The weekly roundup from The High School Dublin

Vol 23 No 8 27 October 2017

Happy Hallowe'en from The High School!

It has been a fruitful half term at The High School. We hope that all our pupils and staff get to enjoy a restful and revitalizing break over the coming week. Remember that Christmas examinations come early this year, just three weeks after our return, so make every moment count!

Royal Russell MUN conference

On Saturday 14 October, eleven senior pupils, accompanied by Mrs Wilson and Mr Rankin, travelled to London for the 36th Annual Royal Russell School International Model United Nations (MUN) Conference. We spent four busy days engaging in fruitful debate representing Norway, Spain, and Togo in our various committees. In the General Assembly we dealt with topics ranging from the decriminalisation of homosexuality to military build-up in the South China Sea. The weekend was both exhilarating and exhausting. We greatly look forward to returning to Croydon next October. If you have any interest in debating, politics, or current affairs, I would highly recommend giving MUN a try.
Hannah Kerr

All-Ireland Hockey Championship

Congratulations to the Senior 1 boys' hockey team who will represent The High School at the All Ireland Schools (Boys) Hockey Championship for the third successive year. We warmly congratulate the team on the significance of its achievements in 2016-17 and wish all members of the squad every success in the competition.
Mr P Fitzpatrick

Maths Week Ireland at the National Concert Hall

Recently, as part of Maths Week pupils from Form 5 went to the National Concert Hall to listen to a talk by Dr Aoife Hunt (mathematician and specialist in microsimulation) and Rob Eastaway (internationally renowned populariser of Maths). Dr Hunt spoke to us about the Maths behind crowd flow and predicting human behaviour which can be used to make large events safer for all involved. She did a demonstration that our very own Cormac Dempsey got involved in, which from the levels of cheering, we all loved. Rob Eastaway spoke about probability and how it can be used to increase your chances of winning a game. He did some demonstrations of the various games and scenarios in which you would use what he showed us and there were some prizes to be won. All in all, it was a great day - really interesting - and the perfect way to celebrate Maths Week Ireland.
Holly Perdue

This High School pupil was happy to 'talk maths' on RTE later that evening.

Form 3Study Skills

Last week pupils from Form 3 enjoyed a full day learning how to get the most from study time. They attended talks on learning techniques, mindfulness, and healthy eating. Part of the day also involved exercise, which is hugely beneficial, especially at examination time. Pupils from Forms 5 and 6 will participate in a similar course later in the year.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Team Hope delivers Christmas presents to children in areas who would normally never receive such a gift. Here's how to take part. Get an ordinary shoebox - any one will do. Then wrap the box and lid in wrapping paper individually. Put on the label provided by the Team Hope Team, stating the age and gender of the recipient. Then use the four W’s as a rough guide to put in your gifts!
Write: Something to use at school such as pencil, pen, paper, or a solar calculator!
Wash: Some hygiene items – a towel, wrapped soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wear: Something to wear – a hat, gloves, a scarf, or underwear.
Wow: A treat - something like sunglasses, a game, a toy, or a small musical instrument.

However please don’t put in war related items, scar items, medicine or chocolate, anything dangerous, liquids which could freeze or spill, or food which could go off. Otherwise, be creative and put in whatever catches your fancy.

Also, remember to add four euro to your box to pay for the shipping costs. Bring in your shoe-boxes by the 6 November, the first day back after the half term break. Please be generous and support this worthwhile cause.

Erasmian and Diocesan Times

The annual High School yearbook - The Erasmian and Diocesan Times - has just been published. It contains over 150 pages of colour photographs and articles detailing school life over the last academic year. Current pupils have been given a copy and if past pupils would like a copy, please contact The High School Past Pupils Union.

Lego Donation

We would like to thank all those who kindly responded to our recent appeal for The High School Lego Club. Donations of Lego came flooding in and pupils are delighted. We will keep you posted on the progess of the latest colourful creations!

Exam Solutions - Supervised Study

At HSD we offer a great service to help pupils and parents get organised for examinations. For a small amount of money, pupils can go to the Demonstration Theatre between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm after school to do homework and study in a phone-free environment under the careful supervision of Mr O'Brien. It is brilliant way to keep pupils focused on academic success.

A new session will start on Monday 6 November. Contact Mr McDonnell, Mr O'Brien, or the Office for application forms. Click here for more information.

Concern Bake Sale

Pupils from Form 3 held a bake sale during the week for the development charity Concern. They managed to raise €280 and delighted their fellow pupils with delicious, sweet treats at break time. Thanks to everyone who baked and supported this worthwhile cause.