IAS Times Issue no. 43 by International American School of Warsaw

official magazine of the international american school of warsaw

APRIL 2022

ISSUE 43

FACEBOOK.COM/IASWARSAW

WWW.IAS.EDU.PL

WORLD NEWS

POLEXIT:

FAKE OR MISTAKE?

CHANCELLOR MERKEL:

THE END OF AN ERA

WORLD NEWS

WAR IN UKRAINE

MOVIE REVIEW

THE WORLD IS OBSESSED WITH

SQUID GAME NEW SCHOOL PRESIDENTS:

BRING ON S’MORE PEACE & LOVE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

hank you for standing by our side as the past two years have undoubtedly added to our crippling anguish over what tomorrow will bring. Although one may argue, none of us have entertained the feeling of true joy since the last blue moon. However, with this literary masterpiece, in the grip of your bare hands, we hope to birth a spark of delight. May this read briefly capture you in your journey through this dark void of our current existence. Since Ms. Kendall Kartaly has returned to her native land, Ms. Sarah Kowalczyk has taken over the role of the master of this literary vessel. We appreciate the laborious hours that all of the reporters spent in a cold sweat, while working towards the completion of this project. In our wretched state, we find relief from the menacing shadow of the IBO by connecting with the young creative minds of IAS. We anticipate hearing your thoughts on the fruits of this collaborative effort.

Yours,

Natasza Obuchowicz and Mary Sarna Senior Editors

SMALL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

ROCK-IN

ROCK-A ALPACA! by Glynnis Balakrishnan

Glynnis Balakrishnan spoke with Ms. Natalia Slodzinka about their visit with the alpacas and this is what she had to say: MS. NATALIA SLODZINKA: Well, it gave the kids a lot of joy because the alpacas were absolutely adorable! Our two visitors were named Gucio and Chico. The kids were extremely excited to feed them, to pet them and to take them for a walk. It was a lucky day because it happened outside and the weather was very good. The children walked with the alpacas on a leash although some of them were a little bit afraid, but they were absolutely calm. Owner, Mr. Kris was very friendly, explaining everything to the children and encouraging them to interact. He instructed us how to behave so that we did not scare or upset the animals. We learned that the animals are accustomed to both hot and cold climates. Mr. Kris explained that they have very thick wool therefore, they can survive in quite frigid conditions. When we were petting them, we could feel

how soft and thick the wool was. They also come from South America, in the mountains where it goes from the coldest winter to the hottest summer. Hence, they can survive all year long in the Polish climate and are kept mostly outdoors. In addition, their wool needs to be shaved once a year. For this people need to cut the wool when it grows long. Otherwise, if it grows too long, they get too hot. They also need their fur to be cleaned, and they need veterinarian treatment.They eat hay and most of the time carrots, but carrots are like treats - not their main food.Their main food is hay. Mr. Kris uses them to appear before children who have special needs like autism, as the animals are specially trained to be calm. And in general they are friendly. I also learned something new: alpacas do not live in the wild anymore - now they are only raised as farm animals. It was also nice that Mr. Kris brought some of the alpaca wool for the kids to do a craft afterwards. It was a joyful event.

international american school of warsaw

SMALL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

WOO HOO

TO THE BEES AND THE KEEPER! by Paul Balakrishnan

Paul Balakrishnan, (6th gr.) spoke with Bomik Jayanth Reddi, (4th gr.) about the small school’s visit with a beekeeper and this is what he had to say: “I learnt that there is a Queen Bee and lots of worker bees. The queen lays eggs and the worker bees work to build the honeycomb. If a queen bee dies, they will choose a new queen. The beekeeper wore ordinary clothes but he used a special hat to protect his face. We got the chance to taste the honey. It was delicious! We helped the beekeeper to take the heavy supplies. Then we saw the worker bees making a bigger honeycomb and saw how beekeepers use their supplies. My favorite part of the event was tasting the honey and helping the beekeeper.”

international american school of warsaw

STUDENT COUNCIL

PREPARING FOR A BRIGHT YEAR AHEAD

OUR NEW SCHOOL

PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT by Kayleigh Isa With the start of a brand new school year at IAS, we warmly welcome our elected 2021/2022 presidents: School President Darya Konotoptseva and Vice President Milena Dederko. As their campaign slogan reads, they have been making the world better since 2004. And although only being in office for a few weeks, they have already started creating a warm and supportive environment in the middle/high school classes through their fresh and fun ideas. Today, to answer the eager inquiries of IAS students, I present the new school presidents: Darya and Milena. WHAT IN YOUR LIFE INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME PRESIDENT? MILENA DEDERKO: I chose to become the school president this year as it’s my 4th school year here at IAS, and it truly feels like a second home. I love the people and the atmosphere, and I just thought that by becoming president with Darya

