Shimna News - August 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you and your family have had a restful summer break. We look forward to welcoming back our students, starting with Year 8 and Sixth Form next Friday, followed by all year groups on Tuesday 1 September.

You may have seen our social media coverage of the GCSE and Sixth Form Results Days. As always, the opening of the envelopes can cause some anxiety but, overall, our students did themselves proud. The many achievements celebrated on these days are proof that hard work and commitment pay off.

In previous newsletters, I have referred to the impending completion of the new build. This time, I mean it as we are now into the snagging phase. Our new car park is now complete and includes a route for drop-off and pick-up of students and the provision of disabled parking spaces for those with mobility issues.

Of course, the potential for congestion remains so, wherever possible, please continue to drop off in Donard Park. In the interests of safety and respect for our elderly neighbours, please do not drive up to the back gate.

Sports Hall: changing room provision

With the completion of the Sports Hall complex, I am delighted to say that, after a long wait, we are now in a position to return to changing for PE lessons so students should no longer wear PE uniform to school. PE staff will run through procedures with students in the first week back to school.

We have also increased the number of lockers in school to provide one for every student. This will be a safe space for students to store PE kit, outdoor clothing items and other personal effects.

Uniform: getting ready for September

We are very proud of our Shimna school uniform, which reflects the values, identity, commitment to equality and high standards of our school community.

There are no changes to our uniform policy for September. Our uniform continues to offer students a degree of choice.

We are pleased to work with a number of local suppliers who provide key branded uniform items:

• Bingham’s, Newcastle

• Rhoda Stewart, Ballynahinch

• Holmes, Kilkeel

• McKenny’s, Castlewellan

• Pricewise, Downpatrick

Unbranded items such as white shirts, school grey trousers, and school grey skirts may also be purchased from other retailers.

Important reminders

a) PE bottoms, including shorts and leggings, must be navy blue. Black PE bottoms are not permitted.

b) Footwear must be plain black, with no white or coloured markings on uppers or heels. Converse-style footwear is not permitted.

c) Skirts: phased change

As a result of the feedback from the review, we will be phasing out pencil skirts over the next academic year. From September 2027, the approved skirt will be a two-kick pleat style.

Pencil skirts may still be worn in the interim; however, families may wish to begin purchasing the new style in preparation.

Please also note that all skirts should be worn at, or just above knee length to ensure a smart and appropriate appearance.

d) Jewellery

Students may wear flat, studded earrings and a nose stud, which must be removable. No other facial jewellery is permitted. For safety reasons, rings must be removeable, particularly during practical subjects.

We appreciate your support in ensuring that all students present themselves smartly, safely, and consistently.

We welcome donations of pre-loved uniform and sports kit.

e) Other Essentials

· School bag	· Highlighters
· Pencil case	· Ruler (30 cm)
· Pens (blue/black), pencils	· Scientific calculator (for maths/science)
· Eraser, sharpener	· Protractor

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Thank you for your support in ensuring your child is well prepared for the new school year and ready to learn.

School Meals and Transport

A reminder that we operate a cashless system in the canteen. Pease ensure your child’s lunch card is  topped up using the Gateway app. Replacement cards can be obtained from the Finance Office at a cost of £3.00.

To apply for bus passes and home-to-school transport assistance, please visit the Education Authority website:  https://www.eani.org.uk/parents. Use the same link when applying for free school meals.

Term-time absence

Ideally, all family holidays should be taken outside of term but, if there are extenuating circumstances, please send a written notification to the Principal. In line with Department of Education guidance, family holidays taken during term time are categorised as an unauthorised absence.

Music lessons

We are delighted to off lessons with peripatetic Music teachers and we have some availability for September. Please contact Mrs Fitzpatrick, Head of Music & Performing Arts, if you wish to avail of this opportunity.   

Key dates next term

Friday 28 August Year 8 and Sixth Form Induction

Tuesday 1 September First day of College year for all students

Friday 25 September Staff Training Day ( College closed to students )

Friday 9 October P7 Day ( College closed to students )

Wednesday 14 October Celebration of 2025-26 - Key Stage 3

Thursday 15 October Celebration of 2025-26 - Key Stage 4 & Sixth Form 

Friday 23 October Half-term break starts  ( from 3.30 pm ) - Monday 26 to Friday 30 October inclusive

Monday 2 November College reopens for second half of term

Thursday 17 December Presentation Evening ( Public Examination awards - August 2026 )

Friday 18 December    End of term

The full calendar for 2026-27 can be found on our website. The programme of Parent & Carer Consultations will be published at the start of September.

Finally, please contact the Main Office any changes to contact details or medical Information relating to your children. Likewise, please do not hesitate to contact us if there is any important pastoral information pertaining to your child that we would need to know before the start of term.

We are very much looking forward to the new school year and the stories of success and achievement yet to be written.

Steve Pagan

Principal