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Cookstown High School U14…2 (Noah Cuddy & Callum Hewitt) Royal Belfast Academical Institute…1 (Isaac Linton) Cookstown High School clinched their seventh U14 Schools Cup title after edging past long-standing rivals RBAI by a single goal at the Stormont Estate. In a much-anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, Cookstown High School faced off against RBAI in the U14 Schools Cup of Ulster Hockey. Despite the dismal weather, with relentless rain soaking the pitch throughout the game, the atmosphere crackled with excitement as the teams stepped onto the field at The Pavilion, Stormont. Cookstown High School wasted no time asserting their dominance, finding the back of the net in the 6th minute with a well-executed penalty corner routine. Noah Cuddy, the goal scorer from the previous 2023 final, once again showcased his skill by scoring the opening goal, setting the tone for the match. Cookstown extended their advantage in the 44th minute through a splendid combination play between Noah Cuddy and Callum Hewitt, with the latter calmly finishing the move to make it 2-0. However, RBAI refused to capitulate. In the 46th minute, Isaac Linton got a goal back, reigniting the contest and setting the stage for a tense finale. Both teams executed a good offensive press, creating numerous chances and keeping the game fluid and fast-paced. Played over four intense quarters, the match saw Cookstown dominating possession. Their defence held strong against RBAI's attacks, particularly excelling in defending penalty corners. Marcus Gillis played a crucial role as goalkeeper, making some very important saves to keep Cookstown in the game. Joshua Ferguson impressed at right midfield, orchestrating plays, and dictating the tempo of attacks. Meanwhile, Charlie Costelloe, Ben Barbour, David Cuddy, and Will Redford showcased a resilient defensive effort, thwarting RBAI's attempts. Caleb Crooks impressed on the left wing, displaying composure and skill in retaining possession. As the final whistle blew, both teams had given their all, epitomising the true spirit of U14 hockey. Despite the challenging weather conditions, it was heartening to see so many supporters down to watch. Furthermore, it was wonderful to witness all the families’ getting pictures and creating memories with the cup after the game, underscoring the significance of the win. Squad: Ben Barbour, Daniel Brownlee, Noah Cuddy, Charlie Costelloe (c), Bobbi Robinson (vc), Caleb Crooks, David Cuddy, Joshua Ferguson, Marcus Gillis, Callum Hewitt, Dylan Hughes, Stanley Jackson, Luke Johnston, TJ Kelly, David Nelson, Will Redford, Ross Taylor, and Matthew Watters. Coaches: Michael Haycock, Stephen Cuddy, and Julian Costelloe Head of Sport Cookstown High School Mr M Haycock "I am delighted for the boys and it’s great to have another school’s cup back in the trophy cabinet," remarked Michael Haycock, Head of Sport at Cookstown High School. "Our school has a rich history of being able to compete with the large Grammar Schools throughout the province. We targeted this cup at the start of the year and Julian Costelloe, and Stephen Cuddy have worked hard with the boys every week. This is a very strong group of players, and I am hopeful that several of them can go on to represent Ulster U16s next season. Can I thank all the pupils, staff, and parents for their support for the boys, it is very much appreciated." Captain Charlie Costelloe "We have worked hard with our coaches, and I am thrilled that we have brought the Ferris back to our school. I would like to thank everyone that came down to support; it was a great day. However, we don’t have long to celebrate as we need to get back on the training pitch. We have the All Ireland U14 John Waring trophy to prepare for." Cookstown High School Principal Miss G J Evans "As the school principal of Cookstown High School, I am thrilled to see the boys bring the Ferris Cup back to CHS for the second year in a row, and it is thoroughly well deserved. We are immensely proud of their passion, teamwork, character, and commitment; they have performed admirably all season," expressed Miss G Evans. "The team were really well prepared by their coaches - sincere thanks to Mr M Haycock, Mr J Costelloe, and Mr S Cuddy for their unwavering dedication and commitment." Squad: Back: Michael Haycock, TJ Kelly, Stanley Jackson, Julian Costelloe, Daniel Brownlee, Callum Hewitt, Marcus Gillis, David Nelson, Ross Taylor, David Cuddy, Dylan Hughes, Caleb Crooks, Matthew Watters, Stephen Cuddy, Front: Ben Barbour, Joshua Ferguson, Noah Cuddy, Charlie Costelloe (c), Bobbi Robinson (vc), Will Redford, Luke Johnston

