Dear Dads, Mams, Pupils and Staff,
We are looking forward to our General Information Meetings this evening. The last time we were able to invite all parents to the school together was in October 2019 so after three years, it is good to welcome you back again. Please join us for a cupán tae at 6.45p.m. Classroom meetings will begin at 7p.m. and your Parents’ Association will meet with you in the school’s GP room at about 7.45p.m. You should be well on your way home by 8.15p.m.
Yours sincerely,
The Staff of Good Counsel GNS
Drop Off and Pick Up
Thank you for your continued co-operation in making sure that the Drop Off and Pick Up works safely and well for all the girls. You can help us by:
- Forming four lanes of cars
- Staying in your car
- Staying in your lane
- Not reversing
We thank you for your patience if you need to wait for the cars in front of you to move – the staff will get you moving as quickly as possible.
Garden Gladiators
Well done to Miss Kelly’s Garden Gladiators who have been enjoying the outdoors and looking after the school environment.
Solas Centre
The Solas Centre Run/Walk for Life is back and will take place on Sunday next 9th October. The Solas Centre provides great care and support for families that have experienced a cancer diagnosis and it is wonderful to have this facility available in Waterford.
To raise awareness of the Run/Walk for Life, the school staff will wear something orange tomorrow and you may even see us doing our ‘Daily Mile’ around the yard before school. If you would like to contribute to the Solas Centre, please send your donation to your child’s teacher and we will pass it on. https://solascentre.ie/run-walk-for-life-2022/
Headlice
Unfortunately, the headlice are back! Last week every family received a leaflet with information and advice. 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.
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.
Appointing the next Principal
The position of Principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS has been advertised by the Board of Management. This is an open competition meaning any teacher from within the school or outside of the school who is suitably qualified may apply. The process takes some time:
- A Selection Panel is formed to shortlist candidates.
- The Panel is chaired by the Chairperson of the Board of Management and the Patron (Bishop Denis Nulty) will appoint at least two Assessors who are completely independent of the school and Board to work with the Chairperson.
- The Panel will set criteria for the position.
- The shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
- The Panel will conduct interviews and make a recommendation to the Board of Management.
- After the Board ratifies the successful candidate, the Patron is asked to approve the appointment.
- When the Patron formally approves the appointment, the position will be offered to the successful candidate.
- After the offer has been accepted in writing, the school community will be informed.
May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide the Selection Panel and the Board of Management in their decisions.
Future Leaders
Today, Sixth Class is taking part in Aspire Higher. This is a programme that teaches team building and leadership skills in a fun and interactive way with a mix of games, presentations and activities. As the older girls in our school, Sixth Class has an important role to play in leading the way for all the other children. Hopefully, they will enjoy their day and learn lots of skills that they can put to good use in the future.
Understanding Anxiety & Supporting my Child
Archways is a national organisation working in collaboration with local and national agencies.
At Archways, we are delighted to invite parents and guardians to attend a free live webinar “Understanding Anxiety & Supporting my Child”.
When: Thursday, the 10th of November 2022.
This 90-minute webinar will take place twice on this date, in the morning from 11am – 12.30pm, and in the evening from 7pm – 8.30pm, so if you are interested in attending, you can register for the time that suits you best.
To book a place at the morning webinar taking place from 11 am to 12.30 pm, please click here.
To book a place at the evening webinar taking place from 7 pm – 8.30 pm, please click here.
The webinar aims to help parents and guardians of children from birth to 18 years to:
• Understand the difference between worry, stress and anxiety
• Develop an understanding of how worry, stress and anxiety can affect children and young people
• Develop tools and strategies to support children and young people
• Better understand factors which affect and influence children’s development
• Explore self-care tools and strategies
