Vol 29 No 16     12 Jan 2024

SCT Rugby Victory

We knew it would be a tough game from our previous close win in the league. The game started off with a huge defensive effort forcing St Andrew's College to kick for points after getting a penalty.  We quickly responded by an excellent try from Milo Lavelle. After brilliant attacks from the backs and great defence we went in at half time leading 5-3.  Fired up after half time and with the crowd cheering us on Evan Kelleher flew through a gap, leaving Elliot Walsh to boot the ball over the posts to make it 12-3.  The opposition kept fighting and scored two tries to lead by a point.  Staying composed we perfectly executed a maul to allow Milo Lavelle to get his second try of the game.  It was left to number eight Samuel McNamara to go from deep for a brilliant individual effort from 80 metres, converted by Elliot Walsh.  However, the opposition didn’t give up and scored a try to end the game with a winning 24-18 score.  We were absolutely delighted and celebrated with the incredible support from the crowd.  We are looking forward to the quarter final on Wednesday at 3.30pm in Donnybrook against Presentation College, Bray. Tickets to enter the stadium can be purchased from Leinster Rugby at this link: https://www.universe.com/events/F245QW.  The High School will be providing a bus to and from the game for all pupils in Forms 1, 2, and 3. The bus will leave the school at 2.45 pm. Tickets for the bus will be on sale outside The Reynolds Hall on Monday at lunch time only!  They will cost €3 each.  All Senior Cycle pupils will be making their own way to and from the game having secured parental permission in advance.
Samuel Neeley (Captain)

Father Godfrey Cup Win 

We left the school at 11.40 am and nerves were kicking in on the bus.  Many of us had played in the first round last year so had experience of what was to come.  When we arrived at Energia Park the conditions were perfect for us and everyone was confident that we’d prepared well, although we knew it would be tough having played The King's Hospital on two occasions this season, with one win and one loss.  After we had togged out and strapping had been done, we were ready for the warm up.  I won the coin toss and chose to kick off.  Everything ran smoothly and kick off was approaching rapidly.  Everyone was hyped-up in the dressing room and ready to hit the field.  We ran out as The High School crowd cheered us on. We got off to a perfect start as Karac Tipping got his hands on our kick off and we were in a good position.  Unfortunately, we gave up possession at the breakdown and suffered a three point loss to a penalty.  Heads didn’t drop as we went up the corner of the pitch as Alex Clarke Wallace touched down for our first try to make it 5-3.  Mark Sargent followed suit adding on the two points.  The first half played out and we had chances to increase the score but gave away a lot of penalties at the breakdown.  After a heroic tap in field from Karac Tipping, we attacked them with speed and went coast to coast with Aran Loftus adding five points for us in the corner.  We led at half time 12-3 and were looking good.   We came out in the second half and conceded two tries in quick succession.  They missed both conversions so we were trailing 12-13.  Our backs were against the wall but we’d been in a similar position many times over the last few years. I moved to centre and we called to the bench to bring in reinforcements.   The crowd spurred us on and we got a penalty right under the posts.  Gethin Kelleher tapped it over to regain the lead 15-13.  We knew it would be tough to see it out with around 15 minutes left.  Their restart let them down as it didn’t go 10 metres and we had a scrum on the half way line.  Quick feet from Shay Walsh got us in a prime position to increase the lead.  The power of the pack worked relentlessly to try and get over the line. Eventually Ruairi O’Luanaigh Hall found a gap and gave us the lead.  With just over five minutes on the clock we had to play smart.  Many big hits were made as we pushed our opponents back into their own 22.  We regained possession but couldn’t capitalise on it.  After numerous scrums our opponents finally broke the line in the last play.  Charlie McFeely sprinted back across the pitch and brought down the winger.  He was by himself and Alex Clarke Wallace got his hands on the ball and earned us a penalty to win the game.  I tapped it and smashed it into touch to seal the win.  We went over and enjoyed it with the support before going back into the dressing room.  The SCT captain Samuel Neely came in and gave us some kind words before handing over the speaker.  We blared a few tunes before limping out to the bus.  All eyes are on the second round of the Father Godfrey Cup when we will play St Gerard's School on Thursday 18 January at 2.30pm at Lakelands (Terenure College).  
Sean Cleary (Captain)

