NEWS AND EVENTS 2021-2022
Easter Prayer Service
Today we held our Easter Prayer Service to allow pupils to come together to pray and reflect before the end of term. Thanks to Fr Caughan who lead the service, Mrs Nolan & Miss Hughes for organising and all the pupils who took part in the service.
We also got the opportunity to hear the final total raised for Trocaire..a massive £2540!! Well done to all the pupils and Class Tutors who worked hard to organise bun/sweet sales, raffles, penalty kick competitions, Art competitions, quizzes and lots more. Thanks to Magali Robinson for coming along to St Patrick’s to accept the cheque on behalf of Trocaire. Well done everyone! Enjoy your Easter break
We also got the opportunity to hear the final total raised for Trocaire..a massive £2540!! Well done to all the pupils and Class Tutors who worked hard to organise bun/sweet sales, raffles, penalty kick competitions, Art competitions, quizzes and lots more. Thanks to Magali Robinson for coming along to St Patrick’s to accept the cheque on behalf of Trocaire. Well done everyone! Enjoy your Easter break
Letter Home - February 2022
GCSE Options for Year 10 Pupils
Year 10 pupils will soon have the important task of selecting the subjects they would like to study for GCSE. Below is a video from our Head of Careers, Mr Nugent, who explains the steps involved and gives advice on how best to choose GCSE subjects. Pupils will also have the opportunity to hear from their teachers in a special assembly and ask questions about each subject before completing an expression of interest form.
Culture Day
St Patrick's Academy recently celebrated Culture Day. This event was organised to highlight and celebrate the range of cultures within our school community. Choice Housing sponsored the event which enabled us to bring in outside agencies to educate the pupils through Music, Dance and food tasting.
The pupils were involved in a workshop with guest speakers from Africa and Mauritius, they listened to live traditional Irish music and enjoyed baked treats from an array of European countries provided by Vic&Hil. Bittersweet, along with Woodfired pizza all the way from Naples provided by Pizza VanTastica
#culturaldiversityweek
The pupils were involved in a workshop with guest speakers from Africa and Mauritius, they listened to live traditional Irish music and enjoyed baked treats from an array of European countries provided by Vic&Hil. Bittersweet, along with Woodfired pizza all the way from Naples provided by Pizza VanTastica
#culturaldiversityweek
Gambling with Lives
St Patrick's Academy hosted Mr Barry Fennell from the charity 'Gambling with Lives' who delivered an engaging, interactive and thought-provoking workshop to our Year 11 GCSE LLW classes. The focus was to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of gambling on mental health.
The workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by all students.
The workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by all students.
Women's History Month
In order to celebrate Women's History Month at St. Patrick's Academy, the History Department has been hosting a competition for students to recreate images of their favourite female icons. The competition was closely contested across the school. Congratulations goes to our competition winners:
Yr. 8 - Katie
Yr. 9 - Maisey
Yr. 10 - Ema
Yr. 10 - Lucas
Yr. 8 - Katie
Yr. 9 - Maisey
Yr. 10 - Ema
Yr. 10 - Lucas
Celebrating Success
St Patrick’s Academy were delighted to be able to celebrate with our students who achieved a reward for outstanding effort in their annual reports. Hosted by the principal Mrs McCann, pupils were treated to refreshments and were congratulated on their dedication and positive attitude to learning. Well done to all our recipients, we are very proud of you all.
Action for Happiness
On Tuesday, we welcomed Mrs Gallagher a representative from Youth Social Action to St Patrick's and the theme of the interactive mindfulness session was 'Action for Happiness.'
Students from St Patrick's who volunteer in the community project, led the mindfulness activities, and taught the ten steps to happiness to their peers. We are very proud of our student leaders! Well done to Tierna, Roise, Dylan, Tyler, Casey and Eireann.
#MISP #studentledsuccess
Students from St Patrick's who volunteer in the community project, led the mindfulness activities, and taught the ten steps to happiness to their peers. We are very proud of our student leaders! Well done to Tierna, Roise, Dylan, Tyler, Casey and Eireann.
