Vol 31 No 25    27 Mar 2026

Happy Easter!

The Student Council and its members would like to wish all Form 6 pupils the best of luck in their Leaving Certificate Irish, Spanish, French, and German oral examinations. I can only imagine the apprehension they must be experiencing.  However, we would encourage you to trust in the preparation you have put in over the past six years.   

We would also like to congratulate The High School on what has been a fantastic term. Pupils have had opportunities to go on excursions to Belfast, Galway, Germany, Spain, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom. This term has seen a wealth of sporting successes, such as the boys' Senior Cup Team winning the Vinnie Murray Plate Final, the girls’ Senior Cup Team reaching the Leinster Schools Senior Cup Final, and the girls’ Minor B team victorious in the South Dublin League competition.  

Other highlights of the Spring Term included the celebration of Lunar New Year, Ancillary Staff Appreciation Day, World Book Day, International Women’s Day, and Seachtain na Gaeilge. The school was also well represented at national and regional events, participating in the Junk Kouture regional finals for the very first time as well as at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition where entrants from The High School were interviewed by RTÉ. The term also saw the visit of Olympian Jack Raftery, reception of Teachta Dála Ivana Bacik, a successful careers fair, the touring of The High School’s Orchestra,  mock interviews, hundreds of trees planted through the “Plant a Planet” campaign, and the Junior Drama production of ‘High School Musical Jr.’ 

We should like to take this opportunity to mention that the Student Council has been given a new noticeboard located between the Dining Room The Reynolds Hall doors. This is where we post updates, events, and information for pupils about what we do and how to get in contact with representatives. We encourage all pupils to get in touch with a member of the Council with any issues or ideas they may have.  Finally, we should like to thank pupils and parents for their generous donations to non-uniform days this term which have allowed us to raise over one thousand euro for the Irish Cancer Society and Doctors Without Borders.   

We should like to wish all who celebrate it a peaceful Easter of hope and new beginnings, and for everyone, a calm and restful fortnight. Good luck in your orals and practicals, Form 6!  
Olivia Leonard 

Vinnie Murray Plate Victory

We started the contest with a strong maul try and built early momentum against our opponents.  This phase was reversed when we got held up over the line and they blocked down a kick to score a try. Then we scored a great try from a strike move with Edward Duke dotting down. In the second half we had to come back twice: firstly, with a try from Samuel Sheedy and secondly, to win the match with the last kick of the game. The entire squad demonstrated immense passion and desire to secure victory against all the odds. 
Ury Spain
Captain

Interschools Music Festival

This year there were over 50 entries from The High School at the at Interschool Music Festival. We were absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the event. There were numerous different categories to enter, including orchestra, choir, bands, vocal solo/duet, piano, strings, woodwind, brass solos, and classical guitar.

We were astonished by the amount of representation from other schools and enjoyed listening to performances from them as it allowed us to meet people of all ages and talents. The atmosphere at the competition was exhilarating and full of anticipation for every contestant.

We are pleased that The High School takes pride in our talent and that we can share our passion with others. Winning several prizes for our school made us very happy. Reading the feedback provided by adjudicators after our competitions will help us improve for next year's competition. The excitement was evident when each adjudicator delivered their verdict silently.

As one quote goes: "Where words fail, music speaks." We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in this festival as well as to Ms Bourke and Ms Philips.

Interschools Music Festival results:

• Daniel Hunter - 2nd in U14 voice
• Anna Coe - Highly Commended in U14 voice
• Choir - Highly Commended in SAB Choirs
• Junior Chamber - 1st class honours in U15 chamber
• Sextet - Highly Commended in O15 chamber
• Chamber Orchestra - 1st class honours in Secondary Chamber Orchestras
• Orchestra - Highly Commended in Secondary Orchestras
• Jonathan Xu - 1st in U14 strings 
• Linden Chen - 2nd in U14 strings
• Sara Gonzalez and Faye Trench Thornton - Highly Commended in U16 strings
• Scarlett Xu - 1st in O16 Strings
• Marco González and Darryl Ng - 1st class honours in O16 Strings
• Scarlett Xu - 1st class honours in O16 Piano
• Sean Adetona and Zihang Li - 2nd in O15 Piano duet
• Molly Rafter - Highly Commended in U16 Voice
• Michaela Grey - 2nd in U17 Voice
• Hyperbole - Highly Commended in U15 Rock Bands
• Carpet Burn - Highly Commended in O15 Rock Bands
• Depressed Floor - Highly Commended in O15 Rock Bands
• HongCheng Du - 2nd place in U15 Classical guitar
  
