DBSJP TIMES Oct-Nov Issue

DB

TI

OCT NOV

ISSUE

SJP

MES

SECTIONS School Events Sports

School Praises Careers

International Affairs Story Section

Fun Section

SCHOOL

EVENTS

DBSJP TIMES

PAST SCHOOL EVENTS

EVOKED SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Every teacher in DBSJP understands the value of having a strong community of teachers and students, and the crucial factor of involving family from outside the school in this big community. DBSJP hosts numerous school events monthly for students and teachers. Such as the recent SLT day for parents to come in and meet teachers, heads of departments, heads of years, and subject teachers in a welcoming environment to create a better understanding of their child’s school life.

One of the events I would like to particularly mention is the MSC Wellbeing Day, which focuses on a detailed understanding of environmental changes and crucial steps we all must take to preserve the well-being of our planet. That was an entire day for our Year 12s, which allowed time for in-depth research and planning to present their fresh ideas on solutions and inform classmates of different areas of society they should be aware of. To help provide insight, I have asked the most dedicated student to research for MSC day Dóra Kádasi

Furthermore, Meet the Form Tutor Evening was a

“It was eye-opening" is what was said about the thorough

valuable experience for both parent and student to

research that Dóra has conducted about women’s rights.

speak face to face and outline success and progress

“Maternity leaves are so different in different countries and

made, providing answers to any possible questions that

some are really shocking to me personally, as well as

might exist. With stages of introduction to overall

another topic of health care and the unadaptable fact that

information in an assembly and personalized meetings

most industrialized cities prioritize men’s health care more

in form class that followed allowed a pleasant evening.

than women.”

As you can see this Tuesday has allowed students to

Lastly a few words about the value of these events from

improve their public speaking and presentation skills as

our head of Year 12 Ms. Gillies who has tiredly worked to

well as creative and organizing skills, valuable to Year

organize many different events and make sure that the

12s. Additionally, Dóra has mentioned that the day

spirit of unity in the school continues:

overall

was

productive

and

enjoyable

due

to

teambuilding with classmates and fun time Dóra has

“Very important in order to preserve a better sense of

enjoyed greatly. (personally, as one of the students

community by face-to-face dialogue and communication,

present also hilarious times I will remember for a long).

which feeds the students' wellbeing.”

Written by: Maria Korzilova

Next up - Upcoming Events

DBSJP TIMES

UPCOMING EVENTS OCT 28 - NOV 26

Dubai 30 x 30 - Initiating the month on a vibrant note, the Dubai government presents a challenge to us all: sharing the transformative experience dedicated to nurturing our physical well-being with our loved ones. Keeping with this trend, DBSJP will continue its initiatives before school, emphasising not just academic growth but also the health of the students more holistically.

NOV 9 - 10 Rock Climbing - DBSJP is inviting its GCSE students on a captivating rock climbing excursion on November 9th and 10th. This offers an opportunity for GCSE students to unwind, escape the stressful life of school and strengthen bonds with their friends. If you are interested, secure your spot to a truly unforgettable experience.

NOV 13 - 17

Anti-Bullying - DBSJP as an organization is here to show that it takes anti-bullying initiatives very seriously. The week beginning the 13th, our school will spread awareness and help those who are currently victims of bullying within the school by delivering fantastic assemblies and having several speakers who are important people within the industry.

NOV 17 PTA Winter Wonderland - Embracing the spirit of the upcoming winter season, DBSJP is delighted to announce a festive celebration open to all parents and students. Join us on the 17th for a lively event featuring captivating dances, entertatining shows and delightful performances.Get ready for a tasty lineup of winter delicacies, with parents having the opportunity to rent stalls for a delicious culinary showcase. Brace yourselves for a sweet treat overload!

Written by: Aden John

Next up - SOR Production

DBSJP TIMES

School Production

SCHOOL OF ROCK On the 6th-7th of March, the production of the famous Broadway musical “School of Rock” will be first showcased in the school’s very own auditorium. This feel-good show has been one of the few plays that have been done in school, but is bound to be one of the greatest – featuring high quality sets and acting that will make you feel as though you are really sitting in a front-row seat of a Broadway stage.

