Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
Oide Senior Cycle Redevelopment-School Closure
Parents are reminded that the school is closed to students next Wednesday 14 January due to Oide Senior Cycle Redevelopment training for staff as per school calendar.
CAO Applications
A reminder to all parents of Sixth Year students that the CAO application deadline to avail of the discounted early bird fee of €35 is 5pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026. After this date, the application fee increases to €50, with the standard application deadline closing at 5pm on Sunday 1 February 2026. While a late application window will open from Thursday 5 March to 1st May (fee €65), it is important to note that restricted courses are not available during this period. Students will also have an opportunity to amend their course choices through the Change of Mind facility from 5th May to 1st July. We strongly encourage all students to apply before Tuesday 20 January to keep all options open and avoid higher fees.
UCC CAO Live Q&A (Online) – Wednesday 14 January 2026
University College Cork will host a live online CAO Q&A session on Wednesday 14 January 2026, from 4pm – 5:30pm. This event is aimed at prospective students and their parents who are considering UCC as a study option.
The session will provide an opportunity to:
- Ask questions about UCC courses, student life, accommodation, and support services
- Hear directly from current UCC students and learn from their experiences
- Gain useful insights to help inform decisions about CAO choices and future study plans
Advance registration is required. Register here:https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/events/opendays/
Charitable Refunds – CHY3 Form 6th Year Students
The school makes an annual charitable refunds claim to Revenue based on the voluntary contributions parents make to the school. Completion of the form is part of the enrolment process to the school in 1st Year. Unfortunately, the initial form only covers a student’s first 5 years in the school because not all students will enter TY. Therefore, we are obliged each year to ask the parents of 6th Year students to complete a new form in order for us to be able to claim against their payments.
This morning during tutorial we distributed new CHY3 forms to 6th Year students and asked for them to be returned on Monday morning at registration. The form is just one page (link below) and we hope a short turn around will help maximise the number of forms we receive back. Thanks to you our GCC parents for your help in ensuring we maximise this revenue stream which has proven invaluable to the school over the last number of years.
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 visit www.hpv.ie for more information.
We will communicate with parents as we receive further information from the HSE.
National Parent’s Council-Parental Engagement and Consultation
Thank you for your continued engagement in consultation regarding review of the senior cycle curriculum. Earlier this year, parents were invited to share their views on the redevelopment of Leaving Certificate subjects. We are now at the next stage of consultation for Design and Communication Graphics, and your feedback remains vital.
The proposed redevelopment aims to equip students with practical skills for today’s world—enhancing their ability to understand shapes and space, draw and model ideas, and think creatively. These skills support innovation and sustainability, preparing students for a rapidly changing future.
The National Parents Council would greatly value your views on this subject. Please click the link below to access the survey and share your thoughts:
👉 Design and Communication Graphics: https://forms.office.com/e/78NHCJK8fn
Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of the senior cycle curriculum. Thank you for your participation.
Warm regards,
National Parents Council
GCC Parent’s Council Uniform Bank Sale
The GCC Parents Council will hold a second hand uniform sale on Saturday 24 January 2026 from 10.30am to 11.30am. Any donations are gratefully accepted and can be left in the box outside the front door of the school from Wednesday 7 January 2026.
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – January 2026
| Monday 12 January | GCC French Language Trip to Paris | 12/1 – 16/1 |
| Wednesday 14 January | Oide Senior Cycle Redevelopment | School closed to students |
| Monday 19 January | GCC PPT Meeting for TY Students | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Thursday 29 January | GCC School Musical – The Wizard of Oz | |
| Friday 30 January | GCC School Musical – The Wizard of Oz | |
| Saturday 24 January | GCC Parent’s Council Uniform Bank Sale | 10.30am – 11.30am |
| Saturday 31 January | GCC Ski Trip | 31/1 – 7/2 |
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026
Please click on the link to view the Activities of the Week beginning Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026:
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 12 to Friday 16 January 2026
Convention on Education
In 2026 the Department of Education and Youth will hold the Convention on Education – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Ireland’s school system for decades to come and set out a shared vision for the future of education. The Convention will bring together diverse voices at four events during 2026 to share ideas and discuss solutions for the challenges and opportunities ahead. More information about the Convention on Education and how it will work can be found at this link.
To ensure the Convention reflects as many perspectives as possible, the Department of Education and Youth is seeking expressions of interest from parents and guardians and children and young people aged 8-24 to take part.This will involve attending two-day events and workshops on:
- 21st & 22nd March 2026
- 9th & 10th May 2026
- 26th & 27th Sept 2026
- 14th & 15th November 2026
Accommodation and catering will be provided for each meeting as required and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Children under the age of 18 must have consent from their parent or guardian to participate and a parent or guardian will be required to accompany them to events. If you are interested, please complete this form Convention on education expression of interest form for parents and guardians of children – Fill out form by January 16 2026.
If your child aged 8-17 is interested, please complete this form Convention on Education expression of interest form for children and young people – Fill out form with them by January 16 2026. Further details can be found at this link
National Parents Council
