JubliTimes Issue. No. 15 February 2022

JubliTimes

I SSUE No . 15: Febr u ar y 2022

LEGO:

Learning Excellence must Go On

02

Message From Principal

04

COVID Virus Defanged?

06

Student’s Corner

10

Creative Corner

18

Past and Upcoming Events www.serijubli.edu.my

www.serijubli.edu.my 1 fb.com/serijubliinternational

MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL PAULUS LEE Greetings my dear teachers, students and parents!

Since this is the first article of the year, I would like to wish

their needs. With the recent glitches of dealing with the

everyone a Happy 2022, and for those who just celebrated

COVID cases we faced even at the start of this year, I am

the Lunar New Year, a Blessed Chinese New Year to you

thankful to see the support of teachers and parents who

too!

are committed to ensure that learning goes on. This has allowed us to overcome these challenges.

The term ‘endemic’ has recently overtaken the term ‘pandemic’ in popularity at a global scale. Everybody is

Though the landscape of education has changed, we are

talking about it. This is of course supported by science and

excited at the new possibilities and opportunities it brings.

facts available about the recent variant, and its impact on

Let’s press on together!!!

health as a whole. Countries, governments, institutions and industries are all evaluating the endemic’s impact and what it means for each sector going forward. So, how does the endemic impact Education?

We may have heard this said over and over again: We must live with the virus. Schools all around the world are exploring and experimenting with hybrid/blended classes, online classes and face-to-face classes to adapt and adjust back to the ideal state of education that will benefit the children. In these 2 years, we have seen enough of how the pandemic, which led to the lockdown of schools, has robbed children of their education, and thus has limited and affected their development.

Seri Jubli International School is committed to champion our vision of Empowering Lives through Holistic Education.

Therefore, we are pleased to launch a program called LEGO (Learning Excellence must Go On) as part of our initiative to keep education alive and dynamic for our students in this endemic. The program has an online element to allow students to access lessons from home.

This would allow students who are required to take precaution in the midst of this endemic to not lose out on learning. This would also ensure that our school continues face-to-face learning in a safe environment while ensuring our students get the best form of education that caters to

2

在此问候亲爱的老师、学生和家长们！

这是今年的第一篇文章，我借此机会祝大家2022年新年快乐，也祝贺刚刚 欢庆过农历新年的各位，农历新年快乐！ 近期，“地方性流行”这词汇在全球的流行程度已经远远超越了“全球性 大流行”一词。人们都在议论纷纷。这说法当然是因为近期的变种病毒对 于全人类的健康影响的科学和事实所引证。各国政府、机构、各行各业等 等都在对这疫情的影响进行评估以及其在未来对大家的含义。那么，这疫 情又是如何影响教育呢？ “我们必须与病毒共存”，这句话相信大家都已经听过无数遍了。世界各 地的学府都在探讨和试验着如何进行混合式课程，即同时进行实体课和线 上教学，以便能适当的调整孩子们回到有益他们的理想学习状态。这两年 内，我们看了足够多这疫情所带了的影响：学校被迫停课，从而剥夺了孩 子学习的机会，进而限制及影响了他们的个人发展。 致理国际学校致力于支持本校的愿景，即透过全人教育，影响并丰富更多 人的未来。借此机会，我们很荣幸地向您们宣布，我们推出了一个名为 LEGO (Learning Excellence must Go On)的计划， 作为校方在这疫情中为 确保本校学生能继续学习及保持学习活力的重要举措之一。此项计划是让 学生们在家也能继续学习。这不但使在疫情中需要采取预防措施的学生们 能持续学习，也将确保有安全的校园能让其他学生们进行实体课，以满足 学生们对于学习的最佳需求。自今年年初起直到近期，校方就处理新冠病 毒事件发生了一些小插曲，但我很高兴地看到老师们和家长们致力于确保 孩子们能继续学习所给予的支持，促使大家能够一一克服这些挑战。 尽管教育大环境上发生了一些变化，但其所带来的新挑战和机遇是让人值 得感到兴奋的，让我们一起加油！

www.serijubli.edu.my

3

COVID Virus Defanged?

