Dwardu's Scoops

Volume 3

Number 9

16 April 2024

Dwardu’s Scoops ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

Young man with a great achievement A great Well Done to Gregory Vella in Year 1. Gregory was the youngest entrant in a competition organized by the Commissioner for Children to mark the 20th anniversary since this important office was set up. Gregory’s entry made the top 10 out of 197 entries and he submitted a painting on the theme ‘Children’s Right to Play’. No small achievement considering he was the youngest entrant! His entry is creative and innovative and is a true expression of the potential of artistic achievement at Gregory’s tender age.

Edwardian

London Call-

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Edwardian Judoka in Serbia for training

By Alistair Sammut Yr 7X

Our Judo club Shiro Judokwa Dojo, had the oppor-

tunity to attend for a judo camp in Sokobanja in Serbia. Our team included the sensei, Mr Joseph Castillo, his black belt wife Mrs Angela Castillo, judokas and parents. We departed on 25th March and returned on 30th March.

Our stay over there was full of various activities, priorities were the judo sessions. But we made the

best use of our free time. The Judo were carried out by both our sensei and the Serbian sensei. The training together with the Serbians was most interesting. Although coming from a small country, we did very well during the training sessions.

In our free

time we visited agritourism, saw local breeds of pigs and small cows, we had pony rides and had wonderful traditional local food. We also had the opportunity to visit a Thermal Bath and climbed onto a mountain.

I came back to Malta, looking forward to commit myself fully to improve my capabilities, so hopefully I will be chosen for a Tournament in September.

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Ninu l-Bninu at College

By Stephanie Grech

As part of the ARPA fruit and veg scheme, the Junior School and Early Years children had the opportunity to meet Ninu l-Bninu and participate in a workshop at College. The students listened attentively, discussed, and asked questions about healthy food choices, and food waste. We discussed the use of shopping lists and planning ahead. The children contributed effectively to the workshop and were even given milk and delicious fresh fruit after the workshop.

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Making memories

By Stephanie Grech

In the first full week of school, the Early Years were busy making memories and building new friendships. The whitest of shoes in orderly fashion (which no doubt will change colour soon enough), and resources all ready to be explored, our youngest students settled in remarkably well.

The excitement could be felt as getting back into routine was viewed in a very positive manner.

Welcoming the students back in is always a blessing. Seeing them enjoy themselves with everything the teaching teams have prepared for them always gives us the courage to carry on and challenge barriers.

Our focus for the first couple of weeks is usually to get to know each and every student individually, and to target their social skills in building and developing healthy new friendships as well as maintaining previous ones from previous years. This is crucial in establishing a healthy environment for the students, in creating a home away from home. Be it during free play, or creative play, or during team building tasks both indoors and outdoors, the focus remains solid friendships.

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Counting in hundreds

By Margaret Bartolo

Counting in hundreds tens and ones has never been this fun.

Through Maths Mastery the boys take part in engaging and hands-on activities. They use different blocks to build 3 digit numbers and move from the concrete to the pictorial stage with ease.

The CPA approach helps children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts whereby they take an active part in the learning process.

Thinkers and Collaborators

By Ann Cassar Torreggiani

Our IB students are developing a learner profile which includes being thinkers and collaborators. This blends beautifully with our school policy of TUL - Think Understand Learn.

Apart from just learning content, students need to learn how to access knowledge, how to recall previous knowledge and how to put everything together

in order to learn. Collaboration is a useful tool when going through this process. IB students use whiteboards as a tool on which they can put down their ideas in order to share their knowledge and discuss problems. This helps them sort out their thoughts and learn from each other.

They can then organize what they have learnt and create a presentation - oral or written - to share this with other members of their class.

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Curious Minds

By Etienne Deguara

The project lesson in Year 5x is used as an opportunity for discov-

ery. Through the use of a simple box, the students are allowed to write questions on sticky notes and place them in this box. Every Monday, this box is opened revealing all the questions posed by the students. The variety in questions offers a fun opportunity for

the students to learn about a multitude of different subjects, all in one lesson. On our latest quest for knowledge, questions ranged from how many bones the human body have, which was then followed by animals such as dogs, cats, etc. Then we ventured into outer space where we ended up discussing different lifeforms around the universe, the existence of aliens and the number of stars in our galaxy. NASA’s expeditions to Mars were

then looked at in slightly more detail. The interest of the students always seemed to be peaked up and some were also given the opportunity to answer each other's questions. Students enjoy the diversity this lesson brings along and the myriad of possibilities

that can be explored.

