Final grammar eye 3 by Emma Wynne-Jones

2013—TERM 2

www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au

THE GRAMMAR EYE

Student newspaper of St. Paul’s Grammar School | By the students for the students | From M Block to L Block since 2012

Campbell Barnes reflects...

You only FausT Once He was enamoured. And this enraptured state transferred into each and every one of us. I personally had the absolute privilege of playing one of the supporting roles in the production. But I can honestly say that everyone played an essential role in the whole scheme of the production. Without a single person’s dedication, the whole experience would’ve been different. Almost two weeks on from when we as cast and crew walked from that stage for the final time, I was still buzzing. The feeling of being on set, and performing both the lines that you had rehearsed and the emotion you have to find within yourself, is unparalleled. And the absolute euphoria of finishing that comes when you sit down at home after it’s all finished, is equally unique. To understand the myriad emotions that come with the end, you have start, as cliché as it might be, at the beginning.

In all, when it was all finished-when the coat of contrition had been hung up for the last time, when the stage had been swept of vase debris, and when hair was no longer plastered with hairspray- we had an amazing time. The whole experience, the process, is where the fun was had. The fellowship of the cast and crew, the emerging skills of so many people involved and the memories made were all highlights, and what we will come to remember.

Some of our student readers may remember a stuffy day early in the year, where one lunch time, half the population of the high school seemed to fill to overflowing the Hall. What follows was quite interesting: it was the first of many times throughout the production that we saw Mr Kidson put on his “Director Hat” rather than his “Principal Hat”; he told us of the exciting opportunities that being a part of such a production would bring, with an undeniable excitability about the way in which he spoke.

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Take a stand on The Student Soapbox - Josh Kopp Mufti days... Symbols of freedom, in a time of oppression. What oppression, you ask? The oppression of choice. For thirteen years (for the vast majority of people), our choice is taken away from us, leaving us with the harsh truth that we, as students, lack any form of power or control. We are forced to wear the same, bland clothes day after day with little respite. We are de-individualised, dehumanised, turned into nothing more than another number, another statistic. Our creativity and ability to display our personality is eliminated. But, there was always hope. In our hearts we knew that there would always be days where this would not be the case. Although few and far between, these aforementioned symbols of freedom were the gleaming beacons of promise to the students at St Paul's. A time where we could flaunt our individuality, a time where we were given brief cessation from monotonous daily routine. Now, as of the year 2013, these

wonderful days are no more. Crushed underfoot by our merciless oppressors. So what if there is a little skin showing? And maybe some people don't wear allprotecting black leather school shoes. Is that really a valid reason to completely destroy one of the most sacred and precious events of the students? This writer, for one, thinks not.

marvellous occasion.

Imagine, if you will, this scene: a mufti day is announced to the school. Instantly, thoughts begin to whirl. 'I finally have a chance to show my friends that new *insert article of clothing here*' or, 'brilliant, a day I can come to school and not feel ridiculously uncomfortable in that tiresome uniform.' Wondrous feelings of joy and anticipation abound in the students.

The removal of mufti days, and the introduction of 'non-uniform days', was something to send shivers down the spine of every student made aware of this malevolent deed. These new 'non-uniform days' were a contradiction to themselves, a blatant lie, as students were made to wear their sport uniform. However, the combined might of a senior rebellion succeeded in partially changing these cruel laws. For senior students, a house shirt and leg-wear of their choice was permitted! But, this is only a small victory for the students; our younger peers still suffer under the full weight of this oppression, and the senior students are still not completely free.

The day itself arrives; the students all arrive at school, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see and be seen. As the day progresses, more and more is revealed about the students themselves, just through something as simple as their choice in clothing. The day itself is full of learning and great experiences, as the students are able to relax and take in the full depth of their teaches abundant knowledge. What a

10Ways to Make Speeches More Interesting

But, lo, little did these students know that these days of excitement and bliss were soon to be no more! As the year of 2012 came to an end, something devious was being plotted behind closed doors in the school's administration. Something to change the very nature of the school itself.

