Editor’s Note
RECIPES AND BAKING
Must-Make Smoothie Reicipes - Siena di Pietro and Isabel Stensurd
Chocolate Brownie Recipe - Diya Deepak and Sonya Sangklub
Luscious Lemon Bars Recipe - Caitlyn Kusuma
Pancakes Recipe - Emma Victoria Bass
Honey Joys Recipe - Edie Roff
Pizza Scrolls - Sabine Lange and Olivia Rabeling
Anzac Biscuits Recipe - Eva Foley
Grace's Cakes - Grace Shum
Apple Crumble Recipe - Lily Kain
MEMES AND MERICI
SPECIALS
Microwaved Memes - Sabine Lange and Olivia Rabeling
School Memes - Grace Peoples
Year 7 Camp - Andie Roggeveen
Lunar New Year - Georgia Yi
Movies to Watch This Month - Alexis Beckett
Hottest Reads - Mia lane
Movie Review: Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Ava Ibester
fruiTTI tutTi
1 cup chopped banana
1 cup mixed berries
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup plain yogurt
Recipe Name:
Serving
Prep Time
Total time Cook Time
1.Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan forced).
2 Spray a 20cm/8″ square tin with oil and line with baking/parchment paper
3.Place butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, microwave in 30 second bursts (takes me 1m 30 sec) until melted. Stir until smooth.
6.Bake 24 minutes for really gooey in the centre, 28 minutes for fudgey but still very moist, 32 minutes for moist fudge-cake-like.
7 If you didn't use the extra chocolate for stirring in, reduce cook time by 2 minutes
By Sonya and Diya (Creds. To Nagi Maesashi for this recipe)
Ingredients:
Bar: 150gunsaltedbutter,chopped 1/2teaspoonvanillaextract 1/3cupcastersugar 11/3cupsplainflour Icingsugarmixture,toserve
Steps
Lemontopping: 4eggs scant1/4cupplain flour 11/4cupscastersugar 2/3cuplemonjuice
1. Preheatovento180C.
2. Linea20cmx20cmslicetinwithsiliconpaper,allowinga 2cmoverhangonallsides.
3. Placethebutter,vanilla,sugarandflourintothebowlofa foodprocessorandpulseuntilasoftandcrumblydough forms.
4. Turnintothepreparedtinandpresswithyourfingertipsto evenlydistributeacrossthebase.
5. Bakefor15to20minutesoruntilgolden.
6. Whilethebaseisbakingwhiskeggs,flour,sugarand lemontogetheruntilsmooth.
7. Gentlypouroverthebaseandbakeforafurther15 minutesoruntiljustset.
8. Coolcompletelyinthetinbeforedustingwithicingsugar. Carefullycutintosquaresorrectanglesasthewhimtakes you.
Website: https://simplefood blog/2019/07/07/luscious-lemon-bars/
BY THE COOK SNACK RECIPIES
Pizza scrolls
2 cups (300g) self-raising flour
1 tablespoon caster sugar
30g butter
¾ cup (180ml) milk
¼ cup (70g) tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried italian herb blend
1 small red onion (100g), chopped finely
100g sliced mild salami, cut into thin strips
1 medium green capsicum (200g), chopped finely
2 cups (200g) pizza cheese
Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 20cm x 30cm rectangular slice pan; line base and long sides with baking paper
Sift flour and sugar in a medium bowl; rub in butter Add enough milk to mix to a soft sticky dough Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 10 minutes or until smooth Roll dough into a 30cm x 40cm
Spread dough with tomato paste; sprinkle with herb blend, then add toppings
Roll dough tightly from long side Using a serrated knife, trim the ends Cut roll into 12 slices; place scrolls, cut-side up, add remaining cheese
Bake pizza scrolls for 25 minutes, transfer to a wire rack
G R A C E ’ S C A K E S
C A K E S
Applecrumbl
Tip: serve with ice cream
Ingredients:
Apple filling
-1kg granny smith apples, peeled and cut into
approximately 1 cm cubes
-1 tbsp plain flour
-100 grams of white sugar
-1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
-2 tbsp of lemon juice
Topping
-1 cup rolled oats
-150 grams plain flour
-150 grams brown sugar (loosely packed)
-1 half a tsp baking powder
-1 tsp cinnamon (more or less depending on your preferences
-125 grams melted unsalted butter
-a pinch of salt
Microwaved Memes
By Sabine Lange & Olivia Rabeling
School Memes
School Memes Pt2
Intro to the Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a celebration, as well as a marking for a new year. In 2026, the Lunar new year kicked off on February 17th, marking the start of the year of the Horse, which represents strength, and ambition. Though this zodiac may seem like the same one that comes every twelve years, there are actually 5 elements, wind, fire, earth, water, and metal, that correspond to each year. This makes up 60 different combinations for each zodiac year! This year specifically is the year of the fire horse which is said to represent vitality and energy.
