Shimna celebrates on a day of inspiring voices
So, our new school is now officially open. The formal end to the new build project was marked with a special ceremony in the Assembly Hall, with speeches from David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, David Waddell, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors and the Principal Steve Pagan.
We were delighted to see our hall filled with special guests and friends of the College, including senior officials from the Department; the project management team from Hood McGowan Kirk; Glasgiven Contracts and sub-contractors who worked on the project.
It was also great to share the occasion with NICIE and the IEF, along with representatives from our churches, representatives from our local political parties, the PSNI, local charities and community groups, as well as students from across year groups.
Pride of place goes to Ian Burtney, the genius designer of our new school from Gregory Architects. Guests who were visiting the school for the first time were blown away by the design of our magnificent new building.
We were also delighted to welcome back the Founding Parents, six former Chairs of Governors and former staff - it really was a uniquely heartwarming reunion, which celebrated our integrated ethos.
Compered by our Student Leaders, the ceremony also featured some of the very best of Shimna talent, including the incredible Nicole Campbell, singing ‘Never Enough’; Alice and Max emulating Daft Punk with their rendition of ‘Get Lucky’; and the Shimna Choir singing ‘Chosen Family’.
There was also a wonderful family moment, with three generations coming together: Roisin Behan, one of our founding parents, along with her children Niamh and Odhran, and granddaughter Aoife. Chosen family, indeed.
Click on the links to share in this momentous occasion
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