Feburary 2022
Russia Invades Ukraine
March 2022
Sri Lankan Protests
April 2022
Elon Musk buys Twitter
June 2022
Shinzo Abe Assassination
September 2022
Queen Elizabeth II Dies
September 2022
Iran Protests
ISSUE 9.5
What a year 2022 has been! Many things have occurred in the world last year, both good and bad. With the escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in Queensland, things are looking pretty bleak. Nonetheless, the future holds nothing but potential; amongst the darkness, there is always light. Never forget to take care of yourself with the same care and respect that you treat others. This issue is the interlude between our 9th issue, “Welcome to MacGregor” and our 10th issue, “Progress”. The aptly named Issue 9.5, “Memoirs from 2022,” features fantastic unreleased content from the MacWriters’ Team across the second semester of 2022.
Thank you for your continued support of the MacWriter’s Lion’s Post.
2022 was a turbulent year, full of surprises and obstacles for everyone, both inside and outside of school. As the head of photography for MacWriters, I am honoured to have captured the moments that mattered and to enhance the visual appeal of our magazine. As we enter 2023, I am confident that MacWriters will continue to thrive and achieve greatness, and I am eager to contribute more to the success of our MacWriters!
A warm welcome to everyone to our latest issue from the team here at the MacWriters. As every year advances, changes are always a constant, and while some changes bring progression, others bring setbacks. 2022 was a year to reflect. Whether it be the familiarization of the word ‘COVID-19’ on our tongues and the unwelcome isolation practices that seeped into our daily lives, 2022. For me, it was a year to absorb these historical moments. So whether it was a death of a monarch or an invasion of a country, may 2022 forever stay in the past.
Benjamin Lu
Noah Ryu Duy Nguyen
MacWriters’ Director Creative Director Head of Visual
Arjun Ramke
Head of Journalism
MacWriters’ Team
Richie Taulani
Sukhchain Singh
Tristan Bon
Senior Photographer Senior Journalist Senior Illustrator
Abody Al-Ani
Senior Journalist
Sarah Kirby
Junior Creative Writer
Sidney Silverio
Junior Creative Writer
Yong Kuang Leow Junior Journalist
Sumontra Harper Junior Creative Writer
Victor Huang Junior Journalist
Emily Richards Junior Creative Writer
Alexis Ong Junior Creative Writer
Youth voice so unheard, Lion’s Post roars to make change, Power in our words.
What is the Lion’s Post? We aim to make change by bringing attention to the unheard and ignored plights of the youth. Your words have power, and together, we can make a difference. Let your voice be heard.
We are the Lion’s Post.
Cybersecurity is a rising problem among young people in our society. Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft or damage to their hardware, software or electronic data, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
Teenagers today consume the internet in a substantially similar way to adults. Young adults often engage in sensitive activities such as downloading sketchy apps or listening to pirated music. Social networking sites are currently being used to expose sensitive information, exposing it to a variety of security risks.
The brain of a teen is rapidly developing. Through this journey, teens are also determining for themselves the values and standards that will guide their decisions. Whilst this period is one of major progress, there are many vulnerabilities that can be attacked with the brutal forces of the cyber-world. Such is the case of naivety...
Teens believe that they are invisible online; this is a mental thought process due to a lack of tangibility. Or that they can take steps to be anonymous. That reduces concerns about detection leading to negative consequences. The impact of anonymity on human behaviour is not a new consideration!
Teens lack tangible feedback about the consequences of various online activities. The lack of feedback interferes with the recognition that certain acts have caused harm through empathy. Empathy being the foundation of remorse that one has caused harm to another. Thus, young adults that post highly sensitive information are destructive to their reputation and are exposed to multiple online dangers.
The major goal for teens is to find their place in society. For many teens, social media has become a means of exploration for this purpose. Teens have varying levels of social anxiety based on how they are regarded by others and how they feel, and this can mean doing irrational actions, like posting an inappropriate message, that leads them into trouble.
Teenagers often believe that what they do online does not affect their lives and forget that their real-life values and rules should guide their online choices. Just because they “can” do something doesn’t mean that it is right. A strong online social norm is that you have a free-speech right to post anything you want, regardless of the harm that it may cause to another. Many adolescents believe that since it is possible to download copyrighted content without paying for it, it is still okay.
Dangerous users online, as well as commercial sites, use sophisticated and devious techniques to manipulate and influence our teenagers. Even the most aware people be fooled—these predators exploit the weakness of the teenage mind!
These techniques include:
• Offering or providing gifts, which creates a feeling of indebtedness and an inclination to comply with a request that might not be safe or responsible.
