Volume II, Issue IV

VOLUME II, ISSUE IV

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

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SCHOOL NEWS

SPORTS

The Senior Struggle Saga: A Race to Burnout BY TROIS ONO, REI SAEKI | GRADE 12

JV Basketball Teams bring home WJAA tournament trophies

Despite the joyous spirit that typically accompanies the beginning of the new year, the Seniors' den of HS-1 wafts a distinct scent across the high school floor- the sweet aroma of dread, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. For the Seniors, the celebratory ring in ‘Happy New Year 2024’ is a reminder of Extended Essay (EE) deadlines, college applications, and mock exams- truly, the seniors are living their best lives. This never-ending fiesta of academic ‘pleasure’ is a common phenomenon in January called ‘Senior Burnout’ or ‘Senioritis’ in medical terms.

SEE ONO, SAEKI PAGE 2

BY JUNLIN CHU, DANNA YOON | GRADE 9 From January 13th to 14th, JV Girls and Boys Basketball Teams participated in the WJAA Tournament held at Saint Maur International and Yokohama International School (YIS), respectively.

SEE CHU, YOON PAGE 7

Exhausted seniors

Cougar and referee

WORLD NEWS

Japan collides into 2024 with a shaky start BY EMMA NARVAEZ | GRADE 12 Just 16 hours into the New Year at 4:10 PM JST, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 hit the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula of the Ishikawa Prefecture. The aftermath involved numerous aftershocks, structural damage, and tsunami warnings for neighboring countries as far as eastern Russia.

WHAT’S INSIDE

The earthquake has left a trail of devastation, claiming the lives of at least 57 individuals in Ishikawa. The vulnerability of Japan to earthquakes is well-known, given its location at the convergence of four tectonic plates. The recent earthquake generated ocean waves about 1 meter high along Japan’s west coast and on the coast of neighboring South Korea, prompting the evacuation of almost 100,000 people across nine prefectures.

The earthquake caused fires in multiple locations, exacerbating destruction, and also disrupted water and power supplies, making

SCHOOL NEWS What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Featuring High School Teachers PAGE 3

communication challenging in affected rescue efforts underway to reach those areas. affected.

Ishikawa, the epicenter of the Ironically enough, however, a coast guard earthquake, lies near the tectonic plate aircraft en route to provide supplies to an airbase boundary between the earth’s in Niigata inflamed the initial tragedy.

Eurasian and North The Coast Guard aircraft, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 American plates, making it named Mizunagi-1, was on a mission to provide relief in particularly response to the earthquake that susceptible to had struck the day before. seismic activity due to However, the mission took the movement of these an unforeseen turn. plates against each other. The impact of the earthquake has been felt across the region, with casualties reported and

WORLD NEWS Kim Jong Un's Surprising Gesture: Condolences to Japan Followed by a Missile Launch

BY TROIS ONO | PAGE 5

SEE NARVAEZ PAGE 5

STEM TEACHER OF THE MONTH The newly created Teacher of the Month: The GPT-4 Tubo means new advancements in one and only lord of capybaras - Mr Feezell!

ChatGPT software

BY SOPHIE WYNKOOP PAGE 6

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BY PAULINE GAUDEFROY PAGE 11

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THE MAURDIAN | SCHOOL NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

SCHOOL NEWS

Spread some love and purchase HSSC Valentine’s Day Grams!

BY EMILY BEYER | GRADE 11 January is coming to an end and Valentine's season is fast approaching with February. This year our High School Student Council has once again organized the sale of Valentine grams to provide our community with the chance to show appreciation and love to the important people in our lives. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spread joy throughout the school! Deluxe cards (Pictures 1 and 2) will be available at the price of 200 yen, while the normal card (Picture 3) will be sold for 100 yen. Extra deals and meme Valentine grams will also be available, so definitely watch out for more information about them in the next few days.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

ONO, SAEKI FROM PAGE 1 As the clock ticks away like a ticking time bomb, most seniors find themselves crafting the most fantastic personal statements that would put Dante and Shakespeare to shame.

Imagine how a joyous task it is to summarize your life accomplishments and future in 500 words: a cycle of stress and existential crisis.

Special recognition to our one and only Ms. Dompor, our unsung hero, runs from room to room to collect transcripts and official documents for our college applications; not to mention the countless hours of rants and tears from the line of students crowded around her office after school. With university application deadlines being dropped to us like bombs, we truly question what it means to be a high school student in this day and age. Years ago, top universities had acceptance rates that are double the rates they are now. Nowadays, universities expect a traumatic life experience

accompanied by several internships and a cure to cancer, all from a single teenager. It comes to a point where applicants with such established profiles probably won’t even need that higher education.

While seniors spiral into questioning their identities for the sake of some 250-word application essay, teachers set up the onparade of assignments. In a perfect choreography of group procrastination at Uni Coffee (and other similar sites), as well as pestering Mr. Ito about the mock exam schedules: the result is a bunch of exhausted seniors that were once vibrant individuals several winters ago. Like a typical winter scenery, our facial tones dull down and the only saturated color that is left is the dark purple of our ever-growing eyebags. The mock exams are like a twisted game show where the stakes are high, and the grand prize is the

vague promise of academic success in the real IB– or at least a certificate of participation in this madness of a curriculum.

