Vol 26 No 15     23 Jan 2021

High School Now - Celebrating 150 Years

We have come to the end of the second week of remote teaching and learning at The High School and already we have settled into a steady routine.  While we are not sure exactly when we will return to face-to-face lessons, we are confident that teaching and learning is continuing apace as pupils, teachers, and parents rise to the challenge with confidence and commitment.  We appreciate all the additional work that is being done to ensure that education continues as usual and value the many ways in which you are helping us to do what we do best.  In the Autumn Term we recorded a video to capture life at The High School during our 150th anniversary.  We hope that it serves as a positive reminder of all that we do at The High School and all that we can look forward to when we return.  

A Message from the Pastoral Care Team

Our pastoral care systems are fully functioning remotely with regular weekly meetings between Year Heads, the Guidance team, and senior management to monitor student progress and address any issues. The Pastoral Care Team is also developing and sharing resources with pupils to help them focus on the things they can control right now and to do their best to let go of the things they cannot. Attitude, mindset, and good habits will be invaluable supports for positive mental health at this time.  We have re-introduced a weekly online check-in survey for pupils. This is an invaluable tool to nurture an active pastoral connection with the school currently.  The deadline for completion is 4.00 pm every Thursday.   
Mr Tobin
Deputy Principal

Message from the Head Girl

Although it seems that most of us are bit disappointed to be back in remote learning it has to be said that it is a lot better than last time. I think we've settled into a nice routine and everything feels just a little bit more normal. It shouldn’t be too long before we’re back in class together again. There’s less to fear this time, because we’ve done it all before. We know what the future looks like, and we know that it’s not too far away. See you soon!  
Éle Ní Chonbhuí  
Head Girl

Form 4 Charity Success

At the end of December pupils in Form 4 organised the annual Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal at The High School. This campaign was different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. We could not send physical shoeboxes from Ireland so instead we asked pupils to donate €20 which is the equivalent cost of Team Hope filling one shoebox locally in the countries where they are distributed. We had a great response to the campaign and raised over €2,900 or the equivalent of 145 shoeboxes.  Everyone who donated toward the appeal had their name added to the ‘fundraising wall’ at Reception; a wall of donors’ names in boxes designed by the Form 4 team gave a strong visual aspect to the campaign and recognised everyone who contributed.  We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to this year’s campaign! 
Tirzah Hutchinson-Edgar

TCD Entrance Exhibition

We are delighted to have been advised by the Board of Trinity College, Dublin that an immediate past pupil from The High School, Nathan Hutchinson-Edgar (HSD, 2014-2020) has been awarded an Entrance Exhibition in recognition of his high level of performance in the Leaving Certificate examinations.  The awards are made to Junior Freshmen who are new entrants to full-time undergraduate degree courses at the university whose performance in the Leaving Certificate examination was greater than the equivalent of 560 points.  We offer Nathan and all recent past pupils our warmest congratulations on their achievements and wish them every success in their academic careers.

Staying Active

Staying active during lockdown is key to maintaining good mental health.  Making time to walk, cycle, or run can be greatly beneficial whether undertaken 
alone or within family bubbles.  Here is a collection of High School family dogs 
who regularly take our pupils for a walk!

Form 4 Photography Challenge

Last week, pupils in Form 4 photography class were given a challenge to create interesting characters using everyday objects.  Here are some examples of their creative solutions.

Form 1 English Projects

Pupils in Form 1 have been studying the book 'The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse' in English class.  They successfully produced these visual representations 
inspired by key characters and scenes using various techniques and media.  Well done everyone!