and diocesan priests from local parishes.

Also in attendance were staff and pupils, local dignitaries, representatives from the Mercy and Lasallian traditions, the Department of Education, the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools, the Education Authority and key community members.

Bishop McGuckian was joined in the unveiling of the school plaque by Brother Ben Hanlon FSC, Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers.

In her keynote address, Dr Fionnuala Moore, school principal, thanked the Interim Board of Governors for their dedication, commitment, generosity and service, who under the leadership of Mrs Carmel McCartan as chairperson, were instrumental in the creation of Lecale Trinity Grammar School.

Dr Moore pledged her commitment to work with the new school community to “create a truly unique and inclusive learning environment for our young people, one where children in one 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”. 

She added: ”Our core values reflect what we stand for as a school. They are woven into every aspect of our students’ experience, from academic learning to extra-curricular activities.

“We are especially proud of our commitment to social and ecological justice, which is central to how we prepare students to face the challenges of our modern world.” 

 Mrs Carmel McCartan, chairperson of the Interim Board of Governors, acknowledged the hard work by all staff.

“Today is a wonderful day for all in Lecale Trinity Grammar School,” she said.

“On behalf of the governors, I pay tribute to Dr Moore and her staff who have worked extremely hard to organise both this special Mass and official opening of the school.

“We all recognise, with gratitude, how privileged we are to stand on the shoulders of dedicated educators in the three legacy schools who have provided outstanding education in Downpatrick and the surrounding area. We wish God’s blessings on the pupils, staff and their families in the years ahead.’

The name Lecale Trinity Grammar School was carefully chosen by the school’s staff, parents, and pupils.

It reflects both the school’s location on the Lecale Peninsula and the symbolism of the Trinity, representing not just the three legacy schools but also unity, strength, and faith—key elements of the school’s ethos. This is supported by the school’s motto – ‘Faith in Every Child’.

 Dr Moore’s closing words went to the parents and pupils of Lecale Trinity Grammar School.

She said: “You are the most important people in this process. We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure the realisation of our commitment to faith in each and every child in our care.”