Vol 27 No 02     10 Sept 2021

Class of 2020 Graduation

This week we finally said a heartfelt goodbye to the Class of 2020 at a belated end of year graduation.  For many, the last time that they were at HSD was in March 2020 so it was a nostalgic journey to return to the place where they began their second level education in 2014.   The sun shone, songs were sung, and the former Year Head Dr Whitford and Head Girl Jodie McAvinue treated us to memorable speeches that perfectly captured what The High School has meant to this particular group of past pupils.  The celebrations continued well into the afternoon for the pupils and their teachers who chatted and recalled many happy High School memories, and shared stories of their latest adventures.  As they return to their busy lives in work and college, we send them on their way with our best wishes for the years ahead and look forward to their next reunion at The High School. 

Meet Our New Staff

We are delighted to announce the return of Mr Barry, Mr Rankin, Ms Toolan, and Mr Walker to their positions at The High School.  We thank Mr Coleman, Ms Dawson, Ms Hession, Ms O'Neill, and Ms Rynne for their excellent service and wish them all the best for the future.  We offer warm congratulations and best wishes to Ms McDonnell, Mr O'Donovan, and Ms Stevenson following their retirement.   We also welcome the following new staff to The High School - (left to right) Ms White, Ms Harrison, Ms Forder, Ms Scott, Ms Keane, Ms Maher, Ms Small, Ms O'Brien, and Mr Langrell - and wish them every success in their appointments.

A Message from the Head Boy

Welcome back everyone to a new term at The High School!  After a long summer break we are back for the new academic year, ready to be part of the school community again.  The last 18 months have been tough, being in and out of lockdowns, but we can all hope for a less restrictive year to come.  The personal and social responsibility to keep one another safe is still very present but the resumption of the things we love is upon us.  Sport and recreation activities are well under way and I encourage every pupil to get involved as much as possible. To the new Form 1 pupils and any other new pupils: welcome! You are now part of the broad, supportive community that is The High School.  The Prefects and I have been appointed to these roles to help you, whether it is something simple like finding your class or something that needs more attention, the Prefects, teachers, and pastoral care team are always on hand to help.  We are delighted and honoured to be appointed to these roles and are very open to any suggestions, comments, or constructive criticism that you may have.  I wish everyone the best during the year and trust you will welcome the new opportunities and experiences to come.
Julian Hauxwell – Head Boy

WWF Fundraising

At the end of the last academic year The High School adopted seven animals from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).  Each year group and the staff adopted an animal. We sent out a form to collect name suggestions.  We organised a non-uniform day and collected donations raising over €1000.  Over the summer we were sent cuddly toys of the species we adopted.  These are on display in the Library.  Each toy also came with information about the WWF, their work, and how our contribution helped their cause.   To ensure that no animal is left without an owner when a Form 6 group leaves the school the incoming Form 1 group will inherit that animal.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause -  we believe we have helped to make the world a better place.
Leah McGrath and Tirzah Hutchinson-Edgar

Form 1 Hockey 

On Wednesday our Form 1 boys played a hockey blitz.  It was great to see them playing their first 8v8s.  We are looking forward to the future potential of this group. Form 1 boys hockey training is scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 4.00 - 5.15 pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Contact Ms Gray, Mr McBrien, Mr Howard, or Mr Fitzpatrick for further information.
Ms Gray