HERSCHEL HEADLINES
HERSCHEL’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER














Looking back at Term three, it's been a chaotic and eventful term, filled with Eisteddfod, Interhouse Plays and countless sports events such as HerschCyps It's also been a term filled with new beginnings, opportunities and fresh starts, with the new leadership team being announced, as well as the Grade Twelve's starting their final chapter and writing their prelims exams
Because of this, we, as the Journalism Club, decided on the theme for this term's edition of Welcoming New Beginnings, to reflect back on what's been happening this term and the future ahead.
The Journalism Club is a student-led club and newspaper that allows the students to utilise their writing skills, their unique ideas and voices, and discuss current affairs and topics relating to the Herschel body in a safe and supportive environment
I really am so proud of and thankful for all of our dedicated writers in this edition. It's been so inspiring to watch them work and the enthusiasm with which they engaged with these topics; this newspaper wouldn't be possible without them. I would also like to encourage more members of the student body to become involved next term Even if you don't want to be a permanent member, you're welcome to send through an article for us via the email below to edit and be featured in the edition.
If you have any supportive feedback or constructive comments you would like to share with the Journalism staff and team, feel free to submit them via the email in the Letter to the Editor section below
I do hope that you will take some time to read through this edition and appreciate the talents of the Herschel student body
~ Gabriella Efstathiou
Feel free to submit your own opinions or ideas surrounding any of this edition’s articles to be published in the next edition, via our editor’s email:
Staff Page
Editorial and Letter to the Editor
Welcoming Back VOX: A Space for Difficult Conversations
Written By: Chloe Smith
Letting Go of the Past to Make Way for the Future
Written By: Keeva Middleton
Welcoming my Final Year of High School
Written By: Alexandra Knutsen
Struggling Through the Chaos of What to Do with the Rest of My Life
Written By: Emily Dickinson
Welcoming New Clubs and Activities
Written By: Jasmiya Naidoo
Books about New Starts and New Beginnings
Written By: Katherine Slingers & The Herschel Book Club
The Connection Between Humanities and Sciences: A New Beginning in Research
Written By: Katherine Slingers
How does Culture Contribute to Changes in Society?
Written By: Katherine Slingers
New Opportunities and the Experience of New Electives
Written By: Amaara Rawoot
The Benefits of Trying Something New
Written By: Lihlombe Mandindi
The Truth About Starting Over
Written By: Lesedi Mabokano
New Beginnings: The Power of Starting Something Fresh
Written By: Layyah Arnold
New Season, New Term
Written By: Ezimmachukwu Obiorah
Resources Page
This month at Herschel, we welcomed the return of VOX after a three-year hiatus in the clubs and societies sphere VOX is a student-led club that creates a space for the controversies and nuances of current affairs topics to be discussed by the student body in a safe space Spaces like these should be protected and cherished, as they encourage critical thinking and personal growth among Herschel students.
VOX held their first meeting on Tuesday, the 26th of August, where the conversation focused on the implications “Tradwives” have on the feminist movement “Tradwives” refers to women promoting conservative views around femininity and whether their values are valid in a feminist context The choice of topic set the tone perfectly for the standards of discussion expected at VOX, as relevant and complex points of discussion that are accessible to students.
What stood out to me in this meeting was the range of grades present It was particularly encouraging to see the younger grades being willing to engage in the discussions and share their opinions This range of opinions and perspectives allowed for the inclusion of nuanced examples from around the world, which provided a thorough exploration of the topic
Another notable aspect was the thought-provoking questions posed throughout the meeting to help guide the discussion. Before we even started discussing the actual topic, we discussed our thoughts on what we believe makes a valid opinion, allowing us to create a space where everyone was able to understand the point of view of the people involved in the example, as well as set a subtle boundary for the debate
Although VOX mainly serves as a platform for students to express their thoughts on topics that resonate with them, it is also a space for listening to others express their opinions. We cannot overstate the importance of having a space where developing girls can be heard talking about serious topics Hearing one another shows mutual respect between parties and allows girls to grow confident in expressing their opinions, as well as learning to handle possible disagreements
VOX meets every Tuesday at second break, and I cannot recommend attending a meeting enough. Regular meetings will help Herschel students deepen their awareness of current affairs and grow more confident in expressing their voices.
