Dwardu's Scoops Christmas Special

Volume 3

Number 5

20 December 2023

Dwardu’s Scoops ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

Peace

By Nollaig Mac an Bhaird, Headmaster

Sometimes it is difficult to express sentiments at any given special occasion, especially at Christmas, without trotting out the standard clichés.

For Christians, Christmas, is that time when Jesus Christ was born. He is also referred to as the ‘Prince of Peace’.

Given what we are seeing these days you would have to wonder do we understand the word ‘peace’.

Peace is something that many of us, correctly, wish for in conflicts. However, we feel, underContinues on Pg 2

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Parental

Inclusion

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Involvement

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standably, that these global events are beyond our control.

But what of the daily experiences that are well within our control, personal relationships, at meetings with competitors, speaking with our children, having patience with that person that ‘does not get it’, do we invoke the message of peace?

At college we are constantly aware of the fact that we are moulding your children, in the way we speak to one another, in the way we speak to the students, in the way we resolve conflicts, (big and tiny).

I see so many instances, attend so many meetings, with staff, parents and students, where all involved have the opportunity to show care, peace and understanding to one another. Sure, we can have our differences but, in the vast majority of cases, consideration for the ‘other’ is a core value for what we are doing at St Edward’s.

Take the opportunities that we are given, on a daily basis, to share some love and peace!

Nollaig shona dhuibh go leir!!

Cards ‘n’ Jumpers

By Margaret Bartolo

On Christmas Jumper day,

our boys let loose their creative juice. Not only did they express themselves in their favourite Christmas jumper with reindeer and snowflakes galore (even if none of these are ever on the Island!) They also designed their own Christmas cards for their

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20th December 2023 From Back Page

mained in school where he belonged. He became the team's manager, learnt how to speak by mimicking the coach and understanding what he was saying through the visual support of the hand gestures.

Through being included, Radio thrived and learnt continuously.

T.L. Hanna prides itself in having had students who became Harvard graduates, famous footballers, and Pulitzer prize winners for journalism, but their most famous student remains Radio. The student who proved that given the chance, he too had loads to offer to the world.

Because he was embraced by people who cared and believed in him, he was stimulated to learn.

Because he was loved, people looked past his differences and focused on his potential. Consequently, he found his place in the world and made sure he contributed back to it.

On the Day of Mikulás

By Carmen Abela

Each year Santa Claus, or in Hungarian, the Mikulás traditionally visits the homes of Hungarian children the night before Santa Claus Day on 6 December and leaves various tasty treats in their shoes. It is a nice custom that children love, and is a tradition that has lasted for over one hundred years.

The Parent of a student in Nursery recently thought to share one of their Hungarian traditions with us and got sweets for all the class and teachers.

Curious about Mikulás ? Click here 3

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Bridging Borders and Cultures: Euroscola Trip 2023

By Samantha Abela

In a captivating blend of education, culture, and history, 17 Year 11 students embarked on an unforgettable Euroscola trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This transformative journey, which took place between the 23rd-26th November, provided a unique opportunity for our students to interact directly with the workings of the European Union, whilst also creating memories that will last time a lifetime.

The pinnacle of the trip was the Euroscola session, where our students actively participated in discussions on Cyber

Security, engaging with none other than Dita CHARANZOVÁ, the Vice President of the European Parliament. This handson experience not only enriched their understanding of European affairs but also empowered them to pose questions directly to one of the Parliament's key figures. A heartfelt expression of gratitude extends to Mr. John Zammit, whose invaluable assistance played a pivotal role in securing this extraordinary opportunity for our students to partake in Euroscola. His dedication to enhancing the educational experiences of our students is genuinely appreciated. Following their morning and afternoon stay at the European Parliament, our group delved into the Strasbourg's rich history, experienced its Christmas Market, and embarked on a captivating walking tour. The students not only engaged with contemporary European issues but also soaked in the cultural tapestry of this unique city.

Before delving into the Euroscola experience, the Year 11 boys immersed themselves in the heart of French culture in Paris, a city of art, history, and gastronomy. Nestled in a hostel near Gare du Nord, the students explored iconic landmarks, including an enchanting cruise along the Seine and a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower. This trip went beyond the Euroscola 4

