Tin Whistle
Children from 2nd class to 6th receive regular music lessons from a very accomplished music teacher, Martina French. Martina, a highly sought after music teacher visits the school once a week for a full term and teaches children from 2nd to 6th class how to read music and play the tin whistle.
Yoga
All of our classes experience and actively participate in a 6 week block of yoga during the year. An experienced teacher, Vivian Fogarty brings the positive benefits of yoga and mindfulness to all our pupils to help them cope with the busyness in their lives. Some of these benefits are as follows…
- Develop body awareness
- Develop good posture and core strength
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Learn how to use their bodies in a healthy way
- Develop coping skills through breathing, awareness and meditation
- Build flexibility, agility and strength
- Improve other sports, stretching tight muscles and increasing endurance
- Increase their confidence and positive self-image
- Feel part of a healthy, non-competitive group
- Have an alternative to tuning out through constant attachment to electronic devices
- Build children’s concentration and attention skills
- Relax and enjoy non-competitive sport
French
5th and 6th Class pupils receive French lessons at St. Mary’s Central School for the duration of their final two years of primary education. Aside from reaching an impressive level of competency in the language after two years, it allows our pupils to develop their listening, cognitive and personal skills while connecting with another culture.
It also gives our pupils the opportunity to expand their experience with languages while building confidence in their primary school setting ahead of their transition to secondary school where they can continue to develop these skills when they study French or other foreign languages.
Chess
Playing chess is an another opportunity that is presented to the pupils of our school. With the support of our Parents’ Association, pupils from 3rd to 6th class participate in a chess workshop once a year where they firstly learn the rules of chess and then begin to expand their knowledge, strategy and tactical awareness of the ancient game. The game is popular with both boys and girls and helps develop logic, strategic planning and lateral thinking. Each year our school hosts in-school Winter & Spring Chess Tournaments and they prove to be hugely enjoyable for all! In 2024 we will also take part in the Fichelle Chess Tournament for Schools for the very first time.
