mag issue 6 by AISHK Year 3

13 STranger things

14 INterhouse Volleyball

MENTALHEALTH

ByAlyssaLam,JaneKiang&EbbaHellström

Taking care of our mental health is crucial in a world where there is a lot of stress and uncertainty. This article examines the various ways in which we may maintain good mental health, emphasising the need for making it a priority in order to develop total wellbeing and strength. We decided to interview our school counsellor, Ms. Spencer, to help more people to have a better understanding of mental health!

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental well-being includes our attitudes, feelings, and coping mechanisms for life's highs and lows. Thoughts influence our views of the outside world, emotions represent our everyday emotions, such as tension, happiness, or despair. Conversely, relationships determine our interactions with other people. This mental terrain is dynamic, fluctuating between serenity and anxiety, between wellness and illness. Maintaining and enhancing our mental health is just as important for a healthy and satisfying existence as our physical health.

POOR MENTAL HEALTH

While occasional mental illness is typical, getting treatment is essential when persistent symptoms interfere with day-to-day functioning. Some of the warning signs are: feeling overburdened, withdrawing from loved ones, losing interest, sleep issues, changes in eating habits, difficulty focusing, trouble making decisions, sharp mood swings, hopelessness, drug abuse, and a tendency to self-harm. Experiencing these symptoms occasionally may imply feeling overwhelmed, but a chronic presence may indicate poor mental health and that is when you should seek attention and help.

CAUSES

Poor mental health can be caused by a variety of conditions, especially in young people. Stress from work or school, pressure to succeed, expectations to be met, relationship problems, bullying (both offline and online), gender-related stresses, family dynamics, health worries, and future uncertainty can all be contributing factors. And while pressure from social media may not be the main factor, it can make problems worse. These elements have a big influence on our thinking, and can cause anxiety and other mental health issues to rise.

WHY DO TEENAGERS STRUGGLE WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH ?

Poor mental health and mental health issues have become more common in recent years. Anguish may be exacerbated by everyday realities like exam pressure, excessive homework, and academic stress. Struggles with mental health can also lead to experiencing a sense of alienation from friends and family, which only makes people feel worse. If you think that you may need some support with your mental health, you are encouraged to seek help. The sooner the better! If you suspect that someone else is struggling with their mental health, here is what you can do.

HOW TO HELP?

To provide mental health support to someone who is struggling, empathy and comprehension are necessary. Without passing judgement, listen to them, show them that you care, and gently encourage them to get treatment from therapists, counsellors, or other reliable adults. Offer supplementary resources such as websites and helplines. Involve a competent adult if you have concerns about their safety or assist them in getting help. Be patient and follow up with them on a regular basis. Refrain from giving them unwanted advice and concentrate on being a helpful friend instead. Encourage fun things to do together, like watching films or taking up hobbies, but always be mindful of their desire for privacy. Learn about mental health concerns and never forget to put your personal health first when doing so.

HOW TO CONTACT MS SPENCER

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT STUDENT CAFE: Student Cafe-> General Link-> Book an appointment-> calendar come up-> check your time

EMAIL MS SPENCER: @bernadette spencer@aishk.edu.hk

GO TO HER OFFICE:

Room 204: end of the second floor, past the music rooms

Even if you believe the issue is small, don't hesitate to go and discuss it; nothing is too large or too small. Crucially, it is confidential.

Fast fashion is a growing problem in our modern world. As new fashion trends emerge weekly, and certain items go out of style, our planet suffers the consequences of our reckless decisions and our desire to be just like our favourite influencers. It’s important to look deeper into the different aspects of fast fashion, its history, the harm it causes, and what we can do to prevent this.

Clothing before the rise of fast fashion was typically produced in smaller batches and adhered to traditional seasonal cycles. Fashion trends changed slowly, and consumers often invested in higher quality garments that lasted longer. The 1990s marked a shift, with brands like Zara and H&M introducing rapid production methods that allowed them to quickly respond to changing trends. This approach made trendy, affordable clothing widely accessible, encouraging consumers to buy more and discard items faster. As a result, the fashion cycle accelerated, leading to increased waste and environmental concerns associated with the fashion industry.

