Vol 31 No 21    27 Feb 2026

Welcome Back!

We hope all our pupils and families enjoyed a restful and refreshing half-term break. It is wonderful to see the school corridors busy again as we begin the next phase of term.

The weeks ahead will be full and productive with plenty of academic and extracurricular activity to look forward to. This is a particularly important time to build momentum and focus as the Summer Term approaches notably for candidates entered for State Examinations.

We encourage all our pupils to return with renewed energy, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. Here’s to a positive and successful remainder of term for everyone in our school community.

Form 2 Skiing

On Sunday 15 February, a group of  Form 2 pupils and their teachers and supervisors met at the airport at 7.00 am to go skiing in Poland. We had a two-hour flight to Krakow airport and then took a bus trip to the hotel. We made a stop at McDonald's halfway there. Before reaching the hotel, we stopped by the ski resort and collected their skis, poles, helmets, and boots. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were welcomed in and unpacked our belongings.

The following day began with breakfast at 8.15 am where we enjoyed eggs, pancakes, and cake. After breakfast, we boarded a bus to the resort. Upon arrival at the resort, we collected our ski passes and eagerly hit the slopes! The group was divided into teams and skied for two hours before having lunch at 1.00 pm in the restaurant located atop the slopes. After an hour of dining, we resumed skiing for another two hours. In the evening, we strolled downtown for some shopping after dinner.

The next day brought more excitement as we prepared for another day of skiing! The routine mirrored that of the previous day; however, for evening activities this time around the girls went souvenir shopping while the boys opted for bowling. Wednesday started with breakfast, skiing, and lunch which followed similar timings as before. That snowy evening saw girls heading out for bowling while boys chose swimming as their activity. Later on back at common room everyone chatted away playing cards or table tennis.

Thursday found us ahead of schedule so a picture was taken in front of breathtaking slopes during sunset which offered amazing views! That night everyone dined together enjoying pizza from a local pizzeria in town. Our last morning involved packing up before descending to have breakfast together feeling slightly melancholic about leaving but excited about visiting a massive shopping centre in Krakow en route to airport where an hour was spent shopping prior boarding plane home.

We would like to thank Ms Byrne, Mr Fitzpatrick, Mr Grant, Ms Gray, Mr Howard, and Ms Quinn for organising the trip, and for making it such an unforgettable experience!
Abby McGrath and Gráinne Gannon

Form 5 Spanish Excursion

During half term, our Form 5 Spanish pupils travelled to Málaga, Spain. We had four days to experience the culture, learn more about the area and, of course, practise our Spanish.

The weather was beautiful — mostly sunny — which made a welcome change from the heavy rain we left behind at Dublin Airport early that morning. We stayed in a lovely hotel, although we did not spend much time there as we were busy exploring Málaga. The hotel had excellent facilities, including a gym, swimming pools, and a buffet where we ate breakfast and dinner each day.

During the trip, we visited a wide range of places from museums and historic sites to scenic towns and natural attractions. We also spent time at the beach which was both relaxing and refreshing for those who chose to swim in the sea. Pupils were given a generous amount of supervised free time each day, allowing everyone to explore the city and enjoy the experience.

Overall, the trip was a great success. We experienced many aspects of life in Málaga and may even have improved our Spanish along the way. Many thanks to Ms Maher, Ms Mannion, Ms May, and Mr O’Sullivan for giving up their half term break to accompany us, and for their excellent organisation, guidance, and patience throughout the trip.
Zihang Li

Wellbeing Initiative

Before half term our Form 1 pupils in partnership with Form 1 SPHE teachers took part in a special wellbeing initiative to thank the ancillary staff who contribute so much to daily life at The High School. Each class was assigned a different group of staff to celebrate -  including the office team, grounds staff, catering staff, supervisors, and cleaning staff. The aim was simple: to recognise and appreciate the people who work behind the scenes to make our school welcoming, organised, and running smoothly each day.

Each class decided creatively how they wished to show their gratitude. Pupils made cards and crafted thoughtful gifts, with ideas ranging from handmade creations and baked treats to care packages and performances. The presentations took place on the final day of term, creating a lovely atmosphere of appreciation across the school. 1SD, for example, presented Diane and Maya from our Catering Staff with chocolates and a card to say a big thank you for all they do. It was a fitting gesture in the lead-up to St Valentine’s Day — a reminder that kindness and gratitude are at the heart of our school community. 1NF even wrote a song and created a video.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our ancillary staff for the care, hard work, and positivity they bring to The High School every day. Their contribution does not go unnoticed, and we are proud of our pupils for taking the initiative to show their appreciation.
Ms Gray
Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Form 3 English

In the early twilight of the morning, I often find myself walking the same way. The route never falters, yet what I see along the path sometimes does. Not many people are awake and about, save for those heading to the same place as I am, or those forced to work in the darkness of the day’s beginning.

Whether the weather is rainy, clear, snowing, or hailing, I still make my way there. I find the walk peaceful whenever I’m not in a rush. The only light I see comes from streetlights, windows, distant stars, or the bright moon before it returns to its slumber. The place I go to would not be described as natural, despite that word being apt to describe how I feel about going there. It sits in a quaint little building, looking out at my towering school before it. Surrounded by grass worn throughout the day, this cosy building is my favourite place. It is where I grow stronger - although the strength required to go there is already quite a lot.
John Clerkin

Dublin Schools' Badminton Victory

The U16 girls' badminton team recently emerged victorious at the Dublin Badminton competition by defeating Maryfield College. As a result of their success, they have secured a spot in the upcoming Leinster Championship. Each member of the team was awarded a medal to commemorate their achievement, and they proudly brought home the pennant as well. The talented individuals who make up this exceptional team are Ava Allen, Rosa Bacik, Aoife Mountford, and Ánu Tamme. A huge congratulations to all of them for their outstanding performance!
Ms Rugg

Webwise Parents' Hub

The Webwise Parents' Hub offers a range of helpful resources to support families with online safety and digital wellbeing. A new Parents’ Guide to Generative AI provides practical tips on how to understand, talk about and navigate AI tools safely and responsibly with your child. It explains both the benefits and challenges of AI and includes guidance and conversation starters to help you support your children as they use AI in learning and everyday life.

You will also find easy-to-use explainers on the apps and technologies young people are using, advice on key online concerns like algorithms, scams, and screen time, and resources to help you start meaningful conversations at home. For more information and to access these free guides, visit the Webwise Parents Hub at www.webwise.ie/parents/. (webwise.ie)

UCD Hockey Academy

Congratulations to this pupil from The High School who was named 'keeper of the camp' at the UCD Hockey Academy and is pictured here alongside Ireland goalkeeper, Aoife Glennon.