Dwardu's Scoops - issue 2

14.10.2022 Volume 2, Issue 2

St Edward’s College, Malta

Dwardu’s Scoops

Shedding the invisibility cloak

By Kiki Mizzi, INCO

Over the past decade, major progress has been made towards increasing access to education generally, as well as for persons with autism specifically. The disruption in learning caused by Covid has hit many students with autism especially hard hit and studies show that they have been disproportionately affected by disruptions to routines, as well as services and supports that they rely on.

Inclusive education is crucial for people on the autism spectrum so that they can fulfill their potential and achieve sustainable success in the labour market.

Invisible conditions create dilemmas since we may find it difficult to not simply relate to but even to conceive a reality we cannot experience. Unlike visible, tangible conditions, we may find it difficult to accept and understand how to behave with people living with conditions like Autism because we are not always able to see and understand the hurdles one faces. As the diarist and novelist Anaïs Nin wrote, we are not always able to ‘see things as they are, we see them as we are’.

This is when mindfulness comes into play. Mindfulness is a process of being aware and not judgmental. Becoming aware creates acceptance and understanding. It is easy to be aware

Photo credit: Marcus Doo

Inside this issue Autistic people may:

•

Out of Africa ................................... 2

find it hard to communicate and interact with other people

•

find it hard to understand how other people think or feel

•

find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable

•

get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events

•

take longer to understand information

•

do or think the same things over and over

Source: www.nhs.uk

Continued on Page 19

Cyborg OE....................................... 4 Poll: Bike stands yes/no? ........... 5 The Edwardian ............................... 6 Septa reps ....................................... 8 Food reactions ............................... 15 St Edward’s Day ............................ 16 It’s in his voice ............................... 18 GWSHM ............................................ 20

Special points of interest • Same difference: celebrating inclusivity • Reps for all seasons: the contribution of parents to the College through SEPTA • A kingdom within a kingdom—BARSIN

2

Continued on back page

3

Old Edwardian

By Sylvana Debono

This Old Edwardian does not need to remember his credit cards—he’s got them implanted in his arm. And, for a trypanophobe (one who fears needles) this was a major achievement.

For Ian Busuttil Naudi, former Edwardian student and current Edwardian father, technology is a lifetime passion and fascination. “Many years have passed since Mr Sultana used to teach me computers.

I remember we used to have a BBC Micro Computer and our lessons were where we would learn how to type and Mr Ian Busuttil Naudi : interest in technology sparked at St Edward’s College

“I saw what their reaction what the reaction was and their testing. Then I said “Let’s go for it!”, Ian Busuttil Naudi

use this computer,” reminisced Mr Busuttil Naudi. Describing it as ‘an amazing time, the Old Edwardian said that he was lucky to be at college at a time when computers started, evolved and grew. “I was lucky to live through it,” said Mr Busuttil Naudi, adding that this is the reason technology is such a big part of his life.

Following this early induction into the world of digital technology, Mr Busuttil Naudi developed his passion. Indeed, today he is a mover and shaker in the sector, mostly known as Mr Gadgets, a moniker obtained for his ground breaking TV program which brought technology to the grasp of those who struggle to understand the developments.

For the past few years, explained Mr Busuttil Naudi, he had been following the development in the microchipping sector. “It was getting better and better and better. Finally this company launched a human microchip which seemed to be good enough. I gave it some months for people to try it . I saw what their reaction what the reaction was and their testing. Then I said “Let’s go for it!”, said Mr Busuttil Naudi.

Taking the plunge Mr Busuttil Naudi installed a microchip in his hand, which allows him to make financial transactions with his own body. He is reported to be getting used to bewildered expressions from cashiers when he swipes his hand over a contactless card reader.

The chip uses the same technology that is found in bank cards and smartphones so Busuttil Naudi can simply wave his left hand over a contactless card reader.

Finally, why cyborg? Well, he’s got technology in his body, no?

4

Editorial

A Bike-stand at college?

