WIN Times July 2023

Vision

Our vision is to nurture a transformative learning community where all stakeholders feel loved, respected and encouraged to become globally responsible and achieve their potential and beyond.

Mission

Create and facilitate a culture of growth mindset, investing in all stakeholders to embrace learning by being resilient, innovative problem solvers and effective communicators.

Empower unique, empathetic and self-directed members for a rapidly changing world and instill in them critical thinking skills and a global perspective.

Foster a positive and stimulating environment with a holistic approach to nurture individuals academic, social and emotional wellbeing by embedding respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, care and compassion.

Every child matters, Every voice matters!

Winchester is a Willing

Inclusive and Innovative school that

Nurtures

Curious and Creative learners in an

Honest, Helpful, Happy, Humble and

Enterprising, Enriching environment with

Sincere Students and Staff who are

Talented, Trustworthy,

Energetic, Effective and Enthusiastic to Encourage all learners to

Recognize, Rise and Realize their potential and achieve their aspirations

Composed by Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya

From The principal’s desk

Dearest WIN Family,

It’s been a tremendous year of achievements and celebrations. WIN students continue to amaze me with their awe-inspiring performances and achievements across all areas of school life and beyond.

I am confident they will always be a source of inspiration to their colleagues, teachers and staff.

2022-23 has been a remarkable year of student engagement, a large number of students making their mark across all opportunities.

Wishing everyone a great summer and looking forward to yet another awesome year!

Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya Principal and CEO The Winchester School Jebel Ali

From the Editor’s Desk

Dear Readers,

As I sit here, penning this note, I find myself overwhelmed with a multitude of emotions. This issue marks the culmination of a remarkable journey of collective growth and excellence for our school's official magazine. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a cherished platform for our vibrant school community, this magazine has truly become a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every member of our magazine team. Your unwavering commitment, creativity, and tireless efforts have brought this publication to life issue after issue. It is your dedication and passion that have allowed us to create a magazine that is both informative and inspiring, catering to the diverse interests and perspectives of our readers.

None of this would be possible without the contributions of our entire school community. To all the parents, staff members, and students of all ages who have actively participated and contributed to the magazine, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. Your valuable insights, articles, artwork, and photographs have breathed life into our pages and made the magazine truly representative of our community.

A special mention must be made for someone who has been a constant pillar of support for our magazine - Ms. Meenakshi Dahiya, our exemplary Principal and CEO. Ms. Meenakshi’s unwavering belief in the power of student initiatives and her continuous encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the success of our magazine.

Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, our dear readers. The magazine exists for you, and your support and engagement have been our driving force. Your readership, feedback, and enthusiasm have inspired us to push the boundaries of creativity and strive for excellence. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

We eagerly look forward to seeing you next academic year, ready to embark on new adventures together.

Warm regards,

Mishal Faraz

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Graphic Designer

Meet the Team

Editorial Team

Mir Faraz, Year 8 Founder, Managing Editor Columnist

Aarav Pradhan, Year 13 Senior Editor Columnist

Victoria Nedyalkova, Year 8 Co-Editor Columnist

Ms. Veronika Lambova, Primary Librarian

Staff Columnist

Meet the Team

Student Columnists

Nadia Gaber Sayah Year 5

Jaimee Felysse A. Reyes Year 7

Sarah Javed Year 4

Madiha Javed Year 6

Saadgee Singh Year 6

Toshith Bhaumik Year 12

Hiya Chopra Year 11

CONTRIBUTE TO WIN TIMES!

GET

IN TOUCH WITH US AND HAVE YOUR WORK PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL MAGAZINE!

Nothing makes us happier than celebrating the Winchester family members. Students, parents, and staff members are invited to send their creative pieces to wintimes2019@gmail.com. Stories, poems, artwork, comic strips, recipes, tips for healthy living, book and movie reviews, puzzles, quizzes, initiatives, and column pitches are all welcome. The topics and themes you choose are absolutely your discretion because we believe that creativity is boundless.

Goodbyes are hard, and they’re a whole lot harder when we have to bid adieu to individuals who have left an indelible mark on the realms of our hearts. At the close of this academic year, the Winchester community says goodbye to two very valuable WIN family members and WIN Times team members – Ms. Veronika Lambova, our Primary Librarian, and Victoria Nedyalkova of Year 8. We thank them for their dedication and passion, and wish them the very best for all their future endeavours.

Ms. Veronika has been a Columnist at WIN Times since its very inception, and her column “Ms. Veronika’s Corner” has been an endeared staple of the magazine. Through her insightful words, Ms. Veronika has propagated the joy of reading, just as she has done all these years as the Primary Librarian. Her genuine love for the written word is palpable and evident in all her articles, which instil that very love in readers of all ages. Ms. Veronika’s impact, not just on the magazine, but on the entire Winchester community as well, is undeniable. She leaves behind a profound legacy, and very big shoes to fill.

Victoria joined WIN Times 3 years ago as a Columnist and went on to become a Co-Editor. During her tenure, she’s continuously evolved and given the readers 3 thought provoking columns“Around the World” , kaleidoscopic journeys to different countries, “The Animal Connection”, a delightful account of different animals and “Baked with Love” wherein Victoria shared her love for baking. Her riveting articles have always been a highlight of the magazine. We will miss her unique perspectives and her bright and sunny disposition which made her an amazing colleague and friend.

Goodbyes are never easy. But they are an inevitable part of any journey. The class of 2023 will always be remembered as one which showed commendable resilience, strength, and grit.

As we bid adieu to this amazing cohort, we are grateful to Michelle Charles, Secondary Head Girl 2022-2023, andAarav Pradhan, Secondary Head Boy, 2021-2022, for sharing words of wisdom for the Winchester family.

Michelle Charles Secondary Head Girl 2022-2023

Michelle Charles has been a student at Winchester for 13 years, ever since she joined the school as a Year 1 student. She has always enjoyed playing an active part in the school; serving as the Head Girl for this academic year has allowed her to make an impact and give back to the school community. She shares a deep interest in MUN and debate and has participated in numerous debate competitions, as well as had the privilege of being the Secretary General for WINMUN 2023. Michelle has always had a passion for STEM and psychology and hopes to pursue a future in clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Michelle’s Message

Hello everyone!

My name is Michelle Charles and it has truly been an honour serving as your head girl for the past academic year.

I have been a member of the Winchester family for 13 years, since I was in year 1 all the way back in 2010. Throughout my time in Winchester I have grown to think of it as my very own home, a haven where I could explore my interests and plan for the future. The time I spent at school has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.

As I leave Winchester and step into the next chapter of my life, I would like to show appreciation and acknowledge all the teachers who have been integral figures in my life, you have provided me with immeasurable amounts of guidance, which allowed me to become my best version of myself. Another thank you to all the friends I have made throughout the years who have all given me endless amounts of support and encouragement, the bonds we forged will remain invaluable to me and serve as a reminder for all the memories we made.

The Winchester family as a whole has become an irreplaceable pillar in my life. The memories, experiences and life lessons I have learned all across my academic journey are ones which I will cherish and hold dear as I continue to grow my potential and develop myself in the future.

Thank you for everything and farewell!

Michelle when she joined Winchester in 2010

The graduation ceremