Education Minister John O’Dowd has visited St Mary’s High School and Patrician Youth Centre in Downpatrick.
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Education Minister John O’Dowd with Chris Hazzard MLA and Fr John Murray and St Mary’s High School pupils.[/caption]On Wednesday 12 November, xa0the Minister met with pupils,xa0at St Mary’s High Schoolxa0staff and representatives from the Board of Governors.
The Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to visit St Mary’s High School. It has been a pleasure to meet with students to hear about their educational experiences and to meet staff who are providing a quality education for the children of the area.”
The Minister also visited Patrician Youth Centre in Downpatrick where he had the opportunity to meet young people attending the IT, Drama, Multi-sports and Playtime clubs. He said: “It is very encouraging to learn that over 100 children attend the Patrician Youth Centre every day as part of the Extended Schools Programme which is available for young people and their families in the Downpatrick area.
“This programme is designed to raise standards of achievement and to allow children to realise their full potential.
“I have very much enjoyed my visit to St Mary’s High School and Patrician Youth Centre. I congratulate them on the partnership approach which has been created by schools and the youth sector in the area and wish you every success for the future.”
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Education Minister John O’Dowd with Yvonne Maquire, Patrician Youth Centre Senior Youth Worker and some of the after-school club attendeees in a cookery class.[/caption]
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