Shimna News - May
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Dear Parents & Carers,
The past three weeks have been busy and productive across the College, both inside and outside the classroom, so much so that it merits a May Day newsletter!
Spring Concert
Last night’s Spring Concert was, yet again, one of the highlights of the school year. Our students always step up on these occasions. The first-class sound system in the Assembly literally amplified their talents and it was a wonder to behold. It was also great to host local neighbours and to thank them for their support and understanding over the past three years of the new build.
New Build update
Our Sports Hall is now open and is another fantastic facility. It is now being used for PE lessons and during free time. Local clubs are in the process of recommencing their evening programmes.
As you can see, the final stage of landscaping is proceeding at pace.
Parent & Carer Survey
In keeping with our commitment to ongoing improvement, we are always interested in feedback from our school community. Earlier this week, the Student Council convened, with representatives from all Form Classes meeting with our Year 14 Student Leaders.
Off the back of this, we would also like to hear your views through this Parent & Carer Survey. Many thanks in advance for your feedback as it will help to inform our thinking as we seek to further enhance provision for our Shimna students.
Preparing for Examinations
The coming weeks will be busy with both public and school examinations. Revision materials, timetables and other guidance have either been issued to students in all year groups or will be soon.
The prospect of examinations can lead to a build-up of pressure and stress. We will, of course, continue to work with our students to encourage and support them.
Sometimes, examination pressures can play out at home. This guide is designed to help parents and carers to support children during exam season. It focuses on wellbeing, stress management and practical strategies, rather than exam content.
It covers:
- What your child may be feeling during exams (anxiety, overwhelm, pressure)
- How to create a supportive home environment and keep communication open
- How to talk to school if you’re worried about your child’s mental health during exams
- What to do if results are disappointing and how to manage family stress levels
- Where to get further help if your child is struggling from more serious stress or anxiety
Supporting Teens with Gaming
It’s important for young people to relax, socialise and switch off. For some, gaming is a way to do this but, at times, it can be hard to know what’s healthy and what’s too much.
Click on the link Parent & Carer Guide to find out more about gaming habits, including setting clear boundaries and supporting your child to stay safe and balanced online.
Supporting students with Relationships & Sex Education
Thank you to Elayne from Relate Ed who has helped to deliver parts of the statutory RSE curriculum to our Year 8 and 10 students over the past few weeks.
Click to watch the video to see highlights of the Year 8 programme, which looked at the changes to mind, body and emotions that young people might experience at this age.
In Year 10, students have been learning about consent in different contexts.
The interactive, and engaging sessions help to build real critical thinking around respect, boundaries and decision-making.
Supporting Air Ambulance NI at the Belfast Marathon
A group of our Year 13 students and staff are taking part in the Belfast Marathon Team Relay event this coming Sunday. They are raising money for Air Ambulance NI. If you would like to make a donation, click on the link below or scan the QR code.
Key dates for the Summer Term
Thursday 7 May Study Leave begins for Year 12 ( half day )
Friday 8 May Study Leave begins for Sixth Form ( from end of school day )
Study Leave begins for Year 11 ( from end of school day )
Tuesday 19 May Year 11 return from Study Leave
Friday 22 May Transform Ed Day - College closed to students, exc. for exam students
Monday 26 May Bank Holiday
28 May - 3 June School Examinations ( Years 8-11 ) - timetable to follow next term
Our ‘Looking Ahead’ programme for Year 13 will run over three days, from 9 to 11 June
Friday 12 June Interviews for next year’s Year 14 Leadership Team
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A reminder that our traditional Sports Day and Shimna Tennis Open will take place in the week starting Monday 15 June.
Plans are also in train to run a Spelling Bee competition and, provisionally planned for Friday 12 June, a Shimna Golf Masters. Rory McIlroy need not apply for either competition.
A full programme of events will follow shortly.
Activities Week will run in the last week of term, starting on Monday 22 June. The College year will conclude on Friday 26 June.
You can access the calendar for academic year 2026-27 here
I hope you have a pleasant and restful Bank Holiday weekend.
Kind regards,
Steve Pagan
Principal
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