The School Bell
18th November 2021
Visit our cool school Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) website to see all the latest from our future scientists and what they were up to during Science Week.
Without our Masks
Dear Mams, Dads, Pupils and Staff,
Over the past few weeks, photographs have been appearing on doors around the school. We realised that some of our pupils have never seen staff members without their masks so we thought it would be a nice idea to take photos of each staff member and put them up for the children to see.
Each door now has a photo of the person or people who work in that room, without their masks, and we hope that all the smiles will help the children to feel more comfortable as they come and go every day.
This week, the Minister of Education made a special appeal to families not to have play dates or birthday parties in their homes. This is not to spoil anyone’s fun – we all know how important it is that we do everything we can to try to keep schools open.
As always, we hope that you and your family are staying safe. We are very grateful to all of you who are so considerate in keeping the girls at home if they are unwell. Please continue to use the email address for your child’s teacher to let him/her know that your daughter will be absent.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Reminder
On Friday 19th November, the school will close early for all pupils.
Junior and Senior Infants @ 12.15p.m
First and Second Classes at 12.25p.m
All other classes at 12.30p.m.
This is to facilitate in-service training for the Staff in the Primary Language Curriculum.
Sacramental Preparation
Meetings will take place next week for the parents of children who are preparing for First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the 2021-2022 school year. Invitations to the meetings were sent home with the girls on Wednesday. If you didn’t receive one, please contact the school office as details on how to register your child to receive the Sacraments will be provided at the meeting.
Amber Flag News from Mrs. Shanahan
Thank you very much to all our families for your contribution of €170 towards Pieta House. Our Amber Flag noticeboard is now up and running.
It’s A Boy!
We were all delighted to hear the news this morning that Ms. Fenton’s little grandson had arrived safe and well during the night. Huge Congratulations from all of us here at Good Counsel to Ms. Fenton and her family at this very special time.
Reviewed and Updated Policies
The Board of Management reviewed and updated two important policies:
The Child Protection Safety Statement and Risk Assessment and
The Anti-Bullying Policy
The updated documents will be available shortly on the website.
Covid Learning and Support Scheme (CLASS)
The Department of Education is very aware that the children were home learning for almost 7 months from March 2020 to June 2021. Because of this, it has provided special funding this school year so that schools can provide some extra support to all our pupils.
Ms. Claire Harney has joined our school team for the next 15 weeks so that we can offer some additional support to the girls. We are doing this in a variety of ways – small groups, one-to-one sessions and lots of in-class support. If you hear that your child is working with a different teacher, it doesn’t mean there is a problem, it just means that we are lucky enough to be able to give some extra attention to all the children this year. We hope that Ms. Harney enjoys her time at our school.
Wrap Up, Stay Warm
Dear Mams, Dads, Pupils and Staff,
Welcome back for the second half of Term 1. We have been blessed so far this week with lovely bright sunshine. However, it can get cold during the day. We are working hard to balance the need for lots of ventilation in the classrooms with heating the building, so please make sure that the girls wear warm layers, like thermal vests, under their uniforms and long socks or tights. We are also spending as much time as possible outdoors, so it is important that the girls bring their coats, hats and gloves to school. A huge ‘Well Done’ for wearing your high-vis jackets Girls! It is especially important at this time of year when the mornings and afternoons are darker.
As you all know, the number of Covid-19 cases in the community is rising. At school we are continuing with all the measures that were put in place last year – sanitising, handwashing, extra cleaning, social distancing, etc. I would appeal to everyone to please do your best to continue with mask wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene outside of school. As far as possible avoid sleepovers. Most importantly, if your child is unwell, she should stay at home. Like yourselves, we want to keep the school open so let’s continue to work together to do that. The Department of Education has asked us to share this link with you.
Stay safe and well.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Important Note
On Friday 19th November, the school will close early for all pupils.
Junior and Senior Infants @ 12.15p.m
First and Second Classes at 12.25p.m
All other classes at 12.30p.m.
This is to facilitate in-service training for the Staff in the Primary Language Curriculum.
Credit Union Art Competition
A big ‘Well Done’ to Rosie (5th Class) who won First Prize in her category of the St. Dominic Credit Union Art Competition. Rosie will receive her prize on Wednesday 10th November, and her artwork will now go forward to the next level of the competition.
