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Sacred Heart Grammar School held their annual prizegiving night on Thursday last, 21 December. The school were delighted and honoured to welcome back former Head Girl, the Right Honourable Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, as guest speaker. Following a stellar legal career namely in family law, Dame Siobhan was made Lady Chief Justice in September 2021, the first female to hold the post.
Celebrating another year of outstanding results, with 97% of pupils achieving grade A – C, fifty-three pupils achieving three A*/A grades, and four pupils achieving four A*/A grades, Principal Shane Comer spoke of the importance of caring for each other and continuing to be guided by the values of Sacred Heart as they moved forward.
Reminiscing on her time in Sacred Heart, Dame Siobhan Keegan emphasised that she didn’t want to be the last Lady Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, or the last from Newry or Sacred Heart. Inspiring the audience with her achievements, she encouraged the pupils to remain open to alternatives in their chosen paths and get real-life experience, while both accepting and reaching out for advice from those who support them.
Also present at the ceremony, Julie Conlon awarded the Brian Conlon Medal to former Year 14 Pupil, Eabha Fallon. In its inaugural year, the annual award is presented to the pupil who reflects Brian’s spirit, as nominated by the school.
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Everyone was in the Christmas mood at Saint Malachy's Primary School in Newry earlier today, 21 December, with school vice principal Kate Carragher conducting an assembly to pick the winners in the school's Christmas Raffle as well as present a cheque to Women's Aid. Class winners in a Christmas Card competition were also congratulated.
The school holds an annual Christmas Raffle to raise funds with prizes ranging from luxury food hampers to a large array of toys and other items. First prize in the raffle, a beautiful hamper was won by Siobhan McEvoy who was sold her ticket by Caillum Galbraith.
Proceeds from a Green Day fundraiser held in the first term of the year were also handed over with Student Council Representative, Rian Burns presenting a cheque for £150 to Rachel Buchanan from Women's Aid.
Earlier this month pupils had a chance to design a Christmas card. Primary Five pupil Chidera Kelechukwu was the overall winner in the competition with the designers of the best card in each class also receiving a prize.
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A pupil from Saint Ronan's Primary School in Newry was one of five winners across Northern Ireland who scooped a prize in a fun competition to design a Day in the Life of an Eco-hero or Eco-villain. P5 pupil Will Murphy received his own eco-laptop and £500 for his school to use toward an eco-project.
The annual eco-competition is organised by the Housing Executive in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Eco-Schools NI and was open to all primary and post primary schools.
Primary 3 to Year 9 pupils were invited to take part to help highlight issues such as energy efficiency in the home and school, renewable energy and climate change.
Emma Stubbs, Housing Executive Assistant Director, Regional Services, said: “The eco-hero, eco villain competition is part of the Northern Ireland Schools Energy Efficiency Programme – and we are delighted with the results.
“We asked everyone who entered to look at four key topics: water, renewables versus fossil fuels, climate action and global perspectives.
“Most young people care deeply about environmental issues and want to make a positive change in the environment around them. This competition provides an ideal way for fostering awareness in the entire school.
“The real reward is that the participants can help to shape the future world that they will inhabit.”
Sinead Murray, Environmental Education Coordinator, Eco-schools NI, said: “We are delighted to have the Housing Executive as our Energy Topic Sponsor this year again. It has been very exciting to see the children’s vision of climate heroes and villains.
“This is an excellent educational project to help children understand climate change and what can be done to combat it.”
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Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year”, to quote a popular Christmas song, and with that, the most precious gift one can give is time. This year Health and Social Care students at Southern Regional College’s Newry Model campus took a morning away from class to host local community groups, Sunshine Club and U3A with a coffee morning. Following the success of the event, there are now plans for another coffee morning in March next year.
The event formed part of Linking Generations Northern Ireland’s (LGNI) intergenerational Christmas campaign funded by the Public Health Agency, the coffee morning was a wonderful example of festive spirit and practice in the art of giving. Young and old generations alike were encouraged to mingle and share stories whilst creating Christmas cards, alongside outbursts of songs made of an impromptu choir of students.