Maybe, one day, the St Paul's administration will come to their senses. Until that day, we continue to fight; for our chance for creativity, for our days of respite, for our freedom!

Wear a Costume Costumes are a guaranteed path to success. Dress up as your favourite actor, animal or vegetable. Insult your Audience Remember, you are always better. Remind them. Dance Andrew Coulshed How do you think Gangnam style beSpeeches are one of the most confronting and came so popular? frightening parts of life, and yet as students we are forced to make multiple presentations Speak in Chinese each year. Our speeches can often end up Your audience can’t judge your content dull, plain and generally uninteresting, with if they can’t understand you. Flawless our old recycled speech tactics being dug up every year. Well now, thanks to the Grammar Feed your Audience eye, you can fight back at your teacher’s Your audience is always hungry. This is devious speech assignments, with our comwhere your vegetable costume comes in prehensive guide to writing a fantastic speech handy. every time.

Sing It doesn’t really matter what you sing. Or even if you can sing. Just wail a bit. Grow a Moustache Not only does it look dapper, it’s something you can play with if you get bored. Eat a Sandwich You’re not going to speak/sing well if you are hungry. Your audience won’t mind, as long as it contains beetroot. Improvise Change your volume, do a few dramatic pauses. I don’t know. Spontaneity is the spice of life. Throw Something This has actually been done successfully. Shoes work well.

The Grammar Eye Contributions for the Grammar Eye Term 3 2013 We welcome and read all submissions for The Grammar Eye with an open mind. If you would like to make a contribution about anything at all, please email either our Editor Campbell Barnes or Mrs Wynne-Jones ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. The Grammar Eye

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www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au

“Good leaders must first become Good servants”

Leadership is a big thing. It’s daunting, exciting, thrilling and undoubtedly challenging. And that’s what I love about it.

and every role we were applying for, was just half of what we had to consider when we were applying: What should I go for? Who else is applying for it? Can I possibly bear the weight I’m sure that for most of the year 11 cohort, of a badge on my collar (and the responsibility the thought of leadership within the school has that it represents)? been sitting quietly in the back of their minds, letting the rest of what goes hand in hand with For those that answered “Yes” to the last the first year of studying the HSC or IB question, a relatively short process was diploma become more important. Of course, entered into: an interview here, a CV there, we have always known that someday it would and it was up to the powers that be to decide happen, but never did we think it would out position in the school. happen this fast. It seems like mere weeks ago And when it was all over, we came out the that we started the beginning of the end of our other side virtually unchanged. Still the same high schooling; and indeed measly days since people, just with a title in formal recognition the famous Humble “leadership talk”. And of the group of leaders we had so suddenly with this talk, the thought of becoming leaders become. was pushed into the forefront of our thoughts. One of the major factors being stressed to us The preparation, in the form of a professional as the leadership team is that of team work. style CV, and supporting statements for each And that is what we are, one great big team of

sport, chess and music players; those with a passion for all things service, environment, Cornwallis and co-curricular. In our short term of just a year, we hope to achieve much; and all will be revealed in due time. But it wouldn’t be possible at all without the amazing support from our teachers and the outgoing leadership team. Thankyou. And so next time it’s 7:30 in the morning, and you’re tucked up all nice and warm in your bed, spare a thought for the high school leadership team, your high school leadership team, as we prepare to do the best we can to represent you. It won’t be a walk in the park – more like a brisk jog if truth be known – but that won’t stop us from enjoying our time and who knows- it just might turn into something spectacular. Campbell Barnes