For a new beginning to occur, we have to let go of our past, but this sounds much simpler said than done. How do we welcome the future when we are still holding on to the past? How is it even possible to welcome the future when the past is what makes us who we are? These are all valid questions and are much more complicated than a simple three-word answer
Of course, new beginnings are rather scary Leaving the safety of predictability is not easy, and I think we’ve all thought at times that it would be easier to stay where we are instead of risking starting over again However, life is far too short not to take risks You have two choices: either wait for what you’re hoping to happen, or chase after it yourself.
However, as much as we may want to let go of our past, we cannot just forget it completely. Our past is what makes us who we are It is the very thing that shapes and changes us every day Yes, our past can be difficult at times, but pain is not something to be ashamed of It teaches us to do better, to be better
I think everyone can agree that our world is not optimistically perfect in 2025. There is ongoing, often unwarranted conflict all over the globe As horrible as these conflicts may seem, there comes a point where we have to accept that we cannot single-handedly stop them ourselves We cannot simply tell our leaders to make the right choices, but we can choose, no matter how difficult a choice, to be a better person ourselves
At the end of the day, I think that one ought not to cling to their past, but also not completely let go of it either We do not live forever Your life is short, so try and make your life one you would be proud of The clock is ticking
Keeva Middleton
As I near the end of my fourth year of high school, I am opening myself up to the idea that I am beginning to conclude my time at Herschel The start of “the lasts” is hitting me especially hard as Interhouse Plays comes to an end, as I’ve realised that the final year of my high school career has already begun
When I first arrived at Herschel in Grade 8, on my own from my previous primary school of 30 students per grade, I picked up an experimental “try anything” attitude. With all the changes of meeting new people and being in a completely new environment, being in numerous clubs and auditioning for plays didn’t seem too far-fetched for me. I am grateful to say this attitude has been rather helpful to me over the years Without my ability to try new directions, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve all the things that I’m most proud of, some of which took years of hard work and confidence to attain
Now, as I enter Matric, I feel that I am supposed to reap all the benefits of my younger self’s nervous attempts to extend my understanding of myself Yet, I am now faced with new questions and struggles The unknowns of what I will pursue after school and who I want to be when allowed to flourish in a new environment press on me It can feel scary to envisage all the possibilities of where I may end up and whether or not I will ultimately fulfil my potential.
However, there is comfort in knowing that little grade 8 me, who wasn’t afraid to be outgoing, still lives on through me, so I know I will eventually be okay wherever I end up This helps me to embrace my final year of high school. “The lasts” are only the start of exciting new beginnings
Alexandra Knutsen
There seems to be only one question that I have been asked repeatedly in the last 3 months: what are you going to study?
It is a question that, on the surface, appears harmless and simple However, I have discovered it leads to a seemingly endless sequence of further questions
Every time I’m asked this, I feel pulled between competing expectations: choosing a degree that yields good job opportunities and wealth, while also trying to make my parents happy, and yet still settling for a course that I can realistically get into
It’s not as if I have not tried I’ve done the aptitude tests, the job shadowing, the career guidance sessions; everything that’s supposedly meant to unlock the answer, but none of it has brought me any closer to knowing what I truly want Somehow, my own desires still don’t seem to form part of the equation, and perhaps that’s the hardest thing to decipher
At the ripe old age of 17, I don't feel that I know anything more about myself than I did at the beginning of high school It seems as if everyone else has gone through this transformation, a metamorphosis, if you will, of discovering what excites them in life. I have friends who are excited to apply to fashion schools, others who are incredibly passionate about medicine, and some who love finance Meanwhile, I’m still trying to figure out what would make me feel that same sense of purpose and drive.