that we could introduce new ideas to make our community even better. DARYA KONOTOPTSEVA: I’ve always been an outgoing, active person who enjoys taking on leadership roles. During the quarantine, I lost some of these skills and grew more isolated. As a result, this year I chose to step outside of my comfort zone once more to help our school while also improving my leadership skills. HOW DO YOU PLAN ON BALANCING SCHOOL WORK AND YOUR SOCIAL LIVES ON TOP OF THIS DAUNTING, YET ENTHRALLING, NEW RESPONSIBILITY? MD: When becoming president I absolutely knew about the responsibility coming with the role. I truly believe that I’m an organized person and I love planning events, so when it comes to being president it’s more fun than stressful which really helps me when working. DK: I enjoy busy days because they

international american school of warsaw

keep me motivated. My new role, I believe, is assisting me in becoming more responsible and in planning my daily routine. In today’s world, it is critical to integrate all elements of your life. As a result, I believe that having the position of president only benefits me in balancing my academic life. WHAT ARE YOU AIMING TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TIME IN OFFICE? MD: During my presidential campaign this year I hope to create new and exciting events for our school. I want our students to feel integrated with each other and have a fun learning environment. DK: During my presidency, I hope to motivate kids through my work while also providing them with an enjoyable school environment. I believe that school years should be remembered, so I’ll do my best to bring as many of our students’ ideas to life as possible.

SCHOOL NEWS

VALENTINE’S DAY ART CONTEST:

LING LONG (JULIANNA) 1st Place Winner

PAUL BALAKRISHNAN 3rd Place Winner

CHADWICK FARRALES 2nd Place Winner

international american school of warsaw

Halloween this year was an epic, spooktacular event at IAS! Each class put a great deal of effort into decorating their classrooms, creating a unique door design, pumpkin painting, and entertaining their classmates with ghoulish in-class activities. Meanwhile, Mr. Adam and Mr. Hakon conducted some fangtastic experiments with precision. Eerie-sistible costumes flooded the halls looking fa-boo-lous. Plus, Ms. Iza Mieszczańska came up with a real cinematic treat with a special screening of the horror films her students had produced. A howling good time was had by all. Fangs for the memories!

HALLOWEEN ART CONTEST

LING LONG 2nd Place Winner

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES 2021

SCHOOL NEWS

CLASS INTEGRATION DAYS

FALL 2021

Each class had loads of fun at various locations around Warsaw and its environs. Challenges overcome. ✓ New friendships formed. ✓ Memories made. ✓

Grade 5 Warsaw Old Town

Grade 7 Park Trampolin Hangar 646

Grade 6 Ursynow Rope Park

Grade 9 Stacja Grawitacja

Grade 10 Kabaty Forest, Ursynow

Grade 11 Niewidzialna Wystawa Museum

Grade 12 Cuban Cooking Experience

international american school of warsaw

by Lena Berestecka The IAS basketball team has been led by Mr. Ruby since the fall of 2019. It started with about 25 students and has grown from there. Then a tournament was held in which 32 IAS students in 3-on-3 teams played against each other. This October, our school had the opportunity to play against anoth-

MODEL

er team from the Akademia school. The team was formed for two reasons. First, Mr. Ruby has loved playing basketball since he was six years old, and also because it is a lot of fun! During practices, students have the opportunity to build camaraderie, learn team sports, and develop discipline.

UNITED NATIONS

A team of our best Model United Nations members was accepted to attend an award-winning MUN conference in Szczecin. Seven students: 12th graders Maciej Guziak, Marta Szylak, Meylis Arshimov, Natasza Obuchowicz, and Maria Sarna, along with 10th graders Kayleigh Isa and Zofia Gowin attended; accompanied by Mr. Ethan Ruby. Out of 200 students representing schools across Poland, Germany, and Czechia, four of our students were among those

who received the Honorable Mention award for Best Delegate: Maciej, Marta, Meylis, and Kayleigh!

COMMITTEE WITH MACIEJ

COMMITTEE WITH MARY NATASZA

Each of our students represented themselves and IAS brilliantly as they worked with other students to solve world problems; we all should be proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to these seven awesome students!!!

international american school of warsaw

SCHOOL NEWS

BASKETBALL TEAM

IAS

WORLD NEWS

CHANCELLOR MERKEL:

THE END OF AN ERA

he German elections of 2021 have been in the limelight since the German chancellor, Angel Merkel has stepped down. Her reign of 16 years has now officially come to an end after the Christian Democratic Union of Germany lost to the SPD, Greens, and FDP. Merkel is widely recognized for her contributions to improving Germany’s economy after the financial crisis of 2007/08; but not without controversies regarding how various eurozones had been designed in powerful Germany’s interests. Regardless of controversies, Merkel has been regarded as the world’s most powerful woman. After 16 years at the helm of Europe’s largest economy, she’s all set to bid adieu to German politics. Looking back over these 16 years, Germany (as well as the rest of Europe) has faced many ups and downs which have been fittingly handled under her supervision. The 2007-2008 global financial crash, the Eurozone crisis, the influx of refugees in 2015, Brexit, and most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, have been times when she has emerged as the crisis manager of the EU. Let’s take a closer look at how she developed the world’s strongest economy, looking at her most important contributions. It all began when Merkel was introduced to the German political landscape in 2005 when the centre-right CDU positioned her as their candidate for chancellor. During the September elections of 2005, she was hugely supported by the German public. And when the CDU won, she formed a coalition government with then-rivals Social Democrats (SPD). Merkel not only became the first woman chancellor from the conservative CDU, but at 51, she was also Germany’s youngest

