Dear families and friends of the school,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. Please see some updates below regarding the happenings in Good Counsel and some upcoming activities and events.

Parent-Teacher Meetings
Our staff were delighted to meet all of the parents who came to the school for Parent-Teacher meetings at the start of the month. Thanks to parents for taking the time to book the meetings via Aladdin for the first time. We were especially delighted that all girls had a parent/parents attend their meetings which is hugely positive in ensuring the best possible education for all of the girls here in Good Counsel.

Internet Safety Week
We marked Internet Safety Week in the school last week. Given the increasing role of electronic devices such as phones and tablets in many of our lives, Internet Safety Week is vital in educating all children as to how to use these devices properly and more importantly, how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Thanks to Mrs. Ryan for leading Internet Safety Week in our school. As part of our lessons, Mrs. Ryan has run an Internet Safety Art Competition with the winners to be announced at this weeks assembly.

Irish Dancing
We are delighted to have Dawn McGrath back this term for Irish dancing for Junior Infants to 2nd class. Dawn will work weekly with the classes up to St. Patrick’s Day.

Sacraments

2nd and 6th class are busy preparing for both the Ceremony of Light and First Confession. The 6th class girls will celebrate the Ceremony of Light tomorrow, Wednesday @ 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church Ferrybank. 2nd class will celebrate their First Confession, next Wednesday, March 5th @ 7pm. Best wishes to the class teachers, Mrs. Power and Mrs. Burke and all of the girls.

Fire Brigade Visit
Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 3rd class were treated to a talk and tour from some of the members of the local Fire Brigade last week. The 3rd class girls also received an in depth talk on fire safety which in itself is a practical life skill applicable to us all. A big thanks to the firemen who came to our school – they were great with all of the girls and so generous with their time.

Little Red Kettle
Little Red Kettle made their annual visit to the school in early February. Their visit is always eagerly anticipated by everyone here and as ever their show ‘How to Steal the World’ didn’t disappoint! We look forward to welcoming them back again next year!

Upcoming Sporting Events
FAI 5 a-side
This week we enter our first soccer competition! The FAI 5 a-side schools competition takes place in SETU Carriganore on Thursday February 27th, starting at 12.30pm. Thanks to Mrs. Foley for looking after the team. Best of luck to all of the girls involved.

Camogie Mini 7’s
Next Thursday March 6th, our camogie players will be playing in the Mini 7’s in Ballygunner GAA grounds which is due to start at 11am. We have been training at break times over the last few weeks and the girls are all looking forward to getting started. Thanks to Mrs. Shanahan for looking after the team.

We always encourage parents along to the games and all support is very much appreciated!

World Book Day

World Book Day takes place on Thursday, March 6th. The girls are welcome to dress in a character of their choice from their favourite book. We strongly encourage all children to be as inventive as possible with their outfits and to reuse and recycle materials as much as possible.

Say Yes to the Languages Programme
The girls in 5th and 6th class started their first of 10 Spanish lessons as part of the Say Yes to the Language Programme. We are delighted to have Ms. Grace from the Abbey C.C. to deliver the lessons which will take place every Monday.

Dates for your diary
Monday and Tuesday March 17th and 18th – School closed (St. Patrick’s day plus one extra day)

Wednesday March 26th – Half day (Junior and Senior Infants 12.10pm) (1st to 6th class 12.15pm).
Note; This additional half day has been added to the school calendar to facilitate staff in-service training.

Yours sincerely,

J.Nagle

Principal