On a vibrant evening at St. Joseph's College, Enniskillen a large gathering of students, alumni, parents, board members, and staff assembled to celebrate the achievements of past and present pupils.
This annual Prize Night was not only a tribute to academic success but also a celebration of the well-rounded development fostered at the school.
Anne Carrigan, Acting Principal of St. Joseph’s College, reflected warmly on the event, noting: “It is a strong testament to the community spirit here in St. Joseph’s College to see so many pupils, past pupils, parents with their extended families, Board of Governors, and staff here tonight. We are here to recognise the achievements of pupils who have paved their pathway in life through the skills and academic abilities developed in this school.”
The event highlighted the successes of students across various domains, including academic, artistic, personal, and athletic achievements.
“Prize Night is always a highlight in the school calendar,” Miss Carrigan said.
“Tonight is particularly special as it allows us to celebrate the success of all pupils, recognising their talents and efforts.”
She added that the evening’s celebration aimed to inspire current students, especially those preparing for examinations, by showcasing the accomplishments of their predecessors.
Miss Carrigan also praised the dedication of the school staff, who have gone above and beyond in guiding students through challenging times.
She remarked on the resilience shown over recent years, saying: “Looking back on the past two years, it can be easy to forget the challenges pupils faced and the hours of dedicated study required to succeed in their GCSE and A-level pathways.”
She credited this success to the strong partnerships between staff, parents, and guardians, who work together to ensure students' positive progress and well-being.
St. Joseph’s College has also invested in staff development through initiatives like the Catalyst Schools programme. Recently, the school participated in a Learning Journey to XP School in Doncaster, where school leaders explored innovative practices in education.
This experience helped "to reset and refocus our core values through collaboration and communication with staff and pupils” Miss Carrigan said, outlining values such as high standards, respect, safety, inclusivity, and a commitment to preparing students for the future.
In a gesture of pride, Carrigan shared the impressive academic results for the 2024-2025 year, noting: “We have seen our pupils achieve 84.49 per cent 5 A*-C in their GCSE results, with 61.36 per cent including Maths and English, and at A level, 92 per cent of pupils gained 2+ A*-C.”
These results stand well above the Northern Ireland average for non-selective schools, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students, staff, and parents alike.
The evening concluded with a video celebrating the pupils' successes, produced by the Head Boy, Deputy, and Senior Prefects. As Carrigan welcomed past pupil Gary Cassidy to address the crowd, she expressed her hope that his journey might inspire others.
“I firmly believe these conversations can plant a seed for our current and recent leavers,” she said, rounding off a night of shared pride and community spirit.
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