Some
Lunar New Year is a time full of tradition; many being spent with your family. Granting wishes to family, and friends are a great way to celebrate the New Year, the most common wishings being fortune, health, and wealth. During the new year, people, commonly your parents, and older family members, will give out red envelopes called ‘Lai See’, or ‘Hong Bao’. These envelopes can be filled with lucky coins that bring fortune, as well as money for those receiving. Another common tradition is decorating for the new year, furnishing your house with gold, orange, red, and yellow, as well as lanterns, and lunar new year signs/decoration People decorate for many different reasons but the most common are to bring good fortune, and rid of bad luck. These though, are just some traditions as there are many more that vary from different cultures around the world!
The event AT
Here at Merici, we also celebrated the new year with an event held in the New Quad. This took place on the 19th of February, the date marking the start of the Lunar New Year. The event had many different activities that capture common Lunar New Year aspects, all of which being greatly enjoyed. This fantastic event was an initiative by Nhien Vu in year 12, who had great help from Ms Chen, Ms Parisi, and Ms Rodriguez. As for the stalls, they were run by senior members of the Culture Council who aided greatly in the running of this amazing event.
+ who brought it to life
One of the numerous activities we had to celebrate were lantern paper crafts that students could take home or use to decorate the canteen vine wall. Students were also able to write their wishes on sticky notes, that would later be hung up on a board in the front office. They also organised Red Pocket Lucky Dips filled with lollies, which were said to have been a huge hit The Lunar New Year event also had a chalk station where people could draw what Lunar New Year meant to them. These artworks were drawn around a giant, chalk horse, illustrated by Alizaih, in Year 12. This drawing depicted the fire horse which represents the current Lunar New Year. They also had a dragon dance which is common in Lunar New Year celebrations, as well as other celebrations from Asia. All these events were enjoyed by students, and we hope to welcome the celebration again at Merici next year!
CLUELESS MAMMA MIA!
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
THE PRINCESS DIARIES
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
For young adults FantasyNovels Romance Mystery&Thriller
(From L-R) Fantasy~ Fourth wing RebbecaYarros, Powerless Lauren Roberts, Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross, A Court of Thorns and Roses Sarah J Maas Romance~ Better Than the Movies Lynn Painter, They Both Die at the End Adam Silvera, The fault in our Stars, Jhon Green, To All The Boys Ive Loved Before Jenny Han Mystery& Thriller~ Sadie Courtney Summer, One of us is Lying Karen M. McMagnus, A Good Girls Guide to Murder Holly Jackson, S.T.A.G.S M.A Bennet.
Study Hacks
Let’sbereal:studyingcanbetough.Whether you ’realast-minutecrammerorasuperorganizedplannerwithcolor-codednotes, figuringoutwhattostudyandhowisn’t alwayseasy.Buthere’sthegoodnews,it doesn’thavetobe!We’veroundedupsome simple,stress-freewaystobeatthat“stuck” or “unmotivated”feelingsoyoucansmash yournextassignmentwithconfidence.
HardestFirst
HardestFirstHardestFirst
Tacklethehardtopicsfirstwhen youarefreshandyourmindis clear.Afteryouhavegotten throughtheworstofit, everythingelsewillbeeasyand youwillbuildconfidence.
Turnstudyingintoachallenge! Onewayyoucandothisisbyusing flashcards.Themoreyoutest yourknowledge,thestrongeryour memorywillbecomeand confidenceyouwillget.
BY MATILDA MACDONALD
S rets to Study Smarter
nyourroomhavingatotalmeltdown,becauseyouhaveatestinaweek and you have no idea where to start Well, you’re in because you just opened to a page fullofstudytips,strategiesandmethodsthatwillhelpyouacethattest.
