Statement from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you may be aware, an advertisement appeared in this week's Mourne Observer regarding an invitation to become full members of Shimna Integrated College Ltd and the forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting concerning the College's Articles of Association.

I think it’s important to let you know that the advertisement was not placed, or paid for, by the College. Moreover, we do not know who was responsible for doing so. A group operating under the name of the Shimna College Support Group previously placed advertisements and online notices in September 2024. Back then we contacted the email address provided in those notices but we were unable to establish the identity of the individual or individuals involved.

As such, we are unable to confirm any legitimate connection between them and the College. We are also concerned that, as was the case in 2024, the advertisement contains disinformation and, therefore, has the potential to mislead.

Sadly, the advert is the latest in a series of anonymous communications and troubling activities which the College has endured over the past five years. These matters have previously been referred to the Department of Education and NICIE (the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education) and we continue to keep them informed.

We would encourage parents and carers to continue relying on communications issued directly by the College regarding school business, such as School Comms, the website and our official social media channels. As always, we will do our level best to keep you well and accurately informed through these official channels.

Above all, please be assured the priority of every member of staff at Shimna, every day, is the welfare and education of your children, which is why this unwarranted disruptive activity is so regrettable.

Thank you for your continued support of the College. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Steve Pagan