by Aaditi Malhan

chancellor. Merkel won four straight elections after 2005, and she remained at the helm of Germany until this year’s election when she decided to step down as leader, handing over the mantle. By September 2008, the financial world was feeling the effects of the rising energy prices on global markets, in turn impacting many aspects of our global society: corporations went bankrupt, unemployment surged, and people were afraid of losing their jobs. Immediately after the news, the annual economic growth rate of Germany fell to 1% and in 2009 it even reached -4.7%. The whole country was in distress and unemployment surged. After this news, well-known German banks like Düsseldorf-based IKB bank slithered into an existential crisis as they had invested heavily in what later turned out to be toxic subprime mortgages. Many such incidents occurred over the span of two years. The parliament then passed two substantial stimulus packages, as well as a law to stabilize the financial and banking sectors. The stimulus packages were designed to combat the crisis and try to boost internal demand in order to compensate for the loss of external demand. After taking such a wise and well-crafted step in drafting two stimulus packages, Merkel was awarded numerous prizes and was praised all over the world. Just after the Financial crisis of 2007, the Eurozone crisis erupted. The European Sovereign debt crisis was a period when several European financial institutions were left holding trillions of dollars worth of near-worthless investments in subprime mortgages and high government debt. It was provoked by the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008, and the Great Recession of 2008 through 2012. During the crisis, Merkel

international american school of warsaw

and other EU leaders had to decide whether to bail out Greece and Ireland or let them default on their loans, which were mostly owed to German, Dutch, and French banks. Merkel was initially hesitant to commit to a rescue fund, owing to her meticulous and risk-averse leadership style. She finally agreed to a plan for the European Central Bank to prevent a sovereign debt default by buying bonds in exchange for southern European countries implementation of stringent austerity measures after pressure from other European leaders. Merkel’s role was highly appreciated as she took over as the ‘crisis manager” of the EU and managed to keep it intact. This decision proved her leadership capabilities yet again. The Eurozone crisis wasn’t something that directly hit Germany, rather something in which Germany got involved for the good of the whole. However, the after-effects of the crisis still haunt some EU countries, though, with reduced adverse effects. Syrian refugees and Germany had been in headlines for many months. The Germans decided to provide them with security when they allowed entry in Germany and this stimulated other countries’ reactions. “So far this year Europe’s leading economy has registered 964,574 new asylum seekers.” says The Guardian. Chancellor Merkel’s decision to welcome Syrian migrants gained her accolades, but it has also created a backlash, with several senior ministers publicly questioning the plan and her poll numbers plummeting several points.

Since 2015, more than 10,000 refugees have arrived in Germany, and have mastered the language to the point that they may enrol in a German institution. Over half of those who arrived are employed and pay taxes. More than 80% of immigrant children and teenagers say they feel a strong sense of belonging in their German schools and that their peers like them. This is what helps to redeem Angela Merkel’s optimism reflected in a line she spoke five years ago this week, at the height of one of Europe’s most difficult years - a sentence that nearly lost her career and from which she has partially retreated. “I put it simply, Germany is a strong country, the motive with which we approach these matters must be: we have already managed so much, we’ll manage this.” Merkel has proved to the world that a girl born in East Germany can completely change European politics. She proved herself as the youngest and arguably, the wisest European leader which has kept the entire EU intact despite such impactful incidents. Although she may not have been fully supported at times, the willpower to stand up to her opposers made her what she has become today - the world’s most powerful woman. Germany wouldn’t have survived without her guidance and certainly wouldn’t have emerged as the EU’s strongest economy. As she bows out, deep down the whole of Germany is saddened by this news. Hopefully, future governments are as capable as Merkel’s. The Merkel era comes to an end, not only in Germany but the entirety of the globe.

international american school of warsaw

WORLD NEWS

RUSSIAN-UKRAINE WAR WHAT WAS THE ROOT AND BACKGROUND OF THIS CONFLICT?

by Zofia Zuzanna Gowin

he With the current geopolitical situation regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, it’s very difficult for everyone around the world not to know what’s going on and pretend that it simply doesn’t exist. This is why it is fundamental to spread as much awareness as possible in order to avoid the expansion of misinformation and propaganda through media. Nevertheless, it feels as though nowadays most (if not all) of the world is aware of the fact that this crisis is very much present. However, a lot of people are not so much aware of what was the source of it, which is why today I will be discussing the root of this conflict and the past history between Russia and Ukraine that eventually lead to a war. The crisis in Ukraine began with protests in the capital city of Kyiv in November 2013 against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to reject a deal for greater economic integration with the European Union. President Yanukovych fled the nation in February 2014 after a harsh crackdown by state security forces inadvertently drew even more protestors and worsened the crisis. After Crimeans decided to join the Russian Federation in a controversial local referendum in March

