Dear Parents/Guardians, Over the summer, we upgraded to a new version of our payment platform which will now be known as ‘Payzone’.
What does this mean for you? You can continue to access the platform by clicking on the ‘Payzone’ button via our website: https://stpiusxparentsassociation.com/. You will then be redirected to the new homepage. However, all existing users must reactivate their account by following the instructions below. We strongly encourage you to do this in advance of enrolment morning on Saturday 6th September as you will be unable to access the system to make a booking until you do so.
Activating your account on the new platform:
When you reach the Sign In screen, click on the Sign Up button and enter the email address associated with your St. Pius X PA account.
You will then be prompted to activate this email address.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
Testing We have set up a ‘Test’ product with a nominal fee of €1 for anyone who wishes to familiarise themselves with how the system works and to ensure that they don’t have any issues with making payment. A further guidance note will also be circulated later this week. We are continuing to test the system in order to ensure that enrolment is as smooth as possible. You may therefore see other products published when you are activating your account. Please note that no enrolments will be accepted in advance of the published enrolment times next Saturday so please do not make any purchases of these products.
We appreciate your patience and co-operation as we implement this system upgrade. If you have any queries, please contact us piusxparents@gmail.com. Kind regards, St. Pius X PA Classes Committee
We are pleased to confirm that Thursday classes and swimming lessons are set to continue for the 2025/2026 school year. Details of the available options are outlined below.
IMPORTANT NOTE Over the past few years, demand for our classes has continued to grow leading to more people trying to secure places on our booking system. Unfortunately this has sometimes led to disappointed parents and pupils. To help manage and streamline the booking process we have introduced two key changes.
This summer, we upgraded to a new version of our payment system, hosted by Payzone. Further details about the upgrade system and instructions on how to activate / reactivate your account are included in a separate note. Please read this note carefully and ensure your account is registered in advance of enrolment.
Additionally, we have updated our class groupings. Going forward, all senior classes will be designated for either 2nd – 3rd class or 4th – 6th class pupils. This will enable us to further stagger booking times (see below). Please review the schedule below carefully when considering your preferred class. We have also expanded the total number of classes available again this year. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to improve our offerings.
Enrolment Enrolments will take place on Saturday 6th September 2025 at the following times:
Class
Enrollment Time
Thursday Classes: Junior Infants – 1st Class
9am
Thursday Classes: 2nd – 3rd Class
9:30am
Thursday Classes: 4th – 6th Class
10am
Swimming Club
10:30am
Kindly note that bookings must be made using the account of the pupil’s parent or guardian. Please also note that, in the interest of fairness, once a class has been booked, it cannot be reassigned to a child in another family. Should your child decide not to take up their place, it will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.
Enrolment for all classes will be conducted online through our payment platform, Payzone, the link to which is available on the PA website: https://stpiusxparentsassociation.com/.
Enrolments will not be accepted before the specified date, and all places will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis.
Once all places have been booked, a waiting list will be in operation. The waiting list will operate through the Payzone platform (in a similar manner to the previous system).
Swimming Club
Dates: Classes will run from the week commencing 15th September 2025 to the end of May 2026 (excluding midterms, Christmas and Easter breaks). Classes: A full timetable is set out below. Cost: €195 per child (€170 for 3rd and subsequent child). Venue: Templeogue College Swimming Pool Minimum numbers: Please note that we must have a minimum number of children to run any class. If we do not reach the minimum number, any payments taken will be refunded. First class: The first class will be dedicated to streaming children into 4 groups according to their swimming ability. Illness: Any child feeling unwell should not attend class. Supervision: Please note that parents / guardians must remain poolside for the duration of their child’s lesson. Wednesday at 2pm: This class is for Junior and Senior Infant pupils only. The benefits of this class include that all pupils are a similar age / skill level. The class also has a reduced capacity compared to our 3pm classes to allow for a higher pupil-teacher ratio. The pool management team have advised that this class offers a very solid foundation to your child’s swimming experience.
Day
Time
Suitable For
Monday
3:00 – 3:40pm
Junior Infants – 6th Class
Tuesday
3:00 – 3:40pm
Junior Infants – 6th Class
Wednesday
2:00 – 2:40pm
Junior & Senior Infants Class only
Wednesday
3:00 – 3:40pm
1st – 6th Class
Friday
3:00 – 3:40pm
Junior Infants – 6th Class
Thursday Classes
Schedule: A full schedule of classes is set out overleaf. Dates: Classes will run for 22 weeks from 25th September to 26th March (excluding mid-terms and Christmas). Time: All classes will run from 2.35pm – 3.35pm. Cost: €100 for 22 weeks Venue: All classes will take place on school grounds. Drop off / collection: o Junior and Senior Infants: Parents / guardians will be required to drop and collect their child to and from the classroom allocated for their chosen activity. o 1st Class: Parents / guardians will be required to collect their child from the classroom allocated for their chosen activity. o 2nd – 6th Class: Parents / guardians should make their own arrangements for collection. Minimum numbers: Please note that we must have a minimum number of children to run any class. If we do not reach the minimum number, any payments taken will be refunded. Supervision: o The Parents’ Association is delighted to continue Thursday extra-curricular classes. The children who participate in the classes always really enjoy them. However, in order to run the classes successfully, parental support is required. o As part of the enrolment process, parents / guardians will be requested to select one Thursday when they are available to assist with supervision of the classes. Supervision mostly involves sitting in reception with a member of the PA and being available in case of any emergencies. o You will be contacted a week in advance of your chosen slot if you are required to attend. o It would be very unfortunate to have to cancel any classes due to insufficient supervision so please do take note of your chosen day and confirm your availability if/when contacted.
