Vol 30 No 24     21 Mar 2025

Seachtain na Gaeilge

An tseachtain seo chaite, bhíomar ag ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge ar scoil. Bhí seachtain den chéad scoth againn gan amhras, agus rinneamar a lán gníomhaíochtaí éagsúla. Ag tús na seachtaine, d’imríomar cluiche peil Ghaelach amuigh san aer úr ar an bpáirc rugbaí agus bhí am iontach againn. Ní h-amháin sin ach rinneamar an puc fada freisin. Bhí comórtas beag againn chun a fháil amach cé a bhí in ann an sliotar a bhualadh is faide agus fuair na buaiteoirí duaiseanna beaga a bhaineann le hÉirinn, mar shampla gabhálas gruaige le bratach na hÉireann. Bhí tráth na gceist ag na daltaí i ngach bliain freisin. Chuir na múinteoirí ceisteanna orainn faoi ghnéithe difiúila de chultúr na hÉireann. Ní bhfuaireamar morán freagraí chun an fhírinne a rá, ach bhíomar sna trithí ag gáire faoi dheireadh! Ba é an céilí an eachtra is fearr liom, gan dabht. Chuamar go léir go dtí an Halla Reynolds agus rinneamar línte. Mhúin na múinteoirí an damhsa dúinn agus ansin thosaigh siad ag seinm an ceoil. Tar éis cúpla babhta, thángamar isteach ar an ndamhsa agus bhí an-chraic againn! Bhí sé saghas deacair ach faoi dheireadh, bhí cúpla steip againn ar fad. Chonaiceamar roinnt dáltaí ag seinm ceoil beo sa Tionóil freisin agus ba léir go bhfuil an-tallann againn sa scoil! Bhain gach rang an-taitneamh as Seachtain na Gaeilge san Ardscoil i mbliana agus ceapaimid (na daltaí) gurbh é an seachtain is fearr in ár scoil. 
Ruby Hart

International Women's Day

On Monday 10 March The High School came together to honour International Women’s Day with an impactful event bringing the community together in solidarity. We began the evening with a gathering in the school hall accompanied by refreshments and treats. This occasion served not only a time to collect donations for Women’s Aid but also as an opportunity to express our gratitude to Ms Hutchinson Edgar and Ms Missen for their dedication to this cause and how they have inspired us to fight for our beliefs. Our tradition of  ‘The Night Walk’ began in 2022, in the wake of the tragic murder of Ashling Murphy. Her tragic loss is just one of many we have seen throughout the years in Ireland. The High School, as well as many other educational establishments found this loss particularly troubling, as Ashling was a fellow teacher.
International Women’s Day was on Saturday 8 March. As we were not in school the previous week, Ava Deacon and I spoke in two Assemblies, raising awareness about the importance of the day and the significance of the Night Walk. We also introduced this year’s theme, “Accelerated Action”. According to the World Economic Forum, if current trends continue, gender parity will not be reached until 2158. It’s clear that we must act swiftly to ensure a more equitable future for all. As we look into the future, it’s important that we continue to push this conversation and action, not just on International Women’s Day but every day. Together, through compassion, solidarity, and commitment, we can help progress toward a world where gender equality is not just a vision, but a reality.
Matilda Doyle

IMTA National Final

Congratulations to all members of the Junior Maths Quiz Teams who represented The High School at the regional Pi Quiz competition organized by the Irish Mathematics Teachers’ Association (IMTA). The HSD teams achieved first, second, and fourth place following a series of tie breaks in the final rounds. We wish members of the winning team every success as they progress to represent The High School at the national final of the competition.
Ms Reilly

International Cricket

A huge congratulations to Robert O’Brien on his selection to tour with the Ireland Men’s U19 Cricket Team in Zimbabwe! This is an incredible achievement, and we are all very proud of him. Best of luck on the tour, Robert – we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Agricultural Science Excursion

Form 5 Agricultural Science pupils recently embarked on an excursion, visiting several key locations that provided valuable learning experiences about Ireland’s farming and food production industries.

The trip began with a visit to Kildare Chilling Company where pupils were welcomed by Shane Hanlon who shared fascinating insights about the company. He explained how McDonald's is one of their biggest customers and walked the group through the initial stages of the meat processing journey from the arrival of cattle and sheep to the final stages of processing. Pupils even got to witness a new delivery of animals being unloaded and prepared for processing. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the scale and efficiency of the factory and associated industry. It gave us an insight to where much of our food comes from before it reaches our plates.

Next, the group visited the local mart at Kilcullen, a hub of activity where farmers and dealers gathered to buy and sell animals. On the day we visited it was the annual show and sale when farmers present their livestock for judging by experts with winners presented with trophies in different categories. Upon arrival the group was treated to breakfast rolls and chips courtesy of the owner, Jimmy Cullen. Pupils then explored the market to observe the livestock being sold - mostly young animals around nine months old with prices ranging from €800 to €1,500 each. Watching the bidding process unfold provided a fascinating insight into the business side of farming.

The trip also included a UCD Farm Walk and Talk at the state-of-the-art research farm on the Lyons Estate where pupils gained a deeper understanding of modern agricultural practices. Pupils were given a series of talks across six agricultural sectors. They learned how sheep are managed in different groups based on age, weight, and number of potential offspring. We even witnessed a demonstration on sheep birthing. 

A UCD PhD student shared his journey through the agricultural programme, detailing his research and experiences whilst outlining career opportunities in agriculture. The next talk on farm safety highlighted hazards including the surprising fact that sheep account for a significant number of farm-related incidents. It was then on to the equine building where we received a talk on research and management surrounded by a number of the resident UCD horses and ponies. Our final two talks were on how technology is transforming the farming industry and a tour of the estate’s state-of-the-art calving shed, a €1 million facility designed to enhance livestock management and research.

This trip provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to engage with the agricultural sector first-hand, gaining practical knowledge that will be invaluable for those considering careers in farming or agri-business. It was an educational and enjoyable experience for all involved!
Mr Langrell

Fencing Ireland 

We wish Authur Heard the best of luck as he competes in the Fencing Ireland  East of Ireland fencing competition (adult category) this weekend. Our sincerest wishes for his success.

Form 2 English

In their exploration of various reading materials and online sources pupils in Form 2 have created a special podcast honouring some of the former High School pupils who lost their lives in World War I. Their research uncovered poignant stories, including that of a soldier who died on his 21st birthday and two brothers who perished just a day apart. Through this project, pupils have ensured that these individuals are remembered. The podcast is now available on the school's SoundCloud account, providing a thoughtful and engaging way to learn about our school’s history. This experience also serves as excellent preparation for their upcoming English CBA in the Summer Term. We look forward to you giving their work a listen.

Form 2 Bake Sale 

2RP are holding a fundraiser for Focus Ireland next week. As part of our fundraiser a Bake Sale will take place on Thursday 27 March at Junior and Senior break. We will also be selling raffle tickets all next week outside The Reynolds Hall. We have some amazing raffle prizes lined up including a €50 Gift Card for Dundrum Shopping Centre, and two tickets to the Leinster v Ulster rugby game in the Aviva Stadium in May. The winner will be drawn on Friday 28 March. Tickets cost €2 for one ticket or you can get three tickets for €5. We will be accepting cash and card for payment methods so don’t forget your money! All money raised will be going to Focus Ireland which is a charity that supports people who suffer from homelessness. 
Julia Ferraro

Junior Drama

Zion Parish Fête