Ballyclare High School Christmas Newsletter 2019 by ThinkFinch

Ballyclare High School Christmas Newsletter 2019

Principal’s Message As the Christmas jingles begin to play on the radio and the festive spirit heralds the season of thanksgiving and celebration it is with great pleasure we can look back over some of the events our pupils have excelled at in the short time since the new school year began. I know that what you read in this edition of our newsletter will warm your heart so I encourage you to take a moment out of the hustle and bustle of preparation for the holiday and enjoy the innocence and accomplishments reflected here as a flavour of the winter term - it really is splendid. Our ongoing and daily focus at whole school level is investment in a culture of respect and aspiration. In that regard, worthy of highlight is the often seemingly unending work invested to promote online safety and the appropriate use of social media. We have also focused on educating our own pupils, and those from feeder primaries, in coding, including work in partnership with Sentinus and participating in Hour of Code with Liberty IT. Education on consent, drugs awareness and antibullying, to coincide with Anti-bullying week in November, was prominent too. The staples of the winter term such as our musical production, We Will Rock You, language exchange trips, Remembrance and the early stages of a myriad of competitions bring a sense of reassurance that investment in life-long experiences and an ethos of teamwork is as fulsome as ever. Our 6th form formal at the Galgorm was a really lovely evening that epitomised the congeniality and camaraderie between staff and pupils. At the other end of the spectrum Yr8 are, so far, a rather impressive bunch, brimming with positivity and potential! A whole host of musical, sporting, cultural, social and charitable occasions and events fill the daily calendar as our pupils enjoy both participation and successes outside the classroom. On the academic side of life, exams in January mark the half-way stage in the year in terms of formal assessment of pupil progress and everyone has been working hard on the use of marked assessment tasks (MATs) and Tracking Tuesdays as stepping stones so pupils can be confident of having a period of rest during the holidays after a busy but productive winter term. As you know public examination results in August were superb and I am pleased that what I have seen in our classrooms this term is both industrious and enthusiastic. Parent consultation evenings for our three senior year-groups were very well attended. Our Yr8 parent consultation was equally affirming and we are pleased with levels of pupil engagement and involvement across the board. Updates from respective Heads of Year provide you with more detailed year-group specific news. We are also delighted this term to see much needed work in progress to replace roofing, guttering and facia. In the current financial climate all such support from the EA is most welcome and I take this opportunity to thank you for your school fund payments and support of the PTAFA so we can continue to focus our efforts on provision of the current rich curricular and co-curricular offer that benefits your child directly. Every penny is invested with the utmost care. My final word goes to our top exam candidate. Scott Marshall was placed first in NI in CCEA Government and Politics. We are delighted to see such reward and accolade for all his hard work, well done! May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Dr M Rainey Principal Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

1st Day at Ballyclare High School

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Congratulations to 52 GCSE pupils who all gained A/A* grades in all their subjects.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

We Will Rock You!

This production certainly ‘rocked the house’ and had the audience singing and moving along to the numerous hit songs by Queen. This modern musical brought colour, technical effects and lively performances to the stage. Well done to all our pupils whatever their involvement, on stage or behind the scenes in another great production. We were delighted to have Brown’s Coffee Co. again as our musical production sponsor. Also a thank you to the staff involved and on their huge commitment to making the performances such a success.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Music Very well done to the Wind Band, who achieved Gold in the National Concert Band Festival adjudication and have received conďŹ rmation that they have qualiďŹ ed for the festival in Manchester in April. Huge Congratulations!

The Wind Band provided the entertainment at the PTAFA Christmas Fayre, which was a great success.

