Shimna Integrated College

07/10/2026

Shimna celebrates on a day of inspiring voices

So, our new school is now officially open. The formal end to the new build project was marked with a special ceremony in the Assembly Hall, with speeches from David Malcolm, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, David Waddell, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors and the Principal Steve Pagan.

We were delighted to see our hall filled with special guests and friends of the College, including senior officials from the Department; the project management team from Hood McGowan Kirk; Glasgiven Contracts and sub-contractors who worked on the project.

It was also great to share the occasion with NICIE and the IEF, along with representatives from our churches, representatives from our local political parties, the PSNI, local charities and community groups, as well as students from across year groups.

Pride of place goes to Ian Burtney, the genius designer of our new school from Gregory Architects. Guests who were visiting the school for the first time were blown away by the design of our magnificent new building.

We were also delighted to welcome back the Founding Parents, six former Chairs of Governors and former staff - it really was a uniquely heartwarming reunion, which celebrated our integrated ethos.

Compered by our Student Leaders, the ceremony also featured some of the very best of Shimna talent, including the incredible Nicole Campbell, singing ‘Never Enough’; Alice and Max emulating Daft Punk with their rendition of ‘Get Lucky’; and the Shimna Choir singing ‘Chosen Family’.

There was also a wonderful family moment, with three generations coming together: Roisin Behan, one of our founding parents, along with her children Niamh and Odhran, and granddaughter Aoife. Chosen family, indeed.

Click on the link to share in this momentous occasion, you can view videos from the day here:

https://www.shimnaintegratedcollege.org/post/shimna-celebrates-on-a-day-of-inspiring-voices

05/10/2026

Shimna students learn about QUB Pathways

A big thank you to Clodagh McMeel from Queen’s University Belfast for visiting our Year 13 students today to talk about the Pathway Opportunity Programme (POP). Students gained valuable insight into how the programme can support their journey to higher education, while exploring the exciting opportunities available at university. Thank you to Clodagh for taking the time to inspire and guide our students.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wpu/Post16Programmes/PathwayOpportunityProgramme/

03/10/2026

02/10/2026

New cohort of Peer Mentors report for duty

Our new cohort of Year 13 Peer Mentors has successfully completed their training and are ready to begin their volunteering duties. We have 45 exceptionally enthusiastic students participating this year. In addition to this new group, we are very fortunate to have 20 Year 14 Peer Mentors continuing their roles from last year, creating a mentor network of 65 students.

To maximise their impact across the school, their responsibilities have been structured around four key pastoral and academic areas:

-Supporting designated Form Classes in lessons to act as positive role models and assist younger students

-Providing one-to-one peer support, checking in with a student on a weekly basis

-Helping to boost confidence and skills in literacy and numeracy

-Supporting the work of our SEN Hub to help foster an inclusive and supportive environment

We look forward to seeing how this fantastic group of students makes a positive contribution to our school community this year.

28/09/2026

Gaelic club success for Shimna students

Congratulations to Rostrevor GAC U16s, who were crowned Walton Cup Champions last Saturday. Particular congratulations go to our students Dara and Gerald, whose performances throughout the season have been instrumental in the team's success.

Dara has been in outstanding form, lighting up the U16 Championship, making him one of the most profilic scorers in Down football with an impressive 2.12 in the final. His performances have deservedly earned him a place with the Down U15 squad.

Gerald continues to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the most versatile and resilient young players in the county. His work rate, leadership and vision have been key factors in Rostrevor's success, while his commitment and determination are equally evident whenever he represents Down.

We are proud to see both students excelling at club and county level and representing Rostrevor, Down and Shimna with such distinction.

Additional congratulations go to the 9 Shimna girls representing Bryansford GAC on Saturday to win the U12 May Steele Tournament in Castlewellan. Well done to Darcy, Zara, Erin, Eibhleann, Ella, Grace, Isla, Keely and Chloe. We cannot wait to see what these girls have to offer Shimna and add to our sporting success.

27/09/2026

Student leadership opportunities now available

26/09/2026

BBC interviews former teachers of Strictly’ s John Nellis

The social media star from Newcastle, County Down has been paired with Katya Jones - but what do people in his hometown think?

26/09/2026

Team Shimna wins hearts and funds for good cause

Team Shima writes: “The Belfast Half Marathon last weekend saw the latest joint endeavour of students and staff. Year 14 students Katelynn, Molly, Olivia and James took to the streets of Belfast alongside Ms Murphy and Mr Scott.

Trading contour and cake lines for the finish line, they ran the 13.1-mile challenge around Belfast in support of the British Heart Foundation.

We're pleased to report everyone made it from start to finish, with Katelynn and Olivia first to make it to the finish line. In his own words, Mr Scott "selflessly staying at the back to ensure everyone got back safely..." What a trooper he is.

While race day is what everyone sees, the real achievement lies in the months of hard work that came before it. These students have shown tremendous commitment, dedicating countless hours to training while balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs and a host of other commitments. In true Shimna spirit, some even played championship matches the evening before, only to be up early the next morning ready to tackle 13.1 miles for a cause they care deeply about.

We are incredibly proud of the selflessness, resilience and determination they have shown throughout this journey. Their willingness to give up their time and energy to support others, while managing the demands of school, work and sport, is a credit to themselves, their families and our wider school community.

Team Shimna would like to thank everyone for their support, both to the friends and family who cheered us on around the course and to everyone who has sponsored us over the past few months. Every donation, message and word of encouragement have been greatly appreciated.

So far, we have raised over £2,500 and counting, which is absolutely amazing. There’s still time to make a contribution at our website.

We can't wait to hand over a cheque to Orla and the British Heart Foundation.

Although some team members are still negotiating with their legs after 13.1 miles ( age catches up with us all, Mr Scott ), we have a feeling this won't be the last time Team Shimna takes on a challenge in the name of a good cause.

Mr Pagan writes: “Credit also to our very own Margaret Rowntree, who also ran the course. Pictured here with Lola, official Shimna mascot.”

25/09/2026

https://www.shimnaintegratedcollege.org/post/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 OpeningWith 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 occasio...

22/09/2026

Leaders, and her father Martin on their epic mountain trek over the weekend.

Emily writes: “My dad and I completed as a team in the Mourne Mountain Marathon over the weekend. We started at 10.00 am on Saturday morning and arrived at the campsite at Spelga Dam 6 hours later after completing the 12 miles through the Mournes. Bright and early on Sunday morning, we waved goodbye Spelga Dam and headed back to Shimna. Overall, our journey home took us 4.5 hours over the 10 miles.

Back at Shimna, I tucked into a chicken and stuffing sandwich, with a cup of tea. Our great team effort, navigating and running through the mountains, paid off as we came 7th out of 40 teams in the C class and 2nd in the Adult/ Junior category.”