Gearrscéalta

• Congratulations to Darragh Quinn and Shane McHale who are members of the Mayo Minor GAA team. Deirdre Gallagher is a member of the Mayo Ladies GAA teams at Senior and Junior levels.
• The First Years spent a most enjoyable day in Inis Mór, Aran Islands on May 9th. Following a long trek to Dún Aenghus, they enjoyed a barbecue on Cill Muirbhí beach before returning home after a most pleasant outing.
• Transition Year students participated in the St. Vincent de Paul Project in Sligo on May 7th. with their guiding teacher, Mrs. Mary Corocran.
• Retreats in Knock have now taken place for Junior and Senior students. The school is most grateful to Fr. Joseph Gavigan and the Religion teachers for their hard work and attention to the religious faith of our pupils.
• A number of students in the school are involved in a Pilot programme to investigate the impact of Bebo, My Space and other networking websites. Their opinions were canvassed by Carol MacKeogh of The Institute of Art,Design and Technology, Dun Laoighre on May 12th. A Report will be issued later.
• At the Mayo Fleadh Cheoil recently in Ballycastle, 3 céilí bands from Foxford were placed. In the under 18 competition, Eamonn Walshe,Kevin Doocey, Ciara Walsh and Síofra McHugh were members of the winning band. In the under 15 competition Megan Henry, Oisín McHugh and Gary Gilmartin were members of the victorious ensemble. Comhghairdeas freisin do Kevin Doocey, Gearóid O Láimhín agus Ciara Walsh a bhuaigh duaiseanna eagsúla ag an bhFleadh.
• The school has recently developed a second Materials Technology (Wood) in the Top School costing €40,000 which was funded by a Grant from the Department of Education and Science. This reflects the popularity of the subject in the school.
• Numbers of students in St. Joseph's will increase next year. Enrolment of new First Year students will cease shortly as our quota has been reached given space available. The school applied to the Department of Education in October 2005 for a new extension.
• Thank you to the Parents Council for fundraising during the year. The recent Parents Council Social was a great success also.
• Pictured below are Transition Year students who visit the Blackrock Nursing Home regularly with Mrs. Mary Corcoran, Teacher.
  
  
  

The BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2008

St. Joseph's was strongly represented in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition this year with 3 projects.
Whilst all projects from the school qualified, the entry entitled 'Timed Drug Dispenser' achieved Second Prize in its category and a major prize for the students, Eamonn Walsh, Sean Hynes and Ciaran Phillips. The boys and their teacher Mr, Cafferkey, who was supported by Miss Lavin and Mr. Thornton deserve great praise for their hard work and achievement.

School Development Planning

The Review of Posts of Responsibility is now complete and teachers will assume duties for the revised Schedule of Posts in September. The following is the Schedule: There are 6 Assistant Principals which comprise 5 Year Heads and Examination Secretary. There are 8 Special Duties Posts comprising Co-ordinators in Pastoral Care,Environmental Awareness, Transition Year,Information Technology,Mentoring, Special Educational Needs, Book Rental Scheme and Students Council.
The school has adopted a Plan for managing Critical Incidents and it has a Critical Incidents team in place.
The staff recently adopted a Draft Policy in SPHE and RSE. These policies will now go to the Students Council, Parents Council and the Board of Management.
A full list of school policies is available on the school website www.stjosephsfoxford.com.

Calendar for 2008-9

The school calendar for next year is available on the school website. The school opens on Monday August 25th. for a Staff Meeting and School Development Planning. On Tuesday August 26th. and Wednesday 27th.there will be First Year Induction and various staff meetings. Fifth Years return on August 28th. whilst Second Third and Transition Years return on August 29th. All students are back in school on Monday September 1st.

Fifth Year fundraising for Charity

The tradition of fundraising for charity is firmly embedded in school tradition since the era of the Sisters of Charity. Next week the Fifth Year students will have their Concert, a Basketball Match with teachers, a sponsored walk, collection for the Irish Heart Foundation and an Ice Cream Party for the Down Syndrome Association. There will also be a Jersey Day on May 23rd. All funds generated will be donated to charities of the students' choice.

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