Fast fashion also greatly harms the environment because of its focus on cutting costs and speeding up production. The industry often uses cheap, toxic dyes, making it one of the biggest polluters of clean water and agriculture. The use of inexpensive textiles worsens these issues. Polyester, a common fabric, is made from fossil fuels and contributes to global warming while shedding microfibers that pollute oceans. Another problem is that fast fashion often relies on cheap labour in countries like China or Bangladesh, where workers are often paid very low wages. This exploitation can lead to poor working conditions, long hours, and a lack of workers’ rights. Many workers face unsafe environments and limited access to basic needs. The focus on minimizing costs for profit often ignores the well-being of these workers.

In order to fix this, we would need to avoid fast fashion and educate ourselves on the environmental and ethical impacts and learn how to value quality over quantity. Driving effective change into the industry involves supporting ethical brands and asking for more strict regulations regarding production. Recycling, upcycling, and community swaps are great ways to keep clothes out of landfills and extend the life of a garment. We can create a brighter, more sustainable fashion future together by being more mindful of our consumption and choosing timeless pieces.

Jane Kiang and Natasha Au

Book week Book week

Book Week took place in Week 5 this term and it featured a ton of interesting and entertaining events! The theme for this year was: Magic! During homeroom, the well-liked game "Guess the Mystery Reader" got the mornings underway. Students engaged in activities at the library, such as matching teachers to their favourite books, redesigning book covers, and identifying books through quotes. To keep us in the magic mood, there were also a few spectacular magic tricks on display from the students at recess and lunch.

On the final day, there was a much-anticipated event, as students were invited to dress up as their favourite book characters and, during period 1, venture into an escape room adventure in the Library. Rewards awaited the person with the finest outfit and the first group out of the chamber. The escape room consisted of several different stations, in which you had to solve the puzzles to find the final answer. Congratulations to the year 7 team, The Little Misses this challenge and getting lift passes for a week

PARIS OLYMPICS

The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony promised a stunning celebration of culture and harmony, set against the iconic backdrop of the Seine River. The venue hosted vibrant artistic performances that showcased French heritage and the diversity of participating countries. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the ceremony aimed to create an unforgettable experience that would inspire athletes and spectators alike, and it kicked off the Games with a spirit of hope and friendship.

This event serves as a platform for athletes from around the globe, including those from Hong Kong, to showcase their skills. Hong Kong excelled during the competition, winning two gold medals. Cheung Ka Long secured another gold in the men’s induvial foil, adding to his previous victory in Tokyo 2020. His hard work and determination were evident as he faced tough opponents. Vivian Kong also received a gold medal in fencing, specifically in the women’s épée.

As the athletes returned home to a hero's welcome, discussions began on how to sustain this success and build a lasting legacy from the Paris 2024 triumph. With the next Olympics on the horizon, Hong Kong's sports community is energized and optimistic about the future, ready to tackle new challenges and reach even greater heights on the global stage.

International Youth Day: Empowering the Next Gen

International Youth Day, celebrated every August 12, is about recognizing young people's important role in our world. Established by the United Nations in 2000, this day aims to raise awareness about youth’s challenges and encourage their involvement in global issues.

Many young people deal with challenges around unemployment and access to education, making days like this crucial for highlighting their struggles. International Youth Day encourages action to create supportive spaces for youth to thrive.

As we celebrate International Youth Day, let’s support and empower our youth to make a difference and shape a better future!

