School Activities

Sporting Facilities
We are very fortunate in Crusheen National School to have excellent sporting facilities both on our school grounds and in the wider community, all of which support active, healthy and enjoyable play for our pupils.
Within the school grounds, pupils have access to four spacious yards allowing for a variety of activities during break times. These areas give children plenty of space to run, play games and socialise safely with their peers.
We also have a basketball court, which is used both during break times and for organised activities, helping to develop teamwork, coordination and sporting skills. In addition, our soft play area provides a safe and engaging space for younger pupils to enjoy active play.
For pupils who cycle to school, a dedicated bike shed is available, encouraging healthy and environmentally friendly travel.
Just across the road, we are extremely fortunate to have access to the Crusheen GAA grounds, which include both a full-size pitch and an all-weather astroturf pitch. These excellent facilities are used to support a wide range of sporting activities, training sessions and school events throughout the year.
Together, these facilities play an important role in promoting physical activity, teamwork, wellbeing and help ensure that all pupils have opportunities to enjoy sport and active play every day.
We have access to Crusheen Community Centre for areas of PE such as gymnastics, dance and yoga.

Hurling / Camogie
At Crusheen National School, children of all ages get to play hurling and camogie, taking part annually in the Cumann na mBunscol competitions. With a proud tradition in both sports, we celebrate teamwork, skill, and school spirit—helping every student enjoy the game and shine on the pitch!

Basketball
Basketball is a popular and exciting part of our extracurricular program. Students of all ages have the opportunity to learn the skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and teamwork through regular coaching and practice sessions.
Our teams participate in the annual Marion Keane Basketball tournament in February / March, where they demonstrate dedication, sportsmanship and school spirit. Basketball not only helps students develop physical fitness, coordination and agility but also encourages confidence, strategic thinking and a love of team play.

Gymnastics
Gymnastics is part of our activities program. The sessions have given students a wonderful opportunity to develop important physical skills such as balance, coordination, strength and flexibility in a fun and supportive environment. The children show great enthusiasm and it is fantastic to see their confidence grow each week. Gymnastics is a very enjoyable and beneficial experience for all involved.

Swimming
At Crusheen National School, we recognise the importance of swimming as a vital life skill and a fun way to stay active. To support this, our students from 1st to 6th class have the opportunity to attend swimming lessons at the Ennis Swimming Pool, where they develop confidence, safety awareness and essential water skills.
Swimming lessons at our school not only help children become strong, competent swimmers but also promote fitness, coordination and a sense of achievement. We are proud to provide this valuable experience as part of our commitment to the all-round development and well-being of every student.

Soccer
Our school has a very competitive and successfull soccer team. This provides pupils with opportunities to develop their skills, confidence, teamwork, fitness and sportsmanship in a positive and inclusive environment. Students regularly represent the school in local and regional competitions, including the FAI Primary School 5s, as well as other school tournaments throughout the year. Through quality coaching and competitive experiences, our soccer program promotes healthy lifestyles, resilience, school pride and a passion for sport, helping pupil's thrive both on and off the pitch.

Music, Choir & Dance
Music and dance are at the heart of our school life. We offer regular music classes and sessions. Many of our pupils are talented dancers and their creativity and energy shines in every performance.
Our school choir is a source of pride, performing beautifully at major school events such as First Communion, Confirmation, Christmas concerts and a variety of other celebrations throughout the year. These performances create memorable experiences for both performers and audiences alike.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, our pupils take centre stage in céilí sessions, demonstrating their musical and dancing talents while celebrating Irish culture and language. These vibrant performances highlight the creativity, teamwork and cultural appreciation fostered at Crusheen National School.
Through music, choir and dance, our students develop confidence, self-expression and a lifelong love of the arts, enriching both their school experience and the wider community.

Sports Day
Our annual Sports Day is a highlight of the school year and a much-anticipated event for pupils, staff, and families alike. It is a fun-filled day that celebrates participation, teamwork, and school spirit, with all children encouraged to take part.
Pupils enjoy a variety of activities and events suited to all ages and abilities, promoting enjoyment, inclusion, and active participation rather than competition alone. The day provides an opportunity for children to demonstrate their skills, support their classmates, and experience the value of teamwork.
Sports Day also plays an important role in promoting physical activity and wellbeing, while creating lasting memories for our school community. It is a wonderful occasion that brings everyone together in a positive and energetic atmosphere.

Active School Week
Active School Week takes place in our school on an annual basis in June. It is an initiative which promotes participation, inclusion and fun. Pupil's are encouraged to try new activities and take part in lots of physical challenges.

World Book Day
World Book Day takes place each spring and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading and a love of books across our school community.
We mark the occasion with a range of fun and engaging activities for all pupils. Children are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character, bringing stories to life in a creative and enjoyable way. Parents and guardians are often invited into classrooms to read with pupils and share their favorite stories, helping to foster a strong connection between home and school. Older pupils also take part by reading with younger classes, supporting the development of confidence and encouraging a shared love of reading throughout the school. In addition, teachers organise a variety of book-themed activities, including storytelling, discussions, and creative projects linked to favourite books and authors.

Seachtain Na Gaeilge
Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week) is celebrated annually in March and provides a wonderful opportunity to promote and enjoy the Irish language and culture throughout our school.
During this time, all classes take part in a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to encourage the use of Irish in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Pupils are encouraged to use their “cúpla focal” every day and small rewards (duaiseanna beaga) are given to those who make a special effort.
Our Lá Glas takes place in mid-March when pupils and staff are invited to “wear the green” as we celebrate our national culture and prepare for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Throughout the week pupils also enjoy an informal taispéantas ceoil, amhráin agus damhsaí Gaelach, where they have opportunities to take part in Irish music, singing and dancing, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere across the school.
Tá súil againn go mbainfidh na daltaí sult agus tairbhe as a bheith páirteach sna gníomhaíochtaí Gaelacha go léir i rith Sheachtain na Gaeilge.

School Tours
A particular highlight for many pupils is the annual school tour where children enjoy a fun-filled day of hands-on learning, outdoor activities and memorable experiences with their classmates.

Quizzes
We greatly enjoy taking part in the annual Credit Union Quiz, which is a much-anticipated event in our school calendar. Pupils take pride in representing the school and working together as a team. We have enjoyed considerable success in the competition, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff.

iPads and Interactive Technology
We embrace modern technology to enhance learning and creativity. Our students have access to a suite of laptops, iPads and interactive touchscreen panels, allowing them to explore, create and collaborate in dynamic and engaging ways.
Through ICT (Information and Communication Technology), pupils develop digital skills that are essential for the modern world, while also enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity across all subjects. Whether researching, coding, designing projects or participating in interactive lessons, our technology tools support every student in reaching their full potential.
By integrating iPads and interactive technology into daily learning, we ensure that students are confident, competent and ready to navigate a digital world with curiosity and skill.