Click @ GMS

Click @ GMS http://www.clickgms.org/ en Copyright 2010 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:06:56 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Calling all Language Students!! Listen up and look for news from your language teacher about our VLE activities to help improve your pronunciation. You can have fun practising at home with family and friends!! http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/calling-all-language-students/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/calling-all-language-students/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:06:56 +0000 Engagements and Weddings Miss Crawford Congratulations to Miss Crawford who got engaged over the Summer holidays. Miss Crawford was being wined and dined at the Merchant Hotel, and while enjoying the beautiful weather after dinner, her husband-to-be got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Of course she said,” Yes!” We wish Miss Crawford and her fiancé all of the best with their wedding plans! By Mrs Clarke Mrs Gault

Mr and Mrs Gault

It was a glorious day on Monday 26th of July, when the breathtakingly beautiful Miss Wilson tied the knot with one very lucky Mr Gault at Ballyalbany Presbyterian Church, in the heart of the picturesque Monaghan countryside. Panic was rife as rain had been expected to dampen proceedings, but thankfully luck was shining down upon the happy couple, who enjoyed a stunning summer’s afternoon filled with fun, love and laughter. The wedding reception was held in the charming Corick House Hotel, a wonderful country house estate set among meandering streams and winding country roads, in the heart of the beautiful Clogher Valley. Guests were treated to an exquisite four course meal before hitting the dance floor for a night of jubilant celebration, which in turn lead to many sore and exhausted feet the following morning! It was an absolutely fabulous day for a truly wonderful couple, and we wish Mr and Mrs Gault lots of love and happiness in their future together. Congratulations!! By Miss McLaughlin Emma Evans

Mr and Mrs McWatters

Ex pupil and a current ICT technician Emma Evans became Emma McWatters this summer as she married her childhood sweetheart Darren on the 17th July 2010. It was a lovely day spent with friends and family with quite a lot of Girls Model involvement, with Felim shooting the video, Mrs Ashe and Mr MacDermott playing during the service and the bridesmaids Nikki and Julia infamous Model girls of old. The service was held in Strantown Christian Fellowship Church and was conducted by Mrs Ashes husband John. Later we had a wonderful meal and evenings entertainment at LaMon House Hotel with everyone being upstaged by Emmas niece Sophie owning the dance floor. We wish Mr and Mrs McWatters lots of love, patience and happiness in their new life together. Congratulations!! By Mr MacDermott ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/engagements-and-weddings/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/engagements-and-weddings/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:02:22 +0000 The School Counsellor