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy Adams

WORDS INTO ACTION

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35 A snap shot of Butembo – nearest city

with us positive news. While Mutasanzuki school was initially set up for orphans,(as is the case in many African countries – if you cannot pay school fees, you cannot attend  St Paul’s was privileged to have Bishop Iseschool) many other children attend because somo, Bishop of North Kivu Province, Demothe community sees the integrity and care of  cratic Republic of Congo speak to Years 9, 10, the school. A pupil from the school scored the 11 and 12 at our chapel services. Bishop highest primary matriculation score in Ise-somo and his wife have played an enorButembo. The government does not pay the Ise-somo’s province mous role in facilitating our support for the wages of the teaching staff at this school – yet orphans and Mutawanzuki School in his prov- While the west of The Democratic Republic of they still teach because they know the value of Congo is experiencing stability, Ise-somo was education for these children. ince. St Pauls’ has had an association with able to explain the ongoing instability in the “Ise” since the mid 2000s. During this time, east. In the east rebel forces raid farms, kidnap While Ise-somo graciously thanked students money raised by St Paul’s has contributed in children and rape women. Ise’s parish shelter and teachers, both students and teachers felt significant ways to improving the well-being and provide ongoing care for victims of this and education of the students who attend. humbled in our position to be able to help in terror. Rwandan rebels have also settled in this the small ways we can. region and perpetrate similar terror. Projects we have supported include: This remains our challenge.  buying roofing for the Mutawanzuki While this news is shocking and seemingly school (otherwise in the rainy season insurmountable, Ise-somo was able to share Mrs. Newton the students were wet during their “Thank-you St Paul’s” was the humbling message Bishop Ise-somo brought to staff and students at St Paul’s Friday 21 June.



lessons) supplying building materials to build a modest but necessary toilet facility desks and general improvements to class rooms sewing machines for uniforms and vocational purposes.

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2013– TERM 3

www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au

For how dare my daughter disobey me? I will toss and turn until she can see,

Rosaline is no longer amazing

Today I will ask for Juliet’s hand,

For it is Juliet I am praising.

It is she I want beside me to stand.

I change my mind at each pretty new face

So I can take her as my pretty wife,

But that is not so, in Juliet’s case.

And I can have her always in my life.

How beautiful is her radiant skin,

Only problem is she does not love me.

Its glowing perfection, my love did win.

She looks at Romeo all the time gee!

I dream of kissing her lips so divine,

I am so very much better than him.

Then all will be blessed and everything fine.

To be with Juliet I’d give a limb!

I would love to meet at her balcony,

For her happiness I would die,

Just to hear her words, a sweet symphony.

If I marry her, life would be a lie.

By Wednesday the nonsense will have ceased.

Tonight will be the night I will see her,

To my sorrow I have to let her go,

Her whining and whaling will amuse us,

So excited, my eyes with tears do blur.

So she can be with Romeo, my woe.

Laughing so hard the guard will remove us.

Her big blue eyes will fill with a tear,

Then Juliet will be very happy,

My god I should have thought of this be-

What a wondrous favour I have done Oh how I only wish I had a son! Lord god praised us with this only child, She’s gone berserk and totally wild! What a disgrace to our family name. Oh I will play her most horrible game! Drag thee on Thursday to see the good priest,

As I tempt her heart with my love sincere.

I hate with passion those Capulet boys,

Now Romeo and Juliet have died

Their hair so sleek and that annoying poise.

Both families have put the feud aside.

Mercutio did not deserve to die,

Hatred had gone on for so many years,

That’s the reason I killed him, that’s not a lie.

It’s surprising to see them face their fears.

I feel so uneasy but I won’t regret,

So shameful that two people had to die,

though Tybalt’s death was so hard to forget.

And they had to keep their marriage a lie.

There is no point in living, I will be killed

Tragic lives these two young lovers did live,

Heart so full of regret it will be spilled.

Such a shame to think how much they did give.

Wait a little while I have to think,

Now it’s too late, their families have lost

Poor Juliet’s heart will certainly sink.

Argument settled at such a great cost.

She’s the only one who lights up my day.

Verona will long mourn two of it’s best,

I don’t care what those police have to say.

No love stronger from the east to the west.

Juliet, my love and joy of my life

From these deaths a new beginning is here,

I will never leave your side, my young wife

A friendship that will last many a year.

