Neev Times May Issue 5

NeevTimes

Nihaal Singh Sehgal, Grade 9

Leadership Speak

Leadership Speak

Reflecting on the profound interplay between "Foundations and the Future," my growing up years in the steel city of Durgapur significantly shaped both my personal and professional development Durgapur, a town marked by homogeneity within its colony lifestyle yet diversity through its influx of people seeking livelihoods, instilled in me a deep respect for cultural pluralism and the importance of nurturing relationships

Despite the societal divide between officers and non-officers’ quarters in townships, my family defied such distinctions, exemplifying respect and camaraderie. Memories of my mother preparing snacks for my father's technical staff, who would gather for afternoon chai at our home, resonate as enduring lessons in transcending societal barriers and fostering genuine relationships, many of which endure even today

The essence of my upbringing in Durgapur lies in the simple joys of cycling to school every morning and the values of love, care and service instilled by the sisters and teachers at Carmel Convent Among the myriad of experiences in school, one memory that stands out for me is engaging in post-school teaching sessions for children from an adopted village nearby The fulfilment of imparting knowledge and my ability to break down complex concepts shaped my decision to become a teacher many years later when I was at a crossroads in choosing my profession

Foundational experiences shape our visions for the future, grounding us in principles that guide our paths, emphasising the collective influence of our roots At Neev, we are committed to nurturing robust foundations for our students, integrating academic excellence with holistic growth to prepare them for the challenges ahead Our definition of learning encompasses self-directed learners, collaborators, effective communicators, community builders, and disciplinary thinkers, all realised through a blend of academic and co-curricular opportunities, shaping enduring foundations for our students' lives

To our graduating cohorts, I offer this advice: Embrace the uncertainty of the future with courage and conviction, drawing strength from the resilient foundations laid at Neev As you embark on the adventure beyond our walls, remember that your journey is imbued with the potential to affect meaningful change in the world

Gouri Kar Head of Senior School

Editorial: Neev & the Future

Neev has played a significant role in shaping the person I’m becoming From learning journeys to TOK classes, the experiences and subsequent learning I’ve gained is not limited to being academic or conceptual - it translates into values, ways of thinking, and contributes to my growth as a person. Last year, I was encouraged to reflect on morality and my moral compass through group sessions This helped me develop an understanding of the complex interplay between actions, intentions and consequences - that is fundamental to my core values and beliefs, and what I think is right or wrong This is but one of the many experiences that had a profound impact on me.

As an almost-12th grader, goodbyes, novelty and the prospect of change is just around the corner Through

the haze of uncertainty and doubt, one thing I know for certain is that the experiences, people, and learnings that have been so foundational to me here at Neev, will serve invaluable in forming new connections, creating new experiences, and surviving out in the world

Reflecting: Foundations and the Future 03

How do we define our world?

~ Ananya Malde, Grade 11

I think school is one ’ s first exposure to the idea of a world other than one ’ s own home At a young age, school seems like the “outside world,” the big, scary place away from the comfort of home However, as I have grown, I have come to realize that school is, in fact, as close to home as any place will ever get - as I prepare to enter grade 12, my last year of school, I am left reflecting on just how much of a bubble school has kept me in, just how much of the world I have been shielded from The younger me might be shocked that there exists a big, scary world out there, outside the walls of this place that was once foreign, but the place I now call my home away from home

I remain constantly aware, however, of the crucial role this very place plays in laying down a foundation for my future It emulates so many aspects of things I will have to face in the future - failure, rejection, unfamiliar helps me figure out how to deal with these, while still

