The 2000s
There are many albums of St. Mary's Menston photos from the 2000s on Flickr
The Sports Minister Kate Hoey officially launched St. Mary's as a designated Sports College specialist school in October 2000 (one of the first in the country).
Around May 2000, the name of the school was changed to be called St. Mary's Menston Catholic Comprehensive School.
The artist Kate McCrickard, a former pupil, was commissioned to paint pieces for our new Chapel. In September, 2000 the Chapel was reordered and dedicated to the memory of Mr Kevin Leaver, Deputy Headteacher.
The official opening and dedication of the Hume building (named after Cardinal Basil Hume) by The Bishop of Leeds, David Konstant took place in February 2001. Jack Lunn Construction constructed a three storey, steel-framed extenstion. The project took 14 months to complete and cost £2.3 million. The extension and renovation resulted in spacious and modern accommodation for the teaching of Maths, History, Geography, Religious Education, Physical Education, IT, Theatre Studies and Business Education. The building has a traditional brick-and-block facade, concrete floors and a flat roof.
By 2001 our school had 1,100 pupils, 71 teaching staff and approximately 30 support staff.
In 2001, school started with Assembly/Prayers at 9am. School finished at 3:45pm.
St. Mary's Menston Hume Building Opening Programme February 2001
Hume Building Official Opening photo gallery - (45 photos)
Aerial photographs May 2003 - (7 photos)
In 2003, the school was awarded £792,000 to extend its inter-school sports partnership.
A huge painting, measuring twelve metres by four metres was created on the side of our Gymnasium in 2003. Thirteen Year 11 Youth Award students produced the mural, guided by the school’s artist in residence, Kate Genever. The multi-coloured work, made of specialist marine plywood and paint, depicted the everyday lives of the school community and could be seen from the Ilkley–Leeds train.
Mural on Gymnasium 2003 photo gallery - (10 photos)
St. Mary's achieved Artsmark Silver in 2004. The school marked its 40th anniversary in October 2004 with a whole school photograph of pupils and staff.
February 2005 saw a week long visit by eight Chinese students and two staff from ShiXi High School in Shanghai. In 2006 a stained glass artwork of a dove was created in the Chapel. In 2006, Assistant Headteacher David Geldart established the Bambisanani Partnership with Mnyakanya High School in Kwa Zulu Natal. New entrances for both visitors and pupils opened in September 2008, as well as the canopy in the covered area.
In 2009, St. Mary's received the International School Award presented by BBC newsreader George Alagiah.
As part of our International week, there was the first visit by 14 Mnyakanya pupils to the UK. During the visit, Mnyakanya students worked with St. Mary's students on a mural (which can be found in our covered area) to celebrate international co-operation.
Mr M Pyle left his role as Headteacher in December 1999. He was presented with a book celebrating the school's many achievements during his twelve years. Mrs C McMahon became Acting Headteacher.