the symbolism of flowers in fashion, perfectly tying into this issue’s spring theme. Adding a creative touch, Valentina Marin presents her piece, “The Door to Spring.”
For those who have some extra time on their hands and feel like making something sweet, we’re also introducing a new culinary column by Ruby Davidson (9th grade), who shares her recipe for Millionaire’s Shortbread in this issue
Finally, take a moment to explore the incredible photos from FloMUN 2026, which took place this past weekend, captured by our talented teachers, Ms Hitchcock and Mr Fugill
Thank you for reading this issue of The Tuskan Times, and we hope you enjoy it!
Sincerely, Téa Mijatović and Allegra DiFlorio
Editors-in-Chief
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
DEPUTYEDITORINCHIEF
ESME ALONGI
HEADOFLAYOUT
ROMA ANTHONY
HEADOFMARKETING
SANDY XU
SUPERVISOR
TESS HITCHCOCK
EDITORS
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
ESME ALONGI
MILENA FABBRI
ISA PEREIRA
LAYOUT
ROMA ANTHONY
SOPHIE MARTIN
SOFIA NAVARRO
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
TÉA MIJATOVIĆ
EMILY ZHENG
FLOMUN2026INSIDER:THEFINALSTRETCH
By Téa Mijatović ‘27
Téa is a Croatian-American junior with a passion for history and photography. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dog.
On the weekend of March 27th-29th, ISF hosted the fifth annual Florence Model United Nations conference, FloMUN 2026
Organized by the Secretariat, the conference brought together over 200 students and teachers from 10 schools across Europe for a weekend of debate, diplomacy, and, inevitably, a few determined sprints to find the correct committee room Within ISF, delegates, chairs, admins, and teachers all contributed, transforming FloMUN into an experience that brought our school community together in a truly special way.
Behind the Scenes
In the process leading up to FloMUN there were, of course, important logistical questions Would the terrace fit everyone? The final answer is yes although the opening ceremony could best be described as cozy. By the closing ceremony, however, everything was running smoothly. The day before the conference turned into a whirlwind of activity: grocery runs with carts filled to the absolute top (which attracted a few confused looks from other shoppers), organizing materials during parent-teacher conferences, and moving boxes of sweatshirts and SWAG from Villa Nuova to the Aula Magna which quickly turned into an unexpected fitness session
Through it all, there was constant laughter Yes, there were moments of stress, but more than anything, the process was genuinely fun.
During the Conference
Then suddenly… it was happening
After months of preparation, delegates were arriving, and FloMUN had officially started The opening ceremony set the tone perfectly ISF’s high school band (Gemma Iacovitti, Theo DiFlorio, Giacarlo Biafore, and Oskar Winkler, all brought together by Ms. Woolcock) immediately filled the space with energy. We also had the honor of hearing from the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, alongside Dr Killen and FloMUN Co-Director General Allegra.
After lobbying on Friday evening, the night event at Terrazze Michelangelo gave everyone the chance to step away from formal debate and simply enjoy the moment. It quickly became one of the highlights of the weekend, bringing together delegates, chairs, admins, and teachers in a much more relaxed setting
By Saturday, debate was fully underway Committees were in session, delegates were engaged, and throughout it all, cheesy puffs and cookies became a staple…arguably essential to the success of the conference
Not everything went exactly according to plan, but that often led to the best solutions. For example, rather than sprinting between committee rooms, we found the school’s announcement system became incredibly effective for sharing updates
There were also external factors to consider, including a half marathon and the daylight savings time change on Sunday morning. While this sounds like the start of a disaster story, everything worked out impressively well, almost everyone arrived on time, and only two schools were slightly late (by just 30 minutes), which honestly felt like a win Sunday brought another small crisis: we ran out of snacks. However, in what can only be described as an iconic moment, Emily pulled up in a small red car somehow containing 15 Colombas and an impressive amount of additional snacks How everything fit still remains unclear
We did it!
Looking back, what stands out most is that while students were learning and thinking critically, they were also genuinely enjoying themselves Looking through the photos, you see people smiling and laughing, and realizing that something so impactful can also bring that kind of joy makes it all the more powerful
Each member of the Secretariat played a huge role in making FloMUN what it was Allegra and Kailun, as Director Generals, helped keep everything moving forward at all times, whether that was coordinating between teams, or sorting things with venues (which was not a small task)
Emily, as Chief of Logistics, (team: Serena, Ethan, and Brendy) somehow had a solution for everything. If something needed to be organized, or fixed, she was already on it…and usually five steps ahead
Everything you saw, from the designs to the smallest details, came from a lot of time and effort by Roma, Chief of Marketing (team: Kelvin and Victoria) and the lanyards especially… I don’t think people fully understand how much work goes into personalizing one for every single delegate, admin, chair, and teacher It was genuinely impressive
Sophie, as Chief of Committees, (team: Willow and Chiara) handled everything on the academic side, from topics to allocations, and the system behind it all was honestly something else There was a lot going on there, and she managed to keep it all under control
And William, Chief of IT, made sure everything worked online, which sounds simple until it’s not. From the website to any last-minute technical issues, he was always there to fix things
Thank you to the chairs and delegates from ISF and visiting schools whose enthusiasm truly brought the conference to life, and to the admins, who were always ready to step in, and ensure everything ran smoothly throughout the weekend.
