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Newry High School Pupils and Staff are celebrating their achievements in their A Levels after last Thursdays results.
“We are immensely proud of our 6th form pupils in their recent A2 level and AS level achievements”, said Fiona Pride, Principal of Newry High School. “The students have worked extremely hard throughout and deserve their success. I know that they are very appreciative of their teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students were very well prepared”, she continued.
“As of today 79% of students have achieved A* - C grades at A2 level and 99% of students achieved A* - E grades. In Art and Design and English Literature there were 100% A* - C grades. Top achieving students were Kirsty Auterson, Andrew Baird, Kathryn Baird, Karen Bickerstaff, Victoria Brady, Emma Chambers, Brian Davidson, Emma Ferris, Sonu Gurung, Rebekah Malcomson, Aaron Marks, Ruth McMinn, Julia Sokele, Paul Taylor, Rebecca Taylor and Alex Sawicka."
"It is particularly pleasing to note that the majority of our students have secured their chosen places at university, despite the increasing pressure on places this year. I am confident that they will build on the successes they have had at Newry High School and we all wish them well for the future."
"Well done to all our students and a big thank you to their teachers.”
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The end of the academic year at St Paul’s High School was marked with the celebration of Mass in thanksgiving for the work of two key members of staff who are retiring in August.
Chaplain of St Paul’s High School, V Rev Father Dermot Maloney, welcomed the staff to the celebration and extended a special welcome to Miss Margaret Keenan, and Mrs Josephine Conlon, and their families who were Guests of Honour.
Senior Teacher, Miss Margaret Keenan, who joined the staff in September 1972, is retiring after thirty-nine years of service to St Paul’s in the Mathematics and Science Departments.
Classroom Assistant, Mrs Josephine Conlon, who joined the staff of St Paul’s in 1988, is retiring after twenty-four years of service to the students of the Learning Support Centre at St Paul’s.
At a special Mass attended by all staff, and representatives of the student body, the Board of Governors and past staff, Principal of St Paul’s, Mr Oliver Mooney paid tribute to the significant contribution made by Miss Keenan and Mrs Conlon to the academic and pastoral lives of the school. Mr Mooney reflected on the large number of students who have been enriched by the work of Miss Keenan and Mrs Conlon, and that the endeavours of both ladies will be long remembered.
On behalf of the Archbishop of Armagh, the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Governors of St Paul’s High School and concelebrant of the Mass of Thanksgiving, the Very Rev Father Seán Larkin presented Miss Margaret Keenan with the Medal of St Patrick in recognition of her long and outstanding service to education.
Miss Keenan and Mrs Conlon thanked colleagues for their good wishes, gifts and generosity. A special lunch with both ladies as Guests of Honour was served after the Mass.
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A great level of skill and talent was on display by the large number of competitors during this years very successful St Joseph’s Boys’ High School sports day in Newry.
Many new records were set in most of the events and all who took part deserve great praise for their enthusiasm and determination.
Awards and presentations will take place in the school shortly for the overall winners, but well done to all who took part and made the day such an enjoyable event.
For many more images of the day please see the school web-site at www.stjosephsnewry.com
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Nine 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 14th June, in the Odyssey arena Belfast is the largest showcase 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.
Staff and pupils at the College were delighted to learn that;
Mark Mc Evoy (Dromore) was presented with the Queens University of Belfast Award for Product Design by Dr. Paul Herman. He received a Crystal trophy, Certificate and prize of £125 for his MULTI-LIFT product.
Marks prototype is designed for use with all contemporary tractor front loaders. Constructed from heavy guage steel the MULTI-LIFT utilises a hydraulic boom to allow the tractor operator to load / unload ½ ton bags of fertilizer without leaving the cab. It also provides the facility to lift a variety of heavy loads and place them with precision. The combination of CAD / CAM, the range of skills and the quality of finish impressed the judge’s. Much comment and interest was shown in the MULTI-LIFT during the event.
Following Mark’s award were the nominations for the Young Engineers chosen to represent Northern Ireland in the UK National BIG BANG / Young Engineers Fair scheduled for next March in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
We were very pleased to learn that three College students were nominated to attend with their products.
Mark Mc Evoy with the MULTI-LIFT,
Darryl Brannagan (Castlewellan) with his LAMB ADOPTION UNIT
Darryl’s Product is designed to assist in overcoming the common problem of lamb rejection. Manufactured from mild steel the unit is incorporated into a pen allowing the ewe to be restrained for a short time to allow her to bond with the newborn lamb. The unit is robust yet portable and holds the animal comfortably.
