Embedded Files
Enrolment Application and Information for 2026/2027
Active Schools 2024-2025
Active Schools 2024-2025
Active Schools Committee 2024/2025
Active Schools Committee 2024/2025
Active Schools Noticeboard
Active Schools Noticeboard
Key Events for 2024/2025
Key Events for 2024/2025
Active School Slogan.webp
Physical Education
Physical Education
Swimming Lessons at The Apex
Swimming Lessons at The Apex
Term 2 and 3
Term 2 and 3
Each week, 3rd and 4th Class pupils attend swimming lessons at The Apex in New Ross as part of an 8-week programme. The children are making great progress in their water confidence and swimming skills, all while having lots of fun. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn an important life skill.
Fundamental Movement Skills with Move Well, Move Often
Fundamental Movement Skills with Move Well, Move Often
As part of our Physical Education programme, teachers across all class levels, from Junior Infants to 6th Class, are using the Move Well, Move Often resources to teach Fundamental Movement Skills. These activities help children develop essential skills like running, jumping, throwing, and balancing in a fun and structured way. It’s a key part of building confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of movement.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Active Break Every Day Challenge
Active Break Every Day Challenge
November 18 – December 13, 2024
The Active Break Every Day challenge was a whole-school challenge that took place across 4 weeks. All classes enjoyed taking part in active movement breaks every day during this period.
Active Break Challenge 1.pdfActive Break Challenge 2.pdfSkip Around Europe and Skipping Takeover
Skip Around Europe and Skipping Takeover
Our school took part in the Active School initiative, Skip Around Europe! Over four weeks – two before and two after Easter – every class skipped for 10 minutes each day, building fitness, fun, and teamwork along the way. We were thrilled to receive a full class set of skipping ropes, which made the challenge even more enjoyable for everyone. From France to Finland, our imaginary journey around Europe was filled with energy, laughter, and lots of skipping steps!
Camogie Team
Camogie Team
The girls from Graignamanagh and Skeough have been training hard and proudly representing their schools on the camogie pitch this year. With guidance and encouragement from their trainers, Ms Donnelly and Ms Quigley, the team has shown fantastic skill, determination, and teamwork.
Céilí Mór
Céilí Mór
As part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, children from 1st to 6th Class took part in a lively Céilí Mór! The GP room was filled with music, movement, and laughter as pupils danced traditional Irish céilí dances together. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Irish culture, have fun, and get active – all while embracing Seachtain na Gaeilge!
Playground Leaders
Playground Leaders
Our fantastic 3rd and 4th Class pupils have been stepping up as Playground Leaders during break times, helping to make yard time extra fun for the younger classes. With great enthusiasm and kindness, they lead games, include everyone, and make sure everyone has a chance to join in.
Soccer Blitz for Neurodiversity Week
Soccer Blitz for Neurodiversity Week
To celebrate Neurodiversity Week, pupils from 5th and 6th Class and Le Chéile temaedd up for a Soccer Blitz. The event was all about inclusion, teamwork, and enjoyment, with children showing great sportsmanship and support for one another throughout the tournament.
Partnerships
Partnerships
Tag Rugby Fun with Noel Devlin
Tag Rugby Fun with Noel Devlin
Over four exciting weeks, our 5th/6th Class and 1st class pupils got to enjoy tag rugby coaching from Noel Devlin. With plenty of running, passing, and teamwork, the children learned new skills while having great fun. Noel’s energy and encouragement made each session a highlight of the week, and everyone looked forward to getting active and playing together!
Pupil Questionnaire and 'What Club Are You In Survey?'
Pupil Questionnaire and 'What Club Are You In Survey?'
The Active School Committee created gathered feedback from 2nd to 6th Class pupils on the provision of Physical Education at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál. The survey was set up using Google Forms and completed by the children on the school’s chromebooks.
In addition, members of the Active School Committee carried out a survey to find out what clubs pupils from Junior Infants to 6th Class are involved in outside of school.
Active Slogan
Active Slogan
All pupils created slogans and designed posters to tell us what Active Schools means to them. The Active School Committee gathered all the posters and reviewed the slogans. They had a difficult task to choose a winning slogan as we received so many fantastic entries.
Relay Takeover - 27th September 2024
Relay Takeover - 27th September 2024
On Friday 27th of September we took part in the first Active School event of the year. Following on from the successes of the Irish relay teams at the Olympic Games in Paris, all classes participated in relay activities on the day inspired by the Irish athletes. We were delighted to receive a set of relay batons from the Active School Flag organisation.
Active Schools Committee Application Form.pdfActive School Committee Application Form
Application forms for the Active School Committee were circulated to pupils . We were delighted to read through them and gathered inspiration from all the candidates.