Some adults have told me that a job is merely something you tolerate, and that true enjoyment only exists outside of work, but I refuse to accept that Why must enjoyment only be found in the few hours every day where I'm not working? That seems like such a bleak way to live life
In search of perspective, I chose to continue my search for meaning in a week-long university programme in Dublin, Ireland The opportunity felt like the key to unlocking my future I saw how it could all unfold; I would reach the university, step into the labs and STEM spaces I had always dreamed of, and I would know right then that this was the career path for me
However, that never happened Instead, I spent a week in world-class facilities surrounded by inspiring professors and academics, while still being unable to see my place within all of it Over that week, I think I learned more about what I do not want to do, rather than what I actually do I learned that working in a lab for 12 hours a day would be my worst nightmare, and that testing and researching require immense patience and persistence, which I just don't have
Overall, I’ve realised that clarity isn’t something you’re supposed to have neatly packaged It’s something you stumble toward slowly, through trial and error, through detours and wrong turns For now, the uncertainty feels less like failure and more like proof that I’m still open to possibility, and maybe that’s all that really matters. STRUGGLINGTHROUGHTHE
Sometimes it’s hard to try new things or even start something new, but it’s important to try, as most people find their happiest place, closest friends and most true passion in these settings
For example, people should not be afraid to try new things and join clubs, especially since Herschel offers a vast variety of clubs, ranging from honourable charity work to creative challenges If there aren’t clubs that you would particularly like to participate in, then feel free to create your own Pick a hobby that you enjoy and let it grow and flourish with passion
Although I will suggest that you try a club that you wouldn’t necessarily pick as your first choice, since it shows what you would have missed out on and may be an interesting new experience I would also recommend participating in a club that would challenge you in some way, so you can progress yourself As humans, it’s always good to try and challenge yourself, and there are always things a person can improve on Do you need to enhance the creative part of your brain? Join the Animation Club or the Craft Club Do you want to start winning arguments against your parents? Join the Debating Club.
Many problems in school can surprisingly be solved with clubs, without even realising it You instantly find friends across grades, all united by a common interest, and get your brain working in a fun, creative way.
Another way to get involved is in sports, which is not a foreign topic at Herschel Most people at Herschel play at least one sport, but when did sport get so competitive? Yes, it’s a good thing to want to be the best, but it is also a good thing to simply do something for fun or for fitness So I encourage you to join a different sport, again, maybe one that you wouldn't traditionally choose, and try it out In the process, you’ll find yourself widening your friendship circle and learning something new.
In conclusion, by starting new clubs and participating in new sports, you are able to find new passions, new friends and a greater sense of community.
Thomas Flett's life is defined by those before him He carries on his family legacy of working as a shrimp “shanker”, which holds back his artistic aspiration When a Hollywood agent offers Thomas a risky bargain promising both instability and the life in the limelight he’s always dreamed of, will Thomas leave the safety that’s trapped him, or will he use this new beginning to start a new life?
After the death of her husband, an 80-year-old woman spirals into grief She re-evaluates what her identity means and the roles forced on her As she begins to defy conventions, she also starts out on a physical journey as she travels to Pakistan to confront her past to ensure her future
Leigh, a young woman from a complicated home in Rotterdam, joins an exploration team researching a newly opened seafloor vent in the Atlantic Ocean As she excels in this new environment, she also realises the profound impact her individual action has on the world, igniting passions once thought forgotten.
Harold Fly has recently retired and resides in a house with a wife who resents him He’s living out his never-ending routine when he receives a letter from an old companion of his who is suffering from a fatal illness Harold writes back, but instead of sending it, he decides to deliver it personally, sparking a once-in-a-lifetime story of self-discovery and reinvention
Five years after his mother is killed in a fire, a Syrian-American trans boy searches for who he is when he sheds his old name He hasn’t been able to paint since his mother’s death, but soon finds solace in a small Manhattan community, and he begins to slip out in the night to paint murals The novel is a story of who we are, our impact and what it means to find your family
Two brothers are freed from slavery following the American Civil War, but freedom on paper doesn’t necessarily mean their lives are now without suffering. A white farmer offers them work and a shelter when they are starving and homeless This simple act of kindness sparks both a profound relationship between the men and unimaginable fury amongst the community This book is both about the possibilities and dangers of a fresh start.
