Vol 23 No 33    01 June 2018

Farewell to the Class of 2018 

Last Wednesday we bid farewell to the Class of 2018 as they gathered together for the last time with parents and staff from The High School for the graduation ceremony.  The evening began with a beautiful service at Zion Church at which the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, presided and preached.  The liturgy was chosen by Form 6 pupils themselves with a selection of prayers read by James Metoudi, Munachi Anele (Head Girl) Avery Angle, Olivia Cunningham, and Kitty Walsh Dignam.  The recessional, Meditation by Thais, was played by violinist Fiachra de hOra (Leader of The High School Orchestra).  The evening continued at The High School, where Form 6 and their parents were welcomed by the Principal.  Form 6 Year Head, Dr Whitford spoke warmly about the pupils who have been under her care for the last two years.  Munachi Anele (Head Girl) and Dylan Walsh (Head Boy) spoke movingly about their experiences over the last six years at The High School.  Form 6 musicians took to the stage to perform a number of  musical pieces, while members of school choir and orchestra performed a rousing medley of Abba songs and the evening finished with a flourish.  We bid our pupils a fond farewell and wish them every success in the forthcoming state examinations.   

Oh What a Night! - The HSD Summer Concert

The annual Summer Concert took place on Wednesday 16 May in The Reynolds Hall. We had a great opportunity to listen to a variety of soloists and groups perform classical and contempory pieces.  It was an emotional night for some Form 6 pupils as it was their last concert at The High School - including the hosts James Kinsella and Kerry-Anne Timmins, and orchestra leader, Fiachra de hOra, who performed a spectacular violin solo.  The finale was a breathtaking rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen performed by choir, orchestra, and guitar.  Overall, it was a excellent concert.  Thanks to everyone who performed and participated in such a wonderful night. 
Nathan Hutchinson Edgar

Staff Portraits Exhibition

In the middle of November, Mr Hanan gathered some of the school's artists to take part in portrait club.  The project was to paint a staff portrait so step one was for each pupil to choose a teacher to paint.  After we had chosen our teachers we brought them up to the art room to take the perfect picture, which we would eventually base our portrait on.  We asked the teachers to pose in different ways, using obscure props and various kinds of lighting to create an inspiring image.  The images were edited, printed off, and work began.  We started by gridding A1 pieces of board and sketched our pictures.  Once we had drawn them we added colour and tone.  Various media were used such as acrylic paint and oil pastel.  It took some time to complete the portraits as an incredible amount of work went into them.  We worked after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in any spare time, to eventually complete them all around Easter.  They were displayed in school from the 14 -26 May and an exhibition was held on the evening of 26 with pupils, family, and teachers.  Overall, the portrait club was a huge success and everyone is delighted to have taken part.
Anna Lyons  

Floral Flights of Fancy

At The High School we have enthusiastic, talented artists in every year group.  Here are just some of the wonderful monochrome designs created by our Form 1 pupils recently.  The seasonal floral theme inspired pupils and gave them a chance to experiment with shading and contrast. 

Rock-Pop Show

Form 4 pupils held a concert in The Reynolds Hall last week as part of their Rock-Pop Transition Year module.  Bands, duos, and soloists took to the stage in front of a packed hall to perform their pieces.  Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. 

Junior Certificate Materials Technology Wood

Form 3 pupils have complete a fine collection of impressive projects as part of their Junior Cerificate examination in Materials Technology Wood.  Combining elements of design and carpentry, any home would be happy to display such skilled craftmanship.

Duais an Fháinne 

An Fáinne is worn to show that you are able to and are willing to speak Irish.  Congratulations to all the Form 4 pupils who achieved the Fáinne this year.  

Summer Drama Camp at The High School

A Starcamp Summer Camp will take place at The High School from 16-20 July and 7-11 August.  Contact www.starcamp.ie to book a place.

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A Note For Your Diary:

The HSD Parents' Association will run its annual second-hand school uniform and book sale in The Reynolds Hall on Saturday 23 June between from 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.  It will also be possible to reclaim items of named lost property at this event.  New uniforms will also be available to purchase at this event.  The school will publish book lists for the academic year 2018/19 on its website in advance of the event.