Welcome to the Canal Way After School information page! The After School Activities programme is organised by the Parents Association. The goal is to provide a wide range of fun and educational courses for students, that will help them to grow, develop and try out new things. A full list of activities currently on offer is available below the Timetable below. Have a browse to get a full sense of what is on offer for your child to explore! Please note that booking and payment is carried out directly through the class provider, so please contact them with any questions about a specific course. (Details are provided in the table below.) You can direct any general queries or concerns about the After Schools Programme to canalwayafterschoolactivities@gmail.com. We are often looking for parent volunteers to support the programme on a day-to-day basis. If this is something you can help with, please contact the email address above. Garda vetting is be required for all volunteers.

Fun dance club to help children develop their confidence and co-ordination while having lots of fun with their friends and enjoying dance. The children will get the opportunity to work in groups developing team work and co-operation skills. They will learn dance routines accompanied by their favourite songs and even get a chance to choreograph their own short pieces together.

 This dance club will aim to improve children’s dance skills as well as introducing them to a wide variety of different dance styles, ensuring they all have a fun time. Performing is a very exciting aspect of dance and for this reason I will organise dance assemblies for the children so that their classmates and parents can see what they’ve achieved.

No previous experience is necessary, just an interest in dancing and having fun!

The class will be run by Alex.  Please contact her directly at alexmbowoua@hotmail.fr to book your child’s place

Cost: €45 (10 weeks) 

Start date: 13th January 2020

The programme covers the following activities: 

– Javelin

– Shot Put 

– Long Jump (indoor mat) 

– Hurdles (small)

– Race Walking

– Jogging

– Junior Pole Vault (when weather and venue are suitable) 

– Agility, Balance & Coordination Skills

All the classes are fun based and non competitive.  Every child in the programme gains the benefit of a healthier lifestyle in a fun and non competitive environment while learning track & field events. 

Spaces are limited to 20.

The class will be run by Janette.  Please contact her directly at safejssafe@gmail.com  to book your child’s class. 

Cost: €80 (10 weeks)

Start date: 13th January 2020

The Games Club will be a mixture of lots of different games; board games, drama games, computer games, PE games, Sports games, etc. 

Spaces are limited to 20 and it is first come, first served.

The class will be run by Ciarán. Please contact him directly at gamesclubcanalway@gmail.com  to book your child’s place.

Cost: €50 per child or  €45 each for siblings (10 weeks)

Start date:  13th January 2020

This is a creative and craft based project which revives the traditional skills of sowing, weaving, embroidery and generally working by hand with thread, wool, fabrics, colours, textures, patterns and shapes. It would involve week by week:

• Basic weaving on improvised hand-made looms and other DIY methods
• String art
• Learning10/12 basic embroidery stitches 
• Sewing buttons and shapes
• Printing with stencils on fabric

and other related activities. 

The class will be run by Asha. Please contact her directly at asha@brightsparksart.com to book your child’s place. 

The activities are all tactile and skills based as well as opening up imaginations.

Cost: €80 (10 weeks)

Start date: 13th January 2020

The classes will provide the children with a fun and enjoyable approach to learning a new language.  Drama based activities, games, songs and structured class routines will be used to engage the children in learning Spanish and to ensure that each session is interactive and engaging. 

The class aims for the children to develop a love of Spanish and to learn the language effortlessly in a fun, caring and non-competitive environment. No previous knowledge is required.

Some of the benefits of learning a second language are: 

– Boosts brain power, memory is improved & the mind becomes keener

– Ability to multi-task is developed

– Improved-decision-making ability

– First language is improved

– Performance in other academic areas is enhanced

– Makes a person more flexible and open to other cultures

– Builds self-confidence

– Aids self-discovery 

Spaces are limited to 15 and it is first come, first served.

The class will be run by Sandra.  Please contact her directly at thelatinspheretheatre@gmail.com to book your child’s class. 

Cost: €60 (10 weeks)

10% discount for siblings or low income families (€54)

Start date: 14th January 2020

During Art classes children will explore and experiment with many different types of mediums, forms and techniques such as making prints, weaving, clay, cards, making paint, painting, drawing, etc.  

They will learn about pattern, line, colour (Klimt, Kandynsky and other influences). They will work on different themes like seasonal art (autumn, winter, spring and summer), nature, the built environment, people, animals, emotions, significant calendar dates, etc.

Through the art activities children can develop abilities and skills that are useful in all areas of their early development. They also gain the confidence to express their own thoughts and feelings and develop an appreciation for the art of others.

The class will be run by Asha. Please contact her directly at asha@brightsparksart.com to book your child’s place. 

Cost: €88 (11 weeks)

Start date: January 15th 2020

Any child with an interest in learning chess or improving their chess is welcome to attend. Chess rules, tactics, and play will be learned and developed. Children will be encouraged to develop their creativity, planning, and judgment via the chess board. 

The class will be run by Simon.  Please contact him directly at: canalwaychess@gmail.com to book your child’s place. 

Up to 28 children.

Cost: €40 or  €35 each for siblings (9 weeks)

Start date: 21st January 2020

Building with Confidence (Lego®) Building with Confidence is a child led fun activity. In this Lego® construction workshop, each child has the opportunity to explore their own style of building. Week by week each child is encouraged to show their work as it progresses.  This allows the opportunity for development of public speaking and listening skills. It also gives the children the opportunity to encourage each other. From these discussions it can become clear what interests each child and we can explore some design and construction ideas such as symmetry, use of colour and reinforcement  There is no right or wrong way of building, it is really about each child expressing their ideas in a positive and fun way.

The class will be run by Mary.  Please contact her directly at mary.legoclub@gmail.com to book your child’s place.  

Cost: €66 (11 weeks) 10% discount for low income families

Start date: 16th January 2020