Welcome

On behalf of the children, staff and governors of St Mary’s Primary School and Nursery Unit, I am delighted to welcome you to our school website.

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School was established in 1964 and is situated in the middle of the town of Bellaghy. County Derry. Our Nursery Unit was opened in 2002, expanding our provision for the children of Bellaghy.

We believe that all children are life time learners. We know that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and well cared for. Therefore our first priority is the provision of strong pastoral care in a nurturing environment of catholic faith. We aim to develop in our children a passion and love of learning by providing an enriched, broad and balanced curriculum; that delivers a high quality, inclusive education for all, so that each may reach their full potential.

I sincerely hope that you will find our website to be an extremely useful resource, helping you to engage with your child’s educational journey through St Mary’s. Should you require any further information on admissions or would like to visit the school at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mrs Mary McCann

Principal

Welcome

Latest News

Tony Fitzpatrick Memorial Tournament.

30th Apr 2026

Well done to our P7 boys who reached the semi-final of the Cup today at the Tony...

Ulster American Folk Park

30th Apr 2026

Reminder that our school trip to the Ulster American Folk Park is tomorrow (Friday...

It’s a Bug’s Life in P.3

30th Apr 2026

Our new WAU topic, It’s a Bug’s Life, has got off to a buzzing start!...

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Tony Fitzpatrick Memorial Tournament. Well done to our P7 boys who reached the semi-final of the Cup today at the Tony Fitzpatrick Memorial Tournament in St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt. The boys played incredibly in all their group matches and gave it all they had in the semi-final. Well done boys - we are so proud of your teamwork and skills shown in every single match. Massive thanks to Holy Family PS for organising such a fantastic day.

Ulster American Folk Park Reminder that our school trip to the Ulster American Folk Park is tomorrow (Friday 1st May). Children will wear their leavers hoodies with a choice of trousers, coat, sturdy shoes/trainers and sun-cream. Can all children bring a packed lunch, snacks and water.There will be a souvenir shop, so children can bring some money.We will leave school around 9:15am and leave Omagh at 2:30pm, arriving back to school at 3:45pm. Thank you for your continued support. See you all in the morning!

It’s a Bug’s Life in P.3 Our new WAU topic, It’s a Bug’s Life, has got off to a buzzing start! We started off our learning with a carousel, where the children shared their ideas and curiosities and thought about what they would like to find out about minibeasts during the topic. During Activity?Based Learning, the children took part in a range of exciting activities, including arts and crafts and researching different minibeasts. They worked creatively and independently as they explored facts about their favourite bugs. As part of our STEM learning, we made a wormery so we could observe what happens over time as worms dig, burrow and create tunnels underground. The children are fascinated watching how the soil changes day by day. We also went on a minibeast hunt around the school grounds, carefully searching to see what creepy?crawlies we could find in different habitats. With lots of hands?on learning, exploring and investigating, our topic has had a fantastic start—and we’re excited to continue discovering more about the amazing world of minibeasts!

Katie’s dad comes to visit P.3 We had a brilliant time welcoming Stephen from F and S Plumbing—Katie’s dad—into our classroom to tell us all about his job as a plumber. Stephen brought along some of the tools he uses every day and explained what his work involves. The children were fascinated and asked lots of great questions! We learned all about staying safe at work. Stephen showed us how he keeps himself safe on the job and very kindly gave us high?visibility vests so we could dress just like real plumbers. The children loved trying them on and pretending to be at work! To make the visit even more exciting, Stephen also brought colouring sheets and chocolates which were a huge hit. A big thank you to Stephen for an informative, fun?filled visit and for taking the time to share his job with us.

Confirmation Retreat Lough Derg Our Primary 7 classes had a lovely day at their Confirmation Retreat at Lough Derg. The sun was shining, which made it even more enjoyable, and everyone really made the most of the time together. It was a great day and a special experience for the whole class. St Mary’s PS Bellaghy, St John Bosco PS Ballynease, St Mary’s PS Greenlough, New Row St Patrick’s PS Castledawson

Primary 1 Fairytale Tea Party Primary One had a magical afternoon to celebrate the end of our Fairytales Topic. Our sparkling princesses and brave superheroes enjoyed a few treats out in the beautiful sunshine. What a fantastic way to celebrate all our hard work!

Primary 7 Mindful Me Primary 7 have been completing Mindful Me sessions with Mrs Carey. With a different theme each week, the children love getting the chance to move, stretch and relax helping to create calm minds and bodies. Have a look at our Friendship week where we worked on being a good team mate, persevering and supporting each other.

Lough Derg - Wednesday 29th April We are looking forward to our trip to Lough Derg tomorrow. Can I remind all children to arrive at school no later than 7:25am for the bus departing at 7:30am sharp. The school will be open from 7:15am where the children are welcome to stand inside the front door until the bus arrives. Children should wear the school t-shirt and leavers hoodies. Can all children bring a coat, sun-cream and water alongside their snack and packed lunch (no fizzy drinks). Children are also asked to bring a clean glass jam jar (label removed, lid not required) for use in craft activities. The gift shop will be open so children may bring a small amount of money if they wish.Return to school for 4:15pm. Parents will receive arrival updates via the School NI app.I look forward to seeing you all bright and early!

Monsignor O’Bryne Ladies Football Tournament Well done to our P7 girls who reached the semi-final of the Cup at the Monsignor O'Bryne Ladies Football Tournament today at St. Pius X College. The girls played incredibly in all their group matches and gave it all they had in the semi-final. Well done girls - we are all so proud of your teamwork and effort shown in every single match.

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Upcoming Events...

Friday, 1st May 2026
P1 Health Appraisals (In School)
P6 and P7 trip to Ulster American Folk Park Museum
Monday, 4th May 2026
May Bank Holiday (School Closed )
Tuesday, 5th May 2026
Monsignor O'Byrne Tournament - Camogie (@ St Pius College, Magherafelt )
Wednesday, 6th May 2026
Travelling Book Fair
Friday, 8th May 2026
All County Camogie Tournament (@ Ballinascreen)
Saturday, 9th May 2026
First Holy Communion (at 12 noon in St Mary's Church, Bellaghy)
Tuesday, 12th May 2026
Love For Life (Programme for P6 & P7)

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