Year 14 musicians and singers entertained at Ballyclare Methodist Church to raise funds for the air ambulance.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Dorsten Exchange Trip 29th German Exchange September 2019 We were delighted to host 14 pupils from Gymnasium Petrinum, Dorsten, along with their teacher Frau Risse and their principal Herr Westhoff from 1115 September. Our guests were treated to Afternoon Tea in the Library on their arrival, where they also met their Ballyclare High hosts, many for the first time. We spent a day together on the North Coast, visiting the Dark Hedges and the Causeway. One of the highlights of the trip was the surfing lesson, which the teachers enjoyed from the safety of a nearby café! Pupils also got to experience a day in school, accompanying their hosts to lessons and also taking part in conversation classes. The weekend was spent with the host families, where our guests were taken out and about to see as much of the area as possible in such a short time. All too soon we were saying our farewells at the International Airport. We are already looking forward to our return visit to Dorsten in Autumn 2020 when we will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the German Exchange.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Colmar Exchange Trip The French exchange to Colmar was certainly an experience neither we nor our correspondents will ever forget. From the culture to the families to the vast amounts of food we ate it was an absolutely incredible trip. After early morning flights we arrived at Basil airport luggage intact and Krispy Kreme donuts in hand. Parents and teachers kindly met us at the airport and took us to school where we met our hosts and toured their school. One of the highlights of the trip for me was – Strasbourg! It was an absolutely stunning city and we were so lucky with the weather as it was completely clear and sunny even though cold. The incredible architecture, history of ‘la petite France’ to the magnificent cathedrals and fabulous shopping it was a really good way to get to know the city as well as our correspondents. Really hard-hitting was our visit on Armisitce Day to some first world war trenches in the Vosges mountains. Mr Dillman, Colmar’s history and geography teacher guided us around the trenches, telling us what the soldiers would have experienced. One of the most heart-rending features of the trenches was the crosses – white for French, black for German placed on the sites where bodies had been recovered from. Remembrance Day, a public holiday in France was spent as a free day with our families. Sarane, her mum and her sister took me to lots of little villages up in the hills above Colmar. We also had lunch in a traditional Alsatian restaurant; I had foie gras, veal and pavlova. On another family visit, I found out that my host Sarane’s grandmother had been and English teacher who had been on many exchanges with Carrick College. The next day we all headed to Struthof – a world war two concentration camp. It was by far the most emotional visit of the trip. Mr Dillman once again acted as our guide and shared his knowledge of the horrors of the camp with us. He told us that it was not a death camp for the Jews like Auschwitz but a concentration camp for the political opponents of the Nazis. We were all bundled up in five or more layers but were still freezing so it was hard to imagine how cold the prisoners were with only one thin layer on. On the last day we got to experience a lesson of our choosing. Emma, Charlotte and I went to geography…for two hours! It was certainly interesting. We had all bonded together despite language and cultural barriers – Northern Irish and French students alike – so it was a very hard goodbye. The exchange was an absolutely unforgettable experience for us all and we all felt so lucky to be made so welcome and to be the recipients of such kind hospitality. We look forward to seeing our correspondents next year and extending the same hospitality – Ballyclare style! By Susannah Wallace

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

European Languages Day As ever, Ballyclare High School celebrated European Day of Languages in style this year. Our Year 8 pupils learned how to say hello in ten different European languages and then had to hunt the words around the school – these were worn in the form of badges by numerous members of staff! Year 9 pupils took part in our Cultural Costume Day in which they dressed up as Spain, France and Germany. Furthermore, we introduced a Euro Bake Off competition for Years 9 and 10. We were blown away by some of the culinary talents shown by pupils – the cakes and buns were outstanding! Our overall winners were 9L, who dressed up as Germany and transformed Mrs Ward’s ICT suite into a bustling patisserie! All events helped create a real ‘buzz’ around school during European Day of Languages and the continued level of commitment shown by both pupils and staff alike is another example of our enthusiasm towards all things international.

