We are pleased to offer many after school activities - competitive athletics, intramural athletics, clubs, and performing arts - to help each student find and develop his or her own talents and skills at all grade levels. After school activities support healthy socialization, leadership development, and community service. We encourage all students to try new things and get involved.
Competitive Athletics
Our competitive athletic options in the past have included Cross Country (fall), Field Hockey (fall), and Basketball (winter, G3-8). For more information visit our Athletics page.
Intramural Athletics
Intramurals are sports leagues, tournaments and competitions held within Saint Joseph School. For more information, and to sign-up, visit our Intramurals page.
Interest Clubs
After School Clubs run three sessions throughout the school year and coincide with the three academic trimesters. Past interest clubs have included Drama club (fall and winter), Ski club (winter), Chess club (winter), Art club (fall, winter, spring). To learn more about 2023 Session I After School Clubs, and to sign up, follow the link below.
Public Speaking & Debate Clubs
Rose Institute specializes in connecting speakers with their audiences. Since 2011, we have proudly provided our students with a platform to practice speech and debate. Complete with tailored lessons, exercises, games, speeches, in class presentations, and inter-school competitions, our programs are an absolute blast! Strengthen your confidence, find your voice, and prepare for success. For more info follow the link below.
Performing Arts
Choral Opportunities
The primary responsibility of the choir is to provide music for the monthly First Friday Liturgies. However, the choir also participates in many all-school functions both in and out of the building, providing music for prayer services, concerts, and assemblies.
The choir, directed by Mr. Dan Farretta (SJS music teacher grades 4-8), rehearses once a week on Wednesdays from 2:40-3:20pm in the Music Room. In addition to singing at the monthly masses, the choir is featured at other functions throughout the school year. This program is free of charge and students in grades 3-8 are welcome to participate. To sign-up email Mr. Farretta at dfarretta@sjs-needham.org with your student's name, grade, homeroom and best contact info.
Drama & Musical Theatre
The after-school drama program is designed to foster a love of the performing arts and give the students a positive theatrical experience in a supportive environment. Exposing students to the world of theatre is a positive experience that will enable them to "think on their feet" as well as creatively work in a supportive environment. Our hope is that this drama experience will not only improve the students’ imagination and boost their self-confidence, it will also develop a life-long appreciation for the arts as they become more aware of the world around them. The program is directed by Judith Pratt (jpratt@sjs-needham.org).
Interested students in Grades 4-8 learn acting, singing and basic dance skills that are put together in rehearsal for an age-appropriate musical performance for all to enjoy! Each program is designed to expand the children’s ability as they grow more and more comfortable on stage. More information and sign-up to come.
Concert Band
Paul Effman Music leads our band program. Students are grouped by instrument and level of performance. The band meets weekly for 30 minutes altogether, and then will additionally meet in small groups for lessons. The Saint Joseph School band will host two concerts throughout the year: the Christmas Performance and the Spring Concert. More info visit: https://ed.pemusic.com/join/
Instrument Lessons
To support our band program, private lessons are offered at our school on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Students in grades 4-8 are invited to take private, semi-private, or beginner group lessons. Instrument rentals can be arranged. More info on the 2023-2024 season coming soon.