Vol 30 No 29    23 May 2025

Graduation Class of 2025

This week we bid a fond and heartfelt farewell to the HSD Class of 2025, marking this important milestone with a joyful and memorable series of events. On Monday morning they gathered in The Reynolds Hall for the final Form 6 Assembly, which featured uplifting and energetic musical performances. It was a fitting start to a week of celebration and reflection. On Tuesday afternoon, pupils, staff, and parents assembled at Zion Church for the Graduation Service, led by the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Primate of Ireland and Metropolitan. The service was a moving occasion, honouring each pupil’s journey through their time at The High School.

Then, on Wednesday afternoon our most senior pupils and their families gathered in the Gymnasium for the Graduation Ceremony—a celebration of the past six years of hard work, growth, and achievement. The afternoon featured performances of popular music, heartfelt speeches, and the presentation of HSD Certificates of Graduation to each pupil in turn. Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the Dining Hall, and pupils, families, and staff gathered in the Millennium Garden to share memories, take photographs, and say their goodbyes. And then, all too quickly, it was time to part ways.

We would like to extend our warmest wishes to the HSD Class of 2025 as they prepare for their Leaving Certificate examinations and the exciting paths that lie ahead. We are proud of all you have achieved—and will continue to achieve—and we look forward to hearing about the next chapter of your journeys.

Oscars Kids Foundation

Last month pupils in Forms 5 and 6 came together to honour the memory of our past pupil, Freya Fitzpatrick (HSD, 2022-24), who sadly passed away in February this year, and was a much-loved member of our school community. She is remembered for her strength of character, kindness, and dedication—as both a pupil and a talented football player for Templeogue Synge Street. Freya was also a passionate advocate for women in sport and firmly believed in equal opportunities for all athletes. In her honour Ms Fallon organised a mixed football tournament for pupils from Forms 5 and 6 who formed mixed teams and played a series of short, friendly matches.  Each participant made a donation to the Oscar’s Kids Foundation, and together they raised over €500 in Freya’s memory. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part or donated to this worthy cause.

Sports Day

There was excitement in the air at The High School for the much-anticipated annual Sports Day—a beloved tradition where the entire school community comes together in celebration of energy, effort, and enthusiasm. The morning began under a blanket of soft grey cloud, but before long the skies cleared and the sun broke through. Laughter and cheers echoed as pupils sprinted, danced, leapt, and raced their way through a packed schedule of events. From classic tug-of-war and novelty events to high-octane relay races, there was no shortage of spirited competition. As the sun began to dip and the final cheers faded, an unexpected visitor made a quiet appearance. Impossibly, a lone deer emerged from the edge of the playing fields, pausing for a moment to observe the scene—an unlikely, silent witness to another wonderful Sports Day at The High School. 

Summer Concert

You can always tell it’s May when music fills The Reynolds Hall once again for the annual Summer Concert. For over two hours, the audience was captivated by a vibrant array of musical performances spanning every genre. The stage came alive with the school choir and orchestra, ensembles, rock band, and talented soloists—each contributing to one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

Inside the packed hall, the music soared—from the rich tones of violin, viola, double bass, and clarinet, to the bold sounds of cello and guitar, and the expressive voices and piano melodies. The evening was, as ever, both joyful and poignant, especially for our Form 6 pupils for whom this marks a final performance after six years of musical dedication at The High School.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to these departing members of the Orchestra, ensembles, and Choir for their commitment and for enriching countless school events with their talent. We hope they will continue to join us in years to come for this special evening of celebration and music in The Reynolds Hall.
Ms Bourke

Athletics Success

Athletes from The High School recently competed in the East Leinster Athletics Championship, delivering outstanding performances. Both senior and junior pupils competed brilliantly, securing many gold, silver, and bronze medals. The day became one to remember as the atmosphere was supportive with everyone cheering each other on and celebrating our successes. Some pupils performed exceptionally well, qualifying for the Leinster Schools Track and Field Championship where they once again shone brightly and brought home plenty of medals. Impressively, several athletes have now qualified for the All-Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships later this month. We wish them the best of luck in their next competition!
Ms Fallon

Leinster Schools Senior Boys Final

The High School Senior Boys' Cricket team delivered a performance of grit, skill, and spirit in the Leinster Senior 1 Schools Final, narrowly losing to Catholic University School in an edge-of-the-seat finish that saw the result decided with just three balls to spare.

Batting first, The High School made a powerful start, with captain Ethan Clarke and Rob O’Brien forming a strong opening partnership. O’Brien was in commanding form, scoring an impressive 74 runs, while Clarke added a composed 33, guiding the team to 98/1 at the halfway mark. Gethin Kelleher then chipped in with a solid 39, and with support from the rest of the team, The High School finished on a competitive 204 for 7 from their 40 overs.

In response, CUS made a slow start, with The High School bowlers applying early pressure. Eli Clarke and Rob O’Brien both struck with key wickets, and by the final 10 overs, the match hung in the balance. A moment of brilliance from the field — a run-out executed by Kelleher and Clarke — shifted momentum back to The High School, and the closing overs were filled with drama. Despite determined fielding and disciplined bowling, CUS edged ahead in the final over, reaching the target with just three balls and four wickets remaining.

While the result was heartbreakingly close, the match showcased the talent, teamwork, and determination of our senior cricketers. The entire school community is proud of their efforts throughout the season and their dignified performance in the final.

Congratulations to Rob O’Brien, who was the standout batter on the day, and to all players and coaches for representing The High School with such excellence. We also extend our sincere congratulations to CUS on their well-fought victory.

The High School Senior Boys can hold their heads high after an unforgettable campaign.