#MISP #studentledsuccess
Healthy Kidz
This week in St Patrick's the focus is on student mental health and wellbeing. On Monday, students in Years 8 and 9 enjoyed the beautiful weather, outdoor exercise and everyone was reminded of the importance of exercise for wellbeing. A special thank you to the Healthy Kidz coaches who visited the school and delivered a fantastic health and wellbeing programme. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Sporting Success
Well done to two of our Yr 9 pupils on their recent success. Lydia has been selected for the U15 Northern Ireland Netball Team and Orlaith recently qualified for the Northern Ireland Trampolining Championships.
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Young Enterprise Company Programme - March 2022
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On Wednesday 9 September, 5 of our Year 13 students (Celine,Katie, Matthew, Rebecca and Ugne) interviewed for the South East Area Finals of the Young Enterprise Company Programme 2021-2022.
Once again, their hard work and dedication paid off, and they are now through to the Northern Ireland Final to see who will be named Company of the Year . Congratulations and the best of luck! |
World Book Day 2022
8IB were creating spy devices as part of their study of the Stormbreaker novel.
Some fantastic inventions designed by the pupils. Some of which included:
Katie made a finger crossbow as a weapon which could be used to attack any close enemies.
James made a Gameboy that had a secret compartment containing ninja stars and a grappling hook.
Zayna designed a watch that could voice record and send information back to HQ.
Hollyanne made a smartphone that had special APPS. These allowed her a night light, an X-Ray app and a laser. This phone also had a hidden blade that could be used as a weapon.
Carter designed multi-functional Air pods.
Shay designed shoes that had a secret blade that came out of the front of the shoe.
Urte designed a super smart phone that had an X-Ray machine that allowed her to see through walls.
Great work by all. We could see a few of these inventions on Dragons Den in years to come!
Some fantastic inventions designed by the pupils. Some of which included:
Katie made a finger crossbow as a weapon which could be used to attack any close enemies.
James made a Gameboy that had a secret compartment containing ninja stars and a grappling hook.
Zayna designed a watch that could voice record and send information back to HQ.
Hollyanne made a smartphone that had special APPS. These allowed her a night light, an X-Ray app and a laser. This phone also had a hidden blade that could be used as a weapon.
Carter designed multi-functional Air pods.
Shay designed shoes that had a secret blade that came out of the front of the shoe.
Urte designed a super smart phone that had an X-Ray machine that allowed her to see through walls.
Great work by all. We could see a few of these inventions on Dragons Den in years to come!
World Book Day
In the lead up to World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March, the talented storyteller Pat Ryan visited our school and shared special stories from Ireland. Mr Ryan enthralled our Years 8 and 9 with tales from all around the world and he presented certificates and prizes to our hard working English students who have impressed their English teachers this term with their work and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to Pat Ryan for coming to our school and for his wonderful storytelling session.
The theme for World Book Day 2022 is 'You are a Reader' and students in Years 8, 9 and 10 received a new book that they can enjoy reading during this important week. The English Department took a moment - and a quick photo! - in the library to share their current read. A special thank you to Tesco in Crumlin. The store manager made a kind gesture to mark WBD in St Patrick's and donated 25 new books to the school. These novels are a welcome addition to our school library!
The theme for World Book Day 2022 is 'You are a Reader' and students in Years 8, 9 and 10 received a new book that they can enjoy reading during this important week. The English Department took a moment - and a quick photo! - in the library to share their current read. A special thank you to Tesco in Crumlin. The store manager made a kind gesture to mark WBD in St Patrick's and donated 25 new books to the school. These novels are a welcome addition to our school library!
Study Skills
Our Year 12 and Post 16 pupils recently had an inspiring and engaging workshop on study skills. Thanks to Ben Best - Tree of Knowledge, for coming in and speaking with our pupils.
World Book DayThis week we are celebrating World Book Day in St Patrick's and promoting the theme 'You Are A Reader!' In English lessons, students will have the opportunity to read for pleasure and engage in World Book Day activities. In class, students will listen to a range of well - known authors presenting virtual events and reading extracts from their books. We are very pleased to welcome the wonderful storyteller Patrick Ryan to St Patrick's on Tuesday morning. This is highly anticipated by our Years 8 and 9! We look forward to a great week ahead.