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and sightseeing; it provided an opportunity for the boys to immerse themselves in French culture. From navigating the language and exploring the nuances of French cuisine to understanding the local transport system and various customs, this journey was a holistic cultural experience. Trips like Euroscola not only expand academic horizons but also nurture crucial life skills. The students, under the guidance of Ms. Samantha Abela and Mr. Daniel Caruana Smith, their History and Geography teachers respectively, became more independent, responsible, and mature. They discovered that the skills learned in the classroom seamlessly translate into real-life applications. The cultural odyssey in Paris continued, when the boys visited the renowned Musee D'Orsay in the late evening opening times, featuring a special exhibition of Van Gogh's paintings and various other master pieces from sculpture to paintings to miniature models. The journey through time led them to the Hotel des Invalides, housing the Army Museum of Paris and the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. The group also explored the opulence of the Versailles Palace, a testament to France's historical grandeur. At the Louvre, the students not only marvelled at the iconic Mona Lisa

by Leonardo Da Vinci but also stumbled upon a portrait of Grand Master de Wignacourt and went on a hunt to find the dagger of La Vallette. These unexpected encounters with historical artifacts added an extra layer of excitement to the cultural exploration.

The Euroscola trip of 2023 was more than an educational excursion; it was a journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and international understanding. The experiences gained during this trip, from engaging with European leaders to navigating the streets of Paris and Strasbourg, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the students' academic and personal development. This trip served as a powerful reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that the world is a classroom in itself.

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Euroscola trip to France with my classmates.

By Vladko Nikolov 11Y

On the first day of the trip, we arrived in Paris around lunchtime and were accommodated at the hotel. We left our suitcases there and went to see Paris. The first time we went to the Eiffel Tower and took photos with it. After the tower we went on a boat tour along the Seine River and viewed the city from there. From there we went to the Orsay museum, and that ended the first day.

The second day we got up early in the morning and took the high-speed train to Strasbourg to the Euro Parliament. The Euro Parliament was the main and best “entertainment” on this trip. We spent there from 10 am to 4 pm. In parliament, at the beginning from 10-13 we had a meeting on cybersecurity, after that we had a lunch and we proceeded to the second part of the event which was a three-hour debate. It was very interesting to watch and participate. I truly felt like a participant in this parliament. After parliament, our teachers made us a tour of Strasbourg. It was a very wonderful city with very old Central European architecture. After the excursion, we took the high-speed train again and returned to the hotel. And this is where our second day ended.

On the third day we went to the Palace of Versailles. For me it was one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen in Europe. I really liked all the paintings, rooms, and furniture, and most importantly the story of it. We spent about four hours in the palace. Afterwards we went to the center of Paris to the Les Halles shopping center. We had wonderful shopping and dinner there. And that how ended the third day.

On the fourth and the final day we had to visit 2 museums, the first is the Louvre and the second is the military museum. I really enjoyed both museums. In the Louvre I saw very beautiful paintings and sculptures. One of them was the Mona Lisa. And in the second museum we saw a lot of historical artifacts such as weapons, flags, military vehicles. After both museums, unfortunately we had to go to the airport and star returning home. This concludes this wonderful and unforgettable trip for me. Very big thanks to the organizers of this trip Mr. Caruana Smith and Ms. Abela Samantha. counting in hundreds tens and ones has never been this fun.

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Digging the past, understanding the present, seeing the future

By Dean Galea Pellicano

‘Our present and future can be seen when we look to our past’. This was the main message given Year 7 students who had a surprise archaeology lesson from Mr Fontanelli and Ms Ciantar from Heritage Malta. On the kind invitation of Ms Samantha Abela, the lesson was closely tied to the year 7 history syllabus.

The boys were given a small presentation explaining what archaeology is and what role Heritage Malta has in the protection of national heritage. Professional tools that are used by archaeologists such as a trowel, scale bars and documentation papers were put on display on the teacher’s desk for the boys to observe. Under the keen and watchful eye of their teachers, the boys were also handed authentic archaeological artefacts such as pottery sherds, intact pottery vessels and even a human tooth, to observe and feel.

The boys were delighted by this surprise lesson and expressed their interest in archaeology by either taking notes during class and kindly asking for another such fun and interest lesson.

Andreas Bray, Year 7X writes:

On Friday 24th November the year 7s welcomed personnel from Heritage Malta to our school grounds. They explained to the enthusiastic students all about archaeology and what they do in their day-to-day tasks. Better still, they brought over a number of artefacts, rocks and pottery for all the interested pupils to touch and hold. They further explained that archaeologists: • dig and excavate to find clues in order to reconstruct the past; • use special tools but rarely make use of pickaxes and excavators; • perform a very slow-moving job which requires tonnes of patience • document every single thing they find or excavate – 55% of their daily job is actually documenting their findings; • usually come across pottery, animal bones as well as metal.

At the end of the visit, everyone was hoping for another visit some time soon.

