Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
Please see below our latest GCC Parents Update which includes information on the following:
- GCC Leaving Cert Graduation 2026 – Photographs
- GCC Tyro Migration
- GCC Summer Assessments 2026 – Inputting of Results
- 1:1 Device Rollout for 5th Years – September 2026
- GCC Parents Council Uniform Bank Sale
- GCC Fire Drill
- GCC Activities of the Week Monday 25 to Friday 29 May 2026
- GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – May/June 2026
- Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2025/26 Stakeholder Surveys
- A Message on behalf of Bishop Fintan Gavin
- UCC Research Study on Generative AI in secondary schools: Invitation to Participate
- State Exams Commission – Candidate Information Video
- Extended Opportunity to Pay 2026 Examination Fees or Claim the Fee Alleviation
- Reminders from previous update
GCC Leaving Cert Graduation 2026 – Photographs
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our 2026 Leaving Certificate Graduation.
Please click on the link to view photographs from our Leaving Cert Graduation Ceremony last week.
LC Graduation 2026 – Photographs
GCC Tyro Migration
GCC successfully migrated to Tyro last Tuesday 19 May. Overall, the transition has been very smooth and most initial teething issues have now been resolved. A small number of parents have not yet received their invitation email. This is currently being addressed by both the school and Tyro. If you have not shared your contact details with the school, please complete the short form below. Tyro relies on email addresses to provide access to the parent app. Please note that your child’s attendance and assessment information will now be available exclusively through Tyro.
GCC Summer Assessments 2026 – Inputting of Results
Parents are reminded that, as per our agreed assessment calendar, teachers have been requested to input results on Tyro by Friday 29 May with results to be issued to parents on Tuesday 2 June.
1:1 Device Rollout for 5th Years – September 2026
Following discussions with our Board of Management and Parents Council, GCC intends to roll out 1:1 digital devices for all 5th Year students from September to support teaching, learning and assessment at Senior Cycle. All 5th Year students are expected to have access to a suitable device and existing family owned devices may be used where appropriate. This initiative is designed to improve students’ access to IT, particularly in light of new and evolving Additional Assessment Components (AACs) across a range of subjects.
While existing family owned devices can be used where appropriate, the school has been asked to make suggestions regarding other possible suitable devices. The suggested devices are Chromebooks which are reliable, easy to use, quick to start and provide good access to cloud based learning tools. They are also cost effective and have good battery life. Parents should be aware that Chromebooks rely mainly on internet based applications and have limited local storage; however, this does not impact Senior Cycle learning or AAC requirements in GCC.
If parents/guardians do not have access to an existing family owned devices, we are proposing a choice between two suggested Chromebook devices, details of which are outlined in the specification document [link below]. Devices are available at a very economical cost starting from €199, with no unnecessary add ons. To keep costs low and allow flexibility, devices will be not be managed by the school and no e-books will be pre-installed. Students are already very familiar with using Chromebooks, which have been embedded in teaching and learning in GCC for the past six years. Classroom use will be teacher directed and supervised at all times, and students are expected to arrive at school with their device fully charged. Locker storage will be available and the use of a protective case is strongly recommended. Please note these devices are also suitable for 6th Year students if required.
All students must use their device in line with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. Insurance, maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of families.
GCC – Suggested Student 1 to 1 Devices
Additional Assessment Components – Information for Parents & Students
GCC Parents Council Uniform Bank Sale
The annual GCC Parents Council Uniform Bank Sale will take place on Tuesday 23 June from 10am – 11am. Donations of uniforms can be dropped into the designated box at the front door of the school.
GCC Fire Drill
Parents are asked to note that the school held a fire drill last Tuesday 19 May. This was our second fire drill during the 2005_2026 school year. After each fire drill conducted in the school, we seek feedback from staff about the process and any improvements that could be made. We thank students and staff for their cooperation during the fire drill despite the heavy shower of rain that met us towards the end of the drill.
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026
Please click on the link to view the GCC Activities of the Week Monday 22 May to Friday 29 May 2026:
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 22 May to Friday 29 May 2026
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – May/June 2026
| Date | Event | Note |
| Thursday 21 May | GCC Summer Exams Years 2 & 5 | 21/5 – 29/5 |
| Friday 22 May | GCC Summer Exams Years 1 | 22/5 – 29/5 |
| Thursday 28 May | GCC BOM & Parents Council Lunch | |
| Friday 29 May | GCC Staff Meeting | 11am – 1pm |
| Tuesday 2 June | GCC Summer Exam Results issued to parents | |
| Wednesday 3 June | Start day for State Examinations 2026 | |
| Tuesday 23 June | GCC Parents Council Uniform Bank Sale | 10am – 11am |
Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2025/26 Stakeholder Surveys
The Department of Education is now carrying out an evaluation of the Post-Primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2025/26. Hearing directly from school staff, parents and guardians will help understand what worked well and where improvements can be made. Parents’ feedback will help shape how the scheme develops in the future, so it continues to support students effectively and reduces costs for families. Please note that the deadline for survey responses is Friday, 19 June.
