Oliver McIlwaine, is one of our Year 10 pupils who has a passion for music and drumming. He took part in the All-Ireland Solo Championships in Lisnagarvey High School on Saturday 19th February, competing in the Under 14 Tenor drumming category. We are delighted to say that Oliver won his grade! Oliver has been drumming since the age of 4 with Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band and this is Oliver’s 10th year drumming. Oliver has travelled far and near with his drumming, taking part in the Avenche’s Tattoo in Switzerland and the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France. Oliver also played for King Charles and the Queen Consort in Co. Wicklow, as well as playing for Harry and Meghan in the Ecos Centre in Ballymena. Oliver has played on some of the biggest stages such as the SSE Arena in Belfast, Stade du Moustior in Lorient, The RDS Arena in Dublin, The Titanic Staircase in Belfast and The Waterfront Hall. Oliver has also played alongside some great musicians such as Phil Cunningham in the cross-border orchestra.

Please find below our Weekly Communication Bulletin for Parents and Carers and other important documents which has been sent out to you via Sims App.

Ballyclare Secondary School Board of Governors, school leadership, staff and pupils, extend their deepest sympathy to the McConnell family. Andrew was an esteemed governor and friend who was a diligent and faithful member of the Board, contributing enormously to the life of the school and work of the Board of Governors.

The U16 hockey team travelled to Parkhall Integrated yesterday to play in the NEBSSA league. Layla Beau McKeever was voted players’ player of the match and Eva Grant and Estelle McIlwaine coaches’ players of the match.

The final score was 6-0. Well done to Kaela Clugston who captained her first u16 match.

Goal scorers: Layla Beau, Faith x2, Lois, Asha and Eva. Well done to all the girls, once again.

Please find below an important letter from the Acting Principal.

This week we had a special visit from BOC Gases. They brought to us an exceptional performance entitled "World of Gases." Our students had the privilege of learning about the processes of obtaining nitrogen, oxygen, and argon from air, as well as exploring various engineering career paths.

The "World of Gases" show was filled with exciting moments, including the demonstration of liquid air in balloons, the freezing of flowers using liquid nitrogen, and the hammering of blue-tack nails into wood using frozen bananas. Our students also appreciated the opportunity to win plenty of chocolate and treats.

On behalf of our students and the entire school community, we would like to extend a warm thank you to our amazing visitors from BOC. Your contribution to our students' education was truly invaluable and will not be forgotten.

Please find below our Weekly Communication Bulletin for Parents and Carers and other important documents which has been sent out to you via Sims App.

Following on from our work in school about internet safety, please find EA guidance, for parents/carers, on the popular app Tik Tok.

The U18 squad travelled to Castlederg High School today to play in the 2nd round of the McDowell Plate.

Unfortunately, after a very one-sided game with limited Castlederg circle entries and GK Mia Singleton having no goal saving opportunities, the match ended 0-0 with Castlederg down to 10 players due to a green card.

Our forwards were very unlucky in the circle winning over 7 penalty corners. Reah Little was exceptionally unlucky hitting the post from an excellent strike. Reah (captain) was voted player of the match by her team.

Luck was not on Ballyclare’s side today, losing 4-3 on run ins. All Ballyclare players should be praised for their unwavering sportspersonship, despite the inappropriate behaviour from supporters on the side of the pitch. BSS players rose above, ignoring the poor language and played some excellent hockey. Our GK and each player who stepped up to take a run in, showed outstanding mental toughness and resilience. As a school family we are so proud of you.

A special thank you goes to our Year 14 player Janey Clements who played her last Cup match for BSS. We will miss you Janey.

Well done girls!