STEM News from Mr. Dooley
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
Before the Halloween break the girls had great fun being Mathematicians and taking part in Maths Week. Next week will be Science Week, where classes will be carrying out science experiments.
Check out everything we have been doing on our cool new STEM website – https://sites.google.com/view/olgcstem/home
We will add to the website as the year goes on.
Diwali
Some of our families are currently celebrating the festival of Diwali or Deepavali. Diwali is a five-day Festival of Lights in the Hindu faith, with each day having a different set of rituals and traditions.
Day 1 — Dhanteras: November 2, 2021
This is the first day of the festival when people clean their homes and prepare for the events ahead. This is also a busy shopping day
Day 2 — Choti Diwali: November 3, 2021
The second day is when people startdecorating their homes.Many families will put up string lights and start creating their rangoli, which are intricate designs placed on the floors of homes.
Day 3 — Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: November 4, 2021
The most important part of the celebration is the ritual that takes place on this day. Clay oil lamps or diyas are lit and rituals worshipping the goddess Lakshmi are performed. On the day of Diwali, families get together to exchange gifts and have a large meal. Many people wear their nicest clothes on this day and say ‘Happy Diwali’ to each other.
Day 4 — Padwa: November 5, 2021
The fourth day of celebrations is dedicated to the love between husband and wife, and men will often buy gifts for their wives.
Day 5 — Bhai Duj: November 6, 2021
Bhai Duj, the last day of celebrations is dedicated to brothers and sisters.
We wish a very ‘Happy Diwali’ to anyone who is celebrating at this time.
Amber Flag and Pieta House
Girls, well done on your fantastic Hallowe’en costumes on Friday 22nd. Your Mams and Dads did a great job getting you all dressed up. Our sincere thanks to all of you who sent in a donation for Pieta House.
Children First
National Children First Awareness Week will run from the 1st to 7th November. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of Children First and remind wider society, including organisations working with children and young people, of our collective responsibility to keep them safe in our communities.
Children First promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect, by setting out what individuals and organisations need to do to keep children safe, and how to deal with concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
If you would like more information, please check out this link: gov.ie/childrenfirst
Random Act of Kindness Day November 13th
“No act of kindness no matter how small, is ever wasted,” – Aesop
Is there something you can do to cheer someone up on Saturday 13th?
Special Assembly
Tomorrow, Mrs. Ryan’s Third Class will lead a Prayer Service at our weekly Zoom Assembly. The theme is ‘All Saints and All Souls’. November is the month when we pray for everyone we know who has died, and for all those who have no-one to pray for them. We have a Remembrance Box in our school’s Sacred Space where the girls can put the name of anyone they would like us to pray for. Sr. Maria, who is the Diocesan Advisor for schools, will join us by Zoom for our Special Assembly tomorrow.
On Tuesday, the feast of All Souls, some of our classes joined the 10.30a.m. Mass in the Parish Church via the webcam.
Poem for November
Thank You
Dear Mams, Dads, Pupils and Staff,
It has been a special week for all of us as we were able to invite Mams and Dads to pay virtual visits to the school. The girls and their teachers were delighted to welcome you to their classrooms. This morning, Sr. Mary from our Board of Management joined us for two of the meetings. Thank you to everyone who could attend. We hope that you enjoyed your short visit and that it gave you a little insight into all the wonderful work that the girls do every day.
School closes tomorrow for the Hallowe’en break and the girls will go home at the following times:
Junior and Senior Infants @ 12.15p.m.
First and Second Class @ 12.25p.m.
Third to Sixth Classes @ 12.30p.m.
We will re-open for the second half of the term on Monday 1st November.
Enjoy the break from school next week. Please continue to follow all the Public Health Guidelines – social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene – so that we can continue to keep the school open. Stay safe.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Attendance Certificates
During our Zoom calls this week, we presented Attendance Certificates to any child who missed no more than 3 school days (while the school was open) last year. Congratulations to Ciara, Qamar, Emma, Katie Rose, Sadhbh, Sophia, Sonia, Evie, Amber, Anna, Lauren, Silvija, Ella, Maelíosa, Saoirse, Nikki, Amelia, Amira, Tiffany, Sara, Diana, Faye, Holly, Tina, Eve, Sophie, Emme, Ria, Sinéad, Mia, Isabelle, Sharon, Dorka, Amira, Julia, Limar, Elizabete, Mursal, Amelia, Julia, Molly and Rebeka. We would also like to say Congratulations to our current Senior Infant class who won the Good Counsel Cup for the best overall attendance last year.
