Initiatives & Activities
Courtenay Breakfast Club
The school provides a complimentary Breakfast Club that commences at 8.00am each day.
Breakfast Club is free and accessible to all students enrolled in the school. In Breakfast Club the children meet to eat, chat and socialise together in our Assembly Hall.


After-School Facility
Aoife McCarthy manages an onsite after-school programme at Courtenay School every day from 1.10pm – 6.00pm.
For inquiries, please contact Aoife McCarthy at (087) 760 3894.
Music
As per the Arts Curriculum, music is taught in all classes.
Tin whistle is introduced and taught in 2nd and 3rd class, giving students a strong foundation in instrumental music.
Our students perform at various school functions throughout the year and participate in many musical performances, including school Masses, concerts, carol singing, and busking events. Every Christmas, they take part in festive busking, spreading holiday cheer through music.
Students also engage in wonderful musical initiatives such as the Music Generation programme and participate in the Peace Proms concert, providing them with enriching performance opportunities and exposure to a wide range of musical styles.
Our students enjoy visits to St. Ita’s Hospital, where they entertain patients and staff with their talents, bringing joy through music.


Chess Club
Courtenay Chess Club is a free after school activity available to children from 3rd – 6th class.
Courtenay Chess Club is ran and organised by Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Sheridan, every Wednesday from 2.10pm – 3.00pm.
Games & Active Movement
Sport and Physical Activity at Courtenay National School
At Courtenay National School, we actively promote sport, fitness, and movement for all students. Our indoor Sports Hall allows us to facilitate physical education classes throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
As part of the PE curriculum, our pupils engage in a wide range of activities, including gymnastics, athletics, badminton, basketball, dodgeball, rounders, and many other fun and engaging movement games.
Cycling & Outdoor Activities
Every year, our 5th class pupils take part in the Cycle Right Safety Training Course, equipping them with essential cycling skills and road safety awareness. We are fortunate to have the Limerick Greenway nearby, providing a safe and scenic route for class cycling trips and walks. Our special classes also access the Greenway for sensory walks, offering a calming and enjoyable experience in nature.
Swimming & Equine-Assisted Activities
Swimming lessons are organised for our senior classes at the local swimming pool, ensuring our students develop confidence and proficiency in the water.
Additionally, our school arranges visits to Liskennett Equine Assisted Activity Centre, a fantastic facility catering to children with additional needs. Students benefit from the tranquil environment and the therapeutic experience of horse-riding.
GAA at Courtenay NS
Our Gaelic football and hurling teams proudly compete in Cumann na mBunscol competitions each year. Courtenay NS has a strong reputation in GAA, and we continue to encourage participation in our national games.
Every Wednesday, core strength and GAA skills training is facilitated for 3rd to 6th class students, in partnership with Newcastle West GAA Club.
We also offer after-school hurling training for 3rd to 6th class pupils.
Soccer & Rugby
Our 5th and 6th class soccer teams participate in organised leagues and five-a-side competitions throughout the year. Soccer training is also available for these classes.
Rugby training is offered after school for 5th and 6th class students. Additionally, classes take part in Tag Rugby tournaments, organised in collaboration with the local rugby club.
Tennis
Tennis coaching takes place at Newcastle West Tennis Club, providing pupils with the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun and structured environment.
At Courtenay National School, we are committed to fostering a love of sport, teamwork, and physical activity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate and thrive.



Creative Schools
The Creative School’s initiative put the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives. The Creative School’s Committee places our students’ voices at centre of the initiative and the creative workshops.
In line with the Arts curriculum classes engage and learn new skills incorporating all the Arts subjects of Drama, Visual Arts and Music as well as including STEM learning through Videography and Green Screen introduction, Stop Motion Animation and Coding workshops.
STEM
In line with the Primary Mathematics Curriculum, Mr. Shepherd facilitates coding classes for 5th & 6th children.
The children use Scratch as a platform to advance their coding skills and develop their creation of games.

5th & 6th Class Afterschool Tennis Lessons
Our 5th and 6th class students enjoyed an exciting afterschool tennis session at the local tennis club this week. Under the guidance of skilled coaches, they practiced their serves, volleys, and rally skills while having great fun with their classmates. This fantastic...
School Tours have begun!!
Active School Week
Exploring the Desemne, the Limerick Greenway and a game of tennis! 4th class enjoying afterschool tennis practise with Mr. Nash and Mr. Ruddle. Mr. Curtin with his the class, out and about in the Desemen in Newcastle West recently.
Courtenay Kings Chess Team compete at Féile Fichille Final!
We extend heartfelt congratulations to the Courtenay Kings Chess Team for their excellent performance in the Féile Fichille Competition final at Scoil Idé in Corbally Wednesday, April 10th 2024. Courtenay Kings Chess Team Zach Hayes, Max IIco, Dylan O’ Keeffe, Blazej...
FAI 5-A Side Soccer Tournament
A group of 22 boys from 5th and 6th class participated in a soccer tournament in Corbally. 5th and 6th class boys line out for Courtenay NS in the FAI 5 a-side Soccer Tournament. Courtenay Boys who participated in the FAI 5-a side Soccer Tournament in Corbally....
Cyber Safety & Digital Citizenship Training
3rd - 6th class participated in Cyber Safety and Safe Digital Citizenship training on Monday, February 26th 2024.