Vol 31 No 18    30 Jan  2026

East Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships

On 21 January The High School Cross country athletes headed to the Phoenix Park to compete at the East Leinster Cross Country Championships. The event represents a collection of the best athletes from a variety of different schools. The conditions on the day were extremely testing with unrelenting rain making the ground muddier and more waterlogged. The course was very exposed to wind furthering the tough conditions.

None the less pupils representing The High School competed superbly and showed their grit. The distances varied from 1,500 to 5,000 metres depending on the age category. The top 15 in each category and the top three teams progress to the Leinster Championship. The Senior Boys were the first to race. Ewan Kennedy and Aidan O’ Connor secured top five finishes to progress comfortably to the next round. In the Intermediate Boys category Daniel McGrath ran a strong race to qualify individually. The Minor Boys team made HSD history. Luke Jensen won the Minor Boys race. He set off at a blistering pace, running at the front of the field from the starting gun to the end of the race which he won outright. His performance was backed up by the rest of team which consisted of Aaron Gosling, Matthew McGrath, Freddie Hardy, Fionn Gosling, Nicolas Rodriguez, Andrew Micks, and Luke Stenson. The team secured a Silver medal overall. 

We would like to congratulate all pupils who competed on the day and wish everyone who has qualified for the Leinster Championships in the Phoenix Park on 11 February the very best of luck.
Ms Fallon and Ms Hutchinson Edgar

The High School & Diocesan PPU Gala Dinner

The High School and Diocesan PPU Gala Dinner was a memorable evening, bringing together past pupils, staff, and friends of the school to celebrate shared history and lasting connections. The event highlighted the strong sense of community that continues long after pupils leave the school gates.

The guest speaker for the evening was Oscar-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson (HSD, 1973-83), a past pupil whose achievements have brought great pride to The High School. In his address, Lenny spoke movingly about the importance of friendship and connection, reflecting on how the relationships he formed during his time at The High School have remained central to his life and career. He emphasised how these friendships have kept him grounded over the years and noted the value of maintaining strong personal relationships, particularly when entering the professional world and collaborating in business.

During the evening, Lenny was presented with The High School and Diocesan Distinguished Past Pupil Award, recognising his outstanding success and continued connection with the school community. He also spoke briefly about his latest project, which he hopes to begin work on this summer, offering guests an exciting insight into what lies ahead in his creative journey.

The PPU Gala Dinner was a wonderful celebration of achievement, friendship, and the enduring bond between the school and its past pupils — a reminder that the values fostered at The High School continue to resonate long into the future.

Dublin Juvenile Indoor Championships

We are extremely proud of Form 6 pupil Brendan Solarin who achieved an outstanding result at the Dublin Juvenile Indoor Championships held at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown on Sunday.  Brendan topped the podium in the U19 Boys Long Jump, claiming the Dublin Championship title with an excellent jump of 6.67m. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to his dedication, hard work, and athletic talent. Congratulations on this well-deserved success - a significant achievement that reflects great commitment and determination.

Senior 1 Hockey 

On Friday 9 January we played Mount Anville away in our final Leinster League match of the season. The game was fast-paced from the opening whistle, with both teams applying constant pressure. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy challenge and stayed focused on our game plan, working hard as a team to hold them off as best we could. The highlight of the game was welcoming Sadhbh Byrne back to the team after a three-month injury. Her return lifted team morale and added positivity on the field.

Then on Friday 16 January, we faced Loreto Beaufort, current Leinster champions, in the first round of the Plate. We were aware they were a strong team with talented players, so we had to stay focused and work hard throughout the match. At one stage, the score was tied at 1-1, and it was an evenly matched game. However, a decision made on their second goal left us deflated and led to a loss of motivation within the team. For eight of us, this match marked our final plate game for school which made it even more meaningful. As a team, we have grown significantly in confidence, skill, and camaraderie. Despite results varying each time out on the pitch, this season showed how far we have come together - something we can all take pride in.
Chloe O'Neill

Concern Debate

The HSD Debate Team has advanced to Round 2 of the Concern Debates knockout stages following three league debates, placing 16th out of more than 170 schools and securing a place in the first knockout round. The team successfully defeated the motion in their opening knockout debate and looks forward to continuing their progress in the competition.

