Vol 30 No 10     08 Nov 2024

Parents' Evening and Prize Distribution

On Wednesday 23 October our annual Parents’ Evening and Prize Distribution Ceremony made its much-anticipated return to The High School's Gymnasium, celebrating another inspiring group of pupils.  The evening opened with a stirring performance by the Orchestra setting a perfect tone for the celebration ahead. 

This year’s guest speaker, Reverend Gabrielle Ellis Farquhar, delivered an engaging and heartfelt address.  Blending humor with insight, she emphasized the value of character traits such as kindness and empathy, highlighting that these qualities are just as important as academic achievement and athletic success.  Her words resonated deeply on an evening dedicated to recognizing pupils not only for their achievements but also for their positive contributions to school life and the community.  Following the speech, both the Orchestra and the Choir delighted the audience with moving performances, showcasing the wealth of musical talent in our school.

Congratulations to all the prize winners!  We are proud of your accomplishments and hope you take pride in the difference you have made within our school and beyond.

All Ireland Schools (Boys) Hockey Championship

On 23 October our Senior 1 hockey team kicked off our journey in the All Ireland Schools (Boys) Championship with an exciting first game against Ashton School.  The match began with an early lead for The High School as Harry Kyle opened the scoring in the second quarter.  Ashton quickly responded with two goals, putting our team under pressure.  However, we rallied with determination: Orin Hurley equalized with a goal and Oscar Pasley followed up with two more, securing a solid 4-2 victory for The High School.

The next morning The High School faced its second opponent, Sullivan Upper School.  Despite our best efforts, we suffered a 3-0 defeat, placing us in a challenging position ahead of our final group stage game against Royal Belfast Academical Institution.  In this tightly contested match we initially went down 1-0 but fought valiantly right up to the final whistle.  Unfortunately, RBAI clinched a game-winning goal in the closing minutes, eliminating us from a spot in the semi-finals.

Although the tournament did not yield the desired outcome, our team played with tremendous heart and resilience in every game.  The High School team demonstrated true sportsmanship and passion, making us very proud of our effort and determination throughout the tournament.
Oscar Pasley

Simon Community Fun Run

On Saturday pupils and teachers gathered in Phoenix Park to participate in a fun, sponsored charity run (or walk!) in support of the Simon Community.  The Simon Community is an incredible charity that provides assistance to over 8,000 families and works to address and prevent homelessness across several counties in Leinster.  This annual fundraising event, organized by the Simon Community, helps ensure they can continue providing these essential services to those in need.

It was a beautiful sunny Autumn morning: perfect for enjoying time with family and friends while supporting a worthy cause.  We collected our race numbers before heading over to the starting line where music and warm-up exercises set a cheerful mood. Spirits were high and there was a wonderful sense of community. As the race began we followed the scenic route through the park, enjoying the beautiful nature and wildlife along the way—including sightings of deer!

After the run everyone received a medal and had the chance to visit various food stalls or explore the pop-up charity shop.  Overall, it was an enjoyable and meaningful morning spent with family, friends, and teachers, all while making a positive impact for an amazing charity.  Thank you to Ms Hutchinson Edgar for organizing such a memorable event!
Ruby Hart

Holocaust Memorial Crocus Project

On Friday during our History class we planted a series of yellow bulbs as part of the The Crocus Project administered by Holocaust Education Ireland (supported by the Department of Education and co-funded by the European Union).  

The flowers will be due to bloom at the same time as International Holocaust Memorial Day which is towards the end of January. They will blossom into a beautiful yellow colour and this bright colour will be seen by our whole school. We planted the bulbs inside a wooden Star of David structure, a highly recognized symbol in Judaism. This and the colour yellow hold symbolic meaning as Jews were forced to wear a yellow star under Nazi rule. We were each given a couple of the bulbs to be planted in the soil. Then we had a moment of silence to remember the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust and the thousands of other children who were victims of Nazi atrocities.  

It was important for our class to learn about the Holocaust and to use The Crocus Project to spread awareness to other pupils in the school. 

Cian Lynch and Lauryn Doyle 

Form 4 Night Walk

As part of their Gaisce President's Award journey, our Form 4 pupils recently embarked on an enchanting night walk up Ticknock Mountain.  The group set off from school at 6.15 pm filled with excitement for the adventure ahead.  The night was warm and as they reached the mountain, they were greeted by a sky full of stars—a truly magical backdrop for the hike.

Walking through the quiet, moonlit trails pupils soaked in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings with only the sounds of nature accompanying them.  The experience offered a wonderful blend of camaraderie, reflection, and awe as they shared stories and admired the breathtaking starlit views.  By 9.30 pm they returned to school, tired but uplifted by the memorable evening spent together.  

The Great Geography Bake-Off

Calling all bakers!  Can you create the next geographical tasty treat?  The Great Geography Bake Off is happening next week to celebrate Geography Awareness Week.  So get baking and bring your creations to B23 on Thursday morning.  All bakes will be judged and there is a prize for the winner.  Good luck!
Ms Wilson

Transition Year Programme

Our Form 4 pupils have taken on an inspiring initiative this year: collecting plastic bottles for recycling with all funds raised going directly to charity.  Their efforts not only help reduce plastic waste in our school but also support meaningful causes beyond the school gates.  With enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose our pupils and staff are showing how small actions can make a big difference. Form 4 is setting a wonderful example for the entire school community.  Well done, everyone!

Comhairle na nÓg

A group of our pupils recently had the fantastic opportunity to attend the National Youth Council event organized by Dublin City Council: Comhairle na nÓg. This gathering brought together young leaders from across the city, encouraging them to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, and explore ways to make a positive impact within their communities. 

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

We are thrilled to announce that pupils at The High School have once again shown incredible generosity, bringing in over 100 shoeboxes for the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.  Team Hope is a charitable organization that strives to bring joy and hope to children in need, especially during the Christmas season.

Through the appeal, individuals fill shoeboxes with gifts and essential items, offering children who might not otherwise receive presents a chance to experience the magic of Christmas.  Thanks to their efforts, these boxes will soon make their way to children across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, spreading smiles and holiday cheer far beyond our community.

The High School has a proud tradition of supporting this cause, and we could not be prouder of this year’s remarkable response.  Each box represents our commitment to making a positive impact, reminding us all of the true spirit of giving.  A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this charity drive a success!

Form 6 Poetry

Geordie is a boy with a storm set in his eyes

And hair like locks of lightning that tumble through his skies

When his head fills up with dreams, he dances beneath the ceiling

But his locks loose heaven's fire when he swings his head so freely
 

His eyes are tigers' teeth; his tongue a purple orchid

His voice is a quivering silver song choked out of Their orbit

His eyes are blackened, burned-out beads that crawl across the mire

For sweet words are burnt meat when a young boy's head is on fire

Lucas Farrelly

Rathfarnham Parish Winter Fair

The Rathfarnham Parish Winter Fair is set for Saturday 23 November from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm promising an afternoon filled with festive cheer and community spirit.  The highlight of the day will be the illumination of the village Christmas lights at 4.00 pm marking the official start of the holiday season in Rathfarnham.