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Year 8 gears up for Multiculturalism Celebration Day Initiative

By Alexandros Anastasopulos and Annette Agius

As the Michaelmas term is drawing to a close, the college, ever forward looking is preparing not simply for Christmas but also, and especially, for the new term. Indeed, we plan to start with a bang. In January, the students, across different age groups will be placing a sharp focus on multiculturalism. In a college where, currently, close to 40 different nationalities are represented, the richness of diversity and mutual respect for traditions and cultures multiculturalism can be celebrated with aplomb.

This write up is with particular reference to the project the Year 8Y is taking on, though I know that there are several other projects being taken on by other students. The Year 8Y project has a specific objective: To celebrate cultural diversity through an engaging and interactive game at the Multiculturalism Celebration Day in our school.

The enthusiastic Year 8Y students dedicated themselves to creating a memorable experience for their peers. Over the past few weeks, the Year 8Y students embarked on a creative journey to prepare a vibrant stand that would serve as the epicentre of their multicultural celebration. They meticulously created the flags which will adorn the stand, colourful decorations, and an enticing display of international snacks, aiming to captivate the attention of their fellow students.

On Multi-Cultural day, the highlight of their preparation will be an innovative guessing contest designed to immerse participants in a musical exploration of different cultures.

The game revolves around matching songs to their respective countries displayed on a projector screen. They will also utilise ingenious four-sided dice to randomly select songs from a curated playlist encompassing diverse musical genres and cultures.

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20th December 2023

In Love with Nature

By Margaret Bartolo

Successful Webinar

By Krista Pisani Bencini A webinar on “Bullying” was held recently for all parents of the St. Edward’s community. This was the first in a series of webinars to be organized through a collaboration between SEPTA and the school. The webinar aimed at increasing information about bullying and at informing the parents about the College’s anti-bullying policy. Throughout the webinar the panelists replied to various questions. The panelists for the session were Greta Antigniolo and Jessica Saliba Thorne from BBrave, Samantha Abela (Head of Middle School) and Amanda Grech (in-house student support). Moderated by Krista Pisani Bencini and Katrina Aquilina , parents, the webinar was described by many as fruitful and informative. Wellattended throughout the 90-minute-long discussion, the meticulous planning that went into the meeting was evident and it encouraged all parties to venture into more such initiatives in the future.

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The Power of Parental Involvement

By Samantha Abela

In today's fast-paced world, the role of parents in shaping the well-being of their children extends beyond the confines of the home and spills into the school environment. Recognizing this, our college has taken proactive steps by organizing a series of seminars designed specifically for parents. These seminars not only address critical issues affecting today's youth but also foster a sense of community and collaboration. In this article, we delve into the importance of these seminars, highlighting their educational value and the crucial role

parents play in attending them.

Our college has already hosted three impactful seminars, each focusing on essential aspects of a student's life. The Heads of Middle and of Senior School along with Ms. Grech from Student Support, joined forces with SEDQA for the first two seminars. These covered crucial topics such as Substance Abuse and Social Skills, as well as strategies for dealing with stress—an invaluable resource for parents navigating the challenges faced by their children.

The third seminar, organized by SEPTA took on the pervasive issue of bullying. Guest speakers from the NGO BBrave provided insights into the dynamics of bullying and shed light on the College's Anti-bullying policy. This comprehensive approach demonstrates our commitment to addressing the holistic well-being of our students.

The success of these seminars hinges on the active participation of parents, either in person or online. The knowledge and insights gained from these sessions empower parents to better understand the challenges their children may face and equip them with the tools to provide effective support.

In-person attendance fosters a direct and personal connection with the material presented. The ability to interact with speakers, ask questions, and engage in discussions enhances the overall learning experience. On the other hand, online attendance accommodates busy schedules and allows parents to participate from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that valuable information is accessible to all. Beyond their educational value, these seminars play a crucial role in building a sense of community among parents, educators, and students. Shared experiences and a collective understanding of the challenges facing the youth strengthen the ties that bind our community together.

In embracing the importance of parental involvement, St Edward’s has pioneered a series of seminars that go beyond the traditional academic curriculum. By addressing issues like

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substance abuse, social skills, stress management, and bullying, we are not only equipping parents with knowledge but also fostering a sense of community. These seminars serve as a testament to our commitment to the holistic development and well-being of our students, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to navigate the complex landscape of modern education.

Time, not money

By Sylvana Debono

Our students and those of St Patrick's College (Salesians) enjoying a morning of camaraderie, games and competitive fun...they are students after all. Following this Christmas treat, our boys will be collecting to donate playstations to their new friends.

The thought behind this activity is that at Christmas it may be easy to give material things but less easy to make a personal effort to reach out to fellow human beings.