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Fruit of the land and of tiny hands

By Brendan Gerada

Twice a week, children eagerly gather in the garden, armed with their tiny shovels and watering cans. With tender care, they nurture their green charges, beans and cauliflower, from seedlings to robust plants. Each day brings new lessons: patience as they wait for sprouts, responsibility in tending to fragile leaves, and joy in witnessing growth. Through dirt-stained hands and laughter-filled moments, they forge connections with nature, learning the rhythms of the seasons. Their gardening adventure fosters not just green thumbs, but also a deep appreciation for the earth's bounty, instilling values of sustainability and stewardship from a tender

age.

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Angel of mercy takes in ‘Mummy-Cat’

By Carmen Abela

During the Easter holidays, a heartwarming story unfolded at St Edwards College, where our beloved school cat Brownie, surprised us all with a delightful addition to the family – three adorable kittens!

The children had grown fond of our friendly feline friend, who had become a cherished part of our school community. So, when she gave birth to three precious kittens, it was a joyous occasion for everyone. However, with the school set to reopen after the holidays, concerns arose about the safety and welfare of the cat and her kittens. Thankfully, one of our compassionate teachers, known for her dedication to fostering cats, Ms Vivienne Borg, stepped in to offer a loving solution.

The teacher graciously offered to take in the cat and her kittens to foster them in the comfort of her home. This act of kindness ensured that the furry family would be well -cared for during the transition period. To reassure the children and ease any worries they might have had, Ms Borg visited the classroom to share the heartwarming news.

She showed the children pictures of the cat and her kittens, emphasizing that they

were safe and receiving the best possible care.

The children were overjoyed to see that their beloved school cat and her kittens were in good hands. This heartening tale is a testament to the compassion and empathy within our school community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of extending kindness and care not only to each other but also to our animal companions.

If anyone is willing to adopt Brownie or one of her kittens, or if anyone is willing to help the fosterers with any type of donation, please contact us.

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Tennis camp in Bari

By Benji Valentino Yr 7X

Last March I went on a Tennis training camp in Bari, Italy. We were a group of 20 tennis players from my tennis school and left late on Friday evening and returned on Monday afternoon.

Although it was an intense two and half days of training from 9am till 7 pm each day, I enjoyed the experience immensely. We trained with Italian coaches as well as Italian players. I won some matches and lost others, however, this experience helped me improve my tennis and understand my weaknesses that I have since then focused on improving. It also helped me improve my Italian, meet an Italian friend I had met on a

previous experience in November and make new friends.

After the days of training we would go back to our hotel for a well-deserved Italian meal and some fun together as a group.

Such experiences help in my confidence, competition and teamwork as well as giving me a chance to make each day count in my tennis journey. I look forward to many more experiences of this kind.

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Exploring the World of Mini Beasts: A Nursery Class Adventure

By Carmen Abela

In the bustling halls of our school, a tiny group of eager explorers embarked on a journey into the

enchanting world of mini beasts. Led by their teacher, the Nursery class ventured into the school laboratory, their eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation.

As they entered the laboratory, a treasure trove of glass jars awaited them, each containing a different mini beast specimen. The children gasped in awe as Ms. Wilkinson unveiled the fascinating creatures within – a beetle in the bottom of its container, a centipede with its multitude of legs, a worm dancing gently in its jar, a bee with its beautiful transparent wings, and many more. However, the surprises did not end there. With gentle hands, Ms. Wilkinson allowed the children to touch a variety of specimens, including a mesmerizing dead scorpion and a fragile moth. They marveled at the intricate details of these creatures, their tiny fingers exploring the textures with wonder.

In jars lined along the shelves, the life cycles of mini beasts were on display. The children watched in amazement as they witnessed the miraculous transformation of a frog from egg to tadpole to fully formed amphibian. They compared the sizes of their hands to those of a deceased toad, wondering at the differences in scale and shape.

Throughout the experience, Ms. Wilkinson's words were like magic, weaving tales of the mini beasts' lives and habitats. The children hung onto her every word, their imaginations ignited by the mysteries of the natural world. It was not just a one-sided journey of discovery.

The children eagerly asked questions, their curiosity driving them to learn more about the creatures before them. With patience and enthusiasm, Ms. Wilkinson answered each query, sparking even more excitement Continued on Pg 12

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and intrigue.

As the visit drew to a close, the Nursery class had one final delight in

store – insect noises! With giggles and laughter, they joined Ms. Wilkinson in mimicking the sounds of their newfound mini beast friends, their imaginations soaring as they became part of the world they had explored.

With hearts full of wonder and minds buzzing with newfound knowledge, the Nursery class bid farewell to the delightful Ms Wilkinson, their adventure leaving an indelible mark on their young minds. For these budding explorers, the world of mini beasts has become a realm of endless fascination and discovery, sparking a lifelong love for the wonders of nature.