Active School Week 2024
Active School Week 2024
Active School Week 2024 took place from the 24th - 28th of June. The Active School Committee organised a fantastic week full of events for all classes to enjoy.
Active School Week 2023
Activities 2022/2023
Active School Committee 2021/2022
Active School Week 2022
Active School Week 2022
Active School Week 2022 will take place from Monday 13th June- Friday 17th June.
The Active School committee members have been working hard to devise a range of fun activities for all classes to take part in and have created a time table of events for each class.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Run Around Ireland Challenge
Run Around Ireland Challenge
All classes were active every day while taking part in the 'Run Around Ireland Challenge'. Each class completed laps and these were then converted into kilometers to help us reach landmarks around Ireland.
Active Advent Calendars and Santa Walk
Active Advent Calendars and Santa Walk
5th and 6th Class designed Active Advent Calendars that were presented to each class for the month of December.
All classes took part in our annual Santa walk on the 20th December.
National Fitness Day and European School Sports Day
National Fitness Day and European School Sports Day
Achievement Day- 11th February 2022
Achievement Day- 11th February 2022
We celebrated our active achievements from outside of school on the 11th February 2022.
Children brought in a variety of medals, trophies, certificates and ribbons from an array of sporting activities.
We had representations from camogie, hurling, soccer, athletics, dance, horseriding, swimming and gymnastics clubs.
Physical Education
Physical Education
Gymnastics
Gymnastics
Curricular Focus- Gymnastics
For the school year 2021/2022 we have chosen the strand of Gymnastics in Physical Education as a curricular focus area.
A number of years ago we purchased new gymnastics equipment. Our aim this year is to up skill in this area.
We are very lucky to have Caoimhe Shiels, who is a gymnastics teacher, come to our school for a ten week programme in term two and term three.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga and Mindfulness
All classes are enjoying a ten week programme of Yoga and Mindfulness with Karen Power on Friday.
Physical Education Equipment Audit
Physical Education Equipment Audit
Partnerships
Partnerships
Green Schools Bike Week
Green Schools Bike Week
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál has been successfully engaged in An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme for many years. We are extremely proud of all our achievements to date!
To celebrate this work and for Bike Week, Chiara Hanrahan visited the school on Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June to deliver a Bike Skills session to all classes.
On the day Chiara who is a fully trained and vetted cycling instructor, covered some basic safety skills with the children and reinforced these skills through fun by playing some games in the yard.
Student Physical Education Survey and 'What Club Are You In' Survey
Student Physical Education Survey and 'What Club Are You In' Survey
The Active School Committee devised a questionnaire to survey 2nd-6th Class children on their thoughts about Physical Education provision in Scoil Mhuire gan Smál. The questions were inputted onto a Google Form survey and the children completed these surveys using the school's chromebooks.
Members of the 5th and 6th Class Active School Committee also surveyed 2nd-6th Class pupils about what clubs they are involved with outside of school.
Club and School Partnerships- TY Soccer Programme with Duiske College
Club and School Partnerships- TY Soccer Programme with Duiske College
Another curriculum area that we chose to focus on for further development this year was the Physical Education strand of Games and Soccer. 5th and 6th Class are taking part in a TY Soccer programme in partnership with Duiske College and Highview Athletic Soccer Club. This programme will take place throughout the 2021-2022 school year. 5th and 6th class will use the skills they have learned to assist all classes taking part in a soccer tournament during Active School Week.
KRSP- Sports Hall Athletics
KRSP- Sports Hall Athletics
Pat Power from KRSP ran a Sports Hall Athletics workshop in our new Central Activities Space which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
KRSP- New Yard Markings
KRSP- New Yard Markings
Active School Motto
Active School Motto
The children created posters for our Active School Flag motto.
Our aim is to encourage all children to walk up the hill to school each morning.
Our mottos are
' Walk up the hill, it's really fun and you will be out in the lovely sun'
'Walk , run, have some fun be more active everyone'
'Have the thrill to walk up the hill'
Sproket Rocket-Cylcing Ireland's Fun Skills programme
Sproket Rocket-Cylcing Ireland's Fun Skills programme
Pupils from second to sixth class were taught four fundamental cycling skills by qualified Sprocket Rocket Instructors on Wednesday 16th October.
Pupils from second to sixth class were taught four fundamental cycling skills by qualified Sprocket Rocket Instructors on Wednesday 16th October.
Active School Committee 2018/2019
Active School Committee 2018/2019
Active Flag
Active Flag
We were absolutely thrilled to have been awarded our second active school flag on the 5th of June. We raised the flag on sports day on the 19th of June. We were delighted to have Paul Townend celebrate this special occasion with us. Paul was the winner of the Gold Cup race at Cheltenham this year and is currently champion jockey.
