Vol 29 No 09     27 Oct 2023

Happy Hallowe'en

Pupils in Forms 1 and 2 who are stydying the Home Economics syllabus have been actively involved in getting ready for the upcoming Hallowe'en festivities. They have been dedicating their time and effort to various activities that capture the spirit of this spooky holiday.  One of their main tasks has been carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, using their creativity to bring out unique and frightening designs.  Additionally, they have also been baking fairycakes with a distinctly eerie theme, incorporating elements that reflect the scary ambience associated with Hallowe'en.  As we approach the first half term of the year, we hope that our pupils' creations will serve as a reminder of the joy and excitement that Hallowe'en brings. Their efforts will undoubtedly contribute to creating a festive atmosphere at home as well.  So let's all join together in wishing everyone a Happy Hallowe'en!  May this celebration be filled with laughter, fun, and memorable moments for all.

Junior Cycle Results

On the day of our Junior Cycle results, we were filled with excitement and anticipation.  After receiving our results from the school, we embarked on a memorable trip to Kildare for an action-packed adventure.  Boarding a bus, we eagerly made our way to the adventure centre where our thrilling activities awaited.  Upon arrival, we were divided into two groups, each group assigned to a different activity.  One group was set to engage in an exhilarating game of airsoft while the other group prepared for combat archery.  The prospect of both activities fueled our enthusiasm as we geared up and prepared ourselves for some friendly competition.  The first activity on the agenda was combat archery, which turned out to be an absolute blast.  We unleashed arrows at one another with bows in hand, strategizing and dodging amidst bursts of laughter and adrenaline-fueled excitement.  In between games, we took breaks to refuel by purchasing snacks from the adventure centre's shop.  During these breaks, we engaged in fun football matches that added an extra layer of enjoyment during downtime between combat archery games.  The friendly banter and competitive spirit intensified as goals were scored and victories celebrated.  After thoroughly enjoying combat archery, it was time for us to switch gears and delve into the world of airsoft.  We immersed ourselves in intense battles across various scenarios within specially designed arenas.  The thrill of teamwork combined with tactical manouevres created an unforgettable experience that had us fully engrossed in every moment. As dusk approached and our energy levels began to wane slightly after hours of exhilaration, it was time for us all to come together once again.  Gathering around a table adorned with steaming pizzas brought smiles to everyone's faces as hunger mixed with contentment filled the air.  Sharing stories about our adventures throughout the day, we savoured each bite and relished in the camaraderie that had developed among us.  We should like to thank The High School Parents' Association for organising the event.
Matthew Whyte

Black History Week

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to remember that the African diaspora's impact extends far beyond America and Africa. Ireland, a country known for its rich history and cultural diversity, has its own remarkable and often lesser-known history of people of African descent. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating narrative of Irish Black history, shedding light on the lives, contributions, and challenges faced by this community.  Read more...
Phoebe Edunpeters

Irish Open Fencing Victory

Congratulations to Arthur Heard who won gold last weekend at the The Irish Open fencing tournament in the U14 foil competition.  We wish him every success as he progresses in the sport.  This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Arthur's dedication, skill, and hard work in honing his fencing abilities.  We are incredibly proud of his success and want to express our admiration for his commitment to the sport.  As Arthur continues on his journey in fencing, we have no doubt that he will achieve even greater heights.  We wish him every success as he progresses further in this captivating sport and look forward to supporting him every step of the way.

Senior Play

I am delighted to announce that tickets for this year's Senior Play are now available for purchase during break and lunch times. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness an incredible performance of Mamma Mia! by our talented senior pupils. To ensure that you secure your place, make sure to get your ticket early. The demand is expected to be high, so purchasing in advance will help you avoid the disappointment of missing out on this highly anticipated event which runs from 9 to 11 November beginning at 7.30 pm. The Senior Play is always a highlight of the school year, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our pupils who have put countless hours into rehearsals and preparations. It promises to be a memorable evening filled with entertainment, laughter, and outstanding performances. So mark your calendars and don't forget to drop by during break or lunch times to grab your ticket. Spread the word among your friends as well because this is an event that no one should miss!
Mr Milofsky

Senior Art Visit

Last Thursday, the senior cycle Art classes had the opportunity to attend the captivating Andy Warhol exhibition.  It proved to be an incredibly enriching visit for all of us, igniting a surge of inspiration for our upcoming art projects.  The exhibition served as a refreshing departure from the more traditional works we have been studying thus far in our course, allowing us to delve into the realm of modern art and explore new artistic avenues.  Andy Warhol's body of work is renowned for its astute commentary on pop culture, celebrity culture, and its scathing critique of consumerism and politics in our society.  Even today, his artworks remain strikingly relevant as we continue to grapple with rampant consumerism and witness how celebrity culture has transformed individuals into mere brands.  This foresight is particularly evident in his iconic Marilyn Monroe pieces, which he employed as a means to shed light on this phenomenon. Furthermore, his work resonates deeply with lino printing techniques.  The experience itself was truly remarkable; not only were we able to appreciate Warhol's masterpieces firsthand but also soak in the ambience of the gallery space itself.  The exhibition will be running until January 2024, providing ample time for others who are interested in viewing this extraordinary display.  We highly recommend attending this exhibition if you have an interest in contemporary art or simply wish to immerse yourself in an atmosphere brimming with creativity and thought-provoking concepts.
Rosa Bell Megaw, Vivia Belavusava, Ava Deacon, and Saoirse Reilly