Cooking Up a Storm Cookery club has taken a different format this year with students showcasing their culinary skills to chef mentors through The Future Chef competition. The competition is organised by the Springboard Charity which allows students to compete at both local and regional level. Two students – Emily Gilchrist (Year 10) and Erin McClernon (Year 9) were successful in securing a place at the County Antrim final on Wednesday 11th December. The skill base and talent both girls showcased was fantastic; with Emily securing a place in the Northern Ireland final which will take place on Monday 20th January, 2020 with celebrity judges and a trip to the UK final in London in March up for grabs. Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Ballyclare High Teacher Study Visit to Israel Ballyclare High School’s history teacher, Dr Kevin Conway, has returned to school keenly anticipating the start of a new term having spent the first half of August studying in Israel, with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Dr Conway attended an International School run by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre located just outside Jerusalem. The only teacher from the province to participate, he was part of a group of teachers from across the United Kingdom who attended an intensive programme of study on topics such as Holocaust education and effective ways to enable pupils to understand modern antisemitism and how it can best be countered. The group was led by Yad Vashem academic, Yiftach Meiri. Dr Conway said he was particularly fascinated listening to a lecture given by the 93-year-old legendary Professor Emeritus Yehuda Bauer on ‘The Holocaust and Genocide’ which included analyses of other genocidal events in places like Rwanda and Darfur. Another highlight was the opportunity to meet the world renowned Nazi-hunter, Dr Efraim Zuroff, who is the Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Jerusalem. All those attending the seminar programme were particularly moved when they listened to the testimony of Holocaust survivor, Ms. Channa Meiri. In addition to a comprehensive programme of lectures and seminars, Dr Conway was also given guided tours around the enormous Mount of Remembrance where Yad Vashem is located as well as attending the home of a Jewish family welcoming the Sabbath. He also visited King Herod’s Fort at Masada in the Judean Desert, bathed in the Dead Sea and visited Tel Aviv. Dr Conway said it was “An unforgettable trip. Everyone was incredibly hospitable and the learning experience at Yad Vashem was phenomenal. All those who took part returned deeply enriched and challenged but with a huge desire to pass on our experiences and to become even more effective in our schools and communities tackling intolerance and the scourge of antisemitism.”

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Careers The careers department has completed another busy term. Years 9, 10, 12 and 14 have had weekly careers classes, with the latter two including a wide range of talks on careers, apprenticeships and higher education courses. In addition, those Year 14 pupils applying for higher level apprenticeships or degree courses with an interview as part of the selection process, have had mock interviews with professionals from the areas to which they are applying. Mr Adamson and his team have also been busy preparing Oxbridge candidates for entrance tests and interviews. We wish all those who have been invited for university or higher level apprenticeship interviews every success. The school’s careers adviser from the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service is providing careers guidance interviews for all Year 12 pupils. Year 13 pupils are reminded of the Careers Week (15th-18th June). Pupils should not be on holiday at that time and must arrange work experience on 15th-17th June, or seek help in doing so from the careers teacher assigned to their form class, by 13th February. June is a popular time for schools to oﬀer work experience, so it is important to request placements early to avoid disappointment.

Ballyclare Community Careers Convention All pupils in Years 10,12 and 13 and their parents are cordially invited to the annual Ballyclare Learning Community Careers Convention in Ballyclare High School on 30th January from 6.00-9.00pm. This is a huge event with over 60 information stands in our 3 halls representing universities and colleges from across the British Isles, professional organisations, the armed forces, PSNI, apprenticeships and employers. There will also be a programme of around 30 talks to choose from on a wide range of courses and careers. The aim of the event is to help pupils make informed choices on GCSE and A level subjects and post-18 options. We look forward to seeing you there.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Care & Kindness in the Community This year, Year 12 pupils were invited to demonstrate care and kindness for others by taking part in our Kindness at Christmas collection for the Simon Community. The Simon Community is a charity whose number one aim is to end homelessness in Northern Ireland. We want to encourage pupils to donate items that can be distributed by the Simon Community to those who need them most in the run up to Christmas. These gifts in kind could be warm coats that have sat unused in wardrobes, gloves, warm socks, toiletries or sanitary items, scarves or hats. Donations should be brought to Mrs Hill in room 129 before Friday 29th November to allow ample time for them to be delivered to the Simon Community. These items don’t have to cost a lot, but can make a huge diﬀerence to someone who is facing Christmas without a warm home this year.