Set design and production has already begun, and it is said that this time, the budget will be hefty – meaning that the show will be high quality and look just like the real thing. However, the cast is still being chosen, and the results will come out on the 29th of September. The Set and Prop Design ECA for the production ais currently taking place every Tuesday morning, filled with a crew of talented artists and techies ensuring that the staging is perfect for the cast.

The story of the play is set in a preppy and uptight private school where perfection is the way of life and failure is not tolerated, but once a failed-rockstar poses as a substitute teacher just to make some money, he makes it his mission to ‘stick it to the man’ and teach the children how ‘real’ music is made and how to let loose.

There is yet to be news on the tickets as it is still the beginning of the year, but it is said that prices will vary depending on the amount of people joining and watching the play, so we suggest that you sit tight and get ready for the show – maybe even watch the original film while you wait.

Created for Broadway from the original film, “School Of Rock” has been nominated for many awards: including a Tony award in 2016 for Best Musical, and has even won a Lawrence Olivier award in 2017 for Outstanding Achievement in Music – clearly a show worth watching!

A critically acclaimed show like this is obviously worth seeing once it comes out in school, especially because of the talented future cast and crew working on stage and behind the scenes to demonstrate to the audience how true rock music can be played, even inspiring them to do the same.

Written by: Meera Safi

Next up - Section 2

R

SPORTS

SECTION

DBSJP TIMES

SPORTS NEWS

IS THE SAUDI LEAGUE TAKING OVER THE WORLD?

The 30th of December 2023 marks a very significant day in the history of football, particularly for the Middle East. This was the muchanticipated day by the nation as Cristiano Ronaldo confirms his new contract with the 18-time Saudi champions, Al Nasser. Although Ronaldo is not the first player from the European league to join the Saudi Arabian league, he has certainly given many fans and players alike a huge insight on the league and the immense potential it holds.

The all-time Saudi Arabia League of Legends team viewership record was 159,103, however, the number spiked to 800,000 views in 2023, with many crediting Ronaldo for the surge.

Not to mention the former Al Hilal captain Christian Wilhelmsson who has led his team to countless victories during his time in the club, as well as representing the league’s success worldwide. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Neymar Jr, and Sadio Mane are only some of the most successful players to get on board the league shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo.

The sudden interest in the league has certainly had a huge impact on not only Saudi Arabia, but also the Arab nation as a whole. The league’s recognition by the world has aided the nation by allowing them to share their culture and traditions with the world, as well as how they have protected their values.

Written by: Sereen Turkawi

Next up - Section 3

A

SCHOOL

PRAISES

DBSJP TIMES

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In this edition of our newsletter, we joyfully spotlight the extraordinary accomplishments of our students. From academic triumphs to artistic endeavours, athletic feats, community engagement, and leadership roles, our students have excelled and made us immensely proud. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support they receive from our school community—teachers, parents, and peers. We invite you to take a moment to celebrate with us and recognize the talent and perseverance of our outstanding students. Their achievements serve as beacons of hope, motivating us all to strive for excellence.

NOAH CULLEN - 7P Extracurricular: “This term I joined my first strength and conditioning class at the school with Amanda and her team at Primal Fitness. In the first week I completed 3 classes and really loved it.”

TANEESHA GUPTA – 10JP Extracurricular: “I have taken the Trinity exam for guitar, up until level 3, and have achieved merit in all three levels. I have also received certificates within the coding field for developing apps and games using JavaScript programming language. I personally love to sketch and paint as a hobby and have created an Instagram account for the same.”