2014, the Russian military assumed control of Ukraine’s Crimean region before legally annexing the peninsula. The need to preserve the rights of Russian people and Russian speakers in Crimea and southeast Ukraine was underlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The crisis exacerbated ethnic tensions, and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk areas conducted a referendum two months later to claim independence from Ukraine. Since April 2014, conflict in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatist militants and the Ukrainian military has killed more than 10,300 people and injured almost 24,000, according to conservative estimates. Despite Moscow’s denials, Ukraine and NATO have confirmed Russian troop and military equipment buildups near Donetsk, as well as Russian cross-border firing. When a Malaysian Airlines aircraft was shot over Ukrainian airspace in July 2014, the crisis in Ukraine erupted into an international crisis, putting the US and the European Union (EU) in conflict with Russia. In October 2015, Dutch aircraft accident investigators found that the plane was shot down by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile.The missile system was given by

international american school of warsaw

Russia, according to investigators, who determined it was transported to eastern Ukraine and afterward back to Russian territory after the jet was shot down in September 2016. France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine have been attempting to broker a cease-fire through the Minsk Accords since February 2015. The deal calls for a cease-fire, the removal of heavy weapons, and complete control of the conflict zone by the Ukrainian government. Attempts to negotiate a diplomatic settlement and a satisfactory resolution, however, have failed. NATO said in April 2016 that four battalions would be deployed to Eastern Europe, rotating soldiers through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to prevent future Russian action elsewhere in Europe, notably in the Baltics. Two US Army tank brigades, which were sent to Poland in September 2017 to boost the alliance’s deterrence pres-

ence, joined these battalions. Since the crisis began in 2014, Ukraine has been the target of a number of cyberattacks. An attack in December 2015 knocked off electricity to over 225,000 people across Ukraine, and a similar strike involving a Ukrainian utility company knocked out power to portions of Kyiv again in December 2016. The NotPetya cyberattack affected Ukrainian business and government computer systems in June 2017; the debilitating attack, ascribed to Russia, extended to computer networks worldwide and generated billions of dollars in damages. During the Trump administration, security support to Ukraine expanded even more, as did pressure on Russia for its role in eastern Ukraine. The US imposed fresh sanctions on twenty-one people, including a number of Russian officials, and nine firms tied to the conflict in January 2018. The State Department approved the sale of anti-tank weapons to Ukraine in March 2018, the first such sale since the conflict began. In October 2018, Ukraine participated in a series of large-scale air drills in western Ukraine with the United States and seven other NATO members. The

exercises occurred after Russia’s greatest yearly military exercises since the breakup of the Soviet Union in September 2018. Fast forward to October 2021, when Russia began deploying troops and military equipment along Ukraine’s border, reigniting fears of an invasion. Armor, rockets, and other heavy armament were seen traveling into Ukraine in November and December 2021, according to commercial satellite images, social media reports, and publicly available intelligence. More than a hundred thousand Russian troops had been stationed along the Russia-Ukraine border by December, and US intelligence sources warned that Russia could be plotting an assault for early 2022. Russia’s foreign ministry released a set of demands in mid-December 2021, requesting that the US and NATO suspend all military action in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as pledge to

opposing further NATO expansion against Russia and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO in the future. The US warned in late February 2022 that Russia was planning an invasion of Ukraine, citing Russia’s growing military presence along the Russian-Ukraine border. Russian President Vladimir Putin then dispatched troops to the separatist regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, which are partly controlled by Russian-backed separatists in Eastern Ukraine, claiming that the troops were needed for “peacekeeping.” A few days later, the US imposed sanctions on the Luhansk and Donetsk areas, as well as the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Putin announced the start of a full-scale land, sea, and air invasion of Ukraine on February 24, at a United Nations Security Council meeting aimed at discouraging Russia from striking Ukraine. Biden called the strike “unprovoked and unjustifiable,” and in collaboration with European partners, imposed harsh sanctions on four of Russia’s top banks, the country’s oil and gas industry, and U.S. technology exports to the country. The UN, the G7, the EU, and other countries have all condemned Russian actions and promised to retaliate.

international american school of warsaw

NONFICTION

THE HISTORY OF THE

NUMBER ZER by Konrad Kosuge

In our modern era, we tend to take what we have - technology, innovation, our way of living for granted. We have reaped the benefits of long-dead philosophers, scientists, and artists of their life's work often ignoring the origin of their ideas and their interconnectedness. For example, Tesla’s AC electric current is what enables your cell phone to work so you can text your mom how late you will be. The invention of language and all its complexities allows her to understand this and become furious. The fascinating innovations that modernized and built contemporary society are evident before our eyes; yet becoming aware of how these inventions contributed to our overall development helps us appreciate the world, and perceive anew - prompting our society to evolve further. The code that runs our world, the math you learn in first grade, and the world of money, all would not work without the number zero. The number zero in the language of mathematics represents the concept of nothingness. The idea to represent nothingness in the form of a symbol eluded mathematicians for 3000 years. Until in the 3rd century BC, Babylonians using the base 60 (we have base 10 now) number system used a symbol resembling 2 tilted cocktail glasses to represent a lack of a certain number in a column to be used in calculations of trade and astronomy.The Babylonians were so successful with this system, that our

use mathematics compared to the skilled few using abacus calculators who had to perform what was previously thought of as complex calculations on their abacuses. This enabled trade to be done more efficiently, and for math to expand into new horizons expediting the process of discovery and creation.

