St. Joseph’s Academy Magazine

ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY MAGAZINE ISSUE 01 | DECEMBER 2023

RESPECT EQUALITY AMBITION COURAGE TRUTH SERVICE EDITED BY JOSEPH DAVIDSON S6

Contents 4 - 5 NEW TEACHERS 6 - 7 GOODBYE FR MARTIN 10

WELCOME FR JIM

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HEAD BOY AND GIRL OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

1 4 - 1 5 ALUMNI - WILLIE COFFEY 1 6 - 1 7 SETTLING INTO S1 1 8 YOUNG WRITERS 2 0 - 2 1 POETRY COMPETITION 2 4 - 2 5 HOME ECONOMICS 26

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

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CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

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CHRISTMAS WITH MR KANE

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CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

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SCHOOL SHOW

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NEW TEACHERS Mr Brown - Principle RE Teacher Hello everyone! I am Mr Brown and I am delighted to be the new Principal Teacher of Religious Education here at St. Joseph's Academy. After looking forward to getting started for some time, it has been great to start getting to know everyone and settling in. Although all of the school values are equally important, if I had to choose my favourite it would be Service. Putting our faith into action to help others is at the core of our identity as a Catholic school. Already in my first week here, I have loved taking part in the prayer breakfast, prayer & pancakes and mass in the oratory. There are also plenty of opportunities to put our faith into action throughout Advent which I am very much looking forward to.

Please feel free to pop round to RE1 to introduce yourself and I'd be keen to hear any other ideas about how we can be of service to others!

Miss Jordan - Social Subjects Hi, my name is Miss Jordan, and I am the new History teacher in St Joseph's Academy. I am originally from Dundee and have attended both the University of St Andrews and the University of Aberdeen. I am enjoying my time at St Joseph's immensely! In particular, the kind nature of the staff and pupils, alongside a genuine pride for their school, would be my highlights. My favourite school value is respect.

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Mrs Hanif - Computing My name is Mrs Hanif. I am the new Computer Science Teacher. I am originally from England. I started my teaching career there and then moved to teach internationally. I have taught in Oman and Saudi Arabia for the majority of my teaching career. I enjoy traveling and meeting different people around the globe.

What I like about St Josephs Academy is the ethos of the school and 'respect'.

Teaching in the Middle East was similar to that in Scotland, as I find students are similar in nature no matter where you are in the world.

You have some very keen and eager to learn and others not so easy to motivate. The main difference was the courses I taught. In Oman, I taught the International GCSEs and A-Level which was similar to the England qualifications.

The school in Saudi Arabia was an international mix of students with around 86 nationalities. I enjoyed learning about the different religions and cultures of the student body. I taught the International Baccalaureate program from nursery through secondary school. I worked there for ten years and majority of my time I was the EdTech Coach which meant I integrated technology into the curriculum which enhanced teaching and learning. The school setting was very high tech with a 1:1 laptop/ipad program with a fast wifi access throughout the campus. You would hardly see people working on paper. The majority of the time, learning activities were done on the computer.

Mr Millar - Physics My name is Mr Millar, I am originally from Paisley, and I studied Engineering and Physics at University before qualifying as a Physics teacher. I have a few hobbies outside of school, most notably following Celtic and still trying to play a bit of football myself.

Settling into St Joseph's- I am very much enjoying my first year here at St Joseph's academy. The staff have been extremely welcoming, and the students are great too. There is a fantastic sense of community within the school and it's great to be a part of it.

Favourite school value- AMBITION: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard!

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GOODBYE FATHER MARTIN… CHAPLAIN AT ST JOSEPH’S ACADEMY Throughout my whole time as a priest in Kilmarnock (from 2009-2023), I was very happy to be chaplain at St Joseph’s Academy which, of course, was just along the road from my home at St Matthew’s Church. It was great to be involved in the school in formal ways

SCHOOL RETREATS One of the great advantages of having St Matthew’s Church so close to the Academy was that it was easy enough for classes to walk down for a day’s retreat. In all of the time I was in Kilmarnock, we had a regular stream of retreats: each year, we’d generally have a programme of S1 retreats, S3

(Masses, Retreats and other services) but also in informal ways like walking ‘the Street’ or chatting to pupils and staff in the corridors.

retreats and S6 retreats. They were terrific experiences with a mixture of fun activities, discussion of the particular topic as well as times in the Chapel for prayer.

