Vol 29 No 30    24 May  2024

HSD Class of 2024

This week we bid a fond farewell to the HSD Class of 2024, marking the occasion with an uplifting last Assembly which featured musical performances by Form 6 pupils. On Tuesday afternoon members of the school community gathered at Zion Church for The High School Graduation Service, presided over by the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Primate of Ireland and Metropolitan. Then on Wednesday afternoon our most senior pupils and their families gathered in the Gymnasium at a ceremony to celebrate the last six years at The High School. There were musical performances of popular songs, culminating with the presentation of HSD Certificates of Graduation to each pupil in turn.  Afterwards, refreshments were served in the Dining Hall and pupils, parents, families, and members of staff gathered in the Millenium Garden to chat and take photographs.  And then it was suddenly time for all those gathered there to take their leave.  We should like to wish the HSD Class of 2024 every success in the Leaving Certificate and in whatever their futures hold.  

Sports Day

On 17 May The High School hosted its annual Sports Day. It was a fantastic occasion for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and the atmosphere throughout was incredible. This was our first Sports Day at HSD and all participants displayed remarkable effort making it a truly enjoyable experience for all. We were delighted by the success of our classmates Damian Loughman and Ellen Oldrey who won 8 and 7 medals, respectively! Witnessing the impressive athleticism of our peers was truly inspiring. Following the races, various field events and fun activities took place including shot-put, javelin, high jump, long jump, basketball, Gaelic football, and volleyball among others. With a diverse range of sports available for everyone to participate in pupils and staff alike enjoyed an outstanding day. We can't wait for next year!
John Clerkin and Jasper McSweeney

International Mathematical Olympiad

Form 6 pupil William Wu has secured a spot on the Ireland Team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Only six individuals in the country qualify for this team. William achieved 4th place in the recent tests to secure his position. He is scheduled to accompany the team in July to represent The High School and  Ireland at the IMO. This accomplishment is truly remarkable and well-deserved. Separately,.William also received a conditional offer to read Mathematics as an undergraduate at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.  It is a significant honour to be selected for this stage of the process and we wish him every success as he enters the highly competitive race for the small number of places on offer to read Mathematics at Cambridge in 2024-25.

HSD Phone Free Initiative

In line with many schools today, The High School has recently completed a consultation process with both staff and parent/guardians in relation to a possible mobile phone free initiative.  

Our recent survey of parents had 634 responses. The results indicated clear support with 81% of parents/guardians indicating they would support such an initiative. Of those 12% of respondents who indicated they ‘might’ support an initiative, the questions or concerns raised related mostly to practical issues in relation to communication with their children as well as a very small number of pastoral care issues.  

Similarly, the proposed initiative also enjoys strong support amongst our staff. Whilst recognising the value of mobile phones as a teaching tool, it was agreed that in nearly all cases alternative technologies and/or teaching strategies could facilitate the initiative. 

Any proposed initiative would have the following objectives: 

1. Minimise or remove the distraction of mobile phones from teaching and learning.

2. Create a phone free zone in our pupil’s lives (at least during school hours) and promote increased socialisation and recreational activity during breaks. 

3. Nurture a learning environment that promotes online safety, emotional wellbeing, and positive mental health. 

A proposed HSD phone free initiative is currently being planned for implementation from the beginning of the academic year 2024-25. Subject to Board of Management approval, details of the proposed scheme will be formally communicated to all parents/guardians in due course. This will include an FAQ document to address some of the specific questions raised during the consultation process.   

Summer Concert

You know it is May when The Reynolds Hall echoes to the sound of music and it is time for the annual Summer Concert.  For over two hours we were spellbound by musical performances of every genre. The school choir and orchestra, bands, and soloists shared the stage in what is one of the highlights of the school calendar.  Inside the packed auditorium those gathered were lifted by the beautiful harmonies and cadences of violin, clarinet, trombone, double bass, viola, voice, guitar, and piano. As always the evening is a bitter-sweet triumph for some pupils as it marks the end of six happy years performing music at The High School. We wish to thank Form 6 members of The High School Orchestra and Choir who are leaving us this year for all of their hard work playing at school events and official occasions during all of that time. We hope that they will return each year and join us in The Reynolds Hall for an unforgettable evening of music at the Summer Concert. 

Form 3 Wood Technology

We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our Form 3 Wood Technology pupils who have successfully completed their final Junior Cycle projects. Each pupil has demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication, resulting in a collection of outstanding projects that reflect their growth and learning throughout the course. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success in future endeavours. Well done to all our talented young woodworkers!
Mr Kingston

Form 3 

We would like to wish Form 3 the very best in their upcoming Junior Cycle examinations!
Ms Missen, Ms Roullet, Ms Toolan, Mr Barry, Mr Langrell, and Mr Sullivan

Construction Studies

Congratulations to Form 6 Construction Studies pupils who have finally completed their Leaving Certificate projects after many months of hard work.  The design and carpentry skills at our school are certainly exceptional.  As you can see all that endeavour has been well worth it: the results speak for themselves.
Mr O'Sullivan

Leinster Schools Rugby Selection

Congratulations to Maya Neely who was selected to represent The High School on the Leinster Schools 7s squad in the final matches of the interprovincial tournament last week. Amongst 8 teams representing the four provinces, Leinster secured a commendable fourth place. Well done, Maya!

Dave Taylor Race

Congratulations to James Howe on winning The High School Dave Taylor mile race in school and for clinching the Cup!

Locker Notice

The academic year is drawing to a close so please note that all pupils must clear out their belongings from school lockers before the end of Summer Term.

HSD PA Summer BBQ

The annual High School Parents' Association Summer BBQ will take place on the evening of Friday 31 May. All are welcome to attend.

Library Books Reminder

All pupils are required to return Library books to the W B Yeats Library promptly.  An amnesty is currently in place for late returns, so no questions will be asked! It is important to have them all back before the end of the school year.
Ms Wiggle