The Form 5 Geology class was treated last week to a talk by Dr Bill Schindler, an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland.  As both an experimental archaeologist and primitive technologist his research and teaching revolve around a comprehensive understanding of prehistoric technologies including lithic (stone tool) technologies, prehistoric ceramic technologies, projectile technologies, hunting, foraging, hide working, fibre technologies and all aspects of prehistoric food acquisition, processing, storage, and consumption. 

Dr Schindler opened the talk with an explosive practical demonstration, showing us how people from the Palaeolithic made tools out of stone.  He had a lot to teach us about the different types of rocks, their practical uses as tools, as well as the way in which tool use has shaped the evolution of human beings over time. We had a great opportunity to examine rare rock types used by these ancient humans and reconstructions of artefacts that they left behind.  Afterwards Dr Schindler was happy to answer our many questions on the topic.  We all had a great time and learned much from his talk.
James Cole

Rowing Success

Congratulations to our fabulous rowers who competed at the Rowing Ireland Schools Regatta recently.  Aine Ryan and Daisy O'Toole came second in Under 23 double. Sam Daly and Oliver O'Toole came fifth in the Under 23 pair.  Alison and Sarah Daly came third out of 19 competing teams in the J16 double. 

Rainbow Run 

There will be a Rainbow Run taking place at The High School on Saturday 12 May at 12.00 pm.  This has been organised by Form 1 pupils to support St John's Ward at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.  The event promises to be lots of fun so please come along and support it.  There is a sign-up sheet at Reception.

Reflection and Remembrance

You are welcome to join us for an evening of reflection and remembrance in The Reynolds Hall on Wednesday 9 May between 7.00-8.00 pm. This event is part of The High School Mental Health Week 2018.  We hope the evening will be an opportunity to reflect and remember the challenges and moments of sadness that we have shared both as a community and as individuals. 

 Positive mental health is not only about feeling good. In addition, being and feeling part of a community can have a meaningful and positive effect on our mental health.  The event will provide a space for the school community to reflect on the past year and remember important people in our lives.  The evening will consist of members of the school community reading poems and passages or playing and singing musical pieces that mean something to them.  I hope you will be able to join us.

International Biking 

Congratulations to Harry Byrne who participated at the Gravity Enduro Mountain Biking Competition (Round 1) at Ballinastoe, County Wicklow
where he finished 1st in the U21 category and finished 3rd overall in the event. 

He has also raced in the UK Gravity Enduro Round 1 in Innerleithen, Scotland where he secured 2nd place in his category winning four out of six stages and just losing out with a mechanical problem.  Harry really enjoyed this event even though it was very tough cycling 90km off-road over 2 days with 3600m of climbing.  Over the summer Harry will continue to race at the Irish Gravity Series, the Northern Ireland Vitus First Tracks series, and as many of the UK Gravity Enduro Rounds as possible!  We wish him every success in all future events.