Activities

St Damian's is a place where every child has the opportunity to have fun through involvement in many different sports. The underlying principle which informs all sporting activity in the school is that each child should have the opportunity to play sport and that each child should also have the opportunity to represent the school in that sport if there is a school team and they are of the right age. Ability is not a factor which determines whether a child participate in a sport in the school. If a child wants to play then she/he plays. Principles of fairness and respect are paramount and all children and staff are asked to respect these principles.

Sports played include: Gaelic Football, Hurling, Football, Athletics, Basketball, Olympic Handball, Chess, Swimming, Cycling, Table Tennis and Rounders.

Our aim is that each child leaves school at the end of their time here having had a very positive experience of sport which will encourage them to be involved in some sporting activity for the rest of their lives.

The Chess Club offers students the perfect opportunity to develop strategic thinking, patience, and focus. Members learn the rules of the game, practise different tactics, and take part in matches and school tournaments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the club welcomes everyone who enjoys a good challenge.

The Dungeons and Dragons Club is a student-led group driven by the creativity and imagination of its members. Students design adventures, create characters, and work together through storytelling and problem-solving. It’s a great way for pupils to build teamwork skills, think creatively, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.

At St.Damian's, we endeavour to develop creativity in our pupils. Our school community has a keen interest in Visual Arts, Music and Drama.

In Visual Arts, our pupils have the opportunity to create pieces through paint, fabric, clay and other materials. Regularily, pupils visit art galleries, partake in art exhibitions and art competitions. We believe pupils' creativity should be there for everyone to see. Our corridors are adorned with pupils artwork and we have beautiful murals in our schoolyard.

Our pupils enjoy partaking in our annual Christmas show. Their talents for drama are nourished and senior classes experience writing scripts for their Christmas play and school musicals. 

Our school prides itself on fostering a love of music in our pupils. We have musicians in our classes and among our staff. Every pupil has the opportunity to engage with the music curriculum.

The Student Council is made up of representatives from 1st to 6th Class, giving pupils a voice in the life and management of the school. 

Through regular meetings, members share ideas, discuss issues that matter to their classmates, and help organise important school events. New representatives are appointed each year, ensuring that all students have the chance to contribute and make a difference.

At St Damian’s, we are proud to be a Green School and to have achieved two Green Flags – one for recycling and another for energy conservation. We believe that caring for the planet is everyone’s responsibility and that by living sustainably, we can protect the Earth for future generations.

Pupils from 3rd to 6th Class make up our enthusiastic Green Schools Committee. With guidance from our teachers, the committee leads projects such as recycling collections, energy-saving campaigns, and eco-themed workshops. Together, we are making our school a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally friendly place to learn.

At St Damian's, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. We strive to provide our pupils with opportunities to explore and learn from the world around them through various educational tours. These experiences enrich our pupils' understanding of history, culture, and the environment, bringing lessons to life in an engaging and memorable way.

Our school organises numerous educational outings to significant cultural and historical sites. For example, our pupils visit Glasnevin Cemetery, where they learn about Ireland's rich history and the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation. A trip to Kilmainham Gaol offers pupils a powerful insight into Ireland's struggle for independence and helps them connect with their heritage on a deeper level.

These tours are an integral part of our curriculum and aim to foster a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning among our pupils. By stepping out of the classroom and into real-world contexts, our pupils gain invaluable experiences that support their academic growth and personal development.

We are lucky to have our very own school garden where we grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

Being part of the garden team is one of our favourite activities. We get to plant seeds, water the plants, and watch them grow. It’s amazing to see how a tiny seed can turn into a big, healthy plant that we can eventually eat.

Not only do we get to enjoy fresh, tasty fruits and vegetables, but we also learn valuable lessons about where our food comes from and why it’s important to eat healthily. Working in the garden teaches us patience, teamwork, and respect for nature.

We are really passionate about STEM – that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. We love getting hands-on with experiments and learning how things work in the world around us. Every year, we get the chance to take part in exciting projects and activities that make STEM fun and interesting for everyone.

We also have lots of STEM projects and activities at school, like Microsoft coding workshops, building challenges, and maths games. We learn to think critically and solve problems while having fun with our friends.

Our teachers encourage us to ask questions, explore new concepts, and use our imagination to find solutions.

The Choir brings together students who love to sing and perform. Members rehearse regularly, learning a wide range of songs and developing their vocal skills. The choir performs at school events, celebrations, and community gatherings, spreading joy through music and showcasing the talent of our pupils.

The Drama Club gives students the chance to express themselves through acting, storytelling, and performance. Members build confidence, teamwork, and creativity as they rehearse scenes, create characters, and bring stories to life.

The News Club is a place for budding journalists to explore the world of reporting, writing, and photography. We work together to create articles about school events, achievements, and topics of interest, which are shared with the whole school community. It’s a great way for students to practise their writing skills, be creative, and keep everyone informed. You can see our work here.