Mrs Duncan

Everyone welcome back to a new school year and a particular welcome to our new Year 8’s. If you are new to the school and don’t know about the school counsellor here are a few points to note. • Please log on to the school counselling website if you would like to find out more, look at the flier in your pupil planner or call in to my room for a chat.( G07 off main reception area). • I also have referral slips outside my room so fill one in and pop under the door if you would like an appointment and I will fit you in as soon as I can • I hope to take to all year 8 pupils in assembly and through visits to Form Class over the coming months. • Please come along and feel you can share your problem, no matter how small, there are lots of support services in the Model. Counselling is a process which helps you look at your concerns and explore problems. It may help you: • Make choices • Cope with crisis • Improve friendships and relationships • Understand yourself better • Develop ways to cope with change If you don’t want to talk to anyone in school remember there is always LIFELINE helpline number 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, calls are free from landlines and mobiles) I look forward to meeting some new faces and returning pupils always welcome ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/the-school-counsellor/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/the-school-counsellor/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:43 +0000 PE News Rock Challenge – After a highly successful year, the student led Rock Challenge picked up their final award of the competition in July: The National Award for Student Leadership! This was the award for “the best of the best” across the whole of the UK, and was awarded to the team for their remarkable achievements in their 1st year of producing a student led entry! The year 14 performing arts class who made up the leadership team had taken on all production roles, including Choreographer, Set designer, Costume designer etc. and created a very successful entry which had seen them qualify for the UK Northern Open final, in Grimsby. This was an incredible achievement in itself, and all girls involved are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for this award, as well as the others won at the Belfast Heat & in the Final! Huge congratulations to all involved! (Watch out for details of this year’s auditions which will be taking place after Halloween!) Athletics – Sports day was held on Monday 14th June, and was attended by Dame Mary Peters, who was also here to officially open our new sports facilities. The weather held up well for our athletes, who all competed admirably throughout the day and really enjoyed the experience of taking part, as well as meeting our special guest. Congratulations to everyone who took part! Year groups winners:Year 8 – Stephanie McKeag Year 9 – Kori Magee Year 10 – Samantha Davidson Seniors – Hollie Johnston The overall house cup was won by: Florence House Jessica Bell (Year 13) was selected to represent Northern Ireland at the UK School Games over the summer. These were held in England, and Jessica helped her team run home in 5th place! Congratulations Jessica! Keep it up! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/pe-news/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/pe-news/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:58:50 +0000 Outstanding Results The outgoing year 14 girls have been rewarded for all their hard work with a great set of results in their ‘A’ Levels. Out of 64 candidates: 26 (41.3%) gained 3 A*-C or better 38 (60.38%) gained the equivalent 3A*-C in UCAS points or better 59 (93.7%) gained 2 A*-E or better 62 (98.4%) gained 1 A*-E or better These grades include 6 A* grades and 15 A grades overall. The A* grades were in ICT (4), Spanish (1) and Performing Art (1) and the A grades were in ICT (7), Performing Arts (2), Travel & Tourism (1), Spanish (1), Geography (1), history (1), Sociology (1) and English Literature (1). The top six pupils, who all achieved 340 UCAS points or more were: Sarah Jayne Pollock A* A* B Melissa Boyle A* A B Chelsey Ann Hamilton A* A C Demi Tracey A A B Natasha Walker A* A C Amy Whitcroft A A B Carla Johnston A A B Congratulations to all the girls and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. Once again we have achieved excellent GCSE results that are well above the average for similar schools in Northern Ireland. Overall there were almost 1600 subject entries with 60% of these at grades A*-C and 89% at grades A*-E. The school are very pleased that 17% of all entries were awarded A* or A grades and 33% A*-B. All 162 girls gained at least one qualification at GCSE level or equivalent with 58% of the pupils being awarded 5 or more A*-C grades. The following girls are to be commended for their excellent grades: * Lynsey McConvey 2A* 6A 2B 2C * Victoria Ferguson 2A* 3A 7B * Kirsty Brown 2A* 4A 4B 2C * Amy Phillips 2A* 3A 6B 1C * Naomi Morrison 2A* 3A 4B 3C In our specialist area of ICT, 96% of entries gained A*-C with 53.3% of entrants awarded A* or A grades. Well done to all the girls for their hard work and commitment during their GCSE examinations. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/outstanding-results/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/outstanding-results/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:57:48 +0000 Message from Our Principal

Mr Graham

Welcome to the first edition of Click@ GMS for the school year 2010-2011. I hope you will enjoy reading the news and information about the busy life at Girls Model. I would like to thank Mrs Natalie Clarke and her team of 6th Form students for their hard work and effort in producing the magazine and all staff and students for a very successful start to the school year. We are very proud of last year’s Year 12 and Year 14 students who did so well in the GCSE and A Level exams and this has led to 116 girls returning for the first year of 6th Form study. We also have just under 160 pupils transferring into Year 8 and this means we are very close to our limit of 950 pupils. Over the summer the final touches were put to the external grounds and now our new build is finally complete. The facilities are second to none and we are very proud of our new school. There will be a special Open Morning for all ex-staff, ex-pupils and parents to come up and tour the new school on Monday November 1st from 10am to 11:30am and further details will be given out nearer the time. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/welcome-to-the-first-edition/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/welcome-to-the-first-edition/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:54:21 +0000 New Staff Name:Miss N Madden • Subject:ICT • Favourite Music:Pop – every kind of music really • Favourite Film:Ps I Love You • Favourite Snack:Chocolate and crisps • Favourite Shop:Zara and Primark • If you could have a Superpower what would it be: Invisibility • Ideal Room-Mate:Someone who is really good company, likes the things that I do and makes me laugh a lot. • If stranded on a desert island what would you bring: My mobile phone, laptop(with internet access), Food and drink.