By Mr. Lee Kok Hwee

The COVID virus has disrupted our lives and caused

changed much, not in tandem with the infection.

worldwide health challenges over the last 2 years. Since

Thus, a few countries have made the decision to drop all

then, there have been more than a dozen variants, most of

COVID restrictions and legislations already while many more

which were transient and did not cause any significant

have set dates for the full reopening of international travel.

impact. The most pathogenic was the Delta variant but it too has been completely displaced by Omicron. Since its emergence in November 2021, it has been making its way around the world. This is not surprising as Omicron is about 17 times more infectious and thus, has been spreading quickly. Most if not all western countries have seen a

Many ASEAN countries are responding similarly as well. In Malaysia, the National Recovery Council, tasked to manage COVID, has recommended the full reopening of borders by 1st March. Though it has yet to receive the full endorsement by the cabinet, a decision is expected soon.

significant surge in cases (record levels). However, while the number of COVID cases have risen, the fatality rate has not

In summary, the world has moved on from a pandemic to an endemic stage. Like many other types of viruses, it appears that COVID is here to stay. Experts project that this virus will cause symptoms similar to a bad cold, which is a common phenomenon in temperate countries during the winter months. The reason for the milder and more infectious impact of the virus is that, like Omicron, the virus incubates only at the throat section whilst the Delta lodges at the sacs of the lung. This reduces severe effects requiring mechanical support like ventilators. These differences are the reason for low hospitalisation rates despite high infections.

All these have resulted in the change of COVID management worldwide. Higher vaccination rates and herd immunity together with the highly infectious nature of Omicron have made containment strategies obsolete, thus leading to more countries considering the lifting of COVID restriction altogether. For example, in Malaysia, the Health Ministry announced the relaxation of close contact guidelines whereby individuals in close contact who have received their boosters are only required to do some tests and do not have to quarantine themselves if the results are negative and they show no symptoms!

To end, we know immensely more about COVID now than when it emerged in early 2020: Its symptoms, pathogenicity and treatment. The vaccines clearly played a huge role in reducing the severity of the virus. Coupled with the nature of Omicron’s low deleterious effect, governments around the world including ours recognise the need to move beyond lockdowns and severe legislations which have been found to have limitations. The jury is back in court, so has the virus finally been defanged?

4

被削弱的新冠病毒？

在过去的两年，新冠病毒的出现已扰乱了我们的正常生 活，并引发了全球性的健康考验。迄今，新冠病毒已经出 现了至少十几种变种病毒，而大部分变种病毒都属于短暂 性的，并没有造成任何太大的影响。最致命的变种病毒就 是Delta，现阶段也完全被Omicron变种病毒所取代了。 自2021年11月出现了Omicron变种病毒以来，它便迅速 地传播到世界各地。这速度并不令人吃惊，因为Omicron 的传染率大约是普通病毒的17倍，传播速度极快。大多 数西方国家的确诊病例都在大幅度地增加（破新确诊记 录)。尽管新冠确诊病例的数量有上升的趋势，但是死亡 率却没直接被影响，并没有上升的趋势。 因此，一些国家已经决定取消所有新冠病毒的限制和立 法，而许多国家也已经确定了全面重新对外开放国际航线 的日期。一些东盟国家也做出了类似的举措。而主管马来 西亚新冠病毒疫情事务的国家复苏理事会，也建议政府3 月1日全面对外开放边境。此举措虽尚未得到内阁政府的 批准，但预计在短时间内政府会有所决定。 总概而言，全球已经从“全球性大流行”病毒进入了小规 模的“地方性流行”病毒阶段。与许多其他类型病毒一 样，新冠病毒似乎会继续存在。专家预测，新冠病毒将持

Introduction Mr. Lee Kok Hwee is the founder and Executive Director of Seri Jubli International School. His PASSION for EDUCATION is clearly reflected through his involvement (both past and present) in various educational institutions such as Canossian Convent Kluang, Malayan Mission Schools Council, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

李国辉先生

续引起类似于重感冒的症状，如同温带国家于冬天场出 现的现象。此病毒更具传染性的主要原因是，与 Omicron一样，病毒仅潜伏在喉咙部分，而Delta则潜伏 在肺部。这减低了对于呼吸机等机械支持的需求。尽管 感染率相对的提高了，但是住院率却降低了。 这些都影响了世界各地对于新冠病毒的管理。更高的新 冠疫苗接种率和群体免疫以及Omicron的高传染性从而 使遏制策略过时，这也导致更多国家考虑全面取消有关 新冠病毒的限制。比如说，马来西亚卫生部已宣布放款 密切接触者指南，即密切接触者在接种加强针后只需要 进行自我检测。若自我检测结果呈阴性且没有任何症状 则无需自我隔离。 无论是新冠病毒的症状、致病性和治疗方法，现在我们 对于新冠病毒的了解相对于2020年初刚刚发现的时候有 着更加深入的了解了。显而易见的，接种疫苗在降低病 毒传染性的方面发挥了巨大作用。再加上Omicron低伤 害的性质，包括马来西亚在内的世界各国政府都已经意 识到需解封现有的限制和相关立法。各位看官们回到现 实中，那么新冠病毒终于要被削弱势力了吗？

