Alumni Newsletter Dec 2016

Alumni Newsletter December 2016 For more school news and to read The Owl Magazine, The Academy Newsletter, the Old Boys’ Association Newsletter and past copies of the Alumni Newsletter, please visit the school website at belfastroyalacademy.com belfastroyalacademy

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ALUMNI NEWS CLASS OF 2016 – CHRISTMAS REUNION

REUNIONS Class of 1991 – Saturday 10th September 2016 A Class of 1991 reunion took place in the Bureau Bar, Jordanstown, on Saturday 10th September.

Class of 1978 – Sunday 27th November 2016 A Class of 1978 reunion took place in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, on Sunday 27th November.

Cricket Reunion – Friday 16th June 2017 June 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 1st XI cricket team, arguably one of the greatest teams ever to play for the school. Six of the team played for either Ireland or Irish Schools. The team famously bowled out Campbell College for 5 and the team captain, Ian Johnston, scored a record 152 in the schools’ international v. Wales at Swansea.

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The team and coaches will hold a celebration lunch in the school library on Friday, June 16, 2017, a date that coincides with the school’s 1st XI cricket match against the Old Boys or, hopefully, the final of the Schools’ Cricket Cup in which another Academy side will be playing.

Perhaps more importantly, on the evening of June 16, there will be a dinner to celebrate the history of Academy cricket. Such an event has not previously been organized and it is hoped to attract as wide a selection of former school cricketers as possible. This event will take place at Royal Belfast Golf Club, Craigavad, and those interested are encouraged to contact the event organizer, Dr. Graham Crothers, at grahamcrothers@yahoo.com.

Martin Blake Class of 1977 Reunion – Saturday 27th May 2017 40th Reunion - Bay City Rollers, Star wars, Annie Hall, President Carter, Steve Biko, Commodore PET….1977! I and a few others from our year in B.R.A. will be holding their 40th year reunion on May 27th 2017. We have compiled a database of all known contacts but if you have any leads for anyone in that year, or wish to register your interest in attending, please contact me at jamieson1@ntlworld.com Roly Jamison Class of 1988 Reunion – Friday 13th October 2017 A reunion for Alumni who left B.R.A. in 1988, or who left at the end of Form V in 1986, is being planned for Friday 13th October 2017. The details of this have still to be confirmed. Keep in touch with news of this on Facebook: BRA Class of ‘88 & (‘86) reunion, or contact Dr Louis Campbell at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk.

SHARED EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME The Shared Experience Programme is co-ordinated by Eddie McCamley, who is very grateful to former pupils who give so generously of their time to encourage ambition and aspiration among our pupils, by sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise in varied fields. Please contact Eddie at edward.mccamley@googlemail.com if you are interested in participating in the Shared Experience Programme.

Laura Farrington (Pupil 2008 – 2015) Former pupil Laura Farrington returned to school on Thursday 15th September to speak to Form II Technology pupils about opportunities in Engineering.

Dr Hannah Cooper (Pupil 1999 – 2006) and Dr Katy Stewart (2002 - 2009) Hannah and Katy, pictured right, spoke to prospective medics on 26th October and gave advice about Multi Mini Interview Simulations.

Mark McCrory (Pupil 1976 – 1982) Mark, owner of the Dirty Duck gastropub in Holywood, visited School on 10th October and spoke to future entrepreneurs on the challenges and rewards of owning a business. His wife, Mandy (nee Abbott), is also a former pupil, 1974 – 1981.

Rachel O’Neill (Pupil 2008 – 2015) Rachel, who is in her second year of studying Liberal Arts with RE, returned to School on Monday 21st November, with a representative of St Mary’s, to talk about the Liberal Arts course.

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Kim Mawhinney (Pupil 1979 - 1986) Kim, pictured left with Mrs Kerr and Mrs O’Donnell, hosted a Shared Experience seminar for Sixth Form pupils from both the Art and Business Studies departments at the Art Department of the Ulster Museum on Tuesday 22nd November.

Kim is presently Head of Art for National Museums Northern Ireland. She is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Art Department, managing the curatorial staff, and for also for research and interpretation, usually through exhibition. Kim recently visited the Academy to view the new Heritage Room.

SEEKING FORMER PUPIL, SUSAN ELLEN MACDONALD Kirsty Hills is hoping to make contact with her relative, Susan Ellen MacDonald, who left Belfast Royal Academy in 1967 and went on to Portsmouth to do teacher training.

