On the 15 May 2011 28 Sullivan pupils set off for an amazing trip to France. The day after arrival we visited the site where the battle of Vimy Ridge took place. We had a great tour of the battle field but had to be careful because there were unexploded mines! During our stay inFrance we visited many graves for the brave soldiers who fought in the wars to pay our respects. Whenever we visited the IrishPeaceTower, a member in the group, Matthew Crilly, actually found details about his great grandfather. During the trip we were able to get a really good feel of what the war was like because in most of the museums they had hundreds of pieces of equipment from the war and normally each had their own trench system. We also took a day excursion to Belgium to do some shopping and visit a museum there. When we visited the museum we were given names of people and we found out their story as we progressed through the museum. We went to a last post ceremony at Menin Gate. Nearly the whole town turned out to pay their respects to the soldiers at that time. On Saturday evening we transferred to the Chanteloup hotel in Paris. We had two days to marvel at the breath taking sights in Parisincluding the Arc de Triomphe, EiffelTower, Pont Alexandre III and others. On the day before we left, we went to Disneyland Paris; this was probably one of the most anticipated activities on the trip. Apart from all the queuing for the rides, it was unbelievable and I think everyone in the group enjoyed it even the teachers! After all the excitement at Disneyland we went on a Seine river tour. The tour took us along the river and showed us the most beautiful places in Paris. On the boat we had a waving competition to see who could get the most waves from people passing by the boat. Everybody waved frantically for about half an hour straight! The trip was amazing and I hope that there are many other trips like it. By Danny Lyttle 9D Year 9 French/History trip to Paris and the World War one sites The French history trip of 2011 was a great success; no one was really sure what it was going to be like, because no one had ever been on it before! On the first day we mainly travelled, so we didn’t get to see any of the interesting things! On the second day, we visited one of the sights of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, where all of the Canadian Regiments united and fought alongside some Ulster regiments as well. We went into some of the trenches that they’d dug out, but we couldn’t walk on the grass, as it was riddled with shell holes, and some shells which hadn’t gone off! On the same day, we also went to see two cemeteries, each had about 100 graves or more in it, and helped everyone to understand the magnitude of deaths caused in the 1st World War, and we also went to see a Memorial which was covered in names of soldiers whose bodies weren’t found. On the Third day, we drove all the way to Ypres in Belgium. First we visited the Island of Ireland Peace Memorial, and one of the pupils, Matthew Crilly, was able to find his great grandfathers name in the book! We then went to Hill 62 and Sanctuary Wood. It was a sort of museum of WW1, with loads of stuff like Artillery and uniforms which they had found in the surrounding areas, there were also lots of trenches ion the woods behind the centre, with dugouts and mini subways which they used to move men from the front line to the communication trenches without getting shot! We then drove to a main part of Ypres. After some shopping, we went to a very interesting museum, which had lots of information on the Battle of the Somme and other parts of WW1. Once we had dinner, we were lucky enough to be able attend a Last Post Ceremony. Everyone found it very moving, but were also happy to play a part in the remembrance  of the soldier’s lives. On Saturday, before we went to Paris, we drove to The Ulster Tower Memorial, which looked like a castle from the outside, but was a room with lots of Wreaths and Poppies in it. We then had a guided tour of the trenches, in which a man who was Northern Irish explained to us all of the equipment that the soldiers had to use, and bring with them on to the battlefield. One of our pupils, Peter Baker  was dressed up in the full kit of the Royal Ulster Fusiliers, and posed for pictures! He also showed us different things that they had discovered while they were excavating the wood. Some of these were, a spoon which was used by a man who was shot in the leg, and strangely, the bullet went through the spoon, causing the force of the bullet to be lessened. They’d also discovered a sealed test tube of iodine, which is what soldiers were given as an emergency painkiller in case they were shot on the battlefield and there was no immediate help. Everyone found this very interesting and we were all glad that we did it. After that, we went to a memorial, which had lots of British Regiments on it, and we were even able to find the name of a past Sullivan Pupil, Theopias L. Calwell! By the time we arrived at the second hotel we were all absolutely shattered, so were all happy to go to sleep! On Sunday, we went to the much anticipated Euro Disney, which everyone was looking forward to, with the possible exception of the teachers! After an amazing day in Disneyland, we drove back into Paris to go on a boat trip down the River Seine. It was really interesting, and told us all about the famous buildings as we went past them, there was even a bridge, that as you went under, you were meant to make a wish then kiss your neighbour! On Monday everyone was very excited, as we were visiting the Eiffel Tower! It was amazing and particular memorable for some of the pupils! Went up to the second level, and we were all glad, even looking down from there made everyone dizzy! By the time we all got to the airport, everyone was wishing that we could stay for another week, but unfortunately, we couldn’t, and were greeted at the airport by our parents. The French-History Trip was an amazing experience for everyone, and we would strongly recommend anyone going into Yr. 9 to jump at any opportunity to go on this trip, you won’t regret it! By Margot MacMahon & Sarah Storeng 9H

Defeated Glenlola Collegiate in the Final Lydia Kelly, Amy Rothwell, Claire McCrory and Emma Hill MINIOR BOYS’ WINNERS OF MINOR PLATE Defeated Banbridge Academy in the Final Joe Heatley, Jacob Robinson, David Cunningham and Sergio Oliva JUNIOR GIRLS’ WINNERS OF ULSTER SCHOOLS’ JUNIOR CUP

Congratulations to the following boys on being selected for representative teams as follows: Callum Robson and Thomas Anderson (Year 9) – U13 Inter Pros for NCU John Matchett (Year 9) and Mark Adair (Year 11, Captain) – U15 Inter Pros for NCU John Matchett (Captain) and Thomas Anderson (Year 9) – Lord Travener’s Belfast Squad to play in the National Finals. Ross Adair (Year 13) – to play for Ireland U17 in the European Championships.

