Archived : 02 Jul 2023, 12:00 AM
TY students continued their exploration of their chosen theme for the year 'Gender Equality' with the benefit of a class set of the stunning, Booker Prize shortlisted novel 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan. Keegan dissects the silent acquiescence of a 1980s Irish town in the Church’s cruel treatment of unmarried mothers - and the cost of one man’s moral courage.
Thanks to the World Wise Global Schools organisation for providing the funding to allow students to engage with such important issues.
Archived : 02 Jul 2023, 12:00 AM
Our school has completed Creative Engagement 2023. The fifth year Art class collaborated with artist and past pupil, Gráinne Bath-Enright to create a beautiful wall mural.
The project began with a series of mural design workshops. The students researched murals from Ireland and abroad. This involved a walking tour of public art in the locality. The class also visited the banks of the river Liffey for artistic inspiration. A wall along a glass corridor next to the school courtyard was selected for the mural. To begin the project, the class explored, researched, and made drawings. They reflected upon the meaning of Cill Dara 'church of the oak', St. Brigid, growth, unity, biodiversity and our natural environment. This led to a final design proposal and completed mural. The creative process was documented in a collaborative sketchbook.
The theme of the mural is to ‘bring the outside in’. The students wanted to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in the space. The banks of the Liffey, next to our school was a constant source of inspiration. The flora and fauna found along the river and in our local environment are used in the design. The swan represents our school and the wider community. The birds in flight symbolise growth and the students' journey through education. The ferns and flowers are symbols of the beautiful plant life in our environment. The clover, a common wildflower, attracts bees and supports biodiversity. The abstract blue lines represent the Liffey. Lastly, the oak leaves symbolise 'Cill Dara- - Church of the Oak.
The mural has enhanced the corridor and has made the space more engaging. The soft green colour palette with accents of pinks and blue reflects the Irish landscape and the colours found in nature. The mural can be appreciated from many angles and vantage points thanks to the glass corridor. The changing light and reflections create an interactive space that lightens the mood.
Archived : 25 Jun 2023, 12:00 AM
Well done to the school's Junior Volleyball team who beat St. Mary's, Naas and St. Raphael's, Loughrea in their last pool games. The girls now progress to the All Ireland finals in the University of Limerick on the 8th of May. Congratulations girls
Archived : 21 Jun 2023, 12:00 AM
Archived : 19 Jun 2023, 12:00 AM
Archived : 17 Jun 2023, 12:00 AM
Following on from our success last year in establishing ‘Oliver’s Garden’ in the school, we were approached by Ryston Sports and Social Club to create a garden at the main entrance to Ryston. We are delighted to be involved in this community outreach project.
This month, our TY students and Green Prefects began this new gardening project in Ryston. They have worked hard at clearing the area, spreading topsoil and getting some beautiful spring flowers planted. This is an ongoing collaboration between Ryston and Holy Family Secondary School and the students will continue to grow the garden further over the coming weeks and months.
This is a big undertaking, and we are still looking for donations of plants, shrubs, trees, compost and gardening equipment. We would like to give a big thanks to all those who have so generously donated their time, expertise and help so far.
Archived : 31 May 2023, 12:00 AM
Members of our HFY group with Sr. Kate presenting Food and Toiletries to Mairéad Ryan for the Newbridge Parish Share Food Project.
Archived : 31 May 2023, 12:00 AM
3rd year students and their history teachers enjoyed a very interesting day out at Glasnevin Cemetery on Tuesday last. 110 students were treated to a guided tour of the national cemetery where they learned all about the famous and not so famous people that are buried there, over 1.6 million souls in all. Brilliant anecdotes and sad tales combined to captivate the HFSS audience. A great day out enjoyed by everyone.
Archived : 31 May 2023, 12:00 AM
Wednesday 12th March was this year's school captain's day in HFSS and our school captain Mia O Connor chose 'healthy body, healthy mind' as her theme. Mia created the most wonderful and energetic day for our school community. She taught the whole school how to 'cha cha' and 'Jive' in the gym, created fabulous memories in the classroom as class groups participated in 'Just Dance' competitions and created 'self-care guides' with personal targets for 2023. Everyone appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the day and the icing on the cake was when DWTS (now winner) Carl Mullen and Emily Barker joined our whole school assembly for a Q&A session and performed one of their dances. On Behalf of the entire school, we would like to thank Mia for creating a truly memorable day in HFSS.
Archived : 31 May 2023, 12:00 AM
Congratulations to the 6th year music class, the choir, the trad group and members of the 3rd and 5th year music classes on a very enjoyable performance at this year’s spring concert. Everyone sang and played brilliantly and the evening was beautifully presented by Melodie Aremu and Aoibhinn Bridge. We were treated to a lovely mix of classical, baroque, romantic, jazz, pop and traditional music which reflected the diverse interests and talents of our students. Míle Buíochas to all the teachers who helped out.
