The High School  Zion Road  Rathgar  Dublin 6   Tel: 01-4922611   Fax: 01-4924427  office@highschooldublin.com

Transition Year

A very successful induction day for the Transition Year pupils was held on the first day of term. The occasion is used to explain the philosophy of Transition Year and to encourage the pupils to participate fully, to set targets and goals and to keep records of their achievements.

The ESRI recently conducted a study into Transition Year which has conclusively shown that students who undertake TY will "gain more points in the Leaving Certificate, will have lower third level drop out rates and will make more responsible choices in relation to sex, substance abuse and health." (Irish Times) What the newspaper didn;t mention is that the study has adjusted its findings to take into account the difference in age between a pupil who undertakes TY and one who completes only five years of schooling before taking the Leaving Certificate.

The study also identified that an important factor contributing to a successful Transition Year for a pupil is that their parents understand the philosophy of the year, take account of the different types of work and homework which are undertaken, and support the concept. It was found that if parents started out with a critical view of the year, this was more likely to lead to an unsatisfactory experience for the pupil.

If you would like to re-acquaint yourself with the philosophy of the year, there is an explanation on our website at http://www.highschooldublin.com/transition.htm In addition, it is worth considering advice that the TY support team give that the year is about developing the different types of multiple intelligence, e.g. logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist. Unfortunately, the curriculum in examination years tend to be biased towards the logical-mathematical and the linguistic.

Parents are advised by the TY support service to demonstrate as much interest in their childrens' daily educational activities as they would during an examination year, to discuss any aspect of the TY programme they don't understand with the TY coordinator, to encourage pupils to be energetic in their approach to the year and to take part in the opportunities on offer, to get used to the different types of "homework" used and to offer their expertise to the coordinator to help out with aspects of TY in which they might have a personal interest.

Swimming medal

Ian Thom (Form 5) competed in the Irish Age Group Championships in Athlone this summer, where he received an award as the third fastest swimmer overall in Ireland in the Under 16.

He also won a bronze medal in the 100 metres freestyle and as a result has gained a place in the Irish national squad. Well done!

Study skills seminar for form 5

The seminar will be held on Saturday 31 January 2004 from 9.30 a.m. until 3.15 p.m.

Senior debating

Begins on Friday 19 September at 1.15 p.m. in B7. All are welcome to attend (Forms 4-6).

Concern debates and Model United Nations

Any pupils from forms 4,5,6 wishing to participate in either or both of the above events, please see Mr D. Miller (B7) by next Friday 19 September.

Hockey equipment

Anyone wishing to purchase hockey equipment (sticks, gum shields, shin pads, stick bags) please see Mr D. Miller in B7 for details.

Special Olympics

The organising committee of the Special Olympics has written to thank the pupils who supported olympic athlete Heather Sutton from Team USA North West in the rhythmic gymnastics event at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. You made a difference!!

Welcome new staff

From the top:  Ms D. Levis, Mrs T. Heffernan, Mr B. Cassidy, Mr K. Doyle, Ms N. Phelan, Ms A. Campion, Mrs J. Condron

Sport this week

1st, 2nd XV St Columba Wed 17 Whitechurch 3.00

U 14 A,B Templeogue Sat 20 Home 11.00

5 1st year teams in a 6 a side tournament against St Gerard's away at 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday 17

Min A St Gerard's Wed 17 Away 3.15

4th XI, JunC St Gerard's Wed 17 Home 2.15

Min B, Jun B St Gerard's Wed 17 Home 3.15

1st XI, Jun B Muckross Sat 20 Home 9.00

2nd XI, Jun C Muckross Sat 20 Home 10.00

Jun A, Jun D Muckross Sat 20 Home 11.00

3rd XI Muckross Sat 20 UCD Belfield 9.00

Min B Muckross Sat 20 Muckross 9.00

Min C Muckross Sat 20 Muckross 10.00

Min D Muckross Sat 20 Muckross 11.00

Cadettes - girls born 1988 and 1989

Seniors - girls born 1985, 1986, 1987

Please see the noticeboards for training days and times

All boys who are interested should sign up on the lists on the noticeboard as soon as possible. Training will be on Wednesday afternoons or Saturdays, probably in the morning.

In rugby, the 1st XV beat Templeogue 29-7 and the Under 14A beat St Gerard's 57-0. In girls' hockey 1st XI, 3rd XI, Junior A, C and Minor B won their matches against Beaufort. The 2nd XI drew.