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

Saxon warrior

Since July I have been working on the King Arthur movie that is being shot in Ballymore Eustace. The day starts early at 6.OOam when we are collected from our hostel. Then its wardrobe, makeup and armoury before a quick breakfast and then out onto the battlefield for drilling, marching and finally fighting. The special effects are dramatic with large explosions and stunt men getting set on fire. There are approximately 450 warriors and I am in the sword combat group. There are 50 in my company and we are the elite! The day ends at nightfall which thankfully is getting earlier. All our meals are provided and we usually get back to our hostel by 9.3Opm. Over the next two weeks we will be putting the final touches to the scenes and the movie is due for release at Christmas 2004. It is described in the media as a cross between Gladiator and Saving Private Ryan. I will leave the rest to your imagination!

Extra computer room added

Another addition to the school Information and Communications Technologies network has been made with a new dedicated room and 28 new thin client workstations. This now means that we have four sub networks operating in four separate rooms (two computer rooms, one technical drawing room, staff workroom) as well as computers in a number of other areas, such as Art, Music, Guidance and the Library. The installation of a 1 megabit ADSL broadband connection to the internet means that students and staff can now access the internet at high speed at any time. The new facility should be in operation during the next few days.

European Computer Driving Licence

Congratulations to the students named below who have completed the entire European Computer Driving Licence by taking various modules in Form 4 and Form 5. The school is a registered ECDL test centre and all pupils in Transition Year now have the opportunity to begin the ECDL programme, completing it in Form 5. Obtaining this qualification outside the school would cost hundreds of Euro so it is well worth while!

Transition Year outdoor education trip to Blessington

Despite our bus being over an hour late we arrived early at the very well equipped centre. After organising our dorms we split into two groups. On the first day one of the groups climbed LugnaCoille (the highest mountain in Leinster I would like to add!) while the other participated in orienteering and kayaking. When we returned to the cntre we welcomed the lovely hot dinner and in the evening played some team games as well as doing archery and indoor climbing!

After the exhausting day we then watched three videos before hopping into bed for what became a sleepless night for many! The second day the groups swapped activities and were bundled back into the coach for the sleepy trip home. All the participants would really like to thank Ms Ritchie for organising this brilliant weekend and, of course, Mr Gill and Ms Toolan who spent the two whole days with us.

Tennis international

Congratulations to Kellie O'Flynn who has been selected for the Under 17 Irish tennis international squad, despite still being in the Under 15 age class!! Best of luck with the training and we hope you make the final team!

Winter uniform

You are reminded that winter uniform is now in operation. All pupils must wear school jumpers to and from school and while in school. If a particular classroom is too hot on a particular day, teachers have the discretion to allow pupils to take jumpers off while in that classroom. Please also note that full uniform must always be worn while coming to school and going home, including plain black outer jacket and black school shoes.

Invitation to Prize Day

Prize Distribution and parents' evening Wednesday 22 October 8.00 p.m. - parents of prize winners and staff are automatically invited. Other wishing to attend, please telephone the office. Pupils attending wear uniform.

Sport this week

SCT (L), 2nd Kilkenny Wed 15 Kilkenny 2.30

JCT (L) Kilkenny Wed 15 Home 3.00

U 13 10 a side Kilkenny Wed 15 Home 3.00

2nd XV St Mary's Sat 18 Away 11.00

1st XI Wesley Wed 15 Home 2.00 2nd XI, Min A Kilkenny Wed 15 Away 2.00

Jun A Kilkenny Wed 15 Away 3.00

Jun A (L) Muckross Sat 18 Home 9.00

1st XI (L) Alexandra Sat 18 Away tbc

There will also be matches for 2nd, 3rd XI, Jun B, Jun C, Min A,B,C, and 1st yr teams against Mt Anville, times to be confirmed.

Cadette A St Finian's Thurs 16 Arena 3.00

Cadette B Loreto Beaufort Fri 17 Beaufort 3.30

2nd yr Loreto Beaufort Fri 17 Beaufort 4.30

Cadette A Loreto Navan Mon 20 Navan 1.00tbc

Senior Loreto Navan Mon 20 Navan 2.15tbc

1st yr training Tuesday 14 at 4.00 p.m.

In rugby, the SCT beat Wesley College 36-10 and the Under 14 beat St Columba's 24-0. In girls' basketball, the Cadette A team beat Loreto Balbriggan 51-37.

In girls' hockey 4th XI won their league match vs Our Lady's Rathnew, Jun C won a league match against Muckross, 1st XI and Minor B drew against Kilkenny, Junior A won against Kilkenny. 3rd XI, Minor A and B, 1st Year M won against Mt Sackville, Junior B, 2nd XI, 1st Year F and 1st Year L drew against Mt Sackville.