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Pancake Tuesday
Year 10 History
Below is some recent work completed by 10KB in their History class. They were learning about the Holocaust and created some fantastic displays.
The photos of the Flames:
Pupils also covered Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th
The photos of the Class watching the screen:
The class listened to first-hand testimonies from survivors of the Holocaust including those who were involved in the Kindertransport Programme.
The photos of the suitcases:
The suitcases are reminders to our pupils of how, in the 1940's, children were sent to live in Great Britain by their families. The suitcases contain sentiments of how the children felt leaving their families behind to start a new life in Britain.
The photos of the Flames:
Pupils also covered Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th
The photos of the Class watching the screen:
The class listened to first-hand testimonies from survivors of the Holocaust including those who were involved in the Kindertransport Programme.
The photos of the suitcases:
The suitcases are reminders to our pupils of how, in the 1940's, children were sent to live in Great Britain by their families. The suitcases contain sentiments of how the children felt leaving their families behind to start a new life in Britain.
Self-love journal - 103 Things I Love About Myself
Well done to five of our Yr 13 pupils who won the OVERALL Best Company Award at the Young Enterprise South East Area Trade Fair.
Katie Breslin, Celine Crothers, Rebecca French, Ugne Girciute and Matthew McCard successfully lifted the title with their amazing self-love journal “103 Things I love About Myself”.
Our post 16 pupils had the opportunity to start-up their own business when the Young Enterprise team visited St Patrick’s back in September. Since then this team of entrepreneurs have worked tirelessly to design, produce and market a journal that would help other young people build self-confidence and self-worth. They met every week and took on advice and feedback from business advisors Ruth Davidson and Sarah Ferguson. Cllr Sorcha Eastwood has also been on hand to offer advice and help promote their product.
On Friday 3rd February the pupils faced a tough challenge while selling their product to members of the public in Bow Street Mall, they were judged on numerous aspects of their business including their product, marketing, sales and customer service. However, all of their hard work finally paid off when they came top in a number of categories: Best Marketing Award, Best Customer Service, Most Innovative Product and then the Overall Best Company Award!
To say we are extremely proud of these five individuals is an understatement! Their professionalism, hard work and passion for their journal is commendable. We are excited to see what lies ahead for this group of young people as we know it’s just the beginning…
To purchase your own self-love journal click here
Katie Breslin, Celine Crothers, Rebecca French, Ugne Girciute and Matthew McCard successfully lifted the title with their amazing self-love journal “103 Things I love About Myself”.
Our post 16 pupils had the opportunity to start-up their own business when the Young Enterprise team visited St Patrick’s back in September. Since then this team of entrepreneurs have worked tirelessly to design, produce and market a journal that would help other young people build self-confidence and self-worth. They met every week and took on advice and feedback from business advisors Ruth Davidson and Sarah Ferguson. Cllr Sorcha Eastwood has also been on hand to offer advice and help promote their product.
On Friday 3rd February the pupils faced a tough challenge while selling their product to members of the public in Bow Street Mall, they were judged on numerous aspects of their business including their product, marketing, sales and customer service. However, all of their hard work finally paid off when they came top in a number of categories: Best Marketing Award, Best Customer Service, Most Innovative Product and then the Overall Best Company Award!
To say we are extremely proud of these five individuals is an understatement! Their professionalism, hard work and passion for their journal is commendable. We are excited to see what lies ahead for this group of young people as we know it’s just the beginning…
To purchase your own self-love journal click here
Boxing Bootcamp
Well done to all the KS3 students who took part in Mrs Burns' boxing bootcamp. They've had some great fun over the past few weeks while smashing some stress busting workouts!
HIP Psychology
Year 10 pupils recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop lead by the organisation HIP Psychology. 'Taking the Next Step' allowed Year 10s to consider their decisions by helping them understand the psychology behind motivation.Additionally, this workshop gave pupils practical skills to allow them to enhance productivity and work smarter. They were also guided through a study skills model.
