Congratulations to the Ferrybank Senior Hurling Team on their big win. Our school loved celebrating with you.👏 🎉🎊
Mr Burchell spoke to 5th class about his time in Our Lady of Good Counsel, back when boys attended the school from Junior Infants to Senior Infants. Over forty children would be in the one classroom, with boys situated on one side and the girls on the other. He attended the school when the Sacred Heart of Mary Sisters were the teachers. He recalled how they were called Madame because they were a French order of nuns.
On a walking tour outside, Mr Burchell informed the girls with a wealth of knowledge, the history of the Ferrybank area. How there were many small, damp houses built along narrow streets.
We learned about the grand houses built in the area, such as Abbey House and Rockenham House.
We learned how Kilculliheen Anglican Church was once a renowned monasteric abbey, that had been attacked by the vikings!
Mr Burchell spoke of the many industries and businesses that employed the people of Ferrybank down through the years, such as a record factory where ladies sorted records. 5th class thought that would be a nicer job than having to work down at the docks.
5th class would like to thank Mr Burchell for such a fantastically, informative tour. 😁
What wonderful artists we have in 3rd Class!
Dear Parents, Guardians, Pupils and Friends of the school,
Welcome back to you all for the 2023/2024 school year!
For those of you who may be new to the school, we use our website and ‘The School Bell’ to keep the school community updated regularly on what is happening in our school and try to provide important information that maybe relevant to you.
We are very happy to welcome any new girls and families to Good Counsel. This summer, we have seen many additions to almost all our classes and of course we are delighted to have our new junior infants also.
School drop off and collection
We are delighted with how the school drop off and collection is going. Many thanks to all for your co-operation. Please note that when you are dropping your child off in the morning, if you are driving, avoid pulling up outside the school gate as this can stop others from accessing the drop off area. Where there is space, drive your car to the top of the drop off area and you can help your daughter out of the car from there. It is also kindly asked that you use the right lane coming in so that the staff can access the car park via the left lane. Thank you.
Staff emails and information
The email addresses of teachers are below. We ask parents to email the teacher to inform them when:
- Your daughter is absent/sick,
- Your daughter is late for school,
- Your daughter is going to be picked up early from school.
If you have an issue and you need to talk to your daughter’s teacher, please make an appointment via email or by phoning the school.
If you have other enquiries that our secretary Tracey can help you with, please contact her by phone (051) 832984 or via email – secretary.ferrybankgns@gmail.com.
Junior Infants – Ms. Hall misshallgchl@gmail.com
Senior Infants – Ms. Hutchinson mshutchinsongchl@gmail.com
1st Class – Ms. Cunniffe misscunniffegchl@gmail.com
2nd Class – Mrs. Power mrspowergchl@gmail.com
3rd Class – Mrs. Ryan mrsryangchl@gmail.com
4th Class – Ms. Power misspowergchl@gmail.com
5th Class – Ms. Walsh missswalsh.gchl@gmail.com
6th Class – Ms. Burke mrsburkegchl@gmail.com
Parents Information Night
Every year in early October, we hold a Parents Information Night where all parents are invited to the school to see their daughter’s classroom and to meet their teacher. The teacher will go through how the classroom operates and what is expected of your daughter. It is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to meet other parents. This year the Parents Information Night will take place on Thursday October 5th starting at 6.45pm and will run for approximately 50 minutes. The Parents Association will hold their AGM on the night also where new members are always welcome. We will provide further information closer to the time. Please take the time to attend the evening as it has proven hugely important in strengthening the link between teachers and parents over the years.
PE Gear
We are in the process of sorting PE days and times for all classes. Your class teacher will inform you/your daughter as to their ‘PE day’ soon if they have not already done so.
Art, Craft & Photocopying Money
Thank you to all who have paid the amount due for Art, Craft & Photocopying for the coming year. If you have yet to do so, we kindly ask that you arrange payment please , this year we are only able to accept cash payments, please put it in an envelope with your child’s name on it and give it to her teacher.
The amounts are;
Junior and Senior infants; €30
1st – 6th Class; €25
Personal Pupil Accident Insurance
Notes were sent home last week regarding Pupil Personal Accident Insurance. This is optional for all children but is recommended by the school. Please see here for more information.
Allianz Pupil Personal Accident Application Form
Please pay before September 29th for your daughter to be included in the scheme.
Intermediate Hurlers
Congratulations to the Ferrybank Hurling Team who, on Saturday last in Walsh Park recorded an historic victory vs Cappoquin in the Intermediate County Hurling final. We were delighted to hold a Green and White Day and to welcome many members of the team to the school on Tuesday of this week where the cups were displayed to the girls. The girls had some excellent questions prepared for the team which were answered accordingly.
A big thank you to the team for taking the time out to visit our school. Thank you to chairman Martin Freeman who was also there on the day. He informed the girls of the Community Family Fun Day that is occurring in the club this Sunday, September 17th and has asked me to share the leaflet for anyone who is interested – Community Family Fun Day – Ferrybank GAA club
If your daughter is interested in playing camogie with Ferrybank GAA club please click here for further information – Camogie Training Times – Ferrybank GAA
Junior Infants
Reminder to Junior Infant parents that the girls will finish at 1.45pm starting on Monday coming, September 18th.
On the same day, the photographer will be here with us for photos with Junior Infants so please ensure that the girls have their uniforms on them. He will also take photos of any girls that have newly joined us or any girls who missed photos last year and would like to get them taken. You do not have to buy any photos – it is completely up to you. A note has been sent home to those concerned with more information.
National Heathly Eating and Growing School
Congratulations to the present Sixth Class, Miss Walsh and Miss Kelly on achieving accreditation of National Healthy Eating And Growing School in the last week of June 2023. Our Lady of Good Counsel achieved the Silver level as an Incredible Edibles School from Agri Aware. Well done to all involved.
Homework
There is no homework for the month of September in order to give time to the girls to settle for the new school year. Information on homework will be provided at the Parents Information Night which I have informed you about earlier in this newsletter.
Wishing you all a happy and safe school year.
Yours sincerely,
J.Nagle
Principal
I am so delighted to be working with this class again. What a wonderful group of girls. Looking forward to an exciting year together ❤
