Learning from each other
Issue 1
Now that I have had a full week at Shimna, I thought I would take this opportunity to write to you. I must say, I have received a warm welcome, for which I am very grateful.
My priority is to get to know the College community. I spent a good deal of last week speaking with
students from across different year groups. Universally, they were courteous and engaging. When I asked the students what they liked most about Shimna, nearly everyone began by talking about the positive relationships between staff and students; meanwhile, teachers and support staff said the same. As the new Principal, I have the benefit of a fresh perspective; this mutual respect is striking and not to be taken for granted.
Parental/Guardian involvement is a fundamental part of our integrated ethos. With that in mind, we are currently reviewing our approach to external communications and your views will be canvassed in the near future. In the meantime, we intend to use SchoolComms as our main channel for a weekly
newsletter.
"Peace is acceptance of yourself and others. It is equality and love. It is fundamental and beautiful."
-Alice Fitzpatrick, Year 9
Year 9 student Alice Fitzpatrick has been selected to represent County Down in The International Peace Poster Competition Sponsored by Newcastle Lions.
The Peace Poster global competition gives young people the opportunity to express their vision of peace and inspire the world through art. Alice’s poster captured her vision for peace,
"Peace is acceptance of yourself and others. It is equality and love. It is fundamental and beautiful.” We are very proud of Alice and wish her every success in the finals of The International Peace Poster competition.
U16 Boys Football team grab victory
One of the many highlights came on the sports field with Wednesday’s 1-0 victory for the U16 Boys’ Football team over Enniskillen Royal Grammar. The result takes us into the Quarter-Final of the Northern Ireland Cup - a tremendous achievement!
Congratulations to captain Zach Curran and the team, and to their coaches Mr Dagen and Mr Milligan. As the last remaining integrated school in the draw, we look forward to finding out our next opponents.
Year 9 students deliver leaf pledges
Last Thursday, Year 9 students Ben Connolly and Bella McCaughey delivered leaf pledges to Newry, Mourne and Down Council representatives in Downpatrick.
The pledges outlined the hopes of our Key Stage 3 students for climate action. In the wake of COP26, it is heartening to see our students engaging with these important issues.
Kind Regards,
Steve Pagan
Principal