Safer Internet Day - 8 February 2022
Translink Safety Bus
Year 8 and 9 pupils had a visit from the Translink Safety Bus this week. Each class got the opportunity to learn about the safety issues associated with the use of public transport. Thank you to the Safety Officers, Susan and Kevin, who delivered the important message to our pupils.
Football Success
Congratulations to our year 8 football team on their win today against Wellington College. An overall superb team performance. A special mention to Jamie Ross on scoring a hat trick and to Eoin Morris, Mohammed Kaddad and Darragh McParland on getting on the scoresheet too. Well done boys!
St Patrick's Preventative Curriculum
At Saint Patrick’s Academy we are committed to keeping our pupils safe and educating them on the appropriate use of social media.
In recent weeks there has been much in the media about the latest TikTok trend of targeting teachers and pupils. We wish to remind our students and parents that such abuse can constitute a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. With this in mind I would ask you to watch and discuss the video below (issued by the PSNI) with your child, to regularly monitor their phone use and to strongly reiterate the consequences they face if they decide to engage in such unacceptable behaviour.
Our school ethos is one built on mutual respect and kindness. I ask all members of our school community to think of others and not to post anything that is unkind, hurtful or distressing to others.
In recent weeks there has been much in the media about the latest TikTok trend of targeting teachers and pupils. We wish to remind our students and parents that such abuse can constitute a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. With this in mind I would ask you to watch and discuss the video below (issued by the PSNI) with your child, to regularly monitor their phone use and to strongly reiterate the consequences they face if they decide to engage in such unacceptable behaviour.
Our school ethos is one built on mutual respect and kindness. I ask all members of our school community to think of others and not to post anything that is unkind, hurtful or distressing to others.
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Hockey Tournament
Well done to all the pupils who took part in the hockey tournament. Special thanks to Mrs Davey, Mr McKenna and Miss Tubridy who organised the event
Art Club
Lovely creations being made in Art club. The pupils were making batik and tie dye cushions.
Football Success
Congratulations to our Year 10 football team on their win over Laurelhill in the Lisburn league. A very competitive game which was played in great spirit throughout.
Taekwondo U18 British Champion 2021
The Annual TAGB Taekwondo Championships took place last weekend at the Skydome in Coventry. Dylan Downey (2nd Dan Black Belt) is a member of Antrim TAGB Taekwondo club and along with other students from Northern Ireland attended the event that saw over 1200 students from across the UK competing for medals in Sparring, Patterns and Team events. Dylan took part in the Sparring event and out classed all of his opponents to be crowned British Champion 2021 in the U18 Heavyweight Division. Well done Dylan!
Prince's Trust
Thanks to QuickStart for coming in and speaking to our Year 11 and 12 Prince's Trust classes on their Enterprise Project. The pupils are going to start up a business, make a product and then sell it at the Christmas Fayre.
Netball
The Year 8 and 9 girls enjoying netball club afterschool.
Anti-Bullying Week
Last week we had the opportunity to highlight our commitment to Anti-Bullying in St Patrick’s. We held a number of special assemblies, wore odd socks and created posters to remind each other of the importance of being kind to one another. Below are the Yr 8 competition winners who designed posters on Anti-Bullying.
Children in Need Fundraiser
Students at St. Patrick's Academy took part in a closely contested 'Sweetie Jar Challenge' to raise a fantastic sum of £75.45 for 'Children in Need 2021'. Congratulations to our competition winner Cillian (Year 8). Enjoy your sweeties!
Thanks must go to those Year 11 students who organised this very enjoyable fundraising event.
Thanks must go to those Year 11 students who organised this very enjoyable fundraising event.
Online Safety Group 2021-2022
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St. Patrick's Academy has a new Online Safety Group for 2021-2022. Student membership willhelp the school to identify, understand and deal effectively with current online safety issues andkeep pupils safe. Pupils will have lots of opportunities to raise their concerns and share ideas asto how these concerns can be tackled.
The group also includes representation from the Board of Governors, the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection, teaching staff, ICT technical support and parents.
The newsletter can also be downloaded from here
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Sporting Success
Amazing achievement for our Yr10 Eoin who has been selected onto the Northern Ireland U14 football team
U16 Girls Gaelic Team
Our U16 Girls Gaelic team took part in an Ulster League blitz today at Kirkwoods. This was their first Gaelic match representing the school since 2019.