介绍

李国辉先生是致理国际学校的 创办人兼 执行董事。他对于教 育的热情都充分地 体现在他曾 经及目前所参与的教育机 构， 例如居銮康文女子学校、马来 ⻄亚 全国教会学校理事会及拉 曼大学。

Mr. Lee Kok Hwee www.serijubli.edu.my 5

STUDENT’S CORNER CNY CELEBRATION 2022

I liked colouring the tiger because it was my first time using ink to paint something. I also

On the 9th and 10th of February 2022, we had our CNY

learnt about other ways of colouring.

Celebration with the students here at Seri Jubli! The purpose of this celebration was to educate the students about CNY through traditional cultural activities. In

Justin Tang, Y10

order for us to observe our SOPs while keeping it fun and creative, the celebration was carried out using a

I enjoyed the Ink painting the

station-game format where the 4 houses (Aeris, Aqua,

most because it was really fun.

Ignis and Terra) competed against each other. Besides that, the celebration was done over 2 days: 9th Feb for

Yi Jin, Y10

the Secondary and 10th Feb for the Primary.

I enjoyed writing the calligraphy because it was

For the secondary students, their CNY activities included

the first time I did it and I learned different

Paper Cutting (Tiger), Chinese Ink Painting, writing Spring Festival Couplets (��) and Singing & Dancing along to CNY songs.

Janice, Y9

Here are some comments from the secondary students about what they enjoyed and learnt:

I enjoyed the Chinese painting because it showed team work.

Canny, Y9

I enjoyed the dancing session the most. I even added some of my own moves!

Writing and painting were the activities I enjoyed the most! I love learning about all the history as well.

Jerrence, Y11

Yuki, Y9

I like the tiger drawing activity. It was very interesting and I learned teamwork from there as

I enjoyed drawing & cutting the

well as how to communicate with others.

tiger head because we got to see whose cutting was prettier Scott, Y10 I really like the Chinese ink

Chloe Y8

painting because I think it is one of the most beautiful and interesting

I have learnt many things about Chinese New

Chinese cultures.

Year. Firstly, I learnt about Chinese painting. Secondly, I learnt dancing. Lastly, I learn calligraphy.

Jia Tong, Y10 The CNY celebration was very fun. The

Kenzo, Y7

students got to try writing spring festival couplets and ink painting which was a new activity to some of the students.

I like the calligraphy writing activity most because it was very special.

Yu Huan, Sherlyn, Y7

My favourite activity was painting the tiger because I learnt something new and it was really interesting to paint.

Pin Yi, Y10

6

I enjoyed the station where we painted Chinese words on a paper.

Josiah, Y7

www.serijubli.edu.my 7

For the primary students, their CNY activities included Folding Origami Paper Tigers, Mini Canvas painting, writing Spring Festival Couplets (��) and Singing Along to CNY songs. The Year 1 students also got to watch a video on “The origins of the Chinese Zodiac”.

Here are some comments from the primary students about what they enjoyed and learnt:

I like the paper cutting and folding of the tiger, as it was

I like the tiger drawing the most as it was very cute! I

really simple and I enjoy origami a lot. I also learnt

learnt how to draw the tiger, how to do the paper cutting

about Chinese culture! The Chinese calligraphy was

for the tiger, how to write calligraphy and how to do the

something new to me too.

Chinese New Year Dance.

- Wai Long, Y5

- Nuo Enn, Y3

I liked the tiger drawing as my Chinese Zodiac is the

I learnt how to make a tiger out of paper and also some

tiger! I learnt how to paint the tiger properly and also

CNY dances. It was fun! We did Chinese calligraphy and

how to take care of my team members during the

even learned how to draw a tiger on a mini canvas

activities.

- Natalie, Y5 - Zephyr, Y6

I liked the�� (Spring Festival Couplets) because I love

I liked the origami tiger because I love making paper

writing and I learnt about some traditional cultures.

crafts.

- Olivia, Y6 I like the canvas printing the most, as I like drawing! And

- Priscillia, Y4 I liked making the tiger because it looks nice.

I like the way it was drawn. I learnt how to draw, how to write calligraphy, how Chinese people decorate their

- Joshua, Y1

houses during Chinese New Year. I also learnt about teamwork and how to help others.