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH by Caitlin Guerin Late last year, 38 Year Nine students thought they had what it took to take on the Bronze Duke Of Edinburgh Award and in Term 2, they did the hike of their lives - a combined total of more than 40km, over the course of four days. The first track started at Wattamolla in the Royal National Park and we walked along the coast track to Garie Beach, where we spent our first night camping. The first track went up , over and back down a few ridges and took us about six hours to walk, including rest time. That night, after we set out tents up and had a little time on the beach itself, we cooked our dinner on our own, before we had devotions under the stars with Mr Blanch. He explained a bit about the stars, before reading from the bible and praying with us. The second day we got up at 6am in the freezing cold to make our breakfast and pack up. We then got set up for the next leg of the hike, which took us to Otford. After hiking up the side of a mountain, seeing that bus waiting for us (or the boys who had already arrived come back for our bags) was enough to keep

us going through the last leg of the hike. We piled onto the bus, collapsed into our chairs and relaxed as we were driven to McDonalds for a well earned hot meal we didn't need to cook or rehydrate ourselves. After a good feeding, we got back on the bus and were driven to the Katoomba Christian Conference Center, where we enjoyed the comfort of another hot meal, a shower and a mattress to sleep on. That night we played a few games with Mr Kelshaw, until he went outside to make a phone call. While he was gone, we started a whole group game of "saw-macadora". It was quite fun to watch Mr Kelshaw walk back into the room and be quite shocked and impressed with what we'd done. His response? "Respect!" But sadly, all the comfort of being in a camp site quickly disappeared the next morning when we were up early again and leaving. We re-packed, re-grouped and re-loaded. Once we arrived at Govett's Leap, we mapped out our route and set out. We walked until we reached Acacia

Flats, where we were to camp for the final night, and all set up camp. We had arrived a fair bit earlier than expected, so we walked a little outside the camping area and collected wood for a bon fire. We got a big pile and had hopes of having that fire after we made dinner, so we all hung around that area until it got a bit overcast. We walked back to the campsite and grabbed our gear for dinner, and finished dinner just as it started to rain. And it hadn't stopped by morning. We got up, and set off again with the thoughts of returning home at the end of the walk. The last day seemed to go on forever, and once we had reached our destination, everyone was soaking wet, freezing cold and longing for their warm beds. All in all, it was an amazing experience for all the students, and most of them intend on following on with the next level of skill acquisition. If you're considering signing up for next year's Duke Of Ed, year eight's, definitely take the chance. It's an experience you don't want to miss out

**************************************************************************************************** depending on how you found the talks. Brent Sanders is and ex-cop and this was apparent from his first sentence to the boys: “Now I’m not going to bulls**t you” (the asterisks have been Firstly, while many readers may now be added for the more sensitive reader). He then proceeded to live up to his word. wondering “Why should I read this?” He talked to us for about two hours (1 allow me to inform you: Why not? If hour, 15 minutes if you extract the you are in Year 11 or 12 then you may know some of what I will say, but why swearing) about decisions. Now anyone not spend 5 minutes learning something, who heard that he was there to talk about sexual assault did hear correctly and potentially being entertained? however only part of his talk was about On the 9th of May, Year 11 got to wear that, most of it was about making mufti to school. We also had a great talk decisions that we would not regret. from Brent Sanders, as to which is more This talk was one of those rare gems important I leave to you, the reader. that, while sounding boring as I type Year 11 was split into males and this out, left no-one who left PA1 females then were talked at or to,

Year 11 Retreat Day by Josh Mann

feeling bored. He was engaging and felt as if he not only lived in the real world, but that he had seen some of the worst and honestly wanted to stop people from reaching those places. I will only share one story that he gave, so as not to ruin anything for the lower years. Around five teenagers were out around Cronulla, they had been drinking. One of them through a bottle at a passing car, the man was driving his fiancée to dinner. He got out of the car to talk to the boys. One of them snuck behind him and knocked him to the ground. All of the boys proceeded to kick at him until he died. They were caught because the fiancée knew one of them. These boys were in Year 10 or 11 and one of them was recently moved to Lithgow prison

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Do you agree…?