Junior Infants – 1st Class
Class
Description
Junior Sports Club
Children will participate in a wide variety of sports and games which allow them to exercise and develop their teamwork skills whilst having fun.
Art Attack
Your child will engage in a range of art projects, craft and artist studies while having fun with girls & boys of their own age.
Multi Activity Hour
Fun filled activity hour. Your child can engage in a range of activities to include puzzles, drawing, table top activities, art etc.
2nd – 3rd Class
Class
Description
Cartoonist Class
Get ready to bring your imagination to life in our cartoon drawing class! Learn how to create awesome characters, funny expressions, and exciting scenes using simple drawing techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or already love to doodle, this class will help you build your skills while having a blast with friends. An extra €7 charge will apply for a blank comic book
The Drama Den
Step into the spotlight! In this fun and imaginative drama class, young performers will build confidence, teamwork and creativity through theatre games, storytelling, and character play.
STEAM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)
Promotes a variety of hands-on, fun, educational STEAM activities. There will be lots of fun experiments including various projects and challenges. Children will get the opportunity to develop curiosity skills, become creative through making and designing, while also developing engineering and technology skills. There will be two STEAM Clubs and children will be randomly allocated into a class post enrolment
Tin Whistle Tunes
This class introduces the basics of playing the tin whistle. Students will learn proper breath control, finger positioning and simple melodies while developing listening skills and musical confidence. No previous musical experience is necessary. Pupils must bring their own tin whistle to class
Junior Voices (new addition to the schedule since June)
Develop early musicianship and vocal skills in an active, fun filled environment. Children will learn simple sight singing, and engage in basic aural training and early music literacy through songs, games and play.
4th -6th Class
Class
Description
Art Club
A fun, creative space where children can explore their imagination and express themselves through art! Each week, they’ll experiment with a range of materials and techniques — including painting, drawing, clay, construction, fabric and fibre, printmaking, and more. An extra €10 charge will apply for materials
Cards Club
Pupils will learn how to play a variety of classic and modern card games. Along the way, they’ll build critical thinking, memory and social skills—all while having a great time with friends.
Chess
Chess is an excellent game for kids. It teaches them strategic thinking, logic and it’s fun too!
Debating & Public Speaking
The skills the children will learn will enrich their cognitive and language abilities, encourage their confidence as well as being lots of fun!
Fun with French
Voulez-vous apprendre a parler le français? Learn basic French with fun lessons for beginners that help you stay the course learning French grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Learn all the basics to get you well on your way! Allons-y!
Guitar – beginners
Guitar classes, rhythm & accompaniment styles, fun melodies and songs. Please note that this is a beginner level class Children must bring their own guitar to class
Knitting & Sewing Club
Knitting & sewing classes from beginners to the more advanced. Children learn a fun new skill or improve what they already know. An extra €10 charge will apply for equipment and materials
Easy Español
A fun and friendly introduction to the Spanish language. Through games, songs, stories, and interactive activities, you’ll learn basic vocabulary, simple phrases, and essential conversational skills.
If you have any questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at piusxparents@gmail.com. Kind regards, St. Pius X PA Classes Committee
On Monday a very special visitor came to the school to see all the children. There was great excitement when the children saw Santa in their classrooms. The PA very kindly left a selection box for every child in the school as a special treat and to thank them for being so good this year.
In November this year the PA, in conjunction with Scholastic, held a book fair in the PE hall. All the boys and girls got to visit the fair with their classes. It was great to see them so enthusiastic and enjoying the event. We also have to mention the 6th classers who assisted both days, helping other students to find books and with sales, they were incredible. A big thank you to the parents/guardians too for supporting the fair and making it such a success.
In addition to the 220 pupils who enjoy our swimming classes in Templeogue College Swimming Pool (still some very limited places available ) and the 100 dedicated pupils who participate in our homework club each week, Thursday afternoon is when the real fun happens!
As the final school bell rings, over 300 of the boys and girls from the two schools hop and skip across the yards to reach their chosen activity. They haven’t a care in the world and certainly no sense of the stress their parents have undergone on enrolment morning hitting refresh, refresh, refresh!
During the initial weeks, our PA volunteers are on hand wearing fetching hi-vis vests to help out with directions but our 1 st class pupils are very quick to find their independence and waste no time in telling us that they absolutely know where they are going!!
