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

• Bryson Recycling: 'Let's Talk Rubbish!'

  Wed 08 Oct 2025

  We were delighted to welcome Grace from Bryson Recycling to our school today for a special assembly with our Year 4–7 pupils. Grace delivered an engaging and informative talk about the upcoming changes to the bin collection system across the  Antrim council area, including Crumlin, Randalstown, Templepatrick, Toome and surrounding communities.

   

  Pupils learned about the new wheelie box recycling system and streamlined black bin, which will replace the current blue bin from mid-September to the end of November. The session was linked to the curriculum and helped pupils explore how reducing, reusing and recycling waste can protect the environment and reduce landfill.

   

  Using the new system as a real-life example, pupils discovered clever tips for greener living and gained insight into where our recycling goes and how it benefits the planet. A huge thank you to Grace for helping our pupils understand the importance of sorting waste properly and inspiring them to make environmentally conscious choices.

  

• Safeguarding Week 2025

  Mon 06 Oct 2025

  Today our Pupil Council launched our 2025 Safeguarding Week in school.

   

  What’s happening during our Safeguarding Week 2025:

   

  · There will be a Year Group focus on an aspect of Road Safety (topics covered will include crossing the road, playing at home, pedestrian crossings, bus travel, riding your bike, walking in carparks, and the use of mobile phones and music players).

  · All parents/guardians will receive a copy of our Summary of Safeguarding & Child Protection leaflet and a link to confirm that they have received, read, and understood the information on the leaflet.

  · Any remaining staff (teaching and non-teaching) will receive their Safeguarding & Child Protection / Medical / First Aid training update(s). 

  · Our termly Fire Drill will be carried out.

  · We will launch our new child-friendly Mission and Vision statements—designed by the children themselves during Term 3 last year—which will be proudly displayed in every classroom.

  · Pupil Council will meet with Mr. Traynor to begin work on our pupil friendly School Development Plan for 2025/26.

   

  We look forward to a successful and informative week.

  

• Creative Connections Programme

  Mon 06 Oct 2025

  We are delighted to begin another exciting year as part of the 'Creative Connections Programme' following a successful experience last year. We feel incredibly fortunate to be one of just 40 schools selected to take part in this inspiring cross-border initiative, which brings together schools from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland through the power of creativity.

   

  This year’s journey begins with a focus on Dance, involving our Year 5 pupils. We were thrilled to welcome Kieran, our dance facilitator, who launched the first workshop this week. Pupils took part in energetic warm-up routines, explored time frames and short improvisation sketches, and even stepped into the role of director, shaping their own creative movement pieces.

   

  The atmosphere was full of energy, imagination and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing this creative journey over the coming weeks. We can’t wait to share our progress and performances with you as the programme unfolds.

    

  

• Pupil Council Launches Mascot Mission!

  Mon 06 Oct 2025

  This week marks the start of St. Joseph's Safeguarding Week, and our amazing Pupil Council is leading the way in making sure every child knows just how much they matter.

   

  Last year, our pupils worked alongside our Ethos Governor, Mrs Wright, to explore our school motto; “Everyone Matters, Every Moment Counts” and what it means to them. Together, they created child-friendly posters to share our school’s vision and values, which are now ready to be delivered to every classroom by the pupil council as part of this year’s Safeguarding Week.  Please click on link below:

  https://www.stjosephscrumlin.co.uk/news/detail/celebrating-pupil-voice-a-visit-from-our-ethos-gov/

   

  But that’s not all...

  The Pupil Council is now helping to create a school mascot that will bring our motto and values to life!  They’re working with Mr. Traynor and Mrs. Wray to:

  • Choose a mascot character;
  • Give it a name and personality;
  • Write a story to introduce it in assembly;
  • Plan weekly classroom visits so every pupil gets to meet the mascot and explore our motto, vision, and values in more detail.

  This exciting project is all about pupil voice, teamwork, and making sure our school values are felt in every moment.

   

  Keep an eye out for our mascot's big debut — coming soon to a school near you!

  

• From Fish to Faith – Celebrating the Life of Lough Neagh

  Thu 02 Oct 2025

  As part of our Season of Creation celebrations, Year 5 pupils were delighted to welcome Mr Gerry McNally, a seasoned fisherman whose family has been fishing on Lough Neagh for over six generations. Gerry shared his deep knowledge and passion for the lough, offering pupils a fascinating insight into its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. 

   

  Gerry spoke about the variety of fish species found in the lough, the traditional methods of fishing passed down through generations, and the environmental challenges facing the ecosystem—particularly the impact of blue-green algae. Pupils were captivated by the real-life examples Gerry brought along, including fish, netting equipment, and models of birds like the heron and mammals such as the otter, all of which play a vital role in the Lough Neagh ecosystem.

   

  The session was brought to a thoughtful close by Canon Colm, who joined the visit and led a collective prayer for the lough, its caretakers, and the communities who live nearby.

   

  A heartfelt thank you to Gerry for his engaging and informative presentation, and to Johanna and Canon Colm for organising such a meaningful event.

  

• Year 7 Pupils Join Restart a Heart Live – A Life-Saving Initiative

  Wed 01 Oct 2025

  All three Year 7 classes at St. Joseph’s proudly took part in Restart a Heart Live, a nationwide, live-streamed CPR training event broadcast on YouTube. This inspiring initiative aims to equip as many people as possible with the skills to respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests—potentially doubling survival rates.

   

  Pupils joined thousands across the UK in a Guinness World Record attempt, learning CPR. The event, supported by the Department of Education NI, highlighted the importance of CPR and empowered our young people to become life-savers in their communities.

   

  A huge well done to our Year 7 pupils for their enthusiastic participation in this vital and memorable experience!

  

• Orchestrating Excellence, One Practice at a Time!

  Wed 01 Oct 2025

  Our school orchestra practice has officially commenced.  This vibrant ensemble offers pupils the opportunity to develop their musical talents on a range of instruments including violin, clarinet, flute, trumpet, cello, and harp.

   

  Under the expert guidance of Mrs McDonnell and Mrs Lawlor, our young musicians will rehearse weekly, building skills, confidence, and camaraderie. Their dedication and teamwork will culminate in what promises to be another outstanding orchestra recital for family and friends in Term 3.

   

  Let the music begin!