The School Bell

October 21, 2021

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 1^st 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 12^th 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-Safety

Weekly Assembly

October 7, 2021

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.

September 23, 2021

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!

September 9, 2021

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 1^st 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.