ATMOSPHERE IN GRASSYARDS ROAD What amazed me about Grassyards Road was that there was always a buzz! There was loads of movement at the start and at the end of the day.

However, once the school day started there was a silent hour where there were no pupils nor staff moving on the

ECUADOR When I came to Kilmarnock in 2009, I had just finished a five-year stint in the shanty town of Nueva Prosperina in Ecuador. From my earliest days in St Joseph’s, there was an interest from pupils and staff to support the people of that shanty town. Over the 14 years I was in St Joseph’s, there was loads

street. Then, come the first morning break, there was then a steady stream of people going back and forth to the shops - from both St Joseph’s and from William McIlvanny Academy. I always enjoyed walking up and down Grassyards Road because the pupils and the staff would always stop for a chat … sometimes even to slag me ..... which I enjoyed!

of fundraising to help the people in need.

However, the highlights of the link surely must be the two school visits we led to Ecuador in 2012 and 2014. They were deeply moving visits for the staff and pupils who journeyed to the shanty towns, taking part in, amongst other occasions, the wedding of the Headteacher of the school we had supported. There was also the visit of the pupils from Ecuador to Kilmarnock in 2013 – this was a humbling visit too since most of the Ecuadorians had never been outside their city let alone their country.

Muchas gracias por todo, St. Joseph’s!

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SCHOOL MASSES Whether the Masses took place in the school Assembly Hall or in the local Church, these were always moments I looked forward to - when we could share our faith with one another. I always hoped that the simple message of the Gospel (hope, peace, love) had taken deeper root in many hearts.

COMMUNITY What I most loved about St. Joseph’s was the fact that there was a true community spirit every time I walked into the school.

Yes, there were separate parts of the building for staff and other parts for pupils but I always had a feeling that St Joseph’s was a community with one aim – to help one another to get on in life.

WASTING TIME IN SCHOOL On a personal level, I would like to say a great thank you to everyone in St Joseph’s – pupils and staff alike – for all that you gave me.

Many years ago, I read a book about how to be a school chaplain. It was called “Wasting time in School” and its basic point was that, yes, there were formal occasions to be undertaken as a chaplain (Masses, services etc) but the best thing I could do as chaplain was walk the corridors and meet people where they were at – in the library, in the street or outside in the grounds. I hope I did this to the best of my abilities.

Let me finish by wishing you all the best for the years you have left in St. Joseph’s and asking God’s blessing for your lives outside of school. God bless, Fr. Martin Chambers

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Maia Kluzniak Cudak 1P4

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Courtney Stephenson 1P3

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….WELCOME FATHER JIM "How are you settling in Fr Jim?", is a question I have to answer a lot these days as I have only just arrived in Kilmarnock in September. It is an easy one to answer

It is so much nicer than just being a visitor and already thanks to the wonderfully spirited young people and great staff I have felt very much at home with you all already and I look

however as everyone from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and St Matthew's

forward to building on the relationships that have begun now as a Chaplain to the school.

Parish where I am their Parish Priest and of course here at St Joseph's Academy has

So I am here, and like the other priests, am at your service building on the very solid school

been so welcoming and have made it very easy to feel at home so quickly. Of course although I am new to this area I have been a priest for over 30 years and have just come from the southern end of the diocese where I served in Dumfries, Lockerbie and Moffat for these past 13 years and although a big part of that area is very rural-the Parishes are some 20+ miles apart-running a Parish, where ever it is, is very similar. The place and people give it its' local flavour and traditions and ways of achieving the same goal-to serve the Lord in the Church. I have also been working with the Diocesan Youth for Lourdes group for most of that time as well as the diocesan Youth Ministry Team so I was not a total stranger to St Joseph's as those responsibilities had

values that are clearly evident at the heart of school life-Respect, Equality, Ambition, Courage, Truth and Service. They are not just words-they are lived and loved values and it is plain to see. Thanks for the opportunity to say hello via the school magazine, I hope you will all feel you can stop and chat to me about anything, whether it is difficult or easy, sad or happy, I will give you all the time you need.

God Bless and take care.

Fr Jim.

brought me to the school for all sorts of reasons-Assemblies and meetings etc.

However it is great being a member of the local community that St Joseph's serves and with the other priests of the area offering chaplaincy to the school community.

