Shimna News - December 2025

Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Shimna News.  Looking back, it has been an incredible year at Shimna, not least with the move into our fabulous new school building. More important, however, has been the collective effort of students and staff, inside and outside the classroom.

Fittingly, the year ended with the wonderful performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the first whole-school production in our new school. It was wonderful to see so many of our students on the stage, showing off their talents and earning well-deserved rave reviews after months of hard work.

A huge thank you to the students who made up the 58 cast, band and backstage crew, supported by a team of staff. Huge congratulations goes to our Head of Drama Sarah Quigley, directing her first major production at Shimna.

What next?  A sequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’? Now, there’s an idea…!

Yesterday, we welcomed the workmen, who are finishing off our new Sports Hall, for a festive treat and a few musical items, performed by Enya, Jude, Robert and Rose. We thank Glasgiven Contracts and the various businesses sub-contracted to work on the school for their efforts. They have done us proud.

This morning’s Carol Service was the perfect ending to the school year. We were delighted that Canon Myrtle Morrison of St John’s Church of Ireland, Canon Robert Fleck of Dundrum RC Church, Rev. Richard Wright of Donard Methodist Church, Pastor Nathan Lyons of Newcastle Baptist Church and Lois Gibson from the Presbyterian Church in Newcastle joined us for this festive occasion. We thank our local churches for their ongoing support and prayers - a true reflection of our community working together.

New build project - nearing completion

Work on our new sports hall is progressing quickly and we very much look forward to the handover in the New Year. As well as taking possession of a brand new and larger hall, we will also gain changing rooms and additional toilet facilities. Plans are already afoot to further develop our partnerships with local sporting clubs.

Demolition of our existing sports hall will follow, with landscaping, the creation of new car parking facilities and a new hardcourt play area completing the project sometime around Easter.

Shimna in the community

A few highlights of a busy and productive term

Launching in the New Year!       

A Message from Michael

Michael Cunningham has been a much-loved and reassuring presence over the past couple of years, helping to direct traffic at our main gates and keeping us safe during the period of the new build project. Unfortunately, Michael was taken ill a few weeks ago and had to step aside from his duties. I am delighted to say he is back home, on the mend and looking forward to Christmas. He asked me to pass on his thanks for all the good wishes he has received.

You’ll Never Walk Alone, Michael!

Thank you to our Parents & Carers Council

A massive thank you again to committee members Anne, Caroline, Ethna, Hannah, Joan and Marie for organising our annual Christmas Raffle.

The money raised will help to fund free breakfasts and our reserve uniform stock for the coming year. Thank you if you contributed by buying tickets.

And a heartfelt thank you to the following local businesses for supporting the College through their generous donations of prizes: Slieve Donard Hotel; The Briar’s B&B; The Brambles B&B; Mourne Cycles; Harbour House Inn; Villa Vinci; Olive Bizarre; Birch Coffee; First 4 Floors; Lidl; Seaforde Interiors; Essence Health Store; and Painted Earth.

Changes to cost of school meals

You may be aware that the Education Authority (EA) recently set out a number of savings measures in response to a significant funding shortfall of around £300million.

As part of these measures, as of 1 January 2026, the price of a school meal for a paying student will increase by 19.25% in post-primary schools. This is the first increase since 2017/18.

This increase will have no impact on children entitled to a free school meal.

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Key dates in the first half of next term

Monday 5 January: Staff Development Day

Tuesday 6 January: Start of term for students

Saturday 17 January: Open Morning, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm - College will close at 12.30 pm the day before to allow for setting up

Monday 19 January: College closed

Monday 20 - Friday 30 January: Year 12 Mock Examinations

Monday 9 February - Friday 13 February: Half-term break

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Best wishes to you and your family for a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.

Steve Pagan

Principal