A sincere thank you goes to the teachers and staff who supported us throughout. Ms. Hitchcock and Mr Fugill were there the entire weekend, capturing moments and supporting the conference from beginning to end We are also very grateful to Mr Mishra, our FloMUN coordinator, as well as Ms. Del Buono, Ms. Bulli, Ms. De Rossi, and Ms. Bruckner for their guidance and help behind the scenes. Thank you as well to Dr Killen and Ms Baddeley for their continued support Finally, thank you to the chaperones who gave up their weekend to support us. It really meant a lot. Because of all of you, FloMUN 2026 was a truly memorable experience
By Roma Anthony ‘27
Roma is a junior who is interested in the fashion industry through her passion for arts. During her free time, she enjoys making new memories with her friends and traveling to different cities.
As spring is beginning to bloom, so will various different types of flowers across the globe! During this time, we’ll see varieties of flowers, forgetting to consider what they may symbolize in different nations Despite not all nations having an official flower which represents the traditions commonly practiced, most of them have adopted different flowers which represent the culture, heritage and geography of the country Certain flowers such as cherry blossom and marigold are widely connected to certain cultures and nations; in this case cherry blossoms represent Japanese culture while marigolds represent Mexican traditions. Through these two global examples, we can develop our understanding surrounding the significance flowers have in portraying various cultures without explicitly using words to communicate meaning.
In Japan, Cherry blossoms signify the arrival of spring, symbolizing a season filled with new beginnings They only bloom for a couple of weeks, expressing the impermanence of moments, experiences and life as a whole while further emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment as they will soon become memories Considering that they bloom towards the beginning of spring, the flowers illustrate the idea of new life and the vibrancy that comes with it. On the other hand, due to their short lifespan, the flower also presents the message of “living in the moment”, highlighting that life is fleeting Through cherry blossoms, we can adopt our habits in order to learn how to live in the moment and cherish the experiences we currently have. The flower’s nature encourages us to focus on what we already have rather than things we lack, and to truly appreciate the beauty in our lives by treasuring the memories we’ve made so far
Similarly to cherry blossoms, in Mexican culture, marigolds represent a form of remembrance of loved ones and the memories connected to them. On dia de los muertos, families commemorate deceased loved ones by honoring their achievements and memories through altars/ofrendas. On November 1st, marigolds are placed around the altars to bring life to the celebration of loved ones The tradition dates back to the indigenous group Aztecs who believed in the importance of having specific scents in order for your ancestors to find their way back to you. It initially began with the Aztecs' ritual connected to the Lady of the Dead who allowed spirits to travel back to earth to commune with their family members Marigolds also have an extremely vibrant yellow-orange hue which is said to lead the souls back to their families from their burial place. Additionally, this vibrant hue establishes a cheerful nature during the celebration, ensuring that it remains festive despite heavily regarding the idea of death.
Through both cherry blossoms and marigolds, we can learn about the significance of living in the moment and appreciating the privilege you currently have. Cherry blossoms establish our understanding of how quick paced life can be, emphasizing the importance in stopping and truly valuing the experiences and memories you already have while continuing to cherish the present Likewise, marigolds accentuate the idea of commemorating loved ones that have passed through festive celebration, highlighting their achievements and the type of person they were rather than focusing on the fact that they’re gone Overall, both flowers teach us a significant lesson on cherishing the life you have now while further expressing how they contribute to the traditions and culture as a whole of their respective countries
ARTWORK BY GEMMA
POEM- “MIXEDBUTNOTHALF”
By Sofia Navarro ‘28
Writer: Sofia is a Mexican-American sophmore who writes about anything and everything When she's not focused on school and writing she loves to spend time with her friends and family, shopping, and going out to eat
Soy mixto, no mitad, I'm related to many cultures
But still, at school or dinners, Someone always asks, “Pero de dónde eres realmente?”
As if I’m a riddle to be solved, As if my skin must pick a side.
I’m mixed, not half, Not a tug-of-war between two flags I am one person
Mixed with more than one language, My voice carries accents like souvenirs, Each one a map of where I belong. I don’t switch sides to suit the crowd, I am the way, I am loud and proud.
Sono mista, non mezzo
Vivo en Italia, born in America, Mexicana por sangre
The societal pressure to choose just one It's liking choosing between tacos and pasta
How can I choose
As if identity is something I can lose Too brown for some, too white for rest Like my skins got a loyalty test
I’m mixed not half, Why pick just one when I'm all three, They all make me, that’s my identity. No need to pick just one part of me I hesitate to send this postcard Do I sign goodbye, ciao or adios?
