Vol 31 No 19    06 Feb 2026

U19 International Cricket 

Robert O’Brien recently represented Ireland at the U19 Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe, competing against teams including Australia, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Over the course of the tournament, Rob scored an impressive 155 runs, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

One standout moment came in Ireland’s opening match:

“Scoring 79 runs against Australia was my favourite moment - it was great to test myself against the best in the world.”

Robert described the experience as both challenging and unforgettable, from adapting to extreme heat to training alongside elite players. Beyond the cricket, he also had the opportunity to experience local culture and go on safari, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for both Robert and The High School.
Read the full interview on the school blog.
Robert Tallon and Colin Peters

U16 and U18 Interprovincial Water Polo 

This week we received the exciting news that Carla Millar was selected to represent both the Leinster U16 and U18 squads last weekend in the Interprovincial Water Polo competitions at the National Aquatic Centre. Congratulations to Carla and her team on winning the U16 Interprovincial competition! Well done, Carla.
Emily McAdam Kavanagh

Goodbye to Winter -  A Reflection

Photo credit: Matthew Whyte (Head Boy)

As the winter months draw to a close, I can't help but reflect on the challenges this dreary period presents for people from all walks of life. It's not just about the darkness and weariness of winter days; it's also a lack of excitement and energy that defines much of this season. Christmas stands out as a beacon of hope in an otherwise melancholic time. For many, it's the motivation needed to endure the early stages of winter. However, Christmas falling in the middle of winter means that once the festivities are over, we're left with a sense of emptiness and desolation. Transitioning from the highs of December to the lows of January and February is quite a shock and one of the significant struggles each year brings.

The challenge with January, I believe, lies not only in being an anticlimactic start to the new year but also in forcing us to confront that a new chapter has begun. The trials faced throughout the year should not be underestimated; many may feel overwhelmed by what lies ahead. January serves as a transition phase where we must acknowledge that life will continually test us regardless of past triumphs.

Despite January's sombre tone at its onset, I argue that it isn't all negative. The quiet moments offered by January provide an opportunity for reflection on the past and preparation for what lies ahead. By overcoming this dark ambiance, one can engage in valuable introspection about the previous year - a necessary step before moving forward into future endeavors.

If you find yourself experiencing "January blues," take solace in knowing that spring is just around the corner.
Patrick Slattery-Reilly

Celebrating Women in Sport

The High School has been producing phenomenal female athletes for as long as we can remember.  We have a proud tradition of excellence in girls’ sport, with female athletes consistently reaching impressive levels and representing the school with distinction. With International Women’s Day approaching, it is a perfect time to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of women in our school community.

From the cricket crease to the rugby pitch, the hockey pitch, the basketball court, the athletics track, and the pool, our female athletes display outstanding skill, determination, and pride. Their commitment and passion not only contribute to their own personal success but also strengthen our passion for sport across the whole school community.

The High School has numerous athletes who have represented Ireland internationally over the years. In recent memory, Annalise Murphy won a silver medal in yachting at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Emma Murphy plays rugby for Leinster and is part of the Ireland Six Nations squad, while in the past Megan Byrne and Ruby Keating Levins played for the Ireland Women’s Rugby Sevens U18s squad.

In hockey, Nicci Daly, Alison Meeke, Emma Canning, Saoirse O’Donoghue, Ailish Long, Jenny Long, and Holly Quinn have played for Ireland, while Ella Pasley competed for Ireland Under 21, and Mia Jennings plays at senior international level. Orla Prendergast continues to represent the Ireland Women’s Cricket Team, and in the past Ellen Ridgeway and Amy Keneally have also represented Ireland in the sport.

In basketball, Julie Kavanagh played at U16 level for Ireland, while in cycling, Rachel Kaye-Mellor represented Ireland at the European Track Championships. In karate, Ellie Oldrey and Asha Reen have represented Ireland, while Airmid Devitt O’Byrne competed on and captained the Ireland Mixed U18 Touch Rugby Team. Laoise Tay played for the Ireland U18 Touch Rugby Team last summer.

Roseanne Mc Cullough represented Ireland in athletics, and Ellie Oldrey is a double medalist at all Ireland level at athletics and hurdles.

Our school teams have had exceptional success in recent years. The Girls Rugby Junior Cup Team made history in 2023 by winning the Senior Cup for the first time since 1973 and then reached the Senior Cup final in 2025. The Girls Junior Hockey team won the Junior Cup in 2024, while the Junior Leinster B League cricket team secured their title in 2023. As well as these achievements, our girls swimming and athletics teams, as well as our basketball and tennis players, continue to perform at a high level.