modern time is based on 60. In the case of Babylonians, the use of zero as a placeholder was observed. A placeholder number is used to represent a quantity in which there is no number in that certain column. An example of this would be that in the number 801 - there is no number in the 10’s column. The use of a base number system with a zero symbol allowed everyday people to

international american school of warsaw

The Mayans independently invented another symbol for zero to use in their calendars. After the invention of zero as a placeholder, came the invention of zero as quantity in itself. The invention of zero as a quantity came 900 years later in 650 AD when in Indian mathematician, Bhramaguptas writings’, he represented a lack of certain products in trade with this figure. This idea spread from India to the Middle East where the tradespeople adopted the Indian number system. Then in the 1200’s, the idea spread to legendary mathematician Fibonacci in Italy, who influenced bankers to use this number to represent that their accounts were balanced. This brings us to our modern era, where zero is used in code to represent either an open, or closed logic gate enabling airplanes, cell phones, and any kind of computer to work. It is such a simple concept that enables our world to function, rooted in a profound intercontinental, and dispersed history. Zero continues to help people both function, flourish, and suffer in math classes all around the globe.

WORLD NEWS

POLEXIT:

FAKE OR A MISTAKE? by Zofia Zuzanna Gowin Recently, there has been a lot of controversy regarding Poland and its government; the highest inflation rate in the EU, the disaster brewing with Belarus, and now Polexit. The unprecedented challenge made by Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki to one of the European Union’s core legal principles has seriously escalated his government’s dispute with Brussels. And it has fuelled concerns that Poland is heading towards the door, labelled as “Polexit”. The European Commission says the changes have undermined judicial independence, and opened up the courts to political interference. The Constitutional Tribunal was the first target of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party’s reform. It is now dominated by judges who are sympathetic to the party, one of whom was appointed illegally, according to the European Court of Human Rights. Both Mr. Morawiecki and Poland’s most powerful politician, PiS chairman Jaroslaw Kaczynski insist Poland wants to stay in the EU. They accuse the country’s fragmented opposition of spreading “fake news” to frighten an electorate that overwhelmingly supports membership, even if more Poles now voice

concerns about losing sovereignty to the EU. So if Poland’s leaders are adamant they do not want a “Polexit”, why are two of Mr. Kaczynski’s long-term confidants, Marek Suski and Ryszard Terlecki, stoking anti-EU sentiments? Last month Mr. Suski talked about fighting the “Brussels occupier” and Mr. Terlecki said the UK had shown that “the dictatorship of the Brussels bureaucracy” could be defeated by leaving. Mr Terlecki, who is head of the ruling PiS party’s parliamentary caucus, insisted Poland wanted to remain but said “drastic solutions” would have to be sought if the conflict was not resolved. However, unlike the UK before its Brexit referendum in 2016, support for membership of the EU remains high in Poland. Mass protests have been held by Poles who back remaining a member. Earlier this month, more than 100,000 people gathered in Warsaw, to show their support for Poland’s EU membership. At one rally, Donald Tusk, former president of the European Council and now leader of the opposition party Civic Platform, called on people to “ (...) defend a European Poland”.

international american school of warsaw

STUDENT FICTION

MONDAY SHOWERS by Mary Sarna

leasing everybody at once is impossible. One ing the cursing of the red angry men in line outcould scrub the burnt-on oil from the bakside of Rossman. They have now surrendered to the ing pan for an hour, only to learn that it has clouds, about to make the humble purchase of the been left this way on purpose, in order to hot pink umbrella. Although the shower somewhat keep the appearances that some cooking did indeed toned down the tension among the early bakery custake place. As absurd as it gets, that is only within a tomers behind the glass windows who were compethousehold. Imagine the struggle of getting the right ing for the fresh bagels and rolls. Before giving the rain to pour, the kind to both skies any credit, you looked satisfy the capricious teen and up alarmed at the panicking replenish the aquifers. The trees, stretched out in every kind which comes closest to possible direction, pulled in perfection, which manages to ways which could only appear blend in with the roaring city, random, yet desperately holdand soothe out the honking, ing on to the ground. The imthe intimate arguments shoutage grew more disturbing the ed into mobile phones, and longer you looked; snapping most importantly the barking out of it you looked down at of the rat-resembling “dogs”. your feet. Thankfully, the huHeyrman, H. (2009) Red Light Zone The inarguably pleasing kind mid air made your last roll up of rain, which gives your sense of hearing a break, burn notably slower, as if the clouds were now tryreveals some of the colours unapparent in the noise. ing to compensate for the scene above your head. Or maybe not. Maybe no one drives themselves to their limits in order to aptly water the city. Maybe Although leaving Mokotów, outsmarting the clouds it’s done effortlessly, unintentionally turning out and descending to the underground, you can still beautiful every now and then. This morning it befeel the rain following you to the metro. Lingering gan slightly numbing at most. on the coats and umbrellas of the people crammed Unfortunately the rainfall didn’t save you from hearwith you in the last wagon, while every other seat in