- Suvethika, Y6

All in all, the students had a good time participating in the different CNY activities. We would like to thanks all the teachers for their hard work in preparing and carrying out the activities. Special thanks to our Education Advisor, Mr. Yew Kok Leh, who is also the Chairman of the Kluang Art Society, for availing himself to help the students with the Chinese Ink and Mini Canvas Painting activities.

8

www.serijubli.edu.my 9

CREATIVE CORNER In this issue of Jubli Times, we will be featuring 7 essay submissions by our Year 8 to Year 10 students for the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition which was held from December 2021 - February 2022. This was our first year participating after receiving an invitation from them personally. Even though they did not enter the finals, we are still super proud of how our students did!

MINER DAY OFF

By Soh Jing Huai (Year 10) The morning sun shines bright across the hilly

ready to enjoy his day off.

fields, the birds chirp atop the lush green

Locking his door behind him, Cobalton made

trees, and Cobalton Ironside arose from his

his way down the bustling streets of Pinehill

deep slumber. As he scratched his hair

he had spent most of adulthood in, taking in

covered chin, he sluggishly stood up from his

the daily lives of the townsfolk. After around

bed, and made his bed in an orderly fashion,

a quarter of an hour, Colbalton had finally

as was his rountine. Colbalton made his way

made his way to the town market. Looking

to his kitchen with his rough sturdy, only a few

around at the many stalls that lined the

steps from his bedroom. His house was built

streets, he saw the usual assortment of

to be as comfortable to his size as possible,

products, fruits, vegetables, meat, colourful

Colbalton didn’t like the hassle of large spaces

potions of all sorts, new and used armour and

and lenghty hallways. His people never liked

weapons, magical plant pets, and other

them.

things; nothing caught his eye as he was walking and browsing, until he saw a familiar

As Cobalton prepared his breakfast, was be

glimer.

mindful as to add more mineral salt to his meal, as today was his off day he wanted sure

Set on a table beside other pieces of

to enjoy it as much as possible. With his

decorations, was a copper lamp engraved

breakfast completed, he sat down on his

with a simple design anda bright red dot on

favorite armchair, which he received some

top. Cobaltson immediately recognised it, the

time ago from a friendly human family as a

lamp was an item that was made by an old

gift, as their child had grown out of it and

friend of his from his hometown before he

wanted to repay him for helping them out

passed away some decades ago, simply one of

with a drill mole infestation in their garden.

his many pieces sold off to random merchant.

As he finished up his breakfast, he decided he

Now it was sitting right in front of Cobaltson,

was going to thoroughly enjoy his well-earned

going for a moderate price. As swift as the

day off by dressing his best, miners like him

southern wind, Cobaltson bought the lamp for

rarely had a day off, you see.

it’s exact price, carrying it home with his rough hands that evening.

Colbalton changed into a more leisurely fit for his stroll through the market, making a quick

Cobalton carried the precious lamp home that

mental note to wash up his mining clothes

evening, beaming and grinning all the way.

when he gets home, as he would need them

Thugh he may not become a world famous

the next day for another hard day of work.

craftsman like many from his hometown, he

Cobalton took his time to stylize his long

could at least have a piece of the past, though

beard which fell down to his shins, which was

not from someone with high esteem, but

the pride of his race, being their most defining

someone he deeply admired.

feature aside from their lack of height. After a lengthy amount of time, Cobalton was finally

10 10

ARE BYSTANDERS WHO DO NOT INTERVENE ALSO AT FAULT?

By Soh Jing Hao (Year 10) It has been quoted that Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Are bystanders who do not intervene also at fault? When you think of the word bystander, what comes to mind? A witness? An observer? What is a bystander exactly? The Harvard dictionary states, ‘a bystander is a person who is standing near and watching something that is happening but is not taking part in it’. This explains why some people say bystanders are at fault in certain situations, Let’s use a real life scenario. In the infamous killing of a black man by the name of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer. I won’t be talking about the killing itself as there many sources online that state in the detail about the situation. During the time of the crime, there were many bystanders present.

Some of them watch on in terror while others took out their phones and recorded the whole thing. Many of these videos were the key to sending the man behind the crime, Derek Chauvin, to prison.

So, what happened? In some states in the US like Vermont, according to the law in Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 12 under Section 519 (a), it states that must render assistance if there is the knowledge that someone else is in grave danger of physical harm if no one else is doing so and if doing so does not place one in peril. Failing to do so is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $100.

