Games played in Rathmichael
Parish National School
In all classes pupils have PE once a week in school time with their
teachers, where they do variety of different activities. Swimming for classes
1 – 6 takes place during school hours in Monkstown Blue Pool on Friday mornings
through out the school year, two classes per term..
Junior and Senior Infant children also participate in Sports Day as
part of the Junior cycle along with 1st and 2nd class and
prepare for same in the Summer Term with their teachers – they have the sprint,
egg and spoon, hoop race and stepping stones race. They compete in teams so
every child receives a medal at the end of the day.
In 1st Class, the children start games in the summer term
for one hour after school – rounders and general summer games. They prepare for
Sports Day as for Junior and Senior Infants, with their teachers and with the
Games Co-ordinator, June Lawless.
In 2nd Class, the children start after school hockey in
the Winter term (one hour, once a week) and have field games in Summer term.
They also prepare for Sports Day and take part in high jump and long jump with
June Lawless.
In 3rd Class, the children add football to hockey as after
school activities (games two days per week). If time permits, they may play some
friendly matches against other schools. 3rd Class are part of the
Senior cycle. In Senior sports they have sprint, egg and spoon, obstacle race,
three-legged and relay. They also compete in teams so every child receives a
medal. They would compete in high-jump, long-jump and bean bag throwing
competitions prior to Sports Day during Summer games.
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class girls
have their after-school football together once a week. (Depending on numbers one
of the classes may play on a separate day.) However after school hockey is mixed
and classes play on separate days. Friendly matches may be arranged depending on
availability of opposition, time constraints etc.
In 4th Class, the children may (depending on numbers in
5th and 6th) have trials for the school football team
(mixed) and if successful will play on the team – this involves friendly matches
(perhaps 2/3), a pre-Christmas league (3/4 games) and a post Christmas league
(3/4 games) plus cup (knockout). For those not on the school team friendly
matches may be arranged against other 4th classes if time permits.
With hockey they may play a number of friendlies against other 4th
classes. They are also part of the senior cycle for Sports Day (as for
3rd Class).
In 5th Class, the children are eligible to play for both
the football team and hockey (separate girls and boys) teams. Those not on
school football team may play in some friendly matches. The hockey teams play in
a league (4/5 matches) with a decider at the end of Spring term if they get
through from qualifiers. Sports Day and Summer games as for 3rd and
4th classes.
In 6th Class, as for 5th. May also get chosen
to represent the school in a once-off swimming gala in Killiney/Glenageary. In
the Summer term there may also be the option of tennis once-a-week in Shankill
Tennis Club. This may not happen every year as is dependent on coach
availability, court time, interest levels etc. This is separate from other
Summer sports.
In the Senior cycle, the children compete for individual trophies –
sprint, high-jump, long-jump, football, hockey and tennis cups (all awarded to
individuals who fulfill a range of criteria). There is also a cup awarded for
sportsmanship, achievement in sports, leadership qualities etc – awarded to a
6th class pupil (not awarded every year if there is no outstanding
pupil in that year).