As a cherry on top, the IB workday emerges as the mini-grand finale, featuring the pièce de résistance known as the Individual Orals. In the lead-up to the IB workday, seniors are busy figuring out what exactly is a ‘global issue,’ rereading their texts, and praying that their teacher is kind enough to not throw them an unexpected curveball during the 5-minute Q&A. The graduation photos are taken on the same day, transforming what could have been a sentimental photo into a portrait dominated by the soulless stares of the seniors.

The common struggle of the first two months of 2024 can only be survived with mutual support and encouragement. At the end of the day, empty laughs are still laughs.

Exhausted seniors

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THE MAURDIAN | SCHOOL NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Featuring High School Teachers Mr. Olson PSHE Teacher “1. Shift the balance of my diet towards more fruits and vegetables and less meat and processed foods.

2. Play basketball to the point of sweating at least once a week.”

Mr. Daz Learning Support Teacher “Discipline, Righteousness and Holiness.”

Mr. Alexander English Teacher “Take a ten minute break from my screen to walk around once a day.

Try cooking more Japanese food."

Mr. Ito Mathematics Teacher “I want to spend more time with my family and less time doing work.”

Ms. Mansson Religion Teacher “To just be still, be content, just be...

In 2020 we were all panicking; in 2021 I moved to Japan and it was all so overwhelming. In 2023 I felt I had to improve my lessons, do better, learn more.

This year, I want to just take it all easy and just be...”

Mr. Doherty Music Teacher “To practise the accordion every day!”

Ms. Gaya Mathematics Teacher “To maintain a balance between real life and online life, explore spirituality and attempt to reduce the amplitude of my emotional sinusoidal curve.”

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CONTINUATION

Nakashima Sensei Japanese Teacher “Like in the year of the rising dragon, I make my effort to improve myself to give a positive influence to students' lives.”

Ms. Aguilera Computer Science Teacher “Delegate tasks when possible, reduce stress, learn Japanese (at least the basics), travel with my family and friends, lose weight, read a new book, stop procrastinating, learn how to cook new dishes, make a scrapbook, and create a digital photo album.”

Ms. Novick Biology Teacher Return to racing. I have a half marathon scheduled for November and hopefully a marathon next spring. It’s an ambitious goal and I don’t know if it’s in the cards for me, but if training goes well over the next four years I’d like to be in shape to qualify for the US marathon Olympic trials in 2028.

It’s been an interesting challenge to learn how to balance training and family; unlike when I was single I can’t control all the variables that go into it, like sleep and meals and when I can do workouts. Being a mom and an athlete means I have to make a lot more compromises than before. I used to resent and avoid anything that got in the way of training. However, while doing so enabled me to maximize my athletic performance, it precluded from many other worthwhile things in life. So I hope to approach this new chapter of my athletic career with a “yes and” mindset, as opposed to a “yes but” mindset. I am doing so by appreciating that motherhood has given running a new and more profound purpose in my life; it’s something I hope to share with my daughter in the future, should it be something she chooses to take up.

Mr. Patmore History Teacher “My New Year’s resolution is to procrastinate less. By the way, sorry it took me so long to reply.”

Thank you High School teachers for contributing to The Maurdian! We wish you all good luck on your resolutions, and a Happy New Year!

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THE MAURDIAN | WORLD NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

NARVAEZ FROM PAGE 1

WORLD NEWS The aircraft was reported to be stationary on the runway for around 40 seconds before the collision with Japan Airlines Flight 516 occurred.

The collision resulted in a devastating fire, leading to the deaths of five out of the six crew members on the Coast Guard plane. The captain, who survived with serious injuries, reported that the back of the aircraft suddenly caught fire shortly after increasing engine power, eventually exploding following the collision.

This unfortunate turn of events not only claimed the lives of those on the Coast Guard aircraft but also led to further damage and

destruction at Haneda Airport. The not been disclosed, footage inside air traffic control, representatives from the airline stated, “Our collision and subsequent fires the plane shows that the main caused operational losses for Japan body of the plane was intact upon understanding is that it was Airlines, estimating damages at 15 landing, with flames on the outside given.” However, JAL declined to billion yen ($105 million). The and smoke within the cabin. The provide direct comments on the between flight incident also forced the closure of light smoke meant that passengers interactions Haneda Airport runways, affecting were not susceptible to smoke controllers and the two planes. numerous flights during a period inhalation or suffocation, and In the face of a challenging start to when many were traveling for the were able to make their way out.

2024, Japan grapples with the New Year holidays.

Government authorities aftermath of a powerful committed to conducting a earthquake, subsequent Miraculously, all 367 passengers thorough investigation into the aftershocks and fires, and a tragic and 12 crew members aboard the circumstances of the incident, aviation collision. We extend our JAL516 flight evacuated, with at especially considering that the deepest condolences to the 57 lives least 17 minor injuries. The country had not experienced a lost in Ishikawa and the 5 crew remarkable speed of the significant commercial aviation members of the Coast Guard plane. evacuation was a testament to the accident for decades. When As investigations unfold, let us aircraft’s emergency system, questioned during a late Tuesday remember and honor the lives where passengers followed the night briefing about whether impacted, hoping for strength and emergency protocols and exited Japan Airlines Flight 516 had recovery in light of this swiftly through the exit slides. obtained landing clearance from unexpected adversity.

