Secretary’s Report 2006

Coleraine Inst. Friends’ Association, consisting of parents, guardians, staff and friends of the school’ has recently been set up.  While in its infancy, Coleraine Inst. Friends’ Association does not propose to be a fund raising committee but to give those who are supporting the pupils the opportunity to become more involved with the school.

The inaugural event of The Coleraine Inst. Friends’ Association took place on Saturday 19th November, at 7.00 p.m. at The Academy Restaurant, Portrush.  The main sponsor for the evening was Asda, Coleraine whose General Manager Mr. Nigel Macauley gave a short talk explaining the ethos of the new store and its hope for integration into the life of Coleraine. The Association also thanks Boots, Coleraine; Gordon’s Chemist, New Row; and the Ulster Tatler for their generous gifts.  The CIFA also thanks Mrs. Cameron McGlinchey for her ensemble of musicians for co-ordinating the programme of music during the reception before the meal. Mr. Len Quigg expressed his hope that CIFA would be a vehicle for enhancing the development of strong links between the school and the community.

On 12th January 2006 we set up a stand at Open Night displaying photos from the dinner and advertising our Table Quiz.  We had a lot of interest from parents to know about CIFA.

Our second event was a Table Quiz at The Coleraine Rugby Football and Cricket Club on Friday 20th January 2006.  Our quizmaster for the night was Mr. Brian Fillis. Over 30 teams took part and the evening was a great success.

Our third successful event was an “Evening of Fashion and Surfing Extravaganza” at The Coleraine Academical Institution.  Mrs. Oonagh McEwan was Compere and Choreographer for the evening.  The shops participating in the show were Fashion Flair, Bob’s Menswear, Troggs, Portrush and T K Maxx, Coleraine.  The evening commenced with a spectacular display of skateboarding.  The highlight of the evening was when the boys from C.A.I., modelling formal wear from Bobs Menswear, performed their own version of James Bond with “Loretto Bond Girl” – Lauren Eastwood.  CIFA would like to thank Mrs. Cameron McGlinchey, CAI and her ensemble of musicians, Mr. Cassells and his team of helpers for organising car parking and the supper, Stylist Stephen Moore and his staff from Urban Cutting Crew for styling our models hair, and Moore’s Cosmetics for providing the make-up for our models.

The Association is hoping to organise an End of School Year Celebration Dinner in the Ramore Restaurant, Portrush on June 2006.