REET SHARMA – 10B Extracurricular: “During the summer I went to Japan, and I climbed Mt Fuji with my mom, it was a fun experience but extremely challenging as it was around -2 degrees Celsius while climbing up and raining heavily but I loved it. My favourite part of trekking the mountain was that we had to stay in a little hut on top of the mountain and we woke up early around 4 am to watch the sunrise. Overall, this was a once in a lifetime experience, it really challenged me to push my physical abilities as well as my mental abilities which was hard because there were many times I wanted to turn around and go back but I knew that if I did, I would regret it. The total trekking distance was 19.5 km, and it was steep especially while rock climbing, but we did it!”

RAZAAN MUZZAFAR BHAT – 8B Academic: “I have achieved high academic excellence, with an average of 98 % in my recent exam. I have gained many friends and I have gotten many responsibilities and crucial roles in my school; I have been trusted a lot by my teachers and friends. I have achieved so much more which I am thankful for.”

SARA OMAR – 7J Extracurricular: “I have been all around Dubai attending the main rhythmic gymnastics events and have been enjoying them very much! I have won 8 gold medals 2 silver and 4 bronze last year and I am proud, and I hope to attend more! In my competitions, I have mostly been doing ball, hoop and I am working on clubs. I am incredibly happy with what I have achieved and was happy to share it with you.”

Written by: Aarna Singh

Next up - Section 4

CAREER

SECTION

DBSJP TIMES

BEYOND THE CAP AND GOWN: OPTIONS AFTER FINISHING A-LEVELS After graduating sixth form, there are several options to consider based on your interests and career goals.

Completing the A-level exams at the end of Year 13, allows students get a certificate that demonstrates their academic achievements which are used for university admissions, employment and other educational and professional purposes, as well as representing a significant milestone in students’ educational journey. It can open doors to a wide range of possibilities and help individuals achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Let’s look at some of the possible pathways:

UNIVERSITY

INTERNSHIP

After completing A-levels, university is the most common

An internship is a work experience offered by an

choice for students to continue their education and

organisation. In a given period - this can range from a

specialise in their area of study. Universities will require

few weeks up to six months - doing an internship before

certain grades at A-levels to accept students, therefore it

university offers a unique opportunity to gain practical

is crucial to obtain those required grades. Going to

experience, build essential skills, and develop a clearer

university will allow students to study a subject that they

understanding of your career interests. Internships can

love and to become an expert at their interests, which

also allow you to explore different career paths and

will increase their chances of getting a job at their area of

industries before committing to a specific college major

study.

or career choice. This can help you make more informed decisions about your future. In some cases, internships can lead to full-time job offers or open doors to future opportunities within the same organisation or industry as it enhances your resume and demonstrates your commitment

to

learning

and

gaining

practical

experience.

Written by: Elif Cipe

Next up - Article Continued

DBSJP TIMES

CONTINUED...

VOLUNTEERING

APPRENTICESHIPS

Engaging in volunteering after graduating high school is

An apprenticeship is a formal, structured training

a rewarding endeavour that offers numerous benefits. It

programme and it is a way of learning a specific trade or

allows individuals to give back to their communities,

profession

make a positive impact, and develop valuable life skills.

Apprenticeships primarily involve working alongside

Volunteering can also enhance one's resume or college

experienced professionals or skilled workers in a real-

applications, demonstrating commitment, leadership,

world, workplace setting. Apprentices are often paired

and

Ultimately,

with a mentor who guides them, provides feedback, and

volunteering fosters personal growth, empathy, and a

helps them develop their skills and knowledge. One of

deeper connection to the world around us. Some

the

common opportunities are volunteering at hospitals and

apprentices earn a wage or stipend while they are

healthcare facilities, mentoring and tutoring, elderly care,

learning, and it can be a very valuable way of gaining

working at animal shelters and rescue groups, and

experience and various skills.

a

sense

of

social

responsibility.

joining in environmental conservation projects.

PART-TIME WORK EMPLOYMENT

OR

key

through

advantages

a

of

hands-on

experience.

apprenticeships

is

that

In conclusion, the completion of A-levels marks a pivotal moment in every student's life, where they stand at the crossroads of numerous possibilities. Whether you

Working allows you to start earning income and gaining financial independence right away, which can be particularly appealing if you have immediate financial responsibilities or prefer to avoid student loan debt.

