Skibbereen Community School 

23/01/2026 

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

As we move through the academic year, we would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of good attendance for our Transition Year students. This stage of their education plays a pivotal role in preparing them for both the Leaving Certificate and the world beyond school. We want to ensure that every student has the best possible opportunity to succeed, and consistent attendance is a key factor in achieving this. 

1. Leaving Cert Preparation 

In Transition Year, we are already starting to cover important material that will lay the foundation for the Leaving Certificate. While TY is designed to be a year of personal development and exploration, it also includes elements of the curriculum that are crucial for students’ future academic success. Missing classes can result in gaps in knowledge, which may affect performance in the Leaving Cert. Regular attendance will ensure students stay on track and are fully prepared when it’s time to begin their Leaving Cert studies. 

2. Preference in Subject Choices 

As part of the TY experience, students will also choose subjects for the Leaving Cert. Those with good attendance throughout the year will be given priority when subject choices are limited. This is because consistent attendance is not only an indicator of a student’s commitment but also ensures they have participated in all relevant lessons, making them well-prepared to make informed decisions about their future academic path. 

3. Apprenticeships and References 

Good attendance is equally important when students start considering apprenticeships or other career opportunities. Employers often ask for references from teachers, and a record of regular attendance demonstrates responsibility and professionalism. It can also reflect positively on a student’s work ethic and reliability, traits that are highly valued in the workplace. 

4. State Certification and Tusla 

We would also like to highlight the fact that it is our legal requirement to report students with continued unexplained absence to Tusla. This could result in a potential investigation on their side. Students will also miss out on their TY state certification at the end of year graduation if a poor attendance pattern persists.  

In Conclusion: 

We strongly encourage you to support your child in maintaining good attendance throughout Transition Year. We are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for all our students, and your partnership in this effort is invaluable. Please avoid scheduling appointments during school time. It is the student's responsibility to catch up on academic work missed due to absence or extra-curricular activities. All absences need to be explained by VSware or TY Journal. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or would like to discuss ways to support them in staying on track, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours sincerely, 

Vice Principal                                            Year Head                                       TY coordinator 

Tom Foley                                                Gretta Burchill                                 Conor Uhl