MORETHANCHOCOLATEEGGS
HOWDIFFERENTCULTURESCELEBRATESPRING
By ALICE DI VINCENZO ‘29
Alice is a British-Italian Freshman who writes about a series of topics usually based on current world events. Outside of the Tuskan times she enjoys gymnastics and participates in MUN
With the new season comes a lot of new traditions and Easter ceremonies from all across the world from the famous Easter bunny in Western countries to the vibrant church celebrations and communal feasts across Ethiopia, every country has its own traditions and fascinating history when it comes to spring time traditions
Easter is celebrated in many different ways across the world, one of the most interesting ways can be seen in the food served around the world. For many of us when we think of Easter we think of chocolate eggs, or sugary sweets delivered by the well known Easter bunny but in many parts of the world Easter food is much more than just chocolate eggs. In many parts of Northern Europe it is a tradition to eat fish and potato dishes such as Påskbord, which is a Swedish traditional feast featuring iconic dishes mainly composed of lamb and potato As for dessert, many Scandinavians enjoy Easter desserts often focused on the colour sunny yellow and lemon flavours such as Norwegian solskinnsboller (sunshine buns) with vanilla custard
Meanwhile in many South American countries Easter is a time for transitional dishes that often substitute red meat for fish followed by special baked goods National staples include Argentina's Empanadas de vigilia, fish pastries traditionally eaten during holy week and the days leading up. Ecuador's Francesa is a soup made with cod and over 12 different types of grains representing the disciples And Brazil's Cocadas, which are sweet, chewy coconut candies enjoyed by both adults and children over the festive period. In many West African countries Easter Sunday celebrations feature vibrant, communal feasts often centered around family reunions with rich flavourful dishes featuring various types of meats and spices. In Ghana Fufu and Poundut soup are a traditional Easter staple including fruits like bananas and assorted meats In Nigeria party Jalloff rice is a classic staple known for its smoky, flavourful taste Puff Puff, deep fried doughballs often served with is also enjoyed during this period with powdered sugar or dips. Overall these food traditions show how much traditions vary across cultures, reflecting local ingredients, cultures and beliefs
Easter is not only expressed through food but also through a variety of symbols and characters from all around the world adding a fun and creative side to the celebration. In many western countries such as the USA, Canada and various European countries, one of the most well known figures is the Easter bunny who is sent to deliver chocolate eggs and sweets to children Eggs themselves are a symbol of new life and rebirth and in countries like Ukraine, they are beautifully painted in traditional styles known as pysansky, often with intricate patterns and bright spring time colours In Sweden, children dress up for Easter as witches or Påskkärringar and go from door to door exchanging sweets, creating a halloween-like atmosphere. These traditions highlight how whilst Easter has its well known traditions, it's also shaped by a variety of cultural customs and creative celebrations around the world
Overall, Easter traditions around the world highlight the diversity of culture while sharing common themes of renewal, celebration, and togetherness Whether expressed through unique dishes, beloved characters or cultural customs, each country brings its own meaning to the holiday. These differences make Easter a fascinating global celebration that reflects both local traditions and universal values
ARTWORK BY OLIVIA SCOTT
MILIONAIRE’SSHORTBREAD
By RUBY DAVIDSON ‘29
Ruby is a British Freshman who loves developing recipes and writing about all things foodie. If she is not in the kitchen, she is walking her dog, figure skating or doing something theatre related.
Shortbread itself originated in Scotland in the 12th century. Millionaire’s shortbread, however, did not appear until the 19th century. Millionaire’s shortbread is a cookie bar with a layer of melt in the mouth crumbly shortbread that is baked and then topped with a layer of caramel and then a layer of milk chocolate. The name “Millionaire’s” comes from the fact that shortbread was a basic, affordable food that has been turned into a decadent and rich counterpart something only a millionaire could afford The most controversial aspect of Millionaire’s shortbread is the ratio between Shortbread-Caramel-Chocolate, and my opinion is also probably controversial. I love caramel, but it needs balance A big lump of caramel in the middle may seem delicious, but when paired with shortbread, it can seem a little too much. Don’t even think about cutting down the sugar. Shortbread follows a strict 3:2:1 Flour, butter, Sugar ratio and should not be messed with!
In my recipe, I also use dark chocolate, as it is my preferred choice and contrasts nicely with the shortbread and caramel. Traditionally, it is made with milk chocolate, so take your pick! I had trouble finding condensed milk here in Italy for a while, but I have found it in larger Esselunga stores in the baking section (flour, cake decor, cake mixes). The standard can of condensed milk is 397g, and this is the amount needed for the recipe.