Thank you to all our Good Counsel families who made such a huge effort to come to school last year. It wasn’t easy and we know that many of you kept your children at home because they were unwell, which was the right thing to do. As much as we love to see the girls at school, for the moment, it is better for everyone if you err on the side of caution and keep your child at home if they are sick or unwell. Here is a link to the latest Isolation Guide for children between
3 months and 13 years. https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/educationguidance/Isolation%20quick%20guide%20under%2013s.pdf
Covid Cases
A parent has informed Miss O’Reilly that a child in our school has tested positive for Covid-19 (coronavirus). The Public Health Department of the HSE is the agency responsible by law for dealing with positive cases of COVID-19, therefore, no further information in relation to this case will be shared by the school.
On the advice of NPHET, contact tracing of children in primary schools, who do not have symptoms is no longer recommended. So, all you and the school staff need to do is to read and follow the advice in this important message from the Public Health Team.
The important message for pupils and parents, and staff in schools remains that anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate at home immediately and contact their GP for advice and guidance, and to arrange a COVID-19 test if appropriate.
All public health guidelines still need to be followed to protect the health of children and staff. These include:
ü Wearing face coverings
ü Cleaning hands regularly
ü Maintaining physical distance from others
ü Being mindful of the ventilation of classrooms by opening windows and doors as appropriate
ü Encouraging all those who are eligible for vaccination, within your school or childcare facility community, to access appropriate information around this (available at https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/). For those wishing to arrange vaccination, they can do so by either:
· Registering using the HSE Vaccine portal (https://vaccine.hse.ie/#register)
· OR phoning the HSE at 1800 700 700
Message from the Food Safety Authority
The Department of Education has asked schools to share the following message form the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Warning regarding jelly sweets containing cannabis (THC)
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is urging parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant to the dangers of their children getting access to and eating confectionary, particularly jelly sweets, containing significant amounts of the psychoactive cannabis component called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This warning comes amid the ongoing seizures of these illegal food products by the Gardaí and Customs services, and a number of serious medical incidents whereby these THC-containing jelly sweets resulted in teenagers and young children suffering serious adverse health effects requiring hospitalisation. These jelly sweets are packaged to look like popular brands of jellies and have been found to contain toxic amounts of THC (up to 50mg/jelly). Depending on the concentration of THC, eating one of these jellies can mean an equivalent intake of THC that is 5-10 times higher than that inhaled from a single cannabis cigarette. Also, unlike the almost immediate effects of inhaling THC (smoking or vaping), ingesting THC through these jellies can take up to 30 minutes for any effects to be felt. However, while waiting for those effects, those who have eaten these products may overdose in the mistaken belief that they need to eat more sweets in order to feel the effects. Of particular concern to the FSAI is the inadvertent consumption of these jelly sweets by small children who may somehow gain access to what looks and possibly tastes like ordinary sweets. Unfortunately, given access to a bag of these jellies, children will rarely eat just one and therefore, overdosing is a very likely outcome as witnessed by the hospitalisation of a number of seriously ill young children in the early part of 2021.
The FSAI has become aware of reports about the availability of THC-containing jelly sweets in schools in Ireland and therefore, parents and guardians are asked to speak with their teenagers alerting them to the dangers if they eat them or if their younger siblings get access to them and subsequently suffer the serious consequences of consuming a toxic substance.
Congratulations
After a long wait, the girls from last year’s Sixth Class were confirmed by Fr. Kieran O’Shea in Ferrybank Parish Church on Tuesday 12th October. Everyone at the school sends their congratulations to the girls and their families, and our thanks to Fr. Kieran, the Ushers and the Sacristan for making the ceremony so special for the girls.
Dress Up for Hallowe’en and Support our Amber Flag
The girls may wear their Hallowe’en outfits to school tomorrow. No need to buy anything – just get creative with whatever you have to hand.
