St Joseph�s past pupils are to be found in many walks of life; for example, nursing, teaching, the legal profession, civil service and banking; also in the construction industry, catering, medicine and care workers, etc. Six past pupils are teaching at St Joseph�s, while others are at other schools. One became a priest, Fr Malachy Murphy, while two girls entered the religious life.

One unusual feature was the concept of running �mini companies� from within the school premises, introduced in 1985. St Joseph�s was chosen because of its willingness to look at new ideas to improve the quality and width of education, using English, Maths and Commerce as a vehicle.

Sport has played an important role at the school, with many awards coming to the Crossmaglen school over the years, such as Gaelic football, camogie and ladies football, netball, gymnastics and athletics, etc. On the music scene, John Glenn was a successful singer; there is a school choir, while traditional and classical music is taught.

One teacher, who played a crucial role at the school, was Mrs Brigid McMahon, who was a vice-principal in charge of curriculum development. She explained: �We felt it our duty to provide an oasis of calm and normality, and had a great corps of teachers, who provided continuity.

�We had to create an image and ethos for the school. Previously, the post-primary students had focussed on Newry or Armagh. The high schools had been modelled on the English secondary modern schools, which were not encouraged to get involved with academic subjects, but to provide fodder for factories and farms.

And Mrs McMahon, stated: �The principal, Archie McMullan, was a great character, who encouraged the staff to do what appealed to them, to experiment and not be hide-bound. We ran a successful campaign to have Irish writers on the syllabus. The subject was raised with the School Inspector, and when the G.S.S.E. replaced the C.S.E., a list of Irish writers was incorporated in the new syllabus.�

A very significant address was delivered by Sister Anne O�Shea, past principal of the Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry, and Regional Director of the 11 to 16 Curriculum Programme. Welcoming the new Common Curriculum, she said it �meant that all secondary and grammar schools would be offered a similar curriculum.

�Parents felt that grammar schools offered the better curriculum. In my experience, the best teachers, who made the greatest effort on behalf of the pupils, were in the secondary schools. My hope is that, with open enrolment and curriculum, all parents will begin to look at their local school for the best education for their sons and daughters.

�St Joseph�s High School has built a strong foundation. And the new developments offer opportunities, which could be the best thing ever to happen in this community. My vision for the future will be that, as a partnership, you will be able to make St Joseph�s the only school that will serve the needs of all young people in this area.�

Indeed, important appointments have just been made by the principal of St Joseph�s, Mr Kevin Scally, in order to �pursue the development of the curriculum and enhance its delivery.� Mrs Rosie Burns is Co-ordinator of Citizenship; Mrs Karen Ridley, Head of Year 8; while Miss Ellen Trainor is Head of Science.

�All three members of staff have shown their loyalty and commitment to the school; they have demonstrated great foresight in interpreting the ever-changing needs of pupils, and are keen to do what is necessary to fulfil those needs,� stated the principal, whose deputies are John Jones and Mr Maire Mulligan.

Head of the French Department, Madame Burns was formerly Rosie Reel from Silverbridge. She is a sister-in-law of Jarlath Burns, former Armagh star, now B.B.C commentator and Head of the Irish Department at St Paul�s High School in Bessbrook. She is also the school�s Press Officer.

�The new course covers topics such as diversity, human rights, and democracy. It gives our pupils the skills to become active and responsible citizens in their own communities, and to create a better quality of life for themselves and their families,� Mrs Burns explained.

Chairman of the Board of Governors, Tom McKay, associated with St Joseph�s for 27 years, was a founder and long-time chairman of R.O.S.A. (Regeneration of South Armagh). He led a dedicated team, which helped to transform the social and economic situation of the region from Bessbrook to Forkhill and Newtownhamilton.

Former Head of the Employment and Training Agency, based in Newry, he gave this assurance: �St Joseph�s will strive to ensure that all the young people who leave school are fully equipped to meet the needs of the modern world. The school is ready for the challenges of the future.

�Success cannot come easily; and it is through partnership between the teachers, pupils and the board that this can be achieved. If teachers and students continue to give St Joseph�s your support, I am confident that the school can go on to greater things,� stated Mr Tom McKay, Chairman of the Board.

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