Vol 23 No 11    24 November 2017

Senior Drama Triumph

Our Senior Drama production of 'Ghost - The Musical' ran from Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 November.  Following months of rehearsals back stage was a hive of nervous activity.  The excitement was indescribable.  By the time we came onstage, the adrenaline provided endless energy to give our performances that extra edge, something special that only happens with live theatre.  Led by a wonderful cast, the audience was brought on an emotional journey which included beautiful renditions of songs featured in the original Broadway show.  Powerful, dark themes were finely balanced with light humour and high drama, keeping the audience riveted throughout.  Each night, following the play's heart-wrenching ending and numerous standing ovations, the auience commented on the high quality of our school production.   We are certainly sad that 'Ghost - The Musical' has come to an end, but we learned so much from the entire process.  It was an experience worth doing and one that we will never forget.
Katie Moore

ISTA Victory

We are delighted to announce that The High School won the regional final of the ISTA (Irish Science Teachers' Association) quiz at University College Dublin last week.  The pupils were quizzed on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as some topical Science questions.  This achievement will allow the HSD team to compete in the National Final of the event which will be held at Trinity College, Dublin.  Congratulations to The High School Science team.

Science Week

Last week we celebrated Science Week at The High School.  Several events and competitions took place with pupils in all forms being involved.  The week began with an exciting demonstration of some fun experiments for Form 1 pupils by Form 3 pupils from Science Club.  Later in the week, Form 4 pupils were treated to a thought-provoking talk on future technologies and careers by the NewsTalk
radio presenter of the show Future Proof, Jonathan McCrea.  Two competitions
were held – the challenge for Junior Cycle pupils was to design an infographic
with a scientific theme, while for Senior Cycle pupils the quest was for a new product design that would improve our lives.  Prizes will be awarded to each year group.  On Thursday, three teams of Form 6 Science pupils took part in the ISTA Senior Science Quiz Regional Finals at UCD, competing against local schools for the chance to qualify for the National Finals later in the month at Trinity College
Dublin.  Throughout the week there were Science competitions and displays in
the Library.  We were delighted with the levels of participation throughout which resulted in an exciting and fulfilling week for all concerned.
Dr Carol Whitford

Making A Difference Through Music and Theatre

Past pupil Emma Canning, (HSD 2010-16) is studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.  This Christmas, she and an ensemble cast of actors will be travelling to refugee camps in Athens with Wind-Up Penguin Theatre Company to run fun workshops and perform a self-devised show for hundreds of the children stranded there - giving these children a space to laugh, feel safe and play creatively.  The group is completely student run and self-funded and they are looking for some support.  Any donation, even the smallest, would help enormously towards covering basic costs such as flights, accommodation and transport.  Should you wish, you can support Emma and her fellow actors here.

MUN Event

Pupils from The High School were invited to participate in RADMUN 2017 held at a school in Glenageary.   It was a two-day conference from the 10 - 11 November.  We arrived at the school at 6.00 pm and began registration.  Each delegate received a name tag and was given a country to represent.  Delegates then met other delegates from other schools and we debated a number of issues.  Dinner was served at 8.00 pm after which we chatted and made friends with other delegates. The High School represented Ukraine and India.  We had a lovely conference and learned a great deal about other countries and other schools. 
Debbie Ogunkayode

Charity Race Night

Parents!  We are organising a Charity Race night at The High School on Saturday 25 November to raise money for the senior rugby and girls' hockey tour to the USA.  Tickets and entry on the night will be €10.  This will include a free drink (wine/beer or refreshment) and your race card.  A tote will also be available on the night with some great spot prizes.  Please send an email to reserve tickets or send in money for tickets with your son or daughter.  It should be a great evening with a raffle, music and other entertainment being provided.  All are welcome so please spread the word amongst friends and family.  If you require any further information please use the tour email address: hsdusatour@gmail.com
Mr Malin and Ms Jones