School Activities

Redeveloped Primary School Curriculum

We are proud to be implementing Ireland's Redeveloped Primary School Curriculum, an exciting new approach to teaching and learning in primary schools. The curriculum places children at the heart of their learning and supports the development of the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions they need to thrive.

Our teachers are embracing the new curriculum and its emphasis on active, engaging and meaningful learning experiences. We look forward to continuing to develop our teaching and learning in line with this exciting new chapter in Irish primary education.

Student Council

We have a very active Student Council, with pupils representing every class. Our council members play an important role in school life, sharing ideas and making a valuable contribution to our school community.

STEM Activities

STEM is an important and exciting part of learning in our school. We have class sets of iPads and Chromebooks, as well as LEGO WeDo, Bee-Bots and Sphero resources. Our pupils love developing their coding and programming skills using our wide range of technology.

Green Schools Programme

We were awarded our first Green Flag in 2004 in recognition of our efforts to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Since then, Our Lady's has had very active Green Schools Committees, working hard to raise awareness of environmental issues throughout our school community.

We take part in initiatives such as Climate Action Week, Walk to School Week and many more. In March 2018, we proudly achieved our seventh Green Flag. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this wonderful achievement!

Active School Flag Programme

The Active School Flag (ASF) is a Department of Education initiative, supported by Healthy Ireland, which recognises schools that strive to provide quality physical education and promote physical activity.

We began our Active School Flag journey in early 2018 and were delighted to receive our flag in May 2020. The programme has had a hugely positive impact on physical activity throughout our school, encouraging our pupils to become more active and enjoy healthy, energetic school days.

GAA

Games Promotion Officers from St. John's GAA Club, Ballinteer, provide blocks of Gaelic football and camogie lessons during school hours, where possible. These sessions give pupils the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy our national games.

Athletics

Each June, pupils have the opportunity to represent our school at the Cumann na mBunscol Athletics Finals in Santry.

Swimming

The Parents' Association organises swimming lessons every Friday for pupils from across the school.

Tag Rugby

Rugby Development Officers from Leinster Rugby deliver blocks of tag rugby lessons to classes each year. Pupils also have opportunities to participate in tag rugby blitzes with other schools.

School Choir

Our school choir plays a special part in school celebrations and events. The choir sings at school Masses and occasions including First Confession, First Communion, Confirmation and the Service of Light, as well as Masses marking the opening and closing of the school year.

Junior Achievement

Classes from Senior Infants to Sixth Class participate in Junior Achievement. The programme introduces pupils to enterprise, highlights the importance of education and develops skills that will help them succeed in a changing world.

Through practical, activity-based lessons, pupils develop their understanding of teamwork, decision-making, creativity and communication. A business volunteer visits participating classes once a week for six weeks, making each session engaging, interactive and relevant.

Junior Entrepreneur Programme

Sixth Class pupils take part in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP), an entrepreneurial education programme designed especially for primary school pupils.

Through the programme, pupils develop a wide range of practical and personal skills, including literacy, numeracy, presentation, technology, research, financial awareness, creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration.

JEP also supports pupils' personal development by building confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem, while encouraging them to recognise and appreciate their own individual skills and talents.

Cycling Safety

Our cycling safety programme provides a ten-week course for a designated class each year. Pupils learn the practical skills and knowledge needed to become safer and more confident cyclists.

We endeavour to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to participate in cycling safety training during her time in our school.

After-School Sports

We offer a range of after-school sports to pupils in various classes, including Gaelic football, camogie, basketball and table tennis.

Sessions are coached by dedicated school staff and specialist external coaches. Pupils train after school and have opportunities to represent the school in relevant leagues and competitions.

Homework Club

Our Homework Club runs after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please contact the school if you are interested in your child joining.

Other After-School Activities

A variety of additional after-school activities are available to pupils through our school.

Please note: The following activities are provided by external organisers and are not organised or run by the school.

Every weekday: Sherpa After-School Care from 1:30 p.m. https://www.sherpakids.ie/
Mondays: Basketball
Tuesdays: Creative Club
Wednesdays: Children's Art Classes
Thursdays: STEM Club
Fridays: Swimming lessons organised by the Parents' Association at DLR Meadowbrook Pool
Fridays: Table Tennis

School Hall Bookings

For enquiries about booking the school hall, please contact Alan at olnschoolhallbookings@gmail.com.