If you are in touch with Susan, Kirsty would be very appreciative if you would consider passing on her email address: kirhills@hotmail.com ALUMNI UPDATES Sarah Gordon (Pupil 2000 – 2007) Sarah works in theatre and film; her recent play, ‘A Sinkhole in Guatemala’, premiered at the Tiger Dublin Fringe festival in September 2016, and was also performed in Belfast in October as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival. She studied at Dublin's NCAD and Hochschule Luzern. She received graduate residency awards from Blackchurch Print Studio and Belfast Print Workshop. She has completed residencies in Canada, Mexico and Texas, and an internship with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Prime Cut were delighted to announce that Sarah was one of 3 artists it would be supporting in 2016 through its REVEAL programme.

Brenda McManus (Pupil 1978 – 1985) Brenda has lived and worked in Rome all her adult life. She and her husband Claudio came back for a tour of the School and were, by their own admission, hugely impressed.

Karen Morrison (Pupil 1973 – 1980) Karen has recently been appointed Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience, and Director of Education, Professor of Neurology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton.

She is also an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Southampton.

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Daniel Dass (Pupil 2006 – 2013) Daniel was the toast of Cambridge on 8th December after leading the Light Blues to their first victory in the Varsity Match at Twickenham since 2009.

He said ““I’m just so, so happy to have the win and seeing how happy the boys are on the pitch, then to look up at the stands and the old boys that I play with there just loving it.”

Daniel is pictured at the celebrations with Michael George (Pupil 1974 – 1981) and Michael Haslett (Pupil 1990 – 1997).

Angela McGowan (Pupil 1986 – 1988) Angela is the first woman to become Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Northern Ireland.

Angela studied at Queen’s and Ulster University, before working at Queen’s University, the NI Economic Council and as Chief Economist at Danske Bank. She took up her new post in October 2016.

OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION Thank you to Dinner Secretary, Iain Knox, for organising the Old Boys’ Dinner on Saturday 26th November in the Wellington Park Hotel. The President, Mr Robb Fletcher, enjoyed welcoming Old Boys and their guests to what is the premier function of the Association.

Regular lunches, hosted mainly in Golf Clubs in the Greater Belfast area, are co-ordinated by Robin Reid. The September lunch at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, which was held on Thursday 22nd, was a very special one. The Association’s special guest at this event was Hon. Vice President, Mr Des Simon who, two days earlier, had celebrated his 100th birthday with his family. The President, Robb Fletcher, spoke warmly about Mr Simon and presented him with a card which had been signed by all the attendees. In return, Mr Simon thanked Robb for his kind words and thanked those present for their friendship over the years.

A Christmas lunch was held on Monday 12th December in Knock Golf Club.

The fourth annual London Dinner, organised by the Old Boys’ Association, will be held on Friday 24th February 2017 at the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London. [Last year, over 70 Former Pupils attended the London Dinner which was also held in the RAF Club.] Judging from the success of the previous three dinners we anticipate that there will be an increased demand for places for the 2017 Dinner and Former Pupils are advised to book their places early, in order to avoid disappointment. Information about this event can be obtained by contacting me at doc_malone2004@yahoo.co.uk.

Following the success of the London Dinners, the Old Boys’ Association have made a provisional booking at the New Club, Princes Street, Edinburgh for a Scottish Dinner to be held on Friday 28th April ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2016

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2017. Already around 30 Former Pupils have indicated an interest in attending this dinner. Again, information about this event can be obtained from me at the email address given above.

Dr L Campbell, Hon. Secretary OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION The Old Girls Association held our first Annual Dinner on 3rd September 2016 at Ten Square Hotel, Belfast. This was a huge success, enjoyed immensely by all in attendance. It was a night of drinks, food and plenty of dancing. We saw many new faces, and are sure that the success of this year will lead to an even bigger event next year.

On 21st October we had another first – a hockey match at Roughfort - the OG XI v 1st XI. Although a freezing cold night, many supporters braved the weather to see the 1st XI defeat the OG XI and lift the trophy. With some ladies playing for the Old Girls for the first time in 20 years, I think they did themselves and the Old Girls proud. With a few more practice sessions before the next match, the Old Girls will be hoping to lift the trophy next time.

Another night on our calendar was 4th November in Jordanstown Bowling Club, where we had a wine tasting hosted by Gap Wines. Peter McBride ensured all learnt something new while enjoying the array of wines and canapés.

