Many thanks to Stephanie from Time Steps for delivering a highly informative and enjoyable workshop to our Year 7 classes today.

The programme explored the background and key events surrounding the Titanic. Pupils examined life in 1912, discussing the social and economic factors that contributed to the building of the ship, as well as the major events and influential figures of the time. They also investigated popular theories and myths about the sinking, along with the wider impact of this maritime tragedy.

The session concluded with a hands‑on, competitive boat‑building challenge, which the pupils thoroughly enjoyed.

Our Year 5 pupils in Mr. McKenna’s class were delighted to take part in an exciting Creative Connections filming experience this week. A professional film crew visited our school to record the children in action, capturing the wonderful artwork, ideas, and reflections they have developed throughout their Creative Connections journey.

The pupils spoke confidently with the crew, sharing what they have learned, how their creativity has grown, and what the project has meant to them. Their enthusiasm, imagination and teamwork shone through, and we are incredibly proud of how brilliantly they represented our school.

These recordings will feature as part of the Creative Connections Celebration Day on Tuesday 12th May in the Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry. This special event brings schools together to showcase pupils’ achievements, celebrate their creative experiences, and highlight the joy and curiosity that the programme inspires.

We look forward to seeing our pupils’ work displayed and celebrated alongside other schools, and we are grateful for the ongoing opportunities Creative Connections provides to nurture creativity, confidence, and expressive learning in our children.

Well done, Year 5 — your creativity truly is something worth celebrating!

In the National Footbal League it was Antrim v London on Sunday 23^rd March. Six of our Year 7 boys had the opportunity to travel to Erin’s Own Cargin on the day to partake in the Cumann na mBunscol Half Times Games. 

They were a credit to their parents, school and clubs playing with great skill and team work.  Thank you to Antrim GAA and Antrim Cumann na mBunscol for giving the children the opportunity.  Congratulations boys - the medals look lovely and were very well deserved! 

We were delighted to receive our GYOP (Grow Your Own Potatoes) pack.

Grow Your Own Potatoes is a valuable educational programme that supports key curriculum objectives.

Through hands‑on learning, it helps pupils explore healthy eating, sustainability, science, and the environment. Whether they’re investigating plant life cycles, developing practical gardening skills, or learning about healthy lifestyle choices, GYOP provides an engaging way to bring learning to life. It sparks curiosity while reinforcing important concepts and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

We look forward to the learning opportunities this project will bring — and we can’t wait to see our potatoes develop and grow. We may even serve up a tasty treat at the end of the growing season!

Our Faith Group had a difficult task selecting the entries from St Joseph’s to be sent to the Missio Ireland Easter Colouring Competition. They worked well, carefully reviewing all submissions before choosing the final pieces to be sent off for judging.

Well done to all the children who entered, and a special thank you to our Faith Group for their thoughtful judging, teamwork, and promotion of Lenten values throughout this special season as we journey towards Easter.

A Special Celebration for Our School Community - Mater Dei 'Mother of God'

The Rededication of Mater Dei Church took place on Sunday 15th March, a special occasion for our parish and school community. The ceremony was a memorable event, followed by a warm and welcoming reception in our school. Every child played their part in marking this historic moment by creating a special piece of work, proudly displayed at the reception and adding to the sense of celebration.

On Thursday, we were delighted to welcome Canon Colm and members of the Parish Pastoral Council to school as part of the continuing rededication celebrations. Together, we marked the occasion with the cutting of a celebratory cake. Every child enjoyed a slice and was gifted a candle along with a special Rededication Prayer, beautifully written by Hannah Rose in Year 7.

We look forward to celebrating Mass, marking special school occasions, and coming together in our newly refurbished and much‑loved Mater Dei Church for many years to come.

Today we celebrated the feast day of our patron saint, St Patrick, and the school was transformed into an amazing sea of green! From shamrock accessories to bright green outfits, pupils and staff alike entered into the spirit of the day with joy and enthusiasm.

Our canteen staff also prepared a special Green Day Menu, adding an extra festive touch to the occasion.

Wishing all our staff, pupils and families a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!

An amazing St Patrick’s Day concert was enjoyed by all, thanks to the incredible performances of our Year 2 children and Irish Dancers. The atmosphere across all three shows was simply unbelievable and filled us with pride as we celebrated our national saint in true Irish style.

Well done, girls and boys — what dancing, singing, reciting and acting!
Indeed… what a show!

#superproudofyouall

#LáFhéilePádraig

Today Mrs Matthews’ Year 7 class attended the Good Relations Seachtain na Gaeilge event in Antrim Old Courthouse Theatre.

Alongside pupils from Ballycraigy Primary School, the children took part in a range of art and craft activities as well as some céilí dancing. They worked together to create bookmarks and Celtic patterns and learned a selection of céilí dances — even the teachers and classroom assistants had a go!  Some of the dancers were also traditional Irish music instrumentalists, and there was a lovely opportunity to listen to these talented musicians perform.

It was a fabulous morning for the children and a wonderful way to celebrate Irish Language Week.