The Edonian - Issue 15 (Eden Girls School Waltham Forest)

The

EDONIAN ISSUE 15

BEBRAS CHAMPIONS 17 STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR OXFORD COMPUTING CHALLENGE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2019 GCSE OFFICIAL - EDEN WALTHAM FOREST STILL TOP 1% OF ALL PERFORMING SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND AN AUTUMN FILLED WITH FUNDRAISING BERBRAS WINNERS LEAD THE WAY SPECIAL ECO ISSUE

3 PRINCIPAL SAYS 24MEET MEETTHE THETEAM TEAM& KEY DATES 3 PRINCIPAL ARMISTICESAYS DAY 45SPIRITUALITY BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENING OF REFLECTION MACMILLAN COFFEE HOUR OF CODE 56BIG SOCIETY DAY LEADERSHIP INTERFAITH EVENTS 7 STUDENT SHURA ELECTIONS 6 &LEADERSHIP 7 WORLD MAP TRIP ECO FRIENDLY 8-9 WORLD MAP 8 & 9 LEADERSHIP 10 TRIPS JACK PETCHEY SPEAKOUT 12-13ACHIEVEMENT NATIONAL POETRY DAY AWARD 14-15MS GALLERY MURPHY HANDBALL 16 GET COOKING 12 & 13 AUTUMN ON TWITTER 14 & 15 BUILDING CULTURAL CAPITAL TRIPS REMEMBRANCE DAY NATIONAL POETRY DAY 16 STAR READERS BOOK REVIEW WALTHAM FOREST POETRY COMPETITION

Web: edengirlswalthamforest.com

Email us at: theedonian@egwf.staracademies.org

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Welcome to Issue 15 of our Autumn magazine, The Edonian! The theme this edition is centred around the environment. Our featured articles are not only thought provoking but a great read. This term we have celebrated lots of success at Eden.

CLOSURE AFTER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY STAFF INSET SCHOOL RE-OPENS (FOR ALL STUDENTS)

FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2019 FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER MONDAY 6TH JANUARY 2020 TUESDAY 7TH JANUARY 2020

FEBRUARY HALF TERM

MONDAY 17TH & FRIDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2020 MONDAY 6TH APRIL - FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2020.

MONDAY 20TH APRIL 2020

EASTER HOLIDAY SCHOOL RE-OPENS

Ms Patel Ms Descombes Hafsah Vawda Ahlam Benamara

Ms Ayub Saba Afzali Hayaa Shamsuddin Zainab Vawda Myra Arif

We would like to say thank you and good luck to our editor Summayah Bhana and writer Zainab Vawda as they take some time to concentrate on their upcoming GCSE examinations. Thank you, you will be missed!

This term we say a fond farewell to Ms Malik & Ms Parker who will be leaving us for new adventures. We wish you both lots of success. We will miss you dearly at Eden.

Congratulations to Ms Aswat, Ms Irvine and Ms Abukar who all gave birth to healthy baby boys earlier this term. We are looking forward to meeting the new additions to the Eden family.

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PRINCIPAL SAYS Reflections on this Term

lcome to another edition of The Edonian. I hope you are able to read and enjoy the news that our budding journalists have collated for you. The theme for this edition is the very important topic of Climate Change which has gripped the world, particularly the younger generation, as an important issue with youngsters taking on the mantle of saving the planet through stalwart stewardship. It is often said that the young can be apathetic towards politics and world issues, but this particular one has sparked much heated debate and action led by the very talented and powerful young climate activist Greta Thunberg. Our very own Edonians are working on a plan to do their bit and I hope you will be able to see the fruits of their endeavours in editions to come!

The term has ended very positively and as we welcome in the Winter Solstice and holidays, we are very pleased to share with you our news that we have retained our position for being in the top 1% for Progress 8 and for delivering top results for a number of subjects; we hope to deliver great results again next year Inshallah as our Year 11 and Year 10 work very hard to do their very best. A huge thank you to staff who go the extra mile to deliver great teaching and care for the students.

