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St Clare's Abbey Primary School have won the Peoples Choice Award at the UNESCO Young Environmentalist competition. The final was held in Dublin last week and the schools Eco Team aka ‘St Francis’ Followers’ returned home with a spring in their step from the finals.
The award was for the school's St Francis' Garden. The pupils have recorded the sounds of birds and wildlife in their garden as part of their project.
A spokesperson from the school commented "It was a phenomenal experience for our pupils and staff and was a well deserved validation for the tremendous work we do to care for our environment. "
Thanking those involved the spokesperson added "We thank Mr Fitzpatrick, co-ordinating teacher and the hardworking Eco Council; Laoimh, Tom, Lily, Adam, Adomas, Lottie, Grace , Lexi, Daire, Oscar and Cara. They were truly outstanding and represented St Clare’s Abbey magnificently. We also thank Mr Meleadey for his guidance and the parents, grandparents and staff who help us with all things Eco in our school."
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It’s nearly the end of the academic year, which means one thing – time to recognise the outstanding success and contributions made by Further Education students at Southern Regional College. The College held its annual award ceremony at Armagh City Hotel at the end of May. Current students were invited to attend to find out if they were worthy winners in the fields of Academic Excellence; Student Contribution which included the categories Fundraiser of the Year, Triumph Over Adversity, and Inclusivity; and lastly Student Recognition Awards.
Over fifty awards were up for grabs, with several awards having runner ups in their category, it was clear to see a decision was difficult to reach, with so many well deserving nominations.
Guest speaker at the event was Jodi Murnin. Jodi was recently a student at the College having undertaken the Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing and Advertising. Graduating with her degree in September 2022, Jodi has had a metaphoric rise since graduation with a recent promotion to Social Media Director at Ardmore Advertising; only having joined the business in September 2022 as Digital Marketing Manager. Jodi currently works with large clients including Translink, Stena Line, Phoenix Energy and manages social media accounts for businesses.
Reflecting on her experiences Jodi’s urges current students to believe in themselves and grab opportunities where they present. Jodi commented “Southern Regional College where I really gained a lot of confidence, and started to believe in myself, and knew that marketing was the career for me. I was so glad of the good foundation in business that I had built on from my earlier course in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and previous jobs, which accelerated my learning in marketing.
"I took opportunities that felt right, as and when they came up. One door opened another and I am grateful that I didn’t hold myself back. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if I could talk to my 17-year-old self, I would tell her that there is never failure, always learning. And there is growth to come from your setbacks in life.”
Newry and Portadown students saw a number of sporting successes, with students Jamie Gray and Eugene White both coming top of their weight classes in the All-Ireland Under 18 Colleges Boxing Championships; Newry student Ellen McCartney representing the NI Ladies Under 17s Soccer Team at the European Qualifiers in Turkey; and Portadown student Noah Legge who was part of SRC’s winning volleyball team who lifted the Schools Cup.
Also picking up awards included Media student Steven Doran from Banbridge. Steven was nominated for the inclusivity award having increased inclusion within the student population, and in particular with one classmate who has physical limitations and some communication difficulties. Steven spends time with this classmate and the classmate’s support assistance during break and lunch to ensure he is fully included in student life, ensuring a positive college experience for all. Lecturer Marianne McGee also commented that Steven brings the class together ‘with his friendly and approachable nature’.
Fellow Armagh student, Conor Nugent picked up a student recognition award following his recent success winning The Montgomery Award for Excellence in Wall and Floor Tiling. In winning the Montgomery Award, Conor had to complete a stretch (speed) test and then create a large thistle motif in cut tile to precise measurements on one wall and to craft circular work and tile niche with a border on the adjacent wall. Conor is currently undertaking the Wall and Floor Tiling level 3 apprenticeship and is employed by Leo Duffy Tiling.
