Last Friday 5th May the school held an event to celebrate the induction of the first Co-Ed class in which the entire community; past, present and future, gathered together to mark the ushering in of this new era. The experience of the esteemed past pupils and the innovation and creativity of the current students welcomed the enthusiastic new class into the grounds alongside staff and local politicians and business owners.
During an Address at the event, Mr Stack said that “We are really excited as we move forward into the next year. We have fifty new incoming students, 18 of which are girls, and we can’t wait to welcome them in. We’re taking the next step, taking these girls in at first year and working with them to grow and develop. It’s been said here for a long time that Joey’s lads leave this school as well-rounded men, and now we’re looking to change that so that Joey’s students leave as well-rounded men and women.”
“There’s a great atmosphere in the school here today. St Joseph’s, even though it has a long history, is certainly moving with the times. You have brought new ideas and a fresh approach, and obviously the big decision was to go co-educational. You’re looking to the future now, and I’m also conscious that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is very important now to the school, with your students very much involved in that now,” noted Seán Haughey TD, guest speaker. He continued, “A lot of work has gone on here, anyone who has walked around the grounds can see the great work which has been carried out, and no doubt you will go from strength to strength in the future.”
The commitment from the staff to this change was on full display in welcoming all parents and guests in on the day. Teachers and SNAs have put in huge time and thought over the past two years to make this day happen, and every success that has come is down to the support of the whole school community. We in the school are looking forward to September, and significant acknowledgement is due to teachers, SNAs, and all staff and parents who have been part of the school. This very much includes all of these that have been part of the school’s past and its history- while the school is changing to co-ed, it is built on the traditions, values and strengths of what has been put in place already. Thank you to everyone who has been part of Joey’s in every way.
At the event, the new school uniform was unveiled displaying the new crest which was designed with the ideas of the incoming and current students. The crest incorporates the distinct values held at St Joseph’s and embodies the areas of their education which students value most. https://stjosephsfairview.ie/info/our-crest/
The new uniform is available for the incoming new cohort of students, and holds the colours and tradition of St Joseph’s while bringing the school forward into its new era. It is available from the website by clicking here. https://stjosephsfairview.ie/student-life/uniform/
At the event, two of the incoming students also buried a ‘time capsule’. Housed inside the capsule is a message which each incoming student wrote to themselves, and this will be opened on their graduation day in 6 years’ time. At the event, two of the incoming students also buried a ‘time capsule’. Housed inside the capsule is a message which each incoming student wrote to themselves, and this will be opened on their graduation day in 6 years’ time.
