<![CDATA[ST JOSEPH'S SPECIAL SCHOOL - School News]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:25:25 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[St Patrick's Day Celebrations]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:00:11 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/st-patricks-day-celebrations
We had great fun at our St Patrick’s Day assembly today. Pupils enjoyed parading, dancing and waving their flags as the hall filled with a sea of green.
There were action songs as Gaeilge, a fine rendition of Ireland’s Call and music and singing led by Annette and Niall. It was a lovely way for the whole school to come together and celebrate the day. 🍀
]]><![CDATA[This week in the Wonder Workshop]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:49:34 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/this-week-in-the-wonder-workshop3796466It has been a busy week of creativity in the Wonder Workshop.
Pupils began by creating St Patrick’s Day themed snakes. This activity encouraged pupils to explore pattern making using repetition and mark making, with lots of imaginative designs emerging.
Aifric and the pupils also had conversations around abstract shapes. Pupils looked at painted green forms and discussed what they could see in them, linking their ideas back to the theme of St Patrick’s Day.
As part of our BLAST project, pupils began the first stage of their printmaking work with artist Dee Deegan. Using printing ink and stencil card, they experimented with printing simple shapes, laying a strong foundation for the work we will continue in the coming weeks. Watch this space.
Students in Senior 2 also made use of the flower presses they built earlier this year. Using flowers from the Home Economics classroom, they carefully pressed the blooms and we look forward to seeing how they dry and how they might be used in future projects.
]]><![CDATA[Exploring Bird Nests with Burren National Park]]>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:49:55 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/exploring-bird-nests-with-burren-national-park
​Pupils recently welcomed Phoebe and the team from Burren National Park who visited the school to share their knowledge about Irish birds and how they build their nests. The pupils really enjoyed the hands-on experience.

Using twigs, feathers and other soft materials, pupils worked together to create their own nests before carefully placing birds and eggs inside them. It was a lovely opportunity to explore how birds choose materials to keep their eggs safe and warm.

A big thank you to Phoebe and the team from Burren National Park for such an engaging and enjoyable visit.
]]><![CDATA[World Book Day]]>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:59:31 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/world-book-day
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Today the infant classroom celebrated World Book Day with a sensory storytelling tray based on the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The children explored the journey through different textures and props. They swished through the grass, splashed in the river, squelched in the mud, felt the wind of the snowstorm and tiptoed carefully into the cave.
Using the figures, teddy bear and sensory materials allowed pupils to act out the story, develop language and engage with the book through play. 
]]><![CDATA[This week in the Wonder Workshop]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:23:02 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/this-week-in-the-wonder-workshop5778770
This week in the Wonder Workshop, pupils explored texture, shape and space as they created beautiful mixed-media tree and birdhouse scenes.
Using layered paper for sky and grass, cardboard for tree trunks and branches, and cut out shapes for leaves and birdhouses, pupils experimented with collage techniques and composition. There was also some problem-solving as they decided how high to position their birdhouses to keep the birds safe from the cat.
Students used descriptive words such as safe, high and quiet to label their scenes, linking art with language and communication. 
]]><![CDATA[This Week in the Wonder Workshop]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:52:11 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/this-week-in-the-wonder-workshopSenior School pupils have been busy preparing for a Bird Box Project by contextualising their learning before any building begins. Using labelled diagrams and visual supports, students explored the different parts of a bird box including the roof, entrance and exit hole, hatch door and lever. They also identified what it is made from such as wood, nails, screws and glue.
Pupils then added their own creative designs, decorating their bird boxes with patterns, flowers and nature inspired details. This helps them understand both the structure and purpose of the box before construction begins.
In their spare time, as part of preparing for the Bird Box Project, pupils have been learning about Irish garden birds through art. They looked at birds such as the coal tit, robin and wren, identified their colours and key features, and then created their own painted versions.
​As part of our BLAST art project with artist Dee Deegan, students created their own collagraph plates this week. Using a range of textured materials such as fabric, string, cardboard and bubble wrap, they carefully arranged and glued their designs onto a base.
This process allowed pupils to explore texture, shape and composition in a hands on way. The plates will be used for printing in the coming weeks and we are looking forward to seeing how their designs transfer to paper.
]]><![CDATA[Special Deliveries and Raining Hearts]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:24:39 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/special-deliveries-and-raining-hearts
There was lots of excitement in school as the postman arrived with a very special Valentine’s delivery. As part of Aideen’s lovely friendship project, every pupil received a handmade card created by another pupil, reminding us that everyone belongs and everyone is valued.
​Meanwhile, the infants enjoyed a lovely sensory experience as the lights were dimmed, fairy lights twinkled and paper hearts floated around them.
]]><![CDATA[Write a Book Competition]]>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:14:13 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/write-a-book-competitionMercy High was written by 3 Senior 5 pupils for the Galway Education Centre Write a Book competition. 
Each pupil designed their own character and worked together to create the storyline, title, and dialogue.
When the pupils got stuck on a word, they described it or acted it out, and together we found the right vocabulary.
Using AI as a creative tool, the pupils also described in detail what they wanted to see in each illustration, carefully shaping the look and feel of the story.
Check out the story in the slideshow below.
]]><![CDATA[Valentine's in Infant Class]]>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:22:56 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/valentines-in-infant-classInfant Class had great fun making cards for friends and family, all about love and kindness.
To finish, the children posted their cards in the post box, spreading a little happiness to others 💌
]]><![CDATA[Getting ready for Valentine’s Day]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:45:51 GMThttps://www.stjosephspschool.com/school-news/getting-ready-for-valentines-day
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, every pupil has been paired with a buddy from another class to make and send a card, ensuring everyone will receive one. This lovely idea was organised by Aideen and has been creating lots of excitement across the school. Pupils had great fun making and posting their cards. We can’t wait for delivery day! 
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