In his closing comments, Dr Thomas Moore, Chairman of the Governing Body at Southern Regional College commented “May I wish each of you every success in your future studies. Continue to believe in yourself. You are more talented and capable than you will ever know.”
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Athletics teams from Saint Paul's High School, Bessbrook took top honours at the VHC Post Primary Athletics Invitational held at St Colman's College in Newry.
The School's Year 8, 9 and 10 boys’ athletics teams claimed the overall ‘team award’ in the 2023 Competition held on Friday last. The event was part of St Colman’s College bicentennial celebrations and teams from St Colman's were joined by St Louis Ballymena, St Joseph's Newry, De La Salle Downpatrick and St Paul's.
In blazing hot sunshine, all pupils performed to an exceptional standard throughout. On what was a great day for the school, Year 8 pupils, Daithi Hoey and Setanta Mc Donald, were also joint winnners of best individual first year. School captain, Jarlath O’Neill, accepted the trophy on behalf of the school.
Year 8 Team
Setanta Mc Donald, Daithi Hoey, Kaelin Mc Quaid, Matty Mc Ferran, Hayden O Callaghan and Philip Posmyk.
Year 9 Team
Aodhan O’Neill, Oisin McCrink, Noah Campbell, Finn Loughran, Jack Casey and Alfie Brown.
Year 10 Team
Paul Stanfield, Ronan Martin, Jarlath O Neill, Charlie Rock who replaced the injured Tomas Fox, Eoin Mc Parland and Paddy Crilly.
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Local political representatives have expressed their disappointment at the news that the Department of Education due to budgetary pressures are ending funding for a popular primary school sports coaching programme. The programme was delivered by IFA and GAA coaches in over 200 primary schools across the North.
Newry City Councillor, Aidan Mathers said the decision was "punishing children and young people" while Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty is seeking an urgent meeting with the Department's Permanent Secretary to have the programme restored.
Mr McNulty believes that children will lose out following the decision “Since its introduction the school sports programme has had a massive impact in schools across the North, allowing young people to enjoy sport with elite level coaching from both the GAA and IFA. When a similar scheme ended in 2018 there was a real sense of disappointment, but on that occasion common sense prevailed and a new scheme was launched for primary school pupils." he said.
“This programme had huge benefits for our children, not only encouraging them to participate in sport which keeps them fit and healthy, but teaching them the importance of teamwork and the emotional resilience that comes with taking part in organised sport. Developing these skills at a young age will encourage children to keep active throughout their lives with all the benefits that brings. The decision to end this programme will have a significant impact on our young people and schools and demonstrates yet again that PE is the poor relation in education.
“Sports coaching for children cannot be yet another casualty of the DUP’s Stormont boycott and the austerity budget imposed on us by the Tory government. No matter what harm is visited on people in the North these people fail to face up to the reality of their actions. To see this programme ripped away, which contributes so much positivity to children and their families’ lives is extremely disappointing, and I hope to see this scheme return, as it did in 2019.
Councillor Aidan Mathers said “It is deeply concerning that the funding for the primary schools' sports programme is to be cut. This is a vital sports programme delivered by GAA and IFA coaches to over 200 schools and over 24,000 children across the north.
“These coaches deliver much-needed physical education lessons and ensured pupils were at least getting some form of physical activity throughout the week. Physical activity has been proven to help children and young people both physically and mentally.
“This is yet another consequence of immoral and indefensible Tory cuts that has decimated our public services and is punishing children and young people. The British government must end the cycle of cuts and properly invest in our education system."
The Newry councillor called for the Executive to be established now so that local parties can support our children and young people.
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Twenty five local schools have been recognised for their environmental work at this year’s Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards with Saint Joseph's Convent Primary School in Newry coming out as overall Eco-School of the Year.
The Eco-Schools programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Denmark, and is managed in Northern Ireland by environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. It was developed in 1994 as a response to an identified need to involve young people in finding solutions to environmental and sustainable development challenges at local level. Eco-Schools operates in 59,000 schools across 74 countries.
