Vol 27 No 07     22 Oct 2021

Black History Month

Hairstyling in Africa has been important for men and women for centuries
because it distinguishes one culture from another. Hairstyles were used to indicate a person’s marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth, and rank in the community. There are various styles from all over Africa and some have even crossed outside Africa to the western world and North America. Unfortunately,
some may be almost extinct and can only be found deep in rural areas of Africa because of modernisation.  Cornrows became popular in the 1960s and 1970s because of the interest in embracing Black pride and natural hairstyles. The name ‘cornrows’ came from how the braids were neatly lined up like the rows of crops in the fields. In the Caribbean this style was sometimes called cane rows. The enslaved wore cornrows as an effortless way to wear their hair during the week. It was often styled on Sunday which was the only day off they had. Enslaved Africans would also use cornrows as a communication code when they wanted to escape.  Read more...

Ireland vs HSD

On 4 October The High School Senior 1 team was invited to play against the Ireland women’s team at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown.  The game was scheduled to be played in six 10-minute sections with a short break in between.  The match was well played with both sides earning their right to win.  The women’s team were quick and agile turning over the ball, though our defence and passing were enough to keep us in the game.  The score remained the same until the 5th play when a stunning goal was scored by one of the women.  Within minutes of their goal we scored.  The whistle blew and we were now in the last 10 minutes of the game.  Around 3 minutes in they had a chance and took it.  An Ireland player crossed the ball followed by another who dribbled into the D, shot, and scored.  After saving a number of great attempted shots the final whistle blew with the score being 2-1 to Ireland.  The following week we were invited to play again.  No other school was allowed the chance to play twice.   The Ireland team took an easy chance to score an early goal which set the tone for the game. The result was 5-1 to Ireland.  Even though the loss was disappointing, we had an amazing time and went home having learned much from the experience. 
Adam Hearne

Hallowe'en Celebrations

Pupils in Form 2 have been getting into the holiday spirit in Home Economics class where they learned how to make and decorate Hallowe'en pumpkins.  Their wonderful creations can be seen on display at Reception.  Happy Hallowe'en, everyone! 

Form 5 Activity Day

On Monday 18 October pupils in Form 5 spent the day in Cruagh Wood ziplining and hiking in beautiful autumn weather.  We began with a mindful walk which is an excellent way to unwind.  We walked in silence paying particular attention to the sights and sounds around us.  We were silent on the ascent, but excited 
chatter began again when we reached the top of the hill and did not stop until we were suited up in our harnesses and ziplining had begun.  Before we knew 
it we were balancing on taut wires high above the ground concentrating on the task before us.  Between hoots of laughter and shouts of encouragement 
we completed the course in plenty of time.  We were delighted with our achievements.  After lunch we broke into groups and participated in an array of activities from sketching and playing music to taking photographs and completing a scavenger hunt.  We had a wonderful time at Cruagh Wood and returned home exhausted and happy.  
Leah McGrath 

Senior Hockey

On Friday 15 October the Senior 1 team began their league campaign for the 2021/2022 season with a victory against Newpark Comprehensive School.  There was a fantastic atmosphere within the team leading into the game as it was to be our first competitive game this season so we were itching to get going!  We started the game well as we piled pressure on the Newpark defence.  This 
early pressure was rewarded with a super goal from Katie Hopkins.  Throughout the game we managed to stay on top creating multiple goal scoring opportunities in the Newpark circle through well worked passing and some excellent individual skills.  In the 4th quarter we managed to double our lead with a super run and pass along the base line by Maya Feighery which provided Rebecca Collins with 
the opportunity to seal the game.  We would like to say a huge thank you to all 
the supporters who took the time to come cheer us on and help us get over the line!  We are all really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store for us.  
Ella Pasley (Head Girl) 

Form 4 Hillwalking

Pupils from Form 4 went hillwalking last weekend as part of their Gaisce Award.  Well done to all who participated. 

Form 1 Hockey 

Form 1 pupils enjoyed a fun hockey Hallowe'en blitz dressed in their colourful 
seasonal costumes.  Well done to all those who made such a great effort to embrace the spirit of the activity.

Form 5 Photography Competition

Congratulations to Thomas Nickels who won the Form 5 Activity Day photography competition.  This colourful, point-of-view shot, taken from above the ground on the zipline, captured the excitement and energy of the day.  Below are some other praise-worthy entries.  Well done to all those who participated in the competition.

Form 1 French 

Form 1 pupils studying French watched an online origami tutorial in French and produced very impressive paper spiders in time for Hallowe'en.  Well done everyone.