Although extensive details have

Works Cited Al Jazeera. “How Devastating Was Monday’s Earthquake in Japan?” Al Jazeera, 2 Jan. 2024, www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/2/how-devastating-was-mondays-earthquake-in-japan.

Author, No. “Japan Ushers in a Bruising Beginning for 2024.” The Japan Times, 5 Jan. 2024, www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2024/01/05/2024-japan-begins/.

Holmes, Oliver, et al. “Japan Plane Crash: A Visual Guide to the Tokyo Airport Collision.” The Guardian, 2 Jan. 2024, www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/02/japan-plane-crash-visual-guide-tokyo-airport-accident. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Regan, Helen. ““Battle against Time” to Find Quake Survivors as Japan Lifts Tsunami Warnings and Death Toll Rises.” CNN, 2 Jan. 2024, edition.cnn.com/2024/01/02/asia/japan-earthquake-tsunami-warnings-tuesday-intlhnk/index.html.

The Asahi Shimbun. “48 Confirmed Dead in Ishikawa after New Year’s Day Earthquake | the Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis.” The Asahi Shimbun, 2 Jan. 2024, www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15100662.

Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Consolation performance by the Ground Self-Defense Force Band, Ministry of Defence of Japan (

防衛省), CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Kim Jong Un's Surprising Gesture: Condolences to BY TROIS ONO | GRADE 12 Japan followed by a missile launch On January 1, 2024, Japan was struck by the Noto earthquake, registering a shindo intensity of 7 and a magnitude of 7.6. The seismic activity triggered smaller earthquakes, a tsunami, and a wave of global sympathy.

However, there are speculations about the sincerity of some nations. Among the nations extending their support, North

Korea's unexpected gesture raised eyebrows and fueled discussions on the potential diplomatic ramifications.

Japan has historically maintained a cautious approach towards North Korea, given the latter's nuclear ambitions and unpredictable behavior.

Expectedly, speculation arose about Kim Jong Un's motivations

occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945 left deep scars, with forced labor, exploitation, and the use of "comfort women" contributing to dissent.

Even post-war, the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents remains a major source of contention and North Korea’s acts stem from the was the topic of a summit Prime historical tensions of the two Minister Fumio Kishida proposed (to which Kim rejected). nations. Imperial Japan's colonial for sending condolences to Japan.

Some analysts suggest that North Korea, under Kim's leadership, may have intended to exploit the earthquake as a means to disrupt the cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

CONTINUATION

In light of North Korea's recent message of condolences, questions about the possibility of renewed diplomatic relations and increased dialogue between Japan and North Korea have surfaced. Some experts see an opportunity for a thaw in the relations between the two countries. Zainichi journalist Mr. Hen Shinichi states that “[the message] could be seen as a precursor to the establishment of friendly relations between North Korea and Japan and the start of some kind of negotiation” (Friday Digital). If both countries approach the situation with sincerity and a willingness to engage in dialogue, the Noto earthquake could, instead, become a catalyst for improved relations.

In spite of all this, Kim’s sympathy did not last long and proved that the conciliatory message was “too good to be true.”Just a week after the message, North Korea's actions took a sharp turn with the launch of its first ballistic missile of the year which confirmed the doubts of skeptics who took on X (previously known as Twitter) to exclaim “it would be of more help if [Kim Jong Un] stopped nuclear tests and missile launches instead of offering condolences.” ( , X). The missile launch was Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons counterintuitive because all three (modified) nations have vowed to continue Korea, their "primary foe and any progress would need careful increasing the trilateral invariable of historical principal enemy" navigation cooperation and have titled the (Nikkei Asia). grievances, specifically on Japan’s Democratic People’s Republic of Diplomacy is a delicate dance, and part, security concerns, and international pressures.

渡邉 拡

庸

STEM

The newly created GPT-4 Tubo means new advancements in ChatGPT

BY SOPHIE WYNKOOP | GRADE 10 software ChatGPT is a powerful interface that was first launched in November of 2022. Since then, it has evolved to be a highly functional tool that millions of people use on a daily basis. The technology has caused many concerns regarding plagiarism and authenticity, since the interface is able to generate long pieces of text that were previously only able to be created by humans. This launch of ChatGPT triggered a small technological revolution, in which educators are forced to look at the act of cheating in a completely new and foreign way.

also had a positive impact on work and student life. For example, some students utilize the tool to create helpful mnemonics for studying and memorizing difficult concepts. Others enjoy using it to generate practice problems for specific math or science concepts.

The ChatGPT interface is also capable of explaining ideas in more approachable ways – struggling students can ask the software to explain a certain topic as if they were explaining it to a young child, making the topic easier to process.

creation, brainstorming, or even getting quick answers to specific questions. It works as a virtual assistant that can be found right at your fingertips. The interface is even sometimes watered down to a tool that makes lives a little bit easier and efficient.

Just four months after ChatGPT was launched, on March 14, 2023, OpenAI then unveiled GPT-4. The model is accessible through a ChatGPT Plus subscription, which enables users access to the model for $20 per month, as opposed to ChatGPT's free option. GPT-4 can In work life, professionals are process up to 25,000 inputted Although ChatGPT has made issues using ChatGPT in similar ways. words, 8 times as much as the GPTof legitimacy arise and much more They can use it for drafting emails, 3.5.

