Extracurricular Activities

Music is a key part of life in our school. Under the guidance of Mrs. Nicola Kavanagh, all class groups undertake lessons of a very high standard. The Infants take part in Kindermusik as an introduction to music. Our 1st and 2nd Class pupils learn the tin whistle, 3rd and 4th Class pupils learn the recorder and 5th and 6th Class pupils learn the flute. The vast majority of pupils will leave our school with the ability to play three instruments and to read music. This year, we have added the ukulele to list as we can safely practice whilst maintaining the required social distancing.

As well as this, the pupils in the Junior Room put on an annual Nativity play which is always a highlight of the year. In the school year 2019/2020 the Senior Room took part in Peace Proms, featuring the Cross-Border Orchestra of Ireland which culminated in a performance in Waterford I.T. Arena in March.

Similar to music, sport is seen as an important part of each child’s time in St. Pius X N.S. We field mixed boys’ and girls’ teams in hurling, football and soccer and have won competitions in all three sports over the past three years. Each child is encouraged to participate, regardless of their ability level, and every child from Third to Sixth Class takes part in matches in both hurling and football.

In recent years we have also taken part in handball and rounders activities involving other schools. Each year we have dedicated basketball and gymnastics coaches who come to the school for six-week blocks and similarly, each pupil has six weeks of swimming lessons per school year.

Pupils in the school take part in a range of other activities also. We regularly enter table quizzes and art competitions and we even had a winner of a school horse riding competition three years ago.