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Most young people care deeply about environmental issues and wish to make a positive change in the environment around them. The Eco-Schools programme in St Mary’s High School provides an ideal way for fostering environmental awareness in the entire school in a way that links to many curriculum subjects. Our primary aim regarding the Eco-Schools scheme is to combine learning and action for the improvement of the environment not only in our school but in the wider community too.
We have just been awarded our first Green Flag in recognition of the hard work and dedication of our Eco-Committee but also of all our teachers, ancillary and auxiliary staff and all those connected to our school. Our primary focus has been on reducing our waste and litter around the school and we are particularly proud of the successes we have made in reducing our carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption. We have many more such projects plans in place for 2012/13.
Please visit our school website www.stmarysnewry.com and click on “Ecoschools” to view our many exciting projects.
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The R.E. department in St. Mary’s High School is proudly celebrating the achievements of 8 year 14 pupils who have received the Pope John Paul 2 Award for voluntary work carried out in their parishes and local communities.
The award requires a total of 40 hours voluntary work and the girls received their awards at a special ceremony in Banbridge Parish Centre on 31st March 2012.
The girls who received the award are Ruth Breen, Denise Byrne, Judith McCartan, Clare Savage, Niamh Sands, Sheila Duffy, Claire Patterson and Rebecca Grant
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Tasty Careers ambassador Moyra Rafferty from Irwin’s Bakery has attended St Mary’s High School in Newry to speak to Year 9 pupils about the wide variety of excellent career opportunities available within the food and drink manufacturing sector.
The campaign, which is in its second year has been launched by Improve, the Food and Drink Sector Skills Council and is supported by DARD. The Tasty Careers campaign provides talks from ambassadors in schools across Northern Ireland as well as informative booklets and a ‘teacher’s pack’ to highlight the 6,000 jobs available for skilled workers. To be recruited by 2017, these job opportunities equate to approximately one third of the current employment levels.
As the biggest single manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland, the food and drink sector employs over 19,000 full time employees. Examples of real life case studies included in the booklet will act as ambassadors across a range of job types and levels within the sector. Students will receive an insight into the ambassadors’ day-to-day activities and long-term career prospects as well as advice on the best qualifications and educational path to their current position within the sector.
Commenting on this year’s campaign launch, Geoff Lamb, NI Operations Manager, Improve, said: “The food and drink industry contributes in excess of £3 billion a year to the local economy and is a pivotal employer within the Northern Ireland market. In a time of great economic uncertainty, the sector provides significant job opportunities in a stable and growing industry.
“The ‘Tasty Careers’ campaign, which is supported by government bodies and key players within the industry, aims to highlight the opportunities available for pupils considering their career options and make them aware of the impending skills shortage and gaps within the market.
“With an average starting salary of £22,000 our ambassadors aim to make pupils aware of these career prospects and encourage uptake within the sector to continue to develop the skills and productivity of our workforce on a global stage.”
For more information or to book an ambassador, schools can visit www.tastycareers.org.uk
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BT has launched the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and is calling on students throughout the Newry area and beyond to enter their ideas and inventions by the 1st October 2012.
As part of the launch, BT has released research on trends in the projects entered over the past six years (2007-2012 exhibitions) to understand patterns in students’ thinking, how they make decisions and from where they draw their inspiration and subject matter. The extensive research undertaken by BT into over 3,000 qualified projects has revealed that participating students have dramatically evolved their ideas to reflect the constantly shifting economic, environmental and social landscapes across the island of Ireland over this period.
In the 2012 exhibition, 15% of qualified projects (more than one in every seven entered) demonstrated entrepreneurial flair coupled with honed business acumen – however, this figure rose to 30% of projects from Northern Ireland. These students fully understand the value of creating and owning entrepreneurial ideas. In stark contrast, six years ago, only 2% of projects could be considered commercially-viable.
The research findings analysed:
Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive, BT Ireland, said, “The island of Ireland has faced well-documented challenges in the past number of years, and it is inevitable and unfortunate that our young people will bear some of the burden as the future generation of leaders. But as evidenced by their participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, we have vast numbers of bright young people whose focus is on discovering solutions to our problems, on bettering the economy and society. As we count down to the 49th exhibition, I’d encourage all students to send in their ideas because we’ve proven that the exhibition can lead to brilliant opportunities for those that participate.”
MATRIX Chairman, Dr Bryan Keating reinforces why MATRIX is continuing to sponsor the Best Northern Ireland School Award at the exhibition, “MATRIX has a key role in advising on growing a knowledge based economy fit for the challenges of the global market. We recognise that if we are to compete effectively it is crucial that our young people have the science and innovation skills along with a passion to be the engineers and researchers of tomorrow.
