As part of Catholic Schools Week 2026, our Pupil Council proudly led a very special staff development session to introduce Stella the Star, our new school mascot.

Over the past number of months, the Pupil Council have worked thoughtfully and creatively to shape every part of Stella’s development. They explored ideas, voted on designs, helped craft her story, and contributed to the creation of activity packs that will support our vision and values across our school.

During the staff session, the pupils confidently presented their work, explained why a star was the perfect symbol for St Joseph’s, read Stella’s story aloud, and shared the classroom resources they helped design. Their leadership, teamwork and communication were outstanding, and staff were genuinely impressed by the maturity and pride shown by each member of the council.

This launch connected beautifully with the theme of Catholic Schools Week — “Normal Lives, Called to Holiness.” Stella reminds us that holiness is found in everyday kindness, care, respect and love. 

What happens next?
Stella will begin her journey around classrooms in the days ahead, helping celebrate our school values and encouraging pupils to be their best selves. Teachers will have access to a full Stella Activity Pack, and classes will be invited to create their own ideas, artwork and writing inspired by our new mascot.

Stella will be officially launched to all pupils during our January Golden Assemblies next week, where the whole school will have the chance to meet her, hear her story and celebrate this exciting new chapter for St Joseph’s.  We are incredibly proud of the Pupil Council for their leadership and delighted to introduce Stella the Star — a bright new symbol of our motto:

“Everyone Matters, Every Moment Counts.”