As we approach the end of of our third full week of remote teaching and learning it is easy to see how, for some, the novelty of the reimagined classroom is starting to diminish. This is a challenge that all students, teachers and parents are facing across the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond our borders. We have all done exceptionally well in such a short time to embrace the challenge. It has been a busy time for all and for many the idea of education is down that pecking list of priority in your own home whether you are a student, teacher or parent. It is important for us to stay in contact and communicate honestly with one another to ensure we are keeping pace with assigned work, not becoming overburdened by everything, sharing our concerns and importantly having some fun.
For students it is great to be young but we must remember that we are not invincible and that the Covid-19 virus can have serious effects on our health. We have been made aware of a fit and healthy young man (24) of our acquaintance who has contracted the virus and is currently in ICU on a ventilator. We keep him and his family in our thoughts and hope that he and all affected by the virus make full recoveries. Stay safe by following the HSE advice – social isolation, hand washing and respiratory hygiene.
Last week I mentioned that quote from Seamus Heaney ‘If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere’. Sometimes when trying to winter it out the first casualty is our enthusiasm. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, 89, spoke eloquently about this last Friday night on the Late Late Show. He is famous for some sporting quote gems in his time as a commentator such as ‘Pat Fox has it on his hurl and is motoring well now, but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail… I’ve seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park!’ – however, on this occasion he reminded us of an Irish saying his grandmother would say to him;
‘dúiseacht le dúthracht le breacadh an lae’, which means ‘wake with enthusiasm at the dawning of the day.’
This afternoon we finish for the Easter holidays, a strange prospect given that we have not been in the College since March 12th. We should wake with enthusiasm to the new opportunities and challenges each day will bring over the coming fortnight. Easier said than done but it is a self-perpetuating formula – ACTION – ENTHUSIASM – ENERGY ……….Repeat!
In the 3 week hiatus from our campus super work has gone on and the way you – students, teachers and parents – have put all of your efforts into this work deserves every bit of appreciation. You will be rewarded for your work! Well done.
Now is the time to take a break from school work and study to recharge the batteries. Teachers should not be prescribing large amounts of work to students – but offering guidance to our State Examination years around independent study. This will give everyone time to catch up academically, physically and emotionally. It is important that we get physical activity and I am reposting the advice from our PE department here. These activities are great fun for ALL of us.
Our Student Council has also offered some great ideas, on our Twitter account, for activities we can all enjoy. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have also provided a range of advice for students and parents on their website.
Over the next fortnight we are still contactable and should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. We will do everything to help in any way we can. We will continue to update you through our website, email, text and twitter of the impact of any announccements that may be made by the Department of Education.
Take care of yourself and loved ones.
Chaplaincy Team
helen.bolger@goodcounselcollege.ie
michael.collender@goodcounselcollege.ie
Guidance Counsellor
jane.byrne@goodcounselcollege.ie
Senior Management Team
pj.walsh@goodcounselcollege.ie
aidan.obrien@goodcounselcollege.ie
mark.obrien@goodcounselcollege.ie
Beannachtaí na Cásca ort!