To round off a busy few months, the Annual General Meeting was held in The Academy Club on 16th November 2016. Thanks to all who attended and contributed with ideas for fundraising and supporting the school. With a new committee and fresh suggestions, we look forward to the year ahead, with some exciting projects which we hope will be completed before the end of the school year.

Upcoming events 3rd February 2017 – Roly’s Quiz Night at the Academy Club, Mallusk at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 2nd September 2017 – Annual Dinner at Ten Square Hotel, Belfast. Time and ticket price TBA. October / November 2017 – Annual hockey match OG XI v 1st XI. Date TBA. If you would like to enquire about any of the above events or are interested in joining us, please email BRAOldGirls@outlook.com.

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Claire McGovern, Membership Officer FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY (FOTA) FOTA consists of members of staff and parents, both past and present. We are committed to enhancing the school experience of pupils and parents. We do this through fundraising and supporting staff at ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2016

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various events. This year we have provided refreshments at Open Evenings/Mornings, the Senior Carol Service and Ben Madigan Carol Service.

In June we hosted a Drinks Reception following the Summer Serenade to enable the Music Department to showcase the new state-of-the-art facilities to parents.

On the first day of term we trialled a breakfast for Form I parents. We had in excess of 120 attendees. It was a very informal affair and was really well received by parents and staff alike. As a result of its success the breakfast will now be an annual event in the School Calendar.

Throughout the year we host a number of fundraising events including a quiz and uniform sales. The main event is the Supper Dance. This year we had a 'Back 2 School' dance in the Jackson Suite in school. It was a very successful evening with 117 guests attending.

We look forward to welcoming you to our future events: 9th February 2017, Wine Tasting Evening at Belfast Royal Academy and 13th May 2017, Supper Dance at the Dunadry Hotel.

It just remains for us to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kim Burns, Chair, FOTA Committee SCHOOL ARCHIVES A number of books have been published on the history of Belfast Royal Academy, available to purchase from the school.

In each edition of the Alumni Newsletter we will feature an aspect of school history, excerpted from these books. If there is a theme or an era you would be particularly interested in reading about, please do tell us!

Reminisces of Drama Productions at Belfast Royal Academy Academically, Drama is now an integral part of English at Belfast Royal Academy; all Form II pupils study Drama, it is available as an option at Form III and offered at GCSE and GCE Level. The school has a purpose-built drama studio and a performance space in Wingfield.

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Through the extra-curricular Junior Drama Club and the Dramatic Society, pupils are given the chance to show their enthusiasm and love of drama and school drama productions continue to thrive under the leadership of Roly Jamison and Senior Subject Teacher for Drama, Sarah Tinman.

Historically, a play used to form the second half of the Christmas Concert, and by 1933 it had apparently become ‘undoubtedly the most popular item’.

The following reminisces were shared by former pupils for the book published to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Academy in 2010.

Bryan Cairns (Pupil 1948-1952) “…..then there were the school plays. Having an English accent, I landed the role as Henry Higgins in Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’. Fortunately we had an immensely talented actress, Joan Moore, to play Eliza, so all went well.

Christmas Concert Play, 1933 ‘A Minute’s Wait’, by Martin Hugh, set in Dunfail Station. The guard is Kenneth Withers who went to become editor of the Newsletter.

Barbara Black (Pupil 1946 – 1955) “Amongst my many colourful memories of those at BRA the Dramatic Society comes to the fore. The two plays I appeared in were ‘She Stoops to Conquer’, performed in 1954 and in 1955, ‘Arms and the Man’, The performances, which were always to full houses of proud families and friends, were at the Duncairn Hall.”

Ian Woods (Pupil 1975 – 1982) “It was only after accidently taking up drama that I came out of my shell.

I say accidently because I thought I was attending a meeting for potential stage-hands, but ended up among those wanting to be extras.

I was hooked. Leading roles followed. I grew in confidence. If it hadn’t been for the Dramatic Society I doubt whether I would have made a career in television (as Sky News Australia Correspondent).”

WRA Porter (Pupil 1977 – 1986) “As we sat around the table in C1, the Dramatic Society’s reading of ‘West Side Story’ was swift as the performers already grasped their characters’ essences under Mr Stephen Connolly’s expert directorial guidance.

Tuesday, Friday and weekend calls were carefully scrutinised by the cast as soon as they were posted in our little glass shrine – the B.R.A.D.S. notice board outside the boys’ toilets. The departments that contribute to a theatrical production – costumes, set design & construction, lighting and publicity – all toiled away in the background as the cast learnt their lines, songs, dance movements and businesses.

