Vol 30 No 12     22 Nov 2024

Act of Remembrance

The High School commemorated all those who died in conflict during the twentieth century in an Act of Remembrance last week.  In particular, the service of at least 476 past pupils who volunteered during the First World War and Second World War (of whom a total of 99 were killed) was marked in a short ceremony held during Assembly.  The Principal (together with the Head Boy, Head Girl, and Deputy Head Girl) represented The High School at the national Act of Remembrance which was held in the presence of His Excellency the President of Ireland at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.  You can learn more about past pupils of The High School who died during the First World War here.

Science and Geography Week

Science and Geography Week took place 12-15 November.  We packed a lot into our four-day week.  Some of the traditions, such as paper airplane making, insect investigations, and organ dissections returned.  This year we had the inaugural Great HSD Geography Bake-Off.  There was a very high level of creativity and imagination in the entries.  Pupils got to vote on their favourite one with three Form 1 pupils coming out on top: first place - Katie Buckley, second place - Caitlin Henderson, and third place - Lauren Birney.  The competitions included guessing the number of seeds in a sunflower head, identifying the Science teacher in disguise, creating a new HSD honey label, picking names for The High School chickens - we hope that naming them will encourage them to start laying. On Friday our Form 1 pupils enjoyed a Science table quiz in the Demonstration Theatre. Well done to all who participated and congratulations to the lucky prize winners.
Mr Langrell

Mathematics Week

During October The High School celebrated Maths Week.  The week is dedicated to promoting positive attitudes towards Maths and highlighting the importance of Maths in our everyday lives.   Activities throughout the week included a Mathematician Poster Competition, Daily Maths Riddles/Puzzles for both Juniors and Seniors and plenty of fantastic prizes kindly sponsored by Terenure Office Supplies.  While Maths Week may only happen once a year, it is still a year round initiative, shining a light on the impact of Maths on everyday life and the wide range of careers that use Maths on a day to day basis.  And also how much fun Maths is!
Ms MacGowan 

Leinster A Rugby Selection

High School past pupil Ben Howard (HSD, 2016-21) has been selected to play for Leinster A team this Friday. The Leinster Rugby A squad is set to face Munster Rugby A at Terenure College RFC in the second round of the IRFU A Interprovincial Championship at 5.00 pm.  Gates will open at 3.00 pm with free admission, promising a fantastic event for fans of all ages.  Following last week's impressive victory against Connacht excitement is high.  Congratulations to our past pupil on this achievement and we wish him every success going forward. 
Mr McDermott

ISTA Senior Science Quiz

Congratulations to pupils from The High School who took part in the ISTA Senior Science Quiz that was held at 16 locations across Ireland on Thursday 14 November.  All quizzes started at 7.00 pm in their respective venues.  Teams of three competed in a traditional table quiz format with eight rounds of six questions each sourced from the Leaving Certificate Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses as well as covering general science knowledge and recent scientific developments. Well done to all involved. 
Ms Finnegan

Form 1 Art

Pupils in Form 1 have been channelling their creativity into an exciting lino print design project.  As part of their art curriculum, pupils were introduced to the intricate and rewarding process of lino printing, where they explored design, carving, and printing techniques. Well done everyone. 
Ms Killane

Mental Health Awareness

As we draw closer to the Christmas examinations, surrounded by to do lists and study timetables it is easy to forget about our mental wellbeing. Let us remind you that your mental health is just as important as your academic progress.  It is essential to take care of yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of this hectic period.  Here are some helpful tips that can waylay common examination stress.

Remember to take breaks during study sessions, practice calming deep breathing exercises, keep yourself hydrated, ensure you get sufficient rest, eat nourishing foods, engage in regular physical activity,  and be kind to yourself by avoiding comparisons with others.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for support.  Your teachers and Guidance Counsellors are always happy to help. 

Form 6 English

The freedom I feel whilst running is like no other, it quietens my mind and lets me escape the busy world momentarily. As I let my feet guide me around the streets of the city, I feel a sense of peace but also a strong feeling of freedom.  

I intricately lace up my runners, one lace over the next, making sure they will not come undone, I notice all the dirt and marks from runs before. I reminisce on those moments and different feelings. I let out a sigh, my body feels tired from a long day at school, I can see the sun beginning to set. I do not want to go on this run. I pull my hair back into a loose ponytail, it hangs heavily down the back of my neck. I rub my eyes, they feel as though they could shut at any moment. My bed with its warm duvet and hot water bottle looks inviting to say the least. However, I try to push these thoughts aside. I take one step out my door and begin. 
Read more
Rosa Bell-Megaw

Form 2 Graphics

Pupils in Form 2 have been embracing cutting-edge technology by exploring the exciting world of 3D printing.  As part of their design and technology curriculum, pupils have been learning how to bring their ideas to life, moving from concept sketches to tangible objects using our state-of-the-art 3D printers.  The photograph above highlights some of the creations designed and printed by our talented pupils.  These include a range of models, from architectural structures to playful and imaginative shapes such as animals and keyrings. 

3D printing offers pupils the chance to experiment with ideas, refine their designs, and see the impact of their decisions instantly.  It's not only a fantastic way to develop practical skills but also to encourage innovation and curiosity. Many pupils expressed excitement at being able to hold their designs, remarking on how satisfying it is to see their hard work materialize into physical objects.  We look forward to seeing what amazing creations our pupils will come up with next!
Mr O'Sullivan

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