WHY (MOST) MOVIES ARE TERRIBLE! Before I have something slightly resembling a pencil sharpener thrown at me when I walk out of my bus and into the school tomorrow, I must say that movies and I have never really gotten on well together. I pleasantly avoided all contact with them and they in turn didn't have to play themselves for the thousanth time, hoping that life meant more than just pixels and oversized flat-screen TV's. The reason for this is actually quite a simple one. Even when I was young I was always interested in compelling storylines, well-developed characters and a great, relatable atmosphere. Being the spoilt brat that I was when I was younger and only looking for the best of everything, movies rarely did this for me. There were a few okay ones now and then (Alien, The third harry potter movie and Ice age for example). My main problem with movies is the timeframe they have to play with, commonly featuring around two to three hours of content. The amount that must be added within this time seems unreasonable. Having to develop and convey characters, build and give context to their own world, keep things engaging and create emotion (Just to list a few). Ether that, or they just don't do it right anyway (That includes you too Star Wars and your blabbering mess of ridiculous fan boys!). Personally I'd find it easier to fit a watermelon into a

toaster than add all of that content effectively. This is very different to what I did watch and do as a child. One of my largest hobbies then and now (Even having started my own YouTube Channel recently because of it) is gaming. Oh and I mean GOOD gaming but that's certainly for another time. My greatest example of a compelling story would be from gaming; from a game called Final Fantasy 13, or eff eff thirteen as people splutter lazily nowadays. Eff eff thirteen, takes around forty hours for a normal play through. This is a good thirty-seven more than most movie's nowadays, and what it does with this time, it does very well. The plot is slowly unwoven, unlike a movie in which everything has to be like a dog on a manhunt for the nearest mailman. This also gives it time to flesh out characters and most importantly for any type of entertainment, immerse you. Immersion is something I believe commonly movies lack. I have to give it to them this time though, it might not even be their fault for most of it. As a massive fan of not only gaming but also series' (especially anime) the timeframe once again seems too little (more for personal reasons). Series' especially have many episodes and sometimes even seasons to convey all of the things listed be-

fore. I've found myself countless times almost getting into a movie only to find it end ten minutes later. Its like there's a massive party going on that I was invited too, only to be let in just as everyone else is leaving... And now there's no cake. Consistency also plays a large part in immersion, which is a slightly larger problem than the movie ending too quickly. When watching a movie the idea or at least as far as I've been aware is to be brought emotionally into its world. That however is hard to pull off when you notice errors. For example in a new movie which was fairly horrible, (The amazing spider man) Ben (or at least from what I remember it was him) picks up a completely solved rubic's cube, and in the next scene places down a jumbled one! This may seem a little like nitpicking and in some instances people wont notice things like this. But when you do notice a mistake it completely ruins all hope it had of compelling you. However now I can feel the complain train starting to set off so I better end this off somehow before I break a blood vessel. Putting it simply, Movies are terrible. Except, for The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. But that's an extension of a Series anyway.

Brenden Wills

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TOP TEN BEST FILMS— HOW MANY HAVE YOU SEEN? By http://www.thetoptens.com/best-movies/

The Godfather (1972)

Forrest Gump

The Shawshank Redemption

Titanic

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Dark Knight

Fight Club

Gladiator

Star Wars: the Empire Strikes Back

Pulp Fiction

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Cecil’s Corner Hi Cecil, I’m having trouble with my school work but I’m too shy to go to peer tutoring in J9. What do I do? #WhyYr11SoLoud Hi #WhyYr11SoLoud, You know when you were little and they used to tell you “Don’t panic!” when you see a snake because, believe it or not, the snake is actually more scared than you? You’re right; it’s hard to walk in to a room full of loud seniors that you’ve never talked to. But I’d also say that some of those Year 11’s would also be nervous of tutoring a new student… which is why they’d try very hard to be

www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au extra nice! If I were you, the best way to go about it would be to talk to a Year 11 in your tutor group/school club that you’re close with and ask them to introduce you to a couple of the tutors before Peer Tutoring at lunch. That way, when you walk in, you know you’ll see a familiar face, or if you’d prefer, ask them to meet you directly in the Library and avoid the “awkwardness” altogether! Or if you want some “moral support”, bring a massive group of friends with you to J9. Trust me, after you see how goofy the peer-tutors really are and how much they can help you, you won’t regret it!