In an unnamed city by the sea, a government declares a state of emergency Chaos ensues as four strangers are forced to share a cramped apartment and an uncertain future. A Fine Balance is a moving story about how we preserve our humanity in an ever-changing and cruel world
In a futuristic society, long after the death of world-dominating robots, a gardener lives in the city of Panga One day, their life is uprooted by the impossible: a self-aware robot The robot won’t go away until its question of “What do humans need?” is answered, and a touching tale of human nature ensues
Told through the voice of Janie Crawford, a bold black woman living in the American South, this novel is a tale about racism, prejudice and standing up for yourself in a world not tailored for you Janie’s pursuit of love, adventure, and independence is incredibly moving as she remakes her identity and grows in the face of her oppression.
Set in Berlin, 1986, while the German Democratic Republic is crumbling, leaving old certainties and loyalties behind The two lovers meet for the first time by chance on a bus They have to be secret, both knowing the danger of having a passion for Western art in the Soviet-ruled Eastern Germany. She leaves unexpectedly one night, and an intense story of power, cruelty and kindness is born This new era of Germany holds the potential for greatness, but not without profound loss
Katherine Slingers & The Herschel Book Club
Oxford has rolled out a new course in both philosophy and physics, which is described as the combination of “the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the sciences and the humanities” While this may seem surprising, the connection between the sciences and humanities dates farther back than one would think
Its use peaked in the Renaissance The term polymath was often used to describe individuals who held a variety of skills. Think of Leonardo da Vinci, not only is he considered one of the greatest painters of humankind, but his work in engineering has been monumental to our current understanding of physics
Polymaths have been crucial to the development of many studies, given how interconnected they are Physics needed new maths to grow, hence why Isaac Newton invented calculus to aid his research The golden ratio analyses beauty in art Academic studies aren’t kept in boxes but rather exist in one big melting pot
However, polymaths have grown considerably less common This isn’t because they aren’t needed anymore, but more so, their existence goes against how the world is currently structured Capitalism requires specialisation to thrive Jobs are often focused on a very specific sphere of life We are often trained to separate science and the humanities in our education when they are depicted as mutually exclusive skills
It is not all hopeless, though A local example of the intersection of art and science is the “Universe on Stage” production The creators, Luca Pontigia and Yasheen Modi, themselves are incredibly well-educated in a diverse array of subjects such as actuarial science, theoretical physics and music, to name a few This production communicates science through music, leaving a lasting impression on the viewers, demonstrating that the arts and sciences don’t just go well together, they complement one another
Slowly but surely, we are seeing more intersections of the humanities and sciences all around us Even small things, such as your perspective and approach to math problems, illustrate your creativity Change in our education system is also crucial, as our education needs to reflect the interconnected world around us Many schools provide fixed combinations of subjects, forcing learners to choose between drama and accounting, or physics and biology.
Change can also begin with you Just shifting your mindset in how you view studies is impactful The common saying is “Jack of all trades, master of none”, however, most people don’t know the full saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one”
Do not let the world force you to compromise on your passions The new opportunities opening up are exciting Don’t be afraid to welcome and embrace them
South Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, yet one of the highest rates of gender-based violence as well When a woman is scared to walk alone, she isn’t afraid of our oppressive government taking away her rights; she’s afraid of the people around her, how they behave and how they view her. These thoughts result from a social culture that dehumanises women, showing how important cultural change is and how societal views impact our progress more than one would think
Culture is incredibly difficult to describe For some people, it’s a way of life It encompasses religion, food, language and values. For others, culture is simply the environment they find themselves in momentarily, and they can detach themselves from this identity But culture also exists on a more social level - this is the type of culture that this article will delve into
This social culture is often widespread and enforced through social norms, not tangible law An example of this is the progressive, feminist culture at Herschel. There isn’t a school rule telling us to be feminists, but we enforce it through our community drives, which empower women, our general attitude in assemblies and the overall belief in equality shared by students.
This is important to note when we look at wanting to create a change Before you can convince a government to change its rules, you have to convince people. In modern democracy, protesting is a way to do this It signifies that the people’s culture stands against the actions of the government.
Social change often precedes political change This is because culture belongs to the people, and laws are meant to reflect the people wholeheartedly.
