Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Year 1 & 2 Weekly Principal Awards

  Fri 16 May 2025

  Congratulations to our children in Primary 1 and Primary 2 who received this weeks Headteacher Award for a variety of wonderful traits.  We are very proud of them all!

  

• Inaugural Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach Gaelic Football Tournament

  Fri 16 May 2025

  A representation of our Year 6 and 7 boys and girls attended the inaugural Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach Gaelic Football Tournament in memory of Jennifer Magee on Friday 15th May 2025.

   

  The teams were mixed with both girls and boys and St. Joseph's had two teams entered.  Both teams played great football with one of the teams going on to beat Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in a very exciting final. 

   

  Everyone was welcomed back into the family centre for the presentation of medals, the winning trophy and an Allstar Award was presented to Farrah Bennett Year 7.

   

  Many thanks to everyone for such a well organised and community spirited event and the wonderful celebration afterwards in the Ionad Teaghlaigh Gleann Darach where we were all spoiled with lovely refreshments. 

   

  This annual tournament continues to be a very fitting tribute to honour Jennifer's memory and her love of Gaelic sports!

  

• During May We Pray to Mary

  Thu 15 May 2025

  During the month of May, we take time to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in a special and prayerful way. In our school foyer, a beautiful May Altar has been created, featuring serene images of Mary, a candle, and vibrant Spring flowers handpicked from our school grounds. Rosary beads rest on the altar, reminding us of the prayers we offer together.

   

  Thank you to the talented children in Mrs. Lawlor’s Year 6 class for their stunning artwork, which brings colour, reverence, and joy to our May display. Your creativity and care have helped make this a special space for reflection and prayer.

  

• St Joseph's Chess Tournament 2025

  Wed 14 May 2025

  Today marked the exciting conclusion of the St. Joseph's Chess Tournament for 2025. Our Chess finals were held outdoors under the beautiful sunshine.  Both games were fiercely contested, with each showcasing the remarkable skill and dedication of our young chess enthusiasts.

   

  After two tensely fought matches, Ryan emerged as the overall winner, securing the coveted title of St. Joseph's Chess Tournament Winner for 2025.  Oisin finished in 2nd place, Noah in 3rd place and Emily in 4th place.  This bears testament to their strategic thinking and focus throughout the tournament and is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication to the game of chess.

   

  We also congratulate all 42 participants for their commendable sportsmanship and passion for the game, making this year's tournament a memorable event.  We look forward to many more exciting chess tournaments in the years to come.

   

  Congratulations once again to our overall winner Ryan, our three finalists and all the participants for their remarkable performances!

   

   

  "Chess is the art of analysis." - Mikhail Botvinnik

  

• Belfast Giants Visit Year 5

  Mon 12 May 2025

  We were delighted to welcome a member of the Belfast Giants ice hockey team to our Year 5 classes today. The visit featured an engaging presentation on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, delivered by a professional sportsperson who shared their valuable insights and experiences.

   

  During the presentation, our guest discussed key topics such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, and physical activity, emphasizing how these elements contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The session included a PowerPoint presentation with short videos, making the information both informative and entertaining for our pupils.

   

  The visit concluded with a Q&A session, where our Year 5 pupils had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the life of a professional athlete and the importance of maintaining good health.

   

  We are grateful for this inspiring visit and the positive impact it had on our pupils.

  

• Grateful Thanks to St. James GAC Aldergrove

  Mon 12 May 2025

  We extend our thanks to St. James GAC Aldergrove for their generous donation of £200 towards our staff Belfast Marathon school fundraiser. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference in our efforts. This contribution will help us enhance our educational programmes and provide better resources for our pupils.  Your generosity not only supports our immediate goals but also strengthens the bond between our school and the community.  We look forward to your continued support and collaboration in the future.

  

• Year 1 & 2 Weekly Principal Awards

  Fri 09 May 2025

  Congratulations to our children in Primary 1 and Primary 2 who received this weeks Headteacher Award for a variety of wonderful traits.  We are very proud of them all!

  

• Year 4RH/NH Come Dine With Me

  Thu 08 May 2025

  Today was the second of our Year 4 Come Dine With Me days.  Many thanks to all the family members who joined our boys and girls in Mrs. Haughian/Miss Hanna's Year 4 class for a beautiful meal in the canteen. As always Rick and his staff had prepared a beautiful feast for everyone to celebrate and eat together before we celebrate the Sacrament of First Communion together on Saturday 18th May in Mater Dei Church.

  

• Ballymacrickett Gaelic Football Tournament

  Wed 07 May 2025

  A excellent display of skill, determination and teamwork were on display from our boys' and girls' football teams who attended the Ballymacrickett Football Tournament at St. Joseph's GAC.  A wonderful day was had by all in attendance made even better by lots of sunshine and great hospitality.  Congratulations to all for taking part and many thanks to Ballymacrickett Primary School for organising this wonderful festival of primary school football!

  

• M & M Theatre Company Perform 'Oliver Twist'

  Wed 07 May 2025

  We had a very special performance in school this afternoon, thanks to M & M Theatrical Productions. They enchanted us with their adaptation of the classic children’s novel ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens.

   

  The children were captivated by the lively characters and engaging storytelling, bringing the timeless tale to life right before their eyes. The opportunity to experience the wonder of a live theatre performance was truly magical for our pupils, sparking their imaginations.

   

  Our Year 7 children also thoroughly enjoyed the workshop delivered by the team at the end of the performance.  The actors shared lots of insights in terms of characters, costumes, scenery, sound and lighting and acting techniques. Our pupils also got the chance to partake in a question and answer session with the actors.

   

  Many thanks to M & M Theatrical Productions for putting on this wonderful show for us.