LGNI have been connecting generations and communities across Northern Ireland since 2009 and are the only NI organisation focused solely on developing intergenerational approaches to addressing societal issues. The coffee morning was a perfect example of their vision, as student Charlene Conlon attended the event with her mum Veronica Conlon and 86-year-old nanny Sarah Marian McGlade.
Feedback from the event was positive, with participants praising students for showing an interest in their lives and spending time with them.
Christine McKinney from U3A commented "Thank you all so much for a very enjoyable morning. So much hard work preparing for it all and such lovely activities and treats. I want to especially thank the students who made it so welcoming and were a delight to talk to. It was great to meet lots of new folk and be treated with so much kindness. Looking forward to an Easter event.
Lynne Bennett from Linking Generations commented “It has been great to watch the students put the intergenerational training they received into practice in establishing and developing links with local older persons settings. These interactions help to create joy and a sense of connectedness through meaningful fun activities and conversation.”
Deirdre Franklin, Health & Science Coordinator at Southern Regional College further commented “It has been absolutely fabulous to host this coffee morning on campus. We are delighted to welcome our senior members in the community and give them an opportunity to interact with our students. They have shared their valuable insights and stories with us, and we have learned a lot from them. Events like this help break down intergenerational barriers and foster mutual understanding and respect. We hope to continue this initiative and build stronger bonds between the young and the old.”
For more information on how to get involved in developing intergenerational connections and for inspiration visit www.linkinggenerationsni.com
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The Southern Regional College in Newry has been working alongside Down GAA, Ulster GAA and Newry City Athletic Football Club to develop a sports academy with Down GAA.
The academy will enhance student’s learning and increase opportunities to gain work experience. The GAA sports academy is in addition to the College’s successful volleyball academy, run from the Armagh campus and the football academy which will run from the College’s Lurgan campus.
The academy is open to any student wanting to play, coach or analyse Gaelic or football. Thirty-eight students are currently undertaking the academy, ranging from the usual Gaelic and football enthusiasts to basketball and rugby players. The academy is the first of its kind and gives participants the opportunity to obtain a sports related qualification, anything from a gym instructing and personal training qualification right up to a Sports and Exercise (Honours Degree). Down GAA will also be providing monthly coaching education sessions, bringing current trends in player development to the classroom.
The academy consists of three elements, with students having the option to partake in all three. These are:
Rory McGreevey, Sports Development Officer at Southern Regional College commented “The SRC Sports Academy provides students with a unique opportunity to gain relevant industrial knowledge and experience while studying for their qualification. Academy students will get the chance to develop as a player through pitch and strength & conditioning sessions, gain coaching qualifications and get extra coach education sessions delivered by the best coaches in the area. They also have the chance to learn how to use the top-class sports science equipment that the SRC has to help analyse player and team performances. The aim is for each student to use what they learn to help improve standards in their local clubs.”
Conor O’Toole at Down GAA Games Development Manager further commented “It is fantastic for Down GAA to have entered into this Academy Programme in partnership with SRC in Newry.
"In recent times we have been fortunate enough to have had some wonderful young students from the college, join our staff on academic work placement or as coaches within our Summer Camp programmes.
"We see this relationship with SRC as a wonderful avenue for Down GAA to unearth a strong cohort of engaging, enthusiastic and highly skilled young people who can further promote Gaelic Games in local primary schools and GAA clubs in the greater Newry area and beyond."
Pupils in the academy will have the opportunity to complete official GAA Coaching Awards, young referees training and also gain exposure to practical coaching opportunities in local schools.
O'Toole concluded "Down GAA are excited at the prospect of working closely with the staff in SRC within this GAA Academy programme.”
For more information on the sports academy, contact the Sports Development Officer Rory McGreevy at mcgreevyr@src.ac.uk.