Conor Brown (Hilltown) with his CALF CRUSH.
Conor’s product is designed for holding calves securely to enable medication to be carried out by one person. Constructed from mild steel the crush incorporates a head restraint and has removable side panels and wheels for portability.
Presenting the nominations the Director of Sentinus Mr. Brian Campbell congratulated all three students on their achievement and reinforced his interest in promoting STEM subjects in schools.
Also highly commended for their work by the judges were,
David O’ Connell (Dundalk)
‘Quick Attach’
Heavy section steel accessory which when fitted to the three point linkage of a tractor allows convenient attachment to a range of farm equipment.
Eamon Doyle (Rathfriland)
‘BinMate’
A trailer constructed from mild steel which allows two full wheelie bins to be picked up and transported over a distance for collection.
Niall King (Killean)
‘Grit King’
A product constructed from mild and stainless steel which spreads grit or rock salt on pathways to prevent icing.
Aaron Morgan (Kilcoo)
‘Bin Clamp’
A product constructed from mild steel which helps overcome the problem of empty bins being blown over by the wind. The clamp allows access to the bin whilst securing it.
Niall Rooney (Newry)
‘Calf Crush’
Niall’s product is designed for holding calves securely to enable medication to be carried out by one person. Constructed from mild steel the crush incorporates a head restraint and holds the animal securely and in comfort.
Shane Colgan (Lurgan)
‘Wheel Mate’
A product designed to enable car wheels to be sprayed horizontally thus helping prevent undesirable runs in paintwork.
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 nine students are also congratulated on their high standard of workmanship / commitment and ability to confidently convey their ideas to the judges by their teacher Mr. Robert Barton, Head of Design and Technology at the College.
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The first ever St Colman's College Hurling team to reach and Ulster Final went one better and won their first ever BT Ulster Colleges’ competition in the Mc Farland Cup.
The Newry school defeated St Patrick’s Academy Downpatrick on a scoreline of 3-6 to 2-10.
This team, therefore, will go up on the famous College wall as the first Hurling team to do so. The team in blue were up against it from the off as Red High had quality throughout their team, littered with players from hurling strongholds such as Ballygalget, Portaferry and Kilclief.
The magnificent Captain, Pearse Óg Mc Crickard a son of former Down hurler Pearse Mc Crickard lifted the trophy on behalf of the College, this victory adding to the lad’s Corn na nÓg medal he won with the footballers last year.
It is a poignant victory for a College, which is steeped in Gaelic Football tradition and in many ways is defined by their successes on the Gaelic Football playing field. This win caps off a great sporting year for the College and comes hot on the heels of MacRory and Hogan Cup victories.
Downpatrick got a good start with a quick goal and a point from their target man Sean Hardy. However St Colman’s captain Pearse óg McCrickard’s influence grew as the half progressed and he pointed on five occasions with Kyle Kane adding a sixth for the Newry side.
Daithi Sands however fired in a Downpatrick goal and they held a 2-2 to 0-6 advantage at the break.
1-1 from impressive midfielder Robert Ellis on the restart put St Colman’s ahead and they maintained their lead throughout the second half with Michael Jordan firing home a second goal from ten yards.
After McCrickard had added 2 frees, St Colman’s led 2-10 to 2-4, but Downpatrick hit back with a beautiful strike to the top-corner from Oisín McManus 5 minutes from time.
Sean Hardy added a point and the crossbar came to St Colman’s rescue in the dying seconds as Downpatrick pushed for a winner.
That winner didn’t come however and St Colman’s, who created football history earlier this year by retaining the Hogan Cup, now have broken new ground with a first ever Ulster Colleges’ hurling crown.
Many players on both sides impressed - Michael Lennon, Declan Rooney, Michael Doran, Tony Dinsmore, Robert Ellis, Kyle Kane, and Pearse Óg McCrickard for St Colman’s and Conan Hynds, Conail Fay, Jake Carville, Cormac Coulter, Daithi Sands, Oisin McManus, Sean Hardy for the Red High – indicating that both schools will make a big contribution to the game in years to come.