Science week Science week

S c i e n c e W e e k t o o k p l a c e i n w e e k 6 o f t h i s t e r m . O u r

s c h o o l ' s s c i e n c e d e p a r t m e n t h a s c r e a t e d a f u n y e a r l y

t r a d i t i o n o f m a k i n g f i l m s . E a c h v i d e o i s a l a b o u r o f

l o v e t h a t d e v e l o p s g r a d u a l l y o v e r t h e c o u r s e o f t h e

y e a r . W h e n t h e s c i e n c e d e p a r t m e n t f i r s t s t a r t e d

c o m i n g u p w i t h c o n c e p t s f o r t h e 2 0 2 4 p r o j e c t , a r o u n d

a y e a r a g o , t h e y w e r e l o o k i n g t o w a r d s a n e x c i t i n g

h e i s t f i l m f o r i n s p i r a t i o n . B u t t h e i r s t o r y t o o k a n

i n t e r e s t i n g t u r n w h e n S p e c i e s S u r v i v a l w a s a n n o u n c e d

a s t h i s y e a r ' s N a t i o n a l S c i e n c e W e e k t h e m e .

T h i s y e a r t h e m o v i e w a s o n a n o t h e r l e v e l , a n d t h e p l o t

d e v e l o p e d i n t o a n e n g a g i n g z o m b i e a d v e n t u r e w i t h

s i d e m i s s i o n s t h a t s t i l l h a d a t i n g e o f h e i s t - l i k e

m y s t e r y . A l t h o u g h z o m b i e s a r e a p o p u l a r g e n r e , t h e

m o v i e f o c u s e d a l i t t l e b i t m o r e o n t h e s p i n e - t i n g l i n g

t e n s i o n o f t h e s t o r y t o m a k e i t l e s s s c a r y f o r y o u n g e r

v i e w e r s .

T h e m a i n l e a d i n t h e m o v i e , M r P u l s f o r d , s a i d , “ I w a s

i n i t m o r e t h i s y e a r . I t w a s a n h o n o u r t o p l a y a v e r s i o n

o f D o c B r o w n f r o m B T T F . ”

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a significant cultural event celebrated in China and all throughout East Asia. It occurrs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically falling late in September or early October. This festival has ancient roots, originating from agrarian (farming) societies celebrating the autumn harvest, expressing gratitude for their crops. It is a time where families come together to celebrate the harvest and the full moon. One of the most popular traditions is the sharing of mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with delicious fillings like red bean paste or lotus seed paste. During this time, people often light colourful lanterns and carry them in parades, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Families gather outdoors to admire the full moon, which is considered a symbol of unity and prosperity. Additionally, some families set up altars with fruits and mooncakes to honor the moon goddess, Chang'e. How did you celebrate the mid-autumn festival?

Vienna Choi

Now that Riley is a teenager, everything is fantastic. Well, not quite, since puberty sets in. Four feelings emerge out of nowhere: Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment and Envy. But finally, the new emotions declare that the old feelings are no longer necessary and drive them out of the headquarters. Riley must thus regain his previous feelings before allowing the new ones to permanently alter him.

Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s talk a bit about the parts of the story we liked…

This film's basic premise initially looks to be similar to that of the previous one. While there are undoubtedly some similarities to the first film, this one also excels at tackling new subjects, settings, and conflicts. This time, there aren't as many unusual locations, although occasionally a site will be built around a pun. The characters in this film take centre stage over the locations for the most part and it works fairly well because of it.

round the characters are far superior, y those that are more background. In the nger, fear, and disgust were largely emotions and barely featured in the accomplish far more here. As good as oth sadness and joy, with joy even have matured and grown in this place.

y of the new emotions are also rather playing a distinct part in the film. g nvy and Ennui were always intended to be Anxiety's allies, it didn’t always work out that spite having such a large ensemble cast, the aged to find balance without becoming d or marginalizing characters.

issues I do have with this film are really oy's storyline occasionally felt a little out of lso, the film's message could have used a re reinforcement. But for me, neither of tually detracted from the film.