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HEAD BOY AND GIRL OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Hello, my name is Joseph Davidson and I am the Head Boy of the Junior School. It is an honour and a privilege to represent St. Joseph’s Academy. I am looking forward to making a difference in our school community this year, alongside the Junior Leadership Team. I am excited to relaunch our school magazine, I hope you enjoy reading the first edition! My favourite subjects are Business Management and Graphic Communications as I enjoy being creative. This year, I am studying Architecture part time at Ayr College which I am really enjoying. My dream is to be able to design my own house one day! Outside of school, I have been an altar server at St. Joseph’s Church for 10 years.

Hi! I'm Evie Gallacher, S6 Pupil, and Head Girl of the Junior School. I have taken on my role as junior head girl with so much pride and I am so happy to be working with the PLT and JLT to enhance the sense of community in our school. Within school I love all English and written based subjects including history and RMPS. This year I have rebranded the Young Journalist society which I am an active member of.

We successfully launched the school's first podcast which has been a huge hit. When I'm not studying in school I utilise my free time by walking with my dog, reading, listening to music and going out with my friends.I’m thrilled to be a part of our growing school community and I'm positive that if we all work together our school can become a thriving place where young people can learn and grow.

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Erin Grant 1P4

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Corina Patterson 1P3

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ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY ALUMNI Willie Coffey MSP Willie Coffey MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley is proud to have attended “The Joes” from 1970-1976. Mr Coffey has some great memories of his time at St Joseph’s Academy.

He reminisces about the fantastic teachers that taught him, the life long friendships he made and he says he will “always have a soft spot for “The Joes”.It’s in the blood.”

He remembers ‘the amazing Mr Kay who taught Geography, or at least that was what he said it was and the great history teacher Jack Weideger. He also recalls English teacher Dan O ‘Hanlon and Physics teacher Paddy Cosgrove.

Willie relives his time at PE which was spent agonisingly running around the Kay Park and how the more daring pupils hid behind the Burns Monument from Mr Donagher and the redoubtable Mr McPate(who everyone was scared of).

On the ‘tech ‘side Willie laughingly recalls Mr Middleditch trying in vain to show us smartalecs how to carve bits of wood-a skill which still eludes him to this day.

At school Willies closest friends were Paul Mathews (son of the then Rector a brilliant and lovely man, Mr Mathews), Richard Craig, Jim Hone, Mike Twamley and Ramon who owns Oceans 11 in Kilmarnock. Another character Willie remembers is ‘Aggy’/Marco Agolini, the craziest person Willie has ever met in his life who would do anything for a laugh despite landing himself into bother.

In 1976, Willie left St Joseph’s Academy after he received an unconditional offer from Strathclyde University to study Computer Science. That kept him busy for the next 4 years until he graduated with Honours in 1980.Firstly,Willie worked in Prestwick as a software engineer,writing Z80 machine code for a variety of control systems.

He then worked in Glasgow for Education Scotland’s predecessor organisations for 20 years or so.

His first election was in 1992 when he won the council seat for the SNP in Onthank, joining my brother Danny on the council. Danny was the Provost too between 1992 and 1996. Current Provost Jim Todd is his half cousin so politics is in the family. His sister Helen took over the council seat when he lost his brother Danny in 2006. And the following year Willie was elected to serve in the Scottish Parliament. Willie has been lucky enough to have won 4 elections in a row to the Parliament and the whole experience has been incredible.

Willie recalls life at the Joes in the 1970s being good, although the building was needing a lick of paint even when I showed up in 1970!

Life-long friendships were made there and still remain to this day. Willie enjoyed reminiscing and thinking back to the great characters – pupils, teachers and staff – who made the place tick.

Willie said, “I think it’s fair to say we all loved the Joes dearly, despite never admitting such a thing at the time. And I bet that’s the same today. I will always have a soft spot for the Joes. It’s in the blood.”

Willie Coffey, former pupil St Joseph’s Academy (1970-1976) and MSP for Kilmarnock & Irvine Valley

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Willie Coffey in S1 at St. Joseph’s Academy

Willie Coffey now as MSP

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SETTLING INTO S1

In my opinion, you should get excited for Drama and PE for the following reasons: Drama is fun since you get to make a wee skit with your pals and put it on show in front of the class. Moreover, PE is another multiverse of fun and excitement as you can play games with your companions.