Therefore, users can prevalent in today’s society, it has generating ideas for content essentially input extensive

documents into ChatGPT to extract or condense its information.

OpenAI has also claimed that GPT4 will make fewer mistakes compared to GPT-3.5. These errors are referred to as “hallucinations”, where ChatGPT offers completely inaccurate answers, claiming that they are correct. In addition, GPT-4 is capable of generating AI images, accessing up-to-date information, and creating specialized bots trained on specific data.

Fast forward to November 6, 2023, OpenAI held its first in-person event. During the event, the representatives of OpenAI introduced the latest AI model, which is called GPT-4 Turbo.

Artificial Intelligence & AI & Machine Learning Image via www.vpnsrus.com (modified)

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THE MAURDIAN | SCHOOL NEWS | SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

CONTINUATION

With GPT-4 Turbo, users are able to customize ChatGPT and use the various updated features to have it perform more intricate tasks.

OpenAI has stated that its latest model has knowledge up to April 2023, and can fit up to 300 pages of text in a single input. The other main announcement made during

the event was that prices will be significantly reduced, positively affecting businesses, developers, and companies to use the software.

It is not entirely clear how this new update will enhance the efficiency of the current model of ChatGPT, but it is reasonable to expect users to react positively to

the change and welcome the new features. We are only at the beginning of the creation of interactive AI, with so much more to discover and develop in the near future. Now, we excitedly await and follow future developments of GPT-4 Turbo.

Friday, our spirit and strong willingness drove us to beat them and end up with 3rd place on Saturday.”

Another player Angelina (G9), mentioned that her standout moment was her threepoint shots.

Overall, it is evident that the JV Girl’s Basketball team performs with great cohesion and a strong ability to work together.

What other advancements will OpenAI make next?

Works Cited Ortiz, Sabrina. “What Is GPT-4? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.” ZDNET, 15 Mar. 2023, www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-gpt4-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/.The Economic Times. “GPT4 Turbo: OpenAI Unveils the Most Powerful, More Updated ChatGPT. Here’s What It Offers.” The Economic Times, 7 Nov. 2023, economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/gpt-4-turboopenai-unveils-the-most-powerful-more-updated-chatgpt-hereswhat-it-offers/articleshow/105031767.cms?from=mdr. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.

SPORTS On the first day, Saint Maur JV Girls went against The British School in Tokyo (BST). The game commenced intensely, and the score remained 0-0 until the 2nd quarter. However, the Cougars eventually lost against with a score of 25-10. The whole team described this game as a physically and mentally energy-consuming game. After the game against BST, Saint Maur Cougars had to go against Senri Osaka International School (SOIS). Different from the game against BST, the Cougars were more ready to play a game and have fun. With that energy, the Cougars started to win and take control of the court. On the second day of the tournament, Cougars went to Yokohama International School for the second half. The first game was against Fukuoka International School (FIS), and the Cougars beat them.

The Cougars then went to the semifinals against YIS. It was a tough game and they unfortunately lost; however, the Cougars proudly secured the third-place spot by defeating the British School in Tokyo in the exhilarating third game with a score of 9-12.

One player, Yunseo (G9) highlighted this game as a standout moment from the tournament. She stated: “After the game ended with our win, everyone’s cheering and crying was a significant moment.

Although we had lost BST on

When asked about the most challenging aspects of the tournament, and how they and their teammates supported each other through those challenges, one player, Angelina answered: “The most challenging aspect of the tournament is that whenever we played against a strong team we could learn from them.

Whenever we lose someone or feel sad we always encourage each other.”

Additionally, Yunseo responded: “The most challenging aspect of the tournament was that after making a mistake or when our team was losing, our teammates often fell into a negative mood or lost energy.

However, our team’s support and encouragement could help us shake it off and cheer up again.”

The JV Boy’s Basketball Tournament took place at Yokohama International School, where the Cougars kicked off with a triumphant start against Senri Osaka International School (SOIS), winning with a score of 43-40.

At noon, Saint Maur Cougars went against Nagoya International School (NIS) and they proudly became the first place in Pool A. On the second day of the tournament, Cougars went to Yokohama International School for the second half. The first game was against Yokohama International School (YIS), and the Cougars beat them by the score of (33-29). After that, Cougars went to the Championship Match, against Canadian Academy (CA). It was a tough and very close game, and the spectators experienced the full spectrum of emotions that

When asked about his expectations for his team and the tournament, Coach Hasselmann answered: “I focused on my team’s effort and unity, expecting everyone to give their best and have fun together.”

While the defensive focus was clear and cohesive, limited offensive practices before the tournament made him anticipate fewer scoring chances.

He reflected: “The defense exceeded expectations, creating more scoring opportunities and performing better than in previous games.”

Cougars vs. Dragons

CHU, YOON FROM PAGE 1

scoring drought.” Hinata would also like to give special shoutouts to Liam (G9) for scoring points during the CA game as well as Aiden (G9) who got most of the rebounds, Masaya (G10) who did great cuts, and Elma and Koya (G10), who did their part in scoring.