• Seeking or encouraging commitment to an individual, a group, or even a commercial product that leads to an inclination to behave in a way that is consistent with the commitment.
• Creating special relationships built on social praise, affiliation with like-minded others, attractiveness, and familiarity.
• Establishing authority and thus encouraging behaviour in compliance with the dictates of such authority.
Teenagers must secure their online identities and should not allow strangers into their online world by being overly friendly or sending personal information without careful thought. The false attitudes that we have provide us with a false sense of security. We must all take whatever actions we can to keep them safe. It is safer not to engage in social groups where the people have not been personally met or to minimise the number of platforms being used. Social media platforms are programmed to exploit the weaknesses of the teenage mind, and although it may seem interfering and intruding, parents may need to take regulating measures to monitor social media activity for their teen’s wellbeing in the cyber world. - Noah Ryu
-Abody Al-Ani
-Yong Chien Leow
Op-Doc
Yong Kuang LEOW
Both families and high schools seem to have an ongoing struggle with youth mobile phone usage. However, in this generation, mobile phones are highly useful. They can take pictures, communicate, play games... the list of possibilities grows longer every day. These devices are convenient and useful, but at what cost? The list of ramifications have long lasting effects and challenges. As smart phones become increasingly prevalent among school students, schools face an important question - whether or not to ban phones in school grounds. In a 2020 PEW research article, 66% surveyed say that parenting and schooling is a lot more difficult than 20 years ago, with many people citing mobile phones as the reason.
As the isolation mandates from the covid-19 pandemic subside and the restrictions ease, things seem like they have returned to normal. Scrolling through social media such as Facebook and Instagram for hours are forced into our daily lives. Centre for Digital Wellbeing founder Carla Wilshire says empathy is lacking in the digital world and social media is designed to be addictive. Students spend school lunchbreaks scrolling through social media, TikTok or to just play games. In classrooms, the pull just to turn on the phone and ‘quickly’ check the latest message lingers in your mind. If you don’t take action to take control over mobile phone usage, they will draw you in and waste your time.
Mobile phones have always been a distraction in and outside of the classroom. Distractions come from ‘silent’ text messages, entertaining apps and unrestricted Internet access. The overwhelming distraction can set students off task in periods meant for leaning. Many incidents of bullying also come from unsupervised phone usage at school.
On the other hand, mobile phones provide a measure of security if you become lost. No other technology has made people feel more connected with emergency services, as well as family who can come their safety. Mobile phones also reduce boredom, especially during a long commute to school.
However... all of these positives are usually only useful outside of school grounds.
Some high schools have implemented strict guidelines to combat this. With one having taken it as far as issuing a two-day suspension for using their mobile phones in school hours. Whilst it wouldn’t be practical for our school to go that far, if mobile phone rules are breached, a more stringent approach to mobile phone usage would greatly benefit students. Mobile phones are highly distracting if not used wisely. The addictive nature of mobile phone use, coupled with too easy access to mobile phones during school hours make it detrimental for student wellbeing and learning.
Our youth is precious and fleeting. The days are far too precious to be spent on a mobile phone. Meaningful interactions at lunch and focused learning during school hours can be better enabled by putting aside the phones during school hours.
-Yong Kuang Leow
Debating is an essential skill that teaches students to work as part of a team to reach a common goal, organise ideas and collaborate. It also allows students to express their ideas and articulate their thoughts clearly.
MacGregor State High School has always had a passion for debating, seen through our extra-curricular debating teams, which encourages young voices and bright minds to come together to practise their public speaking and critical thinking skills. Four teams in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 competed in the 2022 Queensland Debating Union Competition, entering against other schools from the South East Queensland area, with our Year 10 team making it into the regional finals for South East Queensland.
The teams were tasked with defending a topic designated to them, in some cases with only one hour of planning. We are very proud of their achievements in this competition.
On the 17th of August in the Outdoor Learning Area, the Year 12 debating team came together for one final debate against the teachers, the topic, “That homework should be banned.” The students were on the affirmative side whilst the teachers were on the negative side. The student’s team comprised of Year 12 Leaders Joseph (First Speaker), Sally (Second Speaker), Alex (Third Speaker) and on the teacher’s side were members of the English Department, Ms.Thiris (First Speaker), Mrs Culshaw (Second Speaker) and Ms McKenna (Third Speaker).
All were given only two minutes to argue and defend their point.
The debate was a formidable fight of wits and words, with both teams defending and reinforcing their arguments from the other in order to gain the upper hand. There were statistics, there was the divulging of hilarious vignettes, but in the end, despite the students vaillant fight, the teachers took the win.