I really like having more freedom at intervals, you get to go anywhere but be back for a specific time. At first, the 50 minute periods were tough but they started to go by in a flash. I know that in Primary you get some clubs but here, there are over twenty different clubs. There are competitions you get to participate in.

Monica Grant

Angus McSkimming

You will get much more things to do in PE and Science so it can be really fun. You get to cook in H.E. There are lots of fun events like dressing in your House colour or the Christmas fair.

My time at St. Joseph’s has been fun and I have made lots of friends. I enjoy having more options on where to go at interval like the library and other places around the school. I really like that we get to do way more subjects than primary. There are lots of instruments to try in music such as ukulele.

Claire Weir

Miley Cooper

My name is Lily and I’m in S1. My experience so far has been good. I have made lots of new friends from different schools and S1 is good as you don’t have to sit in the same classroom for the full day, you get to move classroom every 50 minutes. In Home Economics you get to make different foods.

So far, I have made a fruit kebab, a milkshake and a Pot Noodle.

I joined the girls’ football team and found you get to go on trips. We have also made a delicious milkshake in H.E. Alana Carbis

Lily Devlin

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There is a great library run by Mrs Kirkwood. There is a big variety of books that you can borrow. You have two weeks to read your book then hand back or renew it. There are books for all age groups and a very big collection of comics and graphic novels. If you like reading then it’s the place to go.

Caitlin McGinney

In Home Economics you can make noodles and they are amazing!

There is a library and so many books!

Abi Bartraham

If you’ve been to the library, you know there’s so many choices of books and you can even play the Xbox or Wii at breaks. The school lunches are better with much more choice. In Technological Studies we are currently making a keyring and we are using saws and all types of cool equipment.

Joseph Duff

In High School, your day goes by so fast.

You get to do subjects you haven’t done before, like Tech., Modern Languages and Social Subjects. You also move from class to class and I think that’s what makes the day go faster.

Lewis Bennion

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YOUNG WRITERS Congratulations to our entrants to the Young Writers' competitions 'This is Me' and 'Lest We Forget'. All our pupils had their work accepted for publication!

A big congratulations to Cara Monachello, Kory Coulter, Aidan McLaughlin, Fabian Goralczyk, Lucy Morrison and Marilyn Ogbunubi who entered the war poetry competition 'Lest We Forget'.

And congratulations to our poets who wrote on the theme of 'This is Me'-Khadija Akintola, Anna Nardini, Marilyn Ogbunubi and Kemy Chinemerem.

There will be more writing competitions coming up next term, starting with one in January inviting students to write on the theme of Hope. All S1-S3 students are welcome to attend the Writing Club on Thursday lunchtimes in Mrs Hill's room for details. Happy Christmas everyone!

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Logan Ballantine 2P1

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‘THIS IS ME’ POETRY COMPETITION WINNERS Mood 4 Eva

This is me Here comes a wave meant to wash me away,

For what reason aren't you smiling

as my voice is drowned in the thunder.

Every second is a gift

It tears me up, when they turn me down.

I won’t quit grinning

The lights are out, I can’t find my direction.

You can't destroy my mindset.

It’s like a knife that cuts right through my heart.

I won’t start to crumble,

I stay cheerful

neither will I succumb.

My bloodline is green, white and green

It was once said that

My bloodline is a flex

people cry, not because they are weak,

I feel like Ikenga.

but because they’ve been strong for so long.

I’ll breathe,

I wear indifference like armour, strong and true

when they try to suffocate me.

Unaffected by the noise; the judgements, too.

Don’t you dare underestimate me.

'Promise this my mood forever and ever.'

I’ll take my broken wings, and soar through the sky with flying colours.

By Marilyn Ogbunubi 2T1

I won’t succumb to pressure or failure, I can see the light that’s shining deeper than their eyes can find it.

There is a hope that awaits me in the dark.

I will stumble blindly toward its light.

I’ll never stop trying, never stop believing.

I am more than what you think I am; I’ll stand up tall, brave and firm.

Accept me for who I am, not who you want me to be.

I may be small but unique in my own way.

Thank you those who left me broken, you made me stronger and wiser.

Thank you those who cared and stayed, you’ve been a ray of sunshine on my darkest days.

You all made me who I am today.

This is me.

By Khadija Akintola S3

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This Is Me

This is Me

People say things.

They twist my words, my actions, my passions.

