Dr Gallagher Bursaries

We are absolutely delighted that two of our students have been awarded Dr Gallagher Memorial Bursaries which will guarantee them both substantial financial support for their studies at university. Matt McComish and Natasha Ferris both had to make written submission, provide references about their work and commitment to study and also attend for interview. Both of these students have made a real success of their time at Shimna, and we are very happy to see them win support which will help them continue their hard work and love of their subject at university level. Very well done.

Very High Fliers

Very, very early on the morning of Sunday 18 May, 8 wide awake students, plus Alasdair Spence and Michael Trotman, met up at George Best City Airport for the Bombardier ‘High Fliers’ event. The free flight was in a Bombardier Q 400 aircraft, which is partly built at the Shorts factory in Belfast, and operated by FlyBe from the City airport. The weather was good, and pilot Alan Reynolds announced that we would fly up the Antrim coast to the Giants Causeway. At 2000 feet all the way there were great views of the Antrim Coast, Rathlin Island , Portrush and Portstewart. For Nathan Mullan, Carrie Mc Alinden and Ryan McQuitty it was their first flight, and they received special certificates. Thanks are due to the parents who got up so early to drive everyone to Belfast. The flights were won by the students in a science competition this year.

Peterson Toscano

I've just been listening to Sunday Sequence on the radio, to an interview with Peterson Toscano, who is in Belfast for one performance of his one man show. We area very fortunate that Peterson is also coming to Shimna to give workshops for our year 8s - a real coup! Watch the CreativityBlog to see how the visit goes.

Best of Luck

The very best of luck to all our year 12 and year 14 students who headed off today to start their examination season. You are a wonderful bunch, and we fully expect that you will carry on Shimna's outstanding academic tradition.

Nuestros amigos chilenos

Hoy hemos recibido a nuestros amigos de Chile. Yo, Kevin, estuve en los cinco colegios en octobre del ano pasado y fue muy interesante. Esta semana han vuelto ellos y les he introducido a cuatro colegios mas. Ha sido una experiencia tan buena pero la verdad es que fue †an fantastico encontrarnos con gente tan amable y perfecta. Vamos a continuar a comuninicarnos con ellos y trabajar jun†os. Somos muy amigos. Newcastle y Chile.

WebAlumnus Arrives

Training has taken place today on WebAlumnus, the website for our Old Scholars which will help us gather together news of all our past students. Even within our short history, amazing stories have emerged, and great success. We hope the WebAlumnus site will launch in time for us to start our new tradition of Old Scholars being invited to speak at our Presentation Evening.

Nearly Forgot France

I nearly forgot to mention two other lovely visitors, from France this time, the work experience exchange partners of our students who travelled to France in February. The girls supported our students in class, and took time out for some sightseeing and shopping in Downpatrick, and met up with Eric Tomassini to cheer him up with a few words in his native French. This link with France is a very valuable one, which will provide opportunities for our students for years to come. Its Chilean visitors next...