Alumni Speak

~ Noor Sabharwal

I think the recurring defining moment of the first year is the recognition that what once worked in high school does not work anymore This liminality (a very college world), imposed onto me a sense of doubleness, that this marks a time at which I may jump into the newness or linger at the door This metaphor frustrated me as I struggled to simply leap into this new world I found it difficult to stand out in the large classrooms, connect with newsness, and navigate the idea of such shared space But I can attest to the fact that wishes to return to the 12th, or in low moments, even the 2nd grade do die down. While I began by resenting the complexity of college, it has come to be its primary comfort; it is here that I do not have to know who I am or what I want to be I can simply exist Especially writing this, I do miss my foundation and its incomparable familiarity, yet know my time has passed This is where I need to be

knowing that I am safe and protected I reflect with pride on the fact that each classroom, every assignment, and all the interactions with classmates and teachers have been building blocks for my character, resilience, and understanding of the world These years have taught me invaluable lessons and skills that I will carry with me throughout life, and all of the challenges it will undoubtedly bring my way However, I find some comfort in knowing that I have a great foundation in place already

The transition from home to school, which was once so daunting to me, taught me more about life than anything else ever could have, and equipped me to take on the next major transition, the one that marks me moving from school into the world So, while the prospect of stepping out into the "real world" may seem daunting, I find solace in the fact that I've been preparing for this moment since my first day of school Each lesson learned, every setback overcome, has brought me closer to being equipped for whatever challenges lie ahead And as I take this leap, I carry with me not only the knowledge gained from textbooks but also the invaluable life lessons I’ve garnered along the way. I feel ready. Maybe the big, bad world isn’t so big and bad after all

A trip to our capital city, Delhi!

~ Myra Nigam, Grade 5

This year all the 5th graders went to Delhi for a learning journey In Delhi, we visited lots of places like the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, and many other places We explored different cultures and traditions and learned a lot of history Delhi was an enriching experience for each and every one of us because we made lots of unforgettable memories like the jalebis we ate at Chandini Chowk, the bus rides back to the hotel, and our favorite dance - Jiguja! Since this was our first learning journey, we had lots to take in, reflect on, and learn to take forward My main learning from this experience was how to be responsible because, on this trip, I had to be completely independent, in control of my things, and take care of myself Since this was my first trip away from my parents, I was excited and a little scared This learning journey has laid the foundation for the future learning journeys I will go on. This was the best trip I have ever

PYP Sleepover Reflections

taken and one that I will never forget I would like to thank all our teachers, staff, and coordinators in Delhi for making this trip possible

~ Avyaan Bakliwal, Grade 2

I think the sleepover was good because we got to sleep late and play games (I didn’t even sleep) and the zumba was fun I learned about adaptation because we were sleeping in a new place

~ Aryaveer Kapoor, Grade 2

My “Aha!” moment was when we had our zumba session It was lively and fun to spend time with everyone We were overwhelmed with all that knowledge and needed a break Zumba gave everyone a chance to enjoy after all that learning!

~ Vidhaan Abhishek, Grade 1

Sleeping at school was very scary because I usually sleep with my mother That was my first time sleeping alone I overcame my fear by sleeping near my friends who were not scared of sleeping alone And then Atharva screamed

Current Affairs

Casting Votes, Building Futures

~ Arin V. Jagtap , Grade 9

The ongoing general elections of 2024 have raised a crucial question of a potential third term for the existing Prime Minister This election is being conducted in seven distinct phases, encompassing a total of 543 constituencies across 28 states and 8 Union Territories With three phases of the elections completed, we are approaching the halfway mark of the nationwide polling exercise The suspense continues to build as the ballot count remains hidden, with the final tally to be announced on the 4th of June

This election holds significant importance in shaping not only the future of our nation but also our individual futures The decisions made by those aged 18 and above will determine the representatives chosen by the majority, who in turn will elect the central government The elected members of the central government will serve a term of five years, during which they will wield

significant influence over the legislative system and be tasked with the development and functioning of the country

While voting in elections may seem like a routine task, it is crucial to recognize that every vote carries the power to effect change within the system and contribute to the growth and development of the nation The upcoming election represents an opportunity for individuals to exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities and shape the course of the country's future

Sports Rewind: A Glance at Highlights and Aspirations

~ Hana Yenepoya, Grade 10

In recent years, India has witnessed a transformative shift in its sporting landscape, evolving from a cricketcentric nation to a multifaceted one This change, fueled by the emergence of new talents and increased government and private support, lays a strong foundation for the future.

