Active School Week  8th - 12th April 2019

Monday the 8th of April was the beginning of our Active School Week in St. Paul's. The third classes kicked it off with an outdoor nature walk to the park, the fourth classes  participated in a Gaelic Blitz, the fifth classes had active fun doing Athletics and games whilst the sixths played basketball.  Thomas McCague a local powerlifter and past pupil also visited our school to give  a talk to the fifth and sixth Classes. It was an eventful start to our Active School Week!

Our third classes went on an active walk to the park with their class teachers and resource teachers! The children had a lot of fun in the playground!

Well done to all the fourth class children for taking part in the Gaelic blitz in St. Nicholas's G.A.A grounds. A big thank you to Fintan our coach for having us and also providing the children with a healthy snack afterwards!

A huge thank you to two of our parents - Pamela and Grainne, for doing athletics and team games with the fifth classes! They had great fun!

The fifth and sixth classes also had the chance to listen to Drogheda native "Thomas McCague"  on Monday. Thomas's story of how his career in weightlifting began was truly inspirational. Thomas has travelled all around the world competing in powerlifting competitions. The active agents got the opportunity to spend a little more time with Thomas to ask him more questions and get their picture taken with him.  It was an absolute pleasure and privilege for both staff and pupils to listen to Thomas's motivational and uplifting talk. A massive thank you for visiting our school and inspiring us to reach our full potential!

As part of Active School Week, the children were given  'physical activity' homework. The children really enjoyed trying out lots of  different physical tasks rather than their normal written homework!

Tuesday kicked off with a Gaelic Blitz for fifth class in the local St. Nicholas's pitch. All of the fifth class children were divided into teams and played Gaelic matches against each other. This was the first time for some children to play in a Gaelic match. Everyone tried their best and had great fun​! 

After a misty start, sixth class set off  on their walking adventure to Old bridge, the site where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690. They visited the tourist centre and even managed to fit in some soccer and lunch before returning to school. Both teachers and students really enjoyed themselves and were ready for a few extra hours of sleep that night!

Meanwhile back in St. Pauls, third and fourth class had gymnastics lessons with Carolanne Tighe. The children practiced lots of different poses which included; the tree and down dog pose, forward rolls, cartwheels and handstands. Everyone had great fun!

 WEDNESDAY was another action packed day beginning with the sixths taking on some of the teachers in a penalty shoot out in St. Nicholas's G.A.A. grounds. There was great determination from the children to beat the teachers and some super goals were scored! The active agents worked really hard recording the scores of the classes also!

Back in school, the thirds and fourths received a visit from Damien McKenna from the "Holy Family Boxing Club". Damien (a local fireman) boxed competitively and has travelled all around the world representing Ireland. Damien put the children and teachers through their paces in a high energetic circuit session. The children had a lot of fun doing the various exercises! A huge thanks to Damien for providing his expertise and knowledge to us. We hope you visit again soon!!

In the afternoon, Olivia Markey a past pupil and fitness instructor came to talk to the sixth classes. She spoke to the children about the importance of being active and demonstrated some exercises using gym equipment. Olivia also led the children through a dance routine! A big thanks to Olivia for visiting St. Paul's!

On a bright and sunny Thursday morning, the third classes got the ball rolling with an Easter egg hunt! There were lots of excited faces to be seen in the lead up to the hunt! The children had an eggcellent time searching for the eggs! Thanks to our wonderful parents - Pamela, Gráinne and Cora for organising the event!

The fourth classes took part in basketball with our wonderful basketball coach Sherman Hall. Some of the classes even got to enjoy basketball outside in the yard in the lovely sunny weather! We are so lucky to have Sherman in our school coaching basketball every week to all the classes!!

The fifth classes spent their Thursday getting active by dancing to some very lively music! Caroline Campbell a dance instructor has been teaching the fifth classes dancing over the past few weeks. The children really enjoyed learning some new dance moves and even a bit of flossing was done too! Thank you Caroline for visiting our school and teaching the children Irish dancing with a modern twist!!

Back outside in the baking sun, the sixth classes competed against each other in a tug of war battle! The classes were split into teams and each team got to compete with other classes! There was a lot of shouting, cheering and encouragement  from children and teachers! Great fun was had by all, and some sore hands also along the way!! A big thank you to Mr. O' Connell and Mr. Farrelly for organising the fun event!!

Friday was JERSEY DAY at St. Pauls! Lots of children and staff wore their favourite county and team colours.
Everyone looked extra sporty!!

Active School Week ended with a whole school Dance “An Dreoilín”. All the children and teachers had been practicing this dance over the last two weeks. Kane, one of our third class Active Agents thanked all the children for their fantastic co-operation and willingness to get involved. He also thanked all the teachers for making all the different activities possible. It was a fantastic way to start our Easter Holidays!! ​

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