Miss Madden

• Name:Jenna Roddy • Job: HE Technician • Favourite Music: Swing • Favourite Film:The Shawshank Redemption • Favourite Snack: Chocolate • Favourite Shop: Topshop • If you could have a Superpower what would it be:Invisibility • Ideal Room-Mate:Alan Carr • If stranded on a desert island what would you bring:Chocolate!!, Phone, Laptop

Jenna Roddy

• Name: Graeme Fenton • Job: ICT Multimedia Technician (Placement Student) • Favourite Music:Anything from Rolling Stones to Above & Beyond, but when I’m out something you can boogie to. • Favourite Film: Anything with Jim Carey or Will Farrell in it • Favourite Snack:Tortilla chips (preferably slightly salted, just slighty though!) • Favourite Shop: A small trainer shop in town called Size • If you could have a superpower what would it be?Apart from the many I already have, probably invisibility so that Mrs Leitch can’t find me! • Ideal Room-mate?Katy Perry • If stranded on a desert island what would you bring: My new phone, My golf clubs as my bunker play could do with abit of work!, a bottle of factor 30 or else I’d take a battering.

Graham Fenton

• Name:Johanne Lindsay • Job:Classroom Assistant • Favourite Music:Robbie Williams • Favourite Film:City Of Angels • Favourite Snack:Loves to munch on a Whispa • Favourite Shop:Primark • If you could have a superpower what would it be?To read people’s minds • Ideal Room-mate?Robbie Williams • If stranded on a desert island what would you bring:My IPod, Chewing gum, Mobile

Johanne Lindsay

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/new-staff-6/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/new-staff-6/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:53:32 +0000 YouthBank

Youth Bank Team

In the next few weeks we will be looking for applications so if you’ve a good idea for or organisation, apply. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/youthbank-2/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/09/27/youthbank-2/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:45:41 +0000 Message from Our Principal

Mr Graham

Welcome to our May/June edition of our final edition of Click for the school year 2010/2011. We have all settled into our new school and are enjoying the benefits of our fantastic building with great anticipation of our Running Track and other Athletics facilities being ready for our Sports Day on 14 June. Also on that day we will be officially opening our Sports Hall which was partially financed with a grant of around £350,000 from Big Lottery and we will be privileged to have Dame Mary Peters with us to open the facility. The rest of the outdoor facilities will be completely finished over the summer ready for our return in September when we will have our large Astroturf hockey pitch, tennis courts, landscaped grounds and pedestrian access at Dunkeld and Marmount Gardens. This will also help to alleviate the traffic congestion at Dunowen Gardens and we all can’t wait for everything to be completed and we can enjoy all of our school campus. We are now into the examination season and I wish everyone well in all of their papers and would make a plea that a revision programme is prepared and strictly adhered to as it is essential nowadays that good qualifications are obtained in order to progress into employment or further study. Remember to get a balance between work and relaxation so that all girls are on top form going into the exams .I also want to congratulate the Year 13 Young Enterprise girls who were runners-up in the Northern Ireland Company of the Year and Winners of the award for the company with the Most Innovative Idea of the Year. This was a joint effort along with our partners Our Lady of Mercy and Little Flower and it was interesting to note that we were the only non-grammar schools to reach the Finals Night at Belfast City Hall. Kirsty Knowles, the Managing Director, deserves special praise for winning the prize for Individual of the Year for her work with the company. Also good luck to out Student-Led Rock Challenge entry which made the finals in Grimsby at the end of May after performing so well at the Waterfront Hall at the NI Heats at the end of March. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Click and I am looking forward to receiving my copy of the new school magazine Flick which will be in circulation shortly, once again well done to Mrs Natalie Clarke and her student editorial team. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/message-from-our-principal-8/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/message-from-our-principal-8/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:59:18 +0000 Wilson visits new developments at Girls' Model

LHS Robert McAllister - Director of Farrans; Sammy Wilson MP, MLA - Minister of Finance; Johny Graham, Principal; Martin Hare - Architect of Girls' Model School

