Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
Please see below our latest GCC Parents Update which includes information on the following:
- Tyro Onboarding
- Information for GCC Parents on Senior Cycle Additional Assessment Components
- GCC Autism Appreciation Week – Thank You
- GCC Summer Programme 2026
- GCC Friendship Concert
- GCC Student Council Concert
- National Parents Council – Anti-Bullying Training for Parents
- Languages Connect : Supporting Leaving Cert students in less commonly taught languages
- GCC Activities of the Week Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2026
- GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – April/May 2026
- Reminders
Tyro Onboarding
Glanmire Community College transferred its first set of data to the Tyro Information Management System on 24 April. Earlier this week, parents and guardians received a text asking them to confirm or update their contact details. Thank you to those who have already done so. As we plan to go live on Tyro in early May, it is essential that all parent and guardian details are accurate.
Please note that unlike VS Ware, Tyro uses email addresses for login access. If you have not already done so, please complete the form at the link below to ensure continued access to your child’s school information and assessment results.
We appreciate your continued cooperation in supporting this changeover.
Parent Contact Details for Tyro
Information for Parents on Senior Cycle Additional Assessment Components
As advised last week, we are sharing information today with parents and students regarding the introduction of additional assessment components across various subjects at Senior Cycle. The information outlines what will be involved for learners and what will be expected of them going forward as well as how parents can support students. Please click on the link below to view:
Additional Assessment Components – Information for Parents & Students
GCC Autism Appreciation Week – Thank You
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff, parents and students for their enthusiastic support and engagement throughout our GCC Autism Appreciation Week. The week was a meaningful and positive celebration of diversity, inclusion and understanding across our school community. A wide range of carefully planned activities helped to promote empathy, raise awareness and celebrate the strengths of our autistic students.
Students engaged enthusiastically in a variety of events, including the Sensory Workshop for 2nd Years, supported by the GCC Meitheal Team; the Swimming and McDonald’s outing for Hub students; Hub’s Got Talent, which showcased creativity and confidence; and the Empower Youth Health and Wellness Workshop.
We were especially delighted to welcome Adam Harris from AsIAm to GCC on Thursday 23 April. His student and parent talks were one of the highlights of the week and we greatly appreciate the strong attendance and engagement from parents at the Parent Talk in the Multi‑Purpose Room.
On behalf of all in our school community, we would like to express our sincere to Louise Purdy and all the team who planned, organised and facilitated events. Together, these events reflect GCC’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued, supported and understood. Thank you all for making GCC Autism Appreciation Week 2026 such a success.
GCC Summer Programme 2026
We are delighted to confirm that our school will once again run the Summer Programme this year.
The Summer Programme is a two-week, school-based initiative designed to support students through a range of fun, engaging and structured activities. The focus is on building confidence, life skills and friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment. Activities typically include a mix of practical, creative and social experiences, along with opportunities for learning in a more informal way.
The programme is particularly suited to students who may benefit from:
- Additional support with confidence and social interaction
- A structured but enjoyable school-based environment
- Opportunities to build friendships and life skills
This programme has been very positively received in previous years, with excellent feedback from both students and parents.
Dates:
Monday 22nd June to Friday 3rd July
If you would like your child to be considered for the programme, please complete the form below. The Programme Manager will be in contact with further details.
GCC Friendship Concert
The Cork International Choral Festival is being launched next week and GCC is delighted to welcome the Vancouver Youth Choir (Canada) who will be performing in the school next Friday 1 May morning at 9.30am. There are 66 people in the choir. Please click on the link below to view information about the choir.
https://www.corkchoral.ie/festival_choirs/vancouver-youth-choir/
The concert takes place from 10am until 10.40am and our GCC music students will mingle afterwards in the multi-purpose room while the choir has refreshments. They might even perform a song or two. We looking forward to a wonderful morning of song!
GCC Student Council Concert
The GCC Student Council concert will take place on Tuesday 5 May. All 1st and 2nd year students will attend the concert and Leaving Cert students Eve Flynn and Eimear Hurley will MC the event.
All proceeds will go to Cork Simon as our Student Council members have worked with Comhairle na nOg during the year. Homelessness in Cork has been their main focus.
Class teachers are asked to remind students to donate, if they so wish, through a link sent to parents through Way2Pay.
