Vol 30 No 15     13 Dec 2024

East Leinster Schools Victory 

Congratulations to the Senior 1 basketball team who defeated Harold's Cross ETS to secure victory in the final of the East Leinster Schools league competition.  We warmly congratulate the team on its achievements to date and wish all members of the squad every success in the forthcoming provincial competition.
Mrs Murdoch

Leinster Schools League Final

The High School Senior Rugby team proudly participated in the final rounds of the Leinster Schools league competition at Donnybrook Stadium this week.  Despite not emerging victorious, we commend their exceptional performance and dedication to the game. They faced tough competition and some unfortunate injuries, but their tremendous effort makes us incredibly proud of our players.  Thank you to the loyal supporters who attended the final and for the wonderful artists - namely, Lauryn Doyle, Emily McAdam-Kavanagh, Tanya Collier and Cian Lynch - who created a collection of outstanding portraits to cheer the team along. 
Ms Garland

HSD Swimming Gala Win

Congratulations to The High School swimming team on winning The King’s Hospital Swimming Gala for the second consecutive year!  Facing tough competition our swimmers displayed exceptional talent and teamwork to claim the top spot once more.  This fantastic achievement highlights their hard work and dedication along with the support of their coaches.  Well done to everyone involved—you have done the school proud yet again!
Ms Jones

Leinster Schools League Final

On Wednesday, the HSD Junior Cup Team played against CBS Naas in a league semi-final fixture. The previous week's match had ended in a draw with victory slipping away from us in the final seconds. Therefore, we were determined to make amends in the replay.  The first half saw both teams evenly matched exchanging plays back and forth.  Despite our strong performance we conceded a try due to a charge down just metres away from our try line.  As we entered the second half trailing 7-0 we remained confident in our ability to turn the game around. The start of the second half was promising as we applied immense pressure on our opponents through strategic kicking and aggressive defence.  Luke Thornton scored a crucial try from close range which Cormac Kilroy successfully converted to level the scores.  The rest of the match was tense as we continued to dominate at set pieces particularly lineouts.  Our persistence paid off when Kilroy secured a vital penalty kick granting us a 3-point lead.  Despite our opponents' attempts to rally late in the game our solid defensive efforts forced errors on their part.  In the closing minutes of play they gained an opportunity near our try line following some mistakes on our part.  However, showcasing our prowess once more at the lineout we managed to steal possession and clear the ball off the field securing victory and a place in the league final for The High School.
Ben Shenton

International Hockey

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievement of former pupil Ben Pasley (HSD, 2018–23), who recently earned his first cap in the FIH Pro League held in Argentina. Ben played against England alongside fellow past pupils Conor Empey, (HSD, 2011-17) and Alistair Empey (HSD, 2013-19) marking a proud moment for The High School community.  During his time here, Ben represented The High School, Leinster, and Ireland in age grade teams with distinction. This milestone highlights his dedication and talent and we look forward to following his continued success on the international hockey stage.
Mr Fitzpatrick

HSD Past Pupil Reunion

The Past Pupils' Union organised a reunion for the Class of 1974 recently which was a resounding success.  A fantastic turnout and a spirit of camaraderie made this year’s event truly memorable.  Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the wonderful atmosphere.  It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces reconnecting and sharing memories.  We look forward to welcoming even more alumni at our annual dinner on 25 January 2025.  Save the date and let’s make it another occasion to remember.
HSD PPU Committee

Form 3 Art

Last week Form 3 pupils studying Art recharged their batteries after completing their CBA2 by completing a quick colour exercise that involved using complimentary pairs in the colour they mixed. 
Ms Killane

Form 1 Art

Form 1 pupils studying have completed their pop art lino prints.  Look at the wonderful results! Well done to all. 
Ms Killane

Rathfarnham Parish Christmas Appeal

At this time of year we are always grateful for donations of new toys, books, puzzles, and toiletry gift sets for children and teenagers in need.  We are also hoping to make up Christmas hampers for families in need.  If you would like to donate a tin of biscuits/sweets, Christmas puddings, mince pies, selection boxes, or any other luxury item we would really appreciate it.  If you are in a position to help, please bring your gifts to Rathfarnham Church on Sunday 15 December.  Please be mindful that to maintain the magic of Christmas for children all items must be new and unopened if at all possible. 
Rathfarnham Parish Office

Student Council 

Last Friday, representatives from The High School’s Student Council met with several members of Stratford College’s Student Council to discuss a variety of topics and issues impacting our schools.  These topics included changes to anti-bullying policy, strategies for successful fundraising, and how we can promote global citizenship within our student communities.   

The discussion was not only productive, but also a brilliant opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from our respective experiences, and strengthen ties.  This visit to Stratford College is part of an emerging tradition of dialogue and friendship between the two councils. We would like to express our gratitude to Ms Hutchinson Edgar for facilitating this visit.  

On a related note, the Student Council is excited to say that we now have our own noticeboard!  Located on the A-floor just outside the common room, recent news, relevant contact details, and other useful information will be posted here.  This is part of our aim to increase the Student Council’s transparency and make it easier for students to reach out with their ideas and concerns.  We would like to thank Mr Forrest and Mr Tobin for their support in making this possible.  
Olivia Leonard
Secretary
Student Council 

Christmas Baking!

Pupils studying Home Economics are getting into the festive spirit with their delicious Christmas baking.  The school is filled with the sweet aroma of delightful seasonal goodies!

Ms Burrowes 
Communications Coordinator