On Tuesday 23rd June, the Year 6 classes visited CIC for a taster morning.

We were put into class groups and had the opportunity to visit a range of subject departments, all exploring the theme ‘We Are Champions’.

In Home Economics, we made edible medals using biscuits and icing sugar. In French and Spanish, we learned words and phrases to describe things we are good at. In History, we explored the Olympic Games and how they differ today compared to the Ancient Games. In English, we created posters about what makes a champion, while some other classes designed trophies.

We also enjoyed a delicious break, choosing from hotdogs, pizza or burgers.

It was a lovely morning and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to CIC, where we were made to feel very welcome.

Today marked the exciting conclusion of the St Joseph’s Chess Tournament for 2026. Our chess finals were held outdoors in beautiful sunshine, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the occasion. Both games were fiercely contested, showcasing the remarkable skill and dedication of our young chess enthusiasts.

After two tense matches, Nicholaj emerged as the overall winner, securing the coveted title of St Joseph’s Chess Tournament Champion for 2026. Ryan finished in 2nd place, Michael in 3rd place, and Shea in 4th place. Their performances are a testament to their strategic thinking and focus throughout the tournament, and provide well-deserved recognition of their hard work and commitment to the game.

We also congratulate all 56 participants for their commendable sportsmanship and passion, which made this year’s tournament such a memorable event. We look forward to many more exciting chess tournaments in the years to come.

Congratulations once again to our overall winner Nicholaj, our finalists, and all participants for their outstanding performances!

We are incredibly proud to announce that St Joseph’s has now been awarded the Silver Level Compassionate School Award. This special milestone was marked at a beautiful celebration in the historic Guildhall in Derry, where the award was formally presented.

Representing our school on this memorable occasion were Mr Traynor, Mrs Loughran, and representatives from our Faith Group and Pupil Council, whose commitment and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of our work. In a particularly proud moment, Mr Traynor was invited to speak, sharing the story of our journey through the Educating the Heart programme and how it has shaped our school community.

This recognition celebrates the continued dedication of our pupils, staff, and wider community in embedding the values of empathy, compassion, and active global citizenship across school life. Through our pupil-led initiatives, meaningful curriculum links, environmental partnerships, and engagement with local and global issues, we are nurturing children who think deeply, act kindly, and strive to make a difference.

Our journey has been enriched by thoughtful advocacy projects, powerful pupil voice, and a shared commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world. The Silver Award reflects not just what we have achieved, but who we are becoming as a school community.

We are delighted with this recognition and excited to continue building on this success as we now set our sights on achieving the Gold Award next year.

Together, we continue to grow compassionate global citizens—one moment, one action, one heart at a time

Congratulations to all the boys and girls who took part in our Annual Music Recital in the school assembly hall. We enjoyed a wonderful range of performances from our School Orchestra, guitarists, groups and individual soloists. A wide variety of instruments were showcased, including the violin, cello, trumpet, clarinet, flute, guitar and harp.

The audience were also treated to a beautiful rendition on the cello by Mr Heron, which greatly added to the occasion.

What amazing talent we had on show – we were all incredibly proud of the girls and boys. Many thanks to our school’s music team: Mrs McDonnell (Music & Orchestra Co-ordinator), Mrs Lawlor, Mrs Matthews and Mrs Downey. Thanks also to Mr Heron and Mr Tohill (EA Music Tutors) for their hard work with the boys and girls throughout the year. Well done to all involved!

“One note does not make a symphony; one artist does not make an orchestra. Symphonies begin with one note; fires with one flame; gardens with one flower; and masterpieces with one stroke."

From an impressive field of 56 Key Stage 2 competitors, we are now down to the final four in this year’s St Joseph’s Chess Tournament.

Next Monday, 22nd June, our finalists will go head-to-head to decide 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

Congratulations to our finalists:

• Ryan – Favourite chess piece: The Rook, because it can be sacrificed to secure checkmate or win an additional piece.
• Michael – Favourite chess piece: The Bishop, for its ability to move diagonally across the board.
• Shea – Favourite chess piece: The Rook, as it is a strong and reliable defender.
• Nicholaj – Favourite chess piece: The Knight, because it can jump over other pieces.

We look forward to a fantastic final and wish all four pupils the very best of luck!

Yesterday, our girls proudly represented the school at the 2nd Annual Netball Tournament held in Crumlin Leisure Centre—and what a day it was!

The team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the group stages, winning all three of their matches and securing a well-deserved place in the final. In a thrilling contest, they faced a strong and skilful St Aloysius side. Our girls rose to the occasion, demonstrating excellent teamwork, determination, and skill to come out on top and lift the cup as overall winners.

We extend our sincere thanks to Crumlin Community Netball Club for hosting such a well-organised and enjoyable event. We look forward to taking part again next year.

A huge well done to all of the girls on their fantastic achievement—we are very proud of you!

Today was a truly special day at St Joseph’s as we celebrated the graduation of our wonderful Nursery children!

The celebration began with the children processing proudly onto the stage, dressed in a colourful variety of costumes. They delighted everyone with their singing, dancing and confident recitals of poems and songs, showcasing their growing confidence and talents.

This was followed by a heartwarming video presentation capturing so many special moments from their time in Nursery this year. As the video played, the children changed into their graduation gowns in preparation for the final part of the celebration.

Dressed for the occasion, they returned to the stage to perform their final songs before being presented with their graduation certificates by Mr Traynor. The children then took their well-deserved bow before processing down the hall and making their way back to the Nursery Unit to enjoy their graduation party.

It was a joyful and memorable day, made even more special as families, children and our dedicated nursery staff came together to celebrate this important milestone.

Well done, boys and girls – you are more than ready for Primary 1. We are so proud of each and every one of you

Our Year 7 pupils set off bright and early this morning for an action-packed day at the Belfast Activity Centre — and what a day it was!

From canoeing and orienteering, to archery, bushcraft, rock climbing, caving and team games, the children embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and energy. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to build confidence, work together and, most importantly, have fun.

Pupils (and staff!) returned to school tired but full of smiles, with plenty of stories to share and memories to treasure. After such a busy day, it’s safe to say that a good night’s sleep is on the cards for everyone!

Well done, Year 7 – what an adventure!

A huge congratulations to our incredibly talented Year 7 pupils for their outstanding performance of The Wizard of Oz! Over two unforgettable evenings, our young stars lit up the stage with their skills in drama, singing and dance, captivating packed audiences and leaving everyone in awe.

This production was more than just a show — it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork and the vibrant spirit of St Joseph’s. Every child brought something special, delivering a performance that was truly magical.

We are so proud of each and every one of them. What a beautiful way to mark the end of their journey at St Joseph’s, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who supported the production. Your dedication made this possible. A special shout-out to our amazing Year 7 team for their commitment and for giving our pupils the opportunity to shine.  Well done, everyone — you truly wowed us all!

And as Dorothy reminds us, “There’s no place like home.”  May St Joseph’s always be a special place you carry with you wherever your next adventure leads.

Many congratulations to our 4 Year 7 pupils who travelled to South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon for the 'straight to the final' Sentinus STEM Experience Day. 

Pupils took part in two separate challenges.  In the Primary STEM Challenge they had to design a structure capable of holding a 200g weight for at least 30 seconds.  In the K'Nex Construction Challenge pupils had to use K'Nex pieces to create a World Cup Stadium that had to have at least 2 moving parts.  Their drawn plans from both challenges were very impressive and their models met all the requirements set.  The children were indeed a credit to their school and had a very enjoyable day out!

It's looking like we definitely have future engineers and scientists in the making!