I thought I was creative. I thought I was kind.

They think otherwise.

I am a humble girl, proud of her nature, her

I think more… and I realize- why do I care?

I am a proud girl bursting up in the sky,

This world has a habit of destroying us, our identity, desires, and confidence.

I need to learn how to push back and realize: I am creative, I am kind. I am me.

I don’t need to change for anyone.

I can show people that the best thing to be is yourself.

humbly I carry my stars, my moon.

I look back at my childhood, a time with no worries, protected from all the bad in the world.

I look at me now. I’ve been through the bad that, once, I was ignorant of, and the only thing that’s mine, truly mine, is me.

I checked my stars and moon,

I need to appreciate myself, the good things about me.

I’m funny. I make people laugh. Best of all, I make my friends laugh.

I have a huge family, and they all love me, and I love them.

yes, is you,

I’m confident; the kind of person that gets into trouble for talking ‘too much’.

I have big ambitions and dreams for my life.

I love the world, exploring cultures.

I love being surrounded by intelligent people, having good conversations.

I love dancing and going to parties.

I love to write and to listen to music.

priceless beauty.

I am a beauty that speaks through trees, flowers and animals. yet, at night, I feed my splendour.

Yet, I wander in wonder: where comes my decay, my anguish, my fading glory, my priceless beauty? my trees, my flowers, my animals.

I need answers for my dying body.

I see, yes, I seethe culprit, is you through pollution in air, land, and sea through deforestation- and worse- I persist.

Ever in love, in boundless beauty, to replenish my worn-out body.

I stand strong in beauty, ever seen.

I am a humble, yet proud, girl seen through my priceless beauty.

Yes, I am Nature herself.

By Kemy Chinemerem S3

I don’t let other people put me in a box anymore; that’s worthless.

I love myself and I have people that love me and that’s all I really need.

By Anna Nardini S3

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Rory Denham 1P3

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Joseph Duff 1P3

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Home Economics Future Chef Competition Maisie Fraser (S3) represented St Joseph's Academy at The Future Chef Competition on Friday 17th November held at the Cook School. Maisie and a few S3 pupils came along to the Future Chef After School Club to gain experience and compete in the school heat for a place to compete in the local Ayrshire heat. The competition required the competitors to prepare and cook a main course dish within one hour as well as budgeting the dish so that it would cost £5 or less. The three chef judges were all impressed by the flavours of Maisie's Spicy Pork Meatballs and Noodles. In the end, she lost by one point, but she enjoyed the experience of cooking for the professional chefs and getting their feedback. Well done Maisie and keep on cooking.

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Quality Meat Scotland Quality Meat Scotland kindly gifted the home economics department Lamb for their "Make it Scotch" campaign. Here are some of the S3 pupils showing off their delicious Lamb Korma Curry with Rice made to mark St Andrews Day.

International Kahoot Cup 2P5 excelled themselves today taking part in the International Kahoot Cup 2023. There were 688 contestants from as far away as Brazil, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Germany, Latvia, Serbia and many more. The pupils learned that children around the world have a lot more in common than they would have initially thought.

At one point the class had 5 people on the podium. We didn't win in the end but everyone was engaged.

Barista Training Pupils have been developing their knowledge, understanding and technical skills required for the role of a barista. This includes setting up, operating, cleaning and closing down specialist equipment. They served delicious coffees and hot chocolates at the Christmas Fayre!

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2023 Catholic Education Week takes place each year from the Feast of St Margaret of Scotland (16th November) until the Feast of St Andrew (30th November). It is our opportunity to mark and celebrate the contribution our Catholic schools make to our communities and to Scotland. It is a week full of prayer, learning and celebration. Staff and pupils attended Mass at some of our local parishes to celebrate. Caritas pupils also hosted a Prayer Breakfast for our Parish Priests. Below is the Junior Leadership Team’s photo collage showcasing the theme of this year’s Catholic Education Week: “Pilgrims of Faith”.

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CHRISTMAS RAFFLE Head Boy of the Junior School Joseph Davidson contacted lots of businesses asking for donations for their Christmas raffle to raise money to help those in our school community. 12 fantastic prizes were kindly donated by Bello Luca, Brownings the Bakers, Fireaway Pizza, Dominos, Tesco, Rowallan Castle, Glasgow Central Station, Beijing Banquet, The Galleon, McDonalds, Cairns Cakes, and Salt and Barrel. During the month of November, members of the JLT, with the help of Mrs Shearer, Orla and Olive sold raffle tickets in St Joseph’s Church, St. Mathew’s Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They also sold them at parents’ evenings’, and to staff and pupils every lunchtime. On the 1st December, they were very excited to handover a cheque for £1,200!

