Active Schools Week
Active Schools Week is an annual initiative that takes place in our school every June. Active Schools Week promotes physical activity and well-being among students, staff and the wider school community. A variety of fun and inclusive events are organised throughout the week, such as sports challenges, dance sessions, outdoor games, obstacle courses, fitness workshops and our School Sports Day. The highlight of the week is the 6th Class vs Staff match! Active Schools Week provides an opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to try a variety of activities and have fun!
Bric – a – Brac
Our Bric- a- Brac event certainly is a memorable highlight in our school year. Our senior students become entrepreneurs and transform our school hall into an exciting marketplace where they sell a variety of goods and services to the rest of the school. From handmade crafts and delicious treats, to creative games, toys, books and fun activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also supports important skills like budgeting, marketing, and social skills in a fun and engaging way.
Buddies
At our school, we take pride in fostering a strong sense of community and support through our Buddy System. This initiative pairs our youngest pupils in Junior and Senior Infants with older students from 5th and 6th Class.
The Buddy System helps our younger students feel welcome and supported as they settle into school life. Their older buddies serve as friendly mentors, offering encouragement and a sense of security. Together, they engage in fun games, creative activities, and collaborative learning experiences that build confidence and connection.
For the older students, it’s an opportunity to develop leadership skills, empathy, and responsibility while acting as positive role models for their younger peers. Through shared activities and play, our buddies create meaningful friendships and contribute to a warm, inclusive school environment.
Choir
Our school choir, open to pupils from 4th to 6th Class, is a shining example of teamwork, talent, and dedication. Under the expert guidance of Ms. Leamy and Mrs. Ó Tuama, the choir provides students with the opportunity to explore their love for music, develop their vocal skills, and perform with confidence. Our school choir fosters a love for music, builds friendships, and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in our students.
This year, we are delighted to share that our choir achieved 1st place in the Feis Maitiú competition, a testament to their hard work, commitment, and passion for singing.
Chess
At our school, chess is more than just a game – it’s a beloved activity that sharpens minds, fosters critical thinking, and encourages strategic problem-solving. Pupils across various classes enjoy learning and playing chess
Through chess, our students develop skills such as patience, focus, and sportsmanship, all while having fun and building connections with their peers. It’s a wonderful way for pupils to challenge themselves and each other in a supportive and engaging environment.!
Gardening
Our school garden is a vibrant and inspiring space where students can connect with nature and learn through hands-on experiences. Featuring a vegetable garden, a wildflower patch, and a polytunnel, the garden offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Through gardening, our pupils cultivate a love for the environment while developing important skills like patience, teamwork, and responsibility. From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, they experience the joys of growing their own food and watching their hard work come to life.
School Library
Our school is home to a beautiful, colorful library that serves as a hub for imagination, learning, and discovery. Filled with a wide variety of books spanning multiple genres and reading levels, our library caters to the diverse interests and abilities of all our pupils.
We are proud to offer a selection of dyslexia-friendly books, ensuring that every child has access to engaging and accessible reading materials. The library is a welcoming space where students can explore new worlds, nurture their love for reading, and develop important literacy skills.
Sciath na Scol
We are proud to offer pupils from 4th to 6th Class the opportunity to participate in hurling, camogie and Gaelic football activities. These traditional Irish sports are a cherished part of our school community, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and a sense of pride in our heritage.
Students have the chance to develop their skills through regular training sessions and represent our school in matches against other schools. The excitement and camaraderie of playing in matches provide memorable experiences for our pupils, fostering both athletic ability and a strong sense of sportsmanship.
Student Council
Our Student Council, open to pupils from 3rd to 6th Class, plays a vital role in fostering leadership, responsibility, and a sense of community within our school.
Student Council members serve as the voice of the student body. They meet regularly to discuss ideas, plan initiatives and represent their classmates in discussions with school staff. Through their work, the Student Council contribute to school improvements, and promote a positive and inclusive environment for all pupils. Being part of the Student Council is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills while making meaningful contributions to school life.
Sport
Sport plays a vital role in the health and well-being of our pupils. Through PE lessons, children enjoy participating in a wide variety of sports that promote fitness, teamwork, and fun.
Some classes also take part in swimming lessons, and we are fortunate to have experienced sports coaches visit our school to provide expert coaching and inspire our students.
This year we successfully fund-raised for new sports resources, which have been a great addition to our school. We are very grateful to our local Castlemartyr GAA Club for generously allowing us to use their pitches for events and matches.
Our school boasts a large yard, complete with playground equipment and a spacious grass area, providing ample space for active play and outdoor games. These facilities, combined with our sports equipment, help foster a lifelong love of physical activity among our pupils.
Scór na bPáistí
In 2025 our school first participated in Scór na bPáistí, a GAA competition that celebrates and promotes Ireland’s traditional pastimes and rich cultural heritage.
This exciting event offers pupils the opportunity to showcase their talents in a variety of activities, including dancing, singing, instrumental music, table quizzes, and much more. Through their participation, students develop their skills, gain confidence, and deepen their appreciation for Irish culture.
Events and Activities
Our school is proud to host a variety of educational and enriching events and activities throughout the year, offering pupils unique opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. These events bring our school community together and celebrate important values and themes.
Some of the highlights include:
Road Safety Week: Promoting safe practices and awareness among pupils.
Friendship Week: Encouraging kindness, inclusion, and the importance of strong, positive relationships.
Seachtain na Gaeilge: Celebrating Irish culture and language through activities, music, and games.
World Book Day: Sparking a love for reading with themed events and storytelling.
Active Schools Week: Focusing on physical fitness and well-being through a variety of fun, active
School Outings
At Scoil Iósaf, we believe that valuable learning extends beyond the classroom walls. Our pupils enjoy a variety of age-appropriate outings that enrich their education through hands-on experiences and real-world exploration. These outings include nature walks in the woods, historical walks, exciting school tours, and cultural trips, such as visit a to see the opera. School outings provide wonderful opportunities for children to learn in new environments, develop social skills, and connect with their community in meaningful ways.