“Walk and try for Athy”

PE, sports and being active plays an important part in the life of every student in Scoil Mhichíl Naofa. In line with the curriculum each child receives 1 hour Physical Education each week. We also compete in many sporting competitions and participate in non-competitive activities and initiatives throughout the school year. We consider being active to be an integral part of our students’ wellness and education while providing them with the opportunities to be leaders and work as part of a team.

All classes are taught all strands of the curriculum each year. Students attend swimming lessons in the local swimming pool, and each class covers water safety through the Land Paws programme.

PE homework is encouraged especially during Active Sports Fortnight and special initiatives throughout the year.

Physical Activity

Playground activities: Lunch and break times are very busy in Scoil Mhichíl Naofa with activities such as soccer, basketball, running and skipping. We have a number of yards including a basketball court, astro area for SEN students, two junior yards which ensures that every class has ample room for activities.

On wet days when the children cannot go out classes take part in Busy Breaks indoors. Eg Go Noodle dance, 10@10, Bizzy Breaks etc.

Physical Activity treats: Teachers use active breaks as rewards during the week as part of their discretionary time between lessons, before home time or on Friday afternoons.

Whole School Initiatives: The Active School committee helps to organise special initiatives, the Mile a day challenge, Hallowe'en and Christmas activities and a Céilí Mór. They also collect and organise the equipment for our Sports Fortnight and Wellbeing Week. Students are encouraged to use the Active School Walkway during breaks or as a busy break.

After School Activities: Coaching and training in sports such as Football, hurling, camogie, soccer, basketball and running take place after school in preparation for competitions.

Girl's Basketball Team

Boy's Basketball Team

The Athletics Team

SEN: Our SEN children have access to a dedicated playground area complete with climbing frame and slides. They also have access to our multisensory room which is equipped with ceiling swing and ball pool. These facilities ensure that the children have access to a wide range of activities in a safe environment.

Our SEN children are encouraged to participate in our after school activities and subsequently be members of our school teams entered in competitions such as Cumann na mBunscol.

Partnerships

Health and wellbeing: We have participated in a number of healthy eating and exercise initiatives including An Board Bia Food Dudes programme, Agri Aware and Super Troopers. Healthy eating is encouraged at lunchtimes and every child has access to our healthy lunch scheme.

GAA: At Scoil Mhichíl Naofa we work closely with Athy GAA, Athy Camogie and Athy Ladies GFC. Throughout the year we avail of the Athy camogie and GAA coaches, when available.

Rugby: Athy Rugby also make their coaches and facilities available to us.

Tennis: Students from 5th and 6th class take part in tennis lessons in conjunction with Tennis Ireland at the local Tennis Club.

Cycling: Students from 4th class participate in a six week cycle training programme.

Soccer: Clonmullion soccer club have kindly given us the use of their pitch while building works are taking place. We also avail of soccer coaches, when available.

Kildare Sports Partnership: We work closely with Kildare Sports Partnership and we completed CPD in Badminton with their help.

Parents: Our HSCL coordinator organises keep fit, yoga, and mindfulness classes annually.

SCP: Our local SCP coordinator helps to fund yard equipment to ensure our classes are busy during break times. This helps to ensure all children attend school regularly and enables them to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Kare: The Athy branch of KARE hold their annual sports day on the grounds of our schools. Unfortunately at present, the field is under construction but hopefully activities will resume when our new field is complete. A number of our students take part and our parents and staff volunteer at their sports events.

Special Needs Action Group Athy(SNAG) Was founded by parents of the school and many of our children take part in their activities in the evenings or at the weekends. Some children also take part in training for Special Olympics with the help of this group.

Here is a survey of our 2nd- 6th classes of their after school sporting activities.

Active Schools Week/Fortnight

Active Schools fortnight takes place every June. The children get a chance to participate in a number of competitive and non-competitive activities. Classes run mini blitzs and play traditional field day games eg egg and spoon, three legged , wheelbarrow races and tug of war. They also take part in a run a mile a day challenge. GAA and rugby coaches continue to coach classes during the fortnight. Classes take a walk to the local park and the local rugby and GAA pitches for fun activities eg. orienteering & team challenges.

Teachers give homework relevant to the PE strand during this time.