St Paul’s High School marked International Women’s Day 2026 on Friday morning with a special gathering of Year 13 and Year 14 pupils in the Assembly Hall, celebrating the strength, ambition, and leadership of young women within our school community.

The event formed part of this year’s global International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, which encourages people to reflect on the power of encouragement, generosity, and the importance of lifting others up.

The celebration began with a moving video created by the St Paul’s Student Leadership Team, featuring reflections from recent past pupils who had served as Head Girl. Their words offered a thoughtful and inspiring message to the young women gathered in the hall, speaking of friendship, opportunity, resilience, and the confidence they developed during their time at St Paul’s.

Vice Principal for Care, Welfare and Safeguarding, Mrs Mary McMahon, and Senior Leader and Head of Year 14, Mrs Catríona McCartan, then addressed the assembly. Both spoke warmly and candidly about their own journeys into leadership, and about the women whose example, encouragement, and strength had shaped them along the way.

A particularly memorable part of the morning came through the generous support of local businesswoman Orla McParland, co-founder of Little Penny Thoughts. Orla joined the celebration and presented every female pupil in Years 13 and 14 with a beautifully designed personal diary filled with inspirational quotations. Created by Orla and her sister Annette Kelly, the diaries offered a thoughtful keepsake for the pupils as they look ahead to the next stage of their journey beyond school.

The gift captured the spirit of the day perfectly. Small acts of encouragement can leave a lasting impression, and the morning served as a powerful reminder of the importance of women supporting and inspiring one another across generations.

Later in the day, our Head Girls, Jessica Dlke and Áine Hughes, together with Mrs McCartan, attended the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade International Women’s Day Luncheon at Killeavy Castle Estate. The event brought together leaders from across the region and gave young women an opportunity to share their own perspectives and aspirations for the future.

Jessica and Áine spoke thoughtfully about their experiences as pupils of St Paul’s and reflected on the opportunities open to young women today, as well as the determination needed to overcome challenge and pursue ambition with confidence. Their contribution was warmly received and provided a fitting continuation of the day’s celebrations.

As a school community, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable young women of St Paul’s and to honour the generations of women whose leadership, resilience, and generosity continue to inspire them.