As I mentioned, I don’t like a lot of caramel, so the amount of caramel in this recipe is a little less than a standard Millionaire’s shortbread. If you want more caramel, you can either bake it in a smaller tin or you can also use 1 ¼ cans of condensed milk When making the caramel, make sure to stir it continuously, as it does tend to stick to the pan very easily and can form pieces of hard caramel. For the chocolate, adding butter helps with the glossiness and makes it easier to spread.
Ingredients
For the shortbread
225g plain flour
75g fine white sugar
150g unsalted butter (taken straight from the fridge)
Pinch of salt
2-4 TB milk
For the Caramel
397g condensed milk (one can)
For the chocolate
100g dark chocolate ( I use Lindt Dark Classic which is 50% cocoa solids) 25g unsalted butter
Method:
1 Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius
2. To make the shortbread combine the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
3 Cut the butter into small cubes and rub between your finger tips until it resembles fine bread crumbs.
4. Add a couple tablespoons of milk one at a time until it forms a dough when you press it lightly
5 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and gently press the shortbread mixture into it. Trying to get as an even layer as possible.
6 Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown, and it feels firm It should also feel pretty crisp to the touch, but will also harden a bit more as it cools.
7 While the shortbread bakes make the caramel pour the condensed milk into a pan on a low heat and stir continuously for 10-20 minutes until the caramel is a light golden brown. The more you cook it the deeper the caramel flavour. It is important to be stirring it constantly as it sticks to the pan very quickly
8. Once it has reached the desired colour then pour it over the caramel while it is still warm this helps you to be able to get an even layer of caramel across the top
9 Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of boiling water stirring occasionally until completely melted. Set aside.
10 Once the shortbread has cooled slightly (5-10 minutes), pour over the caramel and then the chocolate leaves to set for at least an hour, before cutting into squares and eating!
SOCIALMEDIAEFFECTONPROFESSIONS
By EMILY ZHENG ‘29
Social media has affected people's lives, both positively and negatively. Over the years, the media has been growing more and more powerful as it can cause boycotts, influence political views, and impact businesses However, this article will only focus on how social media affects companies and people's professions.
When people post something on social media, it becomes globally accessible There are both flaws and benefits when it comes to sharing information to the internet. When people love a certain person, they would support them. Their fans create a platform for them which allows them to live a better life
Social media also created more jobs for people. Social media allows more opportunities: people can search for jobs globally with online communications There are many people who have jobs that are based on social media such as a content creator or social media managers. These people carry a huge influence on their audience as they can support or create social movements.
The positive side of social media press is that it is a major boost for businesses as they are amazing for advertising. With it being great at advertising, it can provide consumers to small businesses. As I previously mentioned before, social media helps with networking and creating connections globally
The negative side of social media is how a business/person's reputation can crumble in just a short amount of time. An example of how this can happen is when the audience would misinterpret your message, leading to negative comments and criticism.
One wrong action can ruin your whole career and affect how people view you This also includes companies as there have been many incidents with boycotting Many people have had to suffer these consequences because of one action as everything on the internet is permanent. Employers would background check these people and discover how this one person can ruin the reputation of their business
Now the majority of how you are viewed is through the media. This all shows powerful social media can be Showing the consequences of interacting with it
GOODNEWS
By Hannah Dearden ‘31
Sometimes it seems like all news is bad news, but I'm here to prove that wrong. Today I have a collection of four good news stories to share with you, from spray on bandages to repurposing old clothes, this article is sure to brighten your day
Researchers in South Korea have invented a sprayon powder that transforms into a soft bendy gel when it comes into contact with blood Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology or KAIST, the scientist who developed and researched it are Professor Steve Park and Professor Sangyong Jon. all the ingredients in this spray actually come from nature! They have alginate, a type of seaweed extract, gellan gum (a natural thickener) that is made from bacteria fermenting, and chitosan, which comes from the shells of crustaceans and insects. When all these ingredients go together, they form a compound called AGCL, that stops the bleeding and can absorb seven times its own weight in blood! It even has natural antibacterial properties instead of harming tissue. This technology will be incredibly helpful in hospitals, battlefields and other emergency situations, as the gel can go into any shape of cut or wound, while bandages can only cover the top layer KAIST has not yet announced when the spray will become available, and even though some people think it will become forgotten from now on, I believe that it can make its way into the world and save hundreds of lives
Every year on Ash Wednesday, the celebration of Mardi Gras is recognized around the world. During this celebration in New Orleans, plastic beads, trinkets, and coins are thrown around for celebration, along with confetti and paper streamers This might seem like a colorful explosion of fun at the moment, but the next day, streets of New Orleans are littered with trash.
People have noticed this, and that's why a coalition (temporary alliance for combined action) of government officials and nonprofit organizations are joining together to try to create “seed beads,” biodegradable party favors, and other smart alternatives like bags of jambalaya spices to try and reduce these piles of trash the next morning. At first, the coalition would only clean the trash the day after, but then the founder of this, Brett Davis, thought, “what if we made it so that the things people throw away don't need to be cleaned up?” Davis has started a team of people to assemble small bags of Jambalaya spice, native flower seed mix, and plant-based glitter, to throw instead of plastic this doesn't only happen in new orleans, i even say here in italy after carnival that streets and parks were filled with trashed confetti. If this idea can expand around the world, maybe it could even make a change to how we celebrate carnival.
