Dear Parents, Pupils, Guardians and Friends of the school,
As we come to the end of our annual Mission Week, we look forward to the Hallowe’en break. Since our last update, we have had lots of activity as you will see below.
Parents Information Evening
Many thanks to all who took the time to visit our school and your daughter’s class in early October. The Parents’ Information Evening is always a great opportunity to strengthen home-school links and it gives you, the parents the chance to see how the classes and the teachers work on a daily basis. We hope you enjoyed the evening.
Mass
Although a little later than usual, we celebrated our Beginning of Year School Mass with the pupils and staff from St. Marys’ BNS on Monday of this week. Thank you to Fr. Whearty for delivering a beautiful mass as ever and to Mrs. Burke for her work in putting the mass together with Ms. Quillinan from St. Marys’ BNS. Thanks also to the parents and grandparents who took the time out to join us on the morning.
Mission Week
As usual, Mission Week is probably the busiest week of the year in the school for staff, children and parents alike. We have had a great week with so many generously contributing everyday with baking, cooking, donating toys/books etc, selling and buying. The effort put in by all of the girls involved has been as superb as ever and a big thank you to anyone who has helped contribute to the week.
The closing event of the week is the Talent Show which is taking place today and is organised by 6th class. Best of luck to all of the girls involved! At the end of the week, we will count up all of the money raised and donate it to a worthy charity. Well done and thanks to everyone!!
Hallowe’en Dress Up
The girls and staff had great fun dressing up for Hallowe’en today! Well done to everyone!
Mayor’s visit
Every year around Hallowe’en, the Mayor of the Metropolitan District in Waterford visits our school. We were delighted to welcome the Metropolitan Mayor Cllr. Adam Wyse to our school yesterday. Holly and Lucie from 6th read a lovely introduction for the mayor which was followed by a beautiful rendition of the song ‘Killeagh’ from 5th class. Mayor Wyse then gave a talk to the girls where he discussed the importance of school attendance and encourage all of the girls to be in school everyday possible. He also presented the annual attendance awards to the respective pupils. Many thanks to Mayor Wyse for taking the time out to visit our school.
European Languages Day
European Languages Day was celebrated in our school on Friday, 26th September 2025. It is a special day to enjoy and respect the many languages that people speak across the continent Europe. We started the morning with a greeting from Miss Kelly and we listened to the anthem of Europe. It is called “Ode to Joy”, and it was played to remind us of peace and friendship. On this day, we remember that learning languages helps us understand each other and feel part of one big family in Europe.
The EU has 24 official languages, reflecting a commitment to linguistic diversity and ensuring people can communicate with institutions in their own language. We also learned that while all 24 languages are official, the institutions use English, French, and German as working languages for practical reasons.
During the day, we were treated to story telling in the various languages. A big thank you to the girls in 5th and 6th class who read stories to the other classes. Some of the languages shared during story time included Portuguese, Latvian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Irish and Romanian. It was a lovely experience to hear The Billy Goats Gruff in Latvian and other classes heard Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Spanish and Romanian.
A special poem about languages was shared during assembly. Thanks to the sixth class girls for preforming it:
Hello Around Europe
On European Language Day,
We learn “hello” in many ways.
From countries far, from friends so near,
Let’s greet each other with a cheer!
Bonjour! we say in France today,
Hola! in Spain, a sunny way.
In Polish we say Cześć!, so bright,
And Olá! in Portugal feels just right.
Ciao! in Italy, warm and sweet,
Hallo! in German when friends we meet.
Bună ziua! in Romanian lands,
Hej! in Sweden, we wave our hands.
In Ireland we smile and say Dia dhuit!,
In Latvia it’s Sveiki!, a joyful salute.
In Hungary they say Szia!, so clear,
Привіт (Pryvit) in Ukrainian,
In Lithuania Labas!, with good cheer.
From Slovakia, Ahoj! we call,
Dobar dan in Croatian, friends hand in hand.
And in Arabic, As-salamu alaykum! for all.
So many hellos, so much to share,
Languages bring friendship everywhere!
Out door Learning Space and School Garden
Here are some photos of our school harvest. We had a wonderful output of vegetables this September.
Thanks to GROW at School, we will continue our connections for the coming school year. A lovely autumn delivery arrived at school recently full of growing materials, seed and plans for the 2025-2026 growing year. Thanks to GIY and our little school growers and gardeners.
Communion and Confirmation Dates
Dates for Communion and Confirmation dates have been set.
Confirmation takes place on Thursday, March 12th @ 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank.
Communion takes place on Saturday, May 16th @ 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank.
Mary Purcell
All here in Good Counsel would like to wish Mary Purcell of FerryFun Childcare and Aftercare the very best as she retires tomorrow. Over the years Mary has been such an asset to the schools, families and children in the Ferrybank area. Wishing Mary a long, healthy and happy retirement!
Best of luck Tracey
All here in Good Counsel would like to wish our secretary, Tracey the best of luck as she has been representing Ireland in the World Shore Angling Championships in Portugal over the last week or so. We hope that it is going well for you and your team!!!
Wishing everyone a Happy Hallowe’en. Our school will reopen on Monday, November 3rd @ 9am.
Yours sincerely,
J.Nagle
Principal