You may remember that our school had a Child Protection Inspection during the 2020-2021 School Year. The Department of Education Inspectors were so impressed with the girls and how knowledgeable they are, that they suggested we should apply as a school for an Amber Flag.
The Pieta Amber Flag Initiative recognises the efforts of primary schools, to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being. As part of our application, we are using our Dress Up Day tomorrow as a little fundraiser for Pieta House. If you would like to make a small donation, please send it to your child’s teacher tomorrow morning – there is no obligation to do so. You can read more about the work of Pieta House at this link https://www.pieta.ie/
Mmmmm!
There was a delicious smell of baking in the school yesterday. Mrs. Burke’s Fifth Class made great use of our new staffroom to bake Báirín Breac for Hallowe’en. If you’d like to read about the Báirín Breac or Barmbrack, check out this link https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/irish-halloween-traditions-items-hidden-inside-bairin-breac-mean-172872
Our Junior Infants were also busy in the staffroom a couple of weeks ago making some yummy Rice Krispie buns. It is so lovely to see our new facilities being out to such good use.
Hallowe’en Safety from An Garda Síochána
The Community Policing Officer has asked us to share this safety message with you.
Halloween-SafetyWeekly Assembly
Dear Mams, Dads, Pupils and Staff,
Every Friday, all our girls and staff come together for our weekly Assembly. Thanks to Zoom, we were able to continue with our assemblies all through last year, and we are still meeting each other virtually every week.
Assembly usually begins with a prayer – it could be on a particular theme, or we might pray for anyone we know who is sick or for brothers or sisters who are doing exams. Last week, because we were coming to the end of the Season of Creation, Miss Kelly shared a lovely reflection on St. Francis, the patron saint of pets.
Each class shares a report on some of the fantastic learning that has been happening during the previous week. We announce our Good Counsel Good Citizen of the Week, and we celebrate any special achievements. We have reports from our Litter Monitors, and we sing and sign Happy Birthday to anyone who has had a birthday since the previous week.
For the month of October, our assemblies will focus on the theme of Kindness and Manners. Our Junior Infants have been learning a lovely song which they have shared with us. If you would like to sing along at home, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H98Rfljxmsc
Continue to stay safe.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Manners Poem
Shared by Mrs. Shanahan
We say, ‘Thank You’,
We say, ‘Please’.
We do not interrupt or tease.
We don’t argue,
We don’t fuss,
We listen when anyone talks to us.
We share our toys and take our turn,
Good manners aren’t hard to learn.
It’s really easy when you find
Good manners mean,
JUST BEING KIND!
Headlice
Unfortunately, the headlice are back! Please check your child’s hair and treat it if necessary. It is also important to check everyone in the household if one person is infected. On the Latest News tab of the website, you will find a link to information and advice.
Please make sure that your child’s hair is in a plait or a bun coming to school – it really does help to stop the spread of infection.
Letter to Children
We had a lovely surprise this week when Bishop Nulty wrote a special Pastoral Letter to all the children in the school. In the letter, he speaks about all the things children learn at school, including ‘how to share, how to be kind, how to include others.’ He encourages the children to use their imaginations and reminds them that ‘with God’s help, we can become anything, with his help we can do anything. So, dream big and start today – you have lots of people to help you get there.’ What great advice!
Camogie
Last Tuesday, all the girls from First Class to Sixth Class had the opportunity to go to Ferrybank GAA pitch for coaching in Camogie. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we want to say Thank You to the coaches and to Mr. Dooley who organised it. The sessions will continue every Tuesday until the end of November so remember to wear your tracksuits girls, and if you have your own hurley and helmet, bring those along too.
DID YOU KNOW?
The word ‘Camogie’ comes from another word ‘Camóg’ meaning a short, curved stick.
Camogie is a team game, with 15 players on each team.
The ball is called a ‘sliotar’.
Camogie is played by more than 100,000 women all over the world.
Some of our girls play Camogie with the local club and have been doing themselves proud in recent weeks. A special shout out to the girls in Second Class who played so well in Portlaw last weekend.
Staying Safe
Dear Dads, Mams, Pupils and Staff,
We are spending a lot of time at the moment talking about staying safe. It is important to do that because when we all work together, it helps to keep everyone safe and well in all sorts of ways.