Well done to the Senior School the IB students, and their respective heads and INCO for donating time, always more expensive than money 11

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Waste Reduction Week

By Samantha Abela and Vivian Borg

In celebration of the European Waste Reduction Week, the Middle School students embarked on an enlightening and impactful activity titled "Let's Fight Packaging Waste." This initiative, which took place from the 18th to the 24th of November, aimed to raise aware-

ness about the staggering amount of packaging waste generated by households in just five days while fostering discussions on viable solutions to minimize this environmental challenge.

Numerous students and their families enthusiastically participated in this eye-opening activity. They diligently collected and brought the waste generated in their households to school, allowing for a tangible representation of the packaging waste conundrum. Some even went a step further, documenting their waste through photographs, highlighting the magnitude of the issue.

Andreas Scerri, a reflective student from Year 7Y, shared his thoughts on the experience, emphasizing the newfound appreciation for waste reduction: "During this process, I appreciated more how much we could avoid waste.

Sometimes waste is taken for granted. In fact, at times we may buy fresh items to avoid extra packaging. We could also buy larger containers or take containers with us to the shops. I have also understood the concept of washing certain items before placing them in the recycling bag. This exercise made me aware of how much waste we generate weekly. If everyone in the world makes little 12

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individual efforts, the world would certainly be a better place." Andreas' sentiments echo the core message of the activity - the power of individual actions in fostering a more sustainable world.

Beyond awareness, the activity emphasized the importance of upcycling waste, reducing consumption, reusing containers and boxes whenever possible, and recycling items properly.

Upcycling, the process of creatively repurposing waste into new and useful items, emerged as a key theme during the activity. Encouraging students to explore innovative ways to give new life to discarded materials showcased the potential for transforming waste into valuable resources. The broader message resonates with the mantra of the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. By consciously reducing the use of disposable packaging, reusing containers and boxes, and recycling materials appropriately, we can collectively make a significant impact on our environment.

Among the passionate participants, Jan Fiorentino of Year 7Y shared valuable insights into his experience. Jan eloquently expressed, "Recycling reduces trash and conserves resources, both of which are fantastic ways to assist the environment." His thoughtful reflection emphasizes the dual benefits of recycling - minimizing waste and preserving precious resources. Jan's revelation extended to understanding what materials can be recycled, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, and certain metals. His conscientious approach to rinsing away liquids or food residue before recycling underlines the importance of clean materials in preventing contamination and ensuring efficient recycling processes. In a heartening move to protect animals, Jan also emphasized the need to smash metal containers to prevent potential harm, showing a deep understanding of responsible waste disposal. His family's commitment to using reusable items, such as obtaining drinking water from a reverse osmosis system instead of single-use plastic bottles, further exemplifies the dedication to waste reduction. Jan's concluding message resonates with the broader ethos of the activity: "Remember, even small actions like recycling can make a big difference in protecting our planet!" This sentiment echoes the belief that individual efforts, no matter how small, contribute significantly to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

As we reflect on the "Let's Fight the Packaging Waste" activity, let's carry its valuable lessons for-

ward. Small, individual efforts indeed have the power to create a ripple effect, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet. Through initiatives like these, our students are not just learning about the environment; they are actively becoming stewards of sustainability, shaping a better future for us all. A heartfelt thanks to all the students in Year 7 and Year 8 who took part in this initiative which was also done in collaboration with the Eko-Skola Committee.

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Young Parliamentarians kick off

By Julian Cardona

The students interested

in a future in politics or public life started their journey this term with an introduction to what be-

ing in the public eye means. This session led

by Mr Pizzuto was all about the outward han-

dling of oneself. In future, aspects such as integrity and values will also be discussed.

An exercise in democracy and empowerment—the Student Council As part of their education, children across many schools are taught how to participate in the democratic process of elections. St Edward’s College is no exception. Over the past few days the boys have been busy: campaigning, listening and debating the upcoming elections to the School Council. While this may seen a childish exercise to adults, rest

assured that not only is it taken seriously by the students, but it is also organized very well by the students and teachers.

The students get to talk to their candidates, the candidates put forward their proposals and eventually, on ballot day, the voting ex14

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ercise id organized so that all can vote in those who most impressed them during the cam-

paigning period.

Starting Point The journey to student council begins with a dynamic election process that encourages students to showcase their leadership potential. Interested students are required to fill in a nomination form, articulating their three main qualities and the reasons driving their desire to be elected. This initial step compels students to reflect on their strengths and motivations, setting the stage for self-awareness and goal setting.

The creative aspect of the process involves designing a poster, a visual representation of the candidate's vision and personality, displayed prominently on the main notice board. The addition of a short video message further amplifies the

candidate's voice, allowing them to connect with their peers on a personal level.