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Members of the faculty at Southern Regional College were at the 3D Concrete Printing and Cyber Skills Showcase last week in Louth.
Martin O’Brien, CEO of the Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and founder of AMTCE, LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk (AMTCE),announced the planned doubling of available training places to 500 for 2024 in two key areas, 3D concrete printing (3DCP), and cybersecurity. It is to combat the shortage of skilled personnel in modern methods of construction and cybersecurity to meet the evolving industry demand, It was organised by the AMTCE, LMETB, Southern Regional College and InterTrade Ireland for businesses and key stakeholders on the Island of Ireland
Commenting on the news, Martin O’Brien, CEO of LMETB and founder of AMTCE, said, “The planned doubling of the training places in those important areas will be supported through the SOLAS/AMTCE Skills to Advance and apprenticeship programmes, which are designed to address the development and delivery of key skills requirements for Ireland’s future workforce. As the demand for new housing remains extremely high and recruitment into the trades is challenging, 3D concrete printing has proven to be highly effective in the fast delivery of high quality, lower costing, sustainable builds with minimal waste. It has the potential to address Ireland’s need for the fast delivery of affordable housing as it can deliver the concrete structure for a three-bedroom house in less than a week. “
The Showcase began with an introduction to the 3D Concrete Printer, covering its capabilities, features, and the materials that can be used, followed by a practical demonstration of the printer in action. Also highlighted were the growing number of successful 3D house printing projects underway in Europe, worldwide and planned in Ireland.
The second demonstration was a real-time Cyber Risk Assessment (CRA) of a business. The CRA is a dynamic tool that simply and remotely uses a web page address to quickly access and assess all an organisation’s digital assets that are exposed to the internet.
It will produce a detailed report of how effective security is for e-mail, network, host, IP, domain, website and DNS. It is the entire potential attack surface that a hacker could penetrate. The CRA will provide a top-level score from ‘Bad to Excellent’ and a detailed report of the vulnerability details. The CRA report will also help to determine if company personnel or its IT support have the skills to analyse the report and consequently fix the vulnerabilities identified. CRA produces the report in ten minutes and will continue to run in the background, checking for improvements or further risks.
Mr O’Brien went on to say, “The need for Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (CRA) on the Island of Ireland arises from the importance of protecting sensitive data against increasing cyber threats, compliance with regulations, addressing the cyber vulnerabilities of SMEs, and the protection of critical infrastructure. It is essential for organisations to proactively assess their cybersecurity risks and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them.”
AMTCE (Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre of Excellence) was established in 2021 by the LMETB to deliver hands on skills-oriented training needed to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations in the manufacturing, pharma, food and drink, construction, and engineering sectors.
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Students from Southern Regional College (SRC) were among thirty young people from Northern Ireland’s Further Education (FE) Colleges recognised as the first recipients of a Northern Ireland Traineeship at a ceremony in Stormont. The students were among the first cohort from Northern Ireland to complete a NI Traineeship.
The new NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in. The students were recognised for exceptional progress, personal achievement, and their commitment to completing the Traineeship.
Receiving the NI Traineeship from Southern Regional College were:
Some 2,400 people are now studying on a NI Traineeship programme through local FE colleges. The programme was introduced in 2021 to offer a new accessible route to further study and employment, including Higher Education and apprenticeships. The Traineeships are available across 27 professions and are funded by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy.
Career pathways include auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years. Participants on a Traineeship may be eligible for financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance or FE Grants. Hardship funds, free school meals, equipment, and travel passes may also be available.
Applications will open for September 2024 entry in February. Further details of what’s on offer at SRC is available online by searching ‘Traineeships’ on SRC’s website or the NI Direct website.
While undertaking their NI Traineeship, students explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer. Students also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork and time management.
Clement Athanasiou, Head of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, which supported the awards, said: “Traineeships have been in place for more than two years and the fact that so many people are choosing this option across Northern Ireland demonstrates how effective they are as way to learn and progress in a career pathway. In 2021 the Department committed £180million to creating almost 20,000 Traineeship places over seven years and it is fantastic to now see participants gaining their qualifications and advancing in their careers by securing employment or moving onto further learning.”
