Gaisce Hike

 

Mr Barnard Leinster Rugby

Congratulations to Mr Barnard on his selection for the Leinster Juniors team last weekend to play Ulster in Gorey RFC. Mr Barnard came of the bench early in the 2nd half with Leinster 22 points down and despite a brave comeback attempt Leinster lost the game 41-49 in the end.

We wish Mr Barnard the best of luck in selection for the upcoming game vs Munster on Saturday in Waterpark RFC.

Environmental Innovators

On Monday 7 April, Doğa Erpolat, JoJo O’Connor, and I had the incredible opportunity to present our project at the annual Environmental Innovators Peer Day.  As one of the eight projects selected nationally, we were incredibly excited to present our work, attend workshops, and see other schools’ projects.  

The Environmental Innovators Transition Year Programme—an initiative by Agri Aware and BiOrbic—asks students to investigate potential solutions to the various challenges our global food system faces.  

Our project centred around the repurposing of waste paper.  We first noticed how much sheets of paper schools in Ireland use (an estimated average of 2,000 sheets per day).  From there, we attempted to refine and adapt existing methods of recycling used paper into new, functional sheets.  While our project includes some issues with large-scale practicality, we believe it could be a tool for highlighting the time, effort, and resources required to produce this seemingly infinite material.  Our process also leaves space for possibilities for further adaptions—such as creating seed paper, plant starters, and more.  

As the only shortlisted school from Dublin, we were delighted to be receive 3rd place overall.   We’re especially grateful to Mr Langrell for his advice, facilitation, and encouragement throughout our project.   Olivia Leonard

Junior Drama Triumph!

This year, Junior Drama took to the stage to perform Matilda The Musical Jr., a charming and high-energy adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl classic.  With such a strong cast of pupils from Form 1 to 3, it’s no surprise that the one-night-only performance sold out so quickly.  

The production was directed by Ms Forder and Ms Phillips, whose dedication and commitment ensured the play ran seamlessly.  On behalf of the entire Junior Drama cast and crew, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both of them for their guidance and support.  

What makes Junior Drama special, in my view, is the range of forms which act, plan, and work together to bring the play to fruition.  Having been involved with backstage for the past four years, it has been fascinating and rewarding to see the growth in confidence, aptitude, and talent as pupils move through the years.  It was a pleasure to work alongside all of the stagehands and cast this year while putting the play together.  Transition Year pupils play a key role in the planning and preparation of the performance, and I think I speak for all of us to say it has been a pleasure to (hopefully) be the role models we once looked up to ourselves.  

The talent and quality of performance by this year’s cast in the Junior Drama production of Matilda The Musical Jr.  was phenomenal.  We hope the audience enjoyed watching the play as much as we all enjoyed putting it together!  

Olivia Leonard 

HSD MUN by Olivia Leonard

On 28 and 29 March, The High School held its third annual Model United Nations conference. Hundreds of pupils from fifteen schools were welcomed on Friday evening to spend the next two days debating the views of their delegations. In a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, every participating school is assigned a delegation. Six to seven pupils (referred to as delegates) make up a delegation, and these delegates then represent their delegation country in various topics of debate. Debated topics are grouped into committees (e.g. Disarmament and International Security, Security Council, Environmental & Ecological, etc.). There is no “winning” at a MUN Conference, however delegates and delegations are given awards if they are seen to represent their delegation accurately, contribute to a good standard of debate, as well as simply being amiable.

MUN is a great way for pupils to practice debating, compromising, and teamwork.  For the group of pupils from The High School, it is an opportunity to moderate debate, assist with the facilitation of the conference, and practice public speaking.  Aside from this, it is a lot of fun and is one of the most friendly and welcoming communities that I know.  

The Dublin MUN calendar winds down after our conference and so for many delegates in sixth year, HSDMUN is their last conference.  This is the case for Leo and Michael—our two wonderful Secretary-Generals—who had this to say as the conference came to a close on Saturday evening:   

“In the past two years Model UN has taken off, our numbers are better than ever, and we have a confident and competent new generation of delegates who are shining examples of the spirt and passion of MUN.  I have absolutely no doubt that Michael and I are leaving Model UN at The High School in very capable hands.”  

- Leo Shorten 

“I am exceptionally proud of how this conference went, and how much work everyone put in to make it run as smoothly as possible.  A massive thanks to everyone, because none of this could have happened without the Herculean effort from everyone at The High School.  Thank you all.” - Michael Binchy.

Olivia Leonard 

East Leinster Athletics Championship

A great day for The High School at the East Leinster Athletics Championships!! Fantastic 11 medals today and a lot of finalists with Personal Bests! Huge congratulations to the 10 athletes who have after the first day reached the Leinster Finals. 

The Senior Girls Relay team of Juliette, Sadhbh, Rhea and Siobhan won Gold!! 

Ellie Oldrey won Gold in the 200m

Brendan Solarin won Gold in the Long Jump 

Harry Ted - Silver in the Discus

Jack Feeney King - Silver in the Long Jump

Luke Stuart Gleeson - Bronze in the Long Jump 

Elisa MacGabhann - Bronze in the Javelin and Shot Putt

 

All of the above will be going forward to the Leinster finals and hopefully more will join them next Tuesday!

Form 4 Agricultural Science

Congratulations to the Form 4 High School pupils on their recent success at the National Environmental National final 2025