History

Our Lady of Good Counsel School

The school name evolved through discussion, then prayer and reflection, between the parish priest and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.  This praying to Our Lady led to the selection of the name ‘Our Lady of Good Counsel’ for both parish and school as they sought advice, direction and guidance.

Our Lady of Good Counsel School is situated on Noongar land and has a high elevation overlooking the ocean. The word Karrinyup was originally derived from the word Careniup, a combination of the Noongar name for a nearby swamp, which means “the place where bush kangaroo graze”, and ‘up’, meaning near water.  The circumstances of the times were that more schools were required for the growing Catholic community in the developing northern coastal suburbs.

Our Lady of Good Counsel School was opened in 1965 by Sr Boniface and Reverend Michael Byrne.  Sr Boniface was the Principal.  Sr Bridget taught Years 1 & 2 while Sr Boniface taught Years 3, 4, 5 & 6.  Reverend Michael Byrne was the Parish Priest.  Our Lady of Good Counsel had an enrolment of 59 children at opening.  For two years prior to 1965 Fr Depiazzi took 10 school age children from the new area of Karrinyup to Our Lady of Grace, North Beach,  in his station wagon.  Mass was being held in a classroom at nearby Newborough Primary school.  Parents also car pooled to transport up to 80 children to Our Lady of Grace.

The first building at Our Lady of Good Counsel School accommodated Grades 3, 4 & 5.  There was a small staff room and a toilet block.  The classrooms were then used as the parish church for approximately 5 or 6 years.

This original building is still standing and is currently used by the Years 2, 3 & 5 classrooms. It is identifiable by the 3 rows of chocolate brown brick at the base of the buildings.  The small IT Communications room next to Year 4 was the original staff room. Thanks to the Australian Government Building Education Revolution Project, which was completed in 2010, the rather tired, outdated original toilets have been replaced.

The church was built predominantly by the parishioners themselves in the 1960’s. The Presbytery was built around the same time.

The Spirit of the School draws on the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The Sisters worked hard to create within the school community a spirit of  hospitality and to demonstrate an appreciation of, and support for, family. They used the Holy Family as their model and guide.  We do our utmost here at Our Lady of Good Counsel School to continue on the charism of the Sisters.

 

School Motto and Crest

The Central symbol in our shield is the large “M” which signifies our dedication to Mary. The early founders of the school chose the name “Our Lady of Good Counsel School” and prayed to Mary for help in making wise decisions for the good of the whole school community. We continue in that same spirit.

School Song

In 1996, students, teachers and parents combined their efforts to produce and professionally record a school song.  The words to this song are as follows:

CHORUS

This is our school, Our Lady of Good Counsel
Our Spirit – filled community
Where there is sharing and praying
Learning and playing
There is no place like O.L.G.C.

VERSE

Here we stand, beside each other
All united in God’s kingdom of love
Joined as one, we are His family
We thank our God for all He has done

CHORUS

It’s our school…

VERSE

As we journey toward our future
May God’s plan unfold anew
As we take this road together
Mary our Mother will walk with us too

CHORUS

It’s our school…