Shimna News - February 2026

Dear Parents & Carers,

It’s been an incredibly busy and positive first half of term, with mock and public examinations, our Open Morning, Sixth Form student interviews, school trips and, despite the rotten weather, plenty of sporting and extra-curricular activity. Students and staff have earned a good break, I think!

I’d like to take the opportunity to update you on a few matters.

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1. Staff Development Day - 16 March 2026

The Department of Education has granted schools across Northern Ireland two additional staff development days this academic year, one this term, one next term. This will provide time for staff to work on TransformEd, the wide-ranging programme of educational reform launched in March 2025.

We have decided on Monday 16 March, the day before the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday, as the first day. We are currently looking at options for the Summer Term and I will confirm the date in the coming weeks.

You can find out more about TransformEd here 

2. New Build

Work on our new Sports Hall is nearing completion. We look forward to taking possession after half term. This will include access to our suite of new changing rooms. For the second half of term, however, arrangements on PE days remain the same; students should attend school in their Shimna PE kit.  

3. Ready to Learn

The starting point for a productive school day is being ready to learn. I would ask that you check your child has the necessary equipment, including a pen and pencil. Consistent uniform standards also serve to underline the essential equality of every student, reducing the need for unnecessary conversations.

If you require financial support with equipment or uniform, please contact the College at info@shimna.newcastle.ni.sch.uk. A reminder that free breakfasts are available in the canteen before the start of the school day.

4.  ePraise

Along with this newsletter, you will see a letter from Ms Clarke about the ePraise, our online platform that gives you access to your child’s timetable, achievements and attendance.

5. The Great Shimna Read

Mrs Curran, our Literacy Coordinator, has launched an exciting challenge for the mid-term break.

“Staff and students are invited to take part in the Great Shimna Read this half term! We’re challenging everyone to dive into a good book over the break, and we’d love to see as many people as possible from across our school community take part. Let’s get reading together!

What do you have to do? Enjoy a good book, snap a photo of it, and upload it to your English teacher’s Google Classroom. We’ll then be able to celebrate all the amazing books that have been read!”

6. Shimna Sports Podcast 

At the start of term, we launched a great new feature - the Shimna Sports Podcast, hosted by Mr Magee. Check out the first two episodes here: Spotify or Apple Podcasts 

7. Key dates

Thursday 12 March:   Sixth Form & GCSE Subject Fair ( 2.30 – 4.30 pm )

• Monday 16 March:   Staff Development Day - College closed to students

• Tuesday 17 March:   St Patrick’s Day - College closed

• Thursday 26 March:   Shimna Talent Show ( evening ) - details on how to enter will follow after the break

• Friday 27 March:  End of term for Years 8-10

• Tuesday 31 March:  End of term for Years 11-14

• Monday 13 April:          College reopens - start of Summer Term

  
  

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Kind regards,

Steve Pagan

Principal