Lara Mallia, SEPTA (Yr 1)

School is an excellent place to create and maintain good healthy habits. Did you know that students who are physically active tend to have better grades, classroom behavior and improved concentration? One way to promote an active lifestyle is riding a bicycle to school. In doing so, students, parents and the community as a whole will enjoy the benefits cycling brings with it.

1. It promotes exercise as part of a healthy and active lifestyle 2. Reduces traffic and parking problems close to the college gates A bike stand at the college would encourage students, and their parents, to choose bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation while putting their mind at ease that the bicycles are kept safe during school hours. Parents cycling to school with their children will not have to worry about how to take the bike back home, since the children would be able to keep it at the college during school hours. Storage doesn’t need to be covered, it just needs to be secure.

So stay safe and pedal on!

Help us by participating in the poll. Click on the picture below and vote.

The Importance of Inclusivity One of the worst feelings in the world is the ‘feeling left out’ one. This feeling preys on all our insecurities, bringing out all sorts of negativities: ‘I’m not loveable’ or ‘I’m not important’ or ‘No One wants me’. To be sure, it is rarely the case that people go out of their way to leave someone out, but it rankles. It makes people feel different and not in a nice way.

These days we talk a lot about inclusivity and mainstreaming. Yest, as often happens we look to other and not to ourselves. How are we showing our children that we are all God’s creatures, whatever our ability, gender, shape or form? When was it last that we highlighted similarities rather than differences? As I was reading the lovely piece penned by Isaac Brimmer Cassar, I saw lovely smiles of every colour...and my heart warmed.

Let’s focus on what makes us similar and move on from there!

5

The Edwardian goes digital The yearbook published

by St Edward’s College, The Edwardian, will, this year go digital.

This year the college is

seeking to amp up its environmental

responsibili-

ties. In order to reduce the carbon footprint, The Edwardian will be published digitally for St Edward’s Day. Then, those who

wish

for

a

hard

(printed) copy), may send in their request and pay-

ment by a deadline which will be announced separately. This is being done to ensure a minimum of

Geography options students this morning had a field day, in a very real sense. Together with their teacher Mr Daniel Caruana Smith, they started drawing maps. Using the age-old principle 'From the known to the unknown' they were first directed to draw a map. Then they were guided through a novel Q&A technique to what was missing on their maps. And no, there were no Picassos but there were a couple of very sharp students who remembered their Geo Club lectures well! Kudos, boys!

extra copies being printed and then not collected.

Training for MySchool Digital communication has become part of life. If there was one positive element which emanated out of the Covid experience, it was the interaction which the digital platforms fostered between homes and schools.

“We organized two sessions of training on the My School platform so that we can make sure that all parents are up to date on the use of the platform and no one feels left out,” said Ms Vivian Borg, Academic, Curriculum and Logistics Co-Ordinator. The sessions were held on-line and close to a hundred parents attended.

Through these sessions, particularly useful to new parents, the parents understood where assignments and communications from teachers could be accesses and how they could monitor and reply.

6

The Kingdom of Barsin rises from the ashes The Kingdom of Barsin has formally launched diplomatic overtures with the Kingdom of Edwardshire. Diplomatic sources reveal that while both Privy Councils are meeting, they may be discussing reciprocal treaties to be signed in proposed state visits.

Over the past year, a number of students founded the Kingdom of Barsin in what the students term as The Forest. Max Ghio,

then in Year 6Y wrote “It started out as a community where we could roleplay and have fun. It evolved into a whole kingdom (well sort of). A small group of us from Year 6 started earlier on this year by pretending that we used to live in the Middle Ages - kings, priests, knights and all. After a while, we started playing infection tag and we had so much fun. And that brings us to the present day where we built rubble walls, houses, shops and so much more. Now let’s put those points in a little bit more detail.”

However, at the end of May, a few weeks before the end of school, the kingdom was devastated by an alien invasion. “Our shops, our bank, our first wall and everything that meant so much to us was destroyed” wrote Max Ghio, his writing echoing the disappointment of the students.

It appears that the Barisinians have a resilient spirit, much like their fellow residents of Edwardshire and Barsin is, like a Phoenix, rising again from the ashes.