“I am hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm and skill shown by people engaged in Traineeships and it is testament to the hard work and dedication not only of themselves but also of their educators in our local further education colleges. I also want to congratulate all of the Traineeship achievers and wish them well for the future.”
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College further added: “Traineeships are an excellent way to equip learners with the practical skills and academic qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Learners benefit from a high-quality vocational education and training programme that combines classroom instruction with workplace experience. Since the launch of Traineeships in September 2021, we have seen a growing number of students joining us who are looking for a more dynamic, hands-on, and relevant approach to learning and work. I am very proud of all the students who have completed their Traineeship qualification and wish them all the best for their future endeavours”.
To embark upon an NI Traineeship, applicants must hold a minimum of a Level One qualification, defined as four GCSEs at grades D to G, including Maths and English grades D to E, or equivalent.
Students can contact their local SRC campus for further information on 0300 123 1223 or visit the website www.src.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.nidirect.gov.uk and search for NI Traineeships.
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Schools from the Carlingford catchment area filled a packed Newry Town Hall to mark the return of Loughs Agency’s Water Warriors event.
Hosted by the dynamic Mark ‘The Science Guy’ Langtry, Water Warriors was full of non-stop education and entertainment in equal measures. From fantastically fun scientific experiments, to engaging onstage competitions featuring pupils and teachers from local schools within the Carlingford catchment area, Water Warriors had everyone in the auditorium on their feet with excitement.
Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “Loughs Agency is delighted to welcome the return of the fantastic Water Warriors to Newry. Events such as these are vital in educating and instilling a sense of curiosity in the local schoolchildren.
“Water Warriors, part of Loughs Agency’s Ambassador Programme, is on the frontline tackling pressing issues of our time, including climate change, invasive species, pollution and biodiversity. This ground-breaking initiative provides a dynamic platform for young minds to explore their surroundings through water activities, field visits and engaging educational games.
“The overall goal is clear—to nurture responsible individuals who are passionate about safeguarding and enhancing the environment. Witnessing the enthusiastic participation of our young Water Warriors is a testament to the success of this educational mission.”
For more information on Loughs Agency’s Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme, which includes Water Warriors, visit: www.loughs-agency.org
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Three students from the Southern Regional College have received medals at this years SkillBuild National Final.
It comes after more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats. The 3 construction students were named as medallists at this year’s SkillBuild Final. Last week, 16 top construction trainees from across Northern Ireland’s College’s, which included 6 SRC students, travelled to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes to undertake three intense days of competition.
From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 November, competitors were tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project tested the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure within strict timelines. All whilst adhering to health and safety protocols.
Students from SRC picking up medals include:
Other SRC students competing within the SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes include Niall Rice, from Castlewellan who competed in the Bricklaying category; Erin McKnight from Belfast, competing in the Painting & Decorating category alongside Jacqui Hawthorne, and Conor Branniff from Portaferry, Newtownards. Conor competed in the Wall & Floor Tiling Category alongside classmate Patryk Niedoba. Conor experienced success this year having been named as Northern Ireland’s top apprentice at the Department for the Economy 2023 Apprenticeship Awards and picking up 1st place in the regional finals.
SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.
CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that an extra 4,450 workers will be required to meet NI construction demand by 2027. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter common misconceptions of the industry and promote the diverse range of roles available. CITB NI host the SkillBuild NI Regional Final annually in partnership with one of the local colleges and it is an important event for competitors, supported by colleges, their trainers/lecturers and local sponsors.
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “These results from the 2023 SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes round off an exceptional period of success by SRC students. Our students have shown time after time, their perseverance in honing their craft and their commitment to success. To make it to the National Finals is testament to the dedication of both our students and their lecturers who have passed on a wealth of knowledge. I congratulate all students for another truly marvellous achievement.”
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