Extracurricular Activities
At St. Pius X N.S., we believe that extracurricular activities play a vital role in developing confident, well-rounded pupils. We provide a wide range of opportunities in music, sport and the arts, encouraging every child to discover and develop their talents.
Music
Music is an integral part of school life and is taught to an exceptionally high standard under the guidance of Mrs. Nicola Kavanagh. Pupils enjoy a progressive music programme throughout their time in the school. Infant classes begin their musical journey through Kindermusik, while pupils in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class learn the ukulele. From 4th to 6th Class, pupils learn the recorder, developing their musical skills and confidence. As a result, the vast majority of children leave St. Pius X N.S. able to play three musical instruments and read music.
Music and performance are celebrated throughout the school. Every second year, the entire school comes together to present either a whole-school Christmas Carol Service or a drama production. Our recent Carol Services in Ballacolla Church have been a particular highlight, showcasing the wonderful musical talents of our pupils while bringing together families and the wider community. These events provide every child with the opportunity to perform and create lasting memories during their time in St. Pius X N.S.
Sport
Sport is an extremely important part of life in St. Pius X N.S., with hurling holding a particularly special place in our school community. We field mixed teams in hurling and Gaelic football each year in the Cumann na mBunscol competitions, where participation, teamwork and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our recent successes, including winning this year's Cumann na mBunscol Football Championship and narrowly missing out on the Hurling Championship title after reaching the final.
We also participate annually in the FAI Primary 5-a-Side competition and continue to expand the range of sporting opportunities available to our pupils. Last year, we entered the Regional Volleyball Competition for the first time, winning the title and earning the honour of representing County Laois at the National Finals in UL Arena. It was a fantastic experience for our pupils and reflected our commitment to ensuring that every child gets equal playing time and the opportunity to represent their school.
In addition to these competitions, pupils enjoy basketball, rounders and six weeks of swimming lessons each year, helping them to develop new skills, confidence and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
Other Activities
Our pupils enjoy many other enriching experiences throughout the school year. We regularly participate in table quizzes, art competitions and a variety of community events, encouraging creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.
Our school polytunnel is another much-loved feature of school life. Each year, Martin Lawlor, who brings many years of nursery and horticultural experience, works alongside our pupils as they prepare, plant and care for a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Before the summer holidays, children proudly bring home the produce they have grown themselves, giving them a real appreciation of healthy eating, sustainability and the rewards of nurturing plants from seed to harvest.
These activities complement classroom learning by fostering creativity, resilience, confidence and a strong sense of community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop their interests and talents in a supportive and encouraging environment.