JV Boys’ Basketball team

JV Girls’ Basketball team

a basketball match can elicit, from the thrilling highs to the challenging lows. Unfortunately, CA defeated the Cougars with a final score of (45-49). The Boys’ basketball team triumphantly seized the runner-up trophy, securing a well-deserved second place. One player, Hinata (G10) highlighted the CA game as the most challenging part of the tournament, explaining that “there was so much pressure, and [he] was on a complete

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He is not only grateful for his teammates on the court but also grateful to everyone on the bench for “keeping the hype up.” He explained, “If they weren't the ones hyping us up, I probably would have lost motivation by halftime, so I wanna thank them for that too.”

When asked about the team’s performance during the tournament, Hinata responded: CONTINUATION ON NEXT PAGE

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

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“They did everything that they were supposed to do, they set screens, they went in for cuts, they got their rebounds, they played defense well.” However, he also mentioned that communication was one thing his team could improve on. He stated: “Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm deaf, but I don't hear them talking a lot, and it would be way more helpful if they

would constantly talk. But that point also applies to me, I should talk way more too.”

Hinata’s ultimate highlight from the tournament was undoubtedly when Masaya got fouled during the CA game, with 0.5 seconds left.

Masaya ended up making one of his three free throws, sending the game to overtime. Hinata stated that this was the “biggest moment

of pressure in [his] life.”

In a thrilling conclusion at the WJAA tournament, our school’s basketball teams made history with the Boy’s team achieving second place and the Girl’s team securing a well-deserved third.

This outstanding achievement not only showcases the remarkable talent of our athletes but also how much the players as a team

trained hard and became a cohesive team.

Both teams’ impressive achievements speak volumes about our athletes’ dedication and skill, making a lasting impact on the tournament and setting a high standard for future competitions. Cheers to our basketball players for their standout performance and strong impact on our school’s sports history!

FEATURES

New Year's traditions from around the world

BY MARIA CAROLINA MARTINS, EMMA NARVAEZ | GRADE 12 3..2..1…Happy New Year! This celebratory greeting, along with the iconic scene of the New York Times Square Ball Drop, the timeless tradition of sharing a New Year’s kiss, and the colorful explosion of fireworks illuminating the night sky all make up the classic New Year’s celebration that we’re all familiar with. However, as the clock strikes midnight and the world comes together to welcome the beginning of a new chapter, diverse customs from every corner of the world take place.

Asia Japan - 108 Bells Joya no Kane In Japan, the New Year starts with a spiritual symphony - 108 bells echoing at Buddhist temples, lasting 1-2 hours. The ringing, known as “Joya no Kane ( )”, or “midnight bell” takes place at Buddhist temples across the country. This rhythmic ritual isn't just a countdown; it's a cleansing melody, casting off 108 earthly desires and paving the path to a fresh, enlightened beginning.

除夜の鐘

Philippines - Round Shapes for Prosperity In the Philippines, the New Year is welcomed with a delightful custom emphasizing the importance of shapes in shaping one's fortune. Filipinos believe that consuming round-shaped fruits, such as grapes and oranges, and placing coins in pockets or wallets, symbolize wealth and prosperity. The roundness represents coins and abundance, creating a start to the year filled with financial well-being and good fortune.

OSU Special Collections & Archives : Commons, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

North America United States - Drops Across the United States, New Year's Eve is marked by a diverse array of “drops,” where unique objects descend as the clock strikes midnight. From the iconic Times Square Ball Drop in New York City to quirky regional drops like a giant peach in Atlanta, a music note in Nashville, a conch shell in Key West, or even a pickle or possum in various towns, each drop reflects the distinctive character and traditions of its locality.

Canada - Polar Bear Swim Canada takes a daring dip into the New Year with the Polar Bear Swim. It's not just a plunge; it's a bone-chilling baptism, washing away the old year and gathering communities to leap into a fresh start, no matter how frosty the waters may be.

Australia Australia - Making Noise!

Down under, Aussies don't just welcome the New Year; they announce it with a bang! As the clock strikes midnight, Aussies flood the streets, banging pots and pans in a brassy chorus. It's not just noise; it's a spirited symphony bidding farewell to the old year and ushering into the New Year!

Images, wedit: Getty t-bizarre-ne ach Drop, Cr /30/the-mos Georgia’s Pe .com/2021/12 ws ne ily da .ny / https://www he-country ops-around-t years-eve-dr

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Europe France - Mistletoe When you think of mistletoe, your mind will probably take you to Christmas. However, in France, the little plant (and the kisses under it) comes out on New Year’s Eve instead. You may encounter it in the party decorations all over the country, and when the clock strikes midnight, couples will kiss sous le gui (under the mistletoe).

Italy - Throwing Things Out the Window To kick off the year the right way, the Italians have an unusual tradition on The night of San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve): throwing old pots, pans, clothes, appliances, even furniture out the window. This is meant to symbolize the “letting go" of things that no longer bring you happiness to prepare yourself for the future. Although this custom was more common in ancient times, it is still alive in different parts of Italy, including large cities like Naples and Rome, just with smaller items, usually crockery.