Our students have really enjoyed a wide range of trips, performances and workshops including a Leadership Day at Gilwell Park for Year 7, theatre trips, poetry competitions and great leadership experiences in London and at the school.

Spirituality has been marked by special days and the very brilliant Evening of Reflection organised by the Faith team and Dr Mohammed. Feedback about the evening which was a reflection in the life of the best man that ever-lived, Prophet Mohammad p.b.u.h. was very positive and well received by the students and the community. We are looking forward to arranging more events in the future.

It is a great privilege to lead such a talented school of teachers and support staff. The students arranged for a surprise lunch to thank the support staff who are team of unsung heroes; they ensure the school runs smoothly so that we are able to deliver a great education to our wonderful students. It is also a very sad point in the year when we say goodbye to staff whom are moving on to pastures new after a dedicated service to students at Eden. Firstly, a warm farewell to Shabnam Parker who has worked with us as a T.A and acting Head of Year 9- we wish her the very best that life has to offer.

Secondly another warm farewell to Assistant Principal Hannah Malik who is also moving on to pastures new. Hannah has led on teaching and learning and has been a member of the SLT for four years. We wish her the very best in her new adventure too and the very best for the future.

Just as we say goodbye to staff, we will also be welcoming new staff to school. We welcome Mt Atif Ajaib who will take on the role of Vice Principal and two new Heads of Years who join us in January with a new Exams Officer too. We hope to grow the Eden family and welcome these new additions next term as we begin a new decade.

I would like to wish you all a very restful holiday, a lovely Christmas to all who are celebrating and a Happy New Year!

GCSE SUCCESS 2019

Best Wishes,

Principal

Congratulations to our wonderful year 11 students, who did fantastically well in their GCSE examinations.

Eden continues to be in the top1% of all schools nationally for progress at GCSE

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SPIRITUALITY This term we have spent a lot of time reflecting on what Islam tells us about looking after our environment. We celebrated Ashura and held an evening of reflection event to remember the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. We gathered food for harvest at the local church, learnt about Diwali, Rosh Hashanah. And Yom Kippur The Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ placed a huge emphasis on looking after Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ replied, “Yes, even if you are at a flowing river.” the environment. In fact, there are many ḥadīth which highlight (Aḥmad)In fact, the Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ would use a container known as mudd when performing his ablution. The mudd would be rewards for those who care for the environment able to hold approximately 0.75L of water – the Messenger of Allāh Allāh, the Exalted, referred to the Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ as a ‘mercy ‫ﷺ‬ would perform his ablution (whilst washing his limbs thrice) and to the worlds’ (Qur’an 21:107). This indicates that his mercy was not still have some water left to drink! exclusive to humankind alone but its cooling shadow stretched over animals, plants, trees and all other things. It is perhaps for this The Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ also praised removing harmful things from reason that there are a variety of ḥadīth, which highlight the pathways. He said, “Removing harmful things from the road is an act of charity.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al­Bukḥārī) As such, the removal of anything preservation of one’s environment. which causes harm to people, whether it be rubbish, objects, snow, slippery leaves, is avirtuous deed.

An Ongoing Charity After one’s demise, an individual can still receive a reward for Final Thoughts plants or trees that they may have planted during their life-time.

The Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ said, “If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows Essentially, the way we behave in this world and towards the seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it – it is environment is determined by our recognition of its Owner – Allāh, the Exalted. Among the pious predecessors, there was a man by the regarded as a charitable deed (ṣadaqah) for him.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al name of Bishr, the Barefoot (i.e. al­Ḥāfī); this cognomen was Bukḥārī) For example, The London Plane tree accounts for over attributed to him because he would wonder the earth barefooted. half of our city’s tree population and can live for several hundred years. Thus, by planting a tree, a person may still be rewarded by When asked as to why he would do this, he would say, “How can I Allāh, the Exalted, for as long as others continue to benefit from it. walk upon the King’s (i.e. Allāh) carpet with shoes on?!” He was referring to the verse, “And Allāh has spread out the earth for you It is possible for this to continue for hundreds of years after one’s [i.e. as a carpet spread out].” (Qur’ān 71:19). death! This is why it is referred to as an ongoing charity..