Spearheaded by programs like 'Khelo India' and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and backed by financial investments totaling Rs 3400 crores in 2023, the nation is nurturing grassroots talent and providing top-notch coaching to propel athletes towards global success Private initiatives, such as JSW's support for the Bangalore Football Club and events like Olympic Goldfest, complement these efforts, forming a robust sports ecosystem

Rising talents like Deepika Kumari and Manika Batra

continue to make significant strides in international competitions, establishing India's position in global sports As the nation eagerly awaits the FIFA World Cup qualification bid and the ICC Cricket World Cup, the focus on Olympic success is paramount with the Tokyo Olympics and subsequent major tournaments arising The emergence of Pro Kabaddi and the Indian Super League further prove India's position in the global sporting arena With such developments on the horizon, the future of Indian sports looks more exciting and remarkable than ever.

Devestating yet Incredible, Self-Induced Cell Death

~

Diya Shetty , Grade 10

Every second, at least one million of your body cells undergo some form of controlled suicide All it takes is a signal to kickstart a ruinous chain of events - the cell condenses, and specialized enzymes swiftly slice through its internal structure This self-destruction called apoptosis, raises the question - why would a living, thriving cell actively kill itself?

Studies show that apoptosis has evolved over time, exhibiting itself in ancient forms of unicellular organisms like bacteria. The mitochondrion, which was once an independent bacterium, may have used apoptotic proteins as a defense mechanism There are some obvious motivations for self-induced deathsignals from the nucleus if DNA is damaged, or from the

endoplasmic reticulum, if protein misfolding has occurred. But research shows an inclination towards more noble motivations, such as organisms sacrificing themselves to provide nutrition for others or to prevent disease-spread - essentially, dying for the 'greater good'

In your skin, up to fifty layers of skin cells must merge together, shed their water and self-destruct, acting as the first line of defense against external threats If the skin is breached, immune cells called neutrophils devour bacteria and self-sacrifice merely hours after

Regardless of its origins, reflecting on apoptosis can lead to a beautiful realization - though death may haunt life, it is also the very thing that is essential to the proliferation of it

Student Voice 07

Foundations for a bright future

~ Nirbhav Naveen, Grade 7

When I began eye exercises to cope with myopia, I remember asking my father how long it would take for me to see clearly His response was “Enjoy the process, and you will see the results” I continued to do the essential exercises as a part of my daily routine It gave me confidence, even though I have not received the full benefits of it yet

This bit of philosophy has been what I have always recounted, when facing a necessary, but unpleasant task When a foundation is laid, it needs to be strong, otherwise the structure will crumble to ground This holds true for all tasks, enjoyable or not, when it is done with good intentions In our childhood, we have heard the story of the three pigs When the base of the house has been laid in the correct order, with well-built walls and roofs, the house will weather any storm But if the materials’ strength, durability, technique and passion to

We Grow

~ Aarna Rao Potta, Grade 3

Another academic year is coming to an end It was just yesterday that we had graduated from preschool to join grade 1 in a big school We were little then we were excited but a little nervous too but look at us now smart, strong and super confident second graders, soon ready to set off for grade 3

build are all compromised, the house will always cave in

We grew in our classroom We grew in our playground. We grew at school events. We grew at home. We grew with our teachers, friends and family. We grew with our seniors at school too. We all at Neev have the power to be invincible, We are unstoppable!

