We were delighted to welcome our visiting staff and pupils from Denmark, England, France and Spain to St Joseph's this week as part of our Erasmus project on 'Respect and Recycling'.  Fifteen families within our school community agreed to host the visiting children.  We are indebted to these families for their generorsity in helping us with this project.

Day 1 was spent in school.  There was an opportunity to have a tour of the school and nursery unit, listen to traditional Irish storytelling, view the Year 2 St Patrick's Day Show and Irish Dancing, deliver presentations, complete workshops with IZAK9, take part in some traditional Irish sports and have a stroll around the Crumlin village.

On Day 2 pupils and staff travelled to Clandeboye Estate in Bangor to take part in a variety of Forest School activities.  They experienced the four seasons in one day whilst outdoors but still thoroughly enjoyed the range of activities.  Once back, with the pupils safely away with the host families, the staff came together to enjoy a meal out in Belfast.

Day 3 of this busy schedule saw everyone head to Belfast.  Here everyone was treated to a bus tour to highlight the different aspects of 'Respect' in relation to Northern Ireland including a visit to the Peace Walls and Stormont.  Then it was on to W5 and a visit to the Science museum.  The day was finished off by returning to school in order to allow everyone involved with the project the opportunity to celebrate with a traditional Ceili and some homebaked treats.

Day 4 and it was time to head back home.  Thank you and goodbyes said, everyone headed their separate ways to begin the journey home.  We wish all our visiting friends safe travels and thanks everyone involved with the project most sincerely for all their hardwork. commitment and time!