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

• Year 7 EA Shared Education

  Wed 22 Feb 2023

  On Wednesday we came together for a Shared Education lesson to learn about The Ulster Scots language and traditions. Matthew informed us of some words that came from Ulster Scots. Andy gave us lots of information about the bagpipes. We enjoyed a few sing songs together with the guitar and bagpipes using all the words and phrases we had learnt during our lesson. It was really good fun!

  

• PlayBoard

  Mon 20 Feb 2023

  With the cost of living crisis impacting families across Northern Ireland, PlayBoard has developed a new resource highlighting a range of low-cost play ideas.

   

  Play is central to children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. All children have a natural urge to play and that need will remain, even during times of economic hardship. Play activity does not need to be expensive or involve costly toys and gadgets - there are many ‘free and found’ play opportunities that already exist within our schools and other settings.

   

  Play in times of hardship has practical play ideas and activities which can be enjoyed at little or no cost. https://bit.ly/playintimesofhardship

   

  Please feel free to share this valuable resource with parents, carers and your school community.

• Wear It Red Day

  Fri 10 Feb 2023

  Many thanks to everyone who supported our 'Wear it Red' Day for HOPE-MISSION Zambia, our chosen charity to support throughout Term 2.  There was a sea of red across St. Joseph's. A great day had by all and money raised for a very deserving charity!

  

• Mindfulness for Year 7

  Thu 09 Feb 2023

  As part of Children's Mental Health Week our Year 7's had a special visitor from the renowned, Irish- born minfulness coach, Brenda Shankey.

   

  Brenda is a spirtual life coach, meditation teacher and minfulness coach.

  She has a vast experience of working with children and has guidance written books promoting a mindfulness lifestyle. Today Brenda carried out sessions on minfulness, being empowering to others and traffic light breathing techniques. 

   

  Thanks Brenda for supporting our programme of activites across the school this week!

  

• Accelerated Reading Goes from Strenght to Strenght!

  Wed 08 Feb 2023

  Congratulations to those boys and girls on achieving 100,000 and 500,000 words read.  We are also delighted to announce we have two new Word Millionaires. 

   

  Our Accelerated Reading Programme continues to go from strenght to strenght.  ALL classes had a higher percentage of children reaching their personal target this half term.  This in itself increases reading attainment for the children. Well done. 

   

  This half term we have joined class winners. Congratulations to Mrs Campbell's Year 6 class and Mrs Matthews' Year 5 class on reaching 84% of their children achieving their targets. It was a very close race to the finish between some classes!  We hope they enjoy their class rewards after the Mid-Term!

  

• Futsal Success for St Joseph's

  Wed 08 Feb 2023

  Well done to the boys and girls who travelled to Antrim Forum for the recent heats of the Futsal competition.  Both teams played with great commitment, determination and team work and their behaviour was excellent.  

   

  On top of having a great day out the Boy's Team finished top of the leaderboard with the Girl's Team finishing Runners-Up. Celebrations all around - well done folks!

  

• Valentine's Dinner Menu

  Tue 07 Feb 2023

  Many thanks to Mrs Weldon and the canteen staff for hosting our Valentine's Special Dinner today - we LOVED it!

  

• Digital Leaders Host a Safer Internet Day Assembly

  Tue 07 Feb 2023

  Today our Digital Leaders led an assembly to reinforce the Safer Internet Day theme 'Want to Talk About It?'  The children spoke with knowledge and confidence, delivering the key point that it is important to talk.  They also used this ans an opportunity to launch a Safer Internet Day Colouring Competition with our Year 1-3 children.  In usual St Joseph's style we also used this gathering of our pupils as an opportunity to acknowledge success and celebrate various achievements. 
  
  As a followup to our Digital Leaders assembly, in school we plan to deliver lessons and activities throughout the week related to Safer Internet Day.

   

  The links below provide a variety of educational resources for children, as well as providing advice and information for parents and carers.

   

  https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2022/educational-resources

   

  https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

  

• HIP Psychology Online Megathon Extravaganza

  Mon 06 Feb 2023

  Year 6 began Children's Menatla Health Week by taking part in a series of online workshops facilitated by HIP Psychology. 

  They joined children from a number of different school to explore the different types of anxiety and the impact anxiety can have on our bodies and minds. 

  Follow up resources were then used to embed the workshop strategies within the classroom post-workshop.  The children enjoyed the online experience and have gained valuable knowledge and practical tips to support themselves if and when needed.

  #childrensmentalhealthweek

  

• The Art and Design Factory Workshop

  Mon 06 Feb 2023

  Years 2-5 kicked off Children's Mental Health Week with a brilliant online Art lesson with Sinead McDermott from the Art and Design Factory. 

   

  The aim was to create a landscape painting based on the work of David Hockney.  The children produced lots of great work and picked up some great tips. 

   

  A lovely way to spend a Monday morning.

  #childrensmentalhealthweek