Top Fundraising School Ballyclare High School pupils received a trophy from the NI Cancer Fund for Children for being the top fundraising school in the province in 2018-19. Last year pupils in the junior school took part in ReadOn, a sponsored reading week, and collected the magniﬁcent total of £6500. This money is used to provide practical, emotional, ﬁnancial and therapeutic support to young people living with cancer, and their families.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Remembrance Service All pupils participated in Ballyclare High School’s annual Act of Remembrance on Friday 8th November. Years 10 to 14 gathered to hear the names of past pupils who lost their lives serving in different conflicts from around the world. Rachel Armstrong in year 14 played the Last Post which was followed by a minute’s silence. Three wreaths were laid in the front entrance hall as a tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and the wreaths were laid on behalf of the school’s Scout Troop, the Old Ballyclarians Association and the school community overall. Years 8 and 9 also commemorated this event with a ceremony of their own. As a conclusion to the formal events, senior prefects planted crosses and sowed seeds in the school’s poppy garden. Mrs McKay and Mr Lenaghan, the Head Boy and Head Girl completed the weekend’s remembrance events by laying wreaths on behalf of the school at the cenotaph in the town’s Memorial Park on the Sunday morning.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Former Pupils’ Success Congratulations to former pupil Lezley-Anne Hanna (nee Wallace) who has been made a Professor of Pharmacy at QUB. Lezley- Anne teaches across the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme and contributes to postgraduate courses. She has won ﬁve university educational accolades, is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a National Teaching Fellow.

Bursary Award Congratulations to Lucy McCammond who has just been awarded a law bursary from Professor Roderick Paisley. Lucy is currently studying Law at Aberdeen University. Professor Paisley recently visited school where he was hosted by the Careers Department.

1st Place in NI A Level Government & Politics We are delighted to be able to announce that Scott Marshall has been awarded ﬁrst place in NI in Government and Politics A Level by CCEA. Congratulations to Scott for a superb achievement. Scott is now studying Law at Durham University. We wish him all the best for the future.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Moving Image Arts Past Pupil Success Michael Moore and Kane Cochrane are currently studying for their degree in Film Studies at Norwich University of the Arts. Last year they collaborated on a short film called ‘The Chair by the Bed’. This film has been successfully selected to be part of the Barnes Film Festival. Kane Cochrane was the editor and Michael Moore the cinematographer. In the very competitive world of the film industry it is a great achievement to get their film shown in a film festival while still at university.

Connor McKee is also studying at Norwich University of the Arts for his Film degree and has successfully secured a place in the Belfast Respect Human Rights Film Festival with his short ﬁlm ‘Crescent’. Connor directed the ﬁlm. Well done to them all!

Cinemagic Short Film Festival Award We are delighted to announce that Rebecca Alcorn studying A2 Moving Image Arts has won the Cinemagic Short Film Festival Award. Harvey Loftus was also ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges for his short ﬁlm. Both ﬁlms were showcased at the Queen’s Film Theatre in Belfast. It is a fantastic achievement and we are very proud of them.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Sixth Form Formal The annual Sixth Form Formal was held in Galgormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Hall. The evening was full of glamour and grandeur and both pupils and staďŹ&#x20AC; had a wonderful evening. Thanks to Senior Prefects who organised the event for us all to enjoy.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Explosive Success for Geography Field Trip A group of 25 A level pupils headed to Italy on 26th-29th October accompanied by Mr Whincup, Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Ellison. The pupils enjoyed a trek to the crater of Mt Vesuvius and explored the town of Pompeii destroyed by the eruption in AD79. They also enjoyed a drive along the Amalfi coast, stopping at Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi for lunch. The trip finished with a trip to a working farm and a visit to the city of Naples. The weather was beautiful and the pupils were fantastic ambassadors for our school.