School Raffle Winners!

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CHRISTMAS WITH MR KANE Favourite Christmas film? Home Alone Favourite Christmas hymn? O Come, O Come Emmanuel Midnight Mass or Christmas Day Mass? Christmas Day Do you believe in Santa? Yes, absolutley Real tree or artificial tree? Real tree Perfect Christmas dinner? Turkey, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes with family Favourite Christmas memory? No one stands out, I always remember fondly each Christmas and time spent with family

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CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

By Megan Queen Christmas, for us, is a time of celebrations and gift giving and of Christmas trees lit with brightly coloured lights. Although it’s not the same for everyone. All across the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways, and in some places is not celebrated at all.

Christmas In Portugal In Portugal, Father Christmas (‘Pai Natal') is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas Tree, or in shoes by the fireplace. However, some people say that the presents are brought by the Baby Jesus rather than Santa (Father Christmas). The Traditional Christmas Meal eaten in Portugal is called Consoada, and is eaten on Christmas Eve, and consists of salted cod served with green vegetables, boiled potatoes and boiled eggs.

This is usually followed by shellfish, wild meats or other expensive foods. In Portuguese Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Feliz Natal' or you can use 'Feliz Natal e um feliz ano novo' for 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year'.

Christmas In Ukraine Christmas in Ukraine is now officially celebrated on the 25th of December, having been celebrated traditionally on the 7th of January. The main Christmas meal, called 'Sviata Vecheria' (or Holy Supper) is eaten on Christmas Eve (24th December or 6th January). Traditionally people fast (don't eat certain foods) all day but you might start the day drinking some holy water that has been blessed at Church. You can't start eating the meal until the first star is seen in the sky. So people (especially the hungry ones!) go outside as soon as it start getting dark in the afternoon to try and spot the first star. The star represents The Journey Of The Wise Men to find Jesus and that Jesus has been born, so Christmas can start! In Ukrainian Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Веселого Різдва' VeselohoRizdva (Merry Christmas) or 'Христос Рождається' KhrystosRozhdayetsia (Christ is Born).

Christmas In Poland In Poland, Christmas Time starts in Advent. During Advent, people try to be peaceful and remember the real reason for Christmas. People try not to have too much of anything, and often give things up that they enjoy, like foods, drinks or activities.

Some people also participate in Church services more often during this time. Advent calendars are very popular in Poland, people like to make some for their families so that they are more personal.

St Nicholas' Day is celebrated on the 6th December. Children hope that they will get a little present from 'Small Nicholas' (Mały Mikołaj) often left in a shoe or near a fireplace. They might also get presents on Christmas Eve. InPolish Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Wesołych Świąt'.

Christmas around the world can be vastly different to the day that we are so familiar with here, but each country has its own interesting way of celebrating.

Merry Christmas!

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THANK YOU! I'd like to thank Mrs Kirkwood for all the amazing work she does with our BGE classes. From the sponsored read to the Christmas Quiz, she does so much to make reading and being in the library a great experience for our pupils.

I'd also like to thank all our great classroom assistants.

I would like to thank the Computing & Business Department for taking the time out to help me settle in, especially Mr Tomb for being so supportive from Tech.

- Mrs Hanif

I’d like to thank my good friend Scott Goldie for always being there when I’m sad.

— Reece Anderson

— Mrs Hill

I would like to say thank you to Ms. Horrey and the other Science teachers for their hard work with Christmas decorations!

— Anonymous

SCHOOL SHOW S4 - S6 are excited to present their production of 'Guys n Dolls' in June 2024.

Show rehearsals have begun and preparations for auditions are well underway!

Watch this space for cast announcement soon.

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Let us welcome God’s bright and shining morning star, A child born in a manger.

A son sent to redeem the world, a saviour come to renew all things.

May his light shine on you, may his light shine in you, may his light shine through you.

May the star guide you through these difficult times to the shining light in the stable in Bethlehem.

Amen.

The staff and pupils of St. Joseph’s Academy wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year!

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

- Luke 2:11