The new school year is well underway at this stage and the 1st year group seem to have adapted especially well to life at secondary level which is very heartening. The early anxieties over finding the way around or missing the bus are giving way to growing confidence and self assurance as new friends are made and new challenges encountered. Of course the transition will not be so smooth for everyone and we hope that if there are any students or parents with concerns that they will let us know so that we can provide what help we can.
A large group of 2nd year students headed across the water this weekend on a trip deferred from last year. The itinerary included a visit to Alton Towers and the Reebok Stadium to attend the Bolton vs Manchester United Premiership game. Hopefully all will have enjoyed and thanks go to the teachers who accompanied them on the journey.
On Wednesday next the Junior Certificate results are published. 5th and Transition Year students do not have class on Thursday to facilitate this process but should come into school at 11am to receive their results. These students must be collected again at 12 by parents/guardians with whom we recommend they share this important day in their young lives.
A past pupil was in touch during the week to make us aware of a Good Counsel College Alumni group on the business network website, Lindedin. This might be of interest to others who wish to keep in touch, or make contact with potential business interests or even to keep social contact with fellow past pupils.
During the summer a number of students achieved notable sporting success. Eoin Power, 5th year, won the Irish Schools 110m high hurdles senior title and went on to captain the Irish schools team in an International event held in Belfast. Ben Curran, 2nd year, won the National boys u-14 1500 freestyle swimming title, an event which requires considerable endurance and resolve. Fellow swimmer, Luke Fitzgibbon, TY, completed a fantistic season with a personal best swim to claim a silver medal in the B final of the backstroke at the European Youth Olympic Festival held in Trabzon, Turkey during the month of August. Achievements such as these,at the highest level, are truly noteworthy and our congratulations go out to all of them.
Finally well done to another former student, Kieran Joyce, who was part of the Kilkenny squad that won the All-Ireland title last weekend – in hurling that is!
