Shimna College opened on the 1st September 1994 after enrolling 60 students from both sides of the community. The parents of those 60 students continued the parental support by setting up our Parents' Council. A small group of parents met once a month in the Brook Cottage and in no time at all were running fundraising events and supporting the college.

The first real test for the Parents' Council was on the 13th of December 1995 when they catered for the official opening on the current premises in the Lawnfield. This involved a large group of people from DENI, NICIE and a few invited guests. The parents were involved in the moving of equipment from Murlough to the new premises and leaving Murlough clean.

The Parents' Council provide teas at school events and in June each year they organise a barbeque for the new Year 8 intake and their parents.  The Parents' Council also supports the 6th form committee in running events for younger students.

The Parents' Council is the main source of fundraising for the college.  Many subject departments have benefited from additional funding through the Parents' Council.  

The Parents' Council also plays a vital part in the review of policies carried out on a regular basis by the Board of Governors. This year's reviews have included our drugs education policy, our child protection policy and our homework policy.  

Haughian House

James Haughian's family came originally from the Mourne Mountains. He lives in California. He inherited the stone built cottage from his Aunt Catherine, who lived there, alone and independent, all her life. Mr Haughian has always kept in touch with Co Down through his subscription to the Mourne Observer. When he read about the opening of our school, he offered us the use of the cottage for a nominal rent of £1.00 per year. The cottage is in a perfect situation for exploring Slieve Binnian and the Silent Valley. Our Duke of Edinburgh's Award students use the cottage for their expedition training, and Shimna families have borrowed the key to use the cottage for a peaceful day in the mountains.  The installation this year of our composting toilet means that the cottage can be used for a wider range of activities for our students.