St Louise’s a vital part of west Belfast community – O’Dowd
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has hailed
the vital contribution that St Louise’s Comprehensive College makes to
the community in west Belfast.
Speaking after a visit to the school today, the Minister said: “St
Louise’s has been a cornerstone of the community in west Belfast for
over 50 years, delivering high quality education to generations of girls
during sometimes difficult years.
“This tradition continues today, as St
Louise’s collaborates with 13 other schools in the area to deliver a
wide range of both academic and vocational courses to girls at Key Stage
4 and post-16 levels. The strong performance of St Louise’s, a
non-selective school, in public examinations year on year serves to
underline its ability to give its pupils the best possible start in
life.
“St Louise’s also delivers an excellent
support network and range of extra-curricular activities through its
role as the lead school in the Greater Falls Extended Schools Cluster.
Funded by my Department, this sees the school provide vital pastoral
advice and support to young people on serious issues such as suicide,
self-harm and drugs awareness.”
The Minister concluded: “The
success of St Louise’s owes much to the hard work and commitment of
everyone connected to the school – parents, governors and all the staff,
both teaching and non-teaching. I would also pay tribute to the
excellent leadership of the school management team, led by Principal
Carmel McCartan, whose dedication on a daily basis helps inspire
everyone at the school.”