St. Mary’s College is a Catholic co-educational secondary school located on an 11-acre site in the heart of Dundalk, it was founded in 1861. Under the trusteeship of the Marist Fathers (The Society of Mary) and guided by Mary’s vision of service, this college caters for the educational welfare of over 700 students. The college has recently moved into their new state of the art school building. The new St Mary’s College post-primary school has 29 specialist classrooms for subjects including technology, construction studies, art (2 rooms), home economics and design and communication graphics, while there also are guidance and learning support suites. There is also a library, purpose-built science laboratories, a music/drama room with staging area, over 20 general classrooms, computer suites and a physical education hall with changing and fitness suites. Facilities also include a general purpose area as well as a canteen, staff offices and other ancillary space. Both art rooms situated directly beside each other with a large store room between them allowing efficiency when retrieving materials.
Over my past few months I have learned a lot about teaching and how it is most definitely a career for me. I have developed in my professional life by being more involved in the school life. Being involved in school life has allowed me to host after school art clubs for students and teachers, while also taking part in TY mini company planning and assisting them in their poster design, product design and advertisement. While being in the class I feel like I have gained more confidence in myself and I have found my identity as a teacher. While working in the school I have also come to realise the importance of community, how both students and staff rely on each other and by lending a helping hand can make the world of difference to a particular person.