My last blog concentrated on the sporting success that the school has enjoyed this year. This term the story has continued as in the first week the year 10 football team won the school shield (one of the oldest trophies still competed for across the globe) in a nail biting final against Castle Rushen. The score was two each after extra time and a penalty shoot out ensued. After 5 penalties each the two teams could still not be separated with the score four each. After the first of the extra pens it was one each and it took the second pair of penalties for the teams to separated and St. Ninian’s to have won the match. This is a great success for the students and staff concerned – well done to them all. Also the school is very proud of the fact that in 2012 we hold the year 9, year 10 and Senior football trophies.
This term sees Athletics, Cricket and Rounders become the main sports contested and we shall endeavour to keep you informed as to how our sports teams and individuals progress.
Earlier in the term we saw the opening of the bridge over the TT course which will enable students to access the new Lower School at Bemahague from the Governors Hill estate. Students from Cronk-y-Berry who will be part of the first year seven at the new site were present with their headteacher Mr. Sellors, Richard Collister from DEC and myself at the opening. This is yet another reminder that September and the opening of the new site is fast approaching.
Connected with this we entertained 60 members of local community groups representing sports, arts, crafts etc. on the morning of Saturday 12th. May. The intention was to provide information about how Community Groups can book the new facilities and discuss any issues that may arise. All agreed the facilities are excellent and St. Ninian’s will try to ensure all requests for usage can be met or at least an alternative found. Further details about this can be found on the home page under USEFUL INFORMATION under the heading “Lower School Booking Procedures” at the bottom of the list of items.
Year 11 left us on the 9th of May to begin study leave and enjoyed their Prom at Mount Murray that evening. I have to say that they were a pleasure to be with during the day in school, at their leavers ceremony and then also at the prom. Many negative things are said about young people but our year 11 students truly showed their potential that day. I am sure they are all working hard now as the exam season is well underway and I fervently hope their hard work and preparation is rewarded with the results they, and of course we, are hoping for. To continue on this theme year 13 have their leavers ceremony on 23rd. May and begin study leave that day. We wish them well in their A level exams and similar to year 12 who are already sitting their exams and return to school after TT week.
There are a number of events coming up in June. We are running 3 tours of Park Road before it closes down as a school. These take place on the 15th, 22nd and 29th of the month. They begin at 7pm and should be over by 8.30pm. They will include a brief introduction, a tour of the building, the chance to view school memorabilia and enjoy tea & cakes as well as a special guest – a former teacher who may well be remembered by those who visit. All this for a cost of £2.50 to cover expenses and also add some funds to the Community Council.
I think that will have to be it for this blog entry. There is always so much to say. I hope you have enjoyed reading about this mixture of success at St. Ninian’s High School in April and early May.
A.C. Fox
“The opening of the bridge over the TT course to help students make their way to the new Lower School from Governors Hill.”