This achievement reflects the dedication, preparation, and teamwork shown throughout the tournament. Participating in such a highly competitive and educational programme at this stage has strengthened the team’s confidence and momentum as they move into the next rounds.

The team is led by Zihang Li, with speakers James Reilly, Thibault Walsh, and Rosalyn Waghorn, and Jo Jo O’Connor serving as timekeeper. We are proud of the progress made so far and the commitment demonstrated by all members of the team.
Rosalyn Waghorn

Form 4 Barista Training

On 26 and 27 January Form 4 pupils participated in a barista course to master the art of coffee-making. Adam and Vinny, our skilled baristas, guided us through the fundamentals of crafting a perfect cup of coffee. The experience was not only educational but also enjoyable as we delved into the world of coffee preparation. We were excited about showcasing our newfound skills by making coffee for our coffee-loving members of staff.

Adam and Vinny's generosity shone through when they offered us a discount with the code for further learning opportunities. Their gesture was greatly appreciated. A special thank you goes out to Adam and Vinny for their expertise, as well as to Mr Malin and Ms Garland for organizing this enriching experience for us.
Eva Lei

Holocaust Memorial Day

The National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration took place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham Dublin on Sunday 25 January. The keynote speaker at the event was the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.  The High School was represented by two pupils, Rosalyn Waghorn and Edward Li, both in Form 5. Last year Rosalyn and Edward took part in the Mary Elmes competition organised by Holocaust Education Ireland. They were awarded first prize in the Music and History categories respectively.  As part of their award they were honoured to be asked to be youth readers at that commemoration. Inspired by the story of Mary Elmes the Irish woman who saved children from the Nazis, Rosalyn wrote a song 'A spark remains' while Edward wrote a very interesting and well researched history essay Jedem das seine: an essay and study on the complicated justification and motives of the perpetrators of the Holocaust.  Mary Elmes was an Irishwoman who was posthumously awarded the title Righteous Among the Nations, an honour given by the world Holocaust remembrance centre, Yad Vashem, to non-Jewish people who risked their lives and those of their families to rescue Jewish people during the Holocaust.  In the school we commemorate the Holocaust every year, remembering the victims of Nazi persecution, as well as emphasising the importance of combatting hate speech, disinformation, and Holocaust denial in our world today. It is a very important commemoration and one which encourages pupils to challenge all forms of discrimination and racism in the world and honour the dignity of all people.  
Ms Hutchinson Edgar

Form 2 Art

We are currently finishing up a portrait project in Form 2 based on the theme of Dreams. Rachel Cole (pictured above) was the first pupil to complete her work, producing a thoughtful and creative response to the theme. However, it has been a pleasure to see the high standard of work across the entire class. Every pupil has approached the project with imagination, effort, and care, and there is a wide range of fantastic portraits emerging as a result. The level of engagement and creativity shown throughout the project has been very impressive, and I am extremely pleased with the work of each and every pupil. Well done to all involved on a wonderful body of work.
Ms Killane

Form 1 Religious Education

Form 1 pupils who are studying Religious Education engaged in a highly creative activity by designing board games inspired by the life of Buddha.
Ms Hutchinson Edgar

Form 1 Home Economics

Form 1 pupils studying Home Economics recently gathered in the cozy kitchen for a delightful brunch. They skillfully whipped up a batch of fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon strips, and refreshing smoothies, taking pride in creating such a tasty meal all on their own. What lucky pupils and what a memorable and enjoyable morning for everyone involved!
Ms Toolan

Form 5 Art

Form 5 pupils studying Art have dedicated time to refining their techniques in producing Lino prints. The following images display a glimpse of the remarkable artistry they have achieved through their hard work and dedication.
Ms Killane

Mock Timetable 2026

Spring Term Recreation Activities