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

President's Award trip to Kerry 2004

When we had all arrived on Thursday night we were told what would happen the next day i.e. climbing Corran Tuathail. At 7.30 on Friday morning we were all awoken by the melodious sound of the fire alarm, which was set off by the chef of the moment Ailbhe Donnellan. After eating and packing for the day we hopped on a bus and made our way to the car park from where we would start our journey. It was a cold and windy day but that did not deter us.

We began our climb at 10.10 am and made our way to the base of the Devil’s Ladder by 11.30 am. Here we were warned about the dangers of falling rock and how it may do some damage to ones head. As we ascended the Devil’s Ladder the weather worsened with a large cloud like object descending upon us. The last part of the climb on the Devil’ s Ladder was tough and slippery but we reached the saddle at 12.30 pm and stopped there for a brief lunch. At 1.l0pm we continued our ascension into even thicker cloud and faster winds. Among the gusts of wind we could vaguely hear somebody screaming, "I’m going to die on this mountain". It was of course Elizabeth Donnelly. Finally at 2.00pm we reached the large metallic cross that positioned the end of our ascent. We hung around the top for about 10 minutes taking pictures and then began our descent back down the Devil’ s Ladder. Going down was more treacherous then going up as there were more rocks falling due to mist. ON reaching the bottom we began a slow walk back to the buses. We returned to the hostel for a nice dinner and another meeting where we were told we would be walking The Gap of Dunloe the next morning.

After a good nights sleep we ate breakfast, packed the bus and headed for the Gap of Dunloe where we made a slow walk up to the highest point of the Gap. There Mr. Swan and Mr. Cryan told us of the wonders of watershed. After that we headed back down to the buses where we ate lunch and then proceeded to head back to Dublin. All in all it was an adventurous and enjoyable trip.

Many thanks to Mr. Swan, Mr. Cryan, Ms. Toolan and Ms. Ritchie for their help on this, the 10th anniversary of the Kerry trip for the President’s Award

By Jake 0' Brien and Ailbhe Donnellan

"The Determinator"

The junior play, "The Determinator", will be performed on Thursday 13 May. Tickets will be on sale from today. Don't miss this all singing, all dancing extravaganza!

3W political survey

Form 3W pupils did a political survey on 1, 2 April for their 3rd year CSPE project. We decided to do this because of the up and coming local elections. We found it very interesting and informative. The results will show how little knowledge secondary school pupils have of politics. Maybe we will now take an interest in politics!!

Some highlights from the survey:

When asked what a referendum was, 22.5% gave the correct definition (a vote of the people to change the constitution) while 21.6% had some idea and 55.8% had no idea. When asked what elections were taking place in June (local and European), 78.3% had no idea. 71% did not know how many countries have just joined the EU. When asked what was their favourite political party, 23% said the Green Party, 15% Sinn Fein, 14% Labour, 12.5% Fianna Fail, 8.3% Fine Gael and 4% each Progressive Democrats and Socialist Labour. Pat Rabbite was the most popular party leader (18%), followed by Trevor Sargent (a past pupil of High School) and Mary Harney.

72.5% agree with the smoking ban in workplaces, 56% oppose President Bush's visit and 70% support EU enlargement. 56% believe the correct voting age is 18, with only 32% believing it should be lowered to 16.

Form 5 mock interview evening

On Monday 26th April a group 5th year students assembled in the library at approximately 7.15p.m.

Students had to choose from a range of various college courses and career positions. Each student was interviewed by between one and three interviewers from their chosen college course/job. Students were marked on appearance, the presentation of their documents (i.e. cover letter, C.V. and application letter) and their ability to communicate. The interviewers were very pleasant and were very understanding to those who were nervous. Students were asked questions based on their c.v. and their chosen career path. The most commonly asked question was "Why do you think you are suited for this career path?" All in all, the night was a success and students benefited from the experience.

Rebecca Murray 5th Form

Summer music concert

The Music Department is pleased to present a concert on Tuesday 11 May at 7.30 p.m. in the Music Centre. Please note that the concert was booked out last year and entrance tonight will not be possible. Parents, pupils and staff are welcome to attend. If you have not reserved a seat, please telephone the office to see if there is room available.

Sport this week

1st Yr Alexandra Tues 11 Alexandra 4.00

1st XI King's Hospital Wed 12 Away 2.15

U 15 Santa Sabina Thurs 13 Home 3.00

1st Yr Wesley Fri 14 Away 4.15

2nd XI Loreto Bray Sat 15 Home 9.30

2nd XI Wesley Mon 17 Away 4.00

U 14 (L) St Columba's Tues 11 Home 3.00

1st XI (L) St Mary's Wed 12 Home 2.30

1st XI Old Boys Fri 14 Home 2.30

JCT (L) Wesley Sat 15 Ballinteer 10.00

Staff Parents Mon 17 Home 6.00

(If any parents would like to play, please telephone the office.)

Please read carefully and check team lists. If you can't play let Ms Ritchie or Ms Levis know immediately.

Juniors Rathdown Fri 14 Rathdown 4.00

Juniors St Andrew's Tues 11 Home 3.00

Minor A Wesley Tues 11 Home 4.15

Minor A Mt Anville Wed 12 Away 3.30

Minor A Sancta Maria tbc

Minor B Rathdown Fri 14 Away tbc

Minor B Colaiste Bride tbc Home tbc

Minor B Loreto Foxrock Wed 12 Away 3.30

Minor B Alexandra Mon 17 Away 4.15

U 14 all Ireland final Wed 12 May in the Arena at 11.00

In girls cricket, the Under 15 won their match against Mount Anville. Congratulations to the Junior boys tennis team who have reached the semi-finals of the league.

In girls athletics, congratulations to the 2nd year relay team who won gold in the East Leinster Zones, also Roz Campbell (gold in the shot), Leah Moore (gold in the 80m hurdles and the 100m hurdles) and Evanna Mills (silver in the long jump).