Vol 72 No 12     14 January 2022

HSD Senior Hockey Semi-final 

This was a semi-final like no other.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions no spectators were allowed to attend the Leinster Schoolgirls' Hockey Cup final at UCD.  Instead, the school rang to the sound of the game being broadcast on large screens, across three floors, on a myriad of devices.  We were united in willing our players to win a place in the final as the teams took their places on the pitch.  The opposition were first to take the lead, but soon afterwards The High School scored two goals, one of which was controversially disallowed.  The even score ultimately meant that we entered extra time and 1v1s.  Unfortunately the outcome did not go our way and so ended our team's cup run.  We want to thank the Senior 1 Girls' hockey team for bringing so much joy and excitement to the school over the last number of months.  It was thrilling to watch them progress through the competition, growing in confidence at every turn.  To quote their coach, former Ireland player Alison Meeke (HSD, 2003-09) - they are a fantastically talented bunch of players and we are  immensely proud of the way the played throughout this tournament. 

Form 4 Drama Visit

Recently the Form 4 Drama class had a school trip to The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art, a drama academy that is part of Trinity College Dublin.  We went on a backstage technical tour of the college, which explained all the aspects of theatre that make a show possible.  The tour was given by pupils in 2nd Year who were very knowledgeable and friendly.   During the course of the tour we were shown the various departments of the academy.   We met pupils and also the teachers who oversee the different departments.b They were able to tell us about what they do, how they do it and what it is like to study in The Lir.   Some of the highlights included the enormous costume department, the intricate and fascinating lighting systems and the art workshop where clever techniques are used to create realistic and stunning sets and backdrops.   After the tour we had a picnic lunch by the Samuel Beckett Theatre on the Trinity campus, a fitting end to the day!  Overall, it was a fantastic trip that gave us a better understanding of the complex workings of a theatre and an idea of what studying drama after school might be like. 
Jake O’Loughlin 

Art Exhibition

On Saturday January 15 at 7.00pm the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy will host an exhibition by artist and High School past pupil Rory Draper (HSD, 1996-2002) with his much anticipated solo exhibition ‘Breaking the Bubble’ with special guest speaker,  poet and playwright, also a member of The High School Alumni, Stephen James Smith (HSD,).  This exhibition is supported as part of First Fortnight Ireland’s Annual Mental Health Festival.  Due to current government health and safety regulations this is a ticketed event and vaccination passes/recovery certs will be checked on the night.  You can book a ticket here.

Mental Health -  Tips on How to Deal with Stress

What is Stress/Anxiety?
Physical or mental stress and the emotional anxiety that often comes with it is a normal, usually temporary and a sometimes-healthy response to challenging moments or situations we all experience in life.  All young people feel stressed and anxious at times, and it is very common among students in school and at examination time.  However, stress and anxiety can become problematic when we become overwhelmed, and when it becomes debilitating in terms of our general sense of personal wellbeing or our ability to function effectively.  Read more...

New Bicycle Storage Procedure

Please note all bikes must be locked at the designated bike sheds and at no other points of the grounds.  Commencing from Monday 17 January any bike locked to school property outside of the designated bike sheds will be padlocked and or have the locks removed/cut instantly.  The High School Dublin can take no responsibility for bikes locked outside of designated storage areas.

From Monday 17 January :

• Any bike locked to the 4G Rugby pitch may have its lock removed with immediate effect as this is a direct safety concern for users of the pitch.
• Bikes locked in other locations that are not designated bike storge areas will have a pad lock placed on them, unlocking of the same cannot be guaranteed until the following school day.

Jonathan Ellis
Finance & Estates Bursar
The High School

National Poetry Competition

Once again PDST is inviting pupils to enter its Write a Poem national poetry competition.  There are two categories: Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.   Each entrant may submit one poem.   The winning poets in each section will receive a commemorative plaque and their poem will be published on the PDST Post-Primary website and printed in the PDST National Poetry Award booklet.   Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 21 January 2022.  Read more...

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