SJSS Strategic Development Plan 

2024 - 2029

This website sets out the School Vision & School Strategic Development Plan for the Board of Management (BOM) of St Joseph's Secondary School (SJSS). 

This Strategic Development Plan acts as a blueprint for the entire school community. It outlines the school's vision and mission, along with clear goals for student achievement. It details the curriculum that will be followed and how student progress will be measured. The plan also covers essential policies and procedures, ensuring a safe and orderly learning environment. From staff development to parent involvement, the school plan strives to create a well-rounded educational experience for all students.

The documentation of our strategic plan is presented across six sections:

School History

St Joseph’s Secondary School (SJSS) is a Co-Educational Post Primary School in North County Dublin. Our school has a large community of 940 students, 75 teaching staff and 9 Special Needs Assistants. The school is designated as a ‘DEIS School’ (Delivering Equality in Schools) and is a trustee of CEIST (Catholic Education an Irish Schools Trust). 

The story of our school is central to who we are today and how we have come to be. It was the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy who back in 1961 decided that the community of Rush was the place where they decided to plant roots in the community and three young brave women made the journey out to a place that they didn’t even know where it was. Little did they know that that first journey would lead to what ST Joseph’s Secondary school is today. 

13 families entrusted their young girls into the care of the Sisters and despite a mighty storm the night before opening, school began in the grounds of the Convent across from the school. The school building was officially opened on March 19th 1962, the Sisters themselves have always acknowledged the incredible support that community of Rush gave to the Sisters. 

St Joseph’s has always been a community school in the best sense of that word. It is our bedrock and keystone and in 2024 both our Crest and CARE motto. It is who we are. In 1981 again, the very forward thinking Sisters took another step forward and invited boys to join the girls in ST Joseph’s, by now a new building added to the original one allowed for the expansion of the School, and the addition of its many prefabs in the impatient and often frustrated school community, has or school community waiting with bated breath for our new school Campus. 

Our school shares the rich tradition and strengths that are part of the Mercy/CEIST ethos. Excellence, inclusion, creativity, courage, opportunity, and a global vision are very much our living ethos. We affirm our Catholicism in the context of a new Ireland which welcomes diversity and promotes inclusion. We robustly engage our Students in the spiritual, intellectual, and physical rigours of a young, full life. We have a unique atmosphere here in St. Josephs and have a long tradition of supporting students to reach their full potential.

Principal's Address 

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I am thrilled to share with you our school's vision for growth and improvement through our School Strategic Development Plan (SSDP). This plan is more than a document; it is our roadmap to a future where every student can flourish in a holistic and inclusive learning environment that meets their diverse needs. At the heart of our SSDP is a commitment to empowering each student to reach their full potential, academically and personally. This goes beyond traditional measures of success; we aim to foster intellectual growth, promote social and emotional well-being, and cultivate responsible and engaged citizens. The SSDP outlines goals that directly align with our school's overarching aim. These goals span various areas, from academic achievement and student well-being to teaching and learning practices, curriculum development, and school grounds & resource management. 

Our SSDP is not a static document; it's a dynamic and collaborative tool that guides our decision-making processes and resource allocation. Throughout our SSDP, we outline our commitment to continuous improvement, accompanied by detailed action plans that specify the strategies for achieving our goals. We have established mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating progress, ensuring that we are consistently moving towards our vision. By effectively implementing our SSDP, we are creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment. This environment empowers all our students to thrive and succeed not only academically but in every aspect of their lives. Together, as a united community, we are shaping the future of our school.

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) 

In St. Joseph's Secondary School, the senior leadership team acts as the central command, guiding both the daily operations and long-term vision. Led by our Principal, Daragh Nealon, and a team of three Deputy Principals, this collaborative group tackles a multitude of tasks. They oversee the curriculum, ensuring it's current and effective, while also supporting teachers through professional development. Student well-being is a top priority, so the team cultivates a positive learning environment that addresses academic, social, and emotional needs. They also set strategic goals for the school, constantly seeking improvement and incorporating innovative approaches. By effectively managing staff and finances, they create a stable foundation for learning. Finally, the team fosters strong relationships with parents and the wider community, ensuring everyone is invested in the school's success. Through their combined efforts, the senior leadership team strives to make the school a place where students can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Daragh Nealon

Prinicpal

Judi O'Boyle 

Deputy Prinicipal

Ciaran Reade 

Deputy Prinicipal

Darren Byrne 

Deputy Principal

Mission Statement 

We aim to provide a secure and caring environment which promotes effort, achievement and the enjoyment of learning, where students develop self-esteem, responsibility and self-management skills in an atmosphere of respect and mutual support, inspired by our Catholic tradition. 

Guiding Vision

In St Joseph's we CARE about what we do and how we do things.  This principle of care runs through all that we do.  Staff and students at the school understand the importance of our eight distinct principles of CARE, and these help us aim high, work together, do the right thing, and create a community where enjoyment and hard work go hand in hand.

Our CEIST ETHOS

St. Joseph's Secondary School is a flourishing community proudly guided by CEIST Values. CEIST stands for Catholic Education, Irish Schools Trust, and its core values resonate deeply within our school community. CEIST emphasises building a school community rooted in faith and Gospel values. At St. Joseph's, this translates to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where respect, compassion, and excellence are cornerstones of everything we do. We honour our rich Catholic heritage while fostering a spirit of collaboration and open dialogue. We are proud to offer a unique educational experience that combines academic rigour with a strong foundation in CEIST values. 

We strive to create a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential. Collaboration is key to achieving our goals. We encourage open communication and collaboration between students, staff, and parents. We believe that by working together, we can create a thriving learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected. At St. Joseph's, we believe in celebrating achievements and fostering a positive school culture. This approach aims to motivate students and build a strong sense of community pride. 

Our core values guide our mission to provide a holistic education for all students. We believe in nurturing the spiritual growth of each individual alongside academic excellence. St. Joseph's Secondary School is committed to preparing students for active citizenship in the world. We believe in fostering a spirit of social justice, care for the environment, and a willingness to advocate for those in need. 

Our Core CEIST Values


Promoting Spiritual and Human Development

We believe a knowledge of and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ give meaning and purpose to our lives.

Achieving Quality in Teaching and Learning 

We are committed to excellence and to continually improving the quality of teaching and learning.

Showing Respect for Every Person 

We respect the unique and intrinsic value of every person.

Creating Community 

Our schools are faith communities of welcome and hospitality where Gospel values are lived and where there is special care for those most in need.

Being Just and Responsible 

We seek to act justly and responsibly in all our relationships