January 2011 News
ANNUAL SCHOOL OPEN NIGHT
Thursday evening last, St. Joseph's High School, Crossmaglen held its open night. The attendance was excellent .Prospective pupils and parents were treated to musical delights from the students. Mr. Scally addressed the hall, and clearly outlined what St. Joseph's has to offer not only academically but also holistically.He highlighted the school's great strides in its academic results and also highlighted achievements in sport and the many trips that occur in the school year. Also he identified were the many and varied extra -curricular activities that the school has to offer. Mr. Scally outlined that at St. Joseph's each child is nurtured to achieve his or her true potential.
Mr. Scally said "Whatever the ability of the child this is the school for you. In this school we do expect high academic standards and our standards are well above the NI Average. On every count we perform well above the N Ireland average. Our A Level results confirm that .Our GCSE results confirm that.
But school education is not just about exam results
We aim to do 3 things
� to provide an excellent education
� Build commitment to the Catholic faith
� Care for all
In order to do this we provide a secure, stable and well ordered environment which is based on traditional values and genuine care and concern for everyone.
St. Joseph's is a school for everyone in the family.
To us each child is important.
Each child has many different talents and we aim to identify and allow these to flourish.
St. Joseph's is a happy school.
Students are expected to work hard ; but they will find friendship and support
We pride ourselves that former pupils have very fond memories of the school.
Our past students are to be found in every walk of life
They have fond memories of their time here"
Prospective parents and pupils were ably guided around the school and were afforded the opportunity to experience the school first hand. The event was a great success.
POETRY PROWESS AT ST. JOSEPH'S
Jade Lundy and Eugene McKenna, showed their poetic prowess when they were selected as winners in a poetry competition run by Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh. The students attended a poetry workshop at the Center during National Poetry Week . They then had to put their skills into practice and create a poem of their own, under the theme 'Home'. The English Department are delighted with their achievements and both students attended a presentation night where they had to perform a reading of their poem which was printed in a booklet alongside the other winners.
and Guest Speaker Mr Austin O'Callaghan
A-LEVEL PRESENTATION NIGHT
St. Joseph's High School Crossmaglen was delighted to
welcome back their former A-level students on Wednesday last
to celebrate the great achievements made in their
examinations. The evening was a great success and was
attended by parents , pupils and teachers and Governors. The
guest speaker for the night was Mr.Austin O'Callaghan who is
a Sports Reporter for BBC Northern Ireland.
Mr.Scally, Principal, welcomed the pupils and congratulated
the pupils on their excellent academic achievements. He also
commended the work of the staff in particular and parents in
aiding the pupils in their development into mature, educated
young people. In particular he highlighted the encouragement
and hard work of Mrs. Noreen Mc Mahon, Head of Sixth Form.
Guest speaker, Mr. O Callaghan addressed the pupils. He
spoke of the fondness he has for his own school days and
told the pupils that as time goes by they too will look back
with fondness on their time spent in St. Joseph�s. He spoke
of the importance
of fulfilling your ambitions and dreams. He encouraged the
pupils to follow their heart and not to be put of by anybody
or anything when pursuing their dreams. He spoke of his own
experience and his luck at being employed to do something he
loved .He concluded by saying that he hoped they too would
find the same satisfaction in whatever life path they chose.
The presentation of certificates was officiated by Mrs.
Noreen Mc Mahon and presented by Mr. O'Callaghan. Mrs. Mc
Mahon in her address said it was a pleasure to work with the
pupils and that the prizes were very difficult to award as
each pupil did well. All pupils were presented with
certificates marking their achievements. The following
received special awards:
Biology and Sociology award- Marie Carr
ICT Award- Aoife Connolly
Business Studies award �Danielle Doherty
Religious Studies award � Colleen Crilly
Health and Social Care award- Mary Rooney
Design and Technology award- Aoidin D�arcy
Sports Award- Orla Donaldson
Student of the Year was awarded to Roisin Mc Shane who
achieved a fantastic three A grades in her exams
The evening was a great success and enjoyed by all .
from Senitius and mentors from St. Paul’s
Year 8 Enjoy Stem Workshop
Recently Year 8 students at St. Joseph’s High School , Crossmaglen had the opportunity to work on enjoyable and challenging STEM activities with a representative from Sentinus.
Each class was taken to the assembly hall where they worked collaboratively on fun Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths problems. They were ably assisted in their endeavours by mentors from St. Paul’s High school.
The workshop organised in conjunction with the school’s Science department was a great success and a great experience was had by everyone.
Mrs. Quinn R.E. teacher who organised the collection of the boxes with
representatives from junior school and the charity Samaritans Purse
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal
St. Joseph’s students responded brilliantly to what has become an annual event in the school. Ninety seven shoeboxes were filled with gifts for less fortunate boys and girls.
These were collected by a representative from the charity Samaritan’s purse which organises the transportation of the boxes. They thanked the school for their fantastic response.
St. Joesph’s Sixth Form Students following day one practice walk. Start
Three Steps 10 K walk including climbing Slieve Gullion. (Total 6 hrs.)
Pupils in the photo are : Stephen Murphy, Christopher Mc Shane, Keith
Mc Groder, Conor Walsh, Nicole MC Glade, Siobhan Gernon, Laura
Mc Shane, Denise Rowland
St. Joseph’s launches ‘The Presidents Award Silver Level’
St. Joseph’s H.S. Crossmaglen has recently launched The Presidents Award Silver Level.
This project invites a group of eight 6th form students to complete a personal programme of activities in four sections. They will be helping people of the community, getting fitter, developing a new skill, and going on a 3 day 2 night camping expedition.
For the expedition section students are required to work as a team, to plan a route, prepare all food, clothing and equipment needed for the 3 days. Students will partake in practice walks during the year to prepare them for the final assessment.
Achieving an Award will give those involved, skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities. It proves they can work individually and in a group or team.
College’s universities and employers recognise that award winners have qualities such as, self belief, self confidence, responsibility and the ability to plan and use time effectively. The completion of the expedition section proves that the participants have an abundance of willpower, determination, endurance and mental strength.
The award is supported and endorsed by the President of Ireland. Successful candidates are presented with a silver medal and a certificate.