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week took place 6 - 9 May this year. It is a significant week at our school annually. The Wellbeing Committee focused on a different theme each day during that week.

On Tuesday, the theme was "Connect." Connecting plays a vital role in our wellbeing as it helps us feel heard and supported. Members of the Wellbeing Committee greeted pupils with hugs, high fives, or smiles at the doors in the morning, adding beads to a 'hugometer' jar for each hug given. Eleanor Donnan emphasized the importance of connectivity during Assembly, while Lauren Collins and Marcelina Rubach performed a beautiful song. Mindful colouring activities were available at lunchtime for pupils to engage in conversations and connect with each other.

Wednesday's theme was "Take-Notice." Being mindful of oneself and others enables us to recognize when someone may be feeling down. Pupils were encouraged to give compliments to their peers throughout the day. Lauryn Doyle spoke about uplifting others through compliments during Assembly. A 'take-notice board' allowed pupils to express gratitude and share what they noticed made a difference in their lives.

Thursday focused on "Learn." Poppy Comerford discussed coping mechanisms for mental health during assembly, followed by discussions among pupils about effective coping strategies that helped them most. Musical performances provided an outlet for self-expression and highlighted music's positive impact on wellbeing.

Friday's theme was "Give." Face painting and music welcomed pupils at the doors as Megan Oldrey stressed the significance of giving back during our gathering at Assembly. Form 5 Monitors baked cookies sold in support of Pieta House during lunchtime fundraising efforts totaling over €600. Zumba sessions concluded Mental Health Week with lively participation from all pupils.

The creation of a mural symbolizing unity within our school community served as a lasting reminder of mental health awareness beyond that week's events. Teachers participated in an ice bucket challenge fundraiser for Pieta House, raising additional funds towards mental health support initiatives. The collective efforts of pupils and staff contributed significantly to making Mental Health Week impactful this year.
Emily Farrell

An Amsterdam Excursion

During the May Bank Holiday weekend, a group of Form 4 pupils, accompanied by their teachers travelled to Amsterdam for a cultural excursion. Over the four days, we visited the Ajax Stadium, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Efteling Theme Park, and a clog and cheese factory. We stayed at the Meininger Hotel for three nights and our year group bonded over a night of fun bowling and quizzes. The highlight of this visit for many pupils was going to the Efteling Theme Park where we made great memories on the rides and got to taste traditional Dutch food. We also explored many small towns and suburbs while enjoying all aspects of Dutch culture and loved exploring a new country with our fellow classmates. We are grateful to the teachers who organized and accompanied us on this excursion tour, namely Ms Gray, Mr Grant, Ms Finnegan, Mr Murphy, Ms Quinn, and Ms Byrne. 
Emily Kyle, Chloe Morris, and Mila Dimitrova

Form 3 Religious Education

The whole of Form 3 recently visited the Synagogue of the Dublin Hebrew Congregation in Terenure. The pupils received a warm welcome and were seated in the gallery of the building and were given a very engaging and informative talk by Nora Tillman, representative of the Dublin Hebrew Congregation. Nora talked to pupils about the history of the community, the features of the building, their writings and important rituals. She was very generous with her time and had a great wealth of information to impart. This was a wonderful opportunity for our Form 3 pupils as they prepare for the Junior Cycle examination. 
Ms Hutchinson Edgar

Mary Elmes Prize victories

Congratulations to Edward Li and Rosalyn Waghorn who were awarded first place in the History and Music sections, respectively and to Tanya Collier who was awarded third place in the History section of the Mary Elmes Prize in Holocaust Studies administered by the Holocaust Education Ireland (HEI).  We offer them our warmest congratulations on this achievement and wish them every success in their future studies.
Ms Hutchinson Edgar

Tennis Triumph

The High School tennis teams continue to shine on the courts with two outstanding victories in the Leinster Schools Tennis Division 3 competitions. The Minor team delivered a flawless performance against Rathdown School winning 5-0 in a dominant display of skill, teamwork, and determination. Every match was played with great spirit, reflecting the team's hard work and preparation. Not to be outdone, the Junior team also achieved a remarkable 5-0 victory over Oatlands College, securing their place in the final of the Leinster Schools Tennis Cup. The players demonstrated impressive focus and composure throughout, sealing a well-earned place in the upcoming final.

We would also like to extend our commiserations to the Senior Boys’ team, who played with great heart and commitment in their final against Drogheda Grammar School. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly missed out on the title. Their journey to the final was an impressive achievement in itself, and we are proud of their dedication and sportsmanship throughout the competition. We congratulate all of our players and coaches on an excellent season and wish our Junior team the very best of luck in their final.
Mr McDonnell

Student Council

Last Wednesday, representatives from The High School’s Student Council hosted a discussion with several members of Stratford College’s Student Council to talk through a variety of topics and issues impacting our schools.  These topics included communication with the student body, anti-bullying initiatives, and Leaving Certificate redevelopment. 

This was our fourth meeting over the past two academic years with Stratford College’s Student Council and we hope to continue this pattern of discourse and affinity between our two councils well into the future.  We believe that each meeting is a great opportunity to focus more clearly on our Council’s aims as there is a lot to learn from our respective experiences.  We would like to thank Ms Hutchinson Edgar for organising and facilitating their visit.  
Olivia Leonard (Secretary, Student Council)

Senior Debating

Congratulations to our debating pupils who recently took part in their first friendly debate against Stratford College. The event featured a mix of junior and senior team members, all of whom spoke with confidence and clarity. In a closely contested debate, The High School emerged victorious, winning by just a few points. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, and we look forward to hosting more debates in the near future. Well done to both teams on a spirited and engaging exchange!

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.

Library Book 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

Rathfarnham Parish Fête