international american school of warsaw

Heyrman, H. (2015) Waiting Lights

the midwagons is empty. The waiting for your stop the sudden itch on the back of your neck as you on the commute might be more nerve wracking than hear your stop. Alert now, you jump out of the safe the soaking outside. Knowing there is potential for a wagon. Looking back, the wait wasn’t so bad afterall. peaceful shower wherever you get off next, but also knowing you’re most probably setting yourself up Entertaining the thought that maybe this was the for disappointment. Wierzbno. The new passengers last time it will ever rain, and you have failed to appouring in are still weighed down preciate it enough. How ungrateby their drenched shoes, with ful of you to be judging precipitatheir expressions revealing a bit tion so harshly, based on your own too much despair for your liking. preferences. The stairs are empThe few who leave always seem to ty and feel endless although you leave abruptly, reminding you of it know they most likely still count soon being your turn. A few more thirty-seven. Contemplating runstops and you’re pulling your hair ning back inside, feeling the awaitout, while the mop in front of you ing reality creep out at you with sticks its tongue out, appearing less the fresh, humid air. Finally, you inanimate with each time it barks. push yourself up and outside, takImielin. It doesn’t matter anymore ing the deepest breath of the day, what combination the skies have as you’ve conquered the stairs. You Heyrman, H. (2014) Cycling Light ready for you at your next deslet the air out, together with the tination. You lean closer to the handrail, jamming doubt you’ve had follow you on your way out. The Spotify in your ears, realizing you’re after all still air is still, and no wind is jerking the branches of inside fantasizing about never getting off. Maybe if the trees surrounding the station. The road appears you focus hard enough on the feeling of the yellow busy, but the noises blend into a watercolour blur. pole and the hum of the trains, muffled by your muThe consistent gentle drops hit the rooftops of the sic, you could recreate the feeling of the rare perfect four floor apartment blocks. rainfall all by yourself. Closing your eyes only to feel

international american school of warsaw

MOVIE REVIEW

THE WORLD IS OBSESSED WITH

SQUID GAME & RIGHTFULLY SO by Milda Statkutė

he newest South KoreanTV show, Squid Game is now the most watched Netflix series with 111 million streamers worldwide, just 28 days after its release on the 17th of September. Squid Game has blown up to become much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. From fans posting their versions of the dalgona candy to viral memes, it seems that no part of the Internet has been left untouched by Squid Game references. Now, why exactly are we so obsessed with such a violent show? The cult series is about a competition between 456 players, all equally deep in debt, but with totally different paths of life. The prize of 45.6 billion won (38 million dollars) awaits whoever survives six brutal versions of children’s games. Ironically, these games are borrowed from children’s playground activities, which many of the older contestants are familiar with. More than half of the competitors get killed in the first game; a version of “Red Light, Green Light” in which those who move after “Red Light” is called are gunned down. While there is a brutal frankness to the way the competitors’ lives are cut short, the shooters are masked game employees or, in the case of “Red Light, Green Light,” a giant robotic doll. Through the storyline of a police officer Hwang Jun-ho, who has broken into the system looking for his long lost brother, we gradually learn all about the world behind the

scenes of the games. He also discovers files showing that the game has been going on for decades. Squid Game is run not just by a mysterious masked host, who is later revealed to be Jun-ho’s brother, the 2015 game winner, but also by workers in pink outfits and masks that cover their faces. The symbols on their masks refer to their ranking among the workers. It makes the audience wonder who these workers are, and why would they all be so obedient while witnessing the sadistic games killing hundreds of people. The fact that both gameplayers and game-makers are bound by need, and by a strange loyalty to the competition, shows how clever the game’s structure is. The players who survived were allowed to leave after the first game, but end up returning on their own free will. They realise that they desperately need the prize money. The players’ situations represent the current state of contemporary Korean culture, including a North Korean defector, Kang Saebyeok, and a migrant worker from Pakistan,Ali. As the series runs on, it becomes clear to us that the Squid Game exists for many reasons, such as the harvesting of human organs from the killed, and to provide amusement for a class of wealthy people, some of them portrayed as crazy rich, white Westerners, who bet on the results. At the end of the series, a season-closing conversation between the winner and the creator indicates that the game was, in