Wasting Resources Many of us are thrilled to offer our prayer but our preparation for it may require serious thought. Our bathrooms are left flooded by the amount of water we waste whilst performing ablution (wuḍūʾ). The Messenger of Allāh ‫ﷺ‬ passed by Sʿad b. Abī Waqqāṣ (may Allāh be pleased with him, who was a senior companion, while he was performing his ablution. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ enquired, “Why is this wastage?” Sʿad replied, “Is there wastage in ablution too?” The

On the 8th of November, Eden hosted its first ever Evening of Reflection for students and their families to attend. The 200 people who attended had an enjoyable night, fascinated by the remarkable poems, nasheeds and speeches by talented students. Not to forget the extraordinary spiritual journey that Maulana Mohammad took the guests through, talking about the tests and trials that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had to face throughout his life. The pupils and their families were then able to listen to 3 amazing nasheeds sang by Omar Esa, a world-renowned nasheed artist, who also spoke about his personal hardships in terms of his faith. This was followed by a 3-course meal. It was a very exciting and spiritual time for the students, their families, and teachers.

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I pray to Allāh, the Exalted, that He blesses us with His recognition so that we may too be individuals who uphold the Sunnah of looking after our environment. Āmīn Maulana Muhammad

E

Eden’s

Big Society Giving Back

0 Over ÂŁ300 raised this term

This term we have taken part in many interfaith opportunities. We hope to continue building networks with the wider community.

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AROUND THE WORLD WHAT THE WORLD IS DOING TO KEEP ECO-FRIENDLY‌ Finland Finland is known as one of the most environmentally friendly countries on Earth thanks largely to its almost unbelievable achievement of having 0% of its population exposed to unsafe levels of fine particle air pollution.Ongoing environmental goals include reducing per capita greenhouse emissions, significantly increasing the use of renewable energy, and protecting forest and farmland habitats.

Norway Thanks to an abundance of hydro power, Norway's power system is practically 100% renewable Nevertheless, the northern nation has somewhat higher per capita greenhouse emissions than other countries in Europe and Asia.

Norway, which signed the Kyoto Protocol, hopes to reduce that number in the coming year.

Peru Just over a year ago, the South American nation Peru established its first specialized environmental court, meaning that littering would take you on a trip to the court!

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Tunisia

Tunisia introduc 2017, with fines waste and poss impacting public the green polic environmental a

Hungary Hungary has made considerable progress in environmental protection in recent years. The country is on track to more than meet or exceed its goal of 14.7% renewable energy by 2020. Hungary is also exemplary in its protection of its land. Slightly more than 22% of the country's territory is protected by the government, a larger than typical share.

ced a "green police" force in s levied for littering or burning sible imprisonment for offenses c health. Other responsibilities of ce include raising awareness of and waste management issues

Belarus Belarus is one of several countries that benefited from the United Nations Development Programme, which aimed to promote economic growth through environmentally sustainable means. The project, which stretched from 2014 to 2017, resulted in nearly two-dozen pilot projects, including a motor oil collection and processing system in the Barysau and Krupki Districts and the country's first forest educational center in Horni Park, Lida District. The project also created 50 new green jobs.

Denmark The country has continued to make strides forward, in air quality. On the previous report, 78.8% of the population was exposed to unsafe levels of fine particle air pollution; now, the figure has dropped to 56.9%.

Denmark tops the list of countries doing the most to protect the environment and continues to exceed their goals.

China Since 2015, there have been strict environmental regulations for power plants and an urge to reduce air pollution. Its electronic car industries have boosted their sales by 50%. China has set a stunning record with 1.1 million citizens buying electric cars since 2018.

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Leadership

Careers | STEM | Technology | Business | Creativity This term we have taken part in many different leadership activities. We held our first leadership day for this academic year which was a roaring success. Year 10 took part in a debate competition with law firm Pinsent Masons and a group of students visited Telegraph HQ looing at careers in the media. Check out all the action below and of course on our Twitter page.

