Dear Parents, Guardians, Pupils and Friends,
Christmas Activities & Events
As the festive season approaches once again, we’re delighted to share an update on the wonderful activities taking place across our school in the coming weeks.
Our school is full of excitement in preparations for Christmas, and the girls and their teachers have been working hard to make this a joyful and memorable time for everyone.
Junior Infants Christmas Play: Wednesday, December 10th
Our Junior Infant classes will present their Christmas performance on Wednesday, December 10th. Parents of Junior Infants will already have received a message with regards to times. We look forward to welcoming you for this special occasion.
Visit to Little Sisters of the Poor: Thursday, December 11th
On Thursday, December 11th, all classes will visit the Little Sisters of the Poor to share their Christmas carols with the residents and staff. This annual tradition is one the girls always enjoy and they are excited for their upcoming visit.
Christmas Carol Service in the Church: Tuesday, December 16th at 1:30pm
Our school’s annual Christmas Carol Service will take place in the Sacred Heart Church Ferrybank at 1:30pm on Tuesday, December 16th for all classes. The Carol Service takes approximately 50 – 60 mins and all classes including Junior and Senior Infants will return to the school where they can be collected after. This will be around the usual finishing time of 2.50pm. All are welcome to join us and we look forward to seeing you there!!
Christmas Jumper / Festive Outfit Day – Thursday, December 18th
The girls are invited to wear their Christmas jumpers or festive outfits to school on Thursday, December 18th.
Please ensure your child is dressed warmly and appropriately, as temperatures have been quite cold recently.
Christmas Decorations & Crib Display
The school is currently in the process of being decorated for the festive season thanks to the hard work of Tracey (secretary), Mark (caretaker), and Ms. Kelly.
Our Crib Background Design Competition is underway, and the girls have been creating wonderful designs. The winning entry will be announced at Assembly this Friday. Well done to all the girls for their creativity and effort!
Wellbeing Warriors
Bí Cíneálta
Our newly appointed Wellbeing Warriors were announced at a recent assembly. Congratulations to Lucie, Sophie, Ema, Sofija, Lily, Maelíosa, Remi, Maloney, Ella, and Evie. The girls have already begun their important work and recently delivered a Bí Cineálta assembly on the effects of bullying. Using two apples as a visual example, they demonstrated how unkind words can hurt a person on the inside even when everything looks fine on the outside.
We are delighted to share that our former Anti-Bullying Policy has now been replaced with a new policy titled “Bí Cineálta”, which translates to “Be Kind.” In line with Department of Education and Youth guidelines, every school is required to display this policy in a pupil-friendly format, and ours is now visible in each classroom. The committee presented the policy to the school and guided pupils through its key sections.
Christmas Food Hamper Appeal
The next project for our Wellbeing Warriors is organising our Christmas Food Hamper Appeal to support families in need during the festive season. The committee has designed posters and have discussed the initiative at assembly. We will be collecting non-perishable food for St. Vincent De Paul up to Friday December 12th. We look forward to the support of our school community in helping those in need this Christmas season. Thank you to everyone involved for their continued support and generosity.
Parents’ Association Fundraiser – Tuesday, December 9th
The Parents’ Association’s Bingo Night will take place in the Forum on Tuesday, December 9th, with doors opening at 7pm.
Tickets are still available from the school office. Thank you to the Parents’ Association and to all parents for your continued generosity and support.
Basketball
Our girls enjoyed a fantastic day out at the basketball competition in Mercy on November 13th. Accompanied by their teachers — Mrs. Burke, Ms. Walsh, and Mrs. Hayes — the team played brilliantly throughout the day and represented the school with great pride. They reached the semi-final, where they were unlucky to miss out on a place in the final. Well done to all the girls for their excellent effort and teamwork!
Fruit in classes
Freshtoday, who supply our hot meals, began providing fresh fruit bowls to all classes this week. The selection includes apples and oranges, and the girls have been thoroughly enjoying them so far. It’s a simple, healthy addition to the school day that encourages positive eating habits and overall wellbeing.
In Memory
The school community was deeply saddened to hear of the recent and tragic passing of one of our former pupils Aoife Bird (nee Oates) and her baby daughter Ailbhe . We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her husband Jim, her son Daithí and to all members of her family at this very difficult time.
She is fondly remembered by those who knew her here in Good Counsel, and our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones as they face this profound loss. May they find strength and comfort in the support of family, friends, and the wider community.
Important Dates
Friday, December 19th – School closes (Half Day)
Infants: 12:10pm
1st–6th: 12:15pm
Monday, January 5th – School reopens at 9am
We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Christmas events.
Yours sincerely,
J. Nagle
Principal
