Dwardu's Scoops - The End-of-Year Edition

St Edward’s College, Malta

28.06.2023 Volume 2, Issue 14

Dwardu’s Scoops A Very Active Year

By Nollaig Mac An Bhaird, Headmaster

As with every year, in every school, the end of the academic year seems to appear from nowhere! Yet here we are again, ready to hand back your children for some relaxed, quality time, with their parents.

This year was different in that we had several renewed ‘firsts’.

The year 22/23 saw us coming together, literally, after the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had the ‘first’ communions, graduations, liveins, concerts, local and international trips, all was back to how we wanted it to be, well, sort of …

Inside this issue Let’s talk Farming ......................... 2 Editorial............................................ 3 Two Stalwarts ................................. 4 A trip to remember ....................... 6 Time for change ............................. 8 Vivid Dream .................................... 9

Planned Activities And boy did we enjoy all the activities. There were some hiccups as we renewed our ‘firsts’ but they are now in the rear-view mirror. There were times when we, staff, students and parents, were not exactly sure as to what the procedures, protocols were for any given activity, but we managed.

All parents have now received the calendar giving you the dates for start and end dates for main holidays and mid-term breaks for 23/24. Over the summer we will be constructing activity lists for the first term. In the past we gave dates for any full year. Because we have to adhere to dates given to us by outside entities we were hit with clashes and had to change the dates we had on our calendar. The most interruptive, but not only, clash, this past year, was the Bench-mark exams in Junior School. Consequently, we will issue dates per term.

Continued on Pg 3

Living at the college..................... 10 Christian Spirit ............................... 12 Habla Espanol ................................ 13

EKO-Skola diary ............................. 14 Grecian Legends ............................ 15 From the Early Years .................... 16 The end of the line ....................... 19

Little gentlemen farmers

By Brandon Gerada

In recent years, there has been a growing realization of the importance of agricultural education in schools. To foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for farming, an innovative program has been developed that encourages agriculture and farming within the school environment. This program aims to equip students with essential knowledge and skills, promoting sustainable practices, and nurturing future generations of agricultural leaders.

The agriculture and farming program is designed to be comprehensive, engaging students across various age groups and academic levels. It incorporates both theoretical and practical components to create a holistic learning experience.

The program seamlessly integrates agriculture-related topics into the existing curriculum, ensuring that students understand the relevance of farming in their lives. Concepts such as plant growth, soil health, animal husbandry, and environmental sustainability are woven into subjects like science, geography, and even mathematics.

Each participating school establishes its own garden, where students actively participate in planting, tending, and harvesting crops. These gardens serve as living laboratories, allowing students to witness the entire agricultural process firsthand.

To supplement classroom learning, the program organizes workshops conducted by agricultural experts. These workshops cover topics such as sustainable farming methods and food processing.

Field trips to local farms and agricultural research centers are also arranged, giving students a chance to witness modern farming practices and connect with farmers.

Benefits and Outcomes The introduction of an agriculture and farming program in schools brings numerous benefits Practical Skills and Knowledge: Students acquire practical skills such as gardening and problem-solving techniques, empowering

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them to make sustainable choices in their lives.

By engaging with nature and understanding the significance of sustainable farming practices, students become environmentally conscious individuals who actively contribute to conservation efforts.

Health and Nutrition: Through cultivating and consuming their own fresh produce, students develop healthier eating habits and a deeper understanding of the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

The program also exposes students to diverse agricultural career paths, inspiring them to pursue careers in farming, agribusiness, agronomy, or agricultural research. The program creates a platform for community involvement, fostering partnerships between schools, local farmers, and agricultural organizations. This collaboration strengthens community bonds and promotes knowledge-sharing.

By implementing a school-based agriculture and farming program, we provide students with a solid foundation in agricultural knowledge and skills, nurturing future stewards of the land. Through handson experiences, theoretical learning, and community engagement, this program creates a generation of environmentally aware, healthy, and empowered individuals ready to contribute to the sustainable development of our world.

Continued from Pg 1

Our IBDP programme normally has a limit of 30 students per year, giving a total of 60 students. In the past we have had to disappoint several families as we had this maximum of 30 per year group. This coming year we are increasing the intake, for the first of the two IBDP years, to 50. If applications continue as they are going, we will again have more requests for placement than the places we can accommodate. It goes without saying that we will increase the number of staff, room allocations and invest in the resources to cater for the increased numbers.