Cookstown High School u13…2 (Noah Cuddy x2) Friends School Lisburn u13…2 (Carter Lunn & Angus Barbour) (Cookstown won on Penalty Runs) Cookstown High School's under 13 hockey team etched their names in history once more as they clinched the prestigious Bannister Bowl for the second consecutive year. The Bannister Bowl, the pinnacle of under 13 schoolboy hockey, witnessed a thrilling showdown between Cookstown High School and Friends School Lisburn, ending in a captivating 2-2 draw after full time. However, it was Cookstown's prowess in the penalty runs that ultimately sealed their victory, ensuring their reign as champions. The match began with Cookstown asserting their dominance in the early stages, exemplified by Noah Cuddy's clinical finish from a penalty corner in the 6th minute, setting the tone for an intense battle. Despite Cookstown's initial onslaught, Friends School Lisburn quickly found their footing, with Angus Barbour levelling the score in the 23rd minute, showcasing their resilience and determination. As the game progressed, both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy, with Carter Lunn capitalising on a penalty corner opportunity in the 40th minute to give Friends School Lisburn a crucial advantage. However, Cookstown refused to relent, with Noah Cuddy once again proving his mettle by converting another penalty corner in the 47th minute, restoring parity and igniting hopes of a comeback. Throughout the encounter, Cookstown's goalkeeper Marcus Gillis exhibited exceptional skill and composure between the posts, thwarting numerous attempts from Friends School Lisburn and keeping his team in contention with his outstanding saves. Despite their best efforts, neither side could find a winner in regular time, leading to a tense penalty shootout to determine the ultimate victor. Cookstown held their nerve admirably, converting all their penalty runs flawlessly, while Friends School Lisburn managed only one successful attempt, courtesy of captain Carter Lunn. Once again, Marcus Gillis proved to be the hero for Cookstown, making crucial saves in the penalty runs to secure victory for his team. The decisive moment arrived when TJ Kelly confidently converted Cookstown's winning run-in, sparking scenes of jubilation among players and supporters alike. Cookstown High School's under 13 team celebrated in style, revelling in their achievement of retaining the Bannister Bowl for another year. Cookstown Squad Archie Hall, Daniel Brownlee, Daniel Hood, Dylan Hughes, Harry Jordan, Henry Lee, Jake Simpson, Josh Ferguson (Vice Captain), Luke Johnston, Marcus Gillis (Vice Captain), Matthew Watters, Neil Rea, Noah Cuddy (Captain), Ryan Cahoon, Stanley Jackson, TJ Kelly, Will Redford. Coaches: Cat Hall, Michael Haycock, Stephen Cuddy CAPTAIN Noah Cuddy "Today was class! Our team has gotten so much better since the season started. Even though everyone thought we were the underdogs, we've got some seriously good players that can give any team a run for their money. The game was very tough, but we kept going and Marcus was absolutely brilliant in goal during the penalty shootout!" HEAD OF SPORT MICHAEL HAYCOCK "What really impressed me about the U13 team is how they never gave up, even when things were tough against a really strong Friends team. Noah Cuddy always steps up when it matters most, and he was so calm when we needed that equaliser to push for penalty runs. And when it came to the shootout, we're lucky to have Marcus Gillis in goal – he's like a brick wall! It's amazing because we've never retained the Bannister before, so this win means a lot to us." PRINCIPAL MISS G EVANS "What an amazing week for hockey at our school! It was great to see our students showing so much enthusiasm, putting in the hard work, and showing real character on the field. We always emphasise teamwork here, and the U13s really showed what that means. Huge congratulations to all the squads and their coaches!"