These accomplishments highlight the importance of supporting and promoting girl’s sport within our school. Participation in sport improves teamwork, leadership, resilience, and confidence, while also supporting positive mental and physical wellbeing. The success of our female athletes strengthens school spirit and inspires younger pupils to get involved and continue the legacy of the female sports stars. Every day, our pride grows for our girls who represent our school on and off the pitch and we encourage our community to continue supporting, celebrating, and championing their achievements.
Esmé Fowler and Leah Murdoch

Career Choice

It is a stressful time of year, with mock examinations commencing for pupils in Forms 3 and 6. This often leads us to wonder what we actually want to do after school - a question we are constantly asked by teachers, relatives, and friends. For many of us this creates a strong sense of pressure to make decisions about the future while we are still discovering who we are. From the moment we choose our subjects in Form 1, we are placed on a path that can influence our options later on. While some pupils have always been certain of their ambitions, for most of us the decision often feels confusing and overwhelming.

By Form 4 conversations about future careers become a regular part of school life. Through modules such as Education for the Future and Careers class, pupils are encouraged to explore possible paths. During Work Experience too pupils are frequently asked what job they want in the future. Choosing Leaving Certificate subjects adds another layer of responsibility, as many choices must be made strategically to keep options open. For example, some careers in medicine require two Science subjects, while primary school teaching requires Higher Level Irish. Even subject levels can affect future opportunities. It all can make us feel as though every small decision carries long-term consequences.

For many of us the Leaving Certificate will play a major role in determining access to further education. In Ireland, the points system can make examinations particularly stressful, as a single mistake or poor performance may significantly affect results. This can lead to anxiety around outcomes, especially when pupils feel that one bad day could change their plans. In some cases pressure from parents may add to this stress rather than easing it.

At The High School, we are fortunate to have a supportive Guidance Department that is always available to help us navigate these concerns and explore options that suit our interests. There is also an upcoming Careers Fair for pupils in Forms 5 and 6 and their parents on 12 March.  At the Careers Fair, many different colleges will be speaking about what they offer. This is a great opportunity to see what options are out there.

Talking openly with friends or family can also provide reassurance and help reduce some of the pressure. While decisions about the future are important, it is equally important to remember that there is time to figure things out.
Clara Cancela–O’ Donnell and Marianne Binchy 

Art Journeys at The High School

The High School has, through the years, always had a strong artistic community, from its past association with Yeats to the music scholarships of the present, curating a powerful and renowned orchestra. The aspect that has always stood out most to me, however, is our traditional art, which decorates our halls and tells our stories through a multitude of mediums. It can come from anyone and be anything. Art plays a vital role in a school’s environment. Whether it is a memorial, a mural, or a pupil’s own work, by observing art we are influenced. The work lining our walls allows us to feel a human connection, even with artists who may be long gone from the school’s grounds, deepening our pride in one another and in the school itself. Art’s presence can also have an influence even when it isn’t examined deeply, such as its beauty lifting the spirit of a space without realisation. I would like to explore a couple of my favourite examples of art in The High School and share my thoughts on them, to bring you along my spiralling thoughts as we look deeper into the artwork in our school and its impact on our neck of the woods. Read on...
Tanya Collier

Form 4 French

On the 13 January, French pupils from Form 4 went to the Irish Film Institute to attend a screening of a French film “La Fanfare” (The Marching Band”). When acclaimed orchestral conductor Thibaut is diagnosed with leukemia, a DNA test to find a bone marrow donor reveals that he is adopted. He discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy, who works in a school cafeteria and plays the trombone in a small marching band. Everything seems to set them apart, except their love of music. Sensing his brother's exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate. Jimmy begins to dream of a different life. This  tale of community marching brass band was enjoyed by all with its mix of comedy and heartwarming interaction between the two brothers. Foreign language films are a fantastic way of discovering new cultures while improving listening skills.  
Ms Roullet

February Mindfulness

February is a fast-paced month in the school calendar, with Junior and Leaving Certificate mock examinations underway and half term just around the corner. To help pupils through this busy and often stressful time, we’ve put together a Playlist of the Month featuring six of the best songs that we recommend for both studying and taking well-earned breaks. The playlist includes a mix of calming tracks to help you focus,  and upbeat songs to lift spirits and relieve stress:

Vienna – Billy Joel
A calming song to help you settle into a focused mindset. Its message about following your own path is both reassuring and motivating.

Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
An inspiring reminder that exams do not define you. The mocks are a learning experience, and your story is still being written.

I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado
A song that encourages confidence and freedom. A reminder not to be too hard on yourself during exam time.

We Are the People – Empire of the Sun
An uplifting track that’s perfect for a study break or a change of pace.

Hall of Fame – The Script
A positive, motivating song by an Irish band that encourages perseverance and self-belief.

Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
An energetic and optimistic song — ideal for celebrating once the mocks are finished and the pressure lifts.

The best of luck to all pupils sitting their mock examinations — remember to take breaks, mind yourselves, and keep going!
Cian Lynch, Emily Kyle, and Lily Ryan

Writer in Residence

Form 5 pupil and author, Thomas Muldoon, has been showcasing his creativity through an original fantasy fiction series titled The Aurum Saga. Alongside his schoolwork, Thomas has been developing a richly imagined world where magic shapes society, using fantasy to explore real-world themes such as inequality, discrimination, and kindness.