Lap of the Lough “Done & Dusted” Congratulations to all our staff members who took part in cycling’s Lap of the Lough at the weekend. This fit group of seven staff undertook this challenge to support former Head Boy Dave Hollinger in his recovery from a brain stem stroke. Please visit https://www.inspiredbydave. co.uk/ to find out more.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Bar Mock Trial Congratulations to the Bar Mock Trial team for attaining joint-second in the competition at the Royal Courts of Justice. The Ballyclare High School team once more beneďŹ tted from the excellent advice and mentorship of barrister Lee Brown, a past pupil and current parent. The eminent criminal barrister, Barry Gibson also coached the team this year, to the thrill and delight of all involved. Both barristers spent Saturday in court with us. The team won all of their cases and proved excellent ambassadors for their communities, school and families. Their performances were truly outstanding and we are very proud of them.

NI Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition Well done to our NI Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition team 2019. Leah McDonald and Jessie Kennedy were awarded 1st and 2nd place and Kathryn Coombs was 4th. All the best to Leah as she progresses to the NI ďŹ nal in February!

Congratulations to the Poetry Aloud team on their performances in the NI heat of the competition. Well done to Year 9 pupil Jonathan Marshall who goes through to the Semi-Final in Dublin for the second year running.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Apprentice Challenge at Christmas Fayre Business Studies students battled it out to become BHS Apprentice Winners. Each class developed, made and sold items at the Xmas Fayre with the beneďŹ ciaries being charities, MacMIllan, Cancer Research and Hope 365.

VocabExpress Competition Bravo to all our pupils who took part in the VocabExpress Language Competition last week. 8A won the overall Form Class Prize with the top 10 Linguists pictured.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Winter Honours Our Winter Honours Ceremony took place in December with particular emphasis on the commitment of our Year 14s who have worked consistently to improve themselves and contribute to others and school life. 46 pockets for hard work, achievement and dedication were awarded across boys’ and girls’ hockey, orchestra, choir and wind band, drama and Bar Mock Trial. Thank you Year 14 and to our staﬀ for providing these opportunities. In addition, 14 Honours Blazers were awarded to pupils who gained representative recognition in their sports at Ulster and Irish level. In athletics Kelsey Smyth for Ulster Schools’ Athletics Team; Beth McCrea NCU Women’s Cricket Team; Lauren Welsh NI U17 Football Team; Ewan McArthur Ulster & Irish U16 Golf Team; Ross Campbell Ulster U16 Golf Team; Katie Stewart Ulster U18 Hockey Team; Niamh Hogan Ulster U18 Hockey Team; Megan Cochrane Ulster U18 Hockey Team; Rachel Steele Ulster U16 Hockey Team; Owen Warren Ulster Schools’ and Clubs U18 Rugby Team; Jack Gamble Ulster U19 Rugby Team and Ben Woodside Irish Performance Pathway Swimming Squad

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Football We have three age group teams competing in competitions, U14 coached by Mr Hawthorne, U15 by Mr Spratt and U16 by Mr Young, all of whom are supported by former teacher Mr Stewart. The U14s our Year 10 team have competed in both the Northern Ireland Cup and the East Antrim Cup where they reached the quarter-finals. They faced St Brigids & St Pats in the second round of the NI Cup with a feast of goals winning 8-4, their next round against Laurelhill was an extremely close encounter with a 3-2 scoreline against us. We also reached the quarter-finals of the East Antrim Cup again narrowly beaten 5-4 by Carrick Academy. U15s have reached the semi-final of the East Antrim Cup where they will face Ballyclare Secondary. U16’s started the NI Cup in great style beating Ballymena Academy 6-3 in the first round and following this success up with a comprehensive win against St Mary’s Magherafelt 6-0 in the second. Unfortunately they lost in the third round to Edmund Rice.