Does that answer our question? Legally, Bystanders are at fault but only in some US states. Many countries do not share the same sentiments. Instead, let's look at this from a moral standpoint. Some might argue that helping people Is a moral obligation that must be taken at every opportunity, or at least try to do so.

While others, feel the moral obligation is over emphasised, and that offering help isn’t the duty of the bystander, but should be left to the proper authorities This also puts into consideration their beliefs. (When we take into consideration the religious point of view, things like ‘Karma’ and ‘charity’ come into view. On the one hand, most religions emphasize the need to help others. Some religions preach that responding at the point of time, be it by reporting the crime, or lending a helping hand, brings good fortune. believe that the more people you help, the more people that will help you in the future. Buying into the idea of ‘one good deed sparks another’. On the other hand, some people don’t help others for less selfish reasons. (is a bystander who does not intervene in the situation always acting out of selfishness? Perhaps It isn’t because they are not bothered to help, sometimes it is because they lack the expertise or ability, lack the confidence, or perhaps they are responding with a prayer rather than an action. There are many plausible reasons why a bystander might not intervene. Some are more reasonable like, not having the appropriate training to help like medical training; not having the tools to help, like not having a saw on hand to free someone from a tree that has fallen over and pin them somewhere. However, they is a not so obvious reason - fear of the person they are helping. (Yet in other times, the reason might not be so clear cut) Take for example, stories where the person being helped sues the kind Samaritan who decided to help them. Who then is at fault then?

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on the person, him or her beliefs and moral compass should be the one to the decide. If were to ask me this question, I would say that bystanders who do not intervene are at fault as I believe that helping another human being is everyone’s duty.

www.serijubli.edu.my 11

HAS SOCIAL MEDIA BEEN A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY?

By Reyneisha Saravana Kumar (Year 8) Look at your phone right now, or perhaps your tablet. What was the last app you looked at in it? When was the last you had looked at it? Chances are… it wasn’t more than fifteen minutes before an app was checked, and there is a high chance one of the apps recently checked would have most likely been Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Pinterest, or Snapchat. These days, social media is being used widely around the world and, according to a recent survey taken on the 7th of September 2021, the worldwide-average usage of social media was 147 minutes per day. That’s almost three hours of our lives, over 10% of our daily lives spent on social media. Do the pros outweigh the cons of social media?

Social media allows us to connect with our family members and friends anytime and anywhere. One best example would have been the nightmare that is the recent COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the entire world. Imagine the connection that social media had allowed. Imagine, there were no social media throughout the past two years: How would we have been able to communicate with each other? Although social media permits us to communicate with our close ones through devices such as our computers, laptops, and mobile phones, it has its downsides too. Being in touch with our close ones in this manner can lead to miscommunications and unstable relationships due to the unrealistic expectations and friendships formed in our minds. Around 40% of the world uses social media to communicate. Perhaps it is time to consider as well, is communicating online replacing real-life interactions and human touch? When we also reduce social interaction between our family members and friends and rely on phone calls and text messages, is that truly a step forward in human interaction, or a step back?

‘Skin-deep and mentally steep’, that’s what social media’s impact is. Spending exorbitant time on social networking sites adversely affects your mental health and also causes depression and anxiety. It doesn't take that much time to figure out why social media can cause this. Social media allows you to see the most perfect parts of people's lives, which most people compare to their own lives and make themselves miserable. That’s why beauty on social media is only skin-deep and mostly superficial. Having said that, it’s noteworthy that there has been a rise in platforms on social media being used to spread useful information like mental health awareness and charity works. However, perhaps it’s time to consider, which voice on social media has been louder? The truth, or the lie?

Drawing it all together, I believe it’s arguable that social media has been more of a bad influence on society rather than a good one. Social media mars the perfection of natural human interaction and subsumes us into the virtual world rather than the real one we actually live in. Considering the positive points it adds to life, this author does not think it is a worthy trade-off.

12

WHICH CAME FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?

By Reeves Tien Li Lin (Year 8)

In the beginning, there was nothing. Nothing

A few years later, the Rooster and his friends,

but an empty void named ‘darkness’. One day,

the Dog and Cat, were wandering around the

a big bang shook the void, and the light that

village.

came from it created our universe. From the

“Where did I come from?” He asked his

light came the gods, divine beings so powerful

friends.

that it shook the heavens and earth. Their

“A few years ago, the humans brought you

powers were so strong that some gods

back from the forest,” the Cat replied.

separated into angels and humans. From the

“They said that they picked you up during the

heavens came beings called ‘Gods’ and

battle between the guardians and gods.”

