Official opening of Lecale Trinity Grammar School
Lecale Trinity Grammar School proudly marked its official opening on Thursday, 19 September 2024 with a mass celebrated by Bishop Alan McGukian and the unveiling of the school plaque by Bishop McGukian and Brother Ben Hanlon fsc, Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers.
Brother Francis Manning, Mr Joe Gilson, Mrs Carmel McCartan, Brother Patrick Collier, Dr Fionnuala Moore, Brother Ben Hanlon
The school, which is an amalgamation of two Lasallian schools, De La Salle High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School, and a school from the Mercy tradition, St Mary’s High School, opened its doors to pupils in September 2024. The opening of the school marks a significant milestone in the region's educational landscape, offering innovative learning and teaching, and a broad curriculum to inspire the next generation of students.
The opening ceremony began with a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Down and Connor, the Very Reverend Canon John Murray and diocesan priests from the local parishes. The service was held in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick. The service was attended by staff and pupils from Lecale Trinity Grammar School, 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.
Mrs Carmel McCartan Chair Interim Board of Governors, Most Rev Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Down and Connor, Brother Ben Hanlon fsc, Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers, Dr Fionnuala Moore Principal
The school plaque was later unveiled by Bishop McGukian and Brother Ben Hanlon fsc, Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers. The event was presided over by Dr Fionnuala Moore, Principal of Lecale Trinity Grammar School, who delivered a keynote address on the school’s mission to provide an inclusive and stimulating environment that encourages academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
In her statement, Dr Moore 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.”
Dr. Moore 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. 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, “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.”
With a capacity to accommodate over 1,600 students, Lecale Trinity Grammar School aims to foster an environment that balances academic excellence with extra-curricular enrichment, offering students opportunities to excel in all aspects of school life. Lecale Trinity Grammar School looks forward to becoming a centre of excellence in the region, committed to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