Investment in our education estate will help equip young people with the skills required to help grow our economy, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said. The Minister was speaking after visiting the Belfast Model School for Girls. Speaking at Belfast Model School for Girls, the Minister said "The construction of these new school buildings is a clear illustration of what can be achieved with the right amount of commitment and investment. During what is an extremely challenging economic environment, this investment will equip our young people with the education and skills necesary to help drive the economy recovery". The Minister continued: "This money is providing the facilities needed to deliver a world class education for our young people. It can also benefit the wider community. The developments at the Model School for Girls includes sporting, performing arts and other facilities which are available out of hours to local groups and the broader community". ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/wilson-visits-new-developments/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/25/wilson-visits-new-developments/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:55:39 +0000 Year 12 -Hair and Beauty Show

Each student had the opportunity to create a hair style for the occasion. Ms Mullan, Centre Manager from the Belfast Metropolitan College judged the competition and commented that the girls had displayed huge talent and choosing a winner had been very difficult. The overall wining stylist was Toni Andrews, modelled by Victoria Perry Well done to all girls who took part.

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/23/year-12-hair-and-beauty-show-1/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/23/year-12-hair-and-beauty-show-1/ Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:16:18 +0000 Football Tournament On Tue 11th May the school football teams entered the Carnegie Schools’ Cup Football tournament. The Junior team played 5 group games with the following results: Drew 0-0 against Coleraine High Won 3-0 against Ballyclare High (scorers: Anthea Harbinson, Courtney Hughes, Corrie McMurray) Won 1-0 against Newbridge (scorer: Corrie McMurray) Won 7-0 against St Patricks (scorers: Anthea Harbinson 2, Courtney Hughes 2, Amy Johnston 2, Sophie Dunlop 1) Won 3-1 against Dunclug (scorers: Amy Johnston 2, Sophie Dunlop 1) This qualified them for the semi-final which they unfortunately lost 1-0 to Rainey Endowed School. The top goalscorer for the tournament was Amy Johnston, and player of the tournament was Corrie McMurray. The Senior team played 5 group games with the following results: Won 2-0 against Our Lady of Mercy (scorers: Kaitlyn McCoubrey, Demi Harbinson) Lost 2-0 against Cullybackey Won 2-0 against Hazelwood (scorers: Kaitlyn McCoubrey, Nikita McMullan) Lost 1-0 against Coleraine High Won 2-0 against St Patricks (scorers: Demi Harbinson 2) This left them as runners-up in the group which meant they had a penalty shoot-out with Parkhall College to see who would progress to the semi-finals. Unfortunately they were defeated in this. Top goalscores was Demi Harbinson and player of the tournament was shared by Demi and Kaitlyn McCoubrey. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/18/football-tournament/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/18/football-tournament/ Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:27:13 +0000 Peer Mediator Residential

Gemma and Shannon all wrapped up!

Team work game

There was also some serious work done, such as, looking at the role and responsibilities of the Peer Mediator and some Child Protection training. This has greatly helped to prepare the girls to take up their role of responsibility as a Peer Mediator with the new Year 8 pupils next year. The food was great, there was lots of fun, good relationships were developed and it was dry and sunny for most of the time. Brilliant!!

After the Maze!

New Peer Mediators

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/15/peer-mediator-residential/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/15/peer-mediator-residential/ Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:16:13 +0000 Perfect Presentations!

Kirsty Allen demonstrating her Presentation

Overall, this assignment taught 8NE many skills and qualities. They are now more confident in talking in front of others, they are more disciplined when listening when others are speaking, they developed their ICT skills and they learned to work independently, whilst planning and prioritising their time. Well done 8NE! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/14/perfect-presentations/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/14/perfect-presentations/ Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:06:44 +0000 Budding CSIs

After a well deserved break for lunch it was back to the labs for another challenge – to create as many colours of paint as they could with just basic chemicals.

We were all then treated to an amazing lecture on poisonous animals that can kill. We also found out how scientists are using some animal venom to cure diseases such as cancer. Finally Brian from City Reptiles showed us some of his dangerous animals including a Scorpion, Tarantula and a HUGE yellow Python called Biscuit.

