From everyone here in St. Joseph’s, we would like to wish you all the warmest of welcomes, céad mile fáilte to our new-look school website.

Here in St. Joseph’s we are incredibly proud of all of the achievements of our boys. From their first steps into the world of formal schooling for our infant classes, to when they leave us from sixth class, as young teenagers, ready for their next journey into secondary school.

We celebrate their first pieces of artwork, their first time to hula hoop successfully, their first time to read a sentence unaided. We cheer the boys on as they continue to develop their skills and encourage them to develop new interests throughout their years here. Sporting skills are honed, musical and artistic talent is showcased, respect and caring for others is expected, and perseverance is applauded.

St. Joseph’s is a strong, vibrant community – from our boys, the teaching and non-teaching staff, parents, parents association to the board of management – everybody works together to keep the wellbeing and needs of our boys to the forefront.

We hope you gain a clearer view of daily life here in Joeys as our website posts multiply.

As avid readers of our termly newsletters, you will all be aware that we are trying to be a school community who is restorative in its practices!

After many discussions with our boys we have chosen what we value as a school community. We focus on a value each month.

In school during class time, we use circles to ‘check in’ at morning time or ‘check out’ at the end of the day. Sometimes we use circles to ‘check in’ with our energy levels, feelings and needs, and express ourselves.

Often our classes will use circles to problem solve, and tackle difficult conversations and at other times we use circles for games and fun well-being activities.

To participate in a circle gives a sense of belonging. In the circle, everyone can see each person and they takes turns when speaking. The circle ensures that when someone is speaking, everyone is listening. To meet and communicate in a circle increases the possibility for positive, safe relationships and creates a sense of ‘we’.