Throughout college, in the different year groups, we have closed intake in some years as we are very conscious of the staff to student ratio and the desire to provide a quality education. It is a credit to all members of the St Edward’s community, staff and parents, that we continue to be recognized as one of the top educational, child centered schools, in the country, following best internationally recognized contemporary education. This year we have SMT members continuing with the internationally recognized PTC. PTC is a global training institute where principals, from all over the world, come together to share practical, hands-on, tried, and trusted, practices. The module for this year is ‘Creating and Effective School’. I have no doubt but that there will be many great ideas coming out from their experience with PTC. St Edward’s is perhaps the most active school that I have worked in. I could write more but I ask you to refer to Dwardu’s Scoops to keep abreast of college activities and developments.

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Pillars of the College

By Louise Mallia

Earlier this year, the year 4 students gained new knowledge on the intricacy of the human environment during their Social Studies lessons.

To gain further knowledge on the people that help us in the community, this term, the students are getting the opportunity to interview four people that offer different services, each crucial to our society.

Their first interview was with a skilled worker. Due to their exceptional skills and delightful characters, Ġużeppi, St Edward’s own carpenter, and his son, Alan, were interviewed. Ġużeppi and Alan were thrilled to host the students in their alluring workshop. The students loved every second. With this interview, the stu-

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dents discovered Ġużeppi has been working for over 40 years at the College and that his passion is refurbishing its old furniture. Ġużeppi explained to the students how his devotion to carpentry started at a young age. He also offered some wise words to always obey their guardians, to follow their dreams and appreciate and respect the work Ġużeppi and Alan produce at the College.

After the interview, the students went round his workshop and viewed some of Ġużeppi's incredible work. Then, with great eagerness, Ġużeppi switched on one of his machines and showed the students how care-

EDITORIAL It has been tough but it has been immensely rewarding. The scholastic year is over and the students and teachers are off on a well-deserved rest and recupera-

tion period. In the past we used to use the word recreation, today, a word sadly out of fashion.

“Ġużeppi and Alan were thrilled to host the students in their alluring workshop.”

It was an apt word.

Down time, chillaxing, is not a waste of time. The body needs to mend from the stress of the daily grind. The mind needs to refocus. Breaks come as a way in which the person can re-create themselves and restore those building blocks which daily pressures would have eroded. Nowadays we are increasingly conscious of anxiety levels and correctly, emphasize the need to address tensions before they become traumas.

For the next few weeks, it is time to do what make us happiest because the pursuit of happiness, of contentment is a vital restorer of our physical and psychological

make-up. In this pursuit, let us not forget that besides seeing to our own needs, we should try to see to the needs of others, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers. In so doing, we will reap benefits for ourselves as well as for others.

See you all in October and meanwhile … enjoy yourselves sensibly!

ful they are when cutting wood. It was a pleasure having the opportunity to get to know these hardworking men better. Thank you for this opportunity and for your exceptional work!

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Ms Samantha Abela writes...

June 2023 started with a bang for a group made up of 29 super energized and excited Year 7 boys who on Friday 2nd June woke up early and met at the Virtu Ferry Terminal to spend 3 days in Sicily together donning their special aquamarine blue t-shirt designed especially for this trip by Ċikku Grioli. Accompanied

by Mr Spiteri and Ms Abela together with 3 adventurous mummies, the boys had an exciting time together during which we visited Villa del Tellaro and learnt about Roman Mosaics whilst also dabbling in pottery making. We than visited Syracuse and tasted artisanal Sicilian icecream, roamed the narrow streets brimming with history and bought head scarfs in different colours! On the second day we went to Etna Land and had a blast on the pleasure boat on the lake, the roller-coasters, the towers, the water guns and water rides etc… On the last day we went to Agrigento and checked out the Valley of the Temples where we could see with out own eyes how these structures were built. We spent the evening at a luxurious family resort with buffet dinner and breakfast. This experience was life-changing for our boys especially for those who had never travelled alone without their parents. This was an exercise of self-discovery, of independence and of responsibility. The boys also got to practice Italian, taste focaccia, do some souvenir shopping and take loads of photos and videos to immortalise this experience forever. It is the pleasure of the Extra-Curricular Department to offer such experiences for the boys as we believe it truly helps them to grow and for character formation.

