April May letter 2012

							  Newtownabbey                                                Newtownabbey Community High School
                                                              Shore Road, Whitehouse, Newtownabbey, BT37 9AD
  Community                                                   Tel: (028) 9085 1558 Fax: (028) 9085 5600
                                                              E-mail: info@nchs.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk
  High School                                                 Online: www.nchs.info

    Principal:
    Mr. J. Lewis, B.Ed.,PQH(NI),M.Ed.,Dip.Ed,Man.RSA IT Dip




May 2012

Dear Parent

Summer is now upon us, along with thoughts of the long holidays ahead, giving staff and pupils
something special and relaxing to look forward to.

Another very busy and successful period has passed and I wanted to update you again on key
aspects of our work since Easter.

On Friday 20th April our Year 11 pupils had a first introduction to their mentors from
Chesapeake. Fifteen employees from our business partner have volunteered to work with all of
our Year 11 to provide key support in attaining good GCSE results next year. The day was
introduced by Mrs Shingleton and on receipt of current target grades from myself, the pupils spent
a fun session with their individual mentors. We are convinced that this support will help all the
young people to attain good GCSE outcomes and we are very grateful to Cheseapeake for all of
their willing support

Our annual school formal was held for Year 12 at the Culloden Hotel on the same day. Staff
and Pupils donned their ‘glad rags’ and stepped out in glorious style that evening. A scrumptious
meal was followed by pupil and staff awards and then a disco for young and old into the small
hours. All agreed it was a fantastic night – if a little too late for the poor teaching staff used to bed
and horlicks at 11pm.

On the 25th April our under 13 and under 15 footballers represented the school at the
Northern Ireland Umbro Schools’ Cup Finals at Ballymena Showgrounds. Teams and
supporters braved a wet and windy day to be part of a very exciting day of football. The Under
13’s had a convincing 9-0 win against Augnacloy College with Zac Braiden (Captain) and Stephen
Baird each scoring a hat trick. The Under 15’s, captained by Willy McCartney and including U16
International Craig Gardiner, were narrowly beaten on penalties by Lisnagarvey High School.
Well done to all and a special congratulations to Mr Smyth, Mr Surgeoner and Robert Bunting for
their successful coaching of these teams.

Our third attendance project ended with two trips on Friday 4th May – one to Ibrox in
Scotland and the other to Todd’s Leap in Ballygally Co Tyrone. Over eighty pupils and staff
enjoyed the activities and the comradeship, and I was delighted with the excellent feedback given
regarding the behaviour of all pupils. Well done to all who secured the six weeks unbroken
attendance and thus benefited from the visits.


On May 14th we said an emotional farewell to our Year 12 pupils. For the first time in the
history of the school, we held a ‘Leavers Day’ to mark the end of the young peoples five years of
post primary education. Highlights of this day included the ‘inflatables’ which were hired for early
morning fun, the table quiz, pizza lunch and the more formal presentation of a Progress Files and a
Year Book in the afternoon. It was great to have so many parents in attendance at this. The young
people will now follow examination preparation and revision classes and the school is looking
forward to much improved GCSE results this summer.

Throughout May one of our first Year classes, 8v, has been experiencing Zamba Drumming.
Over four one hour slots the young people have mastered this instrument and on Thursday 17 th
May, they gave a demonstration to the rest of the Year Group. Well done to all involved

Our Year 11 drama group have been working on an intergenerational Neighbourhood
Renewal project. How lovely it has been to see the Senior Citizens and young people working
together on a World War 2 reminiscence programme. This work will conclude with a staged
production for our pupils and those in the local primary schools.

Under the guidance of Mrs Shingleton the school has reached the finals of the Ulster Bank
Financial Capability Awards for both the Team and School Awards. Financial awareness
throughout the school is highlighted in Mathematics, BCS, Performing Arts and through the work
of the Student Council in conjunction with our business partner Chesapeake. We know we have
reached the final three in both categories and on Monday 14th May an Ulster Bank representative
and a cameraman were in school interviewing staff and pupils. The Awards ceremony will be held
on 31st May at Queen’s University and we await with excitement the outcomes from the judges.

All young people in Years 8-11 commence their fourth assessment task during the last two
weeks of May. The outcomes of these will indicate progress against targets set, will provide key
information for class groupings next year and will form the basis of the report that you will receive
at the end of June. Please ensure that your son/daughter attends on a regular basis to allow them to
attain good outcomes in these tests.


I have detailed below some key dates for the rest of this term. Can I thank you, as always, for the
support you continue to give us


Very best wishes




John Lewis
PRINCIPAL


Key Dates for Diary

Monday 21st May to Friday 1st June – Fourth Assessment Point
Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June – Queens Diamond Jubilee Holiday
Wednesday 6th June – School Development Day – pupils not required in school
Thursday 14th June - Year 8 Maths trip to Carnfunnock Country Park.
.