Shimna News - September 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
With the term now truly up and running, I am pleased to update you on developments at Shimna.
Official Opening
With the new build now complete, an official opening ceremony will take place on the morning of Wednesday 7 October. It promises to be a wonderful, celebratory occasion, bringing together students, staff, governors, members of our local community and the key people involved in the construction of our new school.
We are delighted that David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, will be joining us for this happy occasion.
Articles of Association - a historic moment for Shimna
As was the case with the other Grant Maintained Integrated schools in Northern Ireland, Shimna adopted its own Articles of Association when we opened in 1994. These Articles form part of our foundational constitutional documents and act as the internal rulebook for the Board of Governors. Over time the law has moved on and our Articles are in need of updating to bring them in line with current legislation.
Leaving that aside, the process of ratifying new Articles will be a momentous, even historic occasion - and also relatively straightforward. We may even be the first integrated school in Northern Ireland to complete this important exercise.
For this to happen, an Extraordinary General Meeting will need to take place to vote on the updated Articles. However, the College must first establish the membership of the Company ( Shimna Integrated College Limited ).
There are two types of membership, both of which require a simple application.
Full Membership - click on the link to see invitation letter ( sent out on 3 September ) and to sign up - the right of membership is open to parents of students currently enrolled and full-time College staff
Associate Membership - click on the link to see eligibility criteria and to sign up
Explanatory notes on the proposed changes will be shared in due course with members or associate members. An example relates to the criteria for membership. The original Articles gave the right of membership to parents only; the updated Articles will give the right of membership to both parents and carers as well.
If you would like to know more about the work of the Board, click on the link to read the Annual Report.
Student Leadership Team
I am delighted to introduce our Year 14 Leadership Team. When we interviewed the students for the posts in June, it was truly inspiring. They spoke eloquently of what Shimna stands for and we look forward to the positive contribution they will make over the coming year.
Young Ambassadors Applications
With our Year 14 Student Leaders in place, applications are now open to students in Years 8 to 13 to become Young Ambassadors or join the Library Team. Students who signed up last year are encouraged to re-apply and new applicants are warmly invited to join.
This scheme gives students the opportunity to support the work of our Year 14 Leaders, to represent the College on special occasions like Open Morning and to participate in the Student Council.
Students should apply by Monday 5th October
Click on the links below to apply:
Introducing new staff
I am pleased to introduce our new members of staff.
We also welcome Mr. Nesbitt to the Senior Leadership Team and Mrs. McShane as Specialist Provision Social Communication Teacher
High Standards for All
Building on the successful introduction of epraise last year for recording and celebrating student achievements, we are planning to give you access to your child’s behaviour profile later this year This will give you the opportunity to view routine classroom concerns, such as homework, uniform or equipment issues.
We appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring that school uniform, including skirts and jewellery, are appropriate for a school setting. 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.
Over the coming weeks, staff will be reminding students of our expectations regarding uniform and presentation. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards of presentation, pride and respect across our school community.
Parking and traffic flow
Now that our new car parking facilities are complete, please note there is a one-way system in operation. This is now indicated by road markings, with additional signage due for installation in the next week or so.
Dates coming up
Wednesday 7 October: Official Opening
Friday 9 October: P7 Day ( College closed to students unless helping at the event )
Wednesday 14 / Thursday 15 October: College Celebration @ 6.30 pm - Assembly Hall
Monday 26 October -Friday 30 October (inclusive): half term
Monday 2 November: College re-opens for second half of term
9 - 19 November: Public Examinations - GCSE Mathematics, English Language & DA Science
25 November - 2 December: Year 8 - 11 - Winter Examinations
9 - 14 December: Sixth Form Mock Examinations
Friday 18 December: last day of term
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In the event of any changes to contact details or medical Information relating to your children, please contact the College. 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.
Kind regards,
Steve Pagan
Principal
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