This ideology works for everything from building a house to completing a design project or in a debate When laying the foundation has to be laid with passion, perseverance and determination

Sports and Science

A Journey of Adaptation in the Age of AI

~ Ayaan Amjad Maniar, Grade 4

In January 2023, on a whim I joined Robotics As I started immersing myself in this new field, it was shaping my personality as well Every step in coding is dynamic which helped to stimulate my thinking and improve focus The challenges of hardware set-up sessions posed an opportunity to solve problems as the assembling of the bot requires continuous analysis for smooth functioning Any skill bears fruit when there is long-term commitment and hence arose the need for discipline All these aspects slowly steered me into the direction of self-improvement

I also realized that values and skill building go hand in hand

Learning values is a lifelong journey and every new skill learnt helps to establish a strong personality Robotics helped me appreciate supportive parents, a passionate teacher, an accessible opportunity and above all the blessing of God in bestowing on us time and resources to pursue any skill

The growth of AI would affect many jobs in the future and lead to losing a sense of hard work We need to be steadfast in finding a solution which will bridge the gap between conventional methods and growing challenges through self-awareness, ethical practices and commitment

Building Roots, Embracing Growth

~ Kavya Arjun, Grade 11

With the constant barrage of questions about my future, what I want to do and who I want to be, I don't often look back at all the parts of my life that led me here There e been so many small, seemingly insignificant ments of my life that I never imagined I would one consider to be ‘foundational’ So many different parts my life have formed the roots of my personality, nching out to become the core of who I am The son I am today is a collage of all the life lessons I’ve rnt, all the people I love and all the things I value so eply

e future, as always, is a blur of uncertainty Nothing is ranteed. However, I find comfort in knowing that pite the trials that await me, I can close my eyes and knowing the ground I’ve built beneath me is sure to ch me

Looking Back, Looking Ahead 09

Connecting the Dots.

~ Vihaan Agarwal, Grade 5

Standing on the last rung of the PYP Ladder, staring at the ever so bustling PYP corridors, I wonder - Have I given any meaning to my PYP Years, or the time just flown away ?

I was fascinated when I started reminiscing my classroom carpet banters, the numerous pictorial presentations, the gallery walks, the group tasks, the football matches and the memorable house competitions

Concept of time I learnt through the many collaborative deadlined tasks, and the value of money and savings I learnt from the Fund-raising tasks that my team conducted for Service Saturdays

Love for the Books has been deeply embedded within my DNA by now, and the perpetual NLF’s holds promise

for the author within me

The cacophony of the flute slowly melodifies into our Brass Band performances with violin strings waiting to be strummed at the Srijaneev

Who am I? It could not have been better understood without the marvelous experience gained during the PYP Exhibition and the smiles, bonds and moments collected from our Delhi Trip.

Is all meaningful enough? I was pondering while walking through the MYP building, the seniors showcasing their Eureka projects, excitement and a greater sense of responsibility flowing through my veins

The Job has just begun, and the grade 5 brigade is ready to dive deeper into the unknown!

Lessons Learned and Bonds Formed

~ Riddhi Mantri, Grade 5

Of all the things we did this year, PYP-X really stood out - not just because we were the seniors of PYP, or it was the only exhibition in PYP, but because we had lots of fun, learning and friendships made along the way Through the course of PYP-X, we learnt about topics that were either new to use or were connected to our passions and curiosities It was definitely a stressful time - you shouldn’t take PYP-X easy, but don’t go too hard on yourself either There were instances when everyone felt low, but we all supported each other. In summation - Grade 5 was not easy, but it was a wonderful and really fun experience There will be new concepts or things that you might not clearly understand, but it’s always good to ask someone for help If I were to give any tips to 4th graders, it’d be - Don’t stress out too much, but

don’t take it too easy Make sweet, not sour memories, and enjoy 5th grade as much as you can - you’ll never get an experience like it ever again

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

My voyage through Grade 3

~ K Veda Ponappa, Grade 3

Last year in July, I started Grade three

A year to be filled with joy, learning & glee

The spirit week saw a squash ball trampoline

At the gallery walk - we made Columbus meet the queen

Children's day Mela was a lot of fun

Popcorn stall & dart game were the best one Lal bagh field trip happened yet again

The greens are lovely but walking was such a pain

Trained hard for Sarvjeet divas relay

Swimming was great except the back-to-class delay

'Around the world in 80 days'- at Neevotsav, what a show!