cute”, every girl’s in a frenzy to grab the closest guy. I don’t what to do… should I ask a guy to avoid missing out or wait till next year so I don’t seem desperate? #ermygawdDEB Hey #ermygawdDEB,

Before I can start answering your question: TO THAT GIRL WHO CAVED AND ASKED FIRST, NOT COOL! I can understand where you’re coming from. As soon as that first girl !!!!! STAR LETTER ABOUT A asks, it sucks because, all of a sudden, it PERRENIAL ISSUE !!!!! sets off this impressive chain reaction, whether you like it or not! Ideally, you’d Dear Cecil, want to get an idea of who you’d like to I’ve got to tell you what a dilemma I’m go with and then suss out their dance in. I’m a girl in year 10 and Debutante skills at year 10 Formal… But if you madness has already begun! I don’t really feel like you might miss out, know how it happened! One day, we’re perhaps you should strike while the iron’s hot. One word of advice: ask a guy who’s all sitting around and before you can say “1D can’t sing, but GAWD they’re your friend and who you get along with naturally.

HORRORSCOPES This Term: Aries March 21-April 19 今年你应该说中文。白痴外国人。 Lucky Day: Mid-Autumn Festival Lucky Object: Your winning smile ;) Taurus April 20-May20 Just Dance. Lucky Day: Saturnalia Lucky Object: The mouse-knob thing on your laptop Gemini May 21-June 20 You will burn yourself with your hair straightener. Sorry. Lucky Day: The day after the day after the day after tomorrow Lucky Object: Curtains Cancer June 21 - July 22 Eat some corn. Its amaizeing. Lucky Day: Tuesday (Or Wednesday, your choice. I wouldn't make a decision based on a couple of stars millions of light years away)

Lucky Object: Stars millions of light years away Leo July 23 - August 22 Watch the Lion King 4 times. At least. Lucky Day: 32nd of January Lucky Object: Mammee Noodles Seasoning (At least the old ones. The new recipe isn't nearly as good) Virgo August 23 - September 22 If you wear glasses, don't. If you don't, do. Lucky Day: 27th May (International Cello tape Day) Lucky Object: Contact Lenses Libra September 23 - October 22 Do something good (so I don't have to). Lucky Day: Clean up Australia Day Lucky Object: Broom Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Don't read this! Oh damn. You did. Now that just completely ruins my predictions. Good job there.

Lucky Day: I'm not even sure if you deserve a lucky day anymore Lucky Object: Ditto. Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 ... Lucky Day: 10th of March Lucky Object: Whatever your geography teacher is holding right now. Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Scream. And Shout. And let it all out. Lucky Day: Daytona Beach Lucky Object: Pencil Cases Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Your saliva will work as an adhesive this week, so don't bother with your glue stick. Lucky Day: Quick! It's Today! Lucky Object: Novelty Hats Pisces February 19 - March 20 Sell a kidney on the internet. Lucky Day: Day-Z Lucky Object: Acorns

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AEROGAMI By Rashmi Shingde If you asked me what would be one of the surprising things about high school, I’d say it’d be the number of times I’ve had to make a paper plane. From year 7 to year 11, I can guarantee that I’ve made a paper plane at least once every year, from house and class competitions to settling scores the “dignified” way. And every year, there’s always that one frustrated student who ends up turning their demented paper plane into a scrunched-up ball. Or Molly McNamara, who, in the recent inter-house paper plane competition, threw a paper boat instead. Always the individual. To those who look down upon this humble art, realize that a paper plane works on the same principles as that multi-million dollar, hundred tonne Boeing-787 soaring above. There’s thrust to keep the plane moving forward, aerodynamic lift to lift it upwards, gravity to pull it downwards and air drag to counteract its forward speed. So when you come up with a nifty little design that can travel straight, fast and steady, you’ve actually demonstrated the flight mechanics of a good airplane! Here’s the inventive design of Ken Blackburn’s plane that held the Guinness World Record for thirteen years by keeping his plane aloft for 27.6 seconds! I’ve never tried it before, so keep me posted via email.

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