2025-26 PRODUCTION: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
By: Ava.S (Y9)
The familiar taste of love, humour, and fantasy returns once again as our school’s annual production takes the stage As the famous song goes, “Tale as old as time,” this much-anticipated event brings together technical work, visual art, and performing arts including music, acting, and dance into one spectacular performance This year ’ s show, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, stars Hazon (Y9) as Belle and Eddie (Y13) as the Beast. With sparkling, intricately designed costumes, fairytale-like sets, and a magical attention to detail, the production promises an immersive and unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages
Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a bright yet unconventional girl in a French town who stumbles upon an enchanted castle belonging to a cursed Beast. Over time, Belle manages to crack through the Beast’s cold and unforgiving exterior, teaching audiences valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and true love while also showing the importance of looking beyond appearances The story’s timeless message continues to resonate, offering both entertainment and reflection in equal measure
Hazon, our main actress, shone as Belle Her singing voice carried the emotion of every scene, while her acting captured both vulnerability and strength She drew the audience into Belle’s journey with authenticity, making it easy to root for her character’s courage and determination. Opposite her, Eddie embodied the Beast with a compelling mix of power, vulnerability, and nuanced emotion. His portrayal captured the character’s transformation from anger and isolation to love and understanding, leaving audiences captivated and moved
Personally, I had the privilege of playing Cogsworth, the loyal yet slightly uptight clock of the castle. To say it was fun would be an understatement At first, I was nervous about how I could bring such a strict, precise, and slightly comical character to life, especially in a show filled with drama and emotion. Through countless rehearsals, I learned to embrace Cogsworth’s quirks, sarcasm, and subtle humour. Each night on stage, hearing the audience’s laughter, gasps, and applause made all the long hours of preparation worthwhile. Being Cogsworth taught me patience, timing, and the joy of fully inhabiting a character a lesson I’ll carry forward in every performance I do
This production would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of the behind-the-scenes team From our director, Mr Edwards, to the costume designers, set builders, prop managers, lighting technicians, and stage crew, everyone played a vital role in bringing the story to life Their tireless work ensured that every set change, lighting cue, and costume flourish enhanced the magic of the performance On behalf of the cast, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this production a success
The supporting cast, from the mischievous Lumière and meticulous Cogsworth to the arrogant yet charming Gaston, brings energy, humour, and flair to the production Each performer contributed to a dynamic ensemble that enriched the story, added moments of levity, and kept audiences fully engaged from start to finish.
Another remarkable aspect of this year’s show was the increased participation of boys in principal and ensemble roles, a notable change from previous years The cast grew into a close-knit family, and the production was a unique opportunity, not only to act and perform, but also to form friendships and bonds that will likely last a lifetime. The teamwork, trust, and support among cast and crew members made the show an experience far greater than the performance alone
No performance of Beauty and the Beast would be complete without the music, and our school orchestra, led by Mr. Denyer Green, was nothing short of extraordinary From the opening overture to the sweeping ballads, their live performance added energy, emotion, and nostalgic magic to every scene. Each musician played a crucial role in supporting the actors, enhancing the narrative, and creating a full-bodied theatrical experience. The hours of rehearsal, attention to detail, and passion from each member of the orchestra ensured that every note and beat elevated the performance, making the story feel truly alive
Beauty and the Beast was more than just a school production it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring power of storytelling. From the sparkling costumes to the carefully crafted sets, the talented actors, and the mesmerizing music, audiences were invited to be enchanted, captivated, and transported to a world where love truly conquers all This year ’ s production was a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of every student and staff member involved, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to witness it
LOY KRATHONG 2025
By: Captain (Y8)
This year Loy Krathong fell on the 5th of November 2025. It was a day where students and staff come together to celebrate this unique Thai Festival. It is a day to pay respect and gratitude to rivers, let go of bad luck and welcome good fortune. However, this year’s Loy Krathong is celebrated in a more solemn way due to the national mourning for the passing of the late Queen Mother, Queen Sirikit.
