The Building

Of course a school is not just a building, and the story of our building is also the story of the parents, governors, staff and students who built it. Integrated education only comes about when parents act to make it happen. When parents come together to found a Grant Maintained Integrated school, legislation obliges the Department of Education to provide running costs, teachers salaries, desks etc., but no capital funding for a building. We built Shimna ourselves.  

Murlough House

Shimna’s first home, Murlough House, hosted sixty students and eight teachers, transforming its grand rooms into classrooms and laboratories.

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The Lawnfield

The most remarkable aspect of building Shimna was how everyone—staff, students, parents—developed the school while fostering Integration, community ties, and

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Boulder at Shimna College with inscription "Learning from each other" since 1994

The Boulder

The boulder, unearthed during phase 2, now stands proudly at the school’s entrance, symbolizing the strength of Shimna’s foundation.

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The Forbes

Home economics became a statutory requirement again, and Shimna gained two purpose-built suites, seamlessly designed to complement the original building.

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The Sports Hall

Sport holds deep significance in an Integrated school, with Shimna embracing activities open to all, fostering unity and inclusivity.

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The Croí building from the Front and side

The Croí

The Croí, Shimna’s final building before the full rebuild, marked its planned expansion to 620 students, securing the school’s sustainable

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The Shed

Shimna’s partnership with Newcastle Junior Athletics Club began early, providing training space while parents qualified as coaches and raised funds,

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Greenhouse and a wheelbarrow

The Greenhouse

Shimna’s woodland setting fosters environmental engagement, with students earning awards for litter picking, tree planting, and creating wildlife habitats alongside

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The Haughian House

In 1994, Californian James Haughian offered Shimna use of his family’s stone cottage, fostering mountain adventures and practical skills.

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A Permanent Building

Thanks to Kevin Lambe’s determination, Shimna and Erne Integrated College opened in purpose-built schools, not temporary classrooms. Every phase of

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