Cookstown High School u15…2 (Callum Hewitt & Edward Irwin) RBAI u15… (Frank Holloway) On the 20th of March 2024, Cookstown High School faced off against RBAI in the Richardson Cup Final, the culmination of under 15s Ulster school hockey. This highly anticipated rematch of the Ferris Cup Final promised an intense battle, and it certainly lived up to expectations. In a fiercely contested match, Cookstown emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win, marking their 13th Richardson Cup victory. The game ignited early as RBAI's Frank Hollway swiftly converted a penalty corner in the 6th minute, catching Cookstown off guard with an early lead. Despite this setback, Cookstown's spirits remained high. In the 10th minute, Cookstown came close to equalising, but a deflection over the bar denied them a goal. However, their resilience paid off in the 14th minute when Callum Hewitt showcased exceptional skill, equalising for Cookstown with a sublime swivel and flick. Momentum shifted in Cookstown's favour, and although RBAI narrowly missed a penalty corner opportunity in the 20th minute, Cookstown's defence held firm. The defining moment arrived in the 29th minute when Cookstown's captain, Ed Irwin, demonstrated his leadership by flicking home another penalty corner, securing the lead once again. Captain Irwin's standout performance throughout the match was instrumental in Cookstown's victory. Despite dominating possession, Cookstown couldn't extend their advantage further, but their resolute defence ensured they held on for the win. Notable performances came from Lee Brisbane, Charlie Costelloe, and David Cuddy, whose contributions were crucial in maintaining Cookstown's solid defensive line. Additionally, Isaac Kelso and Ethan Redford showcased their prowess in counter-attacking, creating numerous chances and winning penalty corners for their team. This victory was not only a triumph in itself but also secured the Junior Cup Schools treble for Cookstown, following victories in the Bannister Bowl (u13) and Ferris Cup (u14) earlier in the week. Such an achievement, previously accomplished only by Banbridge Academy, highlights Cookstown's rich heritage in schoolboy hockey and reflects the excellent coaching within the school. Cookstown Squad Aaron Abernethy, Ben Barbour, Joshua Bell, Lee Brisbane, Caleb Caskey, Charlie Costelloe, David Cuddy, Caleb Crooks, Edward Irwin (captain), Isaac Kelso, Sam Hamill, Jack Patterson, Benji Patterson, Bobbi Robinson, Ethan Redford Coaches: Godfrey Irwin, Julian Costelloe, Michael Haycock & Stephen Cuddy CAPTAIN Ed Irwin "Securing the U15 Richardson Cup feels like a dream come true. Scoring during the game felt great, but what truly shines is the collective effort of our team. This victory isn't just ours; it belongs to our school, our coaches, and everyone who's supported us along the way. Today's match was tough, but achieving the Junior Schools Cup treble makes it even more special, especially considering we knew that the 13s and 14s had already won their cups. Facing off against RBAI is always a challenge; many of us know their players well, as we've competed together in the same Ulster team. This familiarity adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition, making the victory more satisfying. RBAI is a formidable team, and they're a great bunch of lads. It's great to compete against them." HEAD OF SPORT MICHAEL HAYCOCK "It's truly an amazing achievement for our school to secure all three junior schools cups. This is a feat we've never accomplished before, and it's a testament to the dedication and talent of our young athletes. The U15s final, in particular, stands out as probably the most comfortable of the three finals. The boys played exceptionally well, especially after conceding an early goal. I must acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our volunteer parent coaches, Godfrey Irwin, Julian Costelloe, and Stephen Cuddy. Their dedication and expertise have played a significant role in our success. It's incredibly gratifying to see the rich heritage of schoolboy hockey continuing to thrive. Lifting the Richardson Cup for the 13th time is a remarkable achievement, and I'd like to express my gratitude to Principal Miss G Evans for her support throughout the week. Congratulations to all the boys for their hard work and commitment." PRINCIPAL MISS G EVANS "What an incredible set of results we've seen throughout the week! It's truly fantastic to secure the junior schools cup treble. A heartfelt congratulations to our U15s for their outstanding performance against RBAI. A special mention of appreciation goes to Head of Sport Mr. Haycock and his dedicated coaches - Mr. Cuddy, Mr. Costelloe, Mr. Irwin and Mrs Hall. Their hard work and guidance have been instrumental in our success. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to all the parents for their unwavering support. It's been a fantastic week for our school, and this achievement is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our entire community.”