National Parents Council [NPC] – Anti-Bullying Training for Parents
The National Parents Council [NPC] is inviting parents to its Anti-Bullying Training for Parents. This virtual training session is designed to equip parents with practical advice and insights on supporting children with issues related to bullying and the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Schools. During this session, you will learn effective ways to support your child, understand the school’s role in addressing bullying and build confidence in navigating these challenging situations. Each webinar lasts approximately 70 minutes.
Post-Primary Session Dates and Times:
- Monday 27 April 10am & 7.30pm
- Thursday 30 April: 10am & 7.30pm
- Friday 1 May: 10am
To attend a session for post-primary, please register here:
| https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/8VG9xHLwAv |
Languages Connect : Supporting Leaving Cert students in less commonly taught languages
Languages Connect run classes in more recently introduced languages to support students around Ireland to prepare for the Leaving Certificate exams.
• These classes are funded by the Department of Education and Youth.
• There is no tuition fee for students.
• The classes are for Leaving Certificate students who cannot access lesser-taught languages as a Leaving Certificate subject in their school.
• The classes are designed to be explored independently by students outside the school timetable
• Students should register the spring/summer before they begin fifth year.
https://languagesconnect.ie/language-classes/
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2026
Please click on the link to view the GCC Activities of the Week Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2026:
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – April/May 2026
| Date | Event | Note |
| Monday 27 April | GCC Board of Management Meeting | @ 4.30pm |
| Monday 27 April | GCC Parent’s Council Meeting | @ 7.00pm |
| Wednesday 29 April | GCC Staff Meeting | 4.00 – 5.50pm |
| Monday 4 May | Bank Holiday | School Closed |
| Thursday 7 May | GCC Annual Díograis Awards Ceremony | @ 7pm |
| Thursday 14 May | GCC Leaving Cert Graduation Ceremony | @ 7pm |
| GCC Summer Exams Years 1, 2, 4 & 5 | ||
| Friday 29 May | GCC Staff Meeting | Time TBC |
| Tuesday 2 June | GCC Summer Exam Results issued to parents | |
| Wednesday 3 June | Start day for State Examinations 2026 | |
Reminders
GCC Deputy Principal Appointment
We would like to congratulate our colleague John Baldwin on his appointment as GCC Deputy Principal. John has worked in GCC since 2001 as a History and English teacher and has held a number of different post holder roles. John has also extensive experience as an advising examiner with the SEC. We wish John well in his new role which will begin in September.
GCC Díograis 2026
Invitations to attend the Díograis Ceremony will be posted to shortlised nominees on Monday next 27 April. These will be published on the website on Tuesday.
Being nominated for an award, whether on the long list or short list, is a significant achievement, and we look forward to celebrating our students’ endeavours at Díograis on Thursday 7 May at 7.00pm.
Below is the artwork for Díograis 2026, designed and created by Abigail Geary (Rang Cian) and Aisling Lynch (Rang Eamon). Their designs were inspired by this year’s Díograis theme, Spreag le Cúram (Inspire with Care).
GCC Summer Exams 2026 – Final Timetable and Student Guidelines
Please click on the link below to view the finalised timetables and student guidelines for our GCC Summer Exams in May. Students received this information on Google Classroom this morning as well as exam guidelines. 1st and 2nd years will receive a hard copy of their study guide next week. Subject teachers have been asked to refer to the revision guide with their classes in preparation for their Summer Exams.
GCC Summer Exams 2026 – Final Timetable and Student Guidelines
National Parents Council-Survey for Parents and Students
The National Parents Council (NPC) wants to hear from you and your child about their experience of learning Irish in Junior Cycle.
We are asking parents and students to share their views as part of research being carried out for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). This research is looking at how Irish is taught at the Junior Cycle, how students learn and how they are assessed.
The feedback gathered will help inform the ongoing review of Junior Cycle Irish and contribute to recommendations that will shape future developments in Irish at post-primary level. By sharing your views, you are helping to ensure that parents’ and students’ voices are heard and reflected in decisions about their education.
We have two short surveys—one for parents and one for students. We would really appreciate it if you and your child could take a few minutes to complete them:
Junior Cycle Irish – Survey for Parents
https://forms.office.com/e/7X2mWjnzkJ
Junior Cycle Irish – Survey for Students
https://forms.office.com/e/gCghZnj9vd
Thank you for helping us ensure that every child receives the support they need. Your feedback will allow us to advocate effectively for families.
