St. Louis students, emphatic with their recent performances in their GCSE, AS, A2 and BTEC examinations gathered at Mourne school, for the annual Senior Prize Giving ceremony. Sr Mary O’Connor SSL opened the proceedings by paying tribute to St. Louis and congratulated all for their efforts during the past year.

St. Louis Principal, Mr Kevin Martin express his immense pride in this celebration of the student’s achievements, “You, (parents) should be especially proud of your sons and daughters as they have excelled in every aspect of school life”.

He highlighted the excellent performances of the students in the recent examinations. “At GCSE Level, AS and A2 the pass rate is once again very high and we are delighted with how well our students have performed in their public examinations”.

Mr Martin praised the Year 14 leavers on continuing the proud tradition of excellence in A Level examination, “The performance of our students at A Level has been outstanding with 90% of all grades achieved being A*-C, and 44% of students A*-A”. He continued, “We are delighted to announce that the majority of the St. Louis Class of 2019, will now be embarking to study undergraduate degree courses at their chosen university and we wish them well. The diverse range of degree courses and higher apprenticeships reflects the unique interests, abilities, talents and aspirations of each individual student and we are delighted that 93% of applicants achieved their preferred University course and are well prepared and ready for the next stage of their education, training or employment”.

Mr Martin also praised the successes of those receiving their GCSE and AS certificates highlighting “the solid foundations upon further successes can be experienced”.

Mr Martin paid tribute to the efforts of all who played a vital role in the success of the students. “My sincere thanks and gratitude to our teachers and support staff for their excellent teaching, pastoral care and assistance to you throughout the years. He continued by highlighting the central position of the child in education. “In St Louis we aim to educate the whole child and provide an environment in which they can grow into confident, productive healthy citizens prepared to face the world as confident, articulate and mature young adults with all the necessary skills and attributes required to meet the challenges of the 21st century”.

Mr Martin also congratulated all involved in the transition of the school during the year. “This time last year we welcomed new students from St Columban’s College into Years 9 to 13. My sincere thanks to our staff who worked hard to ensure the transition was as seamless as possible. I pay tribute to all the students for how well they settled in to the school and managed the change. Each and every one of you exemplified all that is special about St Louis Kilkeel during this transition”.

Guest speaker at the ceremony was former student Mr Paul Cunningham, Head Chef and Director of Brunel’s in Newcastle. The award winning Chef took the students on a journey through his life, highlights the many challenges met along the way but how he overcame them with perseverance and dedication. “I wanted to be the best that I could be and that is what you should strive for in whatever career you choose”.

The evening’s celebrations concluded with an excellent array of traditional music from the St. Louis ‘Trad’ group, followed by refreshments in the school canteen.

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