Congratulations and well done to the following pupils who participated in the Championships in the Long Tower Youth Centre in Londonderry on 18 June 2011. Max Clarke (10D) won Gold in the under 73 kilo section. Sam Wilson (10D) won Bronze in the under 73 kilo section. Harry Wilson (10D) won Bronze in the under 50 kilo section.

The end of Year Art and Design and Moving Image Arts Showcase Tuesday, 28 June 2011  7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Drama Theatre and Common Room

Click on link for video interviews by Rob Irwin with the medallion squad:  Link Click on the link for video clip highlights of play including tries and conversions + links to over 300 pictures: Link Please visit  www.intouchrugby.com for other information.

Congratulations and well done to the following pupils who participated in the Championships in the Long Tower Youth Centre in Londonderry on 18 June 2011. Max Clarke (10D) won Gold in the under 73 kilo section Sam Wilson (10D) won Bronze in the under 73 kilo section Harry Wilson (10D) won Bronze in the under 50 kilo section.

STEM Academy Year 13 Summer Programme Monday 22 – Friday 26 August 2011 Please click here for more information Please click here for application form

Congratulations to Chelsa Hoey (Year 13) on her appointment as an Ambassador for Peace as a result of her work with young people in the community

The Endeavour Awards are awarded annually by the City of Belfast School of Music. These are awarded at the final concert of the year in the Ulster Hall and acknowledge and reward an individual in each musical group/activity for commitment, enthusiasm, musical ability, attendance and above all effort throughout the year. Two Sullivan pupils were amongst the awards this year: Year 8 Alexander Mills   trumpet             Junior Concert Orchestra Year 10 Joshua Hall       percussion        Concert Orchestra Both pupils received a cut glass trophy. Congratulations and well done to Alexander and Joshua on receiving the prestigious City of Belfast School of Music Endeavour Awards.

Please click HERE to read the Sullvian Upper Fencing Club’s report for 2010-2011

Sullivan Upper School is delighted to return to the Ulster Hall for its ever-popular Spring Concert. This will offer the opportunity for those both inside and outside the school community to enjoy a varied programme of music, ranging from orchestral pieces to ensemble groups; from the fine voices of The Sullivan Singers to exciting solo performances. Classical, traditional, jazz or popular, there is something in the programme to suit all musical tastes. Last year’s concert was a huge success and booked out quickly. So, book early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you there. Read Jennifer Gouck’s account of the 2010 concert: Other highlights from the first half included: the GCSE Rock Group, Saxophone Quartet, Piano Trio, and a solo performance from Tuba player Jonathan Thompson. The first half was brought to a close by the School Orchestra, conducted by Mrs Gillian Hartin and led by Amy Irvine. Over eighty members played two pieces: “Romeo and Juliet: Introduction and Finale” and the more familiar music from the 2003 film “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The second half opened explosively with the School Band, conducted by Mrs Gillian Pitt. The band played three pieces: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, “The King of Pop”, a tribute to Michael Jackson, and “Disco Lives” which comprised of three of the most iconic songs of the disco era: “Stayin’ Alive”, “I Will Survive”, and “YMCA” – and yes, audience members were expected to do the actions! To follow, the school Traditional Group, who may be travelling next year to Washington DC in order to attend local St Patrick’s Day celebrations, took to the stage. The group firstly played two pieces: “Scarce O’Tatties/Lyndhurst” and “Mná na hÉireann”, a traditional air. However, they were not alone on stage for long and were soon joined by a troop of Irish Dancers from The Aisling School of Dance. This made a spectacular performance of the group’s final piece, “Lord of the Dance” from the famous show “Riverdance” The school’s brass group, conducted by Mr Nathan Power also performed in the second half of the concert. The group played two pieces, “Russian Great Escape” and “The Muppet Show”, both arranged by conductor Mr Nathan Power himself. Sullivan Singers, conducted by Mrs Linda Montgomery, then took to the stage to sing “Introit” from “Requiem” by Karl Jenkins. This group of singers, involving both boys and girls, will represent the school once again at a concert in Holywood Parish Church in early April. The Sullivan Singers girls also sang three pieces later in the programme. Former pupil and special guest, Scott Foster, was the next performer. Scott began his percussion studies at the age of ten and later became a member of the Ulster Youth Orchestra and The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain where he was Principal Percussionist. Mr Foster also won Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year in 1998. It was no surprise, then, that Scott amazed the audience with two Marimba solos: “Little Prayers” by Evelyn Glennie and “Taps in Tempo” by Jan Berenska. The Jazz Group, conducted by Mr Davy Howell, also performed. Following this performance, Mr Stevenson took the opportunity to step forward and say a few words. In his speech, Mr Stevenson expressed his thanks to the school staff and pupils for such a magnificent performance, and the Music Department staff were presented with a small token of appreciation by pupils. Mr Stevenson then went on with great delight to introduce the concert finale.The finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from the 2007 musical “Hairspray” was sung by all two hundred and fifty performers and accompanied by a band made up of a selection of the school’s music tutors. It was fitting that all the performers received a standing ovation from the audience after all their hard work. The Music Department’s main problem now is making next year’s concert even better!