Thanks to Mrs. Shanahan and the Road Safety Authority, every girl in the school now has a high-vis vest. It is wonderful to see so many of the girls wearing them to school – well done on your good example Rang VI. The high-vis vests make it much easier for staff to see the children in cars, it makes the children easier for drivers to see at drop off and pick up times, and for the girls who walk, scoot or cycle, it makes it safer for them on their journey to and from school.
During this first term, teachers will teach the Stay Safe Programme to each class from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. Mams and Dads are encouraged to check out the programme through these websites: http://www.staysafe.ie/parents.htm https://www.webwise.ie/parents/ and www.pdst.ie/staysafe We also encourage you to discuss the lessons with your children.
One more way to keep safe right now is by washing our hands. Our Junior Infants have been learning how to handwash with the help of Rufus and families with younger children might like to pass on the message at home through this little video. https://www.safefood.net/food-safety-kids/handwashing
Finally, thank you to all the Mams, Dads, Grandparents and Staff who work so hard every morning and afternoon to keep our drop off and pick up running smoothly. We ask for your continued patience and co-operation as we try to keep all our girls safe.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Homework
We have had a homework-free September to allow everyone to settle back into school. When we surveyed parents last year, one of the preferred forms of Homework was ‘Reading’. For the month of October, the girls from First Class to Sixth Class will be asked to do a little bit of reading every night. It is amazing the difference that just 10 minutes of reading every day can make so do your best girls!
Well Done!
Well done to Zoey (First Class) and her team who had a great win against Glenmore in their Camogie match.
Reminder
Now that we have been back at school for a few weeks, it is time to remind ourselves of the simple school rules that apply to all the girls.
General
Be polite at all times.
Arrive on time for school.
Present yourself for school in a tidy manner.
Respect yourself and your belongings.
Respect others and their belongings.
Complete all schoolwork and homework to a high standard.
Uniforms
Wear your full school uniform every day, except on PE days.
Pinafore/skirt, school shirt, tie, jumper, navy or white socks /tights, flat shoes
Wear your tracksuit on PE days (or when asked to do so by your teacher).
For your safety, your shoes/runners must be fastened properly at all times.
Hair
Keep your hair neat and tidy, in a plait or a bun, at all times. (This helps to prevent the spread of headlice)
Make Up
Remove make up and nail polish before you come to school
Jewellery
For your safety, you may wear only one pair of stud earrings in your earlobes and a watch.
Mobile Phones
If you must bring your mobile phone to school, switch it off outside the gate and give it your teacher before class begins.
Healthy Lunches/Green School Policy
Bring a healthy lunch to school every day. You may bring a small treat on Fridays.
Use reusable tubs and containers for your lunch and your drink.
Keep the school and the school grounds clean and tidy.
Make sure that you do not bring chewing gum onto the school grounds.
Bullying
Make sure that Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS is a ‘bully free’ zone. At school, tell a teacher if you are being bullied or if you know that someone else is being bullied.
Rewards
As a school, we encourage and reward positive behaviour in many ways, and especially through our Good Counsel Good Citizen Award. Any pupil can be nominated by any member of staff and we have weekly, monthly and annual badges and certificates.
As a pupil of Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS it is your responsibility to make our school a happy, safe place for yourself and for everyone else.
A Blessing for the Autumn Equinox
Some of you may have noticed the beautiful harvest moon in the sky last night. During this Season of Creation, here is a little blessing for the Autumn Equinox.
Embrace this time the change of light,
With shorter days and longer nights.
The wheel has turned, the time will change,
The darker side of the earth remains.
There’s magic in the lunar light,
With intuition at its height.
The alchemy of Mother Earth,
From birth to death, will come re-birth.
The cycle of nature unbroken and true,
Bestows peace of mid and well-being to you.
European Language Day
European Language Day takes place on Sunday 26th of September. It marks the 20th Anniversary of European Language day across the EU. The aim of the day is to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity within the EU.