Please find attached the Addressing Bulying policy which is now out for consultation until Monday 8th April2024. If you have any comments please contact the school before the closing date via info@chs.cookstown.ni.sch.uk

On Monday 5th February, 10 pupils in Year 13 presented TED talks to an audience of teachers and other pupils.  Topics ranged from ‘Ratios are essential to everyday life’ to ‘The selective breeding of pedigree dogs is unethical’, with tax avoidance schemes, nuclear energy, the Treaty of Versailles and a comparative analysis of the Industrial and Technological Revolutions included too. The standard was very high with all pupils having thoroughly researched their topics.  All have received a certificate in recognition of their participation. Prizes were awarded as follows: First Prize: Jamie Kerrigan (Should UK residents be able to benefit from offshore tax avoidance schemes) Second Prize: Sarah Fulton (Good art should always have a message) Joint Third Prizes: Leah Caskey (The Treaty of Versailles was the main cause of World War II) Louis Donnelly (Nuclear energy should be banned)

Join us for a guided tour of our school on Saturday 13th January 2024. Tour A - 9:30 AM (Start in Millar Hall for Talk) Tour B - 10:00 AM (Start at Main Office)Tour followed by talk Tour C - 10:30 AM (Start in Millar Hall for Talk) Book tickets at: https://CHSOpenMorning2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Please see attached letter to book your face-to-face meeting with an experienced Careers advisor on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th January 2024.

Please read the attached letter outlining how to book your face-to-face meeting with an experienced Careers advisor on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th January 2024.

Please read attached letter regarding the Parent/Teacher Consultation Meetings for years 10 & 12 on Monday 15th January 2024.

Cookstown High School Year 12 Digital Technology students recently emerged victorious in the highly competitive RFCA NI Schools Cyber Challenge 2023. The competition that was designed to simulate real-world cyber threats, required participants to navigate through complex scenarios and identify vulnerabilities. It was organised by Reserve Forces and Cadets Association NI and was run in collaboration with the NATO Cyber Security team from Belgium, attracting participants from schools across the province. Amidst stiff competition from 30 other teams Cookstown High School team, rose to the challenge to rank above some of the top schools in the Province. The team comprised of Year 12 GCSE Digital Technology students, who not only secured the top position but also showcased a collaborative spirit, composure under pressure and demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills. Particularly noteworthy is that the school were the 2022 runners-up in this competition and in 2023, triumphed as both category and overall RFCA NI Cyber Challenge Winners. Miss Evans Principal, expressing delight in the students' accomplishment, stated, that she was ‘thrilled that students had the opportunity to participate in such a unique event.  The digital world is fast paced and brings enormous opportunities in the future as well as challenges. Students have a deeper appreciation of some of the complexities of the cyber world and the need to continually develop digital and problem-solving skills especially given that it is a growth industry in N Ireland. Students should be proud of their achievements; well done to all involved in the event.’ The Cyber Challenge day not only serves as a platform for students to test their skills but also provides the opportunity to explore further education and career options in the ever-evolving field of Computing, from leading cybersecurity firms and organisations throughout the province. This year’s achievement not only brings success to the school but also raises the bar for future participants, inspiring a new generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts. Congratulations to the talented students on their outstanding performance in the Cyber Challenge. Year 12 Digital Technology Pupils (Harry, Martins, Timothy, Timothy, Madisson, Ewan, Peter, Jamie) Included in the Photograph: (Mrs Jayne White (Digital Technology Teacher), Mrs Gwyneth Evan (Principal),  Mr Brian Sykes (Deputy Chief Executive of RFCA for NI)