Vol 25 No 1    30 August 2019

Welcome back!

Welcome back to another year at The High School Dublin.  We are delighted to announce the return of Ms Heffernan, Mr Keegan, Ms Rellis, and Ms Thorp to their positions.   We thank Dr Brusey, Ms Dowling, Ms Duggan, Ms Galligan, Ms Goulding, Ms March, Mr Middleton, Mr Mulligan, Ms Murphy, Ms O'Brien, Mr O'Connor, Mr Urwin, Mr Wahlrab,  and Mr Swanwick for their excellent service and wish them all the best for the future.  

We welcome the following new staff to The High School - Ms Byrne (Irish); Ms Clarke (Spanish); Mr Coleman (Learning Support/Resource Teacher); Mr Flaherty (Irish/History); Mr Kingston (Technical Subjects); Ms Little (Music); Ms Lowry (Geography); Mr Matthews (Biology/Science); Mrs McClean (Special Needs Assistant); Ms McDermott (Mathematics); Ms Nicholson (Physical Education); Ms O'Neill (Learning Support Resource); Mr O'Reilly Meehan (Irish); and Ms O'Sullivan (Irish).

There have been a number of important projects completed during the summer including the refurbishment of the Senior Common Room, girls' changing rooms, the front steps, school gates, and the balcony area of The Reynolds Hall.  A cashless system for catering as well as a facility for online payments to the school will be introduced during the Autumn term.  We are most grateful to the Grounds and Property Committee (as well as the Finance and Estates Bursar) for managing these improvements.

I am delighted to report that Leaving Certificate examination results at The High School in 2019 were most encouraging.  In summary, 84% of the papers taken at higher level achieved H5 or above; H8 or less was recorded on only 1.4% of all papers.  I should like to offer my warmest congratulations to all candidates on their individual successes.  I should like to congratulate all our pupils on their outstanding results and to thank my colleagues who have worked tirelessly on their behalf throughout their time at The High School.  I should like to wish all members of the school community every success in 2019/20. 

Mr G A Forrest
Principal

Oxbridge Success

Congratulations to past pupil Andrew Canning (HSD, 2013-19) who has been admitted to read for an undergraduate degree in Engineering at Magdalene College, Cambridge.  We wish him and all other past pupils of The High School every success in their academic studies and future careers.

Cricket Ireland International Representation

Congratulations to High School pupil Orla Prendergast who has earned her first cap for the Ireland Women's Cricket team which is an outstanding achievement.  We wish her and the Ireland team every success as they compete in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in the coming weeks.  Congratulations are also due to Ella Pasley who represented the Ireland U15 cricket team in The Netherlands this summer.   We are delighted by our pupils' fine achievements.

Ireland Hockey

Congratulations to Evan Jennings and Harry Lynch who were selected to compete with the Ireland U18 hockey squad against Scotland as well as in the Six Nations Tournament in Eindhoven this summer.  Isabel Bowen represented Ireland U16 at the Six Nations Hockey tournament in Holland as did Ben Whelan. It was also wonderful to see recent past pupils Alistair Empey (HSD, 2013-19), Conor Empey (HSD, 2011-17), and Alex Flynn (HSD, 2012-18) represent Ireland in the U21 Euro Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.  We wish our pupils every success as they compete for further honours at international level in the 2019-20 season.
Mr P Fitzpatrick

Prefect Training

A large number of Form 6 pupils enjoyed prefect training this summer in preparation for their duties at The High School.   We had each filled out a survey a few weeks previously and on arrival were handed a huge booklet describing our own unique personality.   This booklet explained how we can use different people's strengths to create the most efficient and effective team possible.   The day was run by an external company overseen by HSD staff who talked everyone through the booklets and gave us useful and encouraging tips. 
Jodie McAvinue (Head Girl)

Foundation Day Award

The Foundation Day awards are prizes awarded to pupils who have shown particular initiative in a whole-school context.  To be eligible for consideration a pupil (or pupils) must be nominated in writing by two others.  The nomination should include a short statement listing reasons for further consideration.  Nominations are to be made in writing to the Principal by Friday 13 September.  The awards will be presented to pupils at the Parents' Evening and Prize Distribution on Wednesday 23 October.

Winter Sports Programme

Playing sport is a great way to meet new friends, learn skills, and stay fit.  There is something for everyone to enjoy at The High School - so why not give it a try? 

Times:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 1600 - 1730.
Hockey: 1st session, 1600 - 1720; 2nd session, 1720 - 1830.
Wednesday: 1330 - 1500 (training). Match times will vary - see Sports Calendar. Saturday: Boys' Rugby, 1000 - 1130; Junior Boys' Basketball, 1130 - 1300. 
Swimming: Juniors, 1800 - 1845; Seniors, 1845 - 1930; Terenure College.