In our school we are marking it on Friday 24th The girls from 3rd to 6th class have been very busy over the last week creating and designing posters to celebrate this day. The girls from Junior Infants to Second class are going to have a story read to them in another language. Thank you to Hanna and Marta’s Mam and to Laura, Korina and Paula’s Mam, Ms. Evans, Ana in 6th Class and Miss Finnucaine who will share their time and linguistic skills to read a story in another language. This is a wonderful experience for all the girls and their teachers to have the opportunity to listen to a story in another language. Thank you to all involved in making this day special for us all.
Miss Kelly
Winners
Congratulations to pod 3 from Fifth class who won some P.E. equipment for our school last week. This Friday is European Schools Sport Day and we were set a challenge to be creative with the letters ESSD using sport equipment. The girls spelt out the letters using cones, skipping ropes and sports vests. To make our entry stand out, the girls signed the letters ESSD using Irish sign language. All classes will get up and be active during their Daily Mile on Friday. Check out our entry. Well done girls!
Fáilte Ar Ais
Dear Dads, Mams, Pupils and Staff,
A very warm welcome back for the 2021-2022 school year and we extend a special welcome to any family that is joining us for the first time this year. We are also delighted that Miss Power, Miss Hall and Mrs. Evans will be with us again. As always, we will continue to do our best for the girls, and we appreciate your ongoing support and co-operation.
Covid-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted for day-to-day activities, but schools have been advised to keep doing everything that we did last year. That means we still need to social distance, wash and sanitise hands and cover coughs or sneezes. A Glance Card with all the information you need was sent home with each of the girls on 1st September.
The HSE has asked all school Principals to share the following information:
Symptoms – Please make sure all staff and families are aware not to attend school if they have any symptoms of Covid-19 infection. The symptoms are listed here https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/symptoms/overview/
Close contacts – Please remind all staff and children that if they have been told by the HSE services that they are a close contact of a case of Covid-19, they need to restrict their movements at home and will be offered testing, as soon as possible after they have been identified and then at day 10.
Re-enforcing general public health messages – Please ensure all staff and children are reminded of the importance of abiding by the national public health measures currently in place at all times e.g. social distancing, use of face masks and hand hygiene, minimising social contacts.
Travel – Details of current arrangements for travel overseas can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/
Please note, this advice can change at any time.
Thank you very much to all the Mams and Dads who are helping us out by driving through the car park to drop off and to collect the girls. The system is working so please continue to co-operate with us in getting the girls safely in and out of school. This will be especially important as our Junior Infants will be joining the other girls for the morning drop off from tomorrow onwards.
Our newsletter, The School Bell, will be published on the school website every second Thursday – keep an eye out for lots more news as the year goes on.
It is wonderful to have the girls back with us, and with your help, we look forward to a safe year of learning and fun.
Yours sincerely,
C. O’Reilly – Principal
Important
We have a pupil in our school who has a compromised immune system due to an organ transplant. For this reason, we would ask you to please let us know, in confidence, if your child has any symptoms of any childhood illnesses such as chickenpox, ‘flu, etc. Obviously, this also applies to any Covid-19 symptoms.
Bike Week
Next week is Bike Week so we would love to see as many girls as possible cycling (or scooting) to school. We are having a COW day on Wednesday. No, we are not getting into dairy farming – COW stands for Cycle on Wednesday.
Girls, remember to cycle safely. Wear a high-vis vest and a helmet and look out for other road users.
We are looking forward to having a new bicycle and scooter shelter installed very soon, so we hope that will encourage even more of the girls to consider scooting or cycling to school.
Congratulations
Our sincere congratulations to Dermot, and everyone at Walsh’s Bakehouse as they celebrate 100 years in business. Dermot is the Chairperson of our Board of Management, and he gives very willingly of his time to the school. We wish you and your colleagues many more successful years of bread making Dermot.
Sacramental Preparation
Thank you to Fr Kieran and everyone who helped to make the First Penance ceremony run so smoothly on Tuesday evening. The girls are looking forward to their First Holy Communion Day on Saturday and we all wish them a happy day.