Additionally, a job can offer valuable work experience and helps you to explore potential career paths, providing insights that may inform your decision to pursue higher education later.

choose to pursue higher education at a university, embark on an apprenticeship journey, or dive directly into the workforce, each path offers its own set of unique opportunities and challenges. At this stage, it is essential to make an informed decision aligned with your passions, goals, and aspirations - the key is to remember that success can be achieved through various pathways, and the path you take after A-levels should reflect your individual dreams and ambitions for a brighter future.

TRAVEL AND CULTURAL EXPLORATION: Traveling after graduating sixth form can expose you to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This can broaden

your

horizons,

increase

your

cultural

awareness, and enhance your understanding of the world. It offers the chance to explore different cultures, learn about the world's diversity, and gain valuable life skills such as adaptability and independence. Traveling also encourages self-discovery, helping individuals clarify their goals and values, which can be beneficial when making important decisions about their future, whether it's further education, a career, or personal development.

Written by: Elif Cipe

Next up - Career Advice

DBSJP TIMES

CAREER ADVICE

“IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING, NOTHING IS NOT THE ANSWER” As you may be well aware there are stages in the academic journey when crucial choices about your career must be made. Many students struggle with making a clear and defined choice of their desired job, especially the younger generation bombarded with endless options in their modern and widely developed society. To help clear out the air for DBSJP students and parents I have visited the school career counsellor for professional tips and advice - Ms Ellis

“PREPARATION IS THE KEY.”

DBSJP also “runs a career café“ on Microsoft Teams led by

-Ms Ellis (DBSJP Careers Councillor)

different opportunities in Dubai for students of different

Ms Ellis has wide experience in guiding the students towards their desired goals. From an interview with her I will highlight a few useful points for our readers. Firstly, her strong recommend beginning the research and discovering helpful tool to the student early on. Such as in year 10, or earlier before student are faced with large amount of workload and exam which could increase stress

and

pressure.

As

a

parent

herself

she

recommends the parent to be closely involved and supportive during this long journey. Many tools are available such as Unifrog that contain webinars, courses, personality, skill and interest quizzes that would largely contribute to narrowing down the options and are easy

the school career counsellor, where there are often ages, such as university affairs where parents can speak to university representatives in person to get more specific information and answers to any of their questions. Another useful tool that many students can use from Careers Café, especially year 12, who are in the stage of building their resume for universities. These will show that the student is dedicated to studying their chosen subjects in their free time, significantly helping the chances of being accepted.

Lastly, patience and trying new things are valuable pieces of advice that both me and Ms Ellis would offer the younger students.

to use in free time. The parents can log in at any time and check the progress their kids have made as well as using Unifrog themselves. For example, to create a list of possible universities that might be the perfect fit. With online resources hugely developed in modern life parent will be able to look at universities from any country and compare millions of different courses as well as different campuses and other factors affecting their choice. It was emphasized by Ms Ellis that it is crucial to choose the right environment so that the learning process can be comfortable and more enjoyable as I’m sure every parent and student would want it to be.

Written by: Maria Korzilova

Next up - Section 5

INT’L.

AFFAIRS

DBSJP TIMES

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

ECONOMICS

WORLDWIDE

In the third quarter of 2023, the world's economies showed that they were able to handle rising living costs and changes in how banks manage money better than expected. This is mostly because governments gave them a boost by spending money in their economies.

However, this made it tricky for central banks to control inflation by raising interest rates. Normally, when interest rates go up, it leads to more people losing their jobs, but that has not happened as much as we thought it would. One big reason for this is that there are still plenty of job opportunities because companies are holding onto their workers even though it is more expensive. This has surprised experts and made them rethink how the economy works after big events like the COVID-19 pandemic. They are not sure if we have managed to avoid a recession or if it has just been delayed.

Looking ahead, things are a bit uncertain for investors.