One should never underestimate the impact of cultural change on society. Culture influences our very belief and value systems; it’s the reason why we act when we feel as if our identities are threatened It is a very extension of ourselves, even in minute ways
When you want to change, you have to focus on the people - they’re the ones who give meaning to every action the government makes.
After a long, relaxing July holiday, we return for semester two in Grade Eight and meet a brand new set of electives These electives are like new opportunities for our future, broadening our horizon of choices regarding subject choice, possible career options and even just interests
I think electives are a great way to get us started on thinking about what we want to do in the future, and it’s a brilliant way to enlighten us on other fields and areas to work or explore. Electives can also interest us in other ways if we would like to do them as a side hustle or even just as a hobby or activity For example, Design-o-vation has inspired me to explore my artistic self more and pursue it as a hobby.
In the second semester, the new electives also feel much more relaxed, since the electives hit us so much harder in semester one, as we weren’t used to this system and had quite a difficult time adjusting
I also think that despite electives always being explained as being opportunities, they are more of journeys that help you go from not knowing what to expect or how it will turn out, to influencing your choices and future career decisions
Future career choices are largely impacted by the experiences you have in high school, or the things you’ve witnessed online and found interesting Subject systems like electives expand the variety of opportunities for everyone to get a perspective of different fields of work, which is needed, so we don’t judge something before actually doing it
Overall, I believe that electives are a great way to start Grade Eight, with so many opportunities to be exposed to, and it’s even more exciting having new ones after the first semester to explore a new journey once again!
For most people, the process of starting over is having a fresh start, especially after experiencing some sort of turbulence in their lives It’s an opportunity to put things back to how they were before and begin again, leaving behind any doubts or scars they might have gained on the path behind them and focusing on the road ahead People start over in many ways, like moving to a new city or breaking ties with someone they used to hold dear to their heart Starting over for some is trying to completely undo what they consider to be their mistakes before fixing them, like pressing the undo button in a game of solitaire They see this as an opportunity to make a change in their life; a door has closed, so another one must open, right?
How does starting over affect people?
Well, when your average Joe, like you and me, tries having a fresh start, it is often not for nothing Reinvention is not easy to do, but it often feels necessary, and the necessity of reinvention must stem from something I believe the idea of a fresh start acts as a motivator for many people, and the fresh start effect backs this idea up
It is believed by many psychologists that passing a temporal landmark, meaning dates that help you categorise events in your head, such as a birthday, a new year or even a new week, can act as a motivator It is a time in which you separate your current self from your past self, allowing yourself to experience personal growth and seeing it as a possible outcome to changes in your lifestyle It’s a way for our brains to keep our past mistakes in the past and see ourselves as bigger than our slip-ups, while allowing us to analyse our past experiences from an objective viewpoint, so we can set goals based on that
However, the fresh start effect is not always such a positive experience, as it can also act as a demotivator Separating your current self from your past self doesn’t just separate you from your past mistakes, but also your past successes, making it harder for you to believe in your abilities, rather than believing that it was a fluke or a matter of luck
The science behind starting over:
Starting over clearly has its pros and cons, but is starting over actually possible? Your brain retains memories no matter the nature of them, whether they are traumatic or happy, they stay with you from day to day or year to year They are always there, for all of us You cannot separate yourself from your past on a biological level, even if you wanted to; it’s coded in your brain, and your past forms part of your present You’ll always be you, and you carry your past experiences with you
People also cannot simply put things back to how they were before, they cannot undo anything, but why is this? The second law of Thermodynamics states that entropy always increases over time This means that time moves forward, and whatever action you do right now will change the physical world in a way that cannot be undone If someone were to pick up a roll of toilet paper, then put it back down on the same exact spot, it may seem like the original action has been reversed, but this is not the case The air particles in the room have been moved by the movement of the action, chemical energy in the object’s body has been transformed into other forms of energy, and molecules have been transferred between the toilet paper and the individual Even if a person wanted nothing more than to restart, it is scientifically impossible
The Philosophy behind it:
Many famous philosophers over the years have struggled to agree on what starting over really means or if it’s even possible Philosophers like Locke and Kierkegaard believe that you should take life one step at a time because the future is not known and people only know the consequences of their actions once they’re faced with them They also believed that because people can only understand something after it has happened, it is important that they carry their past with them They believed that a person’s awareness of their past is important to have meaningful change as time moves on Philosophers like Nietzsche also had similar views; he believed that you can only be your true, authentic self once you embrace your past and future
What does this all mean for us?