A study method that is revolutionary for memorizing important topics is SQ3R which was developedbyFrancesP.Robinson.SQ3RstandsforSurvey,Question,Read,ReciteandReview. Thisishowyouimplementit.FirsttheS,insteadofforcingyourselfintoreadingawholebookat once try skimming through it and take notes on the first chapter, subheadings and even images.basically,anythingthatstandsouttoyou!NextQuestioneverythingandanythingthat you’recuriousabout.Askquestionslikewhat,whyandhow,tohelpyoutoknowwhatanswers you need After that begin reading and try to find answers for your questions If you still have moreunansweredquestionsresearchfurther!(itmighthelpinthetest)Nowrecite/summarize everything you read and learnt so far in your own words, try to recall and focus on the main ideas and points. Lastly revieweverything you learnt so far, try quizzing yourself or even ask a friend to do it for you This will help you really lock it in your mind and be prepared for the big test.
Study Checklist!
Clear Space, Clear Mind!
Adopt Healthy Sitting Posture
Dedicated Place to have full Focus. Remove Digital Distractions set up the environment balance your time
Get 7-8 Hours of Quality Sleep
Make Time to Socialise and relax Join Clubs! Beyond Academics. Stay Active !
Another strategy you can use is the pomodoro (which was created by Franchesco Cirillo) is a method that allows you to continue studying withoutgettingburnt-outquickly. Here’showitworks,youstudyfor25-minutesstraightwithoutdistractions and with full focus After that 25-minute session you take a 5-minute break.youcontinuewiththismethoduntilyouarefinishedstudyingforthe day. You may combine this strategy with SQ3R method by separating the SQ3R steps into the 25-minute study sessions with the 5-minute breaks (FunfactpomodoromeanstomatoinItalian)
WHY CAN’T I STUDY??
BY: GRACE SPEIRS
POMODORO METHOD
The pomodoro is the perfect way to reduce burnout and fatigue. The way this method works is you study for 25mins, and once your timer goes off, you put everything down, and take a 5min break doing whatever you like. You can repeat this until your work is done.
ACTIVE RECALL
Active recall is when you simulate for your brain having to remember something without help, rather then doing long hours of reading and review. Active recall can be used in activities like, flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests.
TEACHING THE CONCEPT
When you feel you are ready, explain what you are studying to a parent or sibling. You would be suprised what happens. By doing this, not only does it increase confidence, but it identifies gaps in knowledge, increases memorisation, and helps with comprehension, as you are having to break down the concept into simpler terms.
The Biggest Moments of the Night
Music’s Biggest Night - February 2026
Bad Bunny accepts Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys
Bad bunny - Debi Tirar Más Fotos
Bad Bunny took home Album of the Year for his chart-topping reggaeton album Debi Tirar Más Fotos. With smash hits and record-breaking streams, this win solidified Bad Bunny’s regain in the music industry.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “Luther”
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean wowed audiences this year with her soulful voice and hit singles. She accepted the Best New Artist award in a stunning black gown.
Billie Eilish - “Wildflower”
Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year for her haunting ballad “Wildflower”. The melancholic and poetic song captured the hearts of both fans and critics alike
Eurovision 2026
What Is Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest started in 1955 when the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) held a meeting in the European country Monaco to discuss the idea of holding ab European song contest based on the Italian Sanremo Music Festival. They held the first contest in 1956 Lugano, Switzerland where 7 countries where each represented by 2 songs. In the end Swiss singer Lys Assia was crowned the first ever winner of Eurovision the start of a long line of Eurovision stars to take the trophy.
Last Years Competition
Last year the contest was wild, with 37 countries battling it out to win the top spot, eventually Austria’s JJ won the Eurovision crown with the song “Wasted Love” mixing opera, pop and, just when it couldn't get more diverse some techno. Because of JJ’s win, in 2026 Eurovision will be held in Austria, Vienna and is hopefully going to be an amazing contest
Billboard Hot 50
What are your takes on the current 50 trending songs?