Some people who played it safe in late 2022 and early 2023, when everyone was worried about the economy, were having a tough time. Since then, stocks did well because people stopped worrying about a recession, and interest rates went up as central banks got stricter on controlling inflation. And it looks like interest rates will stay high for a while. So, it is a challenging time to understand and make decisions about the economy and investing.

UNITED KINGDOM It is crucial to understand that the UK is still grappling with high inflation compared to other developed countries. While there has been some progress in reducing

inflation

over

the

past

year,

these

improvements might not continue as easily. The real concern lies in underlying inflation, which remains stubbornly high. Core inflation and services inflation are both hovering around 6.8% and 7.4%. Given that services make up a significant portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), this is a problem. The recent increase in wages has exacerbated the situation, with earnings rising sharply, especially in the private sector. To bring inflation back to target levels, wage growth will need to slow down significantly, which may require an increase in unemployment. While some labour market indicators have shown signs of softening, there's still uncertainty about how high unemployment needs to go to effectively reduce labour costs.

The outlook for UK GDP is rather bleak. The remainder of 2023 and into 2024 are expected to witness sluggish growth, similar to the lackluster performance seen in the first half of the year. Recent data indicates that GDP expanded by only 0.2% in the second quarter, following near stagnation in the first quarter. Although there are positive aspects such as strong business investment, and robust household consumption, survey indicators suggest a slowdown in private sector activity. However, there have been high savings rates and a reduction in energy prices, which may provide some relief to consumers. The Bank of England finds itself in a delicate position with balanced risks to inflation and growth.

Written by: Sakina Master

Next up - Intl. History

DBSJP TIMES

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

HEART TOUCHING HISTORY CONTINUED Islam is known for its captivating far-dated history including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the last prophet and final messenger of God. He was born on 29 August 570 CE, during the third month of the Muslim calendar. The prophet (PBUH) died on his 63rd birthday. The celebrations held in his honour date back to the 12th century often followed by a month of festivities.

Celebrations in UAE were held in Abu Dhabi on the 28th of September 2023. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs & Endowments celebrated the Prophet Muhammad's birthday where Dr. Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Chairman of Awqaf, praised the efforts of the leadership to promote the tolerant values taught by the Islamic faith, which are reflected in the Prophet's (PBUH) morals and his treatment of others without discrimination based on religion, creed, or belief. Furthermore, he also commended the initiatives that are launched from Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of the UAE wise leadership, following the path of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which aimed to consolidate coexistence and promote peace and love among peoples. These initiatives, he said, have had a major impact in strengthening the bonds between peoples and joint action to make the world a safe place. The celebration began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by a student from the National Voices Project. This was followed by a speech by the Authority on this occasion, delivered by Talib Mohammed Al Shehhi, Executive Director of Islamic Affairs This celebration holds immense significance not only for single small number of individuals but for Muslims globally and this occasion goes beyond a mere celebration, it serves as a moment of deep reflection on the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). It strongly reinforces the message of peace, love, and empathy, promoting harmony within the Muslim community and fostering a better understanding of Islam’s core values among people of different beliefs. Mosques are beautifully adorned, and special prayers are offered to honour the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth. Many families come together for communal meals and distribute food to the less fortunate, emphasizing the importance of charity and unity. It’s a time when people engage in spiritual reflection, recite verses from the Quran, and share stories of the Prophet’s life to deepen their understanding of his teachings It inspires people deeply, for example, the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, also known as the Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, was set up in Singapore in 1965 where the funds are used to help students in need to achieve their academic potential.

Written by: Maria Korzilova

Next up - Intl. News

DBSJP TIMES

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

THE TWO TWIN TRAGEDIES: MOROCCO & LIBYA

As wildly portrayed on social media, everyone has seen, heard or talked about the most recent two natural disasters

that

has

impacted

and

touched

many

worldwide and particularly the people who themselves, first handedly, experienced the mass devastations of their once so-called homes. The vast damage that has been caused to these two countries was wildly exposed through the media to reach the awareness of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and twitter, the images and statistics of the natural disasters would be shocking to see while scrolling on your phone and sometimes complicated to understand, which is why this article would help to explain.