The CSI Team

The girls were fantastic representatives for our school and superb CSI’s. Well done to all four girls: * Ceri McDonald * Danielle Telford * Kirsty-Leigh Brown * Chloe Ashe ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/10/science-news/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/10/science-news/ Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:40:39 +0000 Year 13 Concert for Haiti As part of their AS Performing Arts, the year 13 class have to plan a performance event. This year’s group decided that they would like to raise money for the relief of the Haiti earthquake disaster. They all wanted the opportunity to perform in this event, in order to continue developing their practical skills, but they also wanted others in the school to have the opportunity to display their hidden talents! The year 13 had to take control of every aspect of the planning of this event, as it is this area that they are assessed on, rather than the final performance. This meant that they had to be very well organised, with a fully developed action plan of how they would carry out their tasks. They were split into teams, and each assigned a number of tasks to carry out. So began a busy time of action planning, research, costume design, budgeting, rehearsal schedules, marketing and lots of singing and dancing in every area available in the music department. The final performance took place on Monday 22nd March 2010. There were two separate programmes drawn up, to accommodate performers who were only free one of the lunch times, but both featured a wide variety of acts. Ms Simpson was our hostess for the performance, and kept the audience giggling, while Hollie and her stage crew frantically changed scenes and moved equipment back stage. Performance acts included: Mr McCoo singing, ‘Beauty School Dropout’ Jedward AKA Mr Hance and Mr Braniff Bad Boys dance complete with some teachers, classroom assistants and a nurse Caroline Cochrane singing, ‘The Climb’ Courtney Hayes singing, ‘I feel like a woman’ Staff rock band performing, ‘Send it on’ A drama featuring Katie Myers, Allison Gray and guest stars Mrs Dalzell and Mrs Thomas Broken Heels dance This was the first time that we had put to full use our new sound and lighting equipment in the multi purpose hall. Aaron Evans, from the year 14 Performing Arts class was being assessed on his use of the PA system and Mrs Cruise was our lighting technician. Both did an excellent job, (although both claimed to have lost weight with the pressure of getting everything right for the performance). Although a little rushed, the performance was a big success and we raised £258.53 for Haiti, which will be sent via Tearfund. Mrs Ashe and the Year 13 class would like to thank everyone involved for sacrificing their time and willingly offering their talents. http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/09/year-13-concert-for-haiti/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/06/09/year-13-concert-for-haiti/ Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:51:34 +0000 Ski Trip 2010

We stayed in the Hotel Snezhanka which was very good place to stay. While the food was a bit different to home, the hotel was clean and really busy with lots going on. We met pupils from other Schools throughout Northern Ireland. The next day we got up at 7 o’clock for our first day of Skiing, we were very tired after the long journey, but seeing the slopes we soon forgot how tired we were.

We spent the first few days were spent learning the basics of how to Ski with Demeter and Valentine, the two Ski Instructors. We had many laughs although many tears we shed when we fell down the slopes. Unfortunately Zara and Megan fell and hurt themselves and where unable to ski every day. It wasn’t all skiing though, as we had great fun having snowball fights and building snow men.

In the evenings we went Tenpin Bowling and boogied at the Disco. Miss Willis was the Champion Bowler, although we secretly thought that she cheated! She was also the Dancing Queen as she got up every night and danced the night away! Miss Irvine was a really good skier; we all thought that she should have been in the Olympic Team, she wishes! We all had a fantastic time and hopefully we will be back next year, roll on February 2011!We would all like to thank Miss Willis and Miss Irvine for looking after us and making the trip really enjoyable!

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/ski-trip-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/ski-trip-2010/ Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:31:34 +0000 Open Night 2010

Our New Fitness Suite

Using the Trampoline

Over 550 people listened to Mr Graham give a speech in our new Multi Purpose Hall and still some people could not get in. Showing the high level of interest there was amongst the P7 pupils to see our fantastic new school.

Playing an Interactive Game

Observing a Science Experiment

The school looked amazing and the atmosphere was buzzing and filled with excitement, as P7 pupils and their parents toured it at their own leisure. As usual, many departments had provided stimulating and interactive displays for both pupils and parents. Many pupils were thrilled to be testing our brand new Promethean boards with interactive learning games.

Hair and Beauty Students

Our New Creche

Cooking up a treat!