What To Do If You or Your Child Has a Problem
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, a problem will arise that needs to be sorted out. In our school, we follow the nationally agreed procedure for dealing with any concerns or problems and even though times are very different right now, the procedure still applies. Conversations may now need to be held over the phone, but we can still work things out. Thankfully, it is our experience, that we very rarely need to go past No. 1 or No. 2 as most problems can be sorted out quickly when adults can have a reasonable conversation with each other. So, if you or your child has a problem, this is what you need to do:
1. Make an appointment to speak with the class teacher. To do this, call the school office on 051 832984.
Problem solved? Yes – procedure finished No – Go to next step
2. Make an appointment to speak with the school principal. To do this, call the school office on 051 832984.
Problem solved? Yes – procedure finished No – Go to next step
3. Make an appointment to speak with the chairperson of the Board of Management. To do this, call the school office on 051 832984.
Problem solved? Yes – procedure finished No – Go to next step
4. Lodge a complaint in writing with the chairperson of the Board of Management
Problem solved? Yes – procedure finished No – Go to next step
5. Chairperson makes a formal report to the Board of Management
6. The Board determines whether or not the complaint is substantiated.
Problem solved? Yes – procedure finished No – Go to next step
7. The Board conducts an investigation
The Board makes a decision and informs the parent/guardian and the person against whom the complaint was made in writing of its decision. The decision of the Board shall be final.
Ferrybank Camogie Club Training Times
These are the updated times and schedules for underage camogie training. U6s- junior and senior infants Date and time: Wednesday’s 6-7pmSaturdays 10-11am
U8s- girls born in 2015,2014,2013 Date and time: Wednesday’s 6-7pmSaturday’s 10-11am
U10s- girls born in 2012,2011Date and time:Wednesday’s 6-7pmSaturdays 11-12am
U12s- girls born in 2010,2009 Date and time:Tuesday’s 6:15-7:30pmThursday’s 6:15-7:30pm
U14s- girls born in 2008,2007 Date and time:Tuesday’s 6:15-7:30pmThursday’s 6:15-7:30pm
All girls are to bring their own water bottle, a sanitizing station will be available upon arrival and a return to play questionnaire will need to be filled out:
https://returntoplay.gaa.ie/ It’s a great way to make new friends, get fresh air and have fun!
An Acrostic Poem by Sixth Class
Back To School
Buying new equipment
After our summer holidays
Coming to school walking
Kids filling the classrooms.
Today we start 6th Class
Our Lady of Good Counsel – Here we come!
Stop, drop go!
Cause that’s what we know.
Hopefully no Home Learning
Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!
Our last school year,
Let’s make the most of it.
What We Have Achieved Together this Year
Dear Mams, Dads, Pupils and Staff,
The end of the school year is always an opportunity to reflect. Yes, 2020-2021 has been strange and challenging and difficult in many ways, but we have also managed to achieve a great deal and we have learned a lot. So, for our final School Bell of 2020-2021, instead of looking at the things we have not been able to do because of Covid-19, here is a little record of what we have achieved together as a school community.
The Board of Management:
- Drew up, published and implemented a Covid-19 Response Plan which has seen us safely through the school year.
- Paid for and carried out refurbishments and constructed a Reception Area and the Rest Nest (sick bay).
- Installed an intercom system to minimise movement around the school building and installed an electronic bell.
- Opened a new classroom and shower room.
- Kept costs for Book Rental and Art and Craft contributions to an absolute minimum in recognition of the financial pressures that some families are under – this will continue for the 2021-2022 School Year.
- Made plans for summer works to create a new staffroom and Learning Support space for the next school year.
As well as teaching and managing the school, all the Staff and our In-school Management Team have collaborated to:
- Provide an online payment system for Book Rental, Insurance, etc.
- Plan, organize and open ‘The Zen Den’ – a quiet, safe space for all the children.
- Install two new Smartboards and update and maintain our ICT resources.
- Train in and introduce Seesaw, an online learning platform and with the help and support of our Superhero Mams and Dads, we successfully managed two and a half months of Home Learning.
- Keep the school spotlessly clean.
- Develop an in-school school, online resource padlet for Special Education Needs.
- Engage with the Inspectorate in a successful Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection – our school is fully compliant.
- Manage a drop off/pick up system in the Car Park – a special thanks to Mams, Dads and Grandparents for your help and co-operation.
Our Good Counsel girls have worked hard on their learning, and they have also managed to fit in an amazing number of extras! Here is a list of some of the things the girls did. They:
- Participated in the Peace Proms Christmas song.