I believe that real change can only happen once someone accepts their past, even when it seems like an impossible task Starting over is not the clean slate we imagine it as but rather trying to transform the cards we were given, but what does that matter? Even though starting over as we know it is an impossible task on many fronts, believing in something that may not be true but helps you is okay If remembering your past is more hurtful than helpful, then maybe bend the truth for yourself If believing a new week is separate from the last is what you need to push through the week, that is okay We’re only human after all
In life, there are many times when change is inevitable. That might seem daunting or even frightening, but if approached right, it is a chance for a fresh beginning I’m sure most people have experienced a time when everything started to feel repetitive, life got predictable, unexciting and stationary Yet a small change to the routine can bring a simple yet thrilling change, a new beginning.
The most crucial goal of a new beginning is preventing stagnation. Stagnation occurs when someone has little to no progression in their life, this will force them into a cycle of being unmotivated and unable to experience excitement for the days ahead. Living so routinely takes away opportunities for fresh beginnings and challenges that will ultimately make you feel renewed and electric.
Another important aspect of new beginnings is that they teach resilience Resilience is the ability to recover from hardships and adapt Beginning something new pushes the idea of learning and growing Stepping into the unknown can feel intimidating and uncomfortable, so instead, we get comfortable where we are and fear change However, moments like these show an opportunity to challenge ourselves After every fear, challenge, obstacle and setback lies a possibility to overcome and build resilience to learn from mistakes and improve, to grow We need to confront our fears and habits and try something new and different If it doesn’t work out, try again and again, with every start comes new wisdom, patience and confidence
When starting something new or fresh, it has a powerful psychological effect that makes you feel motivated and optimistic about the future. A fresh start to anything will create that sense of re-establishment that separates us from our failures, setbacks and unpleasant experiences, that allows people to adopt new habits, goals, and mindsets that will improve their way of living It builds self-confidence and pushes for personal growth The trial and error that comes with solving a problem allows us to grow and learn from our mistakes. We cannot get this growth without trying new things
Therefore, in order to grow, we need to have a starting point, a new beginning
Every new season you enter feels like you’re starting fresh all over again. One moment it’s winter and you can’t feel your hands in the freezing air, and the next it’s summer and you’re running under the hot sun, wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea to try out for a new sports team that term Honestly, it’s almost funny how you just switch sports like that, like you’re living a whole double life depending on the season.
The best, and also scariest, part of a new sports season is the new team Suddenly, you’re surrounded by people you don’t know, trying to figure out who’s good at what, and pretending you actually remembered everyone’s name after the very first practice At first, it feels awkward Who do you pass to? Who can you rely on when the pressure hits? Who’s the one who will crack a joke when things get tense, or the one who’s going to be late every single week? Those early moments can be uncomfortable because you’re not just learning the game, you’re learning new people
However, as time passes, everything begins to change You notice who brings energy, who pushes you to play better, and who quietly holds the team together without saying much. Slowly, it stops being a group of strangers and starts feeling like a team you belong to. The struggles, like miscommunication, dropped passes, or even clashing personalities, become the very things that make the wins sweeter and the laughter louder
“New season, new team” isn’t just about the new sport, it’s about having another chance A chance to build trust, to grow together, and to share moments you’ll remember long after the season ends You might complain about the freezing cold in winter and the blazing heat in summer, but deep down, you know you wouldn’t swap it for anything else.
Similoluwa Adefioye (2024) What If You Are a Jack of All trades?
Available at: https://www sussex ac uk/broadcast/read/64348 [Accessed
www ox ac uk (n d ) Physics and Philosophy | University of Oxford [online] A https://www ox ac uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/phy [Accessed 1 Sep. 2025].
Created by Herschel’s Journalism Club