I feel extremely privileged and honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead this wonderful school community. St Joseph’s Secondary School shares the rich tradition and strengths that are part of the Mercy/CEIST ethos. Excellence, inclusion, creativity, courage, opportunity, and a global vision are very much our living ethos. We affirm our Catholicism in the context of a new Ireland which welcomes diversity. We robustly engage our Students in the spiritual, intellectual, and physical rigours of a young, full life.
We have a unique atmosphere here in St Joseph's and have a long tradition of supporting students to reach their full potential. The hard work and commitment of our staff together with the invaluable support from our Board of Management and the active cooperation of our parents and students allow us to provide a ‘Quality Education for Each Student’. We strive to motivate and support every student to reach their full potential as a person. Our inspirational teachers continually strive for excellence in their teaching and learning. This in turn increases the expectations and standards of our Students.
While we have emphasis on academic achievement, we also set out to provide an all-round education for our students. St Joseph’s will provide your child with the broadest array of opportunities possible, both within and outside the classroom. We strive to educate the whole person: spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually. St Joseph’s is a College For Every Student School of Distinction, committed to TA21 teaching and learning. A status we have achieved for the past seven consecutive years. School practice is built on the pillars of Mentoring, Leadership Through Service, Pathways to College and Technology. The school has close links with Trinity College and prides itself on providing students with as many ‘real life’ experiences of learning as possible.
Our philosophy is focused on supporting and encouraging students in every aspect of their lives, nurturing them into well rounded young adults who will go forward and embrace life with confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of justice. Students are positively encouraged to participate in a wide range extracurricular activities, whether it be GAA, soccer, athletics, music, green schools, choir, BT Young Scientist, debating, etc.
The success of our students is dependent on the exceptionally strong link between parents, students and teachers. We will do everything possible to ensure that your child is safe, happy, respected, fulfilled and encouraged to reach their full potential. Parents who send their daughters and sons to St Joseph’s Secondary School make a conscious commitment to the spirit and ethos of the school. It is an ethical and family commitment to St Joseph’s and CEIST tradition. Students, parents and teachers are encouraged to adopt a ‘can do’ attitude that looks outward and embraces the world.
As you browse through our website, either as a past-pupil, a present day member of the school community, a prospective student or as a visitor I hope that you will enjoy reading about our school and get a sense of the reality of our vibrant and wonderful school, whilst also providing information and updates for our large community of pupils, parents, and staff.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require further details.
Daragh Nealon
Principal