“I am looking forward to seeing the projects that Northern Ireland will produce for the 2013 competition, and we are delighted to be able to encourage our emerging young innovators by sponsoring this award. It can only auger well for the future”
The University of Ulster will also continue to sponsor the Northern Ireland Special Award. Professor Richard Millar, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Engineering, University of Ulster said “We are committed to working with the BT Young Scientist to promote the benefits of investing in STEM activities for young people and raise awareness about the unlimited career opportunities in STEM related subjects. BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition enables students to show their potential and, for some, turn innovative ideas into commercial ventures. By challenging and engaging with young people, we can encourage uptake in science and technology related subjects at second and third level education, a key enabler to drive forward and build our knowledge based economy.”
At the launch announcement, BT encouraged students to begin preparing their projects for the 2013 exhibition. The closing date for entry is just over four months away - Monday 1st October 2012 - and BT is hoping to break a new record for entry numbers in 2013.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 9th – 12th 2013. There are over 120 awards including the overall BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year. In addition, BT offers over 30 participating students the opportunity to take part in the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp – an intensive innovation skills camp that BT runs after the exhibition to give students commercialisation skills.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is organised by BT Ireland, and is supported by a number of valued partners including Analog Devices, Intel, the NI Department of Education, the ROI Department of Education and Skills, and RTE. For more information on the exhibition, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com.
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At this years Student Recognition Awards Ceremony Students from the SRC Newry Campus were recognised for their outstanding achievement at this year’s Skillbuild when they returned with an unprecedented 17 awards.
Students from across the six campuses of Southern Regional College came together to celebrate their achievements at the annual Awards Ceremony.
Students who either represented the College in sports or skills competitions throughout the academic year or who contributed to College life through engagement in such activities as promoting the work of the student union, fund raising activities or voluntary work were awarded at this special ceremony which included winners in Sport, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Construction and IT.
The Lurgan Campus Boy’s Volleyball team were recognised for being winners of the NI Schools Cup Plate while the Lurgan Girl’s Volleyball Team were awarded for claiming the runners up prize in the NI Schools Cup Plate. The Lurgan Boys Soccer Team were awarded for reaching the semi-final of the Northern Ireland Cup while the Men’s FE 7’s Team who were from the Armagh and Newry Campuses were recognised for winning the Ulster CAU Further Education 7’s competition. 
Hairdressers from across the campuses were awarded for being successful in the SRC Hairdressing Competition while Hospitality students from the Newry and Portadown Campuses were recognised for winning 19 medals and 2 certificates of merit at IFEX, Northern Ireland’s largest and only international food, drink, retail and hospitality exhibition.
Students from the Newry Campus returned with an unprecedented 17 awards with three students also recognised for winning the overall 19+ category in the STEM BEST Awards.
Commenting after the event, Mr Brian Doran, Chief Executive of SRC remarked: “The list of achievements today was exceedingly impressive and highlighted the success the College has had on both the national and international stage”.
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St Mary’s High School Year 9 pupils recently returned from a very successful trip to Paris.
The pupils visited the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, Stade de France, Montmartre amongst other sights and enjoyed a cruise on the river Seine as well as bowling, swimming and shopping in Val d’Europe.
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Six Design and Technology students from St. Colman’s College, Violet Hill, Newry displayed their A Level Engineering and Product Design projects to the judges at the prestigious Sentinus Young Innovators competition. The event, held on Tuesday 19th June, in the Odyssey arena Belfast, is one of the largest showcases of its kind in the United Kingdom and provides students with an opportunity to present their design solutions and manufacturing skills to teams of expert judges and their peers.
Mark Mc Evoy (Dromore) was presented with the Young Engineer for Britain Award for Engineering Excellence. He received a Crystal trophy, Certificate and prize of £200 for his MULTI-SPIKE product.
In achieving this top award in Northern Ireland Mark will automatically progress to the UK finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition ‘The Big Bang’ to be held in March 2013 in London.
Mark’s prototype is designed for use with all contemporary tractor front loaders. Constructed from heavy gauge steel the MULTI-SPIKE allows the tractor operator to handle / unload round or rectangular bales without leaving the cab.
Unique features of the product are the incorporation of a hydraulically operated convex ‘push plate’ which aids retraction of the machine once bales are stacked and extending / retractable side spikes for handling wide bales. Mark’s ability to utilise CAD/CAM during the design phase, the range of fabrication skills demonstrated and the quality of finish impressed the judge’s greatly.
Much comment and interest was shown in the MULTI-SPIKE during the event.
Niall Murphy (Mullaghbawn) was presented with the Young Engineer for Britain Winner (Senior category) 2012 prize, £100 and crystal trophy for his TELE-SPIKE product.