Inside out 2 is a really good movie and it is atching. Add it to your list of holiday (The post-credits scene is cute but not ting through the 10 minutes of names and

Booknook Booknook

I hope this doesn’t find you

I hope this doesn’t find you by Chinese-Australian author Ann Liang, follows the story of Sadie Wen. She is what every parent dreams their child will be - school captain, valedictorian and highly academic.

But being picture-perfect may not be as easy as it seems. Everyone has a way to cope with their negative emotions, drafting hate emails is Sadie Wen’s. When these emails somehow get sent out, Sadie’s world turns upside-down.

Natasha’s thoughts:

This book was a wonderful and fun romcom! It is based on the most unrealistic situation, but with realistic characters that have depth. I loved the premise of how Sadie, someone who appears to be a

Booknook Booknook

picture-perfect girl, has a way to cope. She isn’t as understanding or delightful as she seems to everyone around her. It shows the duality of her as a person. I think that the emails being sent out were, in a way, what set her free. Even though she has the feeling that she must fix everything, and she must be liked, by the end of the story, she is able to be herself. Despite being the youngest in her family, she tries really hard to be perfect; she doesn’t cry, she helps around the bakery, and she’s a good student. It is evident that she feels a lot of guilt and she thinks she is responsible for holding her family together. I enjoyed the interaction between Julius and Sadie. Although he appears to be cold and unbothered, it’s

Jane Kiang & Natasha Au

Booknook Booknook

very apparent that he cares a lot about her. Even from the very beginning, in the bike shed, we see that he isn’t completely heartless. It’s the small yet meaningful gestures of his that add depth to his character. I absolutely adore

the academic rival's trope; the banter and the lovehate relationship are something I want to read in every book.

I also really enjoyed reading about Julius’s backstory. He is clearly quite talented, but with a seemingly flawless older brother, he has a lot of pressure. This storyline is quite obvious and somewhat cliché, but it is the part where we hear his brother speaking to him that truly broke my heart. To be compared to someone constantly is bad enough, but to be looked down upon by your own family because of one grade is absurd. Overall, this book was exactly my cup of tea. It

Booknook Booknook

included all the things I love in stories; witty playfulness, a fine line between love and hate, academic rivalry, and characters that are simple but also have depth.

Jane’s thoughts:

To start, this was a really enjoyable, fast, and engaging book, and I quite enjoyed it, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I initially thought I would.

Though I do believe Julius might have been a little bit further developed beyond the younger sibling wanting to live up to the big sibling archetype which was pretty evident as soon as an older brother was mentioned—I really enjoyed both Sadie and Julius as characters. Sadie was excellent, and I particularly like the in-depth examination of her desire for academic achievement and perfection. She occasionally acted a

Jane Kiang & Natasha Au

Booknook Booknook

little absurdly, but she is still a teenage girl! Many of the things she did made me wince, but I had to look at them again since I think many teenagers will recognise them.

The romance was also a lot of fun. It was difficult to tell sometimes when it was love and when it was hatred. I loved how the sense of obsession propelled their relationship, even though it made me feel a little removed from them because I could not comprehend how some of this took place in an academic setting. However, I did hope that there would have been an additional chapter to see a little bit more of their friendship.

The part which disappointed me the most is that the romance was too dramatic for my taste. Some sentences felt out of place for teenage characters in high school: "I experience a rush of loathing so pure and visceral it feels akin to wonder" did not feel authentic.

Booknook Booknook

Overall, this was an enjoyable and fast-paced YA romance that kept me engaged throughout. The central characters of Sadie and Julius were compelling, with their intense academic rivalry and growing feelings for one another driving the plot in an entertaining way. While the language occasionally felt a bit too sophisticated for the teenage voice, I found the book to be a fun, quick read that I would recommend to those seeking an engaging YA story.

Jane Kiang & Natasha Au

mus rner

Conan Gray is a singer-songwriter known for his emotionally charged music. It is often described as indie pop but also has elements of folk and alternative . He rose to fame through his YouTube covers before signing with Republic Records and releasing his debut EP, Sunset Season in 2018. His music explores themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and comingof-age, resonating with young listeners through his heartfelt lyrics and honest vulnerability. His popular songs, including Maniac, Heather and The Story have garnered millions of streams and cemented his place as a rising star in the music industry. He's also known for his open discussions about mental health, using his platform to advocate for awareness and connect with his fans on a personal level.

