Some Good News from The High School

Vol 26 No 08 06 Nov 2020

Prize Distribution

Congratulations to all pupils and past pupils who received prizes and awards at the annual Prize Distribution; many thanks to all who were involved in preparing and running this successful event. Our guest of honour was Senator Ivana Bacik. She gave an insightful and informative talk to everyone gathered in The Reynolds Hall. The Old Boys' Cup and Jean Scott Trophy were presented by Greg Hopkins, President of the Past Pupils' Union. The event was chaired by The Revd Stephen Farrell. The evening celebrated the gifts and talents of current and past pupils in the areas of academic and sporting endeavour. There were choral and orchestral performances to enjoy and while parents and teachers watched online, a wonderful evening was had by all.

Form 1 Activity Week

For the week of the 19 to 23 October Form 6 Prefects were charged with organising an activity week for pupils in Form 1. We quickly set to work coming up with ideas for an exciting week of events for Form 1 pupils and decided on an inter form competition consisting of a series of games and activities. On Monday we had Just Dance and a rugby kicking game out on the pitch. Points were awarded to the most enthusiastic dancers and the pupils who kicked the furthest. On Tuesday we continued the rugby kicking game as well as hosting a series of bench ball matches in the Gymnasium. The matches were very intense and the Form 1 pupils had great fun. On Wednesday there was mask painting outside which was very enjoyable for all concerned. Finally, on Thursday there was a general knowledge quiz which tested pupils on their knowledge of the school and its history. On Friday morning, the prizes were given out to all the forms. The overall winner was promised a no homework day. It was a close call but 1K ultimately won but the other forms were still rewarded with sweets. It was a great way to end the term and I hope the Form 1 pupils enjoyed it as much as the Prefects did.
Mia McCullough (Deputy Head Girl)

Form 4 Charity Challenge

Thrombosis is the abnormal and dangerous clotting of blood that clogs blood vessels and can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or past medical history. Thrombosis Ireland is a charity established to help spread awareness and raise money for those suffering and offers post care support to those who had thrombosis. Over the past couple months we came up with a great fundraising idea: to challenge Form 4 pupils to walk, run, or cycle 100km in 30 days. Ms O'Neill spoke to Form 4 pupils via Zoom recently about what the charity does and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of thrombosis. Just before
half term we had a non-uniform day to raise money for Thrombosis Ireland and the Simon Community. We raised €1,282 which is going to be split between the two charities. We would like to encourage as many Form 4 pupils as possible to join the charity challenge for this very good cause.
Charlotte McDonnell

Model United Nations

Model United Nations (MUN) meets every Monday after school in B6 from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The pupils learn about diplomacy, international relations, the United Nations, and develop a deeper understanding of current world issues. If you or someone you know would like to join the MUN team, please come along. We are always happy to see new faces!

Form 1 Art Projects

Pupils in Form 1 who are studying Art have designed and created a colourful collection of dinosaurs. They will be on display in the Library in the coming weeks. Well done to all our budding artists and don't forget to visit the exhibition or click on the video below.

Library

The Library is open every morning break time, please feel free to come in and read, study, or relax. You are welcome to take books out - just a quick hand sanitise first to be safe!

Lunch opening times:

Monday – 1st lunch – 12.50pm onwards

2nd lunch – open

Tuesday – 1st lunch – open

2nd lunch – closed

Thursday – 1st lunch – closed

2nd lunch – open

Friday – 1st lunch – 12.50 pm onwards

2nd lunch – open

I would love to have any books back that might be at home – especially if you have had them since lockdown. No questions asked!

Ms Wiggle

A Conversation with Luke McGrath

Zion Parish School is thrilled to invite you to a Zoom conversation with Ireland international rugby player, Luke McGrath on Tuesday 10 November at 6pm. Sport is all about bouncing back from adversity and being resilient enough to ‘play the next ball’. So there is no better time to be inspired by a professional sportsman. Those participating can look forward to hearing Luke's thoughts on what it was like as a young player to answer Ireland’s call, how sport can help to build personal resilience, and how to stay motivated when playing in a near empty stadium. There will also be an opportunity to ask Luke your own questions on the night. Tickets are €20 - one ticket admits the whole family. Please spread the word and encourage all your rugby enthusiast friends and colleagues to book. Tickets available here.

HSD Parents' Association News

Many thanks to The High School Parents' Association who have kindly donated two digital cameras to the pupil Media Team. They will be used to capture a valuable, visual record of school life in the months and years ahead.