Niall’s prototype is designed for use on an agricultural front loader. It is a multi purpose handler with four removable tines (spikes) and two hydraulic support extensions which allows the machine operator to handle various types of bales singularly or in pairs with increased safety.
An additional feature is the inclusion of round tube sleeves for the centre tines to allow handling of wrapped bales without puncturing.
Niall was later presented with the Sentinus Award for Craftsmanship and a £125 prize for the quality of his engineering fabrication skills in the production of the TELE-SPIKE.
Niall will also compete at the National Science and Engineering Competition ‘The Big Bang’ in London next March.
All at St. Colman’s wish Niall and Mark continued success in competing against the best technology and engineering students in the UK.
David O’Connell (Mount Pleasant Dundalk) was presented with the First Derivatives Award for Commercial Potential, a prize of £125 and a crystal trophy for his HYDRAULIC LOG CLAMP.
David’s product is designed to be fitted to the three point linkage of a tractor. The clamp allows heavy logs and branches to be lifted, moved around and held securely whilst being cut into blocks with a chain saw.
This product greatly reduces the risks of physical strain from lifting and the likelihood of injury from the chain saw. In these respects the judges saw great commercial potential in David’s prototype.
Presenting the awards Director of Sentinus Mr. Brian Campbell and Mr. Mervyn Storey MLA congratulated all three students on their achievements and reinforced their personal interest in encouraging the young Innovators of the future and promotion of STEM subjects in schools.
Also highly commended for their design projects by the judges were:
Colm Rooney (Hilltown) EWE-LIFT an elevating platform to enable sheep to be held at a convenient height whilst preparing / dressing fleece for show.
Jack Mc Gowan (Newry) An adjustable computer game seat with pedals and steering controls.
Mark Curran (Castlewellan) A solid oak recliner Contemporary Chair
With reference to all the College entries this year the Chairman of Engineering Judges remarked that it was “refreshing to see students addressing real life opportunities for design and producing fully functional working solutions”.
All six students were congratulated on their high standard of workmanship/ commitment and ability to confidently convey their ideas to the judges by their teacher Mr. Robert Barton,
Mr. Barton, Head of Design and Technology at the College, was also awarded the prestigious St. Mary’s University College Belfast ‘STEM Teacher of the Year Award’ 2012.
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Over 100 students from Southern Regional College’s, Newry Campus, were awarded at the Further Education Awards Ceremony hosted at the Canal Court Hotel.
Mr Brian Doran, Chief Executive of SRC, welcomed students and guests and congratulated them on their success.
Mr Doran commented: “Tonight’s ceremony marks the culmination of very many hours, indeed years, of hard work and commitment from all of you present. The awards you will receive were not easily obtained and you should feel very proud of your achievements”.
Student of the Year Awards were also presented on the evening.
Southern Regional College offers a wide range of courses which can be studied on a part-time or full-time basis. The college is committed to widening participation and welcoming students of all ages and backgrounds. Students attending the college can take advantage of the vibrant student social life and benefit from the wide range of facilities and opportunities available at the college and through the Student Union. The college also offers high quality pastoral support and takes seriously the demands to meet additional specific learning requirements and social needs of each individual student.
If you would like further information on any of the courses offered at Southern Regional College please contact us on 0845 604 0033, email us at info@src.ac.uk or visit our website www.src.ac.uk
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A group of five pupils from St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Newry and two staff members had a once in a lifetime trip when they attended the Paralympic games in London. The pupils; Paul Lyons, Donal Hanna, Cathal Mathews, Louis O’Hare and Daniel Lavery, won a competition for places and were escorted on the trip by Mr Brendan Fearon (Citizenship co-ordinator) and Mr Martin Mc Greevy (Student Support Officer).
The group had a very early start on their first day in order to take in the sights of London including St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Big Ben, The houses of parliament, 10 Downing Street, Buckingham palace, St James Park, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly circus and the west end. A special tour of Westminster was arranged in which the pupils got a guided tour of the House of Lords and the House of Commons by Mr Conor McGinn, a native of Bessbrook, and currently sitting as a Labour NEC Member representing Socialist Societies and political advisor to Vernon Coaker MP.
The highlight of the London trip came on the following day where the group watched a myriad of events in the Olympic stadium, each showcasing the strength, determination and pride of athletes in all track and field events. Special celebration came when Irish runner Jason Smyth dazzled the crowd with his record breaking 200m victory.
Being present at the Paralympics was indeed a humbling and profound experience for all involved; and the exhibition of triumph of will over adversity and disability has strengthened the pupils’ appreciation of the power of inner-belief and self-fortitude that we all possess.
Despite the relative quick turn around of events during the trip, the memories will last a lifetime for all involved. For many images of the trip please visit the school web-page at: www.stjosephsnewry.com
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