MOROCCO

The provinces most heavily impacted by the earthquake include

al-Haouz,

Azilal,

Chichaoua,

Marrakesh,

Ouarzazate, and Taroudant. In a report published on September 14, ACAPS outlined how the earthquake predominantly affected remote, mountainous villages.

Survivors have sought refuge in public facilities, and many have opted to sleep outdoors. According to the Ministry of Education, the earthquake caused damage to 530 schools, while numerous historic buildings also sustained varying degrees of damage. This was mainly due to the very weak infrastructure that many houses and buildings were built with in Morocco.

Only 19 minutes after the initial quake an aftershock of 4.9 once again shook the already devasted country. The epicenter was only 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh, which is a very popular and historic destination, with a population of 840,000 people. The quake affected at least 380,000 people.

Even though Marrakesh and Taroudant have higher

On September the 8th 2023, a devastating earthquake of

levels of relative wealth, according to crisis ready, the

a 6.8 magnitude (according to the US geological survey)

earthquake “occurred in a predominantly rural and

hit at 11:11 pm local time. Shaking that only lasted

mountainous area with low levels of relative wealth

several seconds caused mass destruction throughout the

particularly near the epicenter.” These mountain villages

country with following reports about the quake being felt

are very remote and hard to reach with aid and

as far as Portugal and Algeria.

resources.

Written by: Leila Caushaj

Next up - Article Continued

DBSJP TIMES

CONTINUED...

LIBYA Over the weekend of September 9th 2023, the Mediterranean storm Daniel (Medicane) passed through eastern Libya, which caused significant rainfall, this resulted for two dams to collapse on September 11th , sending 1 billion cubic feet of water into previously inundated areas, the most affected part of the country was the city of Derna where 25% of the city disappeared and further large-sale destruction happened across Libya.

The disaster also has raised significant environmental concerns, with potential short and long-term impacts.

Such as: water and sanitization, safety of environmental infrastructure, pollution, and the impact of marine coastal biodiversity. This is all in cause of the significant damage the floods brought.

According

to

the

world

health

organization

the

unexpected flooding left 3,958 people dead, furthermore they reported a missing number of 9,000 people. These numbers may vary from organizations as the Libyan Red Crescent reported a total of 11,300 dead. On the humanitarian aspect, the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on September 16th, “The humanitarian situation remains particularly grim in Derna,

where

urgent

multi-sectoral

assistance

is

required to save lives and ease suffering.”. this led to a progress of launching a flash appeal that requested a grand total of $71.4 million to accommodate the urgent need of 250,000 people.

Written by: Leila Caushaj

Next up - Section 6

STORY

SECTION

DBSJP TIMES

SHORT STORIES

THE NEW HOUSE Once upon a time, in the state of Texas, lived a happy family called the Andersons. However, the hustle and bustle of the city got the whole family fed up, and so they decided to move to the suburbs. On arrival at their new home, the two children, Miles and Ashley fell in love with their newfound residence. Little did they know that they were in for more than they could handle in this humble abode.

Every room in the house was big and expertly decorated to suit its purpose.

The children were very excited and deemed the attic as their new playroom.

As they set things in order with Ashley’s dolls by the big, bay window with its stained-glass leaving intricate, colourful shadows in its wake, Miles’ train set made soft humming sounds as it went around in circles on the track in the middle of the room.

Unknowingly, nine-year-old Ashley discovers an ancient mirror in the corner of the room covered in a layer of dust. Mesmerised by the object, she calls out to her older brother as she reaches out to touch the dainty glass. Miles, who is perched by his toys, turns to reply but is surprised to meet painful silence. Worried, he heads over to the mirror and peers behind it as he says, “Ashley.... are you hiding?” No reply. “Where did you go?” No reply.

“This isn’t funny!... I’ll tell mum and dad!” Silence. “Ashley?” He reaches out to touch the glass and suddenly, the room is left barren. Not a single soul in sight.