Senior Drama Excursion

On Wednesday 18 October, a group of Senior Cycle Drama pupils attended a performance of The Lion King at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre.  Watching the Broadway production of The Lion King was like being transported through the African savannah while remaining in our seats.  The production captivated us with its stunning visuals, incredible music, and unforgettable performances.  The Bord Gais Theatre is a fantastic venue to enjoy this wonderful display of art and creativity.  One song from the show that I particularly enjoyed was "They Live in You."  It's a powerful and moving song that captures the essence of the story and leaves you singing it long after the show ends!  We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Milosfsky and Ms Forder for their tremendous effort in making this night possible and for creating such a special experience for us.  We truly appreciate all the time and care they invested in taking care of us and ensuring we had a memorable evening.  Thank you so much!
Elisa MacGabhann

Form 4 Cultural Tour

Last week a group of Form 4 pupils embarked on an enriching cultural excursion in Dublin. Their mission was to explore the city and capture photographs of dozens of distinct landmarks scattered throughout its streets.  Among the notable sites they visited were Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, and numerous others that added to the excitement of their journey.  The day unfolded with an ambitious objective: to cover as much ground as possible within a limited timeframe.  With great enthusiasm, we traversed through the bustling city at a rapid pace, determined to witness every landmark on our list.  As the day progressed, most groups successfully completed their task and enduring friendships blossomed among all participants.

Team Hope

Team Hope is a charitable organization that strives to bring hope and joy to children in need, particularly during the Christmas season. They organize the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, which involves individuals filling shoeboxes with gifts and essential items for children who may not have the opportunity to receive any presents otherwise.  The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal presents an incredible chance to spread happiness throughout the holiday season.  By either donating a shoebox or contributing money, we can bring smiles to children living in various countries across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The High School has consistently shown immense support for this cause, and I am confident that this year will be no exception!
Elisa MacGabhann

Muscular Dystrophy Fundraising Campaign 

We would like to express our admiration for our colleague, Ms Jones, who has undertaken the remarkable task of running 5 kilometres every day for a consecutive 100 days.  This incredible challenge is dedicated to her four-year-old nephew, Eben, who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

Ms Jones embarked on this journey in late July and will conclude it during the upcoming half term, where she plans to complete her final run alongside her nephew in the United Kingdom.  The funds raised through this endeavour will be directed towards research efforts and supporting Eben's future needs.

Despite facing unfavourable weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds, a group of staff members joined Ms Jones on one of her 5-kilometre runs during their lunch break on Friday 16 October.  Despite the challenging circumstances, we all found great joy in supporting her cause.  

We extend our best wishes to Eben and hope for nothing but the best for him.  If you wish to donate to the cause, you can do so here.  #TeamEben 

Leinster Schools Golf Competition

The High School team achieved commendable results in the recent Leinster Schools Senior Boys/Girls Net Competition.  We secured the 10th position in the Team Competitions, showcasing our skills and teamwork.  Additionally, we performed well in the individual categories.  Freya Boyd showcased her talent by securing an impressive 3rd position in the Senior Girls Net Competition.  Furthermore, Zac Reid displayed his exceptional abilities and earned a remarkable 2nd place in the Senior Boys Net Competition. These achievements highlight our dedication and commitment to excellence in golf at The High School.  Stay tuned for more updates on our progress!

Form 1 English

Pupils studying English in Form 1 have an exciting reading routine where they delve into a new novel every month.  It's an engaging opportunity that you might be interested in following.  To keep track of their progress and share recommendations, the class has compiled a list of books they read on the school blog.  If you're curious about their choices and want to explore further, simply click here to access the comprehensive list of books along with their ratings.  This way you can discover new titles and decide which ones pique your interest. Happy reading!
Ms Burrowes

Geography Time Capsule

We have an exciting project coming up that I would like to invite all of you to participate in. We will be creating a time capsule, which is essentially a box or container that will be buried for an extended period of time. The purpose of this is for future generations to discover and gain insight into what life was like in our present time, connecting it with social geography and history.

You are free to include anything non-perishable that you desire inside the time capsule, but I kindly request that each of you write a short letter.  In this letter, express your thoughts and feelings about the current state of affairs, describe what life is like at present, and perhaps mention popular trends such as music, food, technology, or any other relevant aspects happening in the world today.  The choice is entirely yours.

If you have any additional items that you would like to contribute to the time capsule apart from your letter, please don't hesitate to approach me and discuss it further.

As for when we will open the time capsule... well, that decision has not been made yet. We will keep you informed as we progress with this project.
Mr Terzioglu

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