Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
End of Term Message
This term is traditionally an exceptionally busy but very rewarding period for the school. As we approach the mid‑term break, we wish to thank students, parents and staff for your ongoing support and contribution to all we do here in GCC. We are particularly grateful for the effort invested in organising and running key events such as our GCC School Musical, the Ski trip to Italy and the French language trip to Paris, not to mention the countless other co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activities facilitated through the school. These continue to enrich the educational experience offered to our students here in GCC. The willingness of all our stakeholders to give time, energy and expertise to GCC has a profound impact on our students, the life of the school and the positive profile that Glanmire Community College continues to enjoy in the local community and beyond. Finally, We would also like to acknowledge the work and effort of our students as they continue to engage with their programmes of work. In particular we want to mention our Junior and Leaving Certificate Pre – Exam students and their application to their exams over the last two weeks. We hope you enjoy a well‑deserved and restful mid-term break.
GCC Junk Kouture Finalists
Huge congratulations to Transition Year students Abimbola Fashade (Rang Clíona), Isobel Gaffney (Rang Clíona) and Niall O’Rourke (Rang Breifne) on successfully advancing to one of the three Irish Regional Finals of Junk Kouture taking place at the Helix in Dublin on Monday 9 March 2026. From over 1,000 entries nationwide, only 60 finalists were selected for each of the three finals, this an incredible achievement for our students. You can follow Tide Tamer on Instagram at: tide.tamergcc
The students began developing their design after completing their Junior Cert last summer. They gathered fishing nets and tackle washed ashore in Cork Harbour, collected rubbish from the shoreline, and incorporated the reclaimed plastic into their dress design. We had four teams competing this year and we are extremely proud of everyone’s hard work and are thrilled to wish Tide Tamer the very best of luck in Dublin in March. Our thanks also to Ms Kiely for all the work she has put into preparing the students, providing guidance, support, and the freedom for them to develop their own creative designs.
GCC Assessment of Incoming First Years
We were delighted to welcome nearly 190 6th Class students to GCC last Saturday morning for our incoming 1st Year assessments. We would like to thank all the students (and parents) we met on the day for their cooperation in ensuring the successful running of the assessments. Our thanks also to our staff who helped support the students throughout the morning. The moving of the assessments from the PE Hall to the 3 centres in the B Block [B27/29, MPR B26 & B11/B13] ensures a less daunting experience for our 6th Class pupils as they begin their journey with us here in GCC. We look forward to welcoming our new students to GCC later on this year.
GCC 2nd Year PPT Meeting Tuesday 24 February 2026
Our 2nd Year Pupil Parent Teacher meeting takes place on Tuesday 24 February from 4.15pm – 6.45pm. Please click on the link below to view the details. A reminder Parents that classes for all students will finish on Tuesday at 3.35pm to facilitate the meeting.
GCC Fund Raiser for the Irish Guide Dogs [IGD]
GCC will be holding a fundraiser in aid of the IGDs on Thursday, 26 February. All 2nd Year and TY students are invited to enjoy a pancake together with their class in the Multi Purpose Room. Each class will attend at a scheduled time and are invited to contribute €2.
We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the Guide Dogs, who visit GCC regularly to ensure Alma is comfortable and thriving in her role as a Community Dog.
A sincere thank you to Ms McInerney and the Meitheal team for organising this event.
Please click on the link below if you wish to make a donation.
GCC Fundraiser for the Irish Guide Dogs
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 23 to Friday 27 February 2026
Please click on the link to view the Activities of the Week beginning Monday 23 to Friday 27 February 2026:
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 23 to Friday 27 February 2026
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – February/March 2026
| Date | Event | Note |
| Friday 13 February | Mid-Term Break | 13/2 – 22/2 |
| Tuesday 24 February | GCC PPT Meeting for 2nd Year students | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Monday 2 March | GCC Board of Management Meeting | @ 4.30pm |
| Monday 2 March | GCC Parents’ Council Meeting | @ 7.00pm |
| Monday 2 March | GCC Spring Assessments Years 1, 2, 4 & 5 | 2/3 to 6/3 |
| Wednesday 4 March | GCC Staff Meeting | 4.00pm – 5.50pm |
| Monday 9 March | GCC PPT Meeting for 1st Year students | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Monday 16 March | GCC Staff Development Day | School Closed |
| Tuesday 17 March | St Patricks Day | School Closed |
| Thursday 26 March | GCC Staff Meeting | 4.00pm – 5.50pm |
| Friday 27 March | Easter Holidays | |
| Saturday 28 March | Leaving Certificate Oral Exams | 28/3 – 2/4 |
Shaping the Future – an Invitation to the Apprenticeship Expo 2026
Please see below and invitation to the Apprenticeship Expo 2026, a premier event hosted by Cork ETB. The world of work is changing rapidly, and apprenticeships are now more diverse and prestigious than ever. This expo is a unique opportunity for our students to explore the “Earn as You Learn” model across a massive range of industries, from Engineering and Biopharma to ICT, Finance, and the traditional trades. This is more than just a careers fair; it is a gateway to the next generation of professional talent.
- Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Registration: Please click on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/apprenticeship-expo-2026-tickets-1982348451582?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Why Students Should Attend
We have designed this event to be as interactive and informative as possible. Attendees will have the chance to:
- Engage Directly with Employers: Meet representatives from leading local and national companies who are actively recruiting.
- Discover Diverse Pathways: Learn about 70+ different apprenticeship programs that suit every interest and skill set.
- Receive Expert Guidance: Our advisors will be on hand to answer questions about applications, career progression, and qualification levels.
- Experience Live Demos: See the practical skills behind the careers through live demonstrations in the workshops.
Apprenticeship Services Team Cork College of FET – Bishopstown Campus
GFRS -Weekly Update 13.02.2026
Please click on the link to see the latest update from Sorenson on the works relating to the Glanmire Flood Relief Scheme.
GFRS -Weekly Update 13.02.2026
GCC School Musical 2026 – The Wizard of Oz
Following a wonderful opening‑night performance, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nicola Swanton, Jill Manning, Louise Purdy, Megan Murphy, Emma Gibbons, Bonny Murphy and the entire production team for delivering a truly spectacular staging of the 2026 GCC School Musical, The Wizard of Oz. A huge well done to all our wonderfully talented students, whose energy and enthusiasm lit up the stage. The atmosphere throughout the school this week has been electric, and it has been wonderful to see such joy, teamwork, and creativity in every corner of GCC. Music and the Arts are woven deeply into the identity of our school, and this year’s musical showcased that spirit brilliantly.
We are immensely grateful for the dedication, countless hours, and teamwork that go into producing a show of this calibre. The positive impact on all students involved—on stage, backstage, and beyond—is invaluable. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Adah Lynch, Sinead Joyce, Kevin Crowley, and all our teachers, SNA’s, and ancillary staff whose efforts helped make this production such a success. From imaginative set design to outstanding costumes, the standard of work was exceptional.
A sincere thank you as well to our GCC Parents Council for their continued support and the many ways they contribute to the musical each year. We wish the cast and crew the very best of luck for tonight’s final performance.
Please click the link below to view the programme for this year’s musical as well as some fantastic photos from this year’s performance:
GCC Ski Trip 2026
Welcome back to all our students and staff who travelled to Italy for this year’s GCC school ski trip and who are expected to land in Cork around lunch time tomorrow. We look forward to seeing everyone home safe and sound. A sincere thank‑you to lead teacher Aidan Rees and our GCC team of Kevin Crowley, Caroline Byrne, Cathal Duggan, Alan Kelleher and Ellen Twomey who dedicated their time and energy to making this wonderful opportunity possible. Your commitment ensures our students continue to enjoy memorable experiences like this and your support is greatly appreciated by the entire school community. A special word of thanks also to our students for their exemplary behaviour, teamwork, and positive participation throughout the trip. You represented our school with pride, and we are very proud of you. Welcome home, everyone! ❄️⛷️
Retirement of GCC Deputy Principal Seamus Kennefick
We wish to announce that our Deputy Principal, Seamus Kennefick, has informed Cork ETB of his intention to retire after many years of loyal service to Glanmire Community College. Seamus joined the school in 2001 as a Construction Studies & DCG teacher and has been Deputy Principal since 2017. We are profoundly grateful for his immense contribution to the school and the support he has provided to students, staff and parents throughout his time in GCC. We look forward to continuing to work with Seamus in the months ahead and we will come together later in the year to celebrate his outstanding contribution to Glanmire Community College.
PLC Open Day for Morrison’s Island, Douglas Street and Tramore Road
Standardised School Year – CC2018/2026
Please click on the link to view the Circular 18/2026 which provides information to stakeholders on the standardisation of the school year in respect of primary and post-primary schools for the years 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29.
Standardised School Year Circular 0018_2026
Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project 2026
Congratulations to GCC Year students Fia O’Flynn-McDonagh (1st Year), Dean Horgan (2nd Year), Ciarán Long (1st Year) and Sophie Murphy (6th Year) whose projects have been recognised for awards in the Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project. We are especially proud that GCC had 3 award winners in the top 5 of the Junior Certificate Individual section with Fia, Dean and Ciarán finishing 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. Sophie was placed 4th in the Leaving Certificate individual section. This is a wonderful achievement for all involved. Please see below the titles of the students’ projects for which the students were acknowledged.
We would also like to highlight the outstanding guidance and dedication of the students’ History teacher, Ms. Josephine Reeves, whose work supported each of these students in reaching this level of excellence. Our sincere thanks to Ms. Reeves who is a constant champion of the Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project competition in the school and History as a subject in GCC.
