A girl jumping to shoot a red basketball towards a hoop outdoors on a clear, sunny day with trees in the background, while a boy in a basketball jersey dribbles a ball behind her.

School Hours

8.30am: Doors open for reception of pupils and pupils are engaged in learning activities

8.50am: School begins

10.30 - 10.45: Breaktime

12.35 - 1.00: Lunch time

1.10pm: School finishes for infant classes

2.10pm: School finishes for 1st - 6th classes

Special Days and Events

Over the course of the school year, St. Matthew’s celebrates a number of special weeks and themed days

These bring variety to school life, enrich learning, and foster creativity and community spirit. 

The schedule varies from year to year but always offers something for everyone, including Science WeekMaths Week, Seachtain na GaeilgeWorld Book Day and Active Week, as well as other whole-school events like sports day.

Pupils love these occasions because they get more opportunities for hands-on learning, showcasing their talents and bonding with their peers. And thanks to our Student Council, they get to have their say on the events they think are needed.

We love seeing what they come up with - they’re always full of ideas. 

Children in a classroom at St Matthew's Sandymount

Student Council

When it comes to school life here, we believe children should have their say. St. Matthew’s Student Council gives them that voice. 

Student representatives, elected in Term 1, take on leadership roles, share ideas and help shape school initiatives.

Regular meetings with Ms O’Reilly and Ms Buckley help keep everything on track.   

Coding bees

Entrepreneurship

5th Class participates in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, developing teamwork, creativity and business skills. The pupils have fun, test themselves and learn new skills they can bring to the classroom and beyond. 

children playing basketball in St Matthew's NS

Sports

St. Matthew’s has a proud sporting tradition. Pupils take part in activities with external coaches, including rugby, cricket and Cumann na mBunscoil programmes.

Senior classes participate in leagues such as basketball and hockey, and the whole school celebrates our annual Colours Cup Sports Day.

Children working on ipads wering headphones at St Matthew's Sandymount

School Flags & Initiatives

St. Matthew’s engages with a number of prominent whole-school programmes, including the Active School FlagAmber Flag (2025)Green Schools, and the Digital School of Distinction, reflecting our commitment to wellbeing, sustainability and digital learning.

hands of a child playing the ukelele

Choir

Our school choir performs at various events, including Peace Proms, giving pupils the chance to experience large-scale musical performance.

It’s not quite Broadway, but standing ovations are not uncommon.

Street sign for St. Matthew's National School in Ireland, with school name written in Irish and English.

School Assemblies

The whole school comes on a Friday Morning at 9am were each class has the opportunity to a host a special performance for their parents.