Months of mayhem, madness and music brought us to the production week, musicians and cast primed and ready, our week played to full houses. Tyrone Guthrie once said that the standard of amateur ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2016

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drama in NI is on par with any professional production. I think the productions of The Dramatic Society proved – and continue to prove – just that.”

Of last year’s smash-hit production Hairspray, Mr Dickson, Headmaster, said, “Congratulations to Miss Tinman and to all involved in Hairspray – I don’t think I have heard so many great singing performances in one production before. Funny and accomplished, it was really excellent!”

This year’s much anticipated production will be ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ – more details can be found under ‘Current School News’.

The Old Boys’ Association presented the School with funding to frame programmes, photographs and other memorabilia from School Productions; these are on display in the School Assembly Hall. If you would be interested in viewing these, please contact the Alumni Office to arrange a guided tour with Roly Jamison and test his knowledge which is, in his words, “encyclopaedic”!

THE OWL

THE ACADEMY NEWSLETTER ‘The Owl’ is published each December and ‘The Academy Newsletter’ each June.

Both publications are available on the School website under ‘Our School’.

The Owl can be purchased from the School Office for £5.00. It can also be posted and the total cost including postal charge is currently £8.50 for United Kingdom addresses; other charges apply to ROI, Europe and overseas. If you would like to receive a postal copy of The Owl, please contact the Alumni Office.

CURRENT SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL OPEN EVENINGS Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th January 2017 6.45 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.; Headmaster’s Talks, 7.00 p.m. & 8.00 p.m.

Prospective pupils, including Sixth Formers, and their parents are invited to tour the School, meet staff and pupils, view the facilities and experience the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer at Belfast Royal Academy.

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SUCCESSFUL FUNDING APPLICATION FOR ROUGHFORT! Great news! We have been successful in our ‘Developing Parental Engagement through Sport’ funding application to the One Family Foundation – winning a £25,000 award for the construction of a specially designed shelter, with a coffee / food dock.

Thank you to the One Family Foundation and to all those who supported us by voting!

SPRING CONCERT INVITATION Belfast Royal Academy is delighted to invite all former pupils and friends of the School to the Annual Spring Concert.

Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast city centre Wednesday 15th March 2017 7.30 p.m. £10 adults £8 students Further information and tickets will be available from the Ulster Hall website in January. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ulster Hall box office in person / by telephoning 028 9033 4455 and on the evening.

A stunning highlight of last year’s Spring Concert was the performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ in the second half of the Concert performed by 350 pupils (and some staff!) from all the School’s music groups and choirs. Mr Dickson, Headmaster, said “The concert in the Ulster Hall last night was outstanding. The quality of the performances and the diversity and ambition of the programme were exceptional. It was one of those occasions which make me proud of what we do!”

SCHOOL PLAY INVITATION When Jesus Christ Superstar was first screened in the 1970’s, I was intrigued by the controversy that surrounded it. Now several decades later there are still those who object to the staging of the show. It is rather ironic how Life imitates Art in that the reaction to Jesus in Palestine as depicted on stage is mirrored by some public reaction to it still. Why? The choice of this Opera is an attempt to explore this question and to revisit one of the most significant episodes in world history in a contemporary setting.

There is and has been a rich seam of talent in BRA with respect to the Performing Arts and this exacting show will allow that talent to be tested, displayed and examined in March 2017. I believe this will be a significant production but on this occasion I do not think it is ‘one for all the family’ as it considers the profound tension between Judas’ earthly vision and Christ’s heavenly vision leading to a traumatic conclusion.

Please save a space in your diary for Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th or Friday 31st March 2017 Roly Jamison

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Belfast Royal Academy

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME (S.E.P.) FACILITIES On Wednesday 14th September, Education Minister, Peter Weir, visited school to open our new £4million facilities, provided through the School Enhancement Programme. The project included the construction of a new two-storey building to provide purpose built accommodation for music and learning support together with the extension and refurbishment of the Jackson building which provided new dining facilities, Home Economics accommodation and toilets.

The Headmaster said: “I am delighted to welcome the Minister to the official opening of our major capital project to significantly enhance facilities for our pupils. The school now has a purpose built music suite, equipped with the most up to date technology, a new dining area which also serves as a relaxing social space for pupils, as well as accommodating meetings and functions. In addition, we also have a refurbished Home Economics suite, new Business Studies classrooms and a Learning Support Suite.”

