Vol 26 No 01     04 Sept 2020

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to another year at The High School Dublin.  We are delighted to open our doors once again to pupils and staff after an unusually long break.
There have been a number of important projects completed during the last six months including the refurbishment of two classrooms, the completion of a new pedestrian pathway from Hockey pitches to Orwell Road entrance, and the installation of floodlights on the 4G rugby pitch.
There have been many Covid-19 related improvements at the school, including signage throughout the building to promote social distancing, hand sanitising, and to reinforce the new one-way system of movement. The drinking fountains are now hands-free and can be operated using one's knee.  Plinths have been removed from classrooms to create more space and Perspex screens have been added to pupil desks, in the staff room, in the canteen, and in the office for additional safety.  Five digital temperature control stations have been put in place in key positions around the school such as the main entrances and at the Nurse's Room.  An Isolation Room has been set-up at the Cricket Pavilion to facilitate up to four pupils presenting with Covid-19 symptoms such as high temperature.  An enhanced cleaning regime has been put in place, and additional waste bins, wipes, cleaning solution, and “hands free”, automated sanitisers are located in every classroom.  A large marquee has been rented to provide additional space for dining and locker storage.  The canteen has been reconfigured to allow for social distancing during lunch breaks. 
We are most grateful to the Finance and Estates Bursar for managing these improvements. I should like to wish all members of the school community every success in 2020/21. 

Mr G A Forrest
Principal

Deputy Principal Appointment

I am delighted to have recently taken up my position as Deputy Principal at The High School Dublin.  In the few short days that I have been here, it has become very clear to me that The High School Dublin is an exceptional school.  I'm so impressed by the quality of nurture, care, and support provided by our staff to our pupils. This is an extraordinary moment for all of us as we grapple with the challenges presented by the current pandemic. Our schools have become the new 'frontline' as we do all that we can to ensure that our pupils have the opportunity to reach their potential and achieve their goals with the least amount of disruption possible.  I am impressed by the leadership and commitment of those involved at The High School in preparing for the return to school, and the tireless work of staff to create a welcoming and reassuring environment for all our pupils. A key priority for the year ahead is the safety and wellbeing of the school community as we rise to the challenge. There may be bumps along the road but we will get there.  I look forward to working with everybody to support our pupils and staff in any way that I can over the coming weeks and months. 
Mr Tobin

Cricket Ireland Success

Congratulations to recent past pupil Orla Prendergast (HSD, 2014-20) who has been awarded a part-time contract with the Ireland Women's Cricket team. Orla made her international debut for Ireland in August 2019 and has appeared eight times with a highest score of 38 whilst claiming five wickets at an average of 16.80.  She has featured this season in all four Super Series domestic matches for the Typhoons, scoring 114 runs at an average 28.50, and bowling tightly with an economy rate of 3.85 runs per over.  A talented athlete, Orla has also represented Republic of Ireland women’s national under-17 football team and plays her club cricket with Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin.  We have followed Orla's sporting successes throughout her time at The High School and we are very proud of this wonderful achievement.  We wish her every success in the future.

Form 4 Induction

On Tuesday 1 September, Form 4 went to Airfield Farm in Dundrum which was closed to the public for our induction day.  Even though we had to socially distance and wear masks, we were all delighted to see each other again after such a long time apart.  We were put into new forms and were able to catch-up with all our friends.  We learned about the Transition Year programme and went on an interesting walk to see the animals at the farm.  It was so much fun.  The induction lasted two and a half hours and at its end we felt more excited than ever to return to school.
Leah McGrath

Form 1 Sports Induction

Despite the restrictions surrounding Covid-19, The High School still managed to run  the sports induction programme as usual for incoming Form 1 pupils in compliance with public health guidelines.  Sports like Hockey, Basketball, and Rugby were very popular with pupils and the camps were a great success as pupils got to meet others in their year group for the first time.  We wish the Class of 2026 all the best as they begin their High School journey with us.  

HSD 150 - Cricket Exhibition Match

As part of the HSD 150 celebrations The High School Senior Cricket Team will play Leprechauns Cricket Club in an exhibition match at 2.00 pm on Friday 11 September at YMCA Cricket Club. 

Leaving Certificate Results

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) will issue the results of the Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades process on Monday, 7 September.  
Pupils will access their results via the online portal from 9.00am that day; schools will receive results in an electronic format at the same time.  It will not be permitted for parents or pupils to access the grounds and/or property due to public health restrictions associated with Covid-19.  If pupils encounter a difficulty with accessing their results or wish to speak to a member of staff they should contact the Office at (01) 4922611 or office@highschool.ie in the first instance.  It will be possible for pupils to access their estimated mark and class ranking via the online portal on Monday 14 September.  A formal appeal process will be open to pupils from 14 September.  The postponed Leaving Certificate examinations (written only) will commence on Monday 16 November subject to public health advice and further engagement with stakeholders.  The examinations will be scheduled for evenings and weekends.  It is understood that details are being finalised and will be communicated by the DES in due course.  We wish all our former pupils every success on Monday and in the coming year.

HSD Parents' Association - ICT Update

One of our key concerns as parents is how schools will deliver learning experiences in these uncertain times where social distancing is the new normal and further lockdowns remain a possibility.  In advance of the start of term, the PA committee was invited to view the ICT activity underway at The High School.  We were taken through the scenario planning for technological solutions that will support teaching and learning this year both in the classroom and remotely as required.  We were provided with an informative presentation and participated in a training session.  This brought us from the initial steps of logging on to the connected classroom, through an understanding of the detailed scenarios being prepared in different subjects, to an awareness of the knowledge base that is being created for staff, parents, and pupils.  The presentation focused on the ability of staff to positively influence and support pupils in the current learning environment.  Teachers are equipped with classroom devices that support the presentation and display of material to individuals and groups alike; this will permit remote interaction with classes and engagement with pupils.  This is being supported with various training and how-to sessions involving members of the teaching staff.  We have been in close contact with the ICT team over a number of months so to see their approach in a classroom setting at first hand was very welcome.  It is clear that a great deal of effort has gone into the roll out of the approach and supporting material.  We are very grateful to the ICT team for their dedicated support.
Nigel Donovan (The High School Dublin Parents' Association)

'Bright Futures' Open Evening

The Open Evening that was planned for Thursday 17 September 2020 has been postponed until further notice.  You can still see what The High School has to offer in this video from a previous 'Bright Futures' evening. 

Keeping in Touch on Social Media

Keep informed with what is happening at The High School by following, liking and subscribing to our social media channels.  We have thousands of posts and photos on  Facebook  and Instagram , with over 320 videos on our You Tube  channel, and over seventy podcasts and recordings on Soundcloud, and a collection of Twitter accounts for News, Hockey  and Rugby  Never before has it been so easy to stay in touch.