A thrift shop in England that donated its proceeds to Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley has recently been overflowing with piles of rags and unorganized clothes Luckily for them, recently graduated fashion design student victoria ford offered to transform the rags donated to the store into clothes they could resell for someone to enjoy. There is a high chance of all these clothes ending up in a landfill if it wasn't for Ford's idea to repurpose and recycle these fabrics Victoria created a collection of clothing and accessories that are attracting new customers to the shop rapidly. featured in this collection are things like handbags made out of blow up mattresses. Ford says that she has been transforming clothes from thrift shops and giving them a new life with her sewing machine since she was ten years old
An idea that has been being planned for six years is finally being implemented in South Africa to stop poachers from killing black and white rhinos. South Africa has the largest rhinoceros population on earth, and this sadly attracts a lot of poachers trying to kill rhinos from their horns Wits university has just launched something called the rhisotope project, which involves embedding nonharmful radioactive isotopes into the horns of rhinos. This way, when the poachers try to bring the horns out of the country, airports and other security systems will be able to detect the horns even if the rhisotope is removed, it leaves a recognisable trace. Although there are other strategies to deter poaching, such as removing the horns of rhinos, this has been shown to negatively impact the social structure of the rhinoceroses The isotopes let the rhino keep its horn and still deters poachers This technology has been under testing for a phase of 6 months where the rhinos were monitored and tested, and it was found to be completely safe to the animals
I hope that these small snippets of good news made you feel a bit more optimistic today, and if you found this interesting, then I challenge you to write your own good news article for the next edition of the Tuskan Times!
Sophie is a junior who is interested in topics of law, and writes about different court hearings. When not writing for the Tuskan Times, she loves to place tennis or bake with her friends.
A normally peaceful stretch in the English countryside had soon become the hotspot for a significant legal dispute, following the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of a homeowner who had claimed that the pungent stench from a nearby pig farm had resulted in his property becoming inhabitable. This case, Wheeler v Saunders Ltd, has gained even more attention as of late due to its ramifications on environmental nuisance and the boundaries in which agricultural activity lies
Mr Wheeler, the applicant, owned a charming bungalow located in an area that had long been considered to be a tranquil part of the English countryside. However, the serenity of his area was soon invaded with the stench of two large pig houses that his neighbour, Saunders Ltd, constructed As the operation continued to develop, so did the number of pigs, with a complimentary smell that was both persistent and powerful. The odour soon began to dominate its surroundings, especially during warmer months when such smells tend to escalate
According to the evidence that was presented in court, the stench was never just occasional nor mild. Instead, it was perceived as endless, invasive, and, at times, utterly unbearable Mr Wheeler claimed that the stench substantially hindered his ability to enjoy his bungalow, intruding on his everyday normalities such as opening windows, time outside, and maintaining an equitable standard of life.
The very core of this case raised a pivotal legal question: did the odour from the pig farm result in a private nuisance? Under the UK law, a private nuisance includes an irrational interference with any person’s use or enjoyment of land Despite the fact that agricultural smells are not uncommon in agrarian areas, the court was challenged with determining whether or not the scale and intensity of this particular instance crossed the line of what could be considered valid
Saunders Ltd attempted to protect its operations by claiming that such odours were a natural and expected repercussion of farming activities in the countryside. They were persistent in their claim that any such person choosing to live in agrarian environments should expect a certain degree of disturbance from farms, which includes odours from livestock.
Despite their persistence, the Court of Appeal conclusively sided with Mr Wheeler In the judgement, the court did recognise that while rural life does include the exposure to agricultural operations, there are boundaries to what can be understandably tolerated. The judges ruled that the stench being produced by the pig houses was disproportionate and crossed the line of what an ordinary civilian should be expected to tolerate, even in such a rural setting.
Legal commentators have pointed out that this particular case emphasises a tedious balancing act within nuisance law. On one hand, it is the protection of traditional and expected farming operations. On the other hand, the protection of the rights of such persons to enjoy their property without irrational intrusion The ruling suggests that even though farming remains an essential and safeguarded practice, it is not exempted from legal scrutiny when it results in situations that become unjustly harmful to surrounding areas.
Going beyond its instantaneous outcome, Wheeler v Sauders Ltd has even broader significance for environmental and seasonal quarrels. This particular case is often referenced in conversations about how the court responds to non-physical schemes of harm that include noise, fumes, and even airborne burdens In a time where environmental awareness is increasing exponentially, the argument in this case may prove to be even more relevant than anticipated.