- Took part in The Junior Achievement Leap Programme and won the Best Presentation – Negotiation Award.
- Worked with an Environmental Artist on the school grounds.
- Developed and planted a vegetable garden and sensory path.
- Took part in the Safe Cycling Programme.
- Had a wonderful, uplifting Wellbeing and Friendship Week.
- Participated in the Music Generation Programme.
- Created a piece of collaborative art to reflect on a year of Covid-19.
- Made visits to Ferrybank Library.
- Took part in our weekly Assembly on Zoom.
- Adopted Santa’s reindeer.
- Participated in the South-East Engineering Festival.
- Took part in our Christmas Crib Competition and our school crib was included in the Diocesan Virtual Display of Cribs.
- Paid a virtual visit to the Reptile Zoo.
- Celebrated Hallowe’en, World Book Day and Poetry Day Ireland.
- Participated in the STEAM Art Collaboration Exhibition.
- Were represented at Comhairle na nÓg by our Good Counsel Good Citizen of the Year 2020.
- Had great fun at Sports Day.
Thanks to our fantastic Parents Association, we had a Covid-compliant visit from Mrs. Claus. In addition to two fundraising raffles, the PA also collaborated with Miss O’Reilly on school policies, and they organised a lovely memento for Sixth Class which was presented to the girls today. We must give a very special mention to Laura, Vera and Paula who have been such supportive parents and members of the Parents’ Association Committee for many years. Their youngest girls are moving on to Secondary School in September so after a very long involvement with the school, the ladies are also saying ‘Farewell’ to Good Counsel GNS. They have worked hard and given their time freely and generously for the benefit of all the children and we are especially grateful to them for their willingness to be involved in the life of the school. We will miss you all.
Sixth Class treated us to a wonderful virtual end of year show yesterday, and their parents will join us online today. It was very clear yesterday that each staff member in the school recognises what good role models the girls in Sixth Class have been for the younger children. Girls, we wish you well as you move on. We have watched you blossom into young ladies and we know that you will continue to bloom in the years to come. We look forward to meeting you again on August 28th for Confirmation Day.
This school year is ending and we are already looking forward to September. We wish Miss Eilís Walsh a safe and interesting year as she takes a Career Break. The Board of Management will recruit teachers over the summer to fill two vacancies and the staff has been allocated as follows:
Junior Infants Ms. Fogarty
Senior Infants To be appointed
First Class Miss Cunniffe
Second Class To be appointed
Third Class Mrs. Ryan
Fourth Class Mr. Dooley
Fifth Class Mrs. Burke
Sixth Class Mrs. Power
Special Education Miss Kelly, Mrs. Shanahan, Mrs. Foley and Ms. Rellis
Special Needs Assistants Ms. Fenton and Ms. Moore
Above all else this year, the girls have been safe, well and very happy to be at school. A heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to everyone in our school community. Enjoy the summer break – we will be in touch with you again in late August with our plans for re-opening on September 1st. May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to guide and bless all of us.
Yours sincerely,
Miss O’Reilly, Miss Kelly and the staff of Good Counsel GNS
Parents Association News
Many thanks to you all for supporting our raffle. The monies raised will be spent on 2 ipads for the school. Special thanks go to Dermot Walsh, Jolly Barber, Shades, Colin Molloy Butcher, Aphrodite Beauty and IBrows, Brows & Nails for kindly donating spotprizes. We are very lucky to have such generous local businesses.
As it is the last year for Laura Boylan, Paula Walsh and myself Vera Flynn on the PA, we would like to thank the parents, grandparents and staff for being so supportive of our endeavours. Thanks to the pupils whose smiley faces spurned us on! Thanks also to Miss O’ Reilly who was always welcoming and on hand to offer help, advice and encouragement over the last 13 years. Thanks especially to Tracey, our school secretary, who went above and beyond in her efforts to help us no matter what we asked of her.
We would really encourage parents to be part of the PA. It is very rewarding knowing that our involvement is so beneficial to our girls. We hope that some of you will come on board and we wish Sarah Flynn all the best moving forward. We have every faith in you Sarah!
We will miss all of you and treasure the friendships and happy memories we have made along the way.
Best wishes
Laura, Paula & Vera