“Angels” and from the earth came beings

The Dog continued, “And they raised since

called ‘humans.’ Humans, the weaker beings

then.”

as those who ruled the earth, and gods were

The Rooster walked away pondering the thing

the celestial beings who ruled the heavens.

they just discussed. He went back for lunch, and went for a walk along the edge of the

Then came creatures of peaceful and hostile

forest. There, the pebbles he always sees

attitudes: the Azure Dragon of the East, the

rocked. The Rooster could not believe his eyes.

Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of

‘Crack,’ went the pebbles. He realized that it

the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and

wasn’t pebbles but it was eggs. The eggs

the Yellow Dragon of the center. They ruled

began to crumble to pieces and a little small

the four directions, and were called the Five

beak popped out.

Guardians of Heaven and Earth. They helped gods and humans with their unique powers.

A big pillar of flame appeared at the left of

Each of the five Guardians can control one of

the Rooster. The Vermillion Bird of the South

the five elements: fire, water, earth, air and

stepped forward as the flame died down.

quintessence.

“Rooster, I hereby name you the Father of Chickens, and order you to look after these

On an auspicious day, the gods fought with

young chicks.” said the Vermillion Bird in a

the Vermillion Bird of the south, wanting to

soft, melodic yet commanding voice. Then she

rule its territory. During the fight, the

was gone in a pillar of flame that glowed with

Vermillion Bird’s precious gem fell to the

a weird blue color.

earth, which it cracked, and a feathered

“Cheep! Cheep!” The Rooster turned his head

creature bursting out from it. The humans,

towards the sound. The sight of three little

who lived on the earth in villages, found the

birds with yellow and brown feathers,

creature, naming it Rooster, and took it back

surrounded by surprised him, and he took

to their home, taking care of it by giving it

them back to the village, where he had been

food and water.

taking care of them ever since.

www.serijubli.edu.my 13

SOCIAL MEDIA: A BANE OR A GIFT

By Dheeban Kumar (Year 9) Scenario one is a teen entering depression over cyberbullying via social media. Scenario two is someone successfully being rescued from a disaster because they reached out for help via social media. So, is social media a bane or a gift? When placed on a scale does the negative impact of social media outweigh the good it brings?

According to TechJury, an average person spends two hours and 24 minutes on social media each day in 2021. People of various ages have become engrossed by social media and it has become part of their daily routine. This obsession, however, is driving us to the ground.

To begin with, social media has formed a false perception of a perfect body among users. A survey done by King’s University found that 87% of women and 65% of men compare their bodies to images they consume on social media. Though some celebrities promote healthy body image and mental awareness such as Billie Ellish, who refuses to wear revealing clothes or promote a skinny body image as she wants to be her true self. However, there are a greater number of posts that idealize a certain body type or physical feature. These types of posts can lead to the development of body image concerns especially amongst frequent users which will be devastating to their mental and physical health by exacerbating issues such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Another adverse effect of social media is digital colonialism. Digital colonialism refers to an idea where one culture dominates another culture due to social media. As an example, many posts on social media promote American culture more than other cultures to users. This increases users' knowledge about American culture which is a positive, however, the constant promotion of the American culture has led to issues such as users forgetting their own cultures and wanting to resemble Americans. On top of that, digital colonialism can lead to the extinction of certain cultures as more users are being colonized by other cultures.

Finally, social media presents an idea of success being at one’s fingertips, eluding the hard work and diligence that goes into it which gives users false hope. For example, many Youtube and Tiktok stars promote their wealth and fame to motivate viewers. Although this inspires viewers to become social media stars, it also distracts the viewers and users from the important fact that such is not the case for most who dream of internet stardom.

In conclusion, social media should be used sensibly and usage hours should be limited to between 30 minutes and an hour per day. Practicing these habits might reduce the negative effects of social media on society such as addiction, self-image issues, etc. Let’s put this on the table for consideration, social media is a tidal wave that brings along with it many negative effects, but could these be scaled to moderation with a little bit of self-control and discipline? Perhaps the answer isn’t no social media, but social media in moderation.

14

THE PERFECT DAY

By Chloe Loh Yi Qi (Year 8) What does 'a perfect day' mean? Is it a day without flaws or mistakes? Or a day where all goes your way, having no work to do? Food for thought indeed.

In the morning, I would wake up early and go jogging with my father around the foothills near my house. I love the feeling of sweat running down my chin like a tape that has not been turned off, dripping the troubles of the day away. When we go for our run, the birds’ singing can be overhead as we pass by palm trees and bushes full of flowers; the temperature outside would be a perfect windy nip, instead of the usual humid tropical heat.