Football Jack Patterson continues his place in the Northern Ireland set up this time in the U15 side who in October played in the UEFA U15 Competition held in Wales. The side played Wales, Cyprus and Malta. Jack scored in the Malta game and was awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance against Cyprus.

Women’s Football Congratulations to Lauren Welsh who was selected for Northern Ireland Football U17’s Squad for the European Qualifying rounds held in October in Scotland. The team competed against Italy, Scotland and Montenegro.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Sporting Representation Hockey Ulster U16 Representatives Rachel Cox and Rachel Steele represented the Ulster Under 16 Team in Cork. Both showcased huge talent throughout the tournament and contributed to the success of the team. Well done to both girls on being Interprovincial champions.

Ulster Under 18 Representatives Katie Stewart, Niamh Hogan and Megan Cochrane represented the Ulster Under 18 Team in Cork this year. All 3 girls were valuable members of the squad and came away as Interprovincial Champions! Well done to all girls.

Irish Under18 Representative Niamh Hogan represented the Irish Under 18 Team

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Ulster Under 15 Talent Development Squad Well done to the following girls on selection for the Ulster Under 15 Talent Development Squad. Great to have so many girls involved at such a young age. Year 11 – Rachel Black, Jen Lamont, Christina Jenkins Year 10 - Rachel Cox and Erin McCartney, Katie Ireland, Joy Duncan Year 9 – Grace Cowden, Evie McCullagh, Rebecca Smyth, Cally McWhirter

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

U16 - U19 Ulster Rugby Representatives The following boys have representated Ulster at various levels. Angus Robson, James Spence, Owen Warren, Jack Gamble, Robert Reid, Zachary Scarlett, Adam Barron.

Swimming Congratulations to Ben Woodside on a fantastic year of swimming. He has been selected onto the Irish National Squad (2019/2020.) Ben is the new Junior record holder in the 100 and 200m breaststroke. He is also Ulster and Irish Age Group Champion in 50, 100 and 200m Breaststroke and achieved Gold in breaststroke at the Swim Ulster Schools Cup Championships. He epitomises what talent, hard work, and enthusiasm can achieve.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Ulster Schools’ Year 8, Round Robin Ballyclare High School defeated both RBAI and Coleraine Grammar to qualify for Finals. Congratulations!

Ulster Schools’ Champions of Champions Tournament Ballyclare High School players competed well in the singles and doubles events in the National Badminton Centre, Lisburn. The best performance was from Minor Boys doubles pair Isaac Shiels and Ryan McCauley, who reached the semi-ﬁnals.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Year 8 Ulster Rugby Schools Academy Year 8 rugby have been selected as being only 1 of 8 schools in the province privileged to be part of an Ulster Rugby programme.This programme is based on a new model for player centred development to deliver excellent rugby performance. Year 8 are developing their key skills and understanding of the game in this player centred approach. This link with Ulster Rugby further strengthens our association with Ulster Rugby as an Academy School Partner.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

U12 Rugby Ulster Rugby pilot programme for rugby excellence A select group from Ballyclare High School joined 7 other schools in a rugby blitz with a twist. When match points are available for waist tackles, oﬄoads and successful turnovers not just for a try. Great fun and lots of peer reﬂection on how they played rather than the score as the outcome. Super to see! Later in the afternoon another select group played Vs Ballyclare Secondary at home. Photo above is a select from that played vs Ballyclare Secondary that had no score kept but it was a clear draw!! Rugby was the winner and the community of Ballyclare!

