Gideons Visit Goes International

The Gideons Society came on their annual visit to our year 8 students, to talk about the Bible and to present a copy of the New Testament to all those students who wanted to have one. The Integrated And Religious Studies department is inspired now to have an International Testament day, when we present Testaments to our students with other languages. In this year's first year we have represented: French; Spanish; Icelandic; German; Chinese; Irish. One students is getting a Hebrew/English Tanakh.

Visitors from Madrid

Shimna students hosted Spanish students from Madrid. The visitors were a very friendly and energetic lot, who through themselves into every opportunity to improve their English. There teacher was in fact Miguel's teacher from his own school days in Madrid, and I hope somebody took the time to get the gossip on him! The group also went walking in our beautiful area and headed up to the Giant's Causeway to see the sights. Our students will have their opportunity to head back to Spain later in the year.

Return of Vader Rijn

Students from New Dutch communities in Holland again to visit us. The students' backgrounds include Morocco, Somalia and Turkey, and their faith background is Muslim. Meeting them is a great opportunity for our students, as well as a great treat as we were again invited back to the Kinderhaus for delicious Islamic dinner. Long may the link continue.

800 Languages to Practise

users.elite.net/runner/jennifers/hello.htm Follow this link to be able to say lots of things in 800 languages. Get chatting.

European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages was a terrific success, with a busy, busy, busy international soccer tournament on the pitch and a busy, busy, busy table quiz in the hall. As usual with me and sport, I forgot to ask who won!!! The final assembly was a riot of different languages, and prizes and the displays of student work were fabulous. A really, really good day. The whole event was organised by Clare Murphy, assisted on the day by the 6th form languages committee and our two intrepid reporters, Aaron and Charlene. The videos and photos of the events will form the first swap of student work with our Chilean partners. Well done everyone.

Sympathy with Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche

We were horrified to hear of the fire damage to our partner school Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche. We are pleased to hear that they have been offered nearby accommodation and with everyone's support, the school has opened as usual on the first day of term. We were delighted earlier in the year to hear that the new school building had been approved. Roll on the day!

Gay Pride

Good to see a contingent of Shimna students celebrating along with the march in Belfast on Saturday and the Pride church service the next day.