What an array of glitz and Christmas glamour there was present in school today when both pupils and staff donned their Christmas jumpers, with lots of accessories to complete the look and add to the Christmas cheer!  

There was lots happening today in school with the day kicking off with a visit from Santa, our Christmas Ballot being drawn, a special Christmas party box lunch from the canteen, the last of our Christmas cards being dispatched and lots of Christmas class parties.  Two of Santa's elves also visited the children in their classrooms and helped draw the winning tickets for the Friends Christmas Ballot.  The Dairy Council even made a visit to our Year 5 and 6 children.

We certainly are getting into the festive spirit at St. Joseph's!

#onlysixmoresleeps

What an entrance Santa made to St Joseph's, all the way from the North Pole, for our whole school community on Christmas Jumper Day. 

Santa's sleigh was in getting repaired this morning for Christmas Eve so he decided to use the Winters' Car Company for that added touch of comfort and class.

Thanks Santa for coming along and meeting and chatting to the boys and girls - they loved it!  They have all been soooo good!

There were lots of disco moves pulled at the Year 4 - Year 7 Christmas Disco.  Led by our resident Year 7 DJ's the playlist included a range of Christmas classics.  Thanks to Santa, elf, reindeer and snowman for leading the girls and boys and making sure everyone had a good time!

#DJPlayMySong  # BoogieOnDown

Today our nursery children enjoyed a Christmas storytelling session with 'Make a Sound'. The story was brought to life when the tiny elf magically transformed into a much larger version of itself. The children were all delighted when Santa rang to say that they were all on the 'good list' and storytelling finished with an opportunity for the children to dance in the snow and have their photograph taken with the elves. 

On Tuesday evening the Friends of St Joseph's hosted a Christmas Movie Night for our children in Primary 1 - Primary 3.  There was great excitement arriving to school at night dressed in pyjamas and accompanied by their favourite teddy and blanket.  They all enjoyed a treat of hot chocolate and some delicious cookies before settling down in their classrooms to watch the movies. This certainly was an evening to remember! 

Thanks to the staff and Friends of St Joseph's and staff for facilitating this event. 

We celebrated the end of another very successful term with our End of Term Christmas Golden Awards for Years 1-3 and Years 4-7.

These assemblies included the presentation of Term 1 subject awards, December Pupil of the Month, Term 1 Principal Endeavour and Accelerated Reading Certificates.  Achievement in a variety of extra-curricular areas outside of school was also acknowledged and celebrated. Our Golden assemblies also provided us with an opportunity to sing some Christmas carols and songs from our Year 1 and 5 Christmas shows.  Mr. Traynor also spoke to us about the importance of staying safe during the Christmas Break and wished all the pupils and staff a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Well done everyone - a super talented bunch of children we have here at St. Joseph's! 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1: 14

Congratulations to our Year 7 pupils who led a beautiful Carol Service in Mater Dei. Those who attended were so impressed with the reading, singing, instrumental and dramatic talent of the boys and girls.

Thank you to the Year 7 team who organised the event and well done to all involved.

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play

And wild and sweet, the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men."

Another community singing event.  Today it was the turn of our Year 6 choir.

Here they are at Tescos also doing what they do best ..... singing their hearts out!

Congratulations to Lola  from Mrs. Wray's Year 6 class!

Lola was declared runner up in the 'Young Enterprise Juice Carton Competition' run by  NI Enterprise for the 'Young Business Masterclass Challenge'.

Lola had to create and design a juice drink. She was shortlisted from over 100 entries and her 'Honey Bee Juice drink' certainly caught the attention of the judges with its eye-catching design and environmental message.  Lola received a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher which she can't wait to spend just in time for Christmas.

Well done Lola!

Today our Year 4-7 pupils were treated to a fabulous performance by our school musicians and orchestra.  The children performed a number of classic tunes and some Christmas favourites too. 

Well done to all the girls and boys who entertained us today and to Mrs. McDonnell, Mr. Heron and Mr. Tohill for all their hard work with the children throughout the school year.