History of St. Joseph's G.N.S.
On the 28th of October 1963, two hundred children began their schooling in four prefab buildings on the grounds of St. Brigid's school, Wellmount Rd., Finglas West. The school was called St. Jude's and was the nucleus of the future St. Joseph's. The Principal was Sr. M. Benen Staines and her teachers were Sr. M. Theophane, Ide O'Loughlin and Mary Clancy. On the 19th September 1966 Sr. De La Salle, Principal, and her seven teachers welcomed 400 pupils to the new St. Jude's- now St. Joseph's, Barry Ave.
This was the first school in North West Finglas. The new school was officially opened by the then Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. John Charles McQuaid. Sr. Bernadette Glennon represented the Holy Faith Order and An tUasal Gearoid O'Sulleabhain represented the Department of Education. An tUasal Stiofain O'Cathain who was our District Inspector was also present. The number of pupils increased annually until 1973 when it reached its peak having 1060 pupils on roll and 25 teachers on staff. There were 50 children in each class and four prefab classrooms were added to accommodate the large numbers.
In 1976 the decision by the Department of Education to change from a Manager to a Board of Management was welcomed by staff. St. Josephs has two parents as full members on the Board Of Management. The formation of the National Parents Council was another government initiative welcomed by all. Teachers and parents can now work as true partners in the education of the children in Finglas. This formalises an already good parent/teacher relationship.
The Principals of St. Josephs have been Sr. De La Salle, Sr. Louise (now deceased RIP)Sr. Máire Sheehy, Sr. Patricia Lahiff, Sr. Bernadette Geraghty, Sr. Alice Aylward and Sr. Maria Hogan (RIP). In 2000 the Holy Faith Sisters ceased as principals and managers and St. Josephs became a lay school with Ms. Marian Farrelly as Principal. Mary Clancy who was a constant from the early days retired in 1995 and Noreen Cleary who replaced her as Deputy Principal died in 2001, may she rest in peace.
Marian Farrelly retired in June 2011 and Ms. Aine Fitzgerald replaced her as principal.
Lar Hayden is our current principal, having replaced Aine in April 2023.
This was the first school in North West Finglas. The new school was officially opened by the then Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. John Charles McQuaid. Sr. Bernadette Glennon represented the Holy Faith Order and An tUasal Gearoid O'Sulleabhain represented the Department of Education. An tUasal Stiofain O'Cathain who was our District Inspector was also present. The number of pupils increased annually until 1973 when it reached its peak having 1060 pupils on roll and 25 teachers on staff. There were 50 children in each class and four prefab classrooms were added to accommodate the large numbers.
In 1976 the decision by the Department of Education to change from a Manager to a Board of Management was welcomed by staff. St. Josephs has two parents as full members on the Board Of Management. The formation of the National Parents Council was another government initiative welcomed by all. Teachers and parents can now work as true partners in the education of the children in Finglas. This formalises an already good parent/teacher relationship.
The Principals of St. Josephs have been Sr. De La Salle, Sr. Louise (now deceased RIP)Sr. Máire Sheehy, Sr. Patricia Lahiff, Sr. Bernadette Geraghty, Sr. Alice Aylward and Sr. Maria Hogan (RIP). In 2000 the Holy Faith Sisters ceased as principals and managers and St. Josephs became a lay school with Ms. Marian Farrelly as Principal. Mary Clancy who was a constant from the early days retired in 1995 and Noreen Cleary who replaced her as Deputy Principal died in 2001, may she rest in peace.
Marian Farrelly retired in June 2011 and Ms. Aine Fitzgerald replaced her as principal.
Lar Hayden is our current principal, having replaced Aine in April 2023.