  In total, 22 pupils excelled in competitions out of 38 - a remarkable achievement! Daniel Hunter and Michaela Grey advanced to the singing finals for the first time. Scarlett Xu triumphed in the Over 16 strings category, surpassing the leader of the National Youth Orchestra who is two years her senior, marking an incredible accomplishment. Additionally, this victory was a first for us in the Over 16 Strings category. Exceptional performances were also delivered by vocalists and rock bands!
  Olivia Liao and Aoife Mountford

Leinster Hockey

Congratulations to Pippa Beatty and Hannah O’Brien on their fantastic achievement in being selected for the Under 18 and Under 16 Leinster Hockey training panels. This is a wonderful recognition of their talent, commitment, and hard work on the pitch.

We wish them the very best of luck as they travel to The Hague to compete this Easter. Being chosen to represent their province at this level is a remarkable accomplishment and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved so far. We look forward to following their progress and know they will represent The High School with great pride.
Ms Jones

Hockey Wellbeing Initiative

This week, in a well-being activity, the boys’ hockey teams took time to show their appreciation by creating “Thank You” cards for their coaches in recognition of all the hard work and dedication shown throughout the season. It was a thoughtful gesture from the players, highlighting the strong sense of respect and teamwork within the squads.

A special word of thanks goes to Mr Fitzpatrick, Ms Gray, and Mr Howard for the countless hours they have given both on and off the pitch. Their commitment, encouragement, and support have played a vital role in the development and success of the teams this year.

Well done to all the boys’ hockey captains for organising such a meaningful initiative, and thank you to our coaches for everything they do.

Form 4 TG4 Broadcast

Earlier this academic year, TG4 in partnership with Macalla Teoranta put out a notice that they were going to create a new quiz show called SLÉ Anois Go Cúramach and were looking for Form 4 pupils to take part in it. Three pupils from The High School got together and filmed and submitted an application video. The production company said they were impressed and invited Órla Jepsen, Caoimhe Gannon, and Saoirse Fleetwood to a casting call. The pupils had to introduce themselves and then were quickly quizzed on general knowledge trivia. The girls did a spectacular job and seemed surprisingly well informed! Unsurprisingly, the production team were very impressed and informed us that our pupils had earned a spot on the show.

On Friday 21 November, our pupils and I travelled to the Macalla Teoranta Studio at Smithfield. It was a great experience to be on set and it was lovely that the entire production was conducted as Gaeilge. We were sworn to secrecy and warned off posting or writing anything about the show until now! However, we are now delighted to report that the show will be broadcast on TG4 on Tuesdays from 7.30–8.00 pm from 24 March for a 10-week run.  It will be repeated every Sunday at 11.45 am. The remaining episodes are also due to air each Tuesday from 14 April. If you would like to see our pupils on your television screens you will have to tune in on 26 May. 

There were over 60 pupils who took part from 20 different schools. Our pupils did a phenomenal job during filming! Their personalities shine on screen and they should be so proud of themselves for participating. They are great ambassadors for The High School. Maith sibh cailíní! Táimid an bhródúil asaibh!
Ms Byrne

Agricultural Science

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

The day began with a drive through the Curragh, one of the most important centres of Ireland’s equine industry — a major contributor to the national economy. Our first stop was a visit to Kildare Chilling Company, where pupils were welcomed by Éanna Lowry, Health & Safety Officer for Dawn Meats. Mr Lowry and his team shared fascinating insights into the company’s operations, explaining that McDonald’s is one of their largest customers. While time did not allow for a full tour of the state-of-the-art facility, pupils were given access to the lairage, where they observed the initial stages of the meat processing journey. This included the arrival of cattle and sheep, verification of identification documentation, and checks for any visible signs of injury. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted both the scale and efficiency of the industry and provided valuable insight into where much of our food originates before reaching shops and dinner tables.

Next, the group visited Kilcullen Mart, a busy hub where farmers and dealers gather to buy and sell livestock. Coinciding with our visit was the annual show and sale of cows and heifers, when farmers present animals for judging by industry experts, with trophies awarded across several categories. Pupils explored the mart, observing livestock sales — mostly young animals around nine months old — with prices ranging from €800 to €2,750. Watching the live bidding process offered a fascinating glimpse into the commercial side of farming. Although we attempted to purchase some Highland cross calves, our bidding efforts fell short, and apart from a few chicken fillet rolls and hot dogs, we left empty-handed!