Conan Gray's concerts are known for being intimate, emotional, and engaging experiences. A lucky few experienced that when he came to Hong Kong on tour in August. He creates a strong connection with his audience, fostering a sense of community and shared vulnerability. The atmosphere is typically warm and inviting, with soft lighting enhancing the emotional impact of his music.

His setlists usually include a mix of popular hits and deeper cuts, often performed acoustically for a raw and intimate feel. He interacts with fans, sharing stories behind the songs and engaging in conversation, creating a sense of closeness and intimacy. His music is deeply emotional, and fans often sing along to every word, experiencing a mix of joy and tears as they connect with the raw emotions expressed in his music. This creates a powerful sense of belonging within a community built on shared love for his music. The dedicated and passionate fanbase, known as the "coneheads," often create fan art, share their love for his music online, and contribute to the strong sense of community at his concerts, making each show a unique and unforgettable experience.

Beyond the music, his concerts often feature visual elements that enhance the emotional impact of the performance. These can include video projections, lighting effects, and even stage props that reflect the themes of his songs. This creates a multi-sensory experience that draws the audience deeper into the world of his music.

His concerts are not just about listening to music; they're about connecting with the artist and with other fans who share a love for his music. They're a space for vulnerability, expression, and a sense of belonging, making them a truly special experience for both Conan and his fans.

album review!!

Having spent some time with Conan Gray's debut album, Kid Krow, I found myself swept up in its emotional currents and vivid storytelling. Released in March 2020, this album feels like a heartfelt diary entry, capturing the essence of youth and all its complexities.

From the moment I hit play, I was struck by his lyrical honesty. Songs like Heather hit home with their relatable themes of longing and jealousy. The way he captures the ache of unrequited love is both poignant and raw; I could practically feel the weight of his words. Each track feels like a snapshot of a specific moment in his life, drawing me in with its vivid imagery and personal anecdotes.

Musically, Kid Krow is a delightful ride. I was surprised by the range of sounds throughout the album. The upbeat vibe of Maniac had me singing along almost instantly, while the more introspective The Story slowed things down beautifully. The production strikes a balance between polished pop and intimate vulnerability, making it easy to connect with the emotions behind the music.

What resonated most with me was the album's exploration of identity. In Wish You Were Sober, He delves into the struggles of self-acceptance, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences. It’s a reminder of how challenging, yet vital it is to embrace who we are, especially in a world filled with expectations.

In the end, Kid Krow feels like a companion for anyone navigating the ups and downs of growing up. Conan Gray's debut is not just a collection of songs; it's a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. After listening, I couldn't help but feel a little more understood, and I think many will find the same solace in his music.

shattereddevotions

anonymous

Thesilencescreams,ahollowechointheroom, Herabsencestayslikefog,asuffocatinggloom. Threeweeksofspace,adistanceI'vecreated, Buttheguiltitclaws,awoundI'veinstigated.

Herwords,"He'stheone,"amemorysobright, Nowahauntingecho,apainful,sleeplessnight. Ikissedanother,afleeting,foolishact, Adesperateattempttofillavoid,amissingfact.

Isawthehurtinhereyes,thepainthatsheconcealed, ButIran,Ihid,atruthIcouldn'treveal Theweightofmyactions,aburdenInowbear, TheloveIshattered,thetrustIcouldn'trepair

Shebuiltacastle,afortressofdevotion, AndI,acarelessvandal,destroyeditseverynotion. Ifoundanewversionofher,areflectionintheglass, Butit'sherrealselfIcrave,alovethat'smeanttolast.