We were absolutely thrilled to have been awarded our second active school flag on the 5th of June. We raised the flag on sports day on the 19th of June. We were delighted to have Paul Townend celebrate this special occasion with us. Paul was the winner of the Gold Cup race at Cheltenham this year and is currently champion jockey.
VID_20190619_121638.mp4
Partnerships- Healthy Eating
Partnerships- Healthy Eating
Promoting healthy eating to develop a strong body and mind.
Promoting healthy eating to develop a strong body and mind.
Day One- Active School Week
Day One- Active School Week
Day Two - Active School Week
Day Two - Active School Week
Day Three - Active School Week
Day Three - Active School Week
Day Four- Active School Week
Day Four- Active School Week
Day Five - Active School Week
Day Five - Active School Week
VID_20190517_130644.mp4
Partnerships- Active School Motto
Partnerships- Active School Motto
The Active School Committee visited each class to inform them about a competition to create a new Active School motto for our school. They received fantastic entries. The winner of the event was Nessa Dowling in 5th class. Her poster and motto will be displayed in all classrooms and public spaces in both buildings.
The Active School Committee visited each class to inform them about a competition to create a new Active School motto for our school. They received fantastic entries. The winner of the event was Nessa Dowling in 5th class. Her poster and motto will be displayed in all classrooms and public spaces in both buildings.
active school survey of sports club participation.pdfWhat Club are you in Survey
What Club are you in Survey
Members of the Active School Committee surveyed all classes on the 11th April.
Members of the Active School Committee surveyed all classes on the 11th April.
Here are the results:
Here are the results:
Achievement Wall
Achievement Wall
Our pupils take part in many activities during and outside of school hours.
Our pupils take part in many activities during and outside of school hours.
Physical Education- Gymnastics
Physical Education- Gymnastics
This year as part of the Physical Education Curriculum we have chosen the strand of Gymnastics for further development. All teachers have made use of the fantastic resources that have been provided by the PDST. These include the Move Well, Move Often series of books developed to improve fundamental movement skills. We also used gymnastics skills cards for rolling and sequencing movement. Our school purchased new gymnastics equipment this year to enhance teaching and learning for pupils.
This year as part of the Physical Education Curriculum we have chosen the strand of Gymnastics for further development. All teachers have made use of the fantastic resources that have been provided by the PDST. These include the Move Well, Move Often series of books developed to improve fundamental movement skills. We also used gymnastics skills cards for rolling and sequencing movement. Our school purchased new gymnastics equipment this year to enhance teaching and learning for pupils.
Physical Education - CPD Training
Physical Education - CPD Training
Members of staff are continuously up skilling and attending courses to enhance teaching and learning for Physical Education.
Members of staff are continuously up skilling and attending courses to enhance teaching and learning for Physical Education.
Maureen O'Donnell and Helena Lambert attended CPD Training for Physical Literacy through Fundamental Movement Skills Day 1 on the 10th May 2017. Maureen and Ciara O'Farrell attended Physical Literacy through Fundamental Movement Skills- Day 2 on the 28th May 2018 and Day 3 on the 26th March 2019. On return to school the teachers provided feedback to all staff members during staff meetings. The Move Well, Move Often books were shared amongst teachers and new ideas were explained and discussed.
Maureen O'Donnell and Helena Lambert attended CPD Training for Physical Literacy through Fundamental Movement Skills Day 1 on the 10th May 2017. Maureen and Ciara O'Farrell attended Physical Literacy through Fundamental Movement Skills- Day 2 on the 28th May 2018 and Day 3 on the 26th March 2019. On return to school the teachers provided feedback to all staff members during staff meetings. The Move Well, Move Often books were shared amongst teachers and new ideas were explained and discussed.
Active Walkway
Active Walkway
Operation Transformation
Operation Transformation
Before and after our clean up and audit of the PE equipment room
Before and after our clean up and audit of the PE equipment room
Physical Activity- The Daily Mile
Physical Activity- The Daily Mile
All classes are taking part in the Daily Mile running initiative. This non- competitive activity will last for 7 weeks commencing on the 25th of February up to 12th of April for senior pupils and 4 weeks for junior pupils - 25th February to 29th March. It involves 15 minutes of physical activity each day in addition to the 60 minutes of Physical Education instruction each week. The school grounds have been zoned into three different areas. Junior and senior infants will complete the Daily Mile on the Junior yard. First and second class will use the Senior yard. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth class will use the path on the school driveway.
All classes are taking part in the Daily Mile running initiative. This non- competitive activity will last for 7 weeks commencing on the 25th of February up to 12th of April for senior pupils and 4 weeks for junior pupils - 25th February to 29th March. It involves 15 minutes of physical activity each day in addition to the 60 minutes of Physical Education instruction each week. The school grounds have been zoned into three different areas. Junior and senior infants will complete the Daily Mile on the Junior yard. First and second class will use the Senior yard. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth class will use the path on the school driveway.
