Vol 24 No 30     31 May 2019

Farewell Class of 2019! 

Last Wednesday we bid farewell to the Class of 2019 as they gathered together for the last time with governors, staff, parents, and past pupils from The High School for the Graduation Ceremony.  They were welcomed to the event by the Principal and then the Year Head Ms Hutchinson Edgar spoke warmly about the pupils who have been under her care for the last two years.  Naia Byrne Paredes (Head Girl) and Naoise May (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 highlighting the impressive talents of so many in the Class of 2019.  The evening was a notable success.  Afterwards governors, staff, parents, and past pupils enjoyed refreshments and reflected on past, present, and future developments.  The school community took the time to recognise the momentous step that the event represented in the lives of our pupils.  Now that the goodbyes have been said we wish the Class of 2019 every success both in the forthcoming state examinations and beyond.  

Form 6 Art Portfolio Success

The High School Art Department had a Show and Tell event in the Library to exhibit the exceptional portfolio work of Form 6 pupils.   As they prepared for their Leaving Certificate they also dedicated themselves to completing a portfolio to apply for Art College.   Congratulations to Caitriona Brennan, Isabelle Carter, Wolf Chung,  Paul Gleeson, Matthew Kaye Mellor, Eva Kenna, and Leah Merriman who have been awarded places in their preferred Art and Design courses such as Animation, Textiles, Product Design, Photography, and Film.   We are proud of their achievements and it was wonderful to be able to share their work with pupils and staff.   Our Form 6 pupils have been an inspiration for other Art pupils at HSD and we look forward to following their creative careers with interest. 

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.

An Gaisce Award Winners

Congratulations to all Form 4 pupils who received their Gaisce certificates this week.  Their committment to The President's Award has been impressive and their achievement will stand to them in the coming years.  Well done to everyone!

Form 4 Glendalough Hike

During the week pupils from Form 4 gathered together for their annual end-of-year visit to Glendalough, Co Wicklow.  The Transition Year programme has given these pupils an opportunity to try new subjects, sample life in the workforce, and to enjoy experiential learning.  It was a pleasure to see these young men and women embrace every educational opportunity that came their way.  They have shown themselves to be mature, kind, respectful, and eager to do well.  The group has come to know one another and their teachers better during the year.  We have been delighted by their positive attitude and we look forward to teaching them again next year.  We wish all members of Form 4 the very best in the future! 

Road Safety Course

Form 4 pupils enjoyed visiting the Leinster Driving School at Maynooth, Co Kildare last week to brush up on their road safety skills.  The centre boasts an off-road facility where learner drivers can encounter some of the typical traffic control features in a safe and controlled environment. 

Summer Camps at The High School

A Starcamp Summer Camp will take place at The High School from 15-19 July and 6-10 August.  Contact www.starcamp.ie to book a place.
A  Learn It Summer Camp will also take at The High School from 29 July-2 August and 12-16 August. Contact www.learnit.ie to book a place.