Year 8 Art Student

All parents and pupils were blown away at our New School and what it has to offer including the Gym, Dance Studio, Sports Halls, Creche, the state of the art Cafeteria, the Multi Purpose Hall and the Hair and Beauty Suite, to name but just a few!! Consequently, many P7 pupils can't wait for September 2010 to come around to begin life as a Model Pupil. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/open-night-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/11/open-night-2010/ Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:29:52 +0000 My Venture to Africa

Our A-freek-A group

Our journey started way back in May of 2009. We knew we had to accomplish our goal and one day get out to Africa one day since we are an African drumming group, (hence the name A-freek-A) We began to fundraise, packing bags, washing cars, sponsored events, fundraising events, drumming in golf clubs, doing parades etc. On one occasion we raised over £2000 pounds in 11 hours of bag packing! We worked so hard for 5 months and in the end we raised our goal £25,000 which could take us out to Senegal! After a very long journey on Sunday 8th November, we finally arrived at around 6pm on Monday 9th November in a town called Abene in Senegal where we would be staying for the next two weeks. We stayed in a Campermont called Les Belles Etoiles which was French for Starry nights because of it’s amazing constellations at night. The accommodation was basic as you can see from this picture but at the same time it was beautiful, and the huts we were staying in weren’t too bad at all.

Our Accommodation

The next morning we began drumming straight away to begin developing our skill. Once we had drummed all morning we took trips to the beach about 20 minutes away. It was shocking to see the true poverty in this country, it’s different seeing it on TV but when it is brought to you in real life it’s a completely different story. Some of the kids just followed you wherever you went just to be in your presence. We played football at the beach with many kids; we wanted to be as part of their community as we could.

For two days we made our way out to Zinconghour to visit the School we were going to be bringing resources to. We began to walk towards the school and the whole school came out to greet us, the feeling was amazing! They just wanted to hold your hand and be with you. It was amazing seeing the look on the kids’ faces when you give them something as basic as a pencil, it was overwhelming. It was very emotional. We presented the kids with football kits and the next day we played them a football match with the goalposts we provided. When we got back to Abene we continued to drum for the rest of the time as well as socialising with the rest of the community. We were taught by master drummer Seckou Keita. He provided us with tuition every morning for three and a half hours.

Throughout the 2 weeks we also went to a few parties at nights which were an amazing experience. They ask you over to dance and join in with their culture, it’s amazing, yes I was a bit shy at first but after the 2 weeks you finally start to get into it. We also had the privilege of holding our own party at the Campermont on the 21st November we held a big African party and about 300 people attended. We performed and enjoyed the African culture one last time as we were heading home two days later.

A couple of days before we left we also received an African dance lesson, it was such good fun but was very hard work because of the heat! Also before we left we painted a mural to symbolise our time in Senegal! Africa was an amazing, life changing experience and has really made me think about how much we do take things for granted. It has changed my life and I will never forget it. I definitely hope to return in the future! ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/senegal-trip/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/senegal-trip/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:16:44 +0000 World Book Day

World Book Day

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/world-book-day/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/world-book-day/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:39:14 +0000 Valentine's Day Competition

Lauren Moore 8DW

Nadine Douglas 9M

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/events-in-the-lri/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/09/events-in-the-lri/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:35:43 +0000 YouthBank presentation of Certificates

2010 YouthBank Team

Katy Dalzell and Samantha Craig receiving their Cheque

Ashleigh Gibson and Natasha McFarlane were awarded £300 for Performing Arts

Ashleigh and Natasha receiving their Cheque

Honor McQuillen and Sarah Murphy received a cheque of £300 for Toplink.

Honor and Sarah receiving their Cheque

Each of the applications agreed to the conditions of their grant and signed their contracts. Photographs were taken of the girls receiving their cheques. Each applicant was appointed two support workers to help them with any problems they may have. We wish all applicants well in carrying out their projects. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/04/youthbank-presentation-of-cert/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/04/youthbank-presentation-of-cert/ Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:11:05 +0000 Formal 2010

By 6:30 pm the narrow road leading to the LaMon hotel was packed with limos delivering their glamorous cargo and in the reception hall the atmosphere was full of excitement. Girls and staff posed whilst cameras flashed and everyone was told how beautiful they looked. The Lisleen suite was decorated with balloons and ribbons in school colours and the boxes of chocolate heart favours on the tables had the badges of both schools on the top.

A delicious meal of Vegetable Soup, Roast Chicken and Pavlova was served by very friendly and efficient staff. After the meal Carla and Megan showed video clips of messages from some staff members, reminiscing about the year 13 and 14 girls when they were in junior school and also wishing them success for the future. The girls then distributed the Oscars in categories such as who’s been tangoed, Google addict and party animal! They also gave out huge bouquets of flowers to staff members.