The girls did very well as a new and developing team. They did themselves proud - scoring goals and points throughout the tournament. They will now progress into the Shield section of the league following today’s blitz. Well done!
The girls did very well as a new and developing team. They did themselves proud - scoring goals and points throughout the tournament. They will now progress into the Shield section of the league following today’s blitz. Well done!
A letter from Mrs McCann can be seen below. The letter can also be downloaded from here.
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Boxing Success
Well done to Conor who won a silver medal for Boxing in the Ulster Championships recently.
Day of the Dead
9MCG had great fun learning about the Mexican celebration of Day Of The Dead. They put their creative skills to work making decorative sugar skulls and vibrantly coloured traditional masks.
Action Mental Health Presentation
On Friday 22nd October, we warmly welcomed a representative from Action Mental Health. Mrs Watson was presented with a cheque for £520.00. Mrs Watson praised students for fundraising and for the generous donation. As always, our Post 16 students were fantastic. Our Head Boy, Sarunas and Head Girl, Rachel, delivered the most wonderful speeches during the presentation and we are very proud of our students. During the presentation the winners of the KS3 Mental Health Competition and KS3 Poetry Competition were presented with certificates and chocolate. To close the presentation 8LC and 8DM treated everyone to a scene from Macbeth. Well done to everyone!
Halloween Cookery
Sport 4 Peace
The Peace IV, Sport Uniting Communities Team at Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby and The Irish FA held a 'Club Sport 4 Peace' day at St Patrick's GAC, Lisburn on Wednesday 13th October. The event invited Year 8s from two local feeder schools, St Patrick's Academy & Forthill Integrated College. During the event, participants worked together to learn new skills in Gaelic Football, Rugby and Football whilst also getting the opportunity to try matches in each sport. Many of those involved where trying at least one of the sports for the first time. Thanks to St Patrick's GAC Lisburn for hosting the event.
World Mental Health Day
On our fundraiser day for Action Mental Health, we were blessed with great weather and each Year group took turns across the day to walk a special 'Purple Mile' in the school grounds to raise awareness of World Mental Health Day! Our Post 16 students and Senior Members of the Student Council volunteered to lead the Cake and Bun sale at breaktime and were true Mental Health Champions! Our Year 8 pupils generously contributed to the fundraiser by donating buns, and in return our first-year students enjoyed free sweet-treats and Action Mental Health wristbands. The fresh air, a good walk with friends and a bun... it was a perfect way to mark the first whole school event since the beginning of the pandemic. Our Year 12 students also engaged in a Mindfulness session; and for those students who have upcoming external exams in November, Mindfulness offers stress reduction techniques to support student mental health and wellbeing. £500.00 was raised for Action Mental Health! Well done to our students, and for every effort that the school community made in contributing to a great day and supporting AMH.
A special mention must go to Mrs Cavanagh on organising such a fantastic event!
#StudentLedSuccess
A special mention must go to Mrs Cavanagh on organising such a fantastic event!
#StudentLedSuccess
Education Authority Information
Young Writer's Competition
Well done to our pupils who received a certificate from the Young Writer’s competition. These pupils all completed a 100 word short story on the theme 'Unsolved' and they have been given the opportunity to have their work published. St Patrick's enters this competition annually and are very successful in having our pupils’ work published. Parents are able to purchase the book as well. We are enormously proud of all the pupils who took part.
Lisburn Cuchulainns
A report from Mr McKenna on the pupils time in London.
On Thursday 9th September 2021 seven Year 12 from our school and seven students from Forthill College set off for London to compete as the Lisburn Cuchulainns in the All Britain Competition.
Day 1:
It was an early start as the team meet up at 6am at St Patricks Lisburn GAA ground on the Kirkwoods Road. The team was transported up the International where they flew into Luton Airport. On arrival, the team travelled to the centre of London and done a bus and walking tour of the city and all its famous landmarks.
After the tour was completed the team was transported to the Cricklewood area of London to take part in a light training session. After the training the team checked into the Clayton Hotel and had an evening meal together. It was a very long day and by the evening everyone was exhausted.