ThespaceIsought,arefugefrommyownmistakes, Nowfeelslikeaprison,acagemyheartpartakes. Iseeherpainreflectedineveryemptychair, AndIyearnforforgiveness,foraloveIcan'trepair.

I'llreachout,I'lltrytomend,tobridgethegapsowide, Toshowherthetruth,thelovethatIcan'thide. ButIknowthedamageisdone,thetrustishardtogain, AndtheonlyhopeIhaveisthatshe'lllovemeagain.

NatashaAu,JaxonNg

EsteandAugustinesatatacomfortabletablefor2bythewindow,sippingwine. ThedimlightofOliveGardenallowedthesettingsuntospreaditsglowfor justamomentlonger.

“Ithinkhe’scheatingonme,Aug.”Estesayshesitantly,herwarmsmilewas nowheretobefound,herfaceetchedinworry.

“Whatdoyoumean?Whathaveyoufound?”Augustinewasloyaltothepeople shefounddearandwouldburntheworldifshehadto,justforthemtocracka smile.

“Well...”Estehesitated.Sheknewherfriend'stemper.Apairofangryeyes narrowed,demandinganexplanation.“Ifoundsomelipstickstainsonhisshirta weekago,andthatshadeisdefinitelynotmine.Ialsofoundasingularearring, quiteexpensivelookingtoo,lyinginourbedwhenIcamebackfromthestore today”Shepaused,bitingherlip “Idon’tknow,hejustseemsoff”Sheknew verywelltherewasnopointinhidinganythingfromhertruestfriend Augustinewasawomanwithamischievousglintinhereyesandaheartofgold. ShesqueezedEste’shandreassuringly.

“Don’tyouworry,honey,”shesaidwhilecalmingherdown,hervoicewasfirm, “We’llgettothebottomofthis,wealwaysdo.”Hereyes,however,werenotas gentleasherwords.

Thefollowingweek,AugustinearrivedatOliveGardentenminuteslate,as always.OnlyEstewasn’tthere.Shecalledherphonerepeatedly,andwhenit reachedvoicemailforthehundredthtime,shefledtherestaurant,searching everywhereshecouldthinkof-Este’sworkplace,thepark,thelake,anywhere shecouldhavebeen...

“...residentEsteHaimhasbeendeclaredmissingafterareportfiledbyher husbandJamesHarknesswhoarrivedatthelocalpolicestationthisafternoon.” SheswitchedofftheTV.Shehadonlyjustgothomefromherwildgoosechase; howdidheknow?

Daysturnedintoweeksandthepoliceinvestigationhadnoprogressinfinding Este,butAugustinehadherownsuspicions.James’behaviorhadbeenstrange, aconstantairofsecrecyhadbeensurroundinghimsinceEste’saccusationon him Thenewtiresonhisold,batteredtruck?Thatwassomethingthepolice wouldn’tnotice,butAugustinecertainlydid Thesuddenappearanceofa mysteriousnewwomaninhislife?Somesayshe’shiscousin,comingtocomfort him,butAugustinecouldnotdisagreemore.TheunsettlingfactthatEste’sold jewelrywasmissingfromthejointbankaccount?Completelyoutofthe ordinary.Estewouldneversellherjewelry,shehadhelditintoohighregardto doso,butonlyAugustinewouldknowthat.Allofthistosay,thiswasthe knowledgeandinstinctthatonlyAugustinehadandtherewasnotenoughsolid evidencetoincriminateJamesforanything.

“Ithinkhedidit,Ijustknowit.”Augustinerepeated,hervoicewaslowand she’sdeterminedtofindthetruth.“ButIneedproof.”Shegrabbedherphone andpunchedinthenumberofAlanaHaim.

AlanaHaimwasthekindestwomenshe’sknown,theepitomeofcompassion. Shewasareliableperson,someonewhoyoucalledwhenyougotdumpedonthe sideoftheroadaftergettingwastedataparty.Shewoulddoanythingto protectherfamily,evenifitmeantlyingorconspiringwithdangerouspeople. Shewouldcertainlynotletitslipifamanhurthersister.