PRIZE DAY Prize Day 2016 was held on Friday 28th October in the beautiful surrounds of The Assembly Buildings, Belfast. Guest speaker this year was TV presenter and former Academy pupil, Claire McCollum.

Congratulations to all the prize winners and a big thank you to the Senior Choir and Orchestra for their immensely accomplished and enjoyable performances. Roly Jamison’s excellent Prize Day video can be seen on the School’s YouTube Channel.

CCEA TOP ACHIEVING CANDIDATES Congratulations to Shane Martin, who achieved 1st place in GCSE Physical Education and to Aidan Murray who placed joint 1st in GCSE Science SA Modular and Anna McClurg who placed joint 1st in GCSE Art & Design.

Rhys McKendry achieved 1st place in GCE Advanced Level Economics and Juanita O’Kane placed joint 1st in Art & Design.

BEN MADIGAN This has been a particularly busy first term. We appointed pupils to represent various committees throughout the school i.e. Eco Schools Committee and Active Schools Committee as well as the newly established ‘Digital Leaders Programme.’ We held our annual coffee morning for ‘Macmillan Cancer’ and raised £1,144.60. The children also donated money for a non-uniform day and raised £136.00 for the Northern Ireland Hospice. Ben Madigan was selected as one of three schools in Northern Ireland to launch the start of the National ‘Children in Need’ campaign. Our fundraising event produced £600 for the charity.

A new Extra-Curricular programme was rolled out offering many new options including, ‘PlayBall’, golf club, Jumping Clay, animation club and art club, along with a much fuller programme of music with guitars, piano, violin and drums. We launched our whole school ‘Accelerated Reader’ programme ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – December 2016

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which is proving a great success. Prep 5 pupils worked alongside P5 pupils from Park Lodge to plant a wildflower meadow in the Cavehill Country Park and our new Library hosted local actor John Lander as part of World Poetry Day. Prep 4 class participated in a Music Makers project and performed in front of other schools at the Fortwilliam Centre. Preps 4 to 6 were invited along to the ‘Friendship Four Festival’ at the SSE Arena where they cheered on two Ice Hockey teams from America and also visited W5.

Our Choir had its first outing of the year with a visit to Clifton Residential Home.

With the assistance of the newly formed School Development Association, we revamped our Annual Open Day this year, to include a Santa’s Grotto as well as some festive stalls. The event was a great success with many prospective parents attending, as well as our current pupils and parents.

ART COMMISSION OF THE CROMBIE BUILDING Tanya Mai Johnston is a Belfast based artist who was privately commissioned by a current teacher to draw Belfast Royal Academy in her quirky, unique and fun style.

Limited edition prints are available to purchase via her online shop http://www.maibendyart.co.uk/#!prints/c8ku. She also trades at St. George’s Market.

EUROPEAN HERITAGE OPEN DAY Along with about three hundred other historic buildings in Northern Ireland, the Academy was open to the public on the morning of Saturday 10th September. We were pleased to welcome visitors to the School, about half of whom were seeing the Academy for the first time.

This year was especially significant in that one of the features of Heritage Open Day was an afternoon tour of those buildings in Belfast designed by the firm of Young and Mackenzie. The Crombie building was constructed to designs submitted by Young and MacKenzie, where Robert Young, the founder of the firm, who had been a pupil at the Academy.

SPORTING NEWS RUGBY The 1st XV won the Ian Graham Cup at Grosvenor.

They defeated Banbridge Academy and Wesley College in the group stages, and then defeated Grosvenor Grammar in the final.

SWIMMING The Swimming Club produced some excellent results at the Ulster Grammar Schools’ Championships, held in Ballymena on Saturday 26th November. The Senior Girls and Senior Boys won overall titles, with the school claiming the ‘Best Grammar School’ accolade, picking up 47 medals in total.

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GOLF The Senior Golf team competed in the Irish Schools’ Senior Championship at Malone Golf Club on Monday 12th September, qualifying for the semi-final stage to be played in March 2017.

In difficult, blustery conditions, Tom McKibbin led the way with an outstanding 1 over par round, gaining 35 stableford points. He was followed by Keaton Morrison, who carded a solid 7 over par round, giving us another 29 points. Rhys Goodall and Owen Donnelly contributed to our total with 25 points and 21 points respectively. Our total of 89 points (best 3 scores) saw us finish in 3rd place.

We look forward to Tuesday 28th March 2017, when we play 2nd placed Sullivan Upper in the semi-

final.