This multimedia package, comprising the poster and video, is disseminated among all Middle and Senior school students, ensuring widespread visibility and informed decision-making.

As part of the election week, candidates present themselves during the morning assembly, where they can articulate their goals and address the student body. The accessibility of the candidates is further emphasized through a meet-and-greet session near the canteen, providing an opportunity for curious students to engage with the candidates directly and ask questions.

The Election Day: Embracing Democratic Values The pinnacle of this democratic process unfolds on Election Day, held on the 15th of December during registration. Students exercise their right to vote by giving the number 1 to the candidate they believe should be elected as president. Other positions are determined through an internal election.

The voting process is executed with utmost transparency and anonymity, using ballot sheets to ensure the confidentiality of each student's choice. Invalid votes, such as those with crosses or unclear markings, are meticulously scrutinized, underscoring the importance of adhering to democratic norms.

Candidates are invited to participate in the vote counting process, fostering transparency and 15

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trust in the electoral system.

Beyond Elections: Fostering Democratic Values and Student Representation Participating in student council elections is not just about winning or losing; it's about instilling democratic values and nurturing active citizenship. The student council serves as the voice of the students, providing a platform for them to influence decisions that impact their educational experi-

ence.

This process goes beyond classroom learning, offering a real-world lesson in governance, teamwork, and responsibility. Students emerge from the experience with enhanced leadership skills, a deeper understanding of the democratic process, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their school community.

In conclusion, the student council election process is a cornerstone in the educational journey, shaping future leaders and fostering a culture of active participation and democracy. As we witness the culmination of these elections, let us celebrate not just the elected representatives but the collective spirit of engagement, responsibility, and empowerment that these elections bring to our educational community.

We would like to say a very well done to the new Council President Mr Aidan Previ.

Merry Christmas everybody! Our jolly in-house Santa (yes, we have our very own special Santa!) was busy this morning. He was distributing a special gift to all students and members of staff: a water bottle to keep hydrated, particularly during the summer months. This will keep Santa busy over the next couple of days as he always has a kind word for all those

who greet him. Thank you, Santa for the nice gift as well as Mr Peter Moore and the Headmaster for organising it.

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Kicking germs to the kerb

By Roberta Camilleri

This year, during the science lessons, the year 4 students have been learning how to be little scientists by exploring the things around them. They have been asking questions, using their senses to observe, and getting their hands dirty with experiments.

In their science adventures, this term, they have done some interesting stuff. They got hands-on with soap and germs, seeing how soap can kick germs to the kerb. They also tried making 'chicken sandwiches' to learn about crosscontamination – a bit messy, but a lot of fun. The classroom then turned into a mini science lab with a UV flashlight showing the 'germs' left behind on desks.

They also became food experts, figuring out what makes a healthy diet and sorting foods into groups. To wrap things up this term, they got their green thumbs going by growing their own plants, figuring out what plants need to grow.

It has been quite a journey so far, showing that science is all about exploring, having fun, and figuring things out along the way.

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Last Day of Term

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They believed in Radio

By Kiki Mizzi

In South Carolina in 1964, James Robert Kennedy, later nicknamed Radio, would walk through his hometown pushing a trolley collecting things of his interest as he goes along and listening to his little transistor radio the whole time.

On his daily walk, he would pass by American football training practise and look over in amusement. The members of the team played for T. L. Hanna High school.

James's speech was limited and he was misunderstood. One day he was roughed up and locked in a shed by the team players. However, the most humiliating day of James life, turned out to be the pivotal point which shone a light on a very bright future.

Coach Jones freed James and took him under his wing. Eventually James is enrolled as a student in a mainstream high school. An idea which was shocking to the adults but not to the students.

The High school believed in the potential that Radio had and against all odds, ensured he reContinues on Pg 3

Founded in 1929, St Edward’s College is an all-boys college for both day and boarding students. Boarding is offered between the ages of 11 to 18. At nursery and kindergarten as well as at post-secondary level, the college is co-educational. As a private educational college, St Edwards offers excellent teaching facilities, high teacher-pupil ratio, a very wide range of sports facilities and scrupulous personal attention to the students.

St Edward’s College Malta Triq San Dwardu Birgu BRG 9039 Citta Vittoriosa

At St Edward’s College, students receive a well—rounded education ending up in the IB Diploma. Most of the students go on to study at world class universities. Our top students are leaders in society ranging from Science and Business to traditional professions and the arts. Most Edwardians retain a love and appreciation of sports throughout their lives.

Phone: +356 27 88 11 99 Editor: Sylvana Debono Email: communications@stedwards.edu.mt

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