Senior Rugby Congratulations to the 1st XV topping their group in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup with a bonus wn Vs Lurgan! Over the 3 group games the 1st XV have used 28 players. Link provided by front row union and a few pictures also by them https://www.thefrontrowunion.com/2019/12/ulster-schools-group-c-ballyclarehigh-24-lurgan-college-0/

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Year 8 Hockey Trip Our annual Year 8 Hockey trip to the Ice Hockey took place at the end of November. There we were dressed in Santa Hats and starting Christmas way too early for some people. The girls ate too much, shouted too much but were fantastically behaved.

Senior Hockey Tour to Antwerp 23rd – 27th October 2019 The Senior Hockey Squad enjoyed 4 days in Antwerp, Belgium playing against tough opposition and bonding as a team. Day 1 involved a game against KHC Dragons U19 and the girls showed great character against a top European side. We had two training session at KHC Dragons on day 2 and the girls were lucky enough to meet the Belgium Men’s captain, Felix Denayer. On day 3 we had a shopping day in Antwerp and we enjoyed dinner in Antwerp before having a really competitive game of bowling. Day 4 allowed us to get an extra hour in bed before heading oﬀ for some recovery Yoga. We then made our way to the airport and landed safely with all bags and girls accounted for! A great trip by all with some fantastic memories made.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

1st XI Sponsorship Ballyclare High 1st XI are delighted to have received sponsorship from local company Dennison JCB for the 2nd year running. Rob Ireland, Sales Director of Dennison JCB stated “We are delighted to partner with Ballyclare High for the second year running and be able to contribute to the new 1st XI kits.” Thank you, Dennison JCB for enabling us to continue to oﬀer the professional approach we do. Ballyclare High 1st XI Captains Molly Dougan and Katie Stewart receiving the new shirt from Mr Rob Ireland, Sales Director of Dennison JCB.

1st XI

It has been a mixed start to the season for the 1st XI after being knocked out of the

Superleague in the ¼ ﬁnal. The girls have trained well and are starting to play some promising hockey and are looking forward to another successful Schools’ Cup run after Christmas.

2nd XI

It has been a fantastic start to the season for the 2nd XI with comfortable wins in the majority of their matches. They progressed to the next stage of the McDowell cup with a convincing 6-0 win against Glenola. They cruised past Victoria College in the second round and will meet Strathearn in the 3rd Round.

2b XI

The 2b’s continue to improve each week and are looking strong in the Gibson Cup group stages. They require a win in their ﬁnal group game against Grosvenor to progress through to the knockout stages. We look forward to watching their progress over the coming months and are hoping for an excellent cup run.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Boys’ Hockey The boys had excellent wins against Kilkeel High School and Grosvenor. They have followed that up with a draw against Regent House and a loss to a very strong Friends team. We wait on other teams playing their final group game to see if we qualified for the ¼ finals. 1st and 2nd year boys have had a great start to the year. We have 20 boys out at training every Friday. The boys played their first competitive hockey match for school against Belfast Royal Academy last Friday and came away with a 3-3 draw and a 6-0 win.

Ballyclare High School: Christmas 2019 Newsletter

We’ve registered with easyfundraising and we need your help! Easyfundraising is a great website where you can help Ballyclare High School raise funds simply by doing your everyday online shopping with over 3,300 big name retailers like Next, Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com, eBay, Boden, and M&S. Every time you shop, we receive a small donation to say ‘thank you’ and it’s completely free too! We want raise as much as possible so please sign up and help us at https:// www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ballyclarehs/

Recycle your empty inkjet cartridges to help protect the environment and raise money for Ballyclare High. Each wanted cartridge that is recycled will raise £1 for our school. https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/Home Ballyclare High School - C90461

The Big Book Boost– is a brand new and really easy fundraising scheme designed for schools by The Bookpeople. Ballyclare High School Library has signed up to this scheme and now all we need is your help! Everytime you spend £10 with The Bookpeople they will donate £1 to our school book fund. All you need to do at check out is select Ballyclare High and spread the word to family and friends and our funds will begin to grow. Thank you for your support.