The Untouchables provided the entertainment performing fabulous music and the dance floor was packed to capacity all night long. This band has now entertained us for the past 4 years' at the annual formal and I am sure that they will continue to this entertainment for many more formals to come. After all that dancing, the buses arrived at midnight to take the girls and boys to the after formal venue. The evening was enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to Carla, Megan and the team for their organisation of this very special event. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/formal-2010/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/formal-2010/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:54:54 +0000 Message from Our Principal

Mr Graham

It has been a hectic two months since we moved into our new school and everyone seems to like the buildings and all the facilities they offer. The community provision is beginning to be well used and and the Early Years Unit Manager is now in post with the recruitment process for the rest of the Creche staff well in motion. It is hoped to open the Unit after Easter and details about registering for Creche places will be available very soon. The Electronic Village Hall will also be available for use in early April and information about this exciting facility will soon be distributed to the local community. Our Open Evening for prospective pupils and their parents held on 1st February was a roaring success with the new Performing Arts Hall filled to capacity with around 550 people and still some couldn’t get in. The feedback was very positive with almost everyone commenting on how impressed they were with the new school build. We hope that as many of those who wish to start in Year 8 in September are able to get in as we are capped at 160 places for 2010-2011. We have had many visitors looking around the new facilities including Department of Education, Department of Health, Education and Skills Authority, Strategic Investment Board, other Principals, Community Organisations and Belfast Education and Library Board personnel and everybody has been effusive in their praise for the excellent facilities. We have been extremely busy both in and out of the classroom since Christmas and congratulations to Lucy Best on her achievements in the Biology Olympiad mentioned elsewhere in this edition of Click@GMS, also very well done to the Year 13 girls in their Young Enterprise venture LeapNI along with the girls of Little Flower and Our Lady if Mercy as they were involved in the launch of their product at Stormont hosted by Nelson McCausland and Alban Maginness while they are now in the European Final for an Excellence Award and we wish them all the best in this competition. I hope you enjoy the March edition of our emagazine and thank all the contributors for their articles. ]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/message-from-our-principal-6/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/02/message-from-our-principal-6/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:11:55 +0000 Rock Out!

They put on an excellent show involving performances from, Model Rock, Baby Rock and the Year 14 Performing Arts pupils. The p7’s really enjoyed Model Rocks’ performance of “Hannah Montana”, “The best of both worlds” as well as the Year 14 drama of ‘Cinderella!’.

Baby Rock also performed ‘Now is the time to worship’. This was a big good experience for them and the p7s’ enjoyed it as they were not much older than them. The Year 14s’ also talked to the year 7 pupils about what the Girls Model has to offer. It was a great day for all as we rocked out!!!!]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/rock-out/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/rock-out/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:16:19 +0000 Silver Medal Winners A Level Science students win silver medals in the Northern Ireland Biology Olympiad On Thursday 4th February, four students from The Applied Science A Level took part in the Northern Ireland Biology Olympiad held at the University of Ulster in Coleraine. Lucy Best, Kristina Smith, Mathew Brown and David Crane had already been chosen from three hundred original applicants, to attend the final. On arriving, the first part of the Olympiad was a circus of practical experiments to be conducted under exam conditions. Drawing and labelling a dissected mouse (not for the squeamish), preparing a bacterial colony and the preparation of a microscope slide. After lunch, the final task of the day was a fifty question multiple choice paper against the clock.

Lucy Best and Matthew Brown receiving their Medals

When all the results were counted and verified, Lucy Best and Mathew Brown were announced as silver medal winners. In all, two bronze, two silver and two gold medals were awarded, and we are proud of the fact that our students claimed both silver prizes. The gold medallists go on to compete in the International Olympiad in South Korea in July, and by securing the runner-up positions Lucy and Mathew are first reserves, should either of the gold medallists withdraw from the competition. So, congratulations once again to both pupils on a great achievement; for them, the Science Department and the School.

Matthew Brown

Lucy Best

]]> http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/silver-medalists/ http://www.clickgms.org/2010/03/01/silver-medalists/ Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:12:21 +0000