Augustinewasawomanwhoknewhowtogetthingsdone,shehadaplan.She’d beencleaninghousesforyears,learningtheartofdiscretionandthesecrets hiddenontheothersideofthedoor.ThanksGodshehadbeenforcedtoget herboatinglicensewhenshewasjust15,askillthatwouldproveinvaluablein thecomingdays...

Together,theduoschemedandplotted,waitingfortherightmomenttostrike TheyfollowedJames’severymove,piecingtogetherhislies,unravellingthelife hekeptamysteryanddiscoveredthenameofhismistress,RebekahKennedy whohadrecentlytakenoutaheftylifeinsurancepolicy.Theevidence,though circumstantial,wasmourning.

AugustineandAlana,fueledbyvengeance,werewillingtogofurther.Sheknew thatthepolicewouldn’tjustbelievetheirtheorieswithoutconcreteproof.They wouldthinktheyaredelusional,crazy,deranged.“Iftheywon’tmakehimpay, Iwill.”Augustinevowedtoherself.

Onenight,underthecloakofcompletedarkness,Augustine,alongwithher knowledgeandaboat,foundherselfstandingontheedgeofthemurkylake.A chillingrealizationsuddenlydawnedonher-shehadcrossedtheline, becomingentangledinherownwebofdeceit Herhandswerestainedwith bloodforacrimeshewastryingtosolve Therewasnogoingback Oncegone, forevergone

Thelakehelditssecrets,asilentwitnesstothetruththatwasslowlyunraveling, Augustine,caughtinthetangledwebofherowninvestigation,knewthatthe truthwasjustawhisperaway,herfingertipsforeverstainedbyherloyaltyand vengeance.

Part2comingnextterm..

mourningglory anonymous

imissthewayoureyesmetandoursoulsdanced, thewaywethoughtwestoodachance. thesongsweusedtosing, theinvisiblestring. nomatterhowlonggone,imissthewayyoulaugh, yourbeautifulsmileinthephotograph. ijustwantyouback. iwanttofreezetheperfectmomentandlivethereforever, inaworldwhereyoustillloveme,wherethatstringwasneversevered butthatwillneverhappen,becausethisisalladaydream,afantasy, oursongjustwasn’tmeanttoendhappily.

Jane Kiang & Ebba Hellstrom

HESTER

Why did you do the audition for

INTERVIEWER

Stranger Things?

I did it because I felt like it would be really interesting if I did get the role. As Mr.McRae mentioned it would be a great experience to be in the school play of the year.

INTERVIEWER

Oh that’ s nice! Well, which role did you expect to get vs the role you got?

HESTER

I expected myself to get Mike/Michelle but I got Eleven instead.

INTERVIEWER

Are you satisfied with the role you got?

HESTER

YES, ABSOLUTELY!!

INTERVIEWER

Were there any challenges or difficulties you encountered while preparing for the play? How are you overcoming them?

HESTER

It was really hard to control myself and not laugh when I was on stage but I overcame them by practicing the scenes with the others more.

INTERVIEWER

That’ s great to hear. What excitesd you the most about your role? Was there a particular aspect or scene that you were looking forward to performing?

HESTER

It really excited me with the scenes when I needed to use Eleven's 'powers' which I was really looking forward to performing and seeing how the effects turned out.

Thank you Hester for taking the time! You guys were amazing.

Rose Shum and Natasha Au

Interhouse volleyball finals were held on the 17th of September, with Wattle dominating on the court and winning in all four games. In the junior boys’ match, Wattle beat Jaca, 25-21. The junior girls’ game was closely contested, with the Jaca team losing narrowly, 20-21. The senior boys Wattle team triumphed over Waratah, 28-13, whilst the senior girls Wattle VS Euca match had us on the edge of our seats. Wattle won 26-21 in the end.

A stellar performance from all teams and players.

Congratulations to Wattle!