The project began collaboratively with a friend and has evolved over time from a planned trilogy into a series of shorter novels. Thomas writes in his free time after completing homework, sometimes producing several chapters in one sitting, showing impressive dedication to his craft.

The first book of The Aurum Saga is close to being publishable, while the sequel is currently being revised. Thomas encourages other pupils interested in writing to simply start and not worry too much about perfection. Thomas’s ambition and commitment to creative writing are highly commendable, and The Aurum Saga is a fantastic example of pupil creativity in action at The High School.
Arthur Kilroy

Spring Haiku

Spring arrived at last

The winter has come and gone

Summer will approach

by Thomas Muldoon

MUN HSD Conference

Model United Nations (MUN)  is for pupils to come together to talk about world issues and learn the principles and functions of the United Nations whilst representing a given country.  

MUN is a very engaging and fun activity, requiring and improving skills such as research, socialisation and critical thinking. It can be daunting at first familiarising yourself with all the rules, principles and acronyms of the UN, but this is greatly alleviated by MUN’s understanding, supportive and funny community. This can be seen in full effect during Model United Nations conferences, where delegations from different schools meet, socialise and debate passing resolutions within their respective committees to the general assembly.  

We are hosting our own Model United Nations conference during the first week back after Easter. We'll be hosting approximately 200 delegates, with a few more pupils attending to help ‘chair’ the conference.  Our conference will be held on the 17 and 18 April, and if you are interested in helping out in the running of it (not as a delegate) contact Mr Hart via MS Teams.

Other than our own, we send delegations to MUN conferences that take place throughout the year to the conferences held by Terenure, Blackrock, Wesley and more. Everyone finds them very enjoyable and gets to meet new people and learn new things.  
Rosalyn Waghorn, Edward Li, and James Reilly

Locker Survey

At The High School the generic lockers provided to each incoming Form 1 are all the same. However, through the course of the six years spent in school with their trusted lockers by their side to store their items in, every pupil makes that little space their own. Today JoJo O’Connor and I, Doga Erpolat, have conducted an interview with some pupils to find out just how much that locker matters to them. We have talked to many senior pupils and also those from junior years to find out answers to the frequently asked questions such as what their favourite part about their locker is and what they wished they could have in their lockers. 

To the many questions that we have asked, the pupils have provided answers. The first question that we asked was what is the most/least useful thing that you have in your locker. The answers were nothing short of amazingly entertaining. Some mentioned things such as the dust, rubbish, a balloon, old clothes and old books being the least useful items. While others named the most useful as being timetables, extra clothes and extra copybooks. 

The second of the many questions we asked was for a helping hand to those new to the concept of lockers and this school. We wanted to know what the experiences pupils would recommend having in their locker for the incoming pupils who might not know what to do with the space provided. The answers that we got were very helpful and a good guide for a new pupil to go by to adapt to their new area. Some of the answers were spare clothess, timetables, organisers, and hygiene products, or deodorant.  

Some of the most creative answers we got was for the following question of what is an item that you would want to have in your locker and what would you want to get rid of. The similarities to the answers given were almost surprising but then again who wouldn’t want things such as snacks and spare clothes in their locker. And the answer to the question of what pupils wouldn’t want seriously made us question the organisation skills of the pupils being interviewed. It might be good to provide bins within the lockers for next years incoming pupils! Almost all of the pupils interviewed said they clean their locker every few months, once a year or even less which might be closer to never. One quote from a fellow pupil, “Am I meant to clean my locker?” says all that there is to know. 

The number of times a pupil needs to go to their locker proves how useful they are to pupils. Other than the one odd person we talked to who said they didn’t use their locker, the pupils all said they went to their locker on average four times a day. As mentioned before pupils not only keep books in their lockers but also keep things such as sports bags basketball shoes and the odd balloon many people store their food, coats, and their personal items within their lockers. 

The back locking bandits have struck again! Many pupils have funny stories to share about their lockers but also, their locks. Many recall the times when they have found their lock the wrong way around. All ten interviewees have found themselves with backwards locks at least once! To end this interview in a fun way to channel the pupil’s inner selves, we asked them what colour they would paint their lockers. These colours included blue, purple, pink, yellow, white and green. 

Thank you for reading our article with our findings on locker data. We hope you find it helpful and entertaining!
JoJo O’Connor and Doga Erpolat 

Study Tips

Here are some useful tips for pupils to remember always, but especially at examination time:

• Drink enough water
• Take frequent breaks while studying
• Step outside for some fresh air
• Avoid cramming (it's not effective!)
• Create summaries and utilize flashcards for quick study sessions
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Mock exams are just practice; there's always room to grow!

On behalf of the pupils in Forms 5, we would like to wish the best of luck to all pupils sitting the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle mock examinations this year!
Breanna Samuel

HSD Orchestra Performance

Information link here.

Mock Timetable 2026 - Week Two