Africa South Africa - “Second New Year” Although South Africa celebrates New Year's Eve on the night of the 31st to the 1st of January, with beautiful displays of fireworks, alongside traditional bands playing catchy melodies that echo through the streets, a different tradition takes place on January 2. That day is called Tweede Nuwe Jaar – “second new year”. This date is significant as in the past this was the day when, after the celebrations of their masters, the slaves were allowed to rest and enjoy the arrival of the new year.

South America Brazil - White & Red Clothing In Brazil, it is believed that by wearing certain colors to welcome the new year you can attract whatever it is you need for the coming year. On the outside, many choose to follow customs derived from AfroBrazilian religions and wear white from head to toe, a color that symbolizes peace, purity, and renewal.

Underclothing is also important - many wear brightcolored undergarments, with carefully selected colors, as each represents an individual desire. For example, yellow symbolizes money and success; red is passion, and green is hope.

http://www.grandvoyageitaly.com/culture/out-with-the-old-on-new-years-eve-in-italy

Colombia - Empty Suitcases If you’re a traveler and ever find yourself spending New Year's in Colombia, then the South American country has the perfect tradition for you. People who wish for a year full of travel and adventures take their empty suitcases around the block for a stroll at midnight for a year of plane tickets and getting to know world beauties guaranteed!

Works Cited culturetrip. “The Strangest Colombian New Year Traditions.” Culture Trip, 26 Oct. 2017, theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/the-11-strangest-colombian-new-year-traditions.

Herrmann, Michele. “10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Ball Drops in the United States.” Forbes, 26 Dec. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/micheleherrmann/2023/12/26/10-unusual-new-years-eve-ball-drops-in-the-unitedstates/?sh=6ae0a6b84e21. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

Leonardo, Ferrer. “New Year’s Traditions in Africa.” ONLYONE AFRICA, 2024, onlyone.africa/new-yearstraditions-in-africa/.

Moench, Mallory. “10 New Year’s Traditions from across the Globe.” TIME, 28 Dec. 2023, time.com/6550868/new-years-traditions-around-the-world/.

Nippon.com. ““Ōmisoka” (New Year’s Eve).” Nippon.com, 26 Dec. 2015, www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00100/.

Schmitz, img alt=’’ src=’https://secure gravatar com/avatar/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=20’ class=’avatar avatar-20 photo avatar-default’ height=’20’ width=’20’ />Elizabeth. “Ringing in 2018: Strange New Year’s Eve Traditions from around the World.” Ecophiles, 10 Dec. 2017, ecophiles.com/2017/12/10/strange-new-years-eve-traditions/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2024.

The French Desk. “Eight New Year’s Traditions in France.” The French Desk, 10 Feb. 2020, thefrenchroomhome.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/new-year-traditions-in-france/.

FEATURES ● OPINION

Should books ever be banned?

The question of whether or not books should be banned has been debated time and time again. For books that discuss controversial matters or have highly graphic content, the solution of hiding them away from the public seems easiest. Others, such as me, are of the opinion that banning books only suppresses knowledge, which is something that should never be allowed to be prohibited. Whether your opinion stems from the former or the latter, this issue is still something that is being disputed today and may not have a clear resolution.

BY SOPHIE WYNKOOP | GRADE 10

written by the Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler. The book is an autobiographical manifesto which discusses Hilter’s reasons for being anti-semitic, as well as his hatred for communism. It also provides a heavily detailed outline of Hilter’s various political ideologies and what he believes is the best political direction for Germany.

exterminated.

He actively unbanned and available for people encourages his readers to adopt to read. this opinion and use his ideology I believe that all books contain at in everyday life. I find this idea least some amount of knowledge morally abhorrent and in no way that is worth learning from, so that we do not repeat the mistakes of do I support it.

Scholars and professors have the past and so that we can think commented on the dangers of critically about decisions we make letting a book like this be easily today. A book like Mein Kampf is accessible to the general public. part of our history, even if it While there are many aspects of There are worries that spreading represents an idea that is wrong. this book that are controversial Hitler’s views will cause ideologies As humans we should be life-long and offensive to marginalized like Nazism to resurface again, or learners and have the tools and to refine our groups, the part that has sparked that his book could get into the knowledge and opinions. the most conversation on whether hands of minors who don’t yet understanding a book will not or not it should be banned is its have fully sculpted outlooks on Banning anti-semitism. In Mein Kampf, society. While I believe that these necessarily suppress the ideas One of the more notorious books Hitler claims that Jewish people are valid and logical concerns, I behind it. that started this debate is Mein are plotting to take over the world also think there are reasons for I also think that if we ban books, it Kampf (“My Struggle”), which was and that they should all be keeping books like Mein Kampf CONTINUATION ON NEXT PAGE

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only increases the desire for them. As previously stated, concerns Banned books may not be easily about not banning Mein Kampf are accessible, but they can still be completely reasonable. To combat accessed via illegal publishing. the issues that may arise from Overall, I believe that keeping Mein Kampf being read, I am in books open to the public lets favor of teaching students about readers explore different the book and educating them on perspectives and teaches them the the contents of it. Not only is it an importance of freedom of important primary source about expression.