- Fia O’Flynn-McDonagh: The Brook Inn and Industries Nearby, A 100 Years Ago
- Dean Horgan: The Curious Murdered and Missing People of Cork
- Ciarán Long: Mayfield United Football Club
- Sophie Murphy: The History of Jameson Distillery, Midleton
Senior Cycle Pathways
Parents will recall that last March, the NCCA sought expressions of interest from schools nationally in the Flexible Pathways in Senior Cycle programme which looks at reimagining curricular pathways through senior cycle. GCC applied and was one of only fourteen schools accepted.
As a school we understand that traditional pathways are not suitable for all students and believe that the school should be flexible to meet the needs of all learners as they progress through Senior Cycle into an appropriate post Senior Cycle pathway.
Please click on the link below to view Senior Cycle Pathways: Report on discussions at Pathways School Network Event One which took place in November:
Report on the discussions on student profiles – School Network Event One
On Wednesday last [28 January] Diarmuid Mooney and Ger O Sullivan from the NCCA Senior Cycle pathways team visited the school and met with members of our GCC Pathways team to conduct a workshop looking at what type of modules could meet the needs and interests of the student profiles as well as hosting a focus group of TYs and 5th year students. The work of the group continues in preparation for the next network meeting in March. Our thanks to Michelle O Halloran for coordinating this work on behalf of the school.
SEC Circular S14/26 on Additional Time for Arrangements in State Examinations
The SEC published on Tuesday circular S14/26 detailing the interim additional time arrangements at the 2026 State Examinations. We have been asked to bring this circular to the attention of special educational needs teachers, special needs coordinators, teachers, other school staff, candidates with reasonable accommodations and their parents/guardians. Please click on the link to view:
Interim additional time arrangements at the 2026 State Examinations
Please click on the following link to view some summary slides and information notes by Dr. Johanna Fitzgerald:
National Parents Council [NPC] – Parents’ views on extra supports needed in exams for students who learn differently
The National Parents Council (NPC) has been asked to take part in a full review of the Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme. RACE is the system that helps students who learn differently and need extra support in exams during Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate.
Reasonable accommodations may include the use of a scribe, reader, reading pen, or audiorecording device, as well as waivers for spelling, grammar, and punctuation assessments. Students may also be supported through access to a laptop or word processor, additional time where appropriate, and the continued use of assistive technologies with which they are already familiar. We want to hear from parents about how the RACE scheme is working. Your feedback will help us understand what is going well, what is not working, and what changes are needed to make the system fairer and easier to use.
This survey is short, anonymous, and your answers will help us share parents’ views with the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Please click this link to take part in this survey Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme – Fill out form
Many thanks & Warm regards
National Parents Council (NPC)
National Conversation on Education Survey
The Department of Education and Youth has launched the National Conversation on Education Survey to gather views on the future of education in Ireland. The findings will help shape the agenda for the Convention on Education taking place later this year. The Convention on Education is a once in a generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come. The survey is open to everyone and takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete. You can access it at the link below:
National Conversation on Education Survey
http://gov.ie/educationconvention
GCC Student Development Fund 2025/2026 School Year
We would like to thank parents for their continued support of the GCC Student Development Fund which allows us to maintain many of the supports we currently provide to our students. For example, during the Summer the school spent in excess of €60k on painting the A & C Block buildings and B Block Social area and €55k on the purchase of new school lockers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year students. Since September the school has spent over €40k on buses, €25k on essential Health & Safety work and €20k on TY Activities. In February, we plan to spend up to €50k on the installation of Solar Panels in the B Block, €30k on our Pre-Examinations and over €15k on the upgrading of our school Wi-Fi system. Many of these projects, which ensure students and staff work in a high quality learning environment, would not be possible without the voluntary contributions of parents to the school for which we are very grateful.
The annual parent contribution to our GCC Student Development Fund is €300 with a €100 reduction per sibling. This amount is agreed with our GCC Parents Council and our GCC Board of Management. Please note a reminder text was sent to parents yesterday via Way2Pay regarding the payment of outstanding balances. We hope to collect any remaining contributions before the Easter holidays begin on Friday 27 March. If you have any difficulty in paying this money please contact the Principal, Mr McCarthy in confidence and a mutually suitable arrangement will be put in place.
HSE HPV Catch Up Vaccination Programme
The HSE have contacted schools regarding their HPV catch up vaccination programme. The HPV (Human Papillomavirus) catch-up vaccination is being offered to all pupils who are in 5th and 6th year, who have not previously received the HPV vaccine. Other year groups will be eligible in subsequent years. Most students only need to receive one dose of HPV vaccine (if someone has a weak immune system they will need 3 doses).
Please click on the link to view a letter for parents from the HSE regarding the vaccination programme:
HPV Catch Up Vaccination Programme-Information for Parents
Please visit www.hpv.ie for more information.
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.