Best wishes,
The NPC team
Updated HSE School Guidance for Schools on Vaping
Parents are asked to note that the HSE has updated the information and guidance on e-cigarettes and other nicotine containing products for schools. This 2nd revision of the guidance and information book for schools on e-cigarettes and other nicotine containing products reflects the wider variety of new nicotine products being marketed to children and young people and new and emerging legislation which is progressing in this space. If you have queries on same, please contact the Schools Team in the Health Promotion and Improvement. Please click on the link below for further details.
HSE-Information_and_Guidance_on_E-Cigarettes for Schools 2026
SUSI Grants
The SUSI grant is an Irish government-funded financial support scheme that helps eligible students cover the cost of higher and further education, including fees and living expenses. SUSI is now open to receive applications for the 2026/27 academic year. We would like to advise the following:
Changes to the Student Grant Scheme announced in Budget 2026
As part of Budget 2026, the following changes to the Student Grant Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year were announced:
- The Special Rate of maintenance grant threshold will increase from €27,400 to €28,600.
- The income threshold for the €500 Student Contribution Grant will increase from €115,000 to €120,000.
- The Postgraduate Fee Contribution grant will increase by €500 to €4,500.
- Income from Disablement benefit (when paid to the applicant) and Constant Attendance Allowance will not be included when calculating a household’s total reckonable income.
- The annual rates for non-adjacent maintenance grant holders studying PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate courses will increase as follows:
- Non-Adjacent Special Rate increase of €350
- Band 1 Non-Adjacent Rate increase of €430
- Bands 2 to 4 Non-Adjacent Rates increase of €200
Key dates for SUSI applicants in 2026
- Priority closing date for renewal applications – 11 June 2026
- Priority closing date for new applications – 9 July 2026
Access UCC July Workshops for Secondary School Students who have Vision, Hearing or Physical Disabilities
Assistive Technology Outreach Coordinator
Access UCC | Disability Support | The Hub | UCC
Tel: 086 7922072 | Email: deirdre.madden@ucc.ie | Web: Access UCC
Glanmire Athletics Club Juvenile Section
Glanmire AC juvenile section is now up and running with training commencing next week. Please click on the link below for details of the cost, training times, locations and how to join up.
2026 After Schools Athletics Training Sessions
GCC Draft Calendar 2026/2027
Please click on the link below to view the draft calendar for the 2026/2027 school year.
Please note this remains a draft calendar at present as we are awaiting Oide staff training dates and confirmation of European school tours etc. We will share the finalised calendar with parents at the end of the term in late May.
Public Consultation on the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) on Thursday 26 February launched a public consultation as part of its comprehensive review of the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to shape the future of examination supports in Ireland.
The purpose of the review is to examine the current provisions of the RACE Scheme, reviewing existing policy and practice in the area of reasonable accommodations in high-stakes examinations and to consider how best to develop the Scheme so that it ensures access and participation for those who need it, while also promoting high standards of fairness and equity for all students.
We have been asked to bring this notice to the attention of staff, students, parents and guardians. Please click on the link below for further information.
Public Consultation on the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme
GCC School Attendance
We recently shared an ESRI report with parents through our weekly update, highlighting the significant impact of school absence and how it leads to lower educational qualifications and poorer wellbeing in early adulthood. Attendance was also discussed at our recent GCC Parents Council meeting on Monday 2 March.
Please click on the link to view an important letter we wish to share in relation to attendance and the responsibility of parents to ensure their child/children are consistently attending and updating the school through the agreed procedures:
GCC Attendance Letter to Parents and Guardians
GCC Studyclix Licence
As parents are aware, GCC purchased a studyclix subscription for all students and teachers at the beginning of the year. Engagement remains extremely strong, with students accessing over 19,000 sessions since August.
Studyclix are upgrading their platform by introducing a new suite of resources, including pre-exams for all subjects, enhanced support for AACs, and additional Boost content across many subjects. These resources will be added to our teacher account on a trial basis until the end of the year.
GCC School Office
A reminder to parents that our GCC school office opening hours are 9:00am to 2:45pm, Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 12.30pm on Friday. This is to allow our clerical staff sufficient time to complete essential administrative duties and to help reduce the volume of queries at the office hatch during peak times.
We encourage parents to email the school where possible rather than phone. Email communication allows us to manage queries more efficiently and ensures that your concerns are directed to the appropriate staff member.
With over 1,140 students in our care, it may take a number of days before we are able to respond to queries. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to support all students and families as effectively as possible. We thank all our GCC parents for your continued cooperation and support.