Hitler’s life and Nazi Germany, but it would also help steer students in Although Mein Kampf is a rather the right direction. Talking openly extreme example of books that about topics that raise controversy some believe should be banned, helps to de-stigmatize them. there are also many common and This is obviously not a long term popular books that have been solution and isn’t easy to criticized. The Harry Potter series, implement in the education for example, was heavily criticized curriculum. The question of for encouraging witchcraft and whether or not to ban books is one supernatural activities. If the book that is typically dealt with on a actually does this is unclear, but case-by-case scenario, and it is many lovers of the series work to very likely that it will stay this shut down those rumors and make way. Let’s hope though, that we the series available for everyone.

Banned Books Display At the Lacey Library, https://www.flickr.com/photos/timberland/10300020646

can slowly work to remove the taboo on “banned” books and utilize the knowledge in them for the greater good of society.

Works Cited Gopnik, Adam. “Does “Mein Kampf” Remain a Dangerous Book?” The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2016, www.newyorker.com/books/pageturner/does-mein-kampf-remain-a-dangerousbook.

FEATURES ● REVIEWS

The Midnight Library: A Library of Endless BY JULIA TANAKA | GRADE 11 Possibilities The Midnight Library tells the story of Nora Seed, a woman who suffers from depression and tries to take her own life. Suddenly, she gets brisked away to a midnight library, where she can see an infinite amount of lives she could have lived. With the help of comforting Ms Elm,the librarian, Nora finds out the secrets to life and how each of her options has its vices and virtues. This simple but powerful book reflects on life’s natural ups and downs and how many people around the world take their lives for granted.

In my opinion, this book does a fantastic job to destigmatize something fairly common in our society – mental illness. The struggles with mental illnesses, which can be a taboo subject in many books, is the main theme throughout this novel. Found from beginning to end, this theme acts as one of the main factors that make this book realistic and relatable, as mental illnesses are present in the daily lives of many people around the world.

At the beginning of the story, the protagonist overdoses on pills because of her depression. This brings the story alive, as the events unchain the apparition of the midnight library to allow her to fix her regrets. As the story continues, we see a complete change in Nora’s character, as she starts to desire to live the life she once wanted to end. Nora Seed wants to live and live the life that she wanted to die in.

Whilst I was reading I found myself seeing patterns of people and the feelings they bring about.

The beauty of human connection is gently sprinkled everywhere. One example that spoke to me is the very personal and privileged friendship between Nora and Mrs Elm (her old school librarian) with whom the protagonist usd to play chess with in the school library.

Their bond is extraordinary because not only is Ms Elm a very comforting person to Nora, but also the person who is guiding her as she explores and discovers the different lives in the midnight library. The bond between an older, more experienced, wiser figure and a younger, more innocent, and frightened figure (like the bond of a grandmother and granddaughter) is strong, beautiful, and loving, making this book feel especially cosy to read.

The midnight library is important to Nora’s character because it offers her a way to rewrite her life, fix her past regrets, and see what her life could have been like if she had taken the chances she never thought she could have taken. As Nora explores each new life and the different choices that got her there –some big, some small, some hard and some easy, she realises that by doing certain things differently her whole life could have changed. Lives with endless possibilities could have opened their ways to her; could have ended up as a musician, an Olympic swimmer, or if she said yes to a date she could be married with a daughter. This represents an aspect of everyone’s life: Every choice we make or don't can create different outcomes, making us wonder sometimes “What would

The Midnight Library cover, https://lmhslionsroar.com/934/entertainment-review/the-midnight-libraryshould-you-visit/

have happened if I had made a choices. I believe that the Midnight different choice?”

Library calls us to reflect and Overall, this book makes you invites all of us to take chances, realise how important and special appreciate the people around us you and the people around you and focus on romanticising the life are. It makes you stop and think we have right now and trying to about life, how each passing make it better. moment will never come back and how, in some situations we must make difficult and overwhelming

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THE MAURDIAN | TEACHER OF THE MONTH

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Teacher of the Month: The one and only lord of capybaras - Mr Feezell!

Many know Mr Feezell as the capybara-loving English teacher who taught us all in Middle school. But is he really who he seems he is, or does he hide a secret identity beneath his quiet persona? Let’s find out!

1. Where did you grow up?

From the beginning of his life, Mr. Feezell grew up in the always-sunny state of California for the majority of his childhood. But sadly, due to the lack of change in the climate, he felt like he was “missing out when [he] was growing up, because [he] always wanted to build a snowman! Or, slide down the side of a hill. But it was always 25 degrees in January.”

2. What were some of your favorite childhood memories or activities?

Fortunately, when the weather lets you down, there’s always a cinema around the corner with the newest movies in store. Mr Feezell remembers part of his childhood revolving around sci-fi movies such as Back to the Future or the Star Wars originals Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He describes them as movies that have a “great ending that leaves you with a smile on your face when it’s all over.” Now that’s some quality review! He also particularly enjoyed reading action books and comics such as Fantastic Four, the Star Wars trilogy, or The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, as well as classics like the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

3. Describe your childhood in three words.

BY PAULINE GAUDEFROY GRADE 9

ambition to become a talented musician, playing the trumpet for the muse of others’ entertainment. But as he grew up, it struck him that he preferred to keep his talent to himself, as a way to escape the hollow reality of life. Until one day he met his wife in California, got married happily and moved to Yokohama. All the while searching for a school to accept and what better than Saint Maur International School? I mean, who in their right mind would want to go to YIS? So here he is, teaching us all golden shovel poems and forcing us to demolish our NaNowrimo goals!

years of hard work and dedication at this school, the one thing that has been keeping him motivated and excited to come to school every day are the students and staff, and their diverse cultures he gets to learn about. He explained that “each person has their own style and sense of humour.” Albeit, he also enjoys the exceptional poems students write about capybaras.

