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T LK OF THE SCHOOL

Issue #1

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Title Page

Editorial

From the From the Editor Editor Btari Gaia

Kia Ora! Welcome to “Talk of the School” a student-led school magazine run (for now!) by me, Btari, Grade 10.

🙋‍♀️

This magazine was created to be a platform for us (students) to express ourselves, share our ideas, celebrate our creativity, and document the unique voices that make up our school community. Whether it’s writing, art, opinions, or anything in between.

✍️🎨🗣️

If you're wondering what Ctrl+N means, it's the shortcut for "New Document" on a laptop. Or if you’re using a Macbook, it’s usually Command+N. And that’s exactly what this term’s issue is all about: a brand new page. A fresh start.

I chose Ctrl+N because it mirrors where many of us are right now. Some students are graduating and heading into exciting new chapters. Others are wrapping up a grade and preparing for the next. Wherever you are in that journey, we’re all entering a new page and stepping into something new.

This issue is a tribute to that transition: to letting go, starting again, and embracing change. Like a blank document, the future is waiting to be written.

As we’re ending the school year really really soon. I hope you have a restful, relaxing, and joyful summer break ahead. If you’re looking for something to dive into during the holidays, check out our online version of the magazine at [insert link] to add to your summer reading list.

Ngā mihi, Btari Gaia Grade 10

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WHAT'S I SIDE

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Editorial Contents (you’re here!)

5 Ways to Embrace the School New Year Vas Happenin?

Creative Corner What’s Next?

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5 Ways to Embrace the School New Year

Starting a new school year can feel like a whole mood. Sometimes you’re hyped, other times you’re lowkey stressed or just trying to figure out how to survive. But don’t worry, every new year is a fresh chance to reset, glow up your habits, and make school actually fun. Here are 5 easy ways to embrace the new school year without losing your chill.

1. Set Real Goals That Actually Matter to You Forget the pressure to be perfect or have a million goals. Pick one or two things that you really want to focus on this year. Maybe it’s making one new friend, getting better at a subject you usually struggle with, or just showing up on time more often (that’s a win!). Keep your goals simple and doable so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Write them down or tell your bestie for some extra motivation.

2. Organize Your Stuff You don’t need to be super neat, but having your backpack and study space sorted helps a ton. Find a spot where you can focus whether that’s your desk, your bed, or the kitchen table. Gather your school supplies, chargers, and snacks (very important) so you’re ready to go every morning before school. Trust me, it’s way less stressful when you’re not digging through your bag for a pen 5 minutes before class.

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3. Create a Routine That Fits Your Life Routines don’t have to be boring or strict. Find a flow that works for you, maybe you study after school, or maybe you like to get it done early in the morning. Mix in breaks to scroll socials, watch a quick TikTok video, or just chill. Make sure to get enough sleep because no one can focus when they’re running on empty. A routine helps your brain know when it’s time to work and when it’s time to rest.

4. Try New Things and Meet New People New school year, new opportunities! Join that club you’ve been curious about, try out a sport, or talk to someone new in class. Even if it feels awkward at first, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to awesome experiences and friendships. Plus, it’s cool to discover new sides of yourself you didn’t know existed.

5. Be Kind to Yourself (No Cap) Not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. If you mess up a test or forget homework, don’t beat yourself up.

Everyone has off days. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, like finishing an assignment early or finally understanding a tricky topic. And if things get overwhelming, talk to someone, maybe your friends, family, or a teacher. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as school stuff.

There you go! With these tips, you’ll be ready to take on the new school year with less stress and more confidence.

Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. You got this!

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VAS HAPPENIN? Chocolate. Strawberry. Vanilla. The classics. We grew up with them.

But every once in a while, a new flavor pops up and totally takes over— your feed, your group chats, your go-to drink order. And right now?

That flavor is matcha.

Suddenly, it’s everywhere. Matcha lattes. Matcha ice cream. Matchascented perfume. Matcha ramen. (Yes, RAMEN!) But matcha isn’t just some random green trend. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and has been around since 2700 BCE in China, where it started as tea. Fast-forward to today, and it’s not just a drink— it’s a whole lifestyle. You’ll spot it on café menus, wellness blogs, Pinterest boards, and even in fashion.

According to Forbes, the matcha market is expected to hit around $5 billion by 2028, growing at over 10% a year from 2025. That’s major.

But is this green boom here to stay?

Turns out, matcha’s rise has been bubbling since 2015, according to the South China Morning Post matcha has found its spot when everyone started getting serious about wellness, clean eating, and balance. And unlike coffee (which can make you anxious, jittery, or just straight-up crash), matcha gives you a calm energy boost. Thanks to L-theanine, it hits different. More focus, less chaos.

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And let’s be honest: it’s also aesthetic. The soft green swirl. The bamboo whisk. The feel-good glow. The cozy feeling of holding a warm matcha latte on a chill day. It’s the drink of the “it girl.” The one who wakes up early to do yoga, drinks water with lemon, journals about self-growth, and glows from the inside out.

Drinking matcha kind of makes you feel like her. Or at least, like you could be her.

But that vibe? It’s not cheap.

In Jakarta, a cup of ceremonial-grade matcha can cost Rp 55,000 to Rp 140,000. And even if you try to DIY it at home, matcha powder can set you back anywhere from Rp 150,000 to Rp 700,000. So yeah, it’s more than just a drink. It’s a status symbol. A flex. A whole aesthetic.

Because these days, we’re not just drinking for the health benefits.

We’re drinking for the Instagram post.

Social media has changed how we look at food. It’s not just about what tastes good or what fuels us, it’s about what looks good. What tells the world: this is who I am.

So here’s the question: Is matcha really a mindful ritual or just another beautifully packaged moment of digital FOMO? Maybe it’s both. make the writing more casual and trendy

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Ready to hit Ctrl + N and start something new?

Find all the fun words about fresh starts, new chapters, and blank pages waiting for you. Let’s get searching!

Made by Btari Gaia :P

D ASE O

HO NG M

TB NO RI

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