Vol 25 No 11     06 Dec 2019

TCD Entrance Exhibitions

We are delighted to have been advised by the Board of Trinity College, Dublin that two immediate past pupils of The High School have been awarded Entrance Exhibitions in recognition of their high levels of performance in the Leaving Certificate examinations.  The awards are made to Junior Freshmen who achieve the highest points among entrants to full-time undergraduate degree courses at the university from their respective secondary schools.  In 2019, Calum Adair and James Cole achieved this notable distinction and were awarded Entrance Exhibitions at Trinity College, Dublin.  We offer these and all recent past pupils of The High School our warmest congratulations on their achievements and wish them every success in their academic careers.

UCD Entrance Scholarship

We are delighted to have been advised by the President of UCD that an immediate past pupil of The High School has been awarded an Entrance Scholarship in recognition of her high levels of performance in the Leaving Certificate examinations.  The awards are made to first year students who have achieved 560 points or more in their Leaving Certificate examination.  In 2019, Erica Macari achieved this notable distinction and was awarded an Entrance Scholarship.  We offer her and all recent past pupils of The High School our warmest congratulations on their achievements and wish them every success in their academic careers.

National Poetry Award

Congratulations to this High School pupil who was awarded Highly Commended in the senior category of the 2019 PDST Wellread and Poetry Awards.  Our pupil travelled to the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone along with many other teachers and pupils from all over Ireland.  The PDST Wellread and Poetry Awards focuses on the potential of poetry enabling us to use language in new and exciting ways as well as being an outlet for self-expression.  Attendees heard former Director of the Galway Arts Festival and children's author Patricia Forde speak about how her love of reading influenced her decision to become a writer.  Author Dave Rudden, congratulated all award winners via video-link and praised them for bravely pursuing their creative endeavours. Congratulations to all pupils, teachers, and staff involved.

Basketball National Competition

The High School Senior Boys' basketball team will play in the semi-final of the U19s Boys National Schools Cup next Tuesday 10 December at the Oblate Hall, Inchicore against Ballymakenny College, Drogheda.  We congratulate the pupils on reaching the semi-final and we wish the team every success as they progress through the competition. 

HSD Confirmation Classes

The High School will host a series of confirmation classes given by the Revd Stephen Farrell beginning in the Library on Wednesday, 11 December at 7.30 pm.  All pupils enrolled at The High School (including those who have no links with a particular parish) are most welcome to attend.  The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson will confirm candidates at Rathfarnham Parish Church on Sunday, 9 February 2020 at 10.30 am.  If your son and/or daughter is interested in attending these classes (which last roughly 45 minutes) or if you wish to make further enquiries please contact Margaret Healion (Parish Administrator) at zionparish@gmail.com.

Form 4 Geography

As part of our Geography module on culture we completed projects about different countries. We made Powerpoint presentations on each country and its culture and presented them to the class.  Then we dressed up in the colours of our country's flag or in traditional clothing and made food from that country for everyone in the class to try. It was a colourful affair and a sensual experience. We learned so much about different cultures and people in this enjoyable module.
Cillian West

Form 3 Study Skills

Last week pupils from Form 3 enjoyed an afternoon with their Form Teachers brushing up on their study skills and revision techniques in preparation for the upcoming mock examinations.  They learned how to take notes, use mindmaps, and monitor their timing when answering questions.  They also discussed ways of dealing with exam stress, the importance of exercise, and a good night's sleep.  It was a very useful afternoon. 

Christmas Examinations

Pupils from Forms 1, 2, and 5 sat their Christmas examinations last week as part of half-yearly assessment.  They will receive feedback from teachers this week.  Parents and guardians will receive school reports for Forms 1, 2, and 5 in hard copy before the end of the Autumn term; reports for Forms 3, 4, and 6 are being completed and will be posted shortly.   It is strongly recommended that parents and guardians take the time to review reports with individual pupils to identify areas for improvement.  Well done to everyone who has worked so hard this term.

Electric Power Points

At The High School we are keen to embrace Green initiates. Electric cars are generally believed to be greener than internal combustion engine vehicles and they are becoming increasingly more common on our roads.  In light of this 
parents, teachers, and visitors may now charge their electric vehicles at The High School. There are two charging points situated in the car park to the right of the main entrance.

HSD Parents' Association Donation

Many thanks to The High School Parents' Association who donated funds to purchase new decorations for the school Christmas tree.  A number of excited pupils from Form 6 immediatley put them to good use.  Their fine work is on display in the Reception area.