Form 6 Politics and Society

We are Form 6 Politics and Society pupils. For our Leaving Certificate project we have been tasked with researching an NGO working in a humanitarian crisis. We have been working with the NGO World vision and our goal is to raise awareness for their current campaign ENOUGH.   World Vision Ireland is a child-focused humanitarian and development support organisation dedicated to helping children the world’s most vulnerable children.   As the world’s largest child focused NGO, they reach children in some of the most dangerous places and circumstances where children are impacted by challenges such as hunger, violence, extreme poverty, conflict, and climate change.  They use their experience and infrastructure to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice, and work to transform communities, respond to disasters, and seek global change by advocacy and peacebuilding with and for children.  We would really appreciate a moment of your time to complete a brief six-question survey.  To get started please click this link.
Emily Leonard and Sophie Donnan

HS&D Past Pupils’ Union Dinner

We are delighted to announce that Senator David Norris will be the guest of honour at the HS&D Past Pupils’ Union Dinner on 27 January, 2024 David, a past pupil of The High School Dublin, will receive the Distinguished Past Pupil Award to mark his catalogue of achievements. As he retires from public life, we are delighted that David has agreed to share his wisdom, humour, and insights as we reflect on his impactful career. We would love to see as many of you as possible at the dinner and would particularly welcome reunion groups. If you are celebrating a significant anniversary of leaving school perhaps you would consider putting a table of your classmates together.

Where: The High School, Danum, Zion Road, Dublin 6
When: 27th January 2024
Time: Dinner 7.00pm sharp
Cost: €70 per person, student price €35
Dress Code: Black Tie

Reservations will be accepted by e-mail to info@hsdppu.com but your booking will only be confirmed when payment is received. Past Pupils are welcome to bring guests to the dinner. Payments can be made as follows: By Bank Transfer: direct into the HSD PPU account using the following BIC--BOFIIE2DXXX, IBAN IE46BOFI90001753902462. You can also use Revolut: Greg Hopkins @gregoru2m.  Cheques are also an option.  They should be crossed and made payable to the HSD Past Pupils’ Union. Please do not send cash. Please complete the form below and send with your cheque. If your intention is to attend the dinner, I would ask you to please let us know by email as soon as possible and to make your payment promptly after that to reserve your place at the dinner. This will greatly assist the committee to manage numbers and to ensure that your spot at the dinner is guaranteed The deadline for applications is Friday 19th January 2024 or when tickets sell out. Members wishing to reduce or cancel applications must do so on or before this date otherwise money cannot be refunded.
Ken Gibson
President
HS&D PPU, 2023–24

Form 1 Hockey

Congratulations to the Form 1 B team on their great win against Mount Temple Comprehensive School on Wednesday.  Well done, everyone!

Diocesan Secondary School for Girls 

With the 175th anniversary of the Diocesan Secondary School for Girls and the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Diocesan with The High School taking place in 2024 we have planned a number of events and celebrations throughout the year. We are looking for any past pupils or past teachers of Diocesan to get in touch with us. We want to invite you to attend a gathering on Friday 8 March to meet with some of our current pupils, have a tour of the archive and school, and to share memories and stories. We are also looking for memorabilia associated with the Diocesan Secondary School for Girls. Perhaps you have an old prize, medal, piece of sport's equipment, uniform, or a photograph lying around? If so please feel free to contact the school directly via the Office or by email at office@highschool.ie and we will get in touch with you.

Zion Parish Book Sale 

Zion Parish will be holding a Monster Book Sale on between Thursday 7 and Saturday 9 March at Zion Church, Bushy Park Road, Rathgar.  This Monster Book Sale is a fundraising event for Zion Church and the monies raised will help towards our ongoing ministry to parishioners, local schools, local hospitals and charities, and the wider community.  We are conscious that our parish holds a special place in the life of all those associated with The High School – pupils, past pupils, parents, and many others.  We would really appreciate your support by donating new or second-hand books and jigsaws to Zion Parish Office, Bushy Park Road from Monday 5 February or by coming along to the Book Sale.  Our Monster Book Sale will take place in Zion Church on Thursday 7 March to Saturday 9 March – 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.  If you have any queries please contact John (087 149-7744) or Margaret (087 417-6864) at any time.
Revd David White
Rector
Zion Church

P.S.  If you have some information or news that you think we could feature in our school newsletter, please let us know.  Click here to get in touch.
Ms Burrowes 
Communications Coordinator