Shimna News - 15/04/2025

Shimna News

Dear Parents & Carers,

As we reach the end of what has been a long and memorable term, we have a lot to be thankful for. Our new school is magnificent.

The upgrade to our facilities is self-evident, as is the increase in space. Glasgiven and the sub-contractors who have contributed to the new build deserve enormous credit for their work. There is still some way to go, of course, before the project is complete. The demolition of the old school is underway, ahead of the construction of our new sports complex and the completion of the landscaping and car parking areas. If things go according to plan, all of this should be completed by the end of 2025.

The move was successfully carried out thanks to an extraordinary effort on the part of Shimna staff, who went above and beyond to ensure it was completed in the space of a fortnight. During this hectic period, we received invaluable support from the local community, especially with the decant of the old building. This was a separate exercise to the move but, again, made possible and successful through teamwork. A special mention goes to our neighbouring primary and post-primary schools, our local churches, the YMCA, the Harbour Heritage Project, the Ark Community Gardens, Mourne Mountain Rescue and Regal Fabrication in Newcastle for their support.

Things have settled back into place remarkably well, in particular with regard to teaching and learning. Students deserve credit for the way they engaged with online provision in February and for their efforts since the new build opened. Our significantly upgraded facilities include Clevertouch screens in every classroom, providing all of our teachers with a powerful new tool. Over the course of the term, senior staff have conducted one-to-one interviews with five year groups, Years 10-14, to assess progress, guide options choices and help prepare for public examinations after Easter.

Outside the classroom, the extra-curricular programme continues to provide students with a wide range of opportunities, including trips and clubs. Following on from last year’s record-breaking achievements in sport, our boys’ and girls’ teams are now competing at a higher level and holding their own. Already, our new fitness suite is proving valuable for PE provision, soon to be further enhanced with the completion of the upgrade to Donard Park. For information, we are currently working on a new timetable for September which, amongst other benefits, will enable us to run games afternoons for whole year groups.

There are plenty more positives since the move, including the way our students have embraced the new library; the start of the landscaping project, including tree planting; the work being undertaken by our student environment team to make good use of the new greenhouse; and our busy canteen, which provides for students at breakfast, break and lunchtime. We have been fortunate with the weather since the move, enabling our students to benefit from the restoration of play space.

Last week, we enjoyed the first major event in our new Assembly Hall, Shimna’s Got Talent. It was a truly unforgettable evening. The standard across all twelve acts was quite exceptional, showcasing the diverse range of talent across the year groups and capturing the spirit of integration. The judges awarded first place to Emily Nicholls, with Ruairí Maguire in second place and Nicole Campbell and Jude Brannigan in joint third.

Click on the links to see their performances for yourself.

1st Emily Nicholls      2nd Ruairi Maguire     =3rd Jude Brannigan     =3rd Nicole Campbell 

The Talent Show was organised by our Year 14 Student Leadership Team. Led by Head Girl Aurora Milligan and Head Boy Oliver Corrigan, the team has made a tremendous contribution to our school community since taking up post in September.

Their achievements have included setting up the Library; organising a variety of charity fundraisers across the year; and laying the foundations for a variety of environmental good practices in our new school, including preparing our new greenhouse for use by students. All in all, they have been outstanding role models for our younger students. I thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment to the College.

Key dates coming up

Monday 28 April: College reopens

Monday 5 May: Bank Holiday

Tuesday 6 May: Study Leave begins for Year 12 ( half day )

Friday 9 May: Study Leave begins for Year 13 ( from end of school day )

Monday 12 May: Study Leave begins for Year 14 ( half day )

Monday 12 May: Study Leave for Year 11 ( starts Friday 9 May, return Friday

23 May )

Monday 26 May: Bank Holiday

29 May - 4 June: School Examinations 

Tues 10 - Thurs 12 June: ‘Looking Ahead’ programme for Year 13 ( 3 days )

Friday 13 June: Interviews for next year’s Year 14 Leadership Team

Sports Day and the Shimna Tennis Open will take place in the week starting Monday 16 June.

Activities Week will run in the last week of term, starting on Monday 23 June. Further details will follow next term.

Next year’s calendar has been posted on the website here. 

Uniform update

As we come to the end of term and look forward to the summer term, we kindly ask for your support in ensuring that your child(ren) are in full uniform each day.

This includes wearing the appropriate attire on PE days, which consists exclusively of navy blue sports bottoms and Shimna branded top layers. Students may wear plain navy bottoms or the Shimna sports bottoms. These can be purchased directly from our uniform suppliers or, from the start of next term, the College.

Please note that black leggings and tracksuit bottoms are not permitted.

Your cooperation in maintaining our uniform standards is greatly appreciated.

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On a separate note, please notify us in the event of changes to contact details or medical information pertaining to your children.

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Best wishes to you and your family for a well-deserved and restful break over Easter.

This newsletter closes with a message from our Sign Language Club.