Vol 24 No 28     17 May 2019

Mental Health Awareness Week

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and Form 5 pupils ran a special campaign to heighten our understanding of what positive mental health means.  The theme for the week was the five steps to well-being.  On Tuesday the word of the day was 'Connect'.   We began by giving all pupils a warm welcome, promoting connection.  Throughout the day there were multiple activities related to the theme such as  Just Dance during break and 'speed dating' where pupils from different years were assigned to a table and had to make an effort to mix with new people.  On Wednesday we were treated to mindfulness at Assembly as the theme of this day was 'Notice'.  During break-time pupils were asked, ''How is High School feeling today?''  Pupils wroe their answers on sticky notes which were posted outside the Reynolds Hall.  Later that day a 'Memory and Reflection Evening' took place at The High School.  Parents, staff and pupils were welcomed and enjoyed an evening of music and poetry led by pupils and teachers.  It was a positive event with the entire school community coming 
together to support one another.  Thursday's focus was to 'Give' so Form 2 pupils organised a charity event for Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.  A video was shown at Assembly on Friday to highlight the week's acticvities.  The theme of this day was 'Learn'.  During break-time we were entertained by the Form 5 band who performed live for pupils.  At lunch-time pupils played volley ball outside while inside they danced  to Just Dance.  On Saturday morning many pupils participated in the  'Darkness Into Light' walk for Pieta House.  There we once more  came together to promote mental health.  It was a heart-warming occasion and a fitting way to end Mental Health Awareness Week.
Nicole Holland and Sol Bell Megaw 

Form 2 Charity Event 

On 9 May a group of Form 2 pupils together with our Year Head Ms Missen organised a fundraiser for Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin.   We rented a bouncy castle obstacle course and charged pupils €2 to use it.  We also sold ice cream.  People were able to race their friends and it was a lot of fun.    At first we thought the bad weather would affect turnout out but in the end the rain made the bouncy castle even more fun.  Everyone enjoyed the day and had a fantastic time.  A lot of preparation and effort went into organising the day but it was well worth it.  We joined pupils from Form 5 who were co-ordinating Mental Health Awareness Week.  They really helped us manage the crowds on the day.  We had a wonderful time while raising money for the Children's Hospital and promoting positive mental health. 
Leah McGrath

Leinster League Champions

Congratulations to The High School Senior 2nd XI cricket team who defeated Rathdown School to win the Leinster Cricket Union league competition.  Congratulations are also due to the Senior 1st XI who qualified for their section of the Leinster Cricket Union league competition.  We wish both teams all the best in future competitions. 

East Leinster Athletics Victory

Congratulations to our talented pupils who won the overall award for best school  in the U16 East Leinster Athletic Championships.  This is the first time in the history of the school that we have won this award.  

East Leinster Athletics Success

We were delighted to learn of the success of our pupils at the Leinster Athletics Championships earlier this week.  The High School won the silver medal in the long jump and the bronze medal in the shot putt.  Congratulations to our successful pupils.

School Team of the Year

We are so proud of our Senior hockey boys who won the Evening Herald's School Sports Team of the Year following their breakthrough year, becoming the first new school to win the Senior Cup in nearly 20 years.  We are delighted with this fine achievement and wish the team all the best in future competitions, congratulations!

Form 2 Dáil Visit

Last week pupils from Form 2 visited Dáil Eireann as part of their CSPE course.  They were welcomed by Senator Neale Richmond who brought the pupils on a tour of government buildings and spoke to them at length about life as a political representative.  Each pupil received a parting gift before they left to enjoy lunch in a city centre restaurant.  It was a wonderful afternoon and one that the pupils will long remember. 

Gaisce Challenge

Recently pupils from Form 4 travelled to Kerry to complete the final stage of the Gaisce Challenge.  They left on Thursday and returned on Saturday having reached the summit on Friday afternoon.  The pupils were inspired and humbled by the sunning views.  It was a fitting climax to the year-long training programme which took the team on numerous hill walks in all sorts of weather.   All agreed that the Gaisce Challenge was a highlight of the year and a very worthwhile activity.

Theatre Trip

This week pupils from Form 4 enjoyed an evening visit to the Gate Theatre to see The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.  They highly recommend the production which runs until 1 June.

HSD International Representation

Congratulations to Ben Whelan who will be playing with the u16 Ireland Hockey team at the 6 Nations competition in Eindhoven in July.

HSD Parents' Association Summer Social

It has been a very busy year for teachers and parents alike at The High School.  Each year The Parents' Association organise a Summer Social so we can let off some steam and celebrate everything that we have achieved together. This year we will be meeting on 24 May at 6.00pm at The High School.  You are very welcome to join us.  Tickets are available from The Parents' Association.  You will have received an email from the school with full details, so check your inboxes.  We are looking forward to seeing you there.