The excursion 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 attended a series of talks covering six agricultural sectors. They learned how sheep are managed in groups based on age, weight, and the number of scanned offspring, and they witnessed a sheep birthing demonstration — although, unfortunately, there was no hands-on involvement this year.

A PhD student delivered a presentation outlining his journey through UCD’s agricultural programme, sharing details of his research and highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available within the sector. A farm safety talk followed, emphasising common hazards and revealing the surprising statistic that sheep and quad bikes account for a significant number of farm-related incidents. The group then visited the equine building, where we received a talk on equine research and management while surrounded by several of UCD’s resident horses and ponies. The final sessions focused on how technology is transforming modern farming, followed by a tour of the estate’s €1 million state-of-the-art calving shed, designed to enhance livestock management and research.

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

Leinster Schools League Final

Comiserations to members of the 1st Year A Boys' Hockey team who contested the Leinster Schools League Final on Wednesday but were lost 2-1 to St. Andrew's College. The goal was scored by Daniel McFeely from a short corner. They have had a great season, reaching the cup semi-final and league final. There is more to come from this group of players. Well done to them and their coach, Mr Howard.
Ms Gray

Form 4 Craft

In Form 4 Craft class, pupils are creating ceramic tiles inspired by their botanical sketches. Each young artist is creating a set of four tiles, showcasing impressive patterns and textures. We are eagerly anticipating the final results after firing and glazing!
Ms Rogers

Form 5 English

Pupils in Form 5 English have been making great use of the new podcasting equipment recently procured by the English Department. This week, they created their own revision podcasts as part of their comparative course, exploring texts such as A Doll's House, Small Things Like These, and Barbie.

Working in groups, pupils discussed key themes, characters, and cultural contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of the texts while also developing their communication and digital skills. The process allowed pupils to engage with their material in a dynamic and collaborative way, bringing their ideas to life through discussion and analysis.

The finished podcasts are both insightful and creative, and provide an excellent revision resource for pupils. You can listen to their work on the school’s SoundCloud account here.
Ms Burrowes

Form 1 French

Form 1 pupils recently showcased their creativity in the French classroom through a vibrant Easter poster project. As part of their language learning, pupils were encouraged to design colourful posters celebrating Easter while incorporating key French vocabulary and phrases. Their efforts have certainly brightened up the classroom and brought a touch of spring to the school.
Ms Lally

Form 4 Culture

As part of their Culture module in the Transition Year Programme, Form 4 pupils recently embarked on a delicious and creative journey around the world, preparing a wonderful variety of international treats. The project encouraged pupils to explore different cultures through food, highlighting how cuisine can reflect traditions, history, and identity. Well done to 4GY for their hard work and creativity, and for embracing the spirit of the Culture module so fully.
Ms Gray

Junior IMTA Maths Quiz

On Tuesday 24 March, four teams of Form 3 pupils went to the Pi quiz at Coláiste Éanna. There were eight rounds, with two questions in the first four rounds and four questions in the last four rounds. We had three all-boys teams and one all-girls team. The High School Team A, comprised of Coco Viotti, Ella Percy-O’Brien, Sofia Antonova, and Jessica Qiu, was the only team that made it to the tiebreaker round. We were also the first all-girls team to place in the Pi quiz thereby coming third. It was a fantastic experience: we received bronze medals and a trophy for our school.
Ella Percy-O’Brien

Staff Training Day

On Monday 23 March, our teachers took part in a training day focused on upcoming changes to the Senior Cycle from OIDE. This was a really positive opportunity for teachers to come together, share ideas, and start preparing for what these changes will mean for our pupils.

The main focus of the day was simple: how can we best support our pupils in their final years of school? Alongside academic learning, we want to continue helping pupils build confidence, think independently, and develop the skills they will need for the future. Throughout the day, teachers worked together in a very practical way — discussing classroom ideas, looking at new approaches to learning, and exploring how lessons can be even more engaging and relevant for pupils.

We also looked at how these changes will be introduced gradually over time, through different “tranches” (phases) of subjects. This means that not everything will change at once. Instead, subjects will be updated step by step, giving pupils, parents, and teachers time to adjust and become familiar with the new approaches. For pupils and families, this means there will be a clear and manageable transition, with plenty of support along the way.

What was most encouraging about the day was the enthusiasm and commitment of our teachers to making school a positive and meaningful experience for every pupil. While change can sometimes feel uncertain, it also brings exciting opportunities to improve how we teach and learn. We will continue to keep parents and pupils updated as these changes are introduced, and we look forward to working together to support our students every step of the way.

Vanessa Connolly
Deputy Principal

HSD PPU Afternoon Tea