INTERNATIONAL LIFESAVING TOURNAMENT Four Academy swimmers – Lorcan Gourley, Ollie Parkes, Lui Hurson and Finn Purdy – were selected to represent the UK at the Lifesaving Orange Cup at the weekend of the 12th and 13th of November in Eindhoven, Holland. Competing against teams from Germany, Holland, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and other countries from across the world, the Relay team of Lui Hurson and Finn Purdy broke two British records in the Medley and Obstacle Relays. The Northern Irish contingent of the UK team also did well in their individual events, with all four setting personal best times. Lui Hurson had a brilliant swim in his 200m Obstacle Race to pick up a Silver medal.

HOCKEY Congratulations to the 1st XI, who won the Prior Shield at Lisnagarvey on Wednesday 14th December.

Friends’ had more of the play, but our boys defended as though their lives depended on it. The score was 0 – 0 after extra time, so it went to 5 penalty flicks: we were one ahead, but the last flick was saved, so it went to ‘sudden death’ penalties – and we won!

Speaking of sudden death, the tension was not good for the hearts of old men…

Everyone played their part with unswerving commitment and concentration, but our goalkeeper, Seweryn, was outstanding – he was judged to be ‘Man of the Match’ (his personality seemed to create a forcefield around our goal). Heroes all.

We shared the trophy in 1998 and last won it in 1992.

Thank you to Kevin, David and our other hockey coaches, who have done an outstanding job with this group of players (they reached a Taylor Cup final and semi-final as U16s). It was a great afternoon and a fitting reward for their efforts. Mark Long would have been proud, and was perhaps toasting their success somewhere...

Moore Dickson

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS UKMT MATHS QUIZ The Senior Maths team won the Northern Ireland round of the UKMT competition on Friday 18th November and will represent NI at the UK final in London next year.

PATRICK KAVANAGH POETRY COMPETITION Gabriel Bador (Form V) has been awarded 3rd Place in the Patrick Kavanagh Student Poetry Awards 2016. The Patrick Kavanagh Centre holds their famous competition annually to celebrate the life of this well-loved poet.

This competition has helped many poets launch their writing careers and Belfast Royal Academy is delighted that Gabriel has joined this poetic hall of fame.

Neon Daze by Gabriel Bador Bleed city, Bleed away Let the neon haze smudge today.

While the past shambles home, As the oily owls roam.

Sleep city, Sleep away As I sip the scent of smoke so grey.

As fingertips flicker when the street lights die, And clouds hide a pedantic sky.

Stay city, Stay away When florescent suns break their rays.

And walking suits are sent to scatter, While held against a frenzied chatter.

Hum city, Hum away Till the copper cars end their sway.

And the rails let out a perpetual shiver, All drawn along a winding river.

Shout city, Shout away As straightened lines are led astray.

For shuffled feet pause against the pack, Of dimming stars rotten black.

Fade city, Fade away Build your walls with hardened clay.

Gaze with wandering, watchful eye, And hang among a painted lie.

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ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S “CATS” Congratulations to Laura Browne and Aoife O’Hagan, who successfully auditioned and were cast in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats, directed by Peter Corry. They performed two shows at the SSE Arena, Belfast on 6th August.

Laura played Mister Mistoffelees and Aoife was Alonzo.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

The aim of the Alumni Office is to engage with our past pupils. We can help you to remain connected to the School and to your former classmates. We can help to put you back in touch with old school friends and to assist with the organisation of reunions, visits to the School and other events. The Alumni Office also administers the Old Girls’ and Old Boys’ Associations membership and email communications. An Alumni Calendar of Events is available in the Alumni section of the school website.

Your contribution, feedback and suggestions to this Newsletter are always welcomed. If you have a piece of news that you think others would be interested in, please email us with an accompanying photo. The Alumni Newsletter is published 3 times a year in December, March and June.

We appreciate your help to ensure that your contact details are up to date and to actively encourage friends, colleagues, siblings and other family members who were pupils at Belfast Royal Academy to join the alumni family. An online sign up form is available in the Alumni section of the school website; alternatively please use the email address given below. All alumni data is held securely in the School in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Belfast Royal Academy.

The School will be closed from Wednesday 21st December to Tuesday 3rd January inclusive.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and all our best wishes for 2017!

Alumni Office Belfast Royal Academy 3 – 17 Cliftonville Road BELFAST BT14 6JL 028 9074 0423 akerns246@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk

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Belfast Royal Academy