St Colman’s : Michael Lennon, Declan Rooney, Michael Doran, Joseph Cunningham, Niall Daly, Conall McNally, Tony Dinsmore, Robert Ellis 1-1, Kyle Kane 0-2, Niall McGreevey, Stephen McKey, Patrick Scullion, Tiarnán McCavanagh, Michael Jordan 1-0, Pearse Óg McCrickard capt 0-7.
Sub : Callum Campbell for N McGreevey.
St Patrick’s : Conan Hynds, Louis McMullan, Conail Fay, Jamie Doran, Niall Smyth, Jake Carville, Pearse Laverty, Cormac Coulter, PJ Davidson, Daithi Sands 1-0, Oisin McManus capt. 1-2, Danny Murray, Declan Merron, Sean Hardy 1-3, Marc Fisher.
Subs : Sean Og O’Rourke for D Merron.
Ref : Frank McDonald (Crossmaglen)
Submitted by: Seamus McAleenan
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St. Colman’s College recent A-Level Art & Design Exhibition certainly excelled with the variety of Art pieces on display.
The exhibition showcases the many and varied talents of the St. Colman’s Art & Design students. It has given the students an opportunity to display their creativity and hard work. Students selected a range of themes, including: Portraiture, Graffiti, Cultural Identity, Landscapes, Architecture, Water & Sport and have created work in a variety of disciplines, including: drawing, mixed media, graphics, 3D design, textiles, painting and sculpture.
PERSONAL INVESTIGATIONS
Mark Travers:
PORTRAITURE: Printmaking/ICT/Textiles Outcome Candidate has produced a series of emotive fabric screen prints with creative embroidery. Imagery taken from first hand photographs, observational drawings and digital manipulation.
Kealan McEleavy:
WATER:Textile/ fashion design Outcome Candidate has produced a felt scarf using wools, felting and creative embroidery with both hand and machine work. Imagery taken from first hand photographs, observational drawings and digital manipulation.
Michael Wolinski:
GRAFFITI: ICT/Mixed Media used computer software, stencilling and collage techniques to create a 2D piece of work highlighting social issue of peer pressure.
Paul Mc Veigh:
LANDSCAPES: Textile Outcome: Candidate has used wools, thread, fabric, both hand and machine work to produce 2D work depicting Landscapes. The imagery used to create the piece included first hand photographs with digital manipulation.
Ryan Downey:
ARCHITECTURE: Outcome Ceramics: Pot inspired by architectural detail of Newry Cathedral. Use of digital manipulation to create a symmetrical shape from 1st hand photograph. This shape has then been represented in 3D form using clay.
Keith Moan:
SPORT: 2D Piece: ‘ Stephen Moan and the Bosco Blues’ Painting and digital manipulation of 1st hand source to create a painting depicting sporting identity.
Matthew Arlow:
CULTURAL IDENTITY: Outcome: ‘Cultural Hybrid Portrait’ Drawing and Graphic Media. Candidate has produced a painting with mixed media. Imagery taken from collected images.
EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT:
SOLIDITY & FRAGILITY
Paul Mc Veigh: ESA Installation: ‘Broken bottles’ 2D Piece using solid and broken glass with a Video of a narrative nature depicting the solid and fragile nature of glass and highlighting the two sides of alcohol.
Michael Wolinski: ESA Installation: ‘Beauty from Pain’ Series of drawings with digitally manipulated photographs and video of a narrative nature illustrating the solidity and fragility of the body and mind with reference to anorexia.
Mark Travers ESA 3D Pieces ‘ Fragile mind’ Hard and soft sculpture formed, moulded, cast and assembled using fine plaster and cello tape. Outcome series of heads depicting the fragility of the mind.
Matthew Arlow ESA 4 Batik Panels ‘Broken Bones’ Fabric panels. Imagery based on 1st hand photographs of a skeleton. Folds of the screen representing broken bones.
Kealan McEleavy:ESA 2D ‘Urbanism’ Acrylic painting with palette knife techniques depicting the solidity and fragility found in cities. Imagery based on photographs and 2nd hand sources.
Ryan Downey: ESA 2D Textiles ‘lest we forget how fragile we are’ gutta, wool and embroidery depicting the solid bones and fragile blood vessels of the human body.
Keith Moan: ESA Sculpture Outcome: ‘Giant Apple Core’ Sculpture made with steel rods, bamboo canes, chicken wire and newspaper. Painted finish. The materials, scale and object chosen express both fragile and solid qualities.
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SRC are delighted to congratulate two of their students on winning the EDI award for Most Prestigious Exemplar Teaching Material sponsored by Newry Credit Union.