Schools received Green Flags with special recognition for the Eco-Teacher and Eco-Pupil of the Year. The awards have been supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Nexus.
2023 winners
Green Flag: Cortamlet Primary School, Dromore Road Primary School, Grange Primary School, Holy Cross Primary School, Our Lady's Grammar School RM, St Colmcille's Nursery School, St Mary's Primary School RM, St Mary's Primary School, St Nicholas Primary School, St Patrick's Primary School, All Children’s Integrated Primary School, Ashgrove Nursery School, Cumran Primary School, Down High School, Killean Primary School, Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School, St Brigid's (Drumilly) Primary School, St Columban's Primary School, St Joseph's Convent Primary School, St Joseph's Primary School, St Laurence O'Toole's Primary School, St Ronan's Primary School, St. Brigid's Primary School, Downpatrick Primary School, St Paul's Primary School.
Eco-School of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): St. Joseph’s Convent Primary School
Eco-Teacher of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): Miss Nadine Crozier, Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum
Eco-Pupil of the Year: Logan Gray, Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum
Sinead Murray, Environmental Education Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said “This year we have been really impressed by the quality of applications from schools across the council area. Pupils and teachers have really stepped up and get the importance of taking concrete against the climate emergency. The creativity and determination displayed by pupils can give all of us confidence in the future. We are delighted to see the ethos of the Eco-Schools programme so warmly embraced by so many schools.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, who attended an awards presentation event at The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick said, “It has been inspiring to see the vision and passion children across the district have for the environment and to learn more about their ideas.
“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been a long-time supporter of the Eco-Schools programme and is delighted to have hosted a wonderful celebration event recognising our schools’ award winning environmental work”
Housing Executive Chair Nicole Lappin said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners: more new Green Flags, with special recognition for the council’s best Eco-School and Eco-Teacher of the Year.
“We would like to reiterate the importance of educating our young people in energy and environmental awareness and taking direct action for the protection of our environment. We believe it is vitally important for them to be fully aware of how precious our world is and that we need to do all we can to protect it.
“We are delighted to support these excellent Eco-Schools NI projects. We’ve been really impressed with the standard of work being produced by teachers, pupils, and the wider community. Their enthusiasm is truly inspirational and we are proud to support them in ensuring a better future for everyone."
The programme is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, local councils and a number of generous sponsors who support the programme’s selection of topics, which schools can choose to follow based on their location, interests or the wishes of their pupils.
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Andrew McVarnock is not your typical student. There are no restful summer holidays for this Southern Regional College student, as Andrew is en-route to start a 9 week summer placement with the Michelin star ‘House Restaurant’ at Cliff House Hotel in Waterford.
Andrew is currently undertaking the Professional Chef level 2 traineeship at Newry campus and is being tutored under the careful eye of Culinary Arts lecturer Sinead Boyle. Recognising Andrew’s talent and eagerness, Sinead reached out to the Cliff House Hotel to help secure a placement for Andrew. Sinead has previously worked at the Cliff House and is eager to use her industry contacts to help students progress.
For Andrew, the placement is “Exactly what I need. I’m eager to learn more about providing quality dishes and The Cliff House sets one of the highest standards in excellence. I want to take the high standards I will gain, embed them, and take them forward to wherever I may work in the future.”
At the Cliff House, Andrew expects to work with a range of chefs in the areas of grill, starter, mains, larder, sauce and breakfast. The opportunities for continuing development are endless as Andrew will work with a team of over 20 chefs as he hones his skills. For Andrew it’s not just about making a meal, it's about creating the best possible experience for the customer.
With so many students looking forward to kicking back and enjoying the summer, Andrew will be working steadfastly throughout. Andrew commented: “I want to grow and do better and it’s this drive that makes me want to continue. I want to know what the head chef is doing and pick up as many tips that I can.”
