Parents & Guardians
Working Together to Support Every Student
At Elphin Community College, we value the important partnership between home and school. Parents and guardians play a central role in supporting student learning, attendance, wellbeing, behaviour and participation in school life.
This page brings together key information, supports and useful links for parents and guardians. It is intended to help families quickly access the main school systems, policies and procedures used throughout the school year.
Most Used by Parents/Guardians
Parent/Guardian Overview
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay connected with the school through TYRO, Way2Pay, school communications, parent-teacher meetings, information evenings and official school social media channels.
The school office is usually the first point of contact for general queries. If a concern arises, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school early so that appropriate support can be put in place.
Useful areas: TYRO | Way2Pay | Attendance | Uniform | PE Kit | Policies | Calendar | Exam Information | Parent/Guardian Voice
What Do I Do If...?
- My child is absent: Please explain the absence through TYRO or contact the school office.
- My child has an appointment: Please notify the school in advance where possible. Students must follow the school sign-out procedure.
- My child is late: Students must report to the school office and sign in.
- I need to make a payment: Please use Way2Pay when a payment request is issued by the school.
- I have a concern: Please contact the school office so the matter can be directed to the appropriate person.
- I need to pass on an urgent message: Please contact the school office rather than contacting your child directly during class time.
- My contact details have changed: Please notify the school office so that school records can be updated.
- My child is having difficulty: Please contact the school early so that support can be discussed.
TYRO
TYRO is one of the main communication systems used by the school. Parents/guardians are encouraged to download the TYRO School app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- View student timetables
- Access school updates and notifications
- View assessment reports
- Submit absence information
- Keep contact details up to date where applicable
Click HERE for TYRO information
Way2Pay
Way2Pay is used by the school for online payments. It provides a secure and convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for school-related items such as trips, activities and other school charges.
- Make school payments online
- Receive payment requests from the school
- Reduce the need for students to carry cash
- Access payment confirmation and receipts
Click HERE for Way2Pay information
Attendance Matters
Every school day matters. Regular attendance helps students to stay connected with learning, friendships, wellbeing, classroom-based assessments, practical work and State Examination preparation.
Parents/guardians are asked to explain absences promptly through TYRO or by contacting the school office where necessary. Appointments should, where possible, be arranged outside school time or in a way that minimises time missed from school.
- The school day begins at 9.00am
- Students are expected to arrive on time and be ready for learning
- Appointments should, where possible, be arranged outside school time
- Students may not leave school during the day without permission
- Students leaving for appointments must follow the school sign-out procedure
- Parents/guardians should contact the school early if attendance difficulties arise
Click HERE for Attendance information
Child Protection & Safeguarding
Elphin Community College is committed to the protection and welfare of all students. Child protection and safeguarding are central to school life and all staff follow national child protection procedures.
- Designated Liaison Person: Anne Gilleran
- Deputy Designated Liaison Person: Paul Noone
- School Contact: 071 9635031
Parents/guardians can access the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement, Risk Assessment and related child protection documents through the Policies section of the school website.
Click HERE for Child Protection and School Policies
School Uniform
The school uniform promotes pride, belonging and a shared school identity. Students are expected to wear the full school uniform each day, except on PE days or where otherwise directed by the school.
- Green V-neck jumper with Elphin Community College crest
- White collared shirt or white polo shirt
- Grey trousers or uniform skirt
- Dark socks or dark tights, where applicable
- Fully black footwear, including soles, logos and laces
- School jacket as outlined in the Uniform Policy
All uniform items, PE gear and school equipment should be clearly labelled with the student’s full name.
Click HERE to visit the School Uniform Store for Elphin Community College
Click HERE to view the Uniform Policy
PE Kit / School Tracksuit
Students may wear the approved school tracksuit or PE gear on PE days, for games, sporting events, activities or when directed by a teacher.
- School PE tracksuit or dark shorts
- White or dark polo shirt / t-shirt
- Appropriate runners for PE and games
- Plain navy sports top and plain navy tracksuit pants are permitted as an agreed cost-conscious option
The Playr-fit school tracksuit is available online through the official Elphin Community College students’ collection. The school also recognises agreed plain navy PE options in line with efforts to reduce school uniform costs.
Click HERE to visit the Elphin CC Playr-fit tracksuit page
Click HERE for School Tracksuit / PE Kit information
Mobile Phones & Digital Devices
Parents/guardians are asked to support the school’s mobile phone and digital device procedures. These procedures help students to focus on learning, reduce distraction and support positive relationships during the school day.
- Students must follow the school’s mobile phone procedures during the school day
- Students using iPads or digital devices must follow the school’s Acceptable Use Policies
- Parents/guardians should contact the school office if they need to pass on an urgent message
- Students should use technology responsibly and respectfully
Click HERE to view Mobile Phone, Internet and iPad policies
Assessment, Reports & Exams
Assessment information, school reports and examination updates help parents/guardians support students with their learning. Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss reports, targets, feedback and upcoming deadlines with their child.
- Assessment reports may be available through TYRO
- Students should monitor deadlines for CBAs, practical work, project work and State Examinations
- Parents/guardians are encouraged to support good study routines at home
- Students should speak to their subject teachers if they are unsure about assessment requirements
Click HERE for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Exam Information
School Calendar
Parents/guardians are encouraged to check the school calendar regularly for school closures, parent-teacher meetings, assessment periods, graduations and other important dates.
Click HERE to view the School Calendar
Key Parent Documents
The following pages and documents may be useful for parents/guardians throughout the school year.
Parent/Guardian Voice
Elphin Community College values the views of parents and guardians. Parent/guardian feedback helps the school to improve communication, support student wellbeing, review policies and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Parents/guardians may be invited to contribute through surveys, information evenings, policy consultation, parent-teacher meetings and other school events.
Click HERE for Parent’s Council information
Social Media & School News
Parents/guardians are encouraged to follow the school’s official social media channels for general updates, photographs, school news, student achievements and reminders.
Please note that urgent or individual student matters should be communicated directly through the school office rather than through social media.
Supporting Your Child
Parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting positive school routines. Small, consistent actions at home can make a significant difference to student learning, wellbeing and progress.
- Encourage regular attendance and punctuality
- Check TYRO and school communications regularly
- Support full school uniform and PE kit expectations
- Talk to your child about homework, assessments and upcoming deadlines
- Support healthy sleep routines and balanced use of digital devices
- Encourage participation in school life, including sport, clubs, trips and extra-curricular activities
- Contact the school early if your child is experiencing difficulty
In Simple Terms
- Use TYRO for school updates, reports and absences
- Use Way2Pay for school payments
- Explain absences promptly
- Support full uniform and PE kit expectations
- Use the School Uniform Store link for uniform items
- Use the Playr-fit link for the school PE kit / tracksuit
- Check the school calendar regularly
- Follow official school social media for general news and reminders
- Contact the school office directly for individual student matters
- Contact the school early if you have a concern
Contact
If you require information in an alternative format, or if you are unsure who to contact, please contact the school office.
Email:info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031
Accessibility Statement