Saintfield High School

Visit from Education Minister, John O'Dowd

The Minister’s first visit was to Academy Nursery and Primary School. He said: “I would like to thank the Principal, Stephen Moore for his invitation to visit the school today. It was a pleasure to meet with the teachers, staff and pupils.

“As well as learning through the core curriculum the pupils here have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Professional coaching is offered in a variety of sports and specialist music tuition is also available. That is something to be commended and I encourage pupils to become involved in these activities.”

The Minister then visited Saintfield High School. He was brought on a tour of the school and had the opportunity to meet with the school prefects to discuss a range of educational issues. He said: “The young people attending Saintfield High School are undoubtedly being provided with a very high quality of education. I first met the Principal, Vivien Watt, in June when she attended the celebration event for those schools who had been evaluated as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very good’ following an inspection.

“Having visited the school today and met with the staff and pupils I can clearly see why the school received such a positive report. I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the school prefects to hear their views on a range of issues. Their knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm shone through very clearly and they were great ambassadors for their school and community.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to both Academy Nursery and Primary School and Saintfield High School today and would like to thank all those involved for their warm welcome.”

Celebrating Success and Achievement 2012

Saintfield High School held its annual day of ‘Celebrating Success and Achievement’ on Thursday 15th November 2012, welcoming parents and carers into the school to share in all that our pupils have achieved during the last academic year. Certificates and cups were distributed to students currently in Years 9-12, and to those who graduated in June 2012. There was a wonderful atmosphere of school pride, where academic and personal successes were celebrated and cherished.

Guest speaker for the day was writer and broadcaster, Dr Jude Collins, who distributed prizes to pupils and delivered an inspiring speech to an enthralled audience! As always, our school choir, accompanied by Mrs Birt, Miss Orr, Mr Bolton, and Matthew Jackson on guitar from 11BI, performed a superb medley of songs. Special thanks must go to our soloists for the day, Toni Martin (12JO), Yasmin Graham (10MY) and Anna Bunting (10MY).

Congratulations to all of our prize winners, and thank you to all of our parents and carers for their continued support. You truly helped to make our annual prize day a very special occasion for our school community.

Class of 2013 Charity Ball

Saintfield High School recently held a Year 12 Charity Ball on Tuesday 12th February 2013, at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel.

The evening was a huge success, with Year 12 students celebrating their last academic year at Saintfield High School, alongside raising money for charity. An appointed Formal Committee of pupils, assisted by Miss Victoria Orr, Miss Rebecca Herron, Mr Brian Adams, and Miss Sarah-Lucy Hynds (Vice Principal), organised a highly enjoyable evening for all.

The charity being supported is Fields of Life, a local charity which is committed to working with communities and churches in east Africa to bring about positive change.

School Trip to Lake Garda

Saintfield High School in Italy

Saintfield High School’s educational trip this year was to Italy: 57 pupils and 7 staff travelled to Lake Garda and Venice. The group left Saintfield in the early hours of Wednesday 5 April and in the afternoon they were visiting the fabulous San Siro Stadium, home of AC and Inter Milan.

During the next few days the group saw many sights including the Verona amphitheatre built in 30AD which can hold 30,000 spectators and a visit to the famous Shakespeare Juliet’s balcony. A visit to Gardaland, Movieland and Seaworld theme parks was welcomed by the pupils together with a motor boat trip across Lake Garda. There were fun activities in the evenings including go-karting and ten pin bowling.

We then travelled on to Venice and a trip on the motor cruiser to St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and of course the gondolas along the canals and under the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge.

No trip is complete without some shopping and this trip was no exception! The group went to the Orio Centre, the largest shopping centre in Italy, to spend their remaining Euro on presents and ice-cream. A tired group of pupils and staff returned to Saintfield on Easter Monday night.

This was the 22nd school trip and without a doubt one of the most enjoyable.

BBC Radio Ulster Visits Saintfield High School

BBC Radio Ulster airs part of its Children in Need programme on 16 November from our very own school boardroom. So impressed by the commitment Saintfield High School pupils have shown to fund raising for this annual event that they simply had to come to see for themselves how and why we raise so much money for this most worthy cause. Here Mrs Derby our Charity Coordinator, Mr Brian Adams our talent show compère, head girl Lisa Massey and Prefect Hollie Roper are being interviewed by Lynette Faye just minutes before going live on the Hugo Duncan Afternoon show. Saintfield High School has contributed to the Children in Need charity since it began. We have collected thousands of pounds over the years. ‘Thank you’ Radio Ulster for acknowledging this tremendous achievement.

Year 8's Visit Translink Safety Bus

Bus Safety

It seems appropriate that, as the winter months approach, we take time to emphasize the importance of safety to our pupils.

Translink’s Safety Bus visited our year 8 pupils on Wednesday 7th November. Each class boarded the safety bus to listen to a translink safety officer, who highlighted safety issues associated with the use of public transport using a range of videos, education packs, and props.

Sport's Day 2012

Our talented athletes, during our recent Sports Day!

STEM Bus 2012

Work Experience 2012

Year 11 pupils from Saintfield High School during their Work Experience.

Year 8 Trip to Carrickfergus Castle

Trip to Carrickfergus Castle – 12th & 13th March.
They learned about the feudal system and what life was like in the Middle Ages.

Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh 2012

Sports Day Prize Distribution

Pupils of Saintfield High School recieving their awards for their great achievements during Sports Day.

Pancake Race

Junior School held a pancake relay race in the assembly hall to raise money for the PTA. All the classes took part by tossing a pancake in the pan while running.

Valentine’s Day stamps were sold for internal posting and delivery of Valentine cards, along with some delicious buns and juice. A huge thank you to Mrs Roy who organised these events, with a wonderful £150 raised. Well done!