For example, some legal scholars have argued that the morals born out of the Wheeler case have the potential to be extended to modern-day concerns such as pollution or seasonal allergens. If such odour can constitute as a nuisance solely due to its impact on daily life, analogous cases could be made in regards to alternative environmental factors that also intrude on health and comfort.
In conclusion, the Wheeler v Saunders Ltd case serves as a remembrance that the right to use one’s land is not always guaranteed As shown in this case, the right has to be practiced with consideration for surrounding areas and people, especially when operations have such far-fetching sensory effects In regards to Mr Wheeler, the ruling marked a revival of peace and tranquility in his home For the broader legal perspective, it ratifies the evolving boundaries of nuisance law in such a developing environment.
SPRINGALLERGIES
By ALLEGRA DIFLORIO ‘27
Allegra is an Italian-American junior who loves to write book reviews. Other than writing for the Tuskan Times, Allegra can be found playing volleyball or hanging out with her cat, Juni.
It is that time of year again, the sun is shining, flowers are blooming, the air is sweet again and everyone is sniffling and coughing That's right! Spring allergies are in full swing and trust me, I feel your pain But why is it that so many people have seasonal allergies?
Preventative Measures
What are Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies typically begin around February and may last until the beginning of summer, depending on the climate and location. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system recognizes certain allergens, or proteins, as foreign germs - sort of an overreaction to a stimulus The development of an allergy occurs when the body first experiences the allergen and produces antibodies (which identify specific types of cells so the body’s immune system can attack them) Then, the next time that the allergen is encountered, the cells release histamines (triggered by the presence of antibodies), which is the chemical substance that acts as one of the body’s defense but also causes all the symptoms we have come to associate with allergies: sneezing, coughing, rashes, itchy eyes, and much else Now, different allergens cause issues for different people, with the most common allergens including: tree, weed, and grass pollen, as well as dust and mold. (Stewart)
While allergies unfortunately cannot be avoided, there are some key aspects that it is good to be aware of to lessen the symptoms before the allergy even hits, or at least ensure that you are prepared
1.Being conscious about the weather is always useful - rainy days reduce the amount of pollen in the air while dry, windier days do the exact opposite
2 Reduce the amount of pollen inside the house While keeping inside spaces completely pollen free is impossible, closing windows and doors, using air filters or purifiers, showering after outdoor activities, and vacuuming frequently.
3 Reduce the amount of pollen you are exposed to outdoors Avoid going outside in the early morning as pollen levels are their highest and avoid mowing the lawn or doing other gardening tasks.
Symptom Relief Options
Many people, my brother included, find symptom relief in the form of over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines like Zyrtec Decongestants in the forms of oral tablets/liquids or nose sprays, may also be used, but they should only be taken for a few days at a time. If your allergies are very persistent and are negatively impacting your life, it is recommended that you visit your doctor or an allergist for more tailored treatment.
Other treatment forms exist, as well, in the form of complimentary (or non conventional) medicine. As recommended by my naturopathic doctor / mother, the use of Ribes Nigrum, or blackcurrant, serves as an excellent natural antihistamine without the side effects (like drowsiness) of some typical synthetic ones Overall, by gaining a better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of seasonal allergies, combined with key symptom managing tools, the change of seasons doesn’t have to be a dreaded time And you can enjoy the regenerative and peaceful time that is spring
IBARTSDELIVERS
By ESME ALONGI ‘27
Esme is a junior who writes about a variety of progressive and linguistic subjects Outside of the publication, she enjoys crochet and figurative ceramics
The IBDP Visual Arts Exhibition is a point of arrival for all IB art students. Occurring annually, the Exhibition is the final product of the 12th graders’ two years of work In it, each student must create and curate five artworks to showcase, each accompanied by a short written explanation of the intention and process behind the work, as well as a justification of why it fits within the cohesive display Naturally, this process is challenging, but it is also an opportunity for the artists to develop their art and communication skills significantly
The exhibition needs a special location where it can stay up for a few days, and tradition is to invite ISF students and faculty, as well as the families of the artists themselves, to the opening night This year, the art department overcame location challenges by hosting the event at our very own school in the Aula Magna. This year’s art class was relatively small consisting of only nine students so the location accommodated the group nicely And, as Ms. Hitchcock notes, the location was “actually way more forgiving” than a typical venue because of its convenience and the ability to play around with different arrangements
“Despite the familiar location, the wonderful artworks, thoughtful arrangements within the room, and delicious catered food all contributed totheeventbeingreceivedwell.”
Of course, challenges with the creative process exist every year, and students work up until the last minute on their artworks and written explanations Ms Hitchcock considers this to be a “learning experience,” and between the artists’ commitment and skills and her deep support in class, during breaks, and even on Saturdays before the exhibit, everything was finished on time.
