All cheer as St Joseph’s primary is voted best in province

All cheer as St Joseph’s primary is voted best in province

10 May 2023

ST Joseph’s Primary School in Crossgar is celebrating after being voted best in Northern Ireland.

The school was named Primary School of the Year at the Northern Ireland Education Awards.

This is the second accolade for the school in recent years. The principal, Mrs Siobhán McArdle, was named Best Principal in County Down at the same awards ceremony in 2020.

The awards night, sponsored by Calvert and organised by Famiies First NI, took place at the Titanic Building Belfast.

St Joseph’s was nominated in three other categories — Miss Lynn Colhoun for Best Teacher, Mrs Nicola Small for Best Classroom Support and Mrs McArdle for Best Principal once again.

Mrs McArdle said she was proud to see the school recognised and extended her thanks to all the staff in St Joseph’s who worked so hard to make it such a successful and growing school. 

“The board of governors and the whole school community were delighted to see the school and staff recognised for their dedication and work and the school was praised for the great emphasis they place on nurturing and supporting each child, ensuring they are happy and enjoying their school experience,” she said.

“Staff were overjoyed and overwhelmed with the number of comments that parents, past pupils and other community members took the time to make, in support of their nominations, highlighting the excellent caring ethos in the school and the support given to all pupils to achieve their best.

“The school places a big emphasis on supporting the health and wellbeing of children and ensures the children are kept active through lots of sporting activities and clubs.”

Mrs McArdle has been a teacher at St Joseph’s for 27 years and the last nine as principal.

She continued: “The school has grown significantly over the last few years due to its growing reputation in the community. The school is described by many, including the board of governors, as an excellent school which always puts the needs of every child first. The warmth and support staff show to every child were commended.

“St Joseph’s staff extend their sincere thanks for all the support they got from the Crossgar community which helped them to win this prestigious award and great recognition.

“The children were very happy to see their school win and have enjoyed celebrating in the school. 

The chairman of the board of governors, Mr Paddy McCartan, congratulated Mrs McArdle, the staff, pupils and their families on the achievement.

“It is recognition of the excellent standard of education provided in St Joseph’s Primary School, Crossgar.  We are absolutely delighted to be the overall Northern Ireland winner of the Families First Award,” he said.