While Andrew is just seventeen years old, the opportunities with being a professional chef are multiple. It’s a career that enables you to travel abroad and obtain work in any country or sea; docking in a new country on board a cruise ship also holds interest for Andrew.
While Andrew doesn’t have a favourite dish to cook, it depends on what the freshest ingredients are on the day, this is one student who we all would love to be cooking for us at home.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager for the Faculty of Professional Services at Southern Regional College commented:
“Andrew has just completed his first year in the Level 2 Professional Chef Traineeship and will commence Year 2 in September. Sinead Boyle is Andrew’s personal tutor and having spent the previous summer working in The Cliff House Hotel, a luxury 5 star hotel in Waterford, Sinead was aware the hotel was a premier establishment and an experience that would benefit students. Andrew will be based in their House Restaurant, which is a MICHELIN star restaurant. This was organised through the Erasmus programme.
Andrew will undertake his placement from the end of June to the end of August under the wing of their Chef Patron Tony Parkin. Tony has 22 years’ experience in the culinary world, and has worked in renowned restaurants including Restaurant Gordan Ramsey, Northcote and Noma. Tony is the winner of four AA Rosettes for The Tudor Room at Great Fosters Hotel in Engham. His menus offer a distinctive flair of local cuisine, paired with French and Thai flavours.
The team at Southern Regional College are very proud that Andrew, at 17 years old is embarking on a MICHELIN star work placement and we are excited to see the new skills Andrew will learn”.
For information on the Professional Chef traineeships or apprenticeships, check out available opportunities at: bit.ly
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Proof if it was needed that creativity is alive and kicking can be found in abundance at the Southern Regional College's annual Recreational Arts & Crafts Exhibition at Newry West Campus. The College campus was buzzing on Wednesday evening past as 43 artists of all ages and talents showcased their talents. The exhibition brought together artists undertaking recreational art programmes across the community, for one special night, a night of celebration and mutual inspiration. The exhibition will remain open on the College’s Newry West Campus until Monday 19 June from 10am – 2pm for public viewing.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, opened the event by welcoming guests to the studio and thanking those who continue to support recreational activities. Brian outlined “How creativity is alive and kicking in this region”, which is very much evident from the range of artwork at the exhibition.
The talent exhibited a range of medias, from oils and acrylics, to watercolour and pencil, as well as a selection of textile and knit work. Individuals used memory, imagination, observation, and photographs to contribute to the exhibition in their own unique style and talent.
Family, friends, and the public browsed the many pieces on display, with some purchasing items and many leaving feeling inspired to enrol in the next academic year. The recreational arts programme offers participants the chance to learn a new skill, or simply unwind from a busy day. There is without doubt a real community spirit to the programme as artists continue to encourage and inspire each other on a weekly basis.
The College’s recreational art courses are set in a friendly studio space and are a great opportunity to develop as a rounded art practitioner whilst also enjoying the social aspects. Courses are offered across campuses and throughout the community in areas which include Warrenpoint, Banbridge, and Mountnorris.
Nigel Whiteside, course lecturer said “It is a privilege to teach such talented students – each student brings so much to the class as they all interpret and express artistically in the own way. Every individual inspires me in my own work as an artist and there is a real sense of community spirit in the classes.”
Following this year’s successful event, next year’s art exhibition can only get bigger and better!
For further information on our recreational art courses please contact visit our website at www.src.ac.uk or contact 0300 123 1223.
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With decades of service to the education sector, Brian Doran, Chief Executive, Southern Regional College has received the accolade of ‘Outstanding Contributor to the Greater Newry Area’ at the Greater Newry Business Awards on Thursday 15 June.
Brian first started his journey at the College in a teaching role in 1998 and accelerated his career becoming SRC’s Principal and Chief Executive in 2008. Since starting out in 1998, Brian has remained passionate about progression opportunities and creating opportunities for young people and adult returners alike at the College, with curriculum developed to offer degree options at the College and multiple evening classes to enable all local people to engage with lifelong learning.
