Vol 29 No 21     23 Feb 2024

Form 2 Ski Trip

Over the half term break some fifty Form 2 pupils went skiing in Krynica, Poland. They embraced this winter sport as part of their holiday adventure, learning to ski, trying out various slopes, and relishing the snowy setting. Evenings were filled with social events like pizza night, bowling, swimming, and games night. It was a thrilling experience for them to engage in this outdoor activity during their school break. We are grateful to all the teachers who made it possible.

Form 5 Visit

As twenty bleary eyed pupils took our first steps out of the plane, the crisp morning air of Paris awakened us like a new beginning, an adventure.  

Our first stop on our travels was the ‘Stade de France’. You could feel the electricity, the excitement felt by those who had once played there. With its high roof and multitude of seats, it was an exciting start to our trip as we saw the preparations underway for the Olympics. 

As night approached, we embarked on a boat tour of the Seine.  Although tired, we were soon awakened by the breath-taking views.  Speechlessly we stood, taking it all in. ‘Paris, the city of light’: it all was making sense now.  The yellow lights reflected against the water, like a whole new city; the moonlight casting a warm glow.  The colours of the buildings were remarkable, the cool earthy tones of the stone, the rain splattering across the pavement, like paint to a canvas.  Read more...
Rosa Bell-Megaw

Form 5 Tour

A group of Form 5 Spanish pupils had the opportunity to visit Madrid for a cultural trip during half term.  Over the course of four days we explored amazing historical sites such as the large and looming Valley of the Fallen, the elegant palaces of Segovia and Madrid, and the striking Las Ventas Bullring.  We also visited La Reina Sofía and had the opportunity to see some exquisite works by Dali, Picasso and more - including the Guernica.  As well as that, we took part in fun activities such as boating on the gorgeous blue lake in the Retiro Park - accompanied by saxophone music and some very friendly ducks - and we went bowling in a nearby arcade. Overall, it was a great experience, and everyone learned lots about Spanish culture and language.
Clara O'Hanlon

All Ireland Senior Athletics

High School pupil Sean Aigboboh recently competed in the National Senior Indoor Championships, the most prestigious event in Irish athletics.  He secured 3rd place in the 60 metre sprint final, earning a National senior medal, which is the highest domestic accolade in Irish athletics.  His time of 6.77 was a personal best and just 0.04 seconds shy of the national junior record held by Israel Olatunde, who is Sean's training partner and the current national record holder.  Remarkably, Sean achieved this success while competing at seniors despite still being an U20 athlete.  This achievement elevated him to number 2 on the Irish all-time U20 list and number 13 on the all-time Irish senior list.  It was Sean's debut at the national seniors competition while still being an U20 athlete. Many congratulations, Sean!

Form 6 Politics and Society 

As part of our Leaving Certificate Politics and Society project we are co-ordinating a campaign that includes setting up a second-hand clothing swap shop at the school.  The event is scheduled to occur in the Demonstration Theatre on Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 February, during both Senior and Junior breaks.  Donated clothes should be clean and in good condition.  Kindly refrain from donating shoes, underwear, or jewellery.  Donations can be dropped off in A1 starting today. 
Max Laverty, Millie Redmond, Erica Merriman, and Keira Ross

Form 5 Biology

Utilizing the recent fine weather, pupils in Form 5 enjoyed their Biology lesson outdoors.  Equipped with coloured chalk, they enthusiastically participated in active learning while sketching detailed diagrams of the human heart as a part of their coursework.
Mr Langrell

Junior Drama

During half term Max Lyons and I went on a day trip to London to attend a showing of 'The Room' at the Prince Charles Cinema.  While there we met with the director and star of the film, Tommy Wiseau, who was hosting a Questions and Answers segment with the audience before the showing.  Max and I have written the script for The High School Junior Drama Play, 'My Dinner With Jeffrey', which is being performed in The Reynolds Hall on Thursday 14 March. During the Question & Answer session Max asked Mr Wiseau what advice he had for young writers such as ourselves.  Wiseau asked if we had a script and after the show we shared a copy of 'My Dinner With Jeffrey' with him.  Mr Wiseau told us that he liked our script, and asked to keep a copy of it, then wished us, The High School and the cast of 'My Dinner with Jeffrey' the best of luck with the production of the play!
Leo Shorten

Minor A Win

Congratulations to the talented High School Minor A girls hockey team who delivered an outstanding performance today against Rosemount Secondary School. The match concluded with a remarkable 6-0 victory for the HSD team, led by Sophie Blake's impressive hat-trick.  With this win, we have secured our spot in the next round of the Plate competition, and we are optimistic about what lies ahead.

Form 1 Art

Pupils in Form 1 Art have been learning about the colour wheel.  It is often used by artists and designers to create harmonious colour schemes in their work.  One interesting fact about the colour wheel is that it was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.  In my opinion the best part of knowing about the colour wheel is when I paint.  For example, if I was painting dandelions I could look at the colour wheel and see which background colour would work best.  It is also helpful when choosing tints and shades for my artwork.
Robyn Saunders

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