The debate was an entertaining and informative discussion, which shows the passion of our debating teams at MacGregor State High. We look forward to what else our students bring to the debating menu.
Full Album
The end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 brings along refreshing changes for MacGregor. New plans for greater infrastructure and improved design are causing excitement in the student body. Several aspects are planned for the coming year to reflect the evolution of Macgregor’s pride, culture and, community through the new initiatives and projects.
To facilitate a better welcoming onto school grounds, a renovation to the entrances will be implemented bearing the Macgregor lion to showcase school pride. Improving campus life is also at the core of these renovations allowing for higher morale and comfort, which will be achieved through the development of new facilities. To achieve this, large blocks of the campus have been in the process of renovating for a contemporary garden aesthetic, alongside a planned café and amphitheatre.
Quality of life improvements will also be observed in the sporting scene as a set of four renovated basketball courts will be introduced that better encourage physical health and school pride. Being reached through showcasing the school emblem on each court. Thus, providing a superior competitive environment for athletes and a more communal area during lunch periods.
It is not only are the sporting facilities that are being improved, but so are the cultural. An amphitheatre is being built for the school to stage performances from the acclaimed Music and Arts departments. This new addition enables Macgregor State High to perform not only during recess, but also outside of school hours within the new garden environment.
The central area of the school will also see the addition of seating and natural ambiance through the use of contemporary infrastructure and plants. This aims to produce a modern appeal that is embedded in a comforting ecological surrounding thus creating a calmer and more homely space for students and staff alike that improves learning sustainability and creativity.
“
These upgrades are a step towards building a more inclusive and dynamic educational environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
– Sukhchain Singh 11R1
Passion Photography
Anonymous Submission
Why is the city so different
Everything is different
Nothing is the same
What I thought, was a lie
A soft fantasy, crushed by reality
There are nearly 4.0 million young people in Australia. With this representing just under one-fifth of the Australian population along with the fact that the global youth population is at its all-time high, it is more important than ever that a solid foundation is provided to support the future of Australia and the rest of the world. To advance understanding, this article will explain adolescence in further depth.
Adolescence is a critical link between childhood and adulthood, mainly defined by significant physical, psychological, and social transitions. These transitions are seen as a vulnerable time for most but creates the building blocks to a positive influence on the current and future wellbeing of youth. This period holds great potential as adolescents find ways to engage more with the world around them, growing in areas of thinking critically, physicality and development of complex relationships.
‘Adolescent moral development’ refers to the process of development in morality and connecting behaviour to values and beliefs. Although young people may have their peers and family to help, they often are lead astray as the result of peer pressure and societal factors. This is where ShineGirl, run by Hillsong CityCare comes in.
As quoted by a group of instructors who work in running the ShineGirl program; “The purpose of our programs is to equip and empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to discover who they are and the person they want to become”. This program runs each term with smaller groups of 10-12 students. While focusing on three main areas; worth, strength and purpose, the facilitators create a safe space where young people can learn about who they are. During these sessions, lessons are taught through fun games, hands on activities and group discussions around topics that relate to youth and personal self. The program aims to “demonstrate to young people that their lives have significance and value” while encouraging positive choices in order to live up to their full potential.
“I’ve learned that people need me.” A quote from an eighth grader who was in the ShineGirl program. The program is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, build confidence and uncover your potential to follow your dreams. Each term, the program looks for a new group of participants.
Make sure to keep an eye out in the student notices for an opportunity to participate. The instructors offer real life advice and create an environment where those feel safe. Their aim is to have a positive affect on the 1.9 million young women in Australia and it all starts with you.
-Sarah KirbyAlexis ONG
When you reach the finish, you know it’s the end. You know that it’s finished. You can’t try again and speed ahead to be first. You can’t retry the race.
The world is changing too fast for us to keep up, and, often, we fall behind.
Doesn’t everybody?
Right?
But everyone seems to be fine. No one else is left behind. Except me.
Isn’t that what it looks like?
I’m the only one left behind.
Everyone else knows what to do.
I’m the only one that’s lost.
I don’t know what the future brings.
But warm hands told the opposite, a smiling face once told me that I know my path. I just need to keep going, pave my own way.
Right?
So I keep going, step by step, minute by minute. Finding my way by being guided by my choices.
We speed up, get left behind. Life passes by. We wonder what we could have done better. But before you know it, the race ends.
As Timothy stepped into the classroom, he looked around. He had been learning online for two months and hadn’t been to school once. His school was being tested to see how students liked learning only online. It hadn’t gone too well. As it was grade 7, he was new to the school. Everyone was. But there was a key difference between him and everyone else. He had been very sick for the first part of term one, and that had meant everyone had their friend groups. Except him. As he went to his seat, no one noticed him, which wasn’t surprising, as the class barely remembered their friends. When everyone had taken their seats, the teacher came in and launched into a speech about how this term was going to go by without so much as a hello. It was going to be a long year.
