Vol 30 No 11     15 Nov 2024

Senior Play Triumph

Last week, Form 5 performed the musical "Fame," a show about a performing arts school in the 1980s, showcasing the stories of the attending pupils. We dedicated significant effort to this production and it all proved worthwhile on opening night when we had the privilege of performing for a live audience. From intense choreography sessions to early Saturday singing practices, we spent extensive time together and grew closer as a year group beyond our expectations.

The entire journey is something that will stay with us forever—a first experience with microphones, rehearsing under full lights, feeling nervous backstage on opening night—each moment was as memorable as the next. Hearing laughter from the audience at comedic moments, sensing the mood shift during serious scenes, and being part of those emotional moments were incredibly rewarding experiences that made all our hard work during rehearsals worth it in retrospect. Every photograph capturing scenes from the play enhanced our enjoyment of the experience, making each memory more fulfilling.  This would not have been  possible without Mr Milofsky who directed the play, bought us biscuits, and made this such a memorable experience. 
Lauren Collins

Stand Up Week

Last week was Stand Up Week at The High School.  Organized annually by the Monitors with help from many other pupils the week is dedicated to standing up against homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying.  It’s also about creating a school environment that is safe, welcoming, equal, and thriving.

The Monitors organized a range of activities throughout the week.  We enjoyed face painting, chalk art, themed talks at Assembly, artwork displayed around the school, and a positivity wall.  Stand Up Week is always a highlight for our school community but the primary focus is creating a space where LGBTQ+ students feel valued, safe, and recognized.  It’s also an important step toward earning the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark which will officially acknowledge our commitment to these values.

While Stand Up Week may only happen once a year our commitment to standing up against LGBTQ+ bullying extends throughout the year at The High School.  This week serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of this mission.
Lola Miller

Leinster Hockey

Congratulations to pupil Philippa Beatty and HSD coach Ms Meeke on their outstanding achievement in the 2024 Interprovincial Series! Representing Leinster Under 16s, Pippa and Ms Meeke played pivotal roles in leading the team to victory in this highly competitive tournament.  Their dedication and hard work were rewarded as they helped secure the championship title, showcasing incredible skill, teamwork, and resilience.  Well done, Pippa and Ms Meeke—you’ve made High School incredibly proud!

Form 6 English

The bell has gone, school is over. I walk through the bustling halls, getting jostled by the crowd of excited students and arrive at my locker. After entering my code wrong twice, I finally open it and put my books away. I look through my journal to see what homework I have. Nothing much, easy enough. I pass through a mosh pit of people trying to unlock their phones. I wait for my phone to turn on, then I put in my earphones, shuffle my playlist, and go home. There will be a cup of tea, toast, and an episode of House waiting for me. I’ll enjoy that for a while, do my homework, do an online maths grind, have dinner, then I’ll be free.  

I enjoy the structured day of school - the fact that at any point, you know where you are, where you’re going next, and what you’re going to be doing. Nowadays I try to plan everything I do, because otherwise I find myself worrying that I’m not using my time effectively.  In school it’s just a task of getting through the workload, and I’m fine with that.   Read more...
Michael Binchy

Form 2 Wood Technology

This term Form 2 pupils in Wood Technology have been busy learning and practising the intricate art of veneering, a technique that involves layering and inlaying very thin strips of timber to create unique designs.  Veneering requires patience, a steady hand, and great attention to detail, and our pupils rose to the challenge beautifully.  The results were worth the effort—each pupil created a stunning, one-of-a-kind clock, showcasing both their creativity and craftsmanship. The final products were truly impressive.  A huge well done to all our budding woodworkers for their fantastic achievements!
Ms O'Sullivan

Form 4 Work Experience

This week, our Form 4 pupils have been busy gaining valuable skills and insights through their work experience placements.  We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the businesses, organisations, and individuals who welcomed our pupils and provided them with this fantastic opportunity.

This experience has been an invaluable chance for our pupils to explore potential career paths, develop new skills, and learn about the responsibilities and rewards of the working world.  We are confident that these placements have been both educational and inspiring, equipping our pupils with knowledge and skills that will benefit them in years to come.  Thank you once again to everyone involved in making this experience so enriching and memorable for our pupils!

Form 1 Rugby

Our rugby season kicked off with a blitz hosted at The High School where we welcomed teams from Newpark Comprehensive School, Wilson’s Hospital School, and St Columba’s College.  With a squad of over 30 players, we were able to field two teams in the competition, allowing everyone to experience the excitement and challenge of rugby matches.

Our first away trip as a team took us to Cork to play against Bandon Grammar School.  The early start and the few hours together on the bus gave us a great chance to bond as a team, even though we experienced a narrow loss.  The lessons we learned in Cork paid off, as both our teams achieved victories against The King’s Hospital at Danum the following week.

Our next match was against Catholic Uunversity School on our home grounds.  While only one of our teams secured a win, it was still a valuable experience for both teams.  Perhaps the most anticipated match of the term was against Terenure College on their home turf.  This was a major game for us, with both teams fighting hard in closely contested matches.  However, we ended up narrowly losing both games, and we are already looking forward to the rematch later this year.

Later we embarked on our second away trip of the term, this time to Limerick to face Glenstal Abbey School.  Both our teams emerged victorious, and it was clear that the lessons from our close match against Terenure had paid off.  Our final match before the Hallowe'en break was back on home grounds against a formidable Roscrea College team.  Both games were extremely close, but unfortunately, we did not secure the result we were aiming for.

Overall, this has been a highly successful first term for The High School.  Both teams have grown and learned a lot and I am hopeful that we’ll continue to build on these experiences as we move forward into the rest of the season.
Andrew Cole

Zion Parish Christmas Market

Mark your calendars for a wonderful holiday outing at the Zion Parish Indoor Christmas Market, taking place on Sunday, 8 December from 11.30 am to 2.00 pm in Zion Parish Hall.  This year’s market promises a delightful range of seasonal activities and treats for the whole family.

Visitors can enjoy browsing a variety of stalls filled with toys, books, and delicious cakes. Kids will be thrilled with face painting and a visit from Santa himself, while adults can sip on mulled wine or freshly brewed coffee as they explore the festive offerings. Try your luck at the Bottle Stall or dig for treasures in the Treasure Chest, and be sure to stop by the Deli Stall for tasty goodies to bring home. For those feeling hungry, there will also be burgers and hot dogs to enjoy on the spot.

Come join us for a festive day of shopping, treats, and holiday cheer—there’s something for everyone at the Zion Parish Christmas Market!