I always love to go jogging with my father because we get to talk and share interesting things together. At the end of the run, I would let myself cool down and soak in a bathtub prepared for me.

Then, I would go downstairs to help my mum prepare breakfast. I would get my choice of menu for breakfast that morning as I would be the chef of the day and no one would object to my choices. My three younger sisters and I love scrambled eggs the most, so, I would make scrambled eggs for my sisters and half boiled eggs for my parents. My sisters and I would then sit down around the breakfast table with our parents and enjoy a nice brunch together as a family, no one rushing off to work or needing to dress up for school, just us... my family.

When I go to school on this perfect day, there would be no struggle when I learn English, my second language. There would be no discrimination between those of us who speak another language at home compared to those who speak English well. I would have no trouble grasping the concepts and ideas in class and students would not be treated differently because of our academic achievements. Also, they will be no bully and quarrel or even got scold by teachers.

At noon, I would go to my relative's house and help me prepare their son's twelfth birthday.

I would blow up balloons of different shapes and colours. Before decorating the living room with lots of balloons, streamers and confetti. There would be family and friends around who have travelled from near and far, even my aunt from Singapore would be present because there would be no restrictions for travel. During the party, there would be fireworks, presents and cake... laughter without worry, with no concern for viruses or masks to wear.

I would say that it was a previous opportunity because I got to embrace friends and relatives I hadn’t seen in years. The day was also perfect because I am capable to help my neighbours and friends around me. For me, that is more than enough.

www.serijubli.edu.my 15

WOULD A SAINT BE LOYAL OR INTEGRAL?

By Ang Zen Keen (Year 8)

The dilemma between loyalty and integrity

integrity for monetary gain, but if she was

has been an age-old struggle, and is likely to

resorting to prostitution to feed her family,

continue for ages to come. A good example

which is an act of putting others before

of this would be communists struggling to

yourself, would that not be counted as

choose between being loyal to their country,

having integrity? If having integrity is

or to be true to their integrity. But the truth

following a predetermined set of moral

may not be as simple or pretty as one might

principles, then do you really have integrity,

think…

when the standards are defined by others?

Loyalty exists, yet not in the way people

The question asks if it’s better to act with

would imagine. Someone can be loyal to

loyalty or integrity, but in truth, there is no

one faction, yet betray it. Why? Because they

“better” answer. It’s not that they’re both

are more loyal to another faction. Loyalty is

equally important, but rather that the

real, loyalty is true, yet it isn’t because of

answer is different with every individual.

love or patriotism. Fundamentally, loyalty is

Acting with loyalty may mean to follow a

fueled by our human desire. Our lust for

faction faithfully, yet could also be to be

money, for items, for respect, our greed to

loyal to your own desires. Acting with

want everything, own everything, or even to

integrity can be to never do bad things for

be loved by the opposite gender. It’s like

your own gain, yet could also mean to

staying at a job that pays well. Do you really

follow your own moral compass. Of course,

want to work, or to suffer in a terrible

if it were to be for the better of everyone,

workplace? Obviously not. Yet you stay, not

acting with the standard feeling of integrity

because of “loyalty” but because of your

and loyalty is better. But if you were to

desire to gain. Even if you have enough, you

follow the true virtue of loyalty and

will stay, because it pays well. But the

integrity, it would be impossible to

moment a better paying job swings by, all

determine a true better option, as

the so-called loyalty you had before is

everyone’s view on loyalty and integrity

thrown out the window.

would differ.

Integrity can be classified in the same boat.

When life forces a decision on you between

The definition of integrity is “the quality of

loyalty and integrity, perhaps the true

being honest and having strong moral

answer may not be in which is objectively

principles”. Yet picture this scenario. A

better, but in which is more beneficial.

single mother is struggling to earn money to

Perhaps the dilemma between loyalty and

feed her starving family. With no other

integrity could simply be solved with a

options, she turns to prostitution. People

simple checklist of priorities…

would say that she is abandoning her

16

Besides these 7 submissions for the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Compe��on, we would also like to feature Dheeban’s essay submission for the Royal Commonwealth Society Interna�onal Essay Wri�ng Compe��on 2021 that was unfortunately missed out in our June 2021 issue.

AARAV

By Dheeban Kumar (Year 8)

“Four thousand… five thousand… six...” Aarav mumbled, counting the faded American dollars in his hands and feeding them into the automated ticket machine. “At least this port still takes dollar bills.”

