Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
GCC End of Term Message
As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all members of our school community, students, staff and parents, for your ongoing support, commitment and contribution to school life in GCC. We wish everyone a restful and enjoyable break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the term ahead.
Lord Mayor Cllr Damian Boylan’s visit to GCC
We were delighted to welcome Lord Mayor Cllr Damian Boylan to GCC on Monday. During his visit, he enjoyed wonderful musical performances from our talented students, Ryan Dunne, Roisin O’Connell, Aisling Lynch, Ali Brennan and Robyn Bernard.
Speaking to our attentive 1st Year students, the Lord Mayor shared a simple but important message: “Be sound.” He also encouraged students to embrace every opportunity available to them in our wonderful city and to make the most of the experiences on offer throughout their time in school.
GCC – Introduction of 58 Minute Classes
Parents are asked to note that at its meeting last Monday, our Board of Management approved the introduction of 58 minutes classes to GCC for the 2027/2028 school year. Preparation for the changeover will now begin. Parents and students are asked to note that, in order to minimise the time reduction for option subjects at Senior Cycle, school management will priortise running the timetable over two weeks. This does not imapct on the overall structure of the school day as outlined below. Parents are also asked to note that in its decision, the Board also included a request to review the new timetable structure after 2 years.
Agreed Report – GCC Board of Management Monday 19 October 2026
Please click on the link to view the agreed report from our GCC Board of Management Monday 19 October 2026.
Agreed Report – GCC BOM Meeting Monday 19 October 2026
GCC October Assessments 2026
Parents are asked to note that you wil have received a notification today via Tyro that our October assessment reports have now been published and are available to view on Tyro.
Comhairle na nÓg 2026
Members of GCC Student Council [Robert Lee 6th yr, Aisling Lynch TY, Lily Egan TY] attended the Annual Youth Conference organised by Comhairle na nÒg in City Hall on Tuesday 20 October. This is what the students had to say:
‘The conference focused mainly on three things. The first was to invite new members to the group to help us throughout the year. Secondly, to become involved in discussions, debates and promoting our current chosen focus for the year. This year’s focus is the housing crisis across Cork and Ireland as a whole. We heard that in a recent survey, seven out of every ten young people see themselves leaving Ireland in the future as they feel they will not be able to afford a house. The focus of Comhairle na nOg this year is to make representations to the government to improve this. Last but not least, everyone was encouraged to inform the students in their school about the work of Comhairle na nOg.’ [Robert, Aisling & Lily]
GCC 5th Year student Robert Lee also had an article about his work with Comhairle na nOg published in The Echo recently: ‘Giving the Youth of Cork a voice on big issues’.
https://www.echolive.ie/corkviews/arid-41920297.html
GCC Safe Pass Training Programme
Safe Pass is a mandatory, one-day safety awareness training framework. You will be aware that anyone working on or visiting a construction site must hold a valid Safe Pass card. It is a strict legal necessity for internships, site visits, and post-graduation employment. Having a Safe Pass card makes students immediately eligible for high-quality work placements and summer employment, giving them a distinct advantage over other applicants.
GCC is pleased to facilitate the running of two one-day Safe Pass courses for our students which is being offered at the reduced rate of €90 per student. The course ensures that students possess a fundamental knowledge of health and safety, significantly reducing the risk of accidents on site. Tom Gillespie is a registered Safe Pass trainer who will provide safe pass training to interested GCC students on the following two dates:
- Friday 27 November 2026
- Friday 4 December 2026
Please click on the link to view the further details:
GCC Stationery
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 2 to Friday 6 November 2026
Please click on the link to view the GCC Activities of the Week Monday 2 to Friday 6 November 2026
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 2 to Friday 6 November 2026
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – November 2026
| Monday 26 – Friday 30 October |
Mid-term break | School closed to students |
| Monday 2 November | School reopens following mid-term break | @8.50am |
| Thursday 5 November | GCC Staff Meeting | 4pm – 5pm |
| Friday 6 November | Mass of Remembrance for deceased staff and students of GCC | @1pm |
| Wednesday 11 November | Information Seminar on LCA & TY for parents of 3rd Years | @7pm |
| Wednesday 18 November | GCC 6th Year Pupil-Parent-Teacher Meeting | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Monday 23 November | Oide Staff Cluster Day | School closed to students |
| Tuesday 24 November | Seminar on Subject Choice in 5th Year for parents of TY & 3rd Year Online (TBC) | @7pm |
| Thursday 26 November | GCC Staff Meeting | 4pm – 5.50pm |
| Monday 30 November | School closure as per calendar | School Closed |
The Takeaway Tuesday Parent Talks: Phones and the Online World
The next in the Takeaway Tuesday Parent Talks takes place on Tuesday 3 November at 8pm. The topic for Tuesdays talk is ‘Phones and the Online World’.
Can’t make it on the night? Every talk is recorded, so you can watch it later at a time that suits you.
You can see the full list of topics here:
https://supergeneration.examcraftgroup.ie/course/parent-subscription-series
How to register
Our school’s code is TAWAYT32. It gives you a 100% discount, so there is nothing to pay.
- Go to https://supergeneration.examcraftgroup.ie/
- Click Learn More on the Takeaway Tuesday slider and on the next screen click Enrol.
- Create an account, or log in if you already have one.
- 4. Skip the payment section to enter your bank details
- Enter the code TAWAYT32 in the Have a coupon? box and click Redeem.
- Click Buy. Your total will be €0.
Once you have registered, you will receive the Zoom link 24 hours before each talk.
Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide
Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide is a practical resource from the HSE for parents and caregivers. It provides trusted advice and simple tips to help families talk openly with young people about alcohol and drugs, understand the risks, and encourage healthy choices. Please click on the link to view:
Parents_Guide_Drugs_and_Alcohol_HR
GCC Winner Quercus Talented Students’ Programme 2026
We would like to congratulate former GCC student Nathan Manley who will be awarded the prestigious Quercus scholarship in the area of Innovation/Entrepreneurship at the Quercus Talented Students’ Programme Awards Ceremony in November. The Quercus Talented Students’ Programme is one of the most prestigious scholarships at UCC. It recognises students who demonstrate exceptional talent and achievement in specific areas, alongside their academic studies. Nathan graduated from GCC in June 2025. This is the second consecutive year that a GCC student has won this award following Toby Tangney’s success in the same category last year. Nathan will be presented with a silver acorn pin as a symbol of the Quercus Scholarship and the school will receive a Quercus plaque, with Nathan’s name & scholarship strand printed on it, to display in the school.
We would also like to congratulate Leah Hallihan who will also be a recipient of a Quercus Scholarship in November for Ladies Football. As you will know Leah is on her second year of teaching placement here in GCC.
Please click on the link below to view more information about Quercus, the benefits for winners and bios for both Nathan & Leah.
Quercus Information & Bios.pdf
