Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a high-spirited celebration deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Lasting for roughly two weeks, the festivities are rich in symbolism and tradition, creating a sense of unity and renewal among families and communities. The New Year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon.
People embrace this symbolism, ascribing personality traits and predictions to individuals born in specific years. This aspect adds a room of excitement and anticipation as families gather to share stories, exchange well-wishes, and partake of delectable feasts. Food holds a special place during Chinese New Year, with traditional dishes symbolizing luck, prosperity, and abundance. Read more
Jun Wei Sui
Leinster Schools Senior Cup Success
The Senior Cup Team made history this week by breaking barriers and competing in our first-ever 12-a-side cup match against Our Lady of Mercy College Beaumont. Not only did we showcase our skills and determination on home turf, but we emerged victorious, securing a place in the semi-finals. The final score was 47-10.
The journey to this momentous occasion has been one filled with dedication, hard work, and a true sense of team spirit. Our girls have been training relentlessly, working on their skills, and pushing their limits to prepare for this match. As we stepped onto the field, we carried with us the weight of representing not just our school, but also breaking new ground in representing the school in senior girls' rugby.
The atmosphere on the day of the match was electric, with a huge number of the school community rallying behind our team. Friends, family, teachers, and fellow pupils came out in full force to show their support, painting the side lines in our school colours and cheering on our players with unwavering enthusiasm. It was a moment of unity and pride as we stood together, witnessing history in the making.
But it was on the field where our girls truly shone. With skilful plays, strategic manoeuvres, unwavering determination, and great coaching we dominated the game particularly in the second half. We worked extremely well as a team, while every girl had the opportunity to show their individual skills. A special mention goes to Maya Neely for her phenomenal conversions! We also want to say a big thank you our coaches, Mr Sullivan, Ms Garland, and Ms Ryder for all their time and support that have brought us to this level.
Our achievement goes beyond the score line, it symbolises breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations in The High school. We couldn't be prouder of our girls and their incredible accomplishment. Their victory is a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our school community.
Elisa MacGabhann
Senior Hockey Cup Success
The Senior 1 boys hockey team emerged victorious with a score of 4-1 in the Leinster Schoolboys' Senior Cup quarter final match against St Columba's College last Friday. The team showcased their skills and determination, with Sam Maxwell scoring two exceptional goals, while Andrew Robinson and Harry Kyle also contributed to the score. It was an outstanding performance by the entire team. As a result of this win, we have secured our place in the semi-final of the Senior Cup where we will face St Andrew's College in HSD after the half-term break.
Leinster Schools Senior Cup
The High School senior rugby team painted a red and black swath as they advanced across the pitch in the first moments of the Senior Cup fixture against Blackrock College, the supporters’ screams ringing in their ears. The drum thundered like a battle cry, and so began the clash. Each time they met was a rolling, scrambling scuffle of bodies.
The frantic scrabble for purchase and then that moment, when the noise drowned away and a lone figure emerged hurtling across the grass. Nothing could stop him now as he weaved past the wall of bodies, ducking outstretched hands like tree limbs. Elliot Walsh threw himself over the try line with the Blackrock boys still pounding at his heels, and the roar from the crowd shook the heavens. All the concerts in the world couldn’t match the energy of The High School in that moment.
For eighty minutes on that Friday afternoon, it felt like the ground was shaking with the pounding of feet, the thundering of frantic fists against the railings, the hoarse cries of supporters as the ball hurtled back and forth. No snapshot can capture the whipping frenzy of movement, those deafening waves of voices rolling back and forth in call and response. The whole school filled the stands that day. This time was special. After weeks of mounting excitement, hard-fought win after win, a slow ascent all bringing us closer to this. When the crowd were quiet, it seemed even the birds took up the silence, and when we roared, the sky itself couldn’t hold us.
First half faded to second, and new faces entered the fray. The team gave it their all and fought to the last minute. When the final whistle blew, and the score was set, all that was left to greet them were the smiles and cheers of their friends pouring out from the stands. Among the cheers and the hugs in those final moments, we all knew this was a day that would go down in High School history.
Luca Farrelly
Past pupil Orla Prendergast (HSD, 2013-20) discusses her career in cricket in an interview with the Irish Independent newspaper. You can read the interview here.
Hockey Ireland Squad Selection
Choosing subjects for the Leaving Certificate can be difficult for both pupils and parents. This is why there are a number of supports in place to help you and your child to make informed decisions. Two psychometric assessments, the CAT4 and CareerFit are conducted with Form 4 pupils each year which will help inform their one-to-one appointments with their assigned Guidance Counsellor.
In addition to this the pupils engage with a five-week revolving module on Careers which is delivered by a Guidance Counsellor.
Subject teachers also present a series of talks on their chosen subjects to give the pupils a feel for what is involved. For more in-depth information please see our comprehensive subject information booklet and details on out website. Once your child’s options have been submitted, the pastoral care support team meet to look through each child’s application, to ensure that they have chosen correctly based on their future prospects.
Finally, we look forward to having you for our Leaving Certificate subject choice information night on Thursday 29 February so that we may answer any questions you may have.
The Guidance Department
The High School Student Council is looking to collaborate with the Green Schools Committee on some pressing issues. We are considering equality in girls sports and putting together a report. If anyone has anything to add, please contact your Student Council representative. We are considering the idea of subsidized sanitary products in the bathrooms - this issue has been presented to the school management for consideration. Meetings with management have been increased to twice per term at their request so please contact your Student Council representative with any issues you wish to have discussed at Council. Remember, the Student Council represents the student voice in the school, so use your voice and contact your representative regularly. The next Student Council meeting is on 21 February.
Ciara Morton
Here are some evocative double exposure photographs that were created by pupils in Form 4 Photography classes this term.
Ms Rogers
- 9 Feb 24 - Form 3 and 6 mock examinations conclude, 11.55 am
- 9 Feb 24 - Half term begins, 11.55 am
- 19 Feb 24 - Half term ends, 8.55 am
- 26 Feb 24 - Form 4 work experience begins (2 weeks)
- 29 Feb 24 - Form 4 information meeting - Leaving Certificate curriculum, 7.00 pm
- 29 Feb 24 - Staff consultation meeting, 4.15 pm
- 7 Mar 24 - Form 3 information meeting - Form 4 curriculum, 7.00 pm
- 15 Mar 24 - St Patrick's Day - school closes, 11.55 am
- 18 Mar 24 - St Patrick's Day - bank holiday
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
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