Seat dedicated to the memory of late colleague and friend, Tom Walsh In a busy week during which the Mock Examinations strated on Wednesday, there were Parent/Teacher meetings for 5th and 2nd years on Friday and Monday last respectively. There was also an information night for parents of 3rd years and TY students on programme options and subject choices for next year; this was held in the school church on Wednesday night. In addition the Assessment Day for incoming 1st Years, Sept. 2012, takes place on Saturday next as per details sent out to those concerned. Continue Reading...
The current 6th year Meitheal Leaders received their certificates of appreciation at a ceremony held in Wexford on Tuesday last. by the Co. Wexford Meitheal Alliance. Two 1st year students, Eoin Porter and Darragh Lyons made the presentation on behalf of the current 1st years with whom the Leaders have worked this year. 'Meitheal' is a mentoring programme where 6th year students work with the new 1st years, particularly through the first term to help with the transition to secondary school and to provide support in a relaxed and friendly manner. Our thanks go to those senior students who have carried out the role so effectively this year and also to Ms Bolger who put a lot of work into ensuring an effective schedule was put in place and that the leaders were fully prepared for their task. 
Just before the Christmas break a group of former pupils, 5 of whom are students at Mercyhurst College, Pennsylvania, USA, dropped in to say hello and to speak to the current 6th year group about life in third level level education in America. Good Counsel has had a very successful relationship with Mercyhurst over the years and the past pupils, in addressing the 6th years, spoke in very positive terms about their experiences to date. While these 5 young men pictured above, Stephen Donohue,Richard Molloy, Ciaran Doherty, Simon Murphy and Darren Conway headed west across the Atlantic on leaving Good Counsel the 6th member of the visiting party, Michael Stafford headed east across the Irish Sea to further a career in the music industry which he has done very successfully thusfar. Better known by his stage name of Maverick Sabre, Michael has appeared on such high profile TV programmes as 'Later With Jools' and 'The Late Late Show' as well as touring extensively. His presence in the school created quite a stir and he may have done more writing in signing autographs than he did while here as a student. We are very grateful to all of them for calling in; it is always very pleasant to see past pupils drop by. 
The death took place in Dungarvan last week of former school chaplain, Fr. Columba O'Donnell, a man fondly remembered by students, staff and parents from his time here at Good Counsel College. Fr O'Donnell had been serving as chaplain in our sister school, St Augustines for the past number of years and his popularity there was no less than it had been in New Ross. The great affection for the man was reflected in the huge turn out of students, past and present, and of local families whose lives he had enriched with his infectious enthusiasm and optimism. While chaplain of Good Counsel, Fr O'Donnell made it his goal to visit the family home of every student each school year, an enormous undertaking given the numbers and the geography involved but one which he carried out successfully and with great rewards in the appreciation shown by all those he visited. For any member of the school community who needed a little help and support, Fr O'D was always there to provide a listening ear and a kind word. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched in the various communities he served. Our sympathies are extended to his family, his Augustinian brothers and to all his friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. 
A A group of 1st year students who, with Fr Collender, set up and decorated the crib in the school church which is open throughout the day for those who wish to visit. 
The The school u-19 badminton team won the Wexford championships for the 5th year in succession with a very hard earned victory against St Peters College on Wednesday last. The team pictured above consisted of James Carroll, Eanna Burke, Nicholas Murphy and Ian Carthy. After finishing 3 - 3 in the final, Counsel got the verdict 108 to 103 on aces scored. Well done to the team and many thanks to Mr Coffey for his work with them and indeed for all his efforts in organising the championships which our school hosted. Best wishes to them now in the Leinster finals. 
On Sunday, November 27th, the school sports hall was transformed into a colourful bazaar of local crafts and produce. Everything from homemade cards and jewellery, to homebaking and the Christmas turkey were for sale at the event planned and organised by the college Parents' Council. The event which was free of charge drew an enormous crowd creating a wonderful atmosphere which was enhanced by the music and song provided by students from the school and also by some girls from St Marys, members of the joint schools' orchestra. 
On Sunday, November 27th, the school sports hall was transformed into a colourful bazaar of local crafts and produce. Everything from homemade cards and jewellery, to homebaking and the Christmas turkey were for sale at the event planned and organised by the college Parents' Council. 
1st Year student Denis Maher who recently qualified for the National semi-final of the Poetry Aloud competition which takes place in the National Library on Friday next. Good luck to him in that and thanks to his teacher Ms Cushen for her work with Denis. 