Brian’s aim is that the young people of greater Newry will be inspired to stay at home to continue their educational journey, thereby meeting the needs of local employers.
Under his tenure as Principal and Chief Executive, Brian has been instrumental in opening world class facilities in neighbouring campuses, with the Newry campus being earmarked for an innovative expansion plan with work currently in progress. The College sees approximately 10,000 students enrolled each year and is the only college in NI with the Autism accreditation. In addition, the College is the holder of the Matrix accreditation, recognising the quality of the support services dedicated to helping students before, during and after their time at the College. Brian is passionate that the College offering is accessible to all students – including those with learning difficulties and special educational needs.
Throughout his years at the helm, Brian has seen many successes and challenges come his way. The most recent success being the College’s phenomenal achievement in the WorldSkills UK competition series. In recent years the College consistently placed within the top 3 of all UK college’s at WorldSkills UK. Having set his sights on the top spot to be achieved within 5 years, Brian was understandably delighted to receive this accolade within a few months in late 2022.
The College is however only one part to Brian; he is a keen fundraiser taking part in fundraising attempts such as a sponsored cycling event raising a joint sum of £5,550 by cycling from the Southern Regional College in Kilkeel to South West College in Dungannon. These many great accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of his family and in particular his wife, Geraldine, a former member of staff at the College.
The College’s success stands to Brian’s continued enthusiasm and dedication. His efforts have been the driving force behind its achievements. He has frequently commented “Through training and improved skill sets, there is the ability to create, promote and sustain local job opportunities.” However, without an interest and passion such as Brian’s, there is no doubt that none of these achievements would have been possible.
Brian’s success in numbers
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Theo Papadopoulos is a shining example of what can be achieved with a little bit of help. Theo travels from Newry to Southern Regional College’s Armagh campus to undertake the Performing and Production Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of three A-levels.
Currently at the end of the first year of his two-year course, Theo is keen to reflect on his experience and how he came to apply for the course. Like many young adults finishing off GCSEs, Theo was keen to explore available education opportunities. However, Theo is not any young person; Theo has additional learning needs, so finding the right course and more importantly the right support is essential.
Theo first visited the Armagh campus on one of SRC’s open days. There, Theo received a tour of the newly built campus and met with course and learning support staff on hand offering guidance. But Theo is not one rush into decisions, Theo met with learning support staff not once, but several times to discuss support plans, and to get to know the Campus and lecturers better.
Learning Support Coordinator Lorraine Abbott became Theo’s initial point of contact. Theo commented “Lorraine took me round each room and other places on campus I could go if I began to feel stressed. I was shown what resources where available to me, how to use them and where I could find them.
Lorraine also told me that I could come to the Learning Support office at any time if I needed advice or any additional equipment.
Seeing all the resources available and having a plan of the support I would be getting made my decision; I choose to apply to SRC instead of returning to secondary school. What is offered at SRC to those with additional learning needs is significant and was a deciding factor for me”.
At SRC, Theo has a range of services available to help him achieve his potential. From mentoring support (to help with planning and organising workloads and breaking projects down into manageable chunks); a SmartPen (which helps with processing information and taking notes), to a free anonymous counselling service available to all students, and the Sensory Hub. The Sensory Hun is an easy to use, immersive space for students who may be suffering from sensory overload or anxiety. It can be personalised and will help students self-regulate. While Theo has not had to use the Sensory Hub, knowing it’s there is reassuring.
Theo commented: “Mentoring has been really beneficial and allows me to take a step back and prepare myself instead of rushing into things. It has really helped my planning and organising skills and has also improved my productivity by giving me strategies to remain calm and not get overwhelmed.”
Reflecting on his first year at the College, Theo has incredibly positive, saying: “It’s been a blast!”
The College welcomes applications from students requiring additional support. To find out more information or speak with a member of the College’s Learning Support team, refer to: www.src.ac.uk
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