During Assembly, the Thai Department, alongside Year 7 students, delivered a presentation about Queen Sirikit’s lifelong devotion of improving Thai people’s lives and preserving Thai silk and traditional crafts. Afterward, Ms Sharp and Mr Findlay offered their condolences on stage, and the school stood together for a minute of silence in honor of Her Majesty Following this, Keagan and Thomas also gave us an informative talk about Loy Krathong, its origin, how it is celebrated and other interesting facts After that there was also a floating ceremony at the lagoon
At breaktime, there were multiple traditional Thai food and dessert served in the cafeteria. There was Moo-Ping and sticky rice, Khanom Chan, and sticky rice with coconut cream for dessert-a delicious highlight of the day
Although this year ’ s celebration was celebrated in a more solemn tone than usual, it was still a good opportunity to pay respect and learn about Thai culture.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
By: Aeyyah (Y11)
We started off our school year strongly with the House Tug of War competition on Thursday August 28 . The results were outstanding, and Wellington House Spirit was through the roof as students cheered for each other enthusiastically However, not every house could win The results were as follows: in first place came Hopetoun, in second place, Lyndeoch, in third, Picton and in fourth came Anglesey. th
The penultimate week of term featured the much anticipated annual Sports Day, in which the eight houses came together to compete in a range of events, such as sprints, long jump, high jump, relays, shot put, AMRAP, and tug of war.
Lots of house spirit was shown throughout the whole event, as competitors from each house pushed through the challenges and worked together.
The second House Competition was welcomed with just as much enthusiasm House Chess Qualifiers were played on the first of October this year during lunch time, where students were able to cheer on their house representatives
The results were as follows: Talbot came first with Q (Y8) representing them, followed by Pete (Y9) representing Lynedoch, then Jerry (Y12) representing Murray, and in fourth place, Latte (Y9) from Hopetoun
We look forward to seeing the continued enthusiasm and success in next term’s house competitions!
The next day, we headed to Universal Studios Singapore, which was an absolute blast The park was full of energy, colour, and fun. We screamed our lungs out on the Cylon roller coaster and got soaked on the Jurassic Park Rapids On top of that, some people also went on Revenge of the Mummy THREE TIMES It was amazing to see how science and engineering make these rides safe and thrilling at the same time We also loved taking photos with the characters and exploring the different themed zones, from Science to Ancient Egypt to Far Far Away.
Gardens By The Bay:
Our final destination was the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. Standing under the giant Supertrees felt magical. Inside the Cloud Forest, we were amazed by the towering indoor waterfall and the cool mist that surrounded us It was the perfect example of how nature and technology can exist in harmony; however, we did get lost when we were exploring the place We were heading towards the exit! We also learned how the Gardens used solar energy and sustainable design to protect the environment
Introduction:
When our school announced that one of the options for Adventure week was Singapore, everyone was thrilled It was a chance to explore a new country, learn new things, and make memories with friends. The trip was filled with excitement, laughter, and discovery, from science experiments to roller coasters and beautiful gardens
STEM Centre:
Our first stop was the Science Centre Singapore, where our STEM learning truly came to life. We explored dinosaurs and we were not going to lie; it was extremely boring. There were two science shows, one about conducting lightning, and the other was about fire tornados and how they are made and the chemicals and gases that form them. Seeing how technology and creativity work together in everyday life inspired many of us to think differently about what we learn in school
Beyond all the places we visited, what made the trip special was the time spent together. We laughed, learned, and supported each other throughout the journey. Whether we were taking group selfies, trying local food, or sharing stories on the bus, we built memories that will stay with us forever By the end of the trip, we realized that Singapore isn’t just a city full of lights and attractions it’s a place where learning, innovation, and beauty come together. This trip taught us not only about science, but also about friendship, curiosity, and the joy of exploring the world.
Universal Studios:
BISA BOYS CONFERENCE
By: Arin (Y10) &Ai (Y9)
Going into the 2025/26 school year, Wellington has entered a new chapter in its endeavor to be a school where our sports and academics both thrive. Recently, we have switched sports conferences from GBAC to BISA. With this change comes new challenges as the level of competition increases across the board, and we are now entering newly added sports that were previously unavailable to us. We are now competing in football, basketball, and the new additions of volleyball, touch rugby, netball, and badminton For Michaelmas, the in-season sports arefootball and basketball.
The first few games of our first season in BISA we won a fair number of games. Including a dominating victory over Brighton with a stunning performance, ending with a score of 11-0. Although we have faced some lost games, we will use them as a learning experience which will help us improve our skills.
The end of the first season of our first season in BISA is drawing near, and it can be said that we did well for the first season For many of our teams, we have a neutral record of wins and losses. Considering this is our first time here, we have done a good job.
Sports calendar can befound here
BISA GIRLS CONFERENCE
By: Lavie (Y10)
Joining a new BISA league this season has been a big change for us. We knew it was not going to be easy because there are teams in this league that have been playing together for years, and you can tell by how well they play. Still, we handled it better than we thought. It has been full of challenges, but also a lot of learning, and we are proud of how we have adapted.