7

8

9

10

11

12

THE YEAR REP – YOUR POINT OF REFERENCE

By Krista Pisani Bencini, Exec Secretary, SEPTA

Possibly one of the salient achievements of the current SEPTA Executive Committee was coming up with the concept of the “Year Rep” in 2020. The Year Rep is a parent representative (or two) from each year group who volunteers to act as a point of reference for the particular year in connection with various matters which would typically be directed at SEPTA. The main purpose behind the Year Rep concept is to create a channel of communication between parents and the school, through SEPTA, in a more structured fashion, with a view to creating an even better environment for the students.

The Year Rep is available to receive suggestions and questions as they arise and to then group them and direct them to the appropriate body – be it SEPTA or the school head or class teacher or the communications officer. This does not exclude direct communication between parents and the school. On the contrary, the Year Rep is an additional way in which SEPTA tries to increase its efficiency, as the main parent teacher association at St. Edward’s College. Year Reps act entirely on a voluntary basis and volunteers are always welcome.

We encourage you to reach out to the relevant Year Rep in your group so that they may add you to the WhatsApp group for that year. Joining the group and communicating with the Year Rep is a great way of not only voicing any suggestions, but also of getting to know other parents and building a better SEC community for us all.

13

New game plan by Gymnathlon

Neville & Aidan Borg , Gymnathlon

The new Gymnathlon training course.

Started last week at St Edward’s College. The first session was dedicated to getting to know each other, getting to know the team and also to get used to staying in the gym without parents.

Each child received a game plan which will be guiding him/her during the whole Gymnathlon course and for which he/she will be collecting the stickers.

Please make sure that children have it for every session.

Based on the game plan, parents can understand well what skills are being practiced in each and every training and those which will follow.

The skills are marked with a 'big' red circle and children will receive big stickers for it.

We warmed up with the game " Fish in the river" which got children into the right sport mood and then practiced the first skill which is "Crawling and rolling".

The whole training was followed by our monkey 'Max'. All children will have a possibility to take Max at least once at home and take care of him until the following training. Max loves sports and he would be very happy if you could write in the notebook in his backpack, the sports activities your child did during these days.

Article supplied by Gymnathlon

New books, new worlds The Literacy and Information support unit have published this month’s suggested reading lists for various age groups. These list of books, windows on new worlds, may be accessed through this link.

We only have one lifetime allotted to us, but, through books, we can live multiple lives and an infinite number of roles: King, beggar, thief, hero, magician, ghost...imagination is the only barrier and the mind is very clever at imagining.

Enjoy reading

14

No more hunger games Keiran Cassar –Mullally

A new year brings on changes through our campus doors with one major change that’s made its way into our college, the addition of Thomas Frank LTD. A British based catering company who took over the school’s canteen this summer brings a revamped, refreshing and vibrant array of dishes that are all healthy, locally sourced and extremely tasty.

With the addition of the caterer also comes a revamped canteen, bringing a brand-new dining area in which student can come to enjoy the great food on offer, relax after lessons and to socialize with other students with the addition of the football table which many games and tournaments will take place, creating an environment where new core memories will be created for many students.

The new menu includes a soup of the day, a selection from the main dishes (Dish of the Day, Vegetarian Dish and an International Dish), a side and a dessert. This changes weekly offering variety and new flavours frequently.

So, while I am sold on this welcome addition to the college, what do others think about it?

“I’m glad there is a new canteen considering the previous canteen was overpriced and didn’t have variety, I’m sad to see the old operator leave as has been here for many years but it was a necessary change that the school has ultimately benefited from” – Sierk IB student.

“I find it to be a questionable change. The prices are very good and the menu is good so we get a good value for it.

However, I find the quality not as high and didn’t live up to the expectation that was perceived the change would’ve had.

I would recommend more snack for throughout the day and especially for 10:00 break as it’s a shorter break with not enough time for a full meal. It should also offer more traditional snacks and dishes to represent the Maltese islands” – John* *Name changed to protect anonymity

Continued on page 19

15

St Edward’s Day Please visit www.stedwards.edu.mt/news for many more pictures

16

Photo Credits: St Edward’s College and Andre Micallef Photography.

