Schools reopen tomorrow as planned following announcement from Minister Foley. (See announcement)
At the outset I want to thank our entire school community for their remarkable work in very trying circumstances since we reopened in September. The response and cooperation from students and all staff, teachers and ancillary, has been immense and sustained despite each member of our community experiencing the challenges of Covid differently in our homes and communities. Without the goodwill and ongoing support of parents the last term would have been an even greater challenge. Thank you!
As we move into our next term, which will bring the normal challenges for exam and non-exam years alike, we need to demonstrate that unity more than ever in order to help each of us succeed in our individual and collective goals. We will keep you up to date throughout the term but as it stands a couple of key items for consideration;
- It is our intention that Mock examinations will run for 6th and 3rd Year Students.
- Unfortunately, Parent Teacher Meetings will not go ahead face-to-face, but an enhanced school report will be completed by each of your son’s teachers.
On Thursday morning January 6th, at 9am, teachers will revisit guidance for your son around Covid. I attach a copy of that slideshow (here) for your own information – you might also like to discuss its contents with your son. The Key messages are around.
- the one-way system
- proper mask wearing
- hand, furniture, and respiratory hygiene.
- ventilation – windows and doors. We advise that your son layers up with additional t-shirts or ‘skins’ under his uniform. The schools heating system will be running all day, every day.
- protocols around mask breaks.
- distancing at break times.
The Department of Education are also due to re-issue advice to parents today. This has not been received but when we get it we will forward a link to it by text message.
No doubt we will face predictable and unpredicted challenges as we move through the coming few weeks and months. We will endeavour to keep you up to date with any issues that might arise. In the interim if you need to speak with us regarding your son, please do not hesitate to contact his teacher, tutor or yearhead whose email addresses can be found here. Alternatively feel free to contact Deputy Principals Aidan O’Brien & PJ Walsh or myself.
aidan.obrien@goodcounselcollege.ie
pj.walsh@goodcounselcollege.ie
mark.obrien@goodcounselcollege.ie
Our Pastoral Care team are always available to offer advice and support and they can be contacted at their email address or at the school number 051421182.
helen.bolger@goodcounselcollege.ie
michael.collender@goodcounselcollege.ie
jane.byrne@goodcounselcollege.ie
Finally, please be aware of the symptoms of Covid 19 as set out below.
We understand the pressures that families may be under regarding childcare etc However we ask that if your son is displaying any of the symptoms highlighted you should follow the advice as given for adults and children over thirteen at the following link.
Kind regards,
Mark O’Brien
Principal.