international american school of warsaw

its essence, designed for entertainment purposes and to see if it is possible for people to be good.The game creator believes that they are not, despite having seen many of the participants exhibiting teamwork, selflessness, and cooperation skills throughout the games. After finishing the series, a number of questions are still left unanswered: How did the winner become the host? Why didn’t anyone notice that one of the VIP’s was missing for the final game? Why hasn’t anyone discovered the game by now if the security system is so weak that Jun-ho managed to sneak in and follow one of the vans without being noticed? And did player 001, later revealed to be the creator of the game, actually die since his death was not shown on screen like Ali or Ji-yeong? While many fans and critics are speculating whether a second season of a hit series is warranted, there seems to be a lot left to uncover in another season, if the creator decides to make one. The director of the show, Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that after finishing writing the script way back in 2008, he struggled to find financial funding for the show for more than a decade. At the time, the film director and screenwriter was living with his mother and grandmother and, at one point, he was forced to sell his $675 laptop to survive. Lots of local South Korean film studios rejected his proposal because they thought the concept of the show was too grotesque, implausible, or bizarre. However, Netflix finally picked it up in 2019 and gave the production the green light (pun intended). Hwang Dong-hyuk himself

has described the show as a reflection of the “competitive society” we live in today. “This is a story about losers,” he said to CNN. “Those who struggle through the challenges of everyday life and get left behind while the “winners level up.” It is also a personal story, as the two main characters, Seong Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo, are named after his old friends. The main reason why Squid Game received overnight fame is that it’s relatable on many levels. It relates to South Korean audiences as the country struggles with increasing debt, suicide rates, income inequality and lack of employment, but has also found resonance across the globe. Since the pandemic, many have been struggling not only financially, but also mentally. For people grappling with stress and anxiety, the representation of it on screen seems to have also resonated with their problems. Since, over the pandemic, the income inequality, debts, and lack of employment have only increased, thus making more people prone to suffering various mental problems. Just as the 2019 super hit Parasite did, Squid Game channels a kind of economic hopelessness that most American film and television does not typically depict.The show’s success, once again, proves that hidden gems sometimes are left undiscovered simply because they aren’t picked up by Hollywood studios. To quote Bong Joon Ho, the South Korean director of numerous world-famous and award-winning movies: “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

international american school of warsaw

STUDENT FICTION

MONTRESOR,

MEET ZAROFF The Tale after The Cask of Amontillado, but before The Most Dangerous Game

by Tobias Gica, Vy Nguyen, and Julia Sochaczewska

NARRATOR: “Taketh another sip from thine glass,” Montresor sighed to himself and reminisced on his earlier victory against Fortunato. He is now on a ship to Greece, trying to escape authority, who were looking for a potential suspect to the sudden disappearance of Fortunato. He took one more sip to warm his body, and looked outside to appreciate the royal blue, Mediterranean waters. Abruptly, and unexpectedly, a man with a moustache of shining silver tripped and caught himself on Montresor’s back, spilling his glass of wine on his pearly-white blouse, turning it into a deep, almost seethrough crimson shade. MONTRESOR: Would you watch it, drunko?! You have ruined my beloved blouse you imbecile! ZAROFF: Oh, my bad. The waters are particularly shaky this evening. Hmm, I might have a stain remover in my cabin, which works particularly well with deep stains of precisely this sort. Join me and I will help you with your “beloved blouse."

NARRATOR: Montresor stood there for a moment looking as Zaroff slowly paced off into the living space of the ship. He senses that there is something different about this bloke. Something deeper, and mischievous. Naturally, he decides to follow him, to figure him out. (scene plays out) Zaroff got to his cabin, with Montresor. After reaching the room Montresor started questioning him. MONTRESOR: So, are you planning to wash this thing off my pearlescent blouse? ZAROFF: How about we play a game? A game that decides your blouse’s fate. If thou win I will clean that off for you, but if I win you will have to let me taste the precious Amontillado. MONTRESOR: How do you know I have Amontii- oh. (Looks at a tiny bottle clearly labelled “Amontillado” and gives himself a disappointed look.) What is the game and the accompanying rules? ZAROFF: It’s a simple game of bluff. international american school of warsaw

I’ll give us 10 cards each, and will place one card in the middle. One after the other will have to put a card face down on top, and say what number you’re putting down. The trick is, though, that if you don't have a card to place down that is not more than 1 higher or lower than the previous card, you either: 1. Take a card from the remaining deck, or 2. Take a chance at lying about your card. If anyone catches a liar, they must take all the cards underneath. You in? MONTRESOR: (reaches out his hand to get the cards) NARRATOR: Montresor had a plan, though. He was interested in Zaroff's behavior and negotiation, so he let him win. Knowing this game from his childhood, he

knew exactly what to do to make his victory look natural. After a long game, Zaroff saw to his victory. Montresor, on the other hand, found himself terribly upset. Not only does his favorite blouse not get cleaned from a stranger's spilled wine, but he is now required to give his precious, beloved wine to a person that he has just met for the first time. MONTRESOR: Fine, fine... You’re good at this. Let’s play again someday and I'm sure you'll win again. I’ll be off to dinner, thank you. (with sarcasm) NARRATOR: Montresor was astonished. He has never met anyone like that before. He felt connected to him, on a deeper level. He still wasn’t sure what this was