We are very fortunate to have a wonderful group of talented teachers who enable us to offer a wide variety of topics and we have fifteen classes taking place this year:
Our younger pupils enjoy Art Attack (the Neil Buchanan reference is sadly lost on them), Multi Activity Hour and Junior Sports Club.
For our older pupils, we have our staple classes whose popularity never wanes including Chess, Guitar and Knitting & Sewing. We promise that we are working on cloning Mr. Reamonn, Ms. Goddard and Ms. Clancy to help us to cope with the demand!
We also have newer offerings including two STEAM Clubs, The Cartoonist Class and Cards Club.
We are lucky to be able to offer 3 language options this year – Gaeilge, French and Spanish.
Finally, we have our politicians of the future debating the hot topics of the day with Ms. Bracken and our future sports stars having fun with a little bit of competitive edge in Ms. Herity’s Sports Club.
Our sincere thanks to all the teachers involved in running the Thursday classes and homework club. We really appreciate their energy, dedication and enthusiasm. Our thanks too to Ms. Doyle and Mr. Coyle for enabling this wonderful programme of activities to be held in their schools. It is a privilege to see so many happy faces every Thursday afternoon!
We are excited to announce a valuable opportunity for parents of primary school children to participate in a virtual session designed to support and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in your children.The National Parents Council (NPC) in collaboration with St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services offer this essential programme.
The virtual sessions aims to equip parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to foster resilience in their children, enabling them to effectively manage the inevitable stresses of everyday life. By attending this session, you will:
Explore the various factors that influence your child’s mental health and wellbeing.
Learn practical strategies for building and nurturing resilience in your child.
Receive valuable tips on how to best support your child’s positive mental health and wellbeing.
These sessions will be conducted online, providing you with the flexibility to participate from the comfort of your own home. Please note that the sessions will be interactive.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Session Details
Dates: Monday 25th to Thursday 28th of November
Times: 10:00am and 7:30pm
With an additional 10am session on Friday the 29th.
To secure your spot, please register your details by clicking on the following link:
Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to enhance your understanding and support of your child’s mental health and wellbeing. We look forward to having you join us for these important sessions.
We are pleased to invite you to our Anti-Bullying Training for Parents of Primary School Children, designed to equip parents with the tools to support their children in dealing with bullying and to better understand the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary Schools.
Session Dates and Times:
Tuesday, 19th November – 10am & 7:30pm
Wednesday, 20th November – 10am & 7:30pm
Thursday, 21st November – 10am & 7:30pm
Friday, 22nd November – 10am
Location: Online via Zoom – Attend from the comfort of your home!
There’s just over a week left until the NPC Education Conference 2024 – Building Futures Together! Have you registered yet? This is a FREE event for parents of children attending primary and post primary school.
Special Giveaway! As an added bonus, everyone who registers for the conference by the 20th of November will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 FREE hotel stays in Kinsale for the Friday night the 22nd of November
Relax the night before the conference and be refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Don’t worry if you have already registered, your name will still be entered into the draw.
oin us on Saturday, 23rd November at Kinsale Community School for a day dedicated to children’s well-being, resilience and education. We’re thrilled to host an incredible lineup of speakers, including:
Shane Martin – Mental Health & Resilience John Kearney – Updates on Special Education Billy Redmond – Universal Design for Learning Professor Peter Etchells – The Effects of Screen Time Dr. Megan Reynolds – Research on Smartphone Bans in Schools
Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024 Location: Kinsale Community School, Co. Cork Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Registration from 10:30 am)
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired – plus, a chance to enjoy a night in beautiful Kinsale! Register today and secure your spot.
The Children’s Rights Alliance is currently running a consultation on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) on the experiences of the parents of children who are neurodiverse (including, but not limited to, autism; ADHD; dyslexia; dyspraxia, etc.), including children who have a diagnosis or are in the prosses of seeking a diagnosis, in accessing childcare (including pre-school) and have asked NPC to share this information with parents.
How to Participate:
Online Consultation Sessions
Consultation 1 Date: 20th November 2024 Time: 11am – 12:30pm Venue: Online via Zoom RSVP: Email members@childrensrights.ie to register for Consultation 1.
Consultation 2 Date: 29th November 2024 Time: 11:30am – 1pm Venue: Online via Zoom RSVP: Email members@childrensrights.ie to register for Consultation 2.
Why Participate? This consultation is a unique opportunity for parents to highlight the barriers they face in accessing childcare services and supports. Your feedback will help shape policies and programmes to better support neurodiverse children and their families.
Supporting Resources: We also aim to provide helpful resources and supports to parents during and after the consultation sessions. If you know of any organisations or services that can be useful, please let us know so we can share them widely.
For any questions or additional information, please contact the Children’s Rights Alliance directly at:
Shane Martin – Mental Health & Resilience
Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024
Location: Kinsale Community School, Co. Cork
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Registration from 10:30 am)
Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
RSVP: Email 
Time: 11:30am – 1pm
01 860 5566
St Pius X Parents Association 