Spell bee made my vocabulary grow

On language day-I was the punjabi kudi with parandi & bangles

Visual art sessions taught us everything from paper mache to zentangles

Looking forward now to Grade four

Spotlights, house events, Hampi trip & more

Let's see what the year has in store

Lessons Learned and Bonds Formed

~ Anoushka Danny Johnson, Grade 9

From visiting the cold deserts of Ladakh to hustling through our examinations, from participating in interhouse activities to initiating our Service As Actions, 9th grade has been filled with plot twists and unexpected events that have led to making AY 2023-24 the most defining year for our Cohort

As we gripped onto our textbooks for dear life, we gained a lot of valuable experiences as a grade. Whether it be falling off of high altitude mountain ranges, using AFOREST to persuade our teachers to give us a free period, bargaining for higher grades on a test, or wrestling for the last cup of blue lagoon in the cafeteria, we undoubtedly went through a lot of life changing experiences that shaped us for the better However, looking back at this year we learnt a great deal of valuable lessons from our mistakes The Ladakh trip, while being the most exciting part of 9th grade, was also

a reality check for us to improve upon our attitude and morals as a grade. While we initially struggled as grade 9, over the course of the year we ' ve been able to transform from individuals into a united cohort through perseverance and resilience These defining experiences of 9th grade are the crucial foundations that will greatly benefit us and guide us as we transition into the vital year of Grade 10

Summer Plans

To travel, is to experience & to learn is to live

~ Ayaan Gupta, Grade 4

I am excited about my upcoming trip to the Capri Islands in Italy this summer The thing that I am looking forward to the most is scuba diving in the emerald waters surrounding the beautiful islands I hope to learn more about the marine life and coral reefs that thrive in the azure waters of southern Italy Exploring this underwater world will be an unparalleled experience that I am waiting for with bated breath I am eager to meet an environmentalist and learn more about ocean conservation and develop a greater appreciation for the importance of protecting our oceans I am eager to experience and learn new cultures and create memories to cherish for a lifetime

My Spanish Adventure in Spain

~ Haya Nasir, Grade 5

In the upcoming summer break, I look forward to developing my Spanish conversational skills during my holiday to Spain I hope my travels will be a culmination of learning Spanish for five years in PYP During these years, I took steps toward being a better Spanish speaker such as practicing regularly with Duolingo and staying in touch with the language In Spain, I hope to be able to converse with the locals with ease and fluency When I first started learning Spanish, I could not form sentences and only knew basic vocabulary Over time, I expanded my vocabulary and learnt proper sentence structure My fluency in the language should help me enjoy the trip more and ensure my safety at all times I also hope to immerse myself in the intricate Spanish culture In my classes, I learned a bit about Spanish culture and I look forward to experiencing it firsthand I am excited to visit various Spanish monuments and appreciate their unique history and brilliant architecture I look forward to reflecting, developing and adding to my prior knowledge I am excited for this journey to be more than just a vacation but also a rich learning experience

~ Aditya Talluri, Grade 5

The year started out for me with a lot of excitement and a little apprehension as to what to expect Throughout the year, unique opportunities were offered to me, that helped me realize my strengths and challenges - that I later overcame

I did two open water swims in Goa and in the Gunjur Lake near Bangalore I took the leap of faith in the waterfalls of Meghalaya and Dawki river. I also got the opportunity to climb to 11000 ft in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand that helped me realize my natural abilities while also highlighting the effort one needs to put in to accomplish such a task I participated in three concerts in Carnatic music to showcase my talent After experiencing all of these unique activities, my big learning was that practice is key in order to accomplish anything

~ Shaurya Max Havinahal, Grade 5

I have been exploring connections between real life science and science in popular culture for about a year from Homelab Through computational and experimental exploration, I have built robots and IoT devices such as voice controlled RGB stick, automated plant watering with moisture sensor, sound sensitive robots My instructor, Mr Prem has been a great motivator in growing my passion for coding with Python In the beginning of 2023, I learnt the basics of the Microbit, which has enabled me to understand how real scientists approach real life problems Later I was encouraged to learn optical computing at Homelab which I presented in one of the platforms called “Science Club”.

