St. Mary's Charleville Co Cork

Religion is a very important part of life at St. Mary's. We are fortunate enough to have a beautiful, tranquil religion room where students and teachers alike can take time to reflect on life and experiences.

Junior Cycle Religion Programme

We at St. Mary's were one of the first schools to run with the new religious education syllabus, examinable at junior level.
Above all, we felt as a team, that it was important to combine experiences in the prayer room with opportunities for learning through the syllabus. This was achieved through several prayer services and trips out to places like Glenstall Abbey.
We work through team teaching in the religion department and we have found that it works extremely well. There is tremendous support for everyone's work and students benefit from the many and varied talents of teachers.

Senior Cycle Programme

Our senior cycle programme tries to explore aspects of life that will present challenges for our students. Self-Esteem – Here students look at the Myers Briggs, while also at choices and consequences of actions
Drugs Awareness
Behaviour – what is expected of us by parents, society etc.
Sexuality- ownership of our sexuality and accepting others as they are. Other areas included are pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases
Crisis Management – Bereavement Counselling. We operate training programmes for leaders to help others deal with loss
Relationships
Meditation – using quietness to empower us to change ourselves and others
Retreat – Students decide on the theme for their retreat, an aspect which has touched their lives
Social Justice and Injustice – looking at organisations like Trocaire and Concern

The annual fifth year retreat was held on February 27th. It was given by Mike Shortt acccompanied by his collegues Megan and Orla. It was really enjoyable and a wonderful opportunity for time out from school life.