though, so he planned to meet him again soon. He had a plan. A plan on how to make a "coincidence” of their next meeting. They meet again in a bar. Zaroff was reading a book, sipping rum, when Montresor approached him once more. ZAROFF: Evening, would you like a sip of rum? MONTRESOR: What a coincidence to see you here again. NARRATOR: They start talking. With every small topic, a glass of wine, bourbon, or rum pass like the wind. The rich flavour of the bitter drinks makes them feel rather light-headed. Montresor finds himself in his unstable state of mind and he spills his thoughts to Zaroff. He explained in detail

international american school of warsaw

how he exacted his revenge on Fortunato. His whole thought process, his actions, and his accomplishments. He explained this in a sophisticated manner. A manner Zaroff only heard used long ago by his grandmother. His way of talking unlocked a memory in his mind and he was frozen with glorious confusion. He later explained how he found Zaroff unusually clever and playful. Zaroff agreed and thought of a plan himself. Great minds think alike… To be continued in the following issue.

COOKING

WOULD YOU SURVIVE THE DALGONA CANDY ROUND FROM SQUID GAME? by Maja Sankowska

The Dalgona candy, also known as the honeycomb toffee, is a sweet snack that you may have seen in the famous series “Squid Game.” The treat comes from South Korea, and became popular around the 1970’s. Even today it’s still enjoyed as a retro treat, and you can find vendors selling these sweets all around the country. Some vendors will even give you one snack for free if you manage to preserve the shape inside of it, without cracking the entire cookie. Below is a simple recipe on how to prepare a Dalgona of your own. Check if you would get a free cookie, or if you were in Squid Game whether you’d get eliminated. INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons of sugar a pinch of baking soda a pan a spoon a plate cookie cutters baking sheet.

PREPARATION: Put the sugar into the pan or ladle and stir it on medium heat until it melts. Once the sugar turns light brown, and all the sugar clumps are gone, add a pinch of baking soda. Be careful, because it is really easy to burn the sugar or add too much soda which will ruin the treat. Stir the sugar and baking soda mixture until it becomes lighter in color and the ingredients are combined. Pour the mixture on the baking sheet and wait about 30 seconds, once it passes take a plate or anything with a flat surface and press it onto the mixture. Once the snack is pressed flat, take a cookie cutter and press it lightly onto the cookie, it should create an indent. Take the cookie cutter off, wait for the treat to cool off and enjoy your homemade dalgona cookie!

Notes: Although making the cookie does not seem like a lot of trouble, many things can actually go wrong. So here are some notes I would have found useful when making the cookies for the first time. First of all, I would recommend using fine grain sugar to avoid half the sugar being already melted while the other half is still in clumps. If you do not have that type of sugar at home you can just grab yours and put it in a mortar (make sure you do not turn it into powdered sugar). Another tip is that you cannot substitute baking soda with baking powder. Make sure to add only a small pinch, or your cookie will taste like a baking soda bomb. When pouring the mixture, there is a high chance you will have some leftover sugar in the pan / ladle, which after a while will turn rock hard, but do not panic - all you have to do is pour hot water over it, so that it dissolves, and becomes easier to remove.

international american school of warsaw

Complete the crossword below

CROSSWORD

IAS SPRING CROSSWORD IAS Fall Crossword

Name:

Complete the crossword puzzle below

7 8

Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net

Across

Down

3. According to Filip, who should be responsible for supporting hotel owners during the pandemic? 4. Where did Ms. Kateryna Govor spend a year before coming to Poland? 5. Who's Ms. Ilina's favorite painter? 8. According to Mary's article, what is crucial to keep in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic? 10. According to Bartek, what is the answer to all the questions nowadays ? 12. Wha does 'Nyama Choma' translate to ?

1. Which teacher might have worked for NGO's if she hasn't become a teacher? 2. What fruit is present in the comic section? 6. In which month did IAS move to its current facility? Created with The TeachersCorner.net Crossword Puzzle Generator 7. What is the name of the studio that has created the game 'Among Us'? 9. When making cinnamon rolls, one should knead the dough until it loses its .................. . 11. What are eating disorders mainly about? 13. In which state did Ms. Elyssa Winzeler grow up in?

international american school of warsaw

APRIL 2022

ISSUE 43

JOIN THE IAS EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY AS WE STRIDE INTO THE FUTURE! • • • • • •

Founded in 1989 as the first independent international school in Poland. Accredited by the world’s leading educational institutions: IBO, AdvancED, MENiS. Average classroom size of 16 students. Diverse student body representing over 40 nations. Career counseling and university placement expertise available. 100% university placement.

• • • • • •

Dedicated and credentialed staff from a variety of international backgrounds Programs to enhance student progress, including ESL, PSL, and Further Maths. After school extracurricular clubs every Wednesday. Fully resourced library, computer lab and science lab. Zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol. Strong disciplinary policy conducted in a positive and collegiate atmosphere.

An IB world school commited to excellence in education THE IAS TIMES TEAM Staff Writers

Kayleigh Isa

Aaditi Malan

Lena Berestecka

Glynnis Balakrishnan

Paul Balakrishnan

Natasza Obuchowicz

Nora

Zofia Gowin

FIND US ON FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/IASWARSAW