NEXT ON, THE NEW HOUSE: “Where are we?”, Ashley says as tears gather in her eyes, “I have no idea, but I’m gonna get us back home”, responds Miles, as he embraces his little sister. Then an ominous voice says, “Welcome to….

What will happen next? Where are Miles and Ashley?

What was that weird mirror?

Written by: Princessa Lee

Next up - Story 2

DBSJP TIMES

THE HAUNTING OF WILLOW HOUSE SHORT STORIES

Nestled deep in the heart of a dense, ancient forest stood Willow House, an imposing Victorian mansion with a history shrouded in darkness. For generations, it had been whispered that the house was cursed, that the very walls held the memories of the tormented souls who had lived and died within.

In the early 1900s, the house was owned by the Stanton family, a wealthy and reclusive clan that had long been a subject of curiosity among the townsfolk. The Stantons rarely left their estate, and the mansion became the subject of local ghost stories. One fateful evening, as a thick fog rolled in from the surrounding woods, a group of adventurous teenagers decided to test the legend. Among them was Sarah, a spirited young woman with a fascination for the supernatural. Armed with flashlights and a daring spirit, they approached Willow House. The mansion loomed like a specter in the mist, its windows dark and foreboding. The teenagers cautiously entered, their footsteps echoing through the grand foyer. The air inside was heavy, and a chilling breeze rustled the tattered curtains. It was as though the house itself was alive. Sarah led the group deeper into the mansion, following the faint echoes of whispered voices and ghostly laughter. As they climbed the grand staircase, Sarah noticed a peculiar painting on the wall. It depicted a woman with piercing blue eyes, her face twisted in a malevolent grin. The painting seemed to watch them as they ascended, its eyes following their every move. Sarah tried to avert her gaze, but the woman's eyes held her captive. She felt a cold hand on her shoulder, and when she turned, she saw no one there. Nervous laughter filled the air as the group pressed on, their bravado slowly giving way to fear. Doors creaked open and slammed shut on their own, and disembodied voices whispered sinister secrets in their ears. In the attic, they discovered an old, dust-covered mirror. Sarah gazed into it, and her reflection grinned back at her, a wicked, distorted version of herself. The others screamed, their terror now undeniable. But when they turned to flee, they found the staircase had vanished, leaving them trapped in the attic. Panic set in as the room grew colder and darker. Sarah's flashlight flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls. She knew they were not alone. Whispers grew into taunting laughter, and unseen hands grabbed at their throats. The malevolent presence in Willow House was no longer hiding. Desperation drove the teenagers to search for an escape, but the attic seemed to stretch on infinitely, its walls closing in around them. Sarah felt a presence behind her, its icy breath on her neck. She turned to see the woman from the painting, her eyes now filled with malice. With a blood-curdling scream, Sarah woke up in her own bed, drenched in sweat. It had all been a nightmare—a vivid, horrifying dream. Her heart pounded as she tried to shake off the lingering fear. Relieved that it had been nothing more than a product of her imagination, Sarah got out of bed and went downstairs to make some tea. As she entered the kitchen, a sense of déjà vu washed over her. The room felt strangely familiar. Then, she noticed the painting on the wall—an image of the woman with piercing blue eyes, her malevolent grin frozen in time. Sarah's breath caught in her throat, and she turned to flee, but the door slammed shut, trapping her inside. The house seemed to come alive once more, echoing with ghostly whispers and chilling laughter. Sarah's nightmare had become her reality, and Willow House, with its cursed history, held her captive within its sinister walls.

For centuries, the legend of Willow House continued to grow, with tales of the house claiming those who dared to enter, trapping their souls within its haunted halls. It stood as a chilling reminder that some nightmares were not meant to stay in the realm of dreams but could manifest in the most terrifying ways imaginable.