At the start it felt a bit scary The pace was faster, the games were harder, and every small mistake seemed to matter more. But instead of giving up, we took it as a chance to improve. Each game has taught us something new like staying calm, communicating better, and trusting each other more.
We had our ups and downs. Some games went really well, and we played great together Example U15 girls going against Brighton we have an amazing win 11-0. Other games were harder and did not go our way, but we learned from them. Losing sometimes just made us want to train more and get better
Every week we are getting used to the league more. Training feels more focused now, and we understand better what works for us Even though other teams have more experience, we have shown that hard work and teamwork can make up for it. We might not always play perfect, but we always play with heart and effort
Being in this league has taught us a lot more than just football. It showed us how to support each other, how to bounce back after losing, and how to never give up. The best thing is how close we have all become as a team. We help each other, celebrate small wins, and keep pushing forward. We still have a lot to learn, but we are proud of how far we have come. This season has been about teamwork, growth, and finding our rhythm in a new league. Even though the competition is strong, we are handling it well and getting better with every game.
‘At the start of the new BISA season, things were a bit rough for us It took some time to get used to the new league since the games felt faster and harder than before. As part of the school football team, I feel like we have improved a lot and started to match the pace The teams we play against have more experience, but that only makes us want to push harder and play better every game. Even with some ups and downs, we are coping well and starting to find our rhythm as a team ’
DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE
By: Jasmine, Lily &Arin (Y10)
Introduction
The Duke of Edinburgh award is a valuable opportunity to engage in various activities, including volunteering, physical challenges, and skill development. It encourages students to step outside their comfort zone and develop real-life skills. Whether it’s teaching Year 5 students, mastering a new instrument, or hiking through a muddy forest with a heavy pack, DofE gives students a chance to prove their resilience and teamwork skills.
First Day
The Year 10 went on their practice DoE trip on the 25th of September to Khao Yai and arrived back to Bangkok on the 27th of September on a Saturday During their trip, they learned that packing less was better than packing your whole house They also learnt that their digestive systems were not happy with them during the trip
The teachers that joined them during the trip were Mr. McCraw, Mr. Banks, Mr. Krits, Mrs Mavie, Ms Tian and Kru M
On the first day, they immediately set up their tents before we were allowed to eat dinner Afterwards, many people roasted marshmallows and socialised before sleeping
Second Day
On the second day, the students woke up at around 5am, preparing early for their hike at 9am. They took down their tents after breakfast, where many of the groups worked together to feed each other and prepare their food and lunches One of the groups had a member that ate tuna with Nutella bread, which was quite nutritious
The groups got back by around 1pm-3pm, with one group coming back at 6pm. It stormed, which made the students have to sleep in the cabins (Girls) and under the tents (Boys)
Third Day
On the third day the girls woke up in the barn whilst the boys woke up in their tents. The morning was due to everyone resting from the hike the day prior. Soon they started the second hike; Mr James, the owner of the campsite, guided them throughout the trail to make sure groups did not get lost The trail was very muddy this time, but everyone pushed through. The hike was cool, so sweating was minimal and walking was much easier. After the hike everyone rested and prepared for the journey back They arrived back at school at around 1:30pm on Saturday.
Y10 were now fully prepared for their official Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Qualifier in Adventure Week
DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER
Ms Mo, the trip lead, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey is always a highlight of my school year, and this year ’ s trip with Year 11 has been particularly unforgettable. From the Practice to the Qualifier, I have witnessed countless moments of care, teamwork, and support among you all.
On the 2nd and 3rd of October, the Year 11s went on their practice Duke of Edinburgh trip This served as crucial training for the qualifying journey, including navigating through a lush forest with a map and GPS, prepping and cooking meals, and facing a huge storm which flooded many tents.
During Adventure Week, the Year 11s embarked on their qualifying journey to Chiang Mai This was a step up from the practice as Chiang Mai presented new routes, over a thousand metres in elevation, and steep inclines
This was a memorable experience, from bamboo sticks to a perilous cliff people clung onto. Upon reaching the peak, the third tallest mountain in Thailand could be seen, rising above the clouds On the hikes, the students encountered a plethora of animals, from friendly dogs and cats to insects, beetles, butterflies and more.