Parent/Guardian Survey: dessurveys.education.gov.ie/surveys/Post-primary-Schoolbooks-202526-Parent-Survey
If you have any questions, please contact us at postprimaryschoolbooks@education.gov.ie
Information for Parents Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2026_2027
A Message on behalf of Bishop Fintan Gavin
Please click on the link to view a message from Bishop Fintan Gavin regarding the 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession in Cork on Sunday 7 June at 3pm including information relating to the Procession and the visit of the Relics of St. Carlo Acutis to the Diocese.
A Message on behalf of Bishop Fintan Gavin
Research Study on Generative AI in secondary schools: Invitation to Participate
My name is Stephen Murphy. I am currently undertaking my PhD in Education degree in University College Cork. The purpose of my study is to investigate the extent in which Artificial Intelligence can potentially be used to complete Leaving Certificate coursework. I am writing to invite your child(ren) to anonymously participate in this research study. The study explores how the widespread availability of Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) could influence assessment at second-level. The study aims to capture the perspectives of both students and teachers across different school contexts.
Thank you for thinking about letting your child take part in this study. Please click on the links below to see an explanation of what the study is about and a link to the questionnaire:
Information Sheet for Students
Information Sheet for Parents and Guardians
If you have any questions about this research, please contact: Stephen Murphy, UCC (stephenmurphy@ucc.ie)
State Examinations Commission [SEC] Candidate Information Video
In order to make candidates aware of the key requirements to ensure that their examination scripts are processed accurately, the SEC has requested that we bring the Candidate Information Video to the attention of our Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle candidates again in advance of the 2026 examinations, as follows:The video can be found under the heading “Information for Candidates” via the link below:
Examination Information – State Examination Commission
In previous years, during the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations, we have received correspondence from candidates who have made an error regarding the completion of their examination number or date of birth on their answer book, or completed their examination using an incorrect pen. In order to reduce unnecessary stress to candidates, please encourage all Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle candidates to familiarise themselves with the Candidate Information Video prior to the commencement of the examinations. [Online Marking Section State Examinations Commission]
Extended Opportunity to Pay 2026 Examination Fees or Claim the Fee Alleviation
The State Examinations Commission has been engaging closely with schools since the Government announcement In October 2025 that Examination Fees are being re-introduced for the 2026 State Examinations. To facilitate all candidates in paying their fee or claiming the fee exemption in advance of the June examinations, the SEC is extending the opening date for the Fees Portal to today Friday 22 May 2026. Please click on the link to view further details:
Reminders
GCC Díograis 2026
Please click on the link below to view a selection of photographs taken at our GCC Díograis ceremony last week by the photographer John Roche.
Cork Autism Class Games
Students from our Autism Hub recently attended the Cork Autism Class Games, an initiative developed and led by Glanmire Community College which brought together autism classes from three post-primary schools. Held in Nemo Rangers, the day focused on fun, participation and a strong sense of belonging, with students enjoying activities such as golf, cricket and rowing. Organised in partnership with Cork City Council and Cork Sports Partnership, the event placed autistic students at the centre and celebrated their participation and enjoyment. We are very proud to have been part of this initiative and look forward to seeing it grow into an annual event involving even more schools in the future. Our thanks to Louise Purdy who led the initiative.
Survey on Wellbeing in Education
With the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice Implementation Plan having come to its conclusion in 2025, the Department of Education and Youth is currently undertaking a review and assessment of the progress made and are now planning for its successor.
As part of this review, the Department is seeking the views and experiences of students, parents/guardians and school staff across primary and post-primary schools. Your school’s participation is important in ensuring that the policy reflects the lived realities of school communities and supports positive wellbeing outcomes. Please click on the link below to access the survey and to view some more detailed information about the survey.
Survey on Wellbeing in Education
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – TravelWise
With the Summer holidays fast approaching, many of our students will soon travel abroad. We are conscious that for many of these students, in particular those celebrating the end of their Leaving Certificate exams, this may be their first time travelling overseas alone or without family. While this is an exciting time, with new adventures ahead, it is also a time where the right travel preparation can ensure students Make the Right Memories this Summer. In a context of increasing global instability and changing travel environments, with students choosing to travel further afield, such preparation is more important than ever.
Next Friday 22 May, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee T.D., will launch the Department’s annual Make the Right Memories Summer travel campaign to coincide with the European Day of Safe Travel Abroad. The Summer campaign focuses on helping young travellers prepare for and stay safe, informed, and connected while travelling overseas. Please click on the link below to view a simple and practical TravelWise Tip Card, Poster plus further details of the initiative.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – TravelWise
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.
Please note that the home-based summer programme will not be available for students who attend a school that are running a school based summer programme.
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.
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
