It’s time to make some small changes to how we have been operating the school since September 2020. We are taking things slowly and will review again before the June Bank Holiday.
So, what will be different from April 25th onwards?
Morning Drop Off: School staff will be outside to greet the children from 9.10a.m. until 9.20a.m. on dry mornings, and from 9.10a.m. until 9.30a.m. on wet mornings. As we move into the summer term, we encourage the girls to walk/scoot/cycle safely to school.
Roll Call: The roll will be marked in all classes at 9.30a.m. and anyone coming to school after that time will be recorded as a late arrival. (Morning activities such as Meditation, Silent Reading, etc. may be underway by 9. 20a.m.in the senior end of the school and if this is the case, the girls will be expected to say a simple ‘Excuse Me’ or ‘Gabh mo leithscéal’ to the teacher if they arrive after that time.)
Pods: Classes will still be arranged in Pods but the girls will now be able to move between Pods for certain activities in and out of the classroom e.g. Guided Reading, Maths Groups
Hand hygiene, cough etiquette and ventilation will continue as usual, and we would ask any parent/guardian who needs to visit the school to wear a mask/face covering.
Staggered breaks will continue for now with each class having its own area in the yard for playtime.
Afternoon Pick Up: This will continue as usual. Junior Infants @ 1.45p.m. Senior Infants @ 1.50p.m First and Second Classes @ 2.45p.m. Third to Sixth Classes @ 2.50p.m.
Please be aware that supervision is not provided before 9.10a.m. or after 2.50p.m.
Thank you for your on-going support and co-operation as we work together to keep the girls and the staff safe.
Online Payments System
Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS has set up an on-line payment system via Databiz to facilitate payments for the Book Rental Scheme, art, craft and photocopying etc. This will make it easier for parents/guardians when making payments and we hope to begin using it in early May.
Your support in using this facility is very much appreciated. It is important to ensure we have the correct phone numbers and email addresses to allow the system to work well. Please contact the office if you wish to update your contact details on 051 832984 or email Tracey to secretary.ferrybankgns@gmail.com Thank you.
Well Done!
A huge ‘Well Done!’ to the Ferrybank u7 Team who took part in a hurling blitz last weekend. 7 out of the 9 girls on the team are Good Counsel Girls. We’ve been told that they were the talk of the tournament with their skills and competitiveness against mainly all-boys teams. Keep up the great work – Saoirse, Amber, Maelíosa, Zoey, Lauren, Evie, and Ella.
Coaching continues for the under 7’s at 10a.m. in the Ferrybank GAA grounds – all are welcome
Kindness
We have had some lovely acts of kindness from parents over the last couple of weeks, kindness towards pupils and towards the staff. You know who you are, and your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.
Poetry Day Ireland
Girls, Poetry Day Ireland will take place on April 28th. Take some time over the Easter Break to come up with ideas for a poem. We will have our school Poetry Competition in the week after the Easter break. You can write a poem about anything or you can stick with the theme for this year, which is Written in the Stars https://www.poetryireland.ie/poetry-day/
Congratulations
We send our warmest congratulations to Mr. Dooley who has been appointed to the position of Principal of Ballyneale NS. Thankfully, Mr. Dooley will remain at Good Counsel GNS until the end of this school year and will take up his new role in September.