Even years from now, I know I will still remember our ‘zero-star hotel’ with a “fivestar view’ in the Chiang Mai mountains, how much you all groaned about the ‘extra distance’ and called it a scam, yet still showed incredible resilience to finish strong. I was so proud watching you complete the entire journey
Thank you all for being such caring, determined individuals and for giving us, your teachers, such a wonderful and memorable time.”
credit: Mungkorn (Y11) for photographs
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
By: Winnie (Y11)
On November 29th, our school community came together once again for the annual Christmas Fayre an event organised each year by the Friends of Wellington. This year’s theme, Christmas at Hogwarts, brought a magical twist to the celebration, transforming the campus with festive decorations and a warm, cheerful holiday atmosphere. Students, teachers, and families gathered throughout the day, creating a lively and welcoming setting.
As you entered the school, the first thing you noticed was the soft glow of golden lights and the sound of Christmas music drifting through the air. Stalls lined the pathways, selling everything from festive decorations to board games and books. The smell of delicious treats soon filled the space as well; food stalls offered popcorn, hot chocolate, savoury snacks, grilled beef, and plenty of sweet treats.
From group dances to rock bands and solo singers, the performances added to the joyful atmosphere and brought crowds together to watch, listen, and sing along. Each performance showcased the hard work students had put into rehearsing, and the show kept the audience entertained all evening, with each group bringing its own energy whether through lively choreography, powerful vocals, or impressive instrumentals.
A variety of activities and games was enjoyed by all the children, including a giant bouncy castle, craft stations, competitive challenges, and themed photo spots inspired by Hogwarts. The laughter, cheers, and excited chatter from the students filled the air, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere that added to the magic of the fair.
Once again, the Christmas Fair proved to be a memorable celebration, bringing joy to all who attended. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the Friends of Wellington, the student performers, and all the volunteers who helped bring this enchanting Hogwartsinspired Christmas to life.
ATHLETES IN WELLINGTON
By: Chloe &Lele (Y10)
Behind every victory, there’s hours of training, determination, and a strong mindset At Wellington, our athletes show what true dedication looks like, tons of training, pushing through challenges, and staying motivated to reach their goals. In Sports and Spirit, we explore what motivates Wellington athletes on keeping their Spirit alive.
Lavie, Football Striker(Y10)
Lavie has been playing football since Year 5 and has spent the past five years developing her skills as a striker. “Football has always been my passion,” she shared, explaining how she trains for around nine hours which is crazy each weekday to push herself to the next level. This season, Lavie and her team have had an outstanding start to BISA, marking one of their best performances yet. “My teammates really keep me going,” she added “They’re always supportive, motivating me to score goals and cheering me up during games.” This really shows great team motivation.
Miki, Multi-Sport Athlete (Y11)
Miki has been playing basketball and football at Wellington since Year 7, spending almost three years growing as an athlete and teammate. This year, she decided to try something new by joining the volleyball squad, a sport she had never played before “I didn’t really grow up doing many sports, so looking back, I’m honestly proud of how much I’ve improved,” she says. She admits there are good and tough days, but the moments when effort pays off make it worth it. “Achieving something for myself and for the team is what keeps me going,” she explained. For Miki, the friendships built along the way are just as important as the games, and they encourage others to get involved in a sport.
Phoenix was inspired to play basketball because he loved the challenge and thrill of the sport. He currently plays in a league called the Youth Ballers League (YBL). His training routine consists of five days a week, with two days focused on team training Each day, Phoenix spends an hour improving ball control and another hour working on shooting individually. His rest days are on Wednesdays and Sundays.
One of the biggest challenges Phoenix has faced is being the smallest on the court, which often led to comments suggesting he’d never amount to anything. Instead of letting that discourage him, Phoenix used it as motivation to work harder and prove people wrong.
If Phoenix could give advice to someone who wants to follow a similar path, it would be this: “Heart over height,” because determination and effort matter more than size.
Charlie has been a football player since his time at his old school, and when he joined Wellington, he wanted to continue his journey in the sport
Charlie’s typical training routine includes school training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, academy training on Saturdays and Sundays, and additional practice in his garden where he works on his skills and shooting. Charlie also goes to the gym every other day to stayfit and strong
The biggest challenge Charlie has faced is underperforming in games. He has overcome this by becoming more confident on the ball and passing less, trusting his own abilities.
The advice Charlie would give to someone who wants to follow a similar path is to never be scared to take on the man. His favourite quote is, “Everything is possible with God.”
