A huge well done to Mrs Campbell’s Year 5 girls and boys who led our Year 4-7  September Golden Assembly with such confidence, creativity, and care. Their theme, “We Belong,” reminded us all of the special part each of us plays in the St. Joseph’s school community. Through thoughtful readings, a slideshow, prayer, drama, and joyful song, they showed how lucky we are to belong to a school filled with opportunity, kindness, and people who truly care about one another. It was a beautiful celebration of unity, inclusion, and the strength we find in belonging.

Afterwards pupils were presented with certificates for September Pupil of the Month and Accelerated Reading and the newly elected Pupil Council were presented with their badges.  We also had some pupils who brought in items from home to celebrate achievement outside of school.  

Well done to all our boys and girls - a great start to the school year. 

We are very proud of you all!

Today we celebrated our Year 1-3 September Golden Assembly with our Year 1 pupils joining us for assembly for the first time - they were amazing!

Mr. McGrattan's Year 2 class led our Year 1-3 Assembly on the theme of  'New Beginnings'.  The children focused on many of the new things which come our way as we embark on a new school year and how we should embrace all of these and enjoy these new experiences.  The boys and girls in Year 2 spoke so confidently and their singing was just wonderful.  A lovely assembly indeed to mark the end of our first month back to school.

Pupils were presented with certificates, birthday badges and we also had a number of children who brought in medals, certificates and trophies from home to celebrate achievement outside of school.  

Well done to all our boys and girls - a great start to the school year.  We are very proud of you all!

Congratulations to the girls and boys who have been elected on to the Pupil Council for 2025/26.  During the course of this year they will:

• Survey and carry forward ideas from their peers in class to the pupil council and wider school community;
• Promote and raise awareness and understanding of the importance of ‘Fairtrade’, Road Safety and Awareness Days, for example, Autism NI, Anti-Bullying Week etc;
• Recognise and promote resources and activities which explore children’s health and wellbeing;
• Working towards achieving Level 2 in the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing by promoting the themes of Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice;
• Recognise and promote the universality of children’s rights within our school and the wider community by exploring and engaging in activities and learning linked to our Rights Respecting Schools Campaign.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Wray we look forward to seeing how the children's ideas develop and grow throughout the school year!

We were delighted to welcome the Breslin Cup champions from St James GAC Aldergrove to our school for a special assembly. Our pupils had the fantastic opportunity to congratulate the team, take part in a question-and-answer session, and capture the moment with photographs.

The visit was truly inspiring, as the players shared their experiences and encouraged our children to keep working hard at their sport. Their powerful message: with dedication and teamwork, everyone can achieve great success.

We were especially proud to see many past pupils of St. Joseph’s among the champions—wonderful role models for our current pupils!

Congratulations from all at St. Joseph’s!

Election fever hit St Joseph's this week with the first of out two election campaigns for Pupils Council and Digital Leaders.  Next week we have elections for Eco-Council and the Faith Group.

Congratulations to all those who have been elected so far and good luck to all next weeks candidates!

Choir practice has commenced again in St. Joseph's under the expert guidance of our two very talented teachers and musicians, Mrs. McDonnell and Mrs. Matthews.  The boys and girls from Year 5 - Year 7 will meet each Tuesday afternoon to rehearse a variety of hymns and songs which will enhance many of our school services and events throughout the year.  What a talented bunch they all are!

On Saturday 13th September, pupils from the four schools in our Shared Education Partnership joined forces with Tesco Crumlin to raise awareness and support for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI).

Representatives from our Year 6 and 7 classes proudly represented St. Joseph’s, showcasing the spirit of community and collaboration that lies at the heart of our partnership.  As always, the children were great representatives, engaging with the public and helping to highlight the vital work carried out by AANI. 

Tesco will announce the final fundraising total in the coming weeks, and our pupils will have the honour of presenting a cheque to the Air Ambulance charity. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this important cause!

Today marked a picture perfect beginning for our Primary 1 pupils as they posed for their very first official school photographs in the Minor Hall, courtesy of Flashart Photography.

Dressed smartly and beaming with excitement, their smiles lit up the room.  These snaps are more than just photos; they’re cherished memories in the making. As we capture these special school days, we hope that children, families, and friends will treasure this moment for years to come.  

Smiles, snaps, and school days—what a wonderful way to start the journey!

Today, the boys and girls who recently joined our school community throughout the school had a special welcome meeting with Mr. Traynor and Mr. McMullan. Over morning treats and cheerful conversation, they shared stories about settling into their new classes, making friends, and enjoying their first weeks at St Joseph’s.

Each pupil was presented with the Headteacher’s Award in recognition of how well they’ve embraced their new school—what a fantastic start!

We wish all our new pupils many happy years filled with smiles, learning, and lasting friendships at St Joseph’s!

Our Year 7 pupils are preparing to begin their prefect duties next week, marking an exciting step in their leadership journey. Today, they met with Mrs. Wray, our Prefect Co-ordinator, to learn more about how the prefect system works and the responsibilities they will take on.

During the session, pupils explored the importance of:

• Setting a positive example for others across the school
• Wearing full school uniform with pride and showing responsibility
• Carrying out daily duties with care, respect, and commitment.

Prefect duties are rotated weekly and include a wide range of tasks such as monitoring lights and doors, computer/laptop duty, supporting younger pupils in the Year 1 Courtyard and Infant Playground, litter picking, checking music and PE resources, and helping in the library.

We are confident our Year 7 pupils will rise to the challenge, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and responsibility while developing valuable life skills along the way!