This year, the exhibition focused on the popular theme of teenage identity. Painting and drawing were staples as they are every year, which Ms. Hitchcock considers to be “partially because we live in Florence, and painting and drawing are the most common artworks you see in museums.” Special to this cohort, though, was the usage of new and interesting materials. For instance, one student (Vivian Xu) experimented with reflective surfaces such as mirrors and curved glass objects to explore boundaries and limitations, and another (Bruno Ballarini) made an entire silent short film. Photography and collage were also thoroughly investigated, particularly by Isabella Marcellini. It is impressive that IB Art can provide a space for artists to explore the media that they are interested in, and that the outcomes of this exploration can be incredible, successful pieces such as the ones at this exhibition.
The Visual Arts Exhibition can be a challenging undertaking for artists, but, with the endless support from Ms. Hitchcock and the art cohort, excellent, thoughtful pieces can be created. Indeed, it is clear that the art community at ISF is incredibly strong, and that it produces exceptional pieces, artists, and people Whether you want a calming space, a creative environment, or a fun and spirited scene, IB Visual Arts delivers.
THEDOORTOSPRING
By VALENTINA ‘27
Valentina is a Chinese-Australian-Italian who loves creative writing and is interested in Literature and History. In her free time she loves journaling, listening to music, and watching movies.
ARTWORK BY DENIZ COSKUN
MURDERINSCOTLAND
By Scarlett Godfrey ‘31
How would you hide your best friend's body? I had to, but I never meant for her to get hurt But she already knew too much.
Her body was found in a storm drain, 23 miles away from her home Her clothes sopping wet, but not with the rain, but with blood Her head wound showed it was a painful, but quick death She had been shot 3 times, twice in the head, another in the stomach. She looked like she had seen a ghost. Her eyes still open but becoming bloody and clammy, her lips icy sky blue They looked as if they had popped like a spot Her hair matted to the scalp, like a stray dog that hasn’t been groomed in years. As if she had had her head in a burlap bag. Police asked locals from the area and reported no sound of shots and screaming
My murder starts with a girl called Elle, who is an average 17 year old who enjoys mystery cases. She is a tall teenage girl with long, chestnut brown hair. My best friend May, also loved mystery cases too. But Elle had a secret
Our setting starts at Elle's home. She lived in a very small quiet village where nothing fun ever happened. Her parents were barely ever home, so Elle knew that everything was fine if they didn’t come home But on a wet cold morning in their old village, Elle realised it had been 3 days since she last saw the two of them.
She tried to calm herself from panicking, because that was normal for her parents and they were always gone for ages She would always ask them about why they were never home, they would never reply. Anyways, she tried to carry on, but in the back of her mind she couldn’t bear the thought of them being gone So she started asking around No-one knew anything and no one wanted to talk to her anyway. Elle knew her parents were drug addicts. She would always smell it on them. They told Elle every time she asked, they would say they are clean, she believed them, that was her biggest mistake
She had no one else to look up to, to ask life questions about She had no support from any of her family. Well most of them were either dead or wouldn’t call her back. She didn’t have someone to make sure her thoughts were healthy. Most would say she was mentally unstable, but you should think it was actually the people around her
Elle’s home was creepy, old and very, very run down, not to mention her actual parents. Who would always be drunk around the village, asking for money and trying to sell drugs to all the school teens Most of the “cool” teens would always buy them and then go to parties with them to spread between them. May thought about the life Elle had, how all the younger children would taunt her, running past her house shouting things May realised that Elle probably could never get away from the fact that her parents sold drugs It must have been hard for her.
Oh, yes. You don’t know who May is, do you? That she was the kid made from adults that wanted to have the best time all the time no matter what they had to do or take. And because they were her parents, every one would automatically make sure she felt the pain of being their child. They didn’t even think about getting to know her, all the village just expected her to be like her parents So if anything to do with drugs came up, like at Elle’s school, they would have someone to put the blame on. Without checking.
The kidnapping started when May failed all her GCSE’s Elle’s mum's name was Loran and her dads was…..actually I don’t even know. Does anyone know? The two together love to do things others in their 35s would hate, like having Elle. Or other evil, stupid things that could get them killed
The village had been told that there were rumors of there being Polish spies. Everyone believed it was the Redons, who lived four doors down from Elle.
They never, ever spoke to anyone in the village They kept to themselves Never shopped at the local shop The family would go to the farthest shop away from the town, they would do anything to make people believe they were innocent, but would it ever work.
Elle’s secret would kill her slowly
Her mother and father had a secret office room in their house that needed a key that Loran kept around her neck Elle was to never go into that room, or she would be sent back to Yorkshire to live with her grandmum, who hated her.