Colette Patton from Newry, and Jacqueline McKeown from Lurgan, both undertook the EDI Certificate in Education Principles and Practice over one year within the College. They studied seven units towards their qualifications. Jacqueline also successfully completed the ICT Skills programme at the same time and this has qualified her to gain the full Diploma in ICT Skills.
Both students commented “The course was hard work, but when you see as a tutor the light of understanding suddenly appear in the face of your first student, it makes everything worthwhile”. “Not only did we discover a flair for teaching but it also increased our self confidence”.
Tutor and Course Co-ordinator, Ciara Graham, commented: “The students received high praise from EDI on the standard of their work. All the students were highly committed and dedicated to their course and put a lot of hard work and time into it. I congratulate both Colette and Jacqueline for winning these awards and also to all students who have undertaken the EDI programmes within the College both past and present”. I would also like to thank Newry Credit Union for sponsorship of the awards”
Elizabeth Greer, Deputy Head of Computing and Business added that opportunities exist for students who successfully complete EDI programmes for part time teaching posts and other forms of training and described the courses as an excellent opportunity for adults who thought of coming back to education as the first step in developing their career.
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The victorious St Colman’s MacRory and Hogan Cup teams of 2011 were in attendance at an ‘Evening of Celebration’ in Violet Hill on Friday 27th May. Catering was provided by the outstanding Diamonds Restaurant Warrenpoint.
Rain threatened throughout the day but thankfully never arrived and the drinks reception and photographs in the quadrangle before the evening’s excellent meal, was enjoyed by all.
The evening was added to by the presence of past Hogan Cup winning Captains, including Wolfe Tones man Noel Moore who captained the first Hogan winning team in 1967 and Ballymartin man Declan Rodgers who captained the second successful team in 1975. Also present was 2010’s captain Niall Mc Parland from Glenn and Newry Shamrocks player and captain of the 2011 winning panel, Connor Gough.
Guests of honour at the banquet were Ard Stiúrthóir CLG Páraic Ó Dufaigh and chairman of the All Ireland Colleges’ Albert Fallon. In Mr Duffy’s address, himself a former coach with St MacCartan’s Monaghan and indeed Principal of the same school reflected on the many battles he had faced as a player and Manager against St Colman’s. Mr Duffy also took time to praise the contribution of St Colman’s to the Association through the years and thanked all involved with teams in Violet Hill for their hard work.
St Colman’s Principal Mr Cormac Mc Kinney, in his first year as St Colman’s Principal thanked all those who made the trip to Violet Hill for the celebratory evening. He paid homage to the 4 coaches who mentored the team, namely Mr Cathal Murray, Mr Declan Mussen, Mr Eamonn Mc Evoy, and Mr Barry Kelly, the last of whom will take up a new position as Principal Of Aquinas Grammar Belfast in September.
Mr Ray Morgan, who coached 5 Hogan Cup winning teams was also in attendance and the GAA’s Director General alluded to the many years of crossing swords with Morgan in Ulster College’s Football.
St Colman’s now can boast of having two full size pitches, with another in the making and a state of the art 140 x 90 m 3G pitch which going forward, will allow teams to train outdoors in all types of weather.
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Newry High performed well at both the Co. Down and Ulster Schools Athletics Championships competing in some dreadful weather conditions at the Antrim Forum this month.
The top performances included Kevin Murray who went on to win gold in the senior boy’s javelin in both meetings with a wind hindered throw of 47m83cm to become Ulster Champion.
Elsewhere in the field events, Mark Graham jumped a new PB of 5m84cm in the intermediate boy’s long jump which earned him gold in the Co. Downs’ and a bronze at the Ulster’s. Other notable performances came from Jake Wilson with 1m60cm in the inter high jump and Christine Cartmill making her fifth appearance at the Ulster’s finishing 6th in the senior girls high jump. Oliver Willetts continues to show his promise in the long jump breaking the 5 metre barrier in Antrim with still next season to come at the Junior age group.
On the track Newry High continued to make strides in the sprinting events with intermediates Ciaran Magill and Deane Williamson making the finals of the 200m and 400m hurdles respectively .Boys’ Relay teams at junior, intermediate and senior all medalled at the Co. Down Champs and made it into their finals just finishing outside the medals.
Kevin and Mark now go on to represent the school at the Irish Schools Championships in Tullamore.
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