7. Can you tell us about how you began supervising the Newspaper Club? What’s your favorite part about supervising the Newspaper Speaking of our intellectually-gifted school, Club? not many know that Saint Maur originally wanted to create a hand bell choir! And like an angel from heaven, Mr. Feezell knew a bit about handbells and came just in time. Some say that it might be why he was hired to teach at Saint Maur, others claim that it’s simply because of his fondness for reading and writing and going to the library.

5. Where would we find you if you’re not at Saint Maur?

While most people know that Mr Feezell’s secret lair is located in the library, he sure does enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee and a good book at home. And if that may not seem very active to you, he does have a dynamic freetime activity: walking his friend’s pet dog, Anko. Whether or not any of you are lucky enough to spot him in the wild, make sure to say “hi”, and he might just let you pet his dog (nothing promised).

6. What is your favorite memory working as a teacher at Saint Maur?

All in all, Mr Feezell has worked a shocking 14 years at Saint Maur! Though in his many

Many students will also know Mr Feezell as the supervisor of the Newspaper club. But how did that come to be? And why does he still put up with the little journalists? Turns out that fate brought him to where he is today. And that fate just happens to be a Saint Maur graduate called Addisyn, who randomly plucked a meandering Mr Feezell from the hallways and asked him to come supervise the club. Forcibly, he said yes, though he would prefer hanging out at the next door library instead of the mac lab. But at the end of the day, he still likes to see the students take ownership of the toil and work cooperatively with motivation to be part of the newspaper club and “twist teacher’s arms to make them do interviews.”

8. What advice would you like to give to students?

Finally, we come to an end on the journey of Mr Feezell’s life, who would like to give crucial advice to all. While he does believe in the life motto “chill like a capybara”, he prefers to have his students know what really brings them happiness and keep it close to them, so during the darkest of times they have something to look forward to. “Find those

Secondly, this book presents the relationship between If he were to summarise his childhood in three words, it would be “books, movies, and comics”, which most of us can agree too, seeing his choice of movies. Though, to describe his youth in adjectives, he would say he was “imaginative, isolated, and quiet”– three great traits to become a powerful and wise Jedi.

4. How did you become a teacher?

What was your dream job as a kid?

Once he was finally done with high school, Mr Feezell got a job at a fast food restaurant called “Jack in the Box” until he got very good at his job and was eventually promoted to be a teacher! …Well, that would have been quite an offer but unfortunately that’s not how the world works. Like many people in this world, he had to go through yet another cycle of latenight studying and exams until he achieved the long-deserved degree and started teaching in Los Angeles for 11 years. Though, if he were to be honest, it was always his childhood

Mr Feezell feeding capybaras

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it, books! And one must-read (that you can find reading the book before going to watch the in the library!) is called “The Curious Incident play. of the Dog in the Night-time”, which just so And remember; chill like a capybara! happens to be this year’s high school drama production. So if anyone is interested in If you were really curious what his gateway to watching the play, Mr Feezell highly considers happiness would be, it would be, you guessed

things,” he commands, “When you [students] need help with something–when you have a problem–reach out. Because at Saint Maur, help will always be given to those who ask for it.”

News Brief January 13: Saint Maur’s History Bee and Bowl Team achieved second place in the History Bowl at the UIA International School of Tokyo competition.

January 17: Class of 2024 held their Extended Essay presentations for the school community, offering advice to younger students.

January 25: Grades 7-11 had their excursion days! Grade 9 - Math Excursion; Grade 10 - Language Excursions; Grade 11- Miraikan Museum & Sophia University.

January 26-27: Saint Maur’s Robotics Team attended the ASIJ VEX Robotics Tournament (More in the next issue!).

Editor’s Note: Dear readers, Happy New Year! 2024 has just commenced and the Saint Maur community has already seen remarkable achievements. From thrilling wins in basketball tournaments to outstanding performances in robotics and history bowl competitions, our students are already making this year one to remember.

On a more somber note, the beginning of the year brought unfortunate events, with Japan enduring a series of challenges, including a devastating earthquake and a tragic plane collision. In recognition of the lives lost in these tragic events, The Maurdian dedicates this issue to their memory, standing in solidarity with those affected.

We hope this issue brings a sense of unity and positivity as we navigate through this year together.

Here's to a year filled with achievements, growth, and Cougar spirit!

– Emma Narvaez KPASS Dance Festival advertisement

Newspaper Club yearbook photo

SUPERVISOR: MR. FEEZELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: EMMA NARVAEZ (G12)

WRITERS: EMILY BEYER (G11) JUNLIN CHU (G9) PAULINE GAUDEFROY (G9)

MARIA CAROLINA MARTINS (G12) EMMA NARVAEZ (G12) TROIS ONO (G12) REI SAEKI (G12)

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JULIA TANAKA (G11) ​SOPHIE WYNKOOP (G10) DANNA YOON (G9)