Aquatics
Classes from 1st to 6th are taking part in a 6 week aquatic Programme in the Portlaoise Leisure Centre Portlaoise.
Dance
Folk dance is an important element of the dance strand of the PE curriculum. Children in 5th and 6th class really enjoyed their Dance lessons. They learned new steps in the process like the side step, gallop and the promenade step.
La Vinca
"La Vinca" dance showcased intricate steps and graceful turns. Pupils loved the mixture of feet stomping, clapping and waving their forefingers at their partners. There was great energy about the room learning this new folk dance.
Irish- Rakes of Mallow
The "Rakes of Mallow" is a lively and well-known traditional Irish dance. It’s often performed as a group dance. The dance itself is energetic and lighthearted, featuring quick steps, skips, and patterns that reflect Irish step-dancing traditions.
The French Peasant Dance
"French Peasant dance" originated in rural France and were a big part of village life, often tied to seasonal celebrations, weddings, and festivals. Here are 5th and 6th class enjoying their new steps.
Gymnastics
Each year, we partner with Portlaoise Gymnastics Club for a few weeks of gymnastics, offering students an exciting opportunity to learn an array of skills and movements. Denis Donohue, who runs the gym in Portlaoise, has a special connection to our school as his children are past pupils. Denis had the incredible honour of serving as an Olympic judge at the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, a proud achievement for him and his family.
We are very fortunate to benefit from Denis’s expertise, along with Niamh, one of his highly skilled coaches. This year, students from 3rd to 6th class participated in the program, tackling challenging warm-up exercises and mastering various techniques. Each session left the students feeling energised and eagerly anticipating the following week.
We are very fortunate to benefit from Denis’s expertise, along with Niamh, one of his highly skilled coaches. This year, students from 3rd to 6th class participated in the program, tackling challenging warm-up exercises and mastering various techniques. Each session left the students feeling energised and eagerly anticipating the following week.
Corrective Gymnastics with Mirek
This year junior infants up to 2nd class took part in corrective gymnastics sessions with Mirek, thanks to Laois Sports Partnership. Mirek was excellent with the children and made every session interesting and so enjoyable. He even brought balloons one day! There was a lot of exercises based on balance and coordination, some of our major fundamental movement skills.
Games
In line with the whole school plan, this month’s focus in P.E. was on games. For senior classes, the activities were designed to reflect the skills and game awareness essential for participation in Cumann na mBunscol. Lessons included paired activities and drills aimed at improving fundamental skills such as agility, balance, and coordination, both with and without the ball. Students also engaged in cooperative games, team relays, and small-sided possession games, all of which helped to enhance teamwork and tactical understanding.