Day 2:
After breakfast at the hotel the team were transported to Thorpe Park. This was a wonderful, exhilarating experience for pupils and staff alike. Some were brave enough to go on every rollercoaster in the theme park while others stuck to the ghost trains and less daunting rides. After departing the Theme Park the team were transported to Westfield Shopping Centre for dinner and some shopping.
Again, it was a long day and an early night was the order of the day with the competition the following day.
Day 3:
The team were up early to get a nutritious breakfast before setting off for the All Britain Championship at Greenwood in London.
Competing at Under 15 level, the Lisburn Cuchulainns had victories in their group over St Dympna’s Luton and Gael Londain to reach the quarter finals. A narrow one point victory in the last eight over Erin go Bragh set up a semi final clash with St Colmcilles St Albans. Unfortunately this ended in a 1-5 ( to 0-3 (3) reversal to the eventual champions.
Despite only being together for 10 weeks the Lisburn Cuchulainns represented themselves, their schools and indeed the Lisburn community with great distinction. The skills, passion and team work on display was nothing short of extraordinary.
Indeed, the players forged lasting friendships and memories that will stay long in place with the students for years to come.
The initiative was funded by The Executive Office through their Good Relations Funding Programme. A special mention must also go the staff at Ulster GAA who organised a superb trip and had the team prepared for the competition. The initiative has undoubtedly broken down barriers and built community realtions in the education sector. Many new friendships have been forged and it is hoped that many of the team members will continue their involvement in Gaelic Games.
On Thursday 9th September 2021 seven Year 12 from our school and seven students from Forthill College set off for London to compete as the Lisburn Cuchulainns in the All Britain Competition.
Day 1:
It was an early start as the team meet up at 6am at St Patricks Lisburn GAA ground on the Kirkwoods Road. The team was transported up the International where they flew into Luton Airport. On arrival, the team travelled to the centre of London and done a bus and walking tour of the city and all its famous landmarks.
After the tour was completed the team was transported to the Cricklewood area of London to take part in a light training session. After the training the team checked into the Clayton Hotel and had an evening meal together. It was a very long day and by the evening everyone was exhausted.
Day 2:
After breakfast at the hotel the team were transported to Thorpe Park. This was a wonderful, exhilarating experience for pupils and staff alike. Some were brave enough to go on every rollercoaster in the theme park while others stuck to the ghost trains and less daunting rides. After departing the Theme Park the team were transported to Westfield Shopping Centre for dinner and some shopping.
Again, it was a long day and an early night was the order of the day with the competition the following day.
Day 3:
The team were up early to get a nutritious breakfast before setting off for the All Britain Championship at Greenwood in London.
Competing at Under 15 level, the Lisburn Cuchulainns had victories in their group over St Dympna’s Luton and Gael Londain to reach the quarter finals. A narrow one point victory in the last eight over Erin go Bragh set up a semi final clash with St Colmcilles St Albans. Unfortunately this ended in a 1-5 ( to 0-3 (3) reversal to the eventual champions.
Despite only being together for 10 weeks the Lisburn Cuchulainns represented themselves, their schools and indeed the Lisburn community with great distinction. The skills, passion and team work on display was nothing short of extraordinary.
Indeed, the players forged lasting friendships and memories that will stay long in place with the students for years to come.
The initiative was funded by The Executive Office through their Good Relations Funding Programme. A special mention must also go the staff at Ulster GAA who organised a superb trip and had the team prepared for the competition. The initiative has undoubtedly broken down barriers and built community realtions in the education sector. Many new friendships have been forged and it is hoped that many of the team members will continue their involvement in Gaelic Games.
Young Enterprise
Our Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise workshop called ‘Step Up’. This workshop will help pupils develop skills and positive attitudes as they make the leap from primary to post-primary school.
Breakfast Club
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Breakfast Club will commence from Monday 13th September from 8:30am-8:55am.
Only registered pupils may attend for Track and Trace purposes. If you wish for your child to attend, please email the school info account info@stpats.lisburn.ni.sch.uk or click here to access the contact us form. Please provide your child’s name and class before noon on Friday 10th September. |