Choosin’ Texas - Ella Langley
Man I Need - Olivia Dean
I Just Might - Bruno Mars
American Girls - Harry Styles
Ordinary - Alex Warren
Stateside - Pinkpantheress ft. Zara
Golden - HUNTR/X
The Fate of Ophelia - Taylor Swift
Aperture - Harry Styles
Opalite - Taylor Swift
So Easy (To Fall in Love) - Olivia Dean
Risk It All - Bruno Mars
Folded - Kehlani
Back To Friends - Sombr
Ready, Steady, Go! - Harry Styles
DTMF - Bad Bunny
Taste Back - Harry Styles
Coming Up Roses - Harry Styles
Where Is My Husband! - RAYE
Be Her - Ella Langley
Sleepless In a Hotel Room - Luke
Combs
E85 - Don Toliver
Pop - Harry Styles
Be By You - Luke Combs
Are You Listening Yet? - Harry Styles
Dance No More - Harry Styles
Yukon - Justin Bieber
The Waiting Game - Harry Styles
Iloveitiloveitiloveit - Bella Kay
Season 2 Weight Loss - Harry
Styles
Body - Don Toliver
Babydoll - Dominic Fike
Homewrecker - Sombr
What You Saying - Lil Uzi Vert
Baile Inolvidable - Bad Bunny
Die On This Hill - Sienna Spiro
Dracula - Tame Impala
Carla’s Song - Harry Styles
Amen - Shaboozey ft. Jelly Roll
Fever Dream - Alex Warren
The Fall - Cody Johnson
The Great Divide - Noah Kahan
Better Me For You - Max McKnown
Nuevayol - Bad Bunny
Paint By Numbers - Harry Styles
Tit For Tat - Tate McRae
Let ‘Em Know - T.I.
It Depends - Chris Brown ft. Bryson
Midnight Sun - Zara Larsson
Lush Life - Zara Larsson
TRIBUTE
IN JUST THREE YEARS, WHITLAM’S GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED AN EXTRAORDINARY NUMBER OF REFORMS. ONE OF HIS MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS WAS THE CREATION OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, KNOWN THEN AS MEDIBANK, WHICH WAS THE FOUNDATION OF TODAY’S MEDICARE SYSTEM. FOR THE FIRST TIME, AUSTRALIANS HAD ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE REGARDLESS OF INCOME. HE ALSO MADE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FREE, OPENING DOORS FOR THOUSANDS OF YOUNG AUSTRALIANS WHO PREVIOUSLY COULD NOT AFFORD HIGHER EDUCATION.
GOUGH WHITLAM WAS ONE OF THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE AND CONTROVERSIAL LEADERS IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY. SERVING AS AUSTRALIA’S 21ST PRIME MINISTER FROM 1972 TO 1975, WHITLAM LED A GOVERNMENT THAT RESHAPED THE NATION IN WAYS THAT ARE STILL FELT TODAY. HIS TIME IN OFFICE WAS DRAMATIC, AMBITIOUS, AND UNFORGETTABLE. MARKED BY SWEEPING REFORMS AND AN UNPRECEDENTED DISMISSAL THAT CHANGED AUSTRALIAN POLITICS FOREVER.
The Great Emu war of 1932 (A war against Emus?)
Did you know back in 1932 20,000 Emus Attacked the wheat fields in Western Australia? Yeah, it did happen and now it is in the Australian history book that we lost. Yep, we did lose to flightless birds. Now you may be thinking: how did this become a war, they are flightless birds?
Annabelle BrownWell when said emus invaded, these poor farmer's crop fields were destroyed the fences since they were migrating and they love wheat (like a lot). The farmers were pretty mad (Like any person would be) so they went to the government to get support from them and the government decided to send out a part of the seventh Heavy Battery Division. Now they found a problem really quickly - Emus are fast. So to solve this problem, they mounted the Guns they had to Cars. But Emus are also smart and basically invincible. With them leaving scout birds to alert the rest of them so they could book it before the humans even got there. Even when they got there and emus where there thier are a lot of places you can hit on a emu that won’t do anything meaning it was taking 10 bullets every 1 emu. But being the subborn australians we are we gave it a shot. In the end we took down a grand total of 960 emus.... There were 20,000. How do we lose I could of done better with a cricket bat and a boomarnge and 5 other people.
Annabelle Brown