17

Making his voice heard You may see him flitting from class to class, quietly, diligently, as befits a student of St Edward’s College.

Marcus Mifsud of Year 9Y, however has a secret life: he has a voice to die for.

Participating in this year’s edition of The Voice Kids, Marcus’ rendition of Lois Capaldi’s ‘Forever’ wowed the judges.

Visibly thrilled Judge Destiny Chukunyere was the first to vote the young man in. She was not only impressed by the impeccable rendition, but also by the fact that Marcus sang and played the guitar. Destiny will be Marcus’ coach for the rest of the series.

Another judge, Gianluca Bezzina too was impressed by the fact that Marcus mastered guitar and vocals at such a young age. “I am really happy that Destiny will be your coach and I think you have what I takes to make it through” said Judge Bezzina.

In the introduction to his piece, we got to know that Marcus, quite apart from being talented, is also a very good cook. Speaking to the cameras, his mother said that Marcus often takes over the cooking and tells her to put her feet up and take a break! At the end of his performance, Marcus’ whole family was overjoyed at the success of their son.

18

Sylvana Debono

Continued from Page 1

Autism is not an illness…

of things that we see, and when we underBeing autistic does not mean you have an illness or stand what we see, we try to adapt accorddisease. It means your brain works in a different way ingly using our limited knowledge. While aufrom other people. tism may not be visible or perhaps even unIt's something you're born with. Signs of autism might derstandable and relatable, we can all probe noticed when you're very young, or not until you're cess the fact that there is a difference: should older. that be a barrier, high and insurmountable?

If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life.

Should we just give up and turn away? Is it Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a right to do so? Are some people children of "cure". But some people need support to help them a lesser god? with certain things.

Source: www.nhs.uk In my experience as INCO, I feel that we owe it to every person, to be aware of the challenges one could encounter because we should strive to be a nation that is understanding, mindful, and accepting. A nation that can adapt adequately to diverse situations.

Not only should we be aware, but we have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about the diverse ‘hidden’ conditions our friends, peers, neighbors, and colleagues could be living with. This will give us the power to break down barriers and improve radically the quality of life for each person. And that is why we should be aware. More than that, we can, as the Delai Lama exhorts us” be the change we wish to see in the world”.

Continued from page 15

“A small recommendation would to add more heathy snack option and not just meals as a quick bite sometimes are all we need. However, I must say that meals are affordable and incredibly tasty. For someone who now has the responsibility to also take care of a baby girl, this is incredibly convenient for me and other busy staff members; a major improvement for sure and satisfied addition to the college” – Daniel Caruana Smith, Head of Senior School “I found it be great value for my money even though there are massive queues, which show how many students and staff members are enjoying the new food. Its healthy and tasty and for someone who exercise it left me very satisfied with the portion sizes, a thumbs up from me!” – Elaine Busuttil Gili, Business Management and Accounts teacher.

So, all in all it seems to have been a welcome addition to our college by students and staff members alike, the canteen has become a hub for great food and socializing in such a short time and major improvement .

19

We’re happy and we show it Liam and Noah are happy at St Edward’s College.

How do we know? Well, they told us! And, to top it all, the designed their version of the college’s heraldic arms. Gone are the coquilles and the Lion rampant and the eight pointed cross. In come all sorts of stars and kisses.

Oh to be young and full of the love of life!

St Edward’s College 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 postsecondary level, the college is coeducational. 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.

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.

St Edward’s College Triq San Dwardu Birgu BRG9039 Malta Email: Communications@stedwards.edu.mt Editor: Sylvana Debono

Following a nasty accident, we are happy to be able to report that our headmaster Mr. Nollaig Mac An Bhaird is on the mend. The road is long but he is a true Edwardian and will tough it out. Meanwhile, The boys paid tribute to ‘the fallen’ by playing a game of his beloved rugby on St Edward’s Day, where Ireland beat New Zealand.