DIVERSITY DAY PROGRAMME AT TELEGRAPH HQ This term a group of students from year 9 travelled to Victoria to attend a media workshop at the Telegraph Headquarters. Once the students arrived, they were given a warm welcome by Asif Sadiq, who is the head of NAZ legacy foundation. They were then taken a tour of the building by one of Telegraph's oldest members.

Later, during the day the day they were given an exclusive Q & A session with Molly, who works as a journalist for women in sports. The event was rounded off with a lovely lunch provided by the Telegraph.

Overall the students enjoyed the experience.

PUPILS ATTEND CITY HALL WORKSHOP On the 30th of October, 20 students from year 9 and 10 were invited to attend a youth workshop at City Hall to tackle violence in the UK. Several speakers narrated their own experiences with violence andextremism, and how they counteracted the hardships they faced.

The girls also got to meet Humza Arshad,

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a famous Youtuber, actor and comedian, who had produced a video that explained the harsh outcomes of brutality and force. They were also able to share their own ideas on how to end violence and extremism towards the end of the workshop. Overall, it was an exciting but also eye-opening experience that benefited the students and our community.

What was the focus of your speech?

I wrote my speech based on a life-changing experience, realising that when you move from one country to another, it's not just your world that has changed, its everyone around you too.

What inspired you to write about this specific topic?

The transition from Pakistan to London was very hard on not just me, but my whole family and I wanted to share my experience and allow others who are going through the same thing, to not feel alone.

We caught up with Speak Out regional finalist Umama Tarar. Umama’s speech was entertaining and inspiring. We give her 5*

What was your experience talking in front of such a big crowd?

I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but It wasn’t that bad as I thought it would be.

Dr Mohammad also made sure I practised in

assembly, so I had encountered an audience beforehand.

How did you feel before you went on stage?

It was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one who was nervous anxious before going on. When my name was announced, I tried my best and didn’t even think twice about it.

What did you take away from this experience and what advice would you give to someone considering speaking next year?

This experience taught me that socializing more in the outside world can really build confidence and how you present yourself in society. Just go for it. Don’t let anything stop you, it's not that bad when you actually do it.

Jack Petchey Achievement Award Winners AIZA UDDIN AND DELISHA NAAZ, YYear 11 pupil Aiza and year 10 pupil Delisha were nominated by their peers for the Jack Petchey Achievement Award 2019. Aiza & Delisha were decsribed as kind, considerate and hardworking by their fellow students who were full of praise for them. The girls were awarded their medals at a prestigious ceremony in the town hall in December. Thank you for being such great role models.

The Achievement Awards are primarily about recognising those who put in the effort and do their best.

LVER MS MURPHEY WINS A SI MEDAL WITH TEAM GB

excited to be part of the team.

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CLIMATE CHANGE It might appear as though the climate revolution is detached from us- inapplicable to our daily lives, and only existing on news reports of people gluing themselves to trains and buildings and telling the world that they should immediately become vegan and not go abroad to save the human race from mass extinction. It’s fair to say it’s clear why most of us would be highly reluctant to even associate ourselves with the people who appear to be causing unnecessary panic and disorder.

Yet, we may be overlooking an important, much more relatable aspect of the climate crisis realization. It’s no secret that the world is in crisis: with droughts and floods on an all-time high; the oceans choking on the sheer volumes of plastic; when whole rainforests are becoming nothing more than dusty, ploughed ground; and with more animal species and ecosystems disappearing with unprecedented speed. And though we may not be mere decades away from a complete dystopia, we still do need to address the rapid problem that’s also become an actual emergency.

Its so easy to tell ourselves that our actions won’t have even the tiniest impact; that they won’t be noticed or appreciated. But here’s a different perspective: let’s say you, as an individual are having a somewhat negative impact on the earth- for example, wasting paper, constantly using disposable water bottles, and using unnecessary electricity. Well, that must certainly mean, that, by avoiding these very

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things, you, as an individual would already be limiting and, minimalizing that very negative impact. And when thousands and millions embrace this simple mindset, it changes perspectives; it causes revolution.