Steps on Tower Bridge Year 8 students visit London

The Middle School, Year 8 Students, embarked on an unforgettable journey to London from the 11th to the 15th of February 2024. Accompanied by two dedicated staff members, Ms. Justine Fava and Ms. Samantha Abela, as well as one parent chaperone, the group of 15 students set out for an adventure filled with exploration and learning.

Upon arrival in London, excitement filled the air as we checked into the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf. The students couldn't contain their enthusiasm, eagerly anticipating the upcoming days filled with iconic landmarks and cultural experiences. Our itinerary was packed with a variety of destinations, each offering its own unique insight into British history and culture.

We began with a visit to the National Gallery, where the students had the opportunity to admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Da Vinci. Their enthusiasm for art was palpable as they engaged in discussions about the different artistic styles and techniques. It

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was also a special evening where we saw the Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

Next on the agenda was Westminster Abbey, where the students marvelled at the grandeur of the architecture and learned about the significant events that have taken place within its walls. The following days were spent exploring the wonders of the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, where the students immersed themselves in interactive exhibits and hands -on activities. From dinosaur skeletons to space exploration, there was no shortage of awe-inspiring discoveries to be made.

A highlight of the trip was our visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, where the students embraced their inner detectives and learnt about the mysteries of the legendary sleuth.

Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to the iconic Madame Tussauds and the historic Tower of London. The students were thrilled to pose for photos with lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities and explore the centuries-old fortress steeped in history. In between sightseeing, the students also enjoyed some retail therapy, exploring shops such as Primark, M&M's World, and the Lego Store. They relished the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, adding to the memories of their incredible journey. Throughout the trip, the students exhibited exemplary behavior, showing respect and enthusiasm for each new experience. They eagerly participated in guided tours, asked thoughtful questions, and demonstrated a genuine curiosity about the world around them.

While there were moments of mischief in their hotel rooms, such as late-night giggling and pillow fights, it was all part of the camaraderie and bonding experience that comes with traveling together as a group. The students learned valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and independence, as they navigated the bustling streets of London without their parents by their side. As we bid farewell to London and Continued on Pg 14

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returned home, the students were filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the unforgettable memories they had created. The trip had not only broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of the world but also fostered lifelong friendships and a newfound appreciation for the power of exploration and adventure.

Michael Cremona, Yr 8x writes:

When we landed in London we went on a bus to the hotel. Our hotel was called Brittania Hotel in Canary Warf, When we arrived, we checked in. Then we went to the shopping mall for something to eat. when we finished eating, we went to see the famous Big Ben and the London Bridge. After we went to eat at Nandos’ amazing food, when we finished eating, we went back to the hotel to sleep.

When we woke up, we went downstairs for something to eat. When we finished eating, we went to the underground trains. when we came out of the underground we went to the Donut shop yummy ! and we continued our way to Madame Tussaud where we looked at famous celebrities made out of wax. After we went to a Museum full of famous paintings. we went to some shops like JD Sports and Primark , when we were done shopping, we went to get something to eat. When we finished, we went back to the underground to take us back to the hotel.

We went (strait to bed), we did have a good laugh . We woke up the next day and after breakfast we set of to Westminster Abby , where we saw the Tomb of King Edward, after we went to the Natural history Museum, there was a skeleton of a T’ Rex and an earthquake simulation. We also went to the Museum of Science, there was the first things they used to make Medicine and some old machinery that we do not use anymore. When we finished looking around, we went to look at some shops and after went and got something to eat.

When we finished eating, we went back to the hotel. When we woke up, we went for breakfast, then we went to the Tower of London, when we finished looking around, we headed to Wembley Stadium it was cool because there was a lot of signed T shirts of Famous Football players , the Stadium was massive. After we had gotten something to eat , and then we went shopping , when we finished shopping we went to the hotel as we were leaving the following day very early to catch our plane back to Malta .

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Cycling to victory And yet another great day for Team Greens and our very own Ms Diana Muscat during the second stage of the Tour ta' Malta.

Jess Pratt secured her lead clinching her second stage win as Diana Muscat finished in third spot. Etienne Bonello snitched into the final sprint to take third on the line with Joaquin Rojas still leading the Masters General Classification.

Etienne Cutajar had a strong race in the elite race finishing in 17th place. Next we switch to the hard stuff with two back to back hilly stages with the ta' Penellu circuit and Ramla Hamra in Gozo on Sunday.

The recognition this month goes to Ms Stephanie Wilkinson. You do not need to be a Sherlock to see why. Ms Wilkinson devises stratagems for motivating students far beyond the call of duty. As creative as she is charming, Ms Wilkinson can be described as a regular Prof Proton (For the aficionados of The Big Bang Theory), revving up young minds and getting them hooked onto science. A wonderful colleague and an awesome teacher.

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When is an arch not an arch? When it is a bike rack. For all those, students and teachers who pedal their way to college, a new bike rack has been installed under the main stairs.

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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