Max Ghio Yr 7Y writes...

I could not believe it! We were finally going to Sicily! This was big for our Year 7 group because we could not have gone the previous year because of the virus. We were all so excited!

We even arrived at the boat port before the teachers! We were all especially hyped

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for Etnaland and could not stop planning the rides on our way to Sicily!

During our trip, we visited roman temples, villas and more. We also had a workshop where we could make our own piece of pottery which was also a success. When we visited the Roman villa, we also saw goats and very old temples and some interesting statues at Agrigento! We also enjoyed ice

cream and lemon sorbet in Siracusa!

But the highlight of our holiday for most of the boys was the trip to - Etnaland… Going to a fun park with friends is incredible!

There, we first went on a ride which was like a haunted house and then after that we took our turn on a water ride. Needless to say - we got soaked! Every single part of our clothing was insanely wet! We also went on a ride where we had to shoot people with a water cannon and get people soaked! You can imagine the laughter and screams!

We also had a fantastic time on a ride which was a humongous water slide. Our group went on that ride 7 times! But we left the best for last - the ride we were all waiting for...The El Dorado! It was an insanely massive ride which did loads of barrel rolls and loops in pitch darkness!

Daniiel Vu Loehr Yr 7Y writes The year 7 Sicily trip was amazing! My favorite part of the trip was going to Etnaland. We went on so many rides. My first ever rollercoaster was on the Eldorado which was a gold mine themed rollercoaster which travels up to 65km per hour. I would love to ride it again. The other places we went to visit were a roman villa, Greek temples and we got to make pottery. We also saw a massive oil refinery that was the size of Sliema. The only downside to the trip was that the ferry’s Wi-Fi didn’t work and we came back to Malta at midnight. I would definitely go back to Sicily.

Photo credit: Google Startmag

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Changes and transitions

By Samantha Abela

On the 9th June, many smiling, cheerful faces wearing polo shirts and brown shorts; ventured the corridor of the Middle School, peering in classrooms with a twinkle of curiosity in their eyes as they prepared themselves to the ‘Transition’ from Year 6 to Year 7. This is the vibe that accompanies the ‘Transition Day’ prepared by the Middle School Teaching team for our oldest Junior School boys!

Some were a bit apprehensive when they learnt about all the new subjects that they will learn, others had questions about discpline and a few were concerned with how long will they be allowed to play football. All these questions were answered by our team and all their minds were put at peace.

In fact, for many the Middle School is were the ‘real’ adventure begins here at St Edward’s College.

The ‘many changes’ is soley a myth as in reality our boys already are used to changing teachers. They are used to having different subjects and the movement from one class to another is not constant but only for a few subjects.

This year apart from meeting the teachers, the parents were also treated to an informative talk by the INCO department and by Ms Grech of student support to discuss the various changes that the boys will encounter emotionally, physcologically and physically as they start hitting puberty. Middle school is a time of development where for many, they will be blooming in young men. It is the time where they will discover their true likes and dislikes, form lasting friendships based on loyalty and explore new things. The boys start to slowly leave the nest and assert their independance. Having said that, it is important to always guide them, mentor them and keep an open dialogue with them.

The Middle School team looks forward to welcome these shining young minds next September and wish them all the very best to enjoy the Summer Holidays as they prepare for their next big adventure.

On the 9th June, many smiling, cheerful faces wearing polo shirts and brown shorts; ventured the corridor of the Middle School, peering in classrooms with a twinkle of curiosity in their eyes as they prepared themselves to the ‘Transition’ from Year 6 to Year 7. This is the vibe that accompanies the ‘Transition Day’ prepared by the Middle School Teaching team for our oldest Junior School boys!

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Some were a bit apprehensive when they learnt about all the new subjects that they will learn, others had questions about discpline and a few were concerned with how long will they be allowed to play football. All these questions were answered by our team and all their minds were put at peace.

In fact, for many the Middle School is were the ‘real’ adventure begins here at St Edward’s College.

The ‘many changes’ is soley a myth as in reality our boys already are used to changing teachers. They are used to having different subjects and the movement from one class to another is not constant but only for a few subjects.

This year apart from meeting the teachers, the parents were also treated to an informative talk by the INCO department and by Ms Grech of student support to discuss the various changes that the boys will encounter emotionally, physcologically and physically as they start hitting puberty.

Middle school is a time of development where for many, they will be blooming in young men. It is the time where they will discover their true likes and dislikes, form lasting friendships based on loyalty and explore new things. The boys start to slowly leave the nest and assert their independance. Having said that, it is important to always guide them, mentor them and keep an open dialogue with them.

The Middle School team looks forward to welcome these shining young minds next September and wish them all the very best to enjoy the Summer Holidays as they prepare for their next big adventure.

I had a dream

By Michael Lee Mifsud Bonnici Bouffar Yr 3Y

I had a good dream last night. I dreamt that I was in the jungle. I was by a lake ready to jump in when I saw a crocodile. I ran off as fast as I could! I met a cheeky money that offered to help me climb a tree. While I was on the tree, I saw a tiger and a lion. They were hunting down a hyena. It was very bloody and scary. The monkey threw a banana at my face. I fell off the tree but, luckily, I landed on an elephant on his big back. It stomped away with me until we saw a herd of zebras. It scared them away and I climbed down. I walked in the jungle for a while until I saw a beautiful macaw up in the trees. All of a sudden, a huge mango fell on my head, and I woke up at the sound of my alarm clock. It was time to go to school.

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Living at the College

As the scholastic year 2022/23 is coming to an end, the corridors of St Edward’s College will be quiete, silent and in peace for a few days after busy weeks of lessons and myriad activities. This year, the Extra-Curricular Activities Department saw over 175 applications for live-ins that ranged from Year 5 all the way up to the Year 11s.

These live-ins are the highlight of the year for most of our students who look forward to sleep for 2 nights here at College. Arriving on Wednesday early morning (some even by 7am!) with huge suitcases, you would imagine these young men were travelling for a month away from home! They always make a sweet sight especially when those few who are not accompanied by their parents and thus come by school transport, are helped out by the older students to take the luggage up our ancient staircases. The live-in rooms, that this year were furnished with new bunk-beds, would be buzzing with laughter and excitement as some apprehensive parents help their children settle in the room, make the bed and bid them farewell.

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At lunch time the boys met for the first time Chef Shaun Cefai and some reacquainted themselves with Mr Mark Tierney, who prepared for the boys heartly lunches and dinners and offer sweet cookies at tea-time. After-school is when the real fun begins and this year we had different activities lined up for the boys: teasure hunts around the classrooms, treasure hunts to discover all the knooks and crannies of the school (Do you know where the Graham Laboratories are?), laser-tag, movie nights, cops and robbers, infected, one-touch, penalty-shoot-outs, cake-decorating competitions and much more!

Mystery stories surrounding the ghost legend of Preca were not forgotten, concert-practice was also included and sceance prayers in honour of all those who perished on our grounds during WWI; were just a few of the many anecdotes that the students were able to recount back home. Countless snacks were consumed, popcorn was shared, walks around in blankets and flip-flops, impromptu pillow fights and torches flickering in the dark... the Live-Ins at St Edward’s are where memories of a lifetime are created and these wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of educators who spend their time with students to supervise them and make sure all activities take place for everyone’s enjoyment.

We hope to be able to offer a lovely experience to all the boys next year and to entice new students to join us too!

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A community confirmed At College, we take the spiritual formation of our students quite seriously. This is reflected in our foundation papers as well that state that St Edward’s College is a ‘Catholic’ institution thus we foster the values of the Roman Catholic Church.

For a number of years in fact, College has offered Catechism services for our students from Year 2 to Year 7. In the past, this service was under the administration of SEPTA but was handed over to the Extra-Curricular department for the past 9 years.

A number of members of staff serve as Catechists once a week for around 20 lessons spread through out October – May. Lessons are held after school some at College and others have shifted to online. Our Catechists are dedicated members of the community that are themselves in touch with the church and set an example of Christian values to our students.

During these lessons our students learn about the rites of the church, the sacraments, lives of saints, how to lead a good chirsitian life as well as interesting facts about the Roman Catholic church as an insitution. This is done through powerpoints, videos, activities etc... the official Maltese Catechisis books are used as a basis.

The culmination of this religious preperation is of course our lovely Holy Communion Mass which is celebarted for the Year 2 students on the last Sunday of May. This mass is a celebration for our boys who receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Mass is celebrated by our school Chaplain and coordinated by Ms Blanche Caruana

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and assisted by another Catechist, this year Ms Mifsud. Logistics are handled by Ms Samantha Abela on behalf of the College.