So, that’s where the young generation of determined teens a lot like us who are leading the way in doing simple acts that will transform a world come in. Despite the news often showing us a certain, generalized type of adult (often middle class, often white) ac, the inspiring youths about to be mentioned are far from this narrow image. Though the first name that comes to mind in the realm of climate change is Greta Thunbergwho, in case you were unaware, has spoken at countless UN meetings and led several, successful large rallies- there are many other, lesser known, equally inspirational and equally passionate teens fighting for the future that will affect us.

However, obviously not everyone is in the position to give speeches at UN conferences or strike outside parliament; but that’s no excuse to give up. Here’s a helpful little list to ensure your positive decisions are well appreciated and valued for what they are.

Here are some easy everyday actions to help you have a smaller impact on the earth!

Use reusable water bottles Avoid palm oil hair and food products Switch off lights when you aren’t in a room Grow some mini plants in your house Avoid plastic straws and coffee cups- or try to cut out plastic altogether Don’t waste food

Firstly, there’s Lesein Mutunkei who’s 15, from Kenya. He plants a tree for every goal he scores while he hones his football skills. Then, there’s Alexandria Villasenor, who’s 14, and from the USA. She strikes outside the UN headquarters weekly. Thirdly, there’s Aditya Mukarji, who’s 15, from India. He campaigns tirelessly against single use plastic, and promotes alternatives to deforestation and cutting trees.

Buy second hand books or clothes

No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change

”.

Barack Obama

What the future now holds...

A fictional story with real consequences

They say the sky was a meaningful, deep blue, filled with creatures called birds that would effortlessly glide through the crisp, clean air.

They say Antarctica used to be freezing: a continent of floating icenot the hostile terrain of a place that it is now. They say there used to be cool water that filled the gaping trench under the now crumbling London Bridge; and that water shortage was unheard of. They say that the dazzling colour of the sparkling water would adorn every object. That’s all I've been told.

Fantasies of the past that tell of our selfish ancestors. It's all I've heard of.

And that's all I will ever know. The prison we call home is sparse, lifeless, dead. We are on the inevitable brink of extinction. Our society has crumbled to dust. As I speak, wars are erupting over nothing. People are being slaughtered for reasons of all sorts such as water and precious resources which people of the past would carelessly dispose of, and over the food that we savour.

Even the times of rationing fresh food are long past us, due to the immense lack of water paired with the overheated air, plants no longer grow.

It is unthinkable to even try grow a plant without the help of a lab and chemicals. Yes, we get food, but it is all processed or chemically made.

Trees are a rare sight on its own, they cannot be grown anymore as seeds and young trees are damaged from exposure to the atmosphere. There are few trees, and millions of people go to extreme lengths to see them.

Flowers are worth more than diamonds, and anyone who owns

even a petal is envied, threatened and from it. Our supplies are running out, sometimes killed. so building such fantasies as technological items is a futile Our food is formulated and processed suggestion. Caused by the inadequate in deep, underground chambers; amount of natural resources, there’s a smaller chance of them scientists are no longer able to create being contaminated by the toxic air. any sort of creation let alone a lifeThe air we breathe comes from changing invention. Therefore, the suffocating tanks that we all bear on majority that live on this earth are our sore backs. non-educated.

We expected developing countries to become more Our world is now nothing more than a secure in the future, but they are fragile shell, about to shatter to failing to provide. pieces leaving humanity and everything in existence to shrivel up There are large dry banks which and disintegrate.

The high people used to call rivers. Where temperature causes storms which countries end, there are just cliffs makes the storms of the past look hanging high above gaping holes in laughable. the Earth. Our supply of water is Clouds of grey drape the sky in thick sheets, blocking out what little light is left. The air is forever misty and foggy, so much so you can barely even see your own hand in front of your own face. Buildings too are covered with thick, grimy dirt spoiling views that were said to have once been beautiful. The Big Ben itself, that stood for centuries, is now just a pile of bricks and rubble slowly but surely crumbling away. it was no longer in use anyway, we have no real government, so our country is free to do what they want, when they want, how they want, yet no one can gain their desires. It is chaos all round. We live our lives cowering behind anything we find to save ourselves from the countless dangers that roam the streets.

running out. Scientists predict that by the end of next year we will run out of water for good. Our only source of water is deep below us- groundwater.