This is where May comes in. Elle’s best friend, she was the most popular girl in school She was always tanned to perfection, her makeup on point and would never have a bad hair day She was like a goddess walking upon earth. But not every Goddess is pure. She spent loads of time with Elle when she was alone at home. The two of them were best friends But of course, spending lots of time with someone, you learn a lot about them So May overheard Elle slipping up a couple of times with her accent but never asked her about it. Elle knew that eventually May would catch up to her secret and Elle would have to do something about it
It was Wednesday the 29th of May, when May realised that my family wasn’t from Scotland or England for that matter. The two of them would always go back to Elle’s house after school to have dinner then go to their hockey club together But today Elle slipped multiple times during school. Elle knew today was the day, so she made sure May had called her mum to say hello and her last good bye May had been told about Elle’s parents doing drugs but she didn’t care, she understood that Elle wasn’t her parents So she gave Elle a chance to become friends. It was quick for the two of them to become close. May enjoyed gossiping and boyfriends while Elle not so much.
May had been told not to go into the locked office at any time because it was where the family kept drugs to sell, but it was really the room where Max and Loran would report back to Warsaw. May grew very suspicious of it, as you should.
May had gathered her own information about the room:
- Never any smell coming out the room
- Key necklace around Lorans neck
So that very Wednesday May decided to get into the room Loran wasn’t home, she hadn’t been for 4 days by now. So she needed to find another way in.
ARTWORK BY EMILY MARTIN
I
SYMBOLISM OF FLOWERS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
Information:
“How Marigolds Became a Symbol for Día de Muertos | Desert Botanical Garden” Dbg org, dbg org/how-marigolds-became-a-symbol-for-dia-de-muertos/ Accessed 3 Apr 2026
Jal Editorial Staff “What Do Cherry Blossoms Represent in Japanese Culture? - JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL)” JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL) Official Site, 2023, www jal co jp/my/en/guide-tojapan/experiences/cherry-blossom/what-do-cherry-blossoms-represent/index html Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Romo, Vanessa. “Why Marigolds, or Cempasúchil, Are the Iconic Flower of Día de Los Muertos.” NPR, 30 Oct. 2021, www.npr.org/2021/10/30/1050726374/why-marigolds-or-cempasuchil-arethe-iconic-flower-of-dia-de-los-muertos. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
“The Cultural Significance of Cherry Blossoms in Japan.” Watts Gallery and Artists’ Village, 21 Sept. 2024, www.wattsgallery.org.uk/blog/the-deep-cultural-significance-of-cherry-blossoms-injapan. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Images:
Hagen, Linda “Growing Marigolds – Planting & Caring for Marigold Flowers - Garden Design” GardenDesign com, 2019, www gardendesign com/flowers/marigold html Accessed 3 Apr 2026
Shinners, Rebecca “25 Things You Didn’t Know about Cherry Blossoms” Country Living, Country Living, 2 Mar 2018, www countryliving com/gardening/g3168/cherry-blossoms-facts/ Accessed 3 Apr 2026
B IBCULINARY COLUMN: MILLIONAIRE’S SHORTBREAD
Information:
Jen “Easy Millionaire’s Shortbread” BBC Good Food, 21 Apr 2021, www bbcgoodfood com/recipes/easy-millionaires-shortbread Accessed 2 April 2026
Lady, The Tea “Millionaire’s Shortbread | Tea, Toast and Travel” Tea, Toast and Travel | Exploring the World of British Foods and Traditions, 15 Mar 2015, www teatoastandtravel com/millionairesshortbread/ Accessed 26 Mar 2026
SMELL AS A NUISANCE: THE LEGAL LIMITS OF AIRBORNE IRRITANTS
Information:
LawTeacher “Wheeler v JJ Saunders Ltd” Www lawteacher net, 18 Oct 2018, www lawteacher net/cases/wheeler-v-jj-saunders php Accessed 1 Apr 2026
Wheeler “E-Lawresources co uk” E-Lawresources co uk, 2025, www elawresources co uk/wheeler-v-jj-saunders-1995 Accessed 1 Apr 2026
Images:
Windsorclive co uk, 2026, www windsorclive co uk/images/user/3844 w3934-3 jpg Accessed 1 Apr 2026
“Påskkärringar Ska Gå På Torsdag, Eller?” Mora Tidning, MT, 28 Mar. 2013, www.moratidning.se/dalarna/paskkarringar-ska-ga-pa-torsdag-eller/. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
“Spice up Your Easter Feast: Try These African-Inspired Menu Ideas!” Flourish Spices and African Food, 27 Mar. 2024, flourishafricanmart.com/blogs/news/spice-up-your-easter-feast-try-theseafrican-inspired-menu-ideas. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Ursell, Jinny. “Why Are Rabbits Associated with Easter?” Jin Designs, 27 Mar. 2025, jindesigns.com/blogs/latest-news/why-are-rabbits-associated-with-easter? srsltid=AfmBOooCcgd1PULsusOOrGrWvNp6EjTG457tk8l9NPracl6M0ANNdwr5. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
SPRING ALLERGIES
Information: Stewart, Kristen “Spring Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Management | ZYRTEC®” Zyrtec, https://www zyrtec com/allergy-guide/outdoors/understanding-spring-allergies Accessed 4 April 2026