Timothy shuffled out of class with everyone else as they went off to lunch. He was very bored after a long session of listening to things he already knew. He looked up and saw that there was no one sitting by themselves like he had hoped there would be.
When Timothy got back into class, he was happy to see that there were worksheets on the desk. He knew he was good at these sorts of things. Math, science, history... he was quite good. He was halfway through the sheet when the person next to him, Caleb, if he remembered correctly, tapped his desk. “Can you help me with question three? I kind of forgot how to do it.”
“Sure.” Timothy replied, and he explained how to do it. Caleb had just caught on when the teacher started collecting the papers and the bell rang.
“See ya.” Caleb called.
“Wait!” Timothy replied. “Can I sit with you for lunch?”
Caleb shrugged in reply and walked over to a bench with one other person sitting at it. Timothy introduced himself, as did the other guy, Nick, and they all chatted for a while. When they went back inside, Timothy was happy to see more worksheets. Caleb groaned. Timothy grinned.
“Come on!” He said. “I’ll help you!”
Op-Doc
Anonymous Submission
“Strugglingthroughmyworldandyours”
I remember growing up and watching the great internet debate on if pineapple should belong on pizza. I remember how the thought of the sweet pineapple mingling itself with the salty cheese of a pizza brought sour thoughts that triggered a division, be it the sensation of pure petrification or an arousal of an appetite. With those sour thoughts, history had struck again, the world divided through opinions where the only thing they have in common is mutual hatred. Watching the internet turn in rumbles, I asked myself why both sides care so much. Why do they care if I liked pineapple on pizza? …Why do they care that I was…gay?
I was spoon-fed this burning hatred for people who ‘liked pineapple on pizza’. To me, It was like growing up in a family part of the anti-pineapple on pizza campaign, while I hid my secret likings for…Hawaiian?
For instance, I remember rummaging through my mother’s makeup bag, in hopes to find the solidarity which brought girls theirs in the form of lipstick. I remember and feel the gaze of my mother’s eyes as I printed red on my lips, her laughs that still echo in humiliation till this day. I was mortified. All that humiliation, just because the ideology of ‘pineapple on pizza’ were one of delusion and because ‘lipstick didn’t belong on boys unless you’re are a sinner’. Who knew my being different would conjure such battles from my own family and eventually… my own friends.
‘Hey! you sound gay, ‘you act gay’, ‘you’re totally gay’, ‘don’t come near me’, ‘stay away from me’. Still, I stayed still. Nowhere to turn to, not even family, not even friends. This is when isolation bridges itself to familiarity. Pure isolation. From their world. I hated myself for being this way. Remembering, how I used to pray to God that one day I would just wake up and these ‘sinister’ feelings I had for pineapple on pizza would just dissipate? All of my problems would simply just go away.
All of this hatred just because “pineapple should not be on the pizza.” Just like how lipstick should not be on boys. Just like how boys should not kiss boys. Like how guys like me should not be gay. Like how guys like me should not be in this school. Like how guys like me will burn in hell.
Readers, this is what the thought and the feeling that the majority of youth tormented with their sexuality go through. Whether it be at school or at home, homophobia can stretch through any corner. So be their light. Have their back. Be there, when they face the world and say, ‘I love pineapple on pizza’. Support them. Support our youth.
I want to live in a world where I can hold another boy’s hand without feeling embarrassed, a world where I can kiss another boy freely, and where I can marry another boy happily.
Lion’s Post Issue 9.5
Editors
Benjamin Lu
Ms. McKenna
Journalism
Arjun Ramke - “The future of MacGregor – Major Development”
Richie Taulani - “Teachers v. Students - The debating fight”
Op-Docs
Sarah Kirby - “The ShineGirl Program at MacG”
Yong Kuang Leow - “Should mobile phones be used within school grounds?”
Yong Chien Leow - “How Cyber-safe are our teens in their Cyber-bubble?”
Noah Ryu - “How Cyber-safe are our teens in their Cyber-bubble?”
Abody Al-Ani - “How Cyber-safe are our teens in their Cyber-bubble?”
Anonymous - “Am I Hurting You for Liking Pineapple on Pizza? ”
Photography
Anonymous - “Golden Brisbane”
Emily Richards - “Out of the web”
Alexis Ong - “Untitled”
Anonymous - “City”
© 2023 MacWriters
Lion’s Post: An Initiative of the MacWriters’ group of MacGregor SHS