Aarav receives the credit-card shaped, one-way ticket and goes to Port 3 of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kerala India, anxiously awaiting his one chance of freedom. As a refugee in India, running away seems to be the only chance he has. While travelling in the ship, Aarav felt discomforted as he is not used to the rough movement of the ship and the choppy waters of the ocean It has been 30 years since the global COVID-19 Pandemic but India is still battling COVID-19 and the situation in the country is getting worse day by day.

Aarav’s plan is to go to a country that will keep him protected from the virus and so he decides to embark on a long journey from India to the United States of America. India, once one of the largest nations in the world, has now shrunk in its population to become just about the same size as a deserted island. When the pandemic happened, Aarav, who was then a doctor in the COVID wards, saw first-hand the selfishness of rich nations that refused to lend a helping hand to them.

Fast forward 30 years later, Aarav has lost his job and is escaping from his COVID-stricken country.

As he makes his journey, he witnesses the tragedy languishing in his country. Uncountable bodies in plastic bags piled on top of each other crowded the front of hospitals. COVID-stricken patients were gasping for oxygen on the sides of the streets unable to afford proper healthcare� The sound of ambulance sirens filled Aarav’s surroundings and empty lands were being turned into graveyards packed with burning bodies. The catastrophes of his country deeply devastated Aarav who is fleeing towards a better life.

After a few months of travelling, Aarav finally feels a bit relieved despite being fatigued as he has arrived at

thing that struck his eyes were the little drones that were flying all over… from the seaport security, to the streets of the UK. He soon found out that those drones were for sanitizing the streets and facilities. While planning his journey, Aarav had found out that to get out of the United Kingdom and into any other country, a vaccine pass is needed. So, he went around enquiring where he can get vaccinated. One of the people he asks guides him to a vaccination booth.

Once he entered the vaccination booth, Aarav was surprised to see how technologically advanced the booth was. The booth was completely operated by robots and there were no humans to be found. Once he got vaccinated, he received his vaccine pass which puts a big smile on his face as that is his ticket to freedom. As he exited the vaccine booth, news was going on a television at the exit of the booth. The news reporter mentioned Australia has become the first COVID-free country in the world. Aarav felt happy as Australia provided a lot of aid to India during the tough times. At least somebody cared back then.

Soon, Aarav heads towards a harbour that is located a few kilometres away from the vaccination booth to board a refugee ship that is going to the United States of America. Aarav arrives in the harbour just in time to board the ship.. After two weeks of travelling, the ship finally docks in the United States of America. But Aarav is shocked. There is a cold war in the United States of America against China.

Propagandas and protests against China filled the streets. Meanwhile, news channels projected images of similar protest and propagandas in China against the United States. “When will this silliness end? When will there be peace?” thought Aarav to himself. On the other hand, Aarav was also proud of his decision to come to the United States of America as its government provided camps to refugees who fled their countries due to COVID-19. Aarav managed to get into one of the camps. He met the love of his life at the camp he stayed in and ever since, they have been continuing the peaceful cry for peace across the globe.

his first checkpoint, the United Kingdom. The first

www.serijubli.edu.my 17

PAST EVENTS PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (PTC) 2 2021 On 18th February 2022, we had our 2nd Parent-Teacher Conference for the year of 2021. This was the first physical PTC we’ve had in 2 years! It was really great meeting all the parents face-to-face again to talk about their children's progress. We hope that parents will continue to partner with us by having open communication as we move forward from here. Once again, we would like to thank all parents for taking the time to come.

INTERNATIONAL HIPPO OLYMPIAD 2022 On 19th February 2022, we organised the International HIPPO Olympiad 2022 Competition at our school. This was our first collaboration with HIPPO International Olympiad after being recognised as a HIPPO examination centre.

The competition, which was open to all schools in the Kluang district, was held in Seri Jubli International School. We are grateful for the turn out despite the increasing number of cases. We hope that in the future, more schools will be able to participate!

*What is HIPPO Olympiad?

Hippo “English Without Borders” Olympiad is an international Olympiad which promotes English language, challenges students around the globe to compete in English language knowledge, and improves the co-operation between teachers. It is held every year with more than 35,000 candidates from over 40 countries around the world. During the competition, participants are tested in their reading and listening skills as well as their daily use of English.

18

www.serijubli.edu.my 19

UPCOMING EVENT

Seri Jubli International School Contact Information

23A, Jalan Kluang Perdana 34, Taman Kluang Perdana, 86000 Kluang, Johor.

Phone: 017-4040039

20

Email: admin@serijubli.edu.my

www.serijubli.edu.my

fb.com/serijubliinternational