On March 23, 2023, I exhibited my “Voice Controlled Robot Car” at Microsoft’s Devopedia to a group of science enthusiasts like me (but older) This event not only thrilled me to learn more about the microbit but also helped meet Microsoft’s Hackathon team who are innovators My learning from this journey is to have persistence and not give up when challenges arise But this story is far from over Like they say “You are the architect of your destiny and the author of your narrative” ’

I look forward to embracing the journey, wherever it may lead, for every step is a story waiting to be told

Student Stories

Grade 3 Magazine

Over the course of this academic year, three students from Grade 3C Barkha Chandra, Reya Dabholkar, and Tara Pramod have taken the initiative to create their own magazine for Grade 3 They work together to collect articles from their classmates, and from the other sections The students then design and co-create the magazine, which has been deemed very informative by their teachers. So far they have put out 3 issues and are now working on creating their 4th issue Each issue gets three copies printed for every section of Grade 3 Here are a few pictures of the students' effort

Service and the Community

Spartis: Outreach and Continuing

~

Kaahinee

Agarwal, Grade 10

Student led initiative, ‘Spartis’ derived from the Latin word that means “by sharing“, aims to provide opportunities to learners beyond traditional classroom learning Each member of Spartis, dedicated to their extracurriculars - whether it's Navya Khandelwal, a grade 6 pianist, or Akshaya Prakash, a state-level basketball player - bring expertise to their lessons

The members noticed that the school primarily focuses on preparing the students in terms of traditional lifeskills and academics, and Spartis aims to expose the students to extracurriculars Their main activities center around teaching arts, music and sports to the government school students Through 9 months of sustained efforts, the members had noticed profound impacts through their service Navya discussed how towards the beginning, students were inclined towards sports, but through growing familiarity with the

members, the students gained engagement with art and music The project had indelible impacts on the members, with new skill developments They learnt to foster relationships with the students, become more patient, resolve arguments and understand how to create compromise With a commitment to their service, the members of Spartis aim to make a difference, one activity, and one student at a time

They aim to expand their mission, as they are actively looking for volunteers with the same passions. To get involved or learn more about spartis, we encourage you to reach out to Akshaya or Navya (akshaya prakash@neevacademy org or navya khandelwal@neevacademy org), the heads of volunteering

Save Water, Save Planet Earth

~ Arth Palo, Grade 1

This year Bangalore is facing a lot of water problems When I inquired, I found out that there are two types of water sources in Bangalore - Kaveri river water and borewells Both get water from rainfall but the water in the sources is reducing due to less rainfall in Bangalore

What I do to save water is avoid wasting the water, by closing the tap while brushing This year we saved water by playing dry holi We also placed an aerator in our taps which helps control the water speed. We also tried using the waste water from the water filter. I hope more and more people join to save water and our blue planet

Book Recommendations

The Lost Legends of New Jersey, Frederick Reiken

Shenaya Bhattacharjee, Grade 9

A captivating collection of short stories by Frederick Reiken that weaves together the life of high school ice-hockey legend Anthony Rubin and his family Every chapter shifts from past to present, understanding each character's complex mindspace in a different period of their lives Human emotions and relationships are the backbone of the story, that is about love, loss, and coping with sudden change This book portrays how sometimes it is okay to let go of what you want, to first stabilize yourself Each character has flaws and unique traits that can make you love and hate them at the same time, and often lets the reader see themselves in the story Not just the tapestry of perfection that most people try to depict, but a thought provoking narrative about challenges The grounded storytelling deals with the delicate topics of divorce and broken households, friendships and fights, and how as a society we define them as “bad”, but highlights the fact that they are critical to build foundations. It makes you question “What are the mistakes you can make along the way?”