However, soon also that will disappear, shrivel up and die, just like the lives we have tried to build for ourselves. Without water we can't live, and it's something we all know, while we wait- for what we know our future will hold.

Our country is now in a state of constant anarchy; we know we are edging ever closer to non-existence. It is too late for us to put blame on what people have done in the past: all we can do is hope for change, and work for it. Our universe is slowly being devoured by a black hole, just like the hope in our hearts.

Many no longer know what a government is. You may think that we live our lives gaining knowledge by the push of a button: the reality is far

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Autu Tw

Twitter is the best way to ke Eden. This term over 4000 p each day. Our top tweet was Computer Science BERBRAS

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umn on witter

eep up to date with all the latest events at people engaged with our Twitter page s non other than our success with the S challenge.

Pupils have been cooking up A storm in Food Technology

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BUILDING A CULTURAL CAPITAL Trips | enrichment | experiences | events Bebras is an international initiative aiming to promote Informatics Computer Science and computational thinking among school students at all ages. Computational thinking involves using a set of problem-solving skills and techniques that software engineers use to write programs and apps. The Bebras challenge promotes problem solving skills, including the ability to break down complex tasks into simpler components, algorithm design, pattern recognition, pattern generalisation and abstraction.

On the second week of November, all our Computer Science classes took part in the Bebras challenge. Then after a few weeks of waiting we got the much-wanted results.

Students who scored in the top 10% Internationally have been invited to take part in The Oxford Computing Challenge. Pupils will start training for the competition in January with Mr Swati.

The whole of Year 9 took a trip to the Microsoft store,

screens and even use the driving simulators. Students

in central London (the only store in the whole of the

took part in a workshop where they had to program a

UK).They were welcomed warmly by the Microsoft

talking robot to sing a rap. Our students left the store

Store staff. The students were then let loose in the

happy and amazed. We had a great time!!

brand new, fully equipped gaming room where they were able to play all the latest games on massive

OCR Sports Science pupils in year 10 and 11 visited Body Worlds London. Body Worlds is a truly unique place where Dr Gunther von Hagens’ renowned exhibition of real human bodies has sparked curiosity and awe around the world with over 47 million visitors globally. We Journeyed through the human body to discover the magic and mysteries that lie underneath the skin. A unique, exciting and interactive journey through the human body, described by many students as ‘emotional’, ‘extraordinary’ and even ‘life-changing’.

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5* EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTSEROS SED

On the 18th of october the students from the new hospitality and catering course had the amazing oppertunity to visit The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair.

“We were met by our amazing host, Fredrico. He introduced us to the hotel then talked us through some of the interesting hisory of the hotel, we were then taken to their kitchens where we got to see how food is prepared in a five star restaurants. We were then given a talk by the head waiter who talked about the roles in a working environment.

Frederico explained the different areas of running a hotel and much attention to detail goes into everything. The trip was a definite eye-opener. Next term students are visiting Borough Market to explore commoditites.

REMEMBERANCE DAY

Eden marked Remembrance Day on the 11th of November to commemorate and remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our future. Poppies were sold throughout the week for students to wear for this day. KS3 pupils were treated to a fantastic performance that went into depth about the war effort.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Lies Wrapped in roped dragged And wrought by lies, Lies which are sowed and bloom By the reaping of a black rose.

Shrivelled and desiccated roots, Illusive and moribund morals, What real light and truth Is there left in the world?

Consumed by darkness, Gloom and hell, The scorching flames devouring All good and well, Killing the celestial angels Who sing and dream Because the truth is never at all what it seems.

The passing of an innocent And the truth is concealed, Buried deep in a grave, where it contaminates all the roots Of honesty and truth— Turning the ivory rose To one with petals awakening the knell.