Also in May, the Year 7 boys finish their Catechism journey when they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This mass is celebrated at Tal-Virtu’ in Rabat thanks to Father Carabott who takes care of the English Speaking Parishes.

Both these occassions mark special moments in the lives of our Edwardian students and will leave memories that our community will cherish forver.

Congratulations to the 23 boys who were Confirmed in 2023 and to the 26 boys who recieved Holy Communion.

Hasta la vista!

By Elena Soto

The Year 9 students who are learning Spanish were playing a game to review different aspects of the language (culture, grammar, vocabulary and they also have some questions for conversation).

Lessons at the College are never boring and learning comes through various channels!

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Environment matters

By the Eko-Skola Co-Ordinator

Ever since joining St Edward’s College 12 years ago, I had the pleasure to act at the Eko-Skola Link Teacher and monitor over 40 different boys to be part of the Eko-Skola Committee. Being a steward of the enviornment brings about a lot of responsibility and all the boys I had the pleasure to work with throughout the past years took this mission very seriously.

The beauty of the Eko-Skola programme is that it encourages the students to come up with their own iniatives, to be independent thinkers and risk-takers, to be empowered...

As the Link teacher sometimes, it does give me heart palpitations especially when you await for a poster to be designed, an article to be written, an email to be sent or a descision to be taken and than put into motion. Having said that, this process also leads to a lot of satisfaction as you see the students grow into articulate young men that are assertive and take responsibilty seriously.

Some of our past Eko-Skola students join the committee for a year or two whilst others stay longer even 7 years! A few weeks ago, Prof Paul Pace visited College to meet with the current committee.

The President of Eko-Skola, Miguel Aquilina, was also present for the evaluation jury. The meeting lasted for an hour during which the Prof Pace asked numerous questions to the boys. The verdict was the following: “On behalf of the EkoSkola National Jury, we would like to thank you for hosting us at your school.

Meeting the students was the highlight of the visit. Seeing them genuinely and actively interested in ensuring a good quality of life in their school community was very encouraging and uplifting.

So, with great pleasure, we would like to inform you that the EkoSkola National Jury has unanimously agreed to award your school with the

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prestigious Green Flag Award for the sixth consecutive time. For the next two years you can hoist the flag on your school building, display it during school functions and in the foyer, and use the EkoSkola logo (attached) on your letterhead and other school material.”

Receiving our 6th consecutive Green Flag is a national honour bestowed upon a handful of schools only! As a community we should be proud of the work brought forward by the Eko-Skola committee, support them in their endeavours

Of myths and legends Whoever said that homework is boring old writing? As part of their history assessment for June 2023, the Year 7s were asked to look up a myth from Ancient Greece and recount it in their own words and using whatever medium they wished. Many versions of King Midas’ Touch were reproduced, Medusa the Gorgon, Arachne the spider, the Minatour, Icarus and Daedalus as well as Orpheus and Eurydice. This exercise helped the boys to enhance their research skills, learn how to condense writing, be creative and also improve their writing and technological skills.

Four special mentions in this exercise go to: Samuel Schiavone for his 3D model of Medusa, Zane Fenech for his computerized comic rendition of the story of Medusa as well, Ben Cassar Torregiani for scripting and drawing his myth of choice and to Daniel Vu Loehr for acting out parts of the Myth of King Midas and recording it. Well done boys!

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From the Early Years Noticeboard

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End of year fun in the sun

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Mon collège

By Alvina Schwarz

During French, the students worked on the theme of school and as homework, students were asked to create a chart/ poster to describe their school.

They had to write a short paragraph to depict their school, their routine, some of their lessons and timetable. They could also describe two or three teachers and we have all recognized Headmaster! Well done to Alexander Lanfranco, Youran Yi and John Paul Felice!

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 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.

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

All Hail, worthy colleagues This year’s roll call of Staff Members of the Month features a wide range of abilities. One thing in common is the underlying commitment to duty and to the College, over and above the call of duty. From sports to mathematics, from administrative duties to organising musicals, our staff has excelled. Some prefer to do it on the quiet (you know who you are!) but the all-seeing eye of the colleagues makes sure that appreciation is attributed where it is due.