Choir at Rushmere
Killicomaine School Choir entertained shoppers at Rushmere Shopping Centre on Monday 8th December 2008.

The choir all wearing Santa hats or reindeer antlers sang Christmas carols for over an hour.

You can see more photographs from the morning here.

Year 9 Employability
As part of the year 9 curriculum, pupils invite local companies to contribute to the lessons on enterprise and entrepreneurship.

This year representatives of Tayto (Large Local Company) and The Property Spot (Small Local Company) visited the school on the same day and outlined the type of jobs, management organisation, salary structure, promotion prospects, etc of their company.

The effect of the 'credit crunch' on both companies was discussed and other topical issues such as foreign workers, redundancy, etc.

You can see more photographs from the lesson here.

Civic Centre
During October 2008 our school participated in the 'Democracy Week' held at the Civic Centre.

Pupils were invited to sit in the Council chamber where the mayor, Mr Sydney Anderson discussed the various roles of the Council and how meetings were conducted.

A short quiz followed and while it was being judged the pupils were given refreshments in the entertainment area. Prizes were awarded and a representative asked to sign the visitors book in the mayor's parlour.

The pupils found the visit informative, linking well with their lessons in Citizenship. They were also delighted with the warm hospitality shown to them. Click to see more photographs from the visit.

Polish
On Saturday 3rd October members of the Polish Community attended an information morning in school.

Polish children in national costumes performed polish dances and were taken on a tour of the school. Parents listened to presentations from Mr McCarthy and Miss McMillan.

You can see more photographs from the polish information morning here.

Choir
Killicomaine School Choir sang at Newmills Church on Sunday 28th September.

They sang four pieces; Praise Is Rising, Jesus Hope Of The Nations, How Can I Keep From Singing & At All Times.

Soloists were Aaron Blair and Melissa Hoy.

The Choir had a very enjoyable evening and were delighted with the orange and chocolate at the end.

Enterprise Day
On Friday 26th September all year 8 pupils took part in "Big School", a Young Enterprise programme designed to build confidence in their new school through fun, network-generating exercises which build valuable social skills.

Feedback from the Young Enterprise facilitator was very positive with some excellent responses orally and in projects completed.

Time Capsule
As part of Killicomaine's 50th anniversary celebrations some 10th year girls put together a time capsule which was buried in the school grounds.

The capsule was filled with items which the girls thought represented the life of the school in 2008.

The pupils who put the time capsule together can be viewed here.

Prize Night
Prize Night 2008 was held at the end of June.

Pupils won awards for sporting achievements, endeavor and academic achievements.

You can see all the Prize Night photographs here.

Best Kept School
Some enthusiastic 10th year pupils have been working hard around the school grounds, weeding, cleaning tidying and replanting.

Killicomaine won the "Best Kept School" award in 2006 and the pupils have ensured these high standards are maintained.

The hard working pupils can be seen in action here.

Open Night
Open night 2008 was held on January 10th.

Parents and P6 & 7 pupils were able to visit the classrooms and take part in many fun activities throughout the school.

You can see all the Open Night photographs here.

Reading Partnership
In October 2007 and as part of the SELB's reading partnership program, we initiated a reading program within the school. The aim of the 10 week program was to promote reading and increase fluency and understanding through one-to-one sessions.

The 6 pupils who were fortunate enough to be selected each benefited from 3 reading sessions a week for 10 weeks. The sessions involved reading a wide variety of materials including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and newspaper articles.

We ended the program with a fun, group session when the pupils got together and read a short play. The program was a great success and both the pupils and the reading partners (Jill Lyttle & Andrea Fulton) thoroughly enjoyed it. The pupils earned a certificate and a book token which were presented to them by Jill and SANTA!! Click here to see more of Santa's exploits.

Competition Win
6 Killicomaine JHS pupils entered a competition in November 2007 to help raise awareness of discrimination. Miss McMillan helped them design and print the poster.

Their poster won them a trip to London where they went on to compete against schools from all over the U.K.

Killicomaine's poster took 1st place in London.

You can see all the London photographs here.

Boxercise
Killicomaine JHS had a visit from Action Cancer during the last few weeks of the summer term.

A series of seminars was given to our 10th year pupils to raise their awareness of cancer and the preventative measures which they can take.

The boxercise classes proved very popular with pupils.

Home Accident Prevention Group Quiz Winners
On Monday 18th of June 2007 Emma Doogan, Joanna Black, Tom Hamilton and Andrew Forde all participated in a Safety Quiz at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.

The team was organised by the Science department. Hours of revision with Mr McVeigh turned out worthwhile as the team came 1st.

The mayor of Craigavon presented us with a crystal trophy known by us a the 'fruit bowl'.

Bullying - "See Something - Say Something"
During November our school was involved in the national campaign to increase awareness of bullying, both in and outside of school.

Pupils performed their own "bully rap" in assembly.

The campaign urged children to speak out against bullies.

I'm a Councillor - Get me out of here!!
10A1 and 10A2 recently took part in the "I'm a councillor - Get me out of here" event which was organised as part of Local Democracy Week.

Students chatted online with our local councillors on a range of issues. Topics covered were - recycling, green spaces, rates & local facilities for young people.

The event culminated with a lunch in the Civic Centre hosted by the Mayor of Craigavon, councillor Kenneth Twyble. Three pupils represented the school.

We were surprised and delighted when it was announced that Nicola Andrews from 10A1 was the winner of the individual prize for outstanding contribution to the project. We also received a web-cam for the school.

Best Kept School Award
Killicomaine's has won "Best Kept Large School" from the Northern Ireland Amenity Council.

This was thanks to some enthusiastic and hard-working 10th year pupils who entered the competition and worked extremely hard during April and May.

The pupils have gave up their free time to do much of the work. Although rain stopped their work on a few occasions, they battled on bravely; digging up flowerbeds, power washing, cleaning windows and weeding.

More photos can be viewed here.

MouthGuards
8th year pupils are encouraged to protect their good looks by investing in a custom-made mouthguard.
Following the outstanding success of previous schemes, the SHSSB has secured funding for provision of customised sports mouthguards for children entering year 8.
During September and October any 8th year pupil can have a mouthguard made for just £5.
This is a saving of at least £20.
All the pupils need to do is make an appointment to see their own dentist before October 31st.
The P.E. department at Killicomaine JHS strongly encourages all pupils to obtain a mouthguard.

Visit the P.E. department's web pages for further info.