An endless cycle to Neverland, Lying is the antidote of Satan’s home.

Isha Malik Yr 11 KS4 Winner

The Truth I say I’m fine but the truth is I’m not.

I’m hurting, aching inside! But I don’t tell anyone.

They wouldn’t understand.

Underneath my happy-looking smile is a burning sensation begging me to tell the truth, I still don’t.

I want to burst out saying, No I’m not okay!

But buried inside the thick layers of sadness is hope, I can’t hold it in any longer, so I ended up blurting everything out.

Finally, it seemed like the heavy burden holding me down for so long was gone.

I felt happiness after what seemed like a lifetime.

There is a lesson to learn from this, tell someone! Don’t keep it in! Don’t let the monster grow bigger and bigger! It will only make it worse.

All you have to do is tell the truth.

Even when it seems all hope is gone, just remember it isn’t.

Your light will come and it will guide you to happiness.

A Christmas Carol is a cosy and wholesome play with a wonderful production. It centres around Ebenezer Scrooge, notoriously known to be selfish and miserly, who goes through a stunning character growth where he is redeemed by three Christmas spirits on the night of Christmas Eve. I enjoyed the director’s interesting approach to the play as Scrooge’s relationship with his father became a much more integral plot than in book. The actors did a fantastic job at understanding their characters and bringing Dickens’ words to life. My favourite part had to be the end where the audience got involved with Christmas preparations and a giant turkey unexpectedly flew in onto the stage!

Mishaal Shahzad Yr 7 KS3 Winner

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Reading at Eden Edonians are phenomenal readers. As the days are getting darker and colder, students are contentedly settling down with a huge range of books from established classics to the latest bestsellers hot off the press. As usual the library is abuzz with keen readers eager to get their next book and sharing their latest favourites with other bibliophiles.

In years 7-9, students use the Accelerated Reader program to take quizzes on the books they have read. This term they have done incredibly well: the 368 students have taken a total of 1,559 quizzes. Ten students have each read over a million words. The students’ total word

Aisha Khan and Wafa Afzali Our first word millionaires

count for this term alone is a staggering 74, 856, 429.

I read the Hunger Games trilogy in two weeks – they are gripping! The books are about a girl from District 12, Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers in her sister’s place to be part of the annual Hunger Games. These brutal games are when two tributes from each of the twelve districts in Panem have to fight others to be the last one left alive. These books follow Katniss’s story about how she is affected by her involvement in the games and the farreaching consequences of her actions.

I really enjoyed this trilogy because of the constant suspense which made it impossible to put the books down. I definitely recommend them if you enjoy adventure books or thrillers.

WALTHA M FOREST POETRY COMPET ITION 2019 Year 7 student Safffiyah Kazi came third from over 600 entries in a poetry competition.

Safiyyah was delighted when her poem titled ‘Home sweet home’ was shortlisted. Judge Graham Clifford said “Home Sweet Home (Safiyyah Kazi) is a purely joyful take on home. The poem wonders in the obscure and, in no uncertain terms, directs us to celebrate where we’re from.”

We caught up with Safiyyah to ask her some important questions.

Why do you enjoy writing poetry?

It is Relaxing, and I enjoy being creative.

Is this the first poem that you’ve written?

It is the first poem that I have entered in a competition.

Do you have a favourite poem? What is it I like to read different poems. It’s nice to listen to other people opinions.

What inspired you to write the poem? Why do you think it was important to write about Home?

It is a mix of all the holidays I have been to. Home is an important thing for me, and I wanted to appreciate it HOME SWEET HOME The place I’m from has sparkling opaque oceans that glimmer all year round, The oceans tumble in the summer breeze, And the sun sets to highlight that another glorious day has gone by.

The place I’m from bubbles with rich scents, Slams the door on hate, And welcomes every one.

The place I’m from has mind boggling creatures, Twisted tumbling trees, And mesmerising plants to make you halt in your tracks.

The place I’m from welcomes you with open arms, Is there when you need it, Because the place I’m from is home sweet home.

Saffiyah Kazi in top 3