Physical Activity- Bainisteoir Beag
Physical Activity- Bainisteoir Beag
Our Senior pupils were delighted to take part in the Bainisteoir Beag training programme for playground leaders. This pilot project is run by the Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership and the pupils were taught a variety of activities to play with younger pupils in our school, including traditional playground games. Pat Power of KRSP provided training to all pupils in 5th and 6th class and our school received €800 worth of playground equipment.
Our Senior pupils were delighted to take part in the Bainisteoir Beag training programme for playground leaders. This pilot project is run by the Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership and the pupils were taught a variety of activities to play with younger pupils in our school, including traditional playground games. Pat Power of KRSP provided training to all pupils in 5th and 6th class and our school received €800 worth of playground equipment.
Physical Activity- Santa Walk
Physical Activity- Santa Walk
We held our annual Santa Walk on Thursday 20th December. All classes enjoyed our route around Graignamanagh
We held our annual Santa Walk on Thursday 20th December. All classes enjoyed our route around Graignamanagh
VID_20181220_093520.mp4
Active Advent
Active Advent
During the month of December all classes are keeping active in class by using our active advent calendar. They will be completing a variety of challenges which include, star jumps, squats, plank, push ups and lots more.
During the month of December all classes are keeping active in class by using our active advent calendar. They will be completing a variety of challenges which include, star jumps, squats, plank, push ups and lots more.
Physical Activity- Our Playground Leaders have been using Active Lines to keep the classes busy with lots of exercise after break.
Physical Activity- Our Playground Leaders have been using Active Lines to keep the classes busy with lots of exercise after break.
Partnerships- Basketball
Partnerships- Basketball
1st- 6th class had a visiting basketball coach throughout the year. She worked with them on dribbling, passing and shooting. Each class completed drills to improve their skills. It was a very positive initiative for everyone involved.
1st- 6th class had a visiting basketball coach throughout the year. She worked with them on dribbling, passing and shooting. Each class completed drills to improve their skills. It was a very positive initiative for everyone involved.
Partnerships
Partnerships
Golf
Golf
Sean and Jennifer from Mount Juliet Golf Academy came to hold a golf session with our Senior pupils in November, as part of their school golf programme.
Sean and Jennifer from Mount Juliet Golf Academy came to hold a golf session with our Senior pupils in November, as part of their school golf programme.
Halloween DancePhysical Activity-Halloween Dance Mash Up
Physical Activity-Halloween Dance Mash Up
As part of our annual fundraiser for the Trick or Treat for Temple Street event we held a fashion show in the hall. This was followed by a Halloween Dance mash up which was led by some of our Senior Pupils
As part of our annual fundraiser for the Trick or Treat for Temple Street event we held a fashion show in the hall. This was followed by a Halloween Dance mash up which was led by some of our Senior Pupils
VID_20181010_093310.mp4Yoga
Yoga
All classes enjoyed a yoga class during Mental Health Week 1st- 5th October with Ann Ryan. Ann will return for 10 weeks in Term 2.
All classes enjoyed a yoga class during Mental Health Week 1st- 5th October with Ann Ryan. Ann will return for 10 weeks in Term 2.
VID_20180927_125503.mp4European Week of Sport
European Week of Sport
Every class took part in activities during the European Week of Sport 24th- 28th September. The highlight of the week was held on National Fitness Day Ireland on Thursday 27th September. 5th and 6th Class were the overall winners of the 'Take on the Teacher' Challenge
Every class took part in activities during the European Week of Sport 24th- 28th September. The highlight of the week was held on National Fitness Day Ireland on Thursday 27th September. 5th and 6th Class were the overall winners of the 'Take on the Teacher' Challenge
Partnerships- Balance Bikes
Partnerships- Balance Bikes
The school received a set of balance bikes for September and October from the Kilkenny Sports and Recreational Partnership. Junior classes really enjoyed taking part in the activities and learned about cycle safety.
The school received a set of balance bikes for September and October from the Kilkenny Sports and Recreational Partnership. Junior classes really enjoyed taking part in the activities and learned about cycle safety.
Partnerships
Partnerships
Cycle Right
Cycle Right
5th and 6th Class took part in a six week cycling programme during September and October 2018
5th and 6th Class took part in a six week cycling programme during September and October 2018
Playground Markings
Playground Markings
Thank you to our Parents Association who fundraised for new playground markings on our Junior and Senior yards. This is a great addition and all pupils are enjoying using them at break times and during PE.
Thank you to our Parents Association who fundraised for new playground markings on our Junior and Senior yards. This is a great addition and all pupils are enjoying using them at break times and during PE.
Report abuse