Vol 25 No 13     20 Dec 2019

Happy Christmas from The High School

On Friday 20 December we gathered in the picturesque surroundings of Zion Church to participate in the annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The High School orchestra and choir led the music, and the congregation sang and listened as lessons and carols filled the beautiful Victorian church just a stone's throw from the school gate.  Of special note was the wonderfully evocative performance of 'We Three Kings' which featured soloists Tom Wang, Robyn Davey, and Nathan Hutchinson Edgar.  We wish all pupils, staff, parents, and governors a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.  Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhaoibh.

Facing the Past

We are delighted to present you with this elusive photograph of one of the 70 HSD past pupils who died in WWI and whose name features on our War Memorial. Until very recently there was no known photograph of Captain Isaac Murray Craig (known as Ray) of the Royal Engineers who died on 22 August 1918 aged 27.  Continued research on the HSD War Stories Project has proven fruitful and Captain Craig's photograph now features alongside those of his comrades and fellow pupils as part of our online 'HSD War Stories' project.  We have forwarded the photograph to Captain Craig's family who were suprised and delighted to receive it.  According to the 1911 census Isaac Murray Craig (HSD, 1910) lived with his mother, brothers, and sister on Zion Road close to the school's current location.  Ironically, he was one of The High School soldiers who died furthest away from home in Palestine.  This Christmas we remember all those past pupils who have gone before us both recently and in the distant past.
Ms Burrowes

Helen Kane Memorial Charity Challenge 

Congratulations to our Form 4 pupils and their teachers who took part in this year's Helen Kane Memorial Charity Challenge: swimming at the Forty Foot and hiking to the summit of the Sugar Loaf.  Despite the cold temperatures and foul weather participants thoroughly enjoyed this annual event.  Every year pupils from Form 4 complete the charity event to raise money for St Luke's Hospital in memory of our friend and colleague, the late Helen Kane, a dedicated School Receptionist at The High School who died in 2012.  We would like to thank everyone who sponsored our pupils in support of this fundraising event in memory of our dear friend.

Rock-Pop Triumph

Since the beginning of the academic year, pupils from Form 4 have been working together to plan and prepare for the Rock-Pop Show.  They learned how to arrange songs, work as a team, and perform in front of a live audience. Their choice of material varied from alternative rock anthems from bands like Muse and Two Door Cinema Club to 1970s folk-rock classics like' Country Roads' and 'Sweet Home Alabama'.  The audience happily sang along and waved their arms in unison with the music. It was a joyous affair and the concert ended on a high note bringing to a close this rotation of the Form 4 Rock-Pop module. Well done to everyone who helped make the concert such a resounding success!

Junior Cup Team Semi Final

Congratulations to The High School Junior Cup team who succeeded in qualifying for the semi-final of the league competition. Unfortunately, they lost to a very strong side but we are proud of the team's achievement so far this year. We look forward to seeing the JCT play their next match in the New Year in the Father Godfrey Cup and we wish all members of the squad every success in that competition. 

Carol Singing

Pupils from The High School Choir enjoyed an afternoon of carol singing at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre last week to raise money for Christian Aid.  Shoppers and passers-by were entertained with a capella singing and Christmas cheer as our pupils sang with festive gusto and glee. It was an enjoyable beginning to a busy few weeks for our school choir. They entertained pupils at Assembly and visited a local Senior Care Home to share their special brand of Christmas cheer.  If you would like to join The High School Choir see Ms Bourke in the Music Block.