Unstoppable Us: Volume 1, Yuval Noah Harari

~ Tvisha Agarwal, Grade 5

How did we humans, who were merely jungle creatures living in the forest, become the strongest and most dominant species on earth, so much so that the lives of other animals depend on us? This book explains all about early humans and the other species of humans that used to exist alongside our species the homo sapiens

The author explains all about early civilizations, evolution, extinction, and much more in a captivating way as if he is directly speaking to his audience, making the book more fun and relatable to young readers I have read this book about 3 times and am still not bored of it! Normally, I would not pick a nonfiction fact-based book but this one is different from other nonfiction books, and when you read it, you'll find out why I recommend this book to everyone above the age of 9

The Land of Enchantments, Enid Blyton

~ Sia Sikka, Grade 2

I would really recommend this book to those who like reading short chapter books The author, Enid Blyton makes the writing of the book so believable, and takes us into a new and enchanting land It is also hilarious because of its characters, for example, Mr Saucepan Man’s pots, pans and kettles keep clanging throughout the story, and I loved reading about the funny sounds they make There are also a lot of lessons in this book, like not to pry and peep into others' lives So please pick up this book if you are looking for a fantastical read!

Movie Recommendations 15

King Richard (2021)

Rated 13+

Kavni Reddy, Grade 5

King Richard is a beautiful movie that shows the determination of two girls, Venus and Serena Williams, who dream of being tennis players They go through many highs and lows, and they face all of them with their family, especially their dad Richard Williams was the main person to make Venus and Serena Williams world champions Overall, the movie shows determination, strength, an attitude to never give up and shows the audience that family is always there for them

Leo (2023)

Rated 7+

SaiSumana K Chellaram, Grade 1

During my spring break, I watched a movie called Leo The movie is about a talking lizard named Leo, who is one of the class pets in Grade 5 This year, the new students of Grade 5 had a substitute teacher, Ms Malkin, who was very strict She made a new rule in class: every Friday, one child had to take a class pet home and take good care of it They had to choose between Leo, the lizard, or Squirtle, the turtle, to take home for the weekend All the students chose Leo, because the first student who took Leo home, loved him very much and told the class that Leo was “ awesome ” . While Leo was at the kids’ homes, he spoke with each of the kids and taught them life lessons by singing a song. Leo made the kids feel special By the end of the year, the kids became more responsible and performed well in class

Derry Girls (2018-2023)

Rated 16+

~ Tamara Serukur, Grade 10

"Derry Girls" is a comedy satire series that follows the lives of four Irish girls and a British cousin as they navigate adolescence amidst Northern Ireland's Troubles of the 90s. Hilarious, quick-witted, and brilliantly written, Lisa McGee has crafted a series that delivers humour from all angles, touching on family dynamics, Catholic schooling, and the absurdities of religious conflict without resorting to clichés The irreverent take on life in 90s Northern Ireland is complemented by a very fitting soundtrack featuring The Cranberries' greatest hits What truly sets "Derry Girls" apart is its well-etched characters, from the main cast to supporting roles like Erin's (the main character) mother, her 'Granda’, and even the girls’ school principal, Sister Michael Underneath the crude language and the cynical outlook of most of the adults, this is a story of youth and hope

Connections

~ Make connections between words based on shared characteristics or relationships

~ Pari Pavan Chatlani, Grade 5

~ Azad Rishikesh, Grade 5

ChiefEditor:

Aida Sandy Sree, Grade 11

SupportingEditor:

Ananya Malde, Grade 11

BooksandOpinionEditor:

Sitara Rishikesh, Grade 10

DesignandProductionEditor:

ChiefReporterSeniorSchool:

ChiefReporterPYP:

Nihaal Singh Sehgal, Grade 9

Aditi Garg, Grade 10

Myra Nigam, Grade 5