Written Written by: Sakina By: Sakina Master Master

NextNext up - up Book - Story Review 2

DBSJP TIMES

BOOK SECTION

BOOK REVIEW A READER’S SALVATION: PERCY JACKSON First and foremost, on the 20th of September, a full-length trailer of season one: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” graced YouTube. Rick Riordan’s series has been part of many childhoods – including my own – and the prospect of a faithful adaptation has been anticipated ever since the debut (and

TRICK OR TREAT?

subsequent cancellation) of the movie series, featuring Logan

Halloween is steadily approaching, and to accompany

Lerman. The trailer looks absolutelyfantastic and is clearly

the ‘Fall Vibes’, I’d like to recommend a seasonal book!

developed with lots of love and care from the entire

Grab a coffee – preferably not pumpkin spice as it is

production team. To say the least, all members of the

severely overrated - (or hot chocolate for the little

newsletter are excitedly waiting for December 20th this year to

ones reading) and enjoy either: Gustavo the Shy

see Seaweed Brain, Wise Girl and Grover (tastefully nicknamed

Ghost for our younger readers or October October.

G-Man) grace our silver screen. If the series is anything like the

I’m certain that all of you will have fantastic costumes,

book series, I highly recommend this show and series for

and get fantastic treats (Objectively, the best treats

anybody above the age of 10!

are Lindt Chocolates)!

MONTHLY BOOK REVIEW! (YEAR 7+) This month, I read the infamous Julius Caesar told by William Shakespeare, the tragic tale of Julius Caesar (I know, the title was named after a protagonist) and Marcus Brutus. It involves Caesar’s tenacious rise to power, and subsequent actions of his allies. As one of Shakespeare’s many historical plays, it is a fantastic example of his ability to cultivate emotions in a short time frame, as this play consists of only 200 pages (with large fonts and spacing). Also, I promise the English Department hasn’t persuaded me to advertise Shakespeare, it was truly enjoyable! Excluding spoilers, this play was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to the following audience that are interested in: Ancient Rome Betrayal and Justice Power Taking complete control over the school (spoiler: Shakespeare insists it won’t end well) Rating: 4 out of 5 marble Roman statues.

Written by: Alisha Conway

Next up - Section 7

FUN

SECTION

DBSJP TIMES

SCAVENGER HUNT! WE HAVE SOMETHING NEW COMING UP! This year we wanted the newsletter to be a bit more interactive and fun for all of you and not just for the writers.

So, we have decided to have a scavenger hunt open to all secondary. The Halloween-themed characters that you will see on this page will be hidden within the secondary building, starting the Monday after the release of the newsletter. If you find one and would like to redeem your reward for it then please come to the sixth form centre with the figure and find either Aden John, Amenah Al-Zuhair, Loraine Sambile, or Dóra Kádasi or email us a picture of you finding the character.

REWARD SYSTEM Merits or Commendations will be given according to how many characters you find 1 Character = 1 Merit 3 Characters = 1 SSLT Commendation EDITORS EMAILS Amenah - aalzuhairjp@dubaibritishschooljp.ae Dóra - dkadasi@dubaibritishschooljp.ae Aden - ajohn@dubaibritishschooljp.ae Loraine - lsambilejp@dubaibritishschooljp.ae

JOKE OF THE MONTH What position does the ghost play in soccer? Ghoul-keeper!

That ladies and gentlemen, marks the end of our first student-led newsletter issue of the year!

We are so excited to be re-launching our newsletter this year, we’re back and better than ever.

We – as editors - are immensely proud of our writers who produced outstanding articles for this issue (as we are sure they will for all the upcoming ones). Thank you to all the head editors, including our extraordinary head of graphics Loraine. Thank you very much for reading, we hope you enjoyed it; please keep a look out for our issue next month (NOV - DEC).

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

TEAM! HEAD EDITORS Dóra Kádasi Aden John Amenah Al-Zuhair Loraine Sambile

WRITERS FOR THIS ISSUE Maria Korzilova Alisha Conway Elif Cipe Aarna Singh Princessa Lee Sakina Master Leila Caushaj Sereen Turkawi Meera Safi