Vol 25 No 08     15 Nov 2019

Act of Remembrance

The High School commemorated all those who died in conflict during the twentieth century in an Act of Remembrance on Thursday and Friday this week.  In particular, the service of at least 476 past pupils who volunteered during the First World War and Second World War (of whom a total of 99 were killed) was marked in a short ceremony held during Assembly.  The Principal (together with the Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, and Deputy Head Girl) 
represented The High School at the annual Act of Remembrance which was held in the presence of His Excellency the President of Ireland at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.  You can learn more about past pupils of The High School who died during the First World War here.

Silver Gaisce Award

On Thursday 7 November Gaisce – The President’s Award held one of its largest ever Silver Award ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of 148 young people from throughout Ireland who have achieved their Gaisce Silver Award.   Silver awardees who were honoured on the night hailed from 9 counties across the four provinces of Ireland.  They were celebrated for their commitment to personal development through community involvement, improving their personal skills, and increasing their physical activity.  Each awardee successfully completed at least 26 weeks across these three Gaisce challenge areas and undertook a three-day adventure journey.  The event was hosted by Spin 103.8 DJs Graham and Nathan and took place in the O’Reilly Theatre.  The awards were presented by Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Gaisce.  Speaking about the achievements of the Awardees, she said, “I heartily congratulate this evening’s Awardees on their achievements.  It’s fantastic to be honouring so many young people tonight for their dedication to personal development, and I think it’s a testament to the tenacity of young people today that we have so many Awardees here tonight.  I hope they have made lasting memories and gained invaluable self-knowledge through their Gaisce Journey."  The High School recipient noted on receiving the award that: "I really enjoyed doing Gaisce.  For my community involvement I helped the Cubs in my Scout group. I helped with their games and taught them some scouting skills. For my personal skill I went to a science club.  We did maths, physics, technology and engineering.  For my recreational skill I did Kenpo Karate and this was useful in helping me prepare for the recent European Championships.  We are taught self-defence and competition skills.  For my adventure journey my school group and I climbed Carrauntoohil.  The weather was great, and the views were amazing, but it was a real challenge getting down.  It's a great experience."
Mr D Miller

Form 2 Study Skills

On Friday 8 November The High School held a study skills day for Form 2 pupils.  The day consisted of learning different study skills and techniques to teach us how to tackle examinations with a clear mind.  During the first half of this day 2W were presented with a topic that we needed to write notes on.  This topic was Acid Rain.  First we wrote what we knew about the topic before reading about it and making notes.  We studied our notes and wrote down everything that we remembered.  Then we circled everything that we forgot in our second set of notes which helped us remember the things we had forgotten.  We also participated in a yoga session which showed us how to relax and clear our minds whenever we become stressed.  It is sometimes easy to get stressed while doing examinations but the irony is that being stressed can prevent you from completing the examination successfully. The yoga exercises consisted of relaxing and concentrating on our breathing and clearing our mind of stresses and commitments.  Next, we tested our previous notes in a mini-mock test.  This helped us to put our skills into context.  Afterwards we went to the Library to have time to relax and socialize with our classmates.  There were board games, colouring sheets, pencils, and paper.  This activity was fun, recreational, and helped us bond further with our classmates.  I liked this day because it gave me helpful tips for studying and ideas about how to relax when stressed. 
Emna Hajaji​

MUN Success

Recently eighteen pupils from The High School participated in a popular Model United Nations (MUN) conference.  Our pupils were very successful and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to debate with their peers from schools around Dublin.  Congratulations to one pupil who received a distinguished delegate award. If you are interested in joining The High School MUN team please contact Ms Lowry in A24.

Visiting Rugby Team

Last weekend we hosted a touring team from Haberdashers' Abraham Darby, Shropshire at The High School.  Our Form 2 boys played an energetic game of rugby against the visitors and won decisively.  The atmosphere on and off the pitch was warm and friendly.  After refreshments the touring team was presented with a school plaque, ties, and tracksuits.  We are very grateful for the contribution of Form 2 parents who were on hand at the Pavilion to help with teas and coffees.  We wish the Haberdashers' Abraham Darby team all the best as they continue their tour and a safe journey home.
Mr A Malin

Poetry Reading

Form 2 pupils read from a series of war poems that described life before, during and after World War 1. They read “The Call” by Jessie Pope, “Suicide in the Trenches” by Siegfried Sassoon, and “In Flander’s Fields” by John McRae.  The readings were all delivered in an evocative and contemplative way beside The High School Memorial and allowed the pupils to remember the events of over 100 years ago.  Well done to all the participants involved.
Mr D Miller

The High School Choir

The High School choir meets each Tuesday after school for an hour.  Pupils from all years are warmly welcome to attend.  Christmas is an especially fun time for the High School choir with carol singing events.  If you have a love of singing and would like to make some new friends why not come to the Music Block next Tuesday at 4.00pm?  We would be delighted to see you.
Ms Bourke

Science Club

Science Club is a fun way for pupils in Forms 1 to 3 to learn about science and to make new friends.  It takes place every Thursday from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm in C1.  If you have any questions please see Ms Deane.

Lost and Found

If you have lost something, like a jumper or a pencil case, hockey stick or gym bag, why not seek it in Lost and Found?  Any pupil who has lost something should go to B9 to make an appointment with Ms Quinn who will take you to Lost and Found where hopefully your missing item can be recovered.

Supervised Study

In the weeks leading up to the Christmas and Mock Examinations, you may wish to enrol your child in Supervised Study at The High School.  This phone-free zone is the perfect place to develop positive study habits.  For more information click here.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Team Hope delivers Christmas presents to children in areas who would normally never receive such a gift.  Here's how to take part.  Get an ordinary shoebox - any one will do. Then wrap the box and lid in wrapping paper individually.  Put on the label provided by the Team Hope Team, stating the age and gender of the recipient. Then use the four W’s as a rough guide to put in your gifts!
Write: Something to use at school such as pencil, pen, paper, or a solar calculator!
Wash: Some hygiene items – a towel, wrapped soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wear: Something to wear – a hat, gloves, a scarf, or underwear.
Wow: A treat - something like sunglasses, a game, a toy, or a small musical instrument.  All boxes must be delivered to The High School by Monday 18 November.