PUZZLES & GAMES
By: Mei Mei (Y11)
CrypticClues
They are split into 4 parts:
Definition – not always a literal definition, can be its purpose or something it does
Subject - Word(s) being changed
Indicator – how to change the word(s) (n) = number of letters
Example:
Rats turn around when seen at night. (4)
The definition tells us that the answer can be seen at night. “Turn around” indicates a reversal
Rats is the word being changed, if you “turn around” rats, you get “star” which can be seen at night
Theme: Nature
1.Heading South, ending greed to grow plants. (4)
2.Now, after thefirst silence has turned thefields white. (4)
3.The ecosystem tries to make noise in all four directions? (6)
4.Chaos could cover the sky. (5)
Theme: Science
5 Crazy citizens benefit without fatalistic carcinogens (7)
6.A mom in a lab mixes chemical gases. (7)
7.Thefirst king at the table gets minerals. (9)
8.You better not disarrange the measuring tools. (7)
9.Perfume ingredientsfound in mixed steers (6)
Theme: English
10.A poem for the boy with hisfishing gear? (6)
11.Again and again, they started to redo petitions. (10)
12.A poet I moan about, crazily imitates the sounds of birds. (12)
PUZZLES AND GAMES
By: Shawn (Y13)
I SPY
Spot the 6 stickers in the illustration . Good luck!
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS BUCKET LIST
☐ Make a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea and enjoy it slowly
☐ Watch a favourite Christmas movie with someone you love
☐ Put up a small decoration that makes your spacefeel festive
☐ Write a heartfelt message to a friend, teacher, or family member
☐ Light a candle with a winter scent (cinnamon, pine, vanilla)
☐ Make a small playlist of songs that remind you ofthe holidays
☐ Try a new holiday recipe
PUZZLES AND GAMES
By: Ivy (Y9)
HALLOWEEN WORDSEARCH
By: Ivana Y7
Atomic Earth
AShort Story By: Ray (Y9)
“The Great Atomic War 2034 G.E caused widespread devastation driving humanity to be driven close to extinction and the basis of its societies and ecological systems destroyed, giving way to anarchy and destruction.”
– Excerpt fromTerra a historical encyclopedia (Published 3428 Galactic Era)
“The Earth was once covered in luscious vegetation, in great forests of green, in high snowcapped mountains. Then Lo fell the great storms, the harbingers of destruction the atomic bombs!”
– Excerpt From the Book ofCollective Histories7 Edition (Published 2587 G.E) th
Part1:TheSeeker
The desert fox dotted quickly among the rocks as its cool blue eyes contrasted with the heat of the rocky precipices above. Suddenly, however, the ground trembled beneath the footsteps of a survival suit - its mechanized footsteps - the bringer of human activity. Spooked, the agile creature ran continuing its miserable trudge through the endless desert. Its only goal? To find the precious liquid rarely found on Earth - Water.
Aron Calom gripped the controls of his suit. He was a seeker as they called them. One of the last few who still roamed the barren Earth in search of legend: “The Last Garden”.
Plotting in his coordinates meticulously located through primitive radar and mathematical analysis, he believed he had finally located it. After two decades of searching, he would be the first one to discover it!
As the control panel beeped signaling the start of the journey, he drank the remaining water from his ration pack, the warm liquid failing to quell his desperate thirst. Once there he would have no thirst and no hunger! Or so he thought boisterously.
Part 2:The Last Garden
It had been seventeen days of wandering since Calom first set his course, and he was starting to lose hope.
The heat gave way to radiation storms that had destroyed the internal computer system.
His parched lips were wrinkled and pale; his body trembled with each step that he took. He was exhausted He could go no further; his legs gave way as his head spun as everything went black, and he expected his life to slip before his very eyes.
He woke up to find himself under a large glass dome with, for the first time in his life , cool air flowing around him. Befuddled at first, his eyes slowly adjusted to the brightly lit environment. “What’s this?” He suddenly exclaimed. It was green, soft, and damp. Moss, Lichen, Grass, Weeds! It was just as the legends had said he had stumbled upon the last garden.
Upon further inspection he found worn inscriptions scrawled on one of the buildings, some largely unreadable, some that he could read; however, he had no idea what they meant. Inscriptions such as: “E pluribus unum” or " “W th peple of the Unted S-”. Was this the language of their ancestors? What or who was the United s? Who created these? They were questions that he could not answer.
With a smile on his face, he glimpsed at the crystal waters below and the grassland that surrounded him and thought: “The Earth still lives!”
Emperor Macrinus the Great (2345 G.E-2412 G.E) was the founder of the galactic imperium and is often credited with saving humans from extinction due to nuclear fallout by advancing ecological technology to reverse the devastation caused and turn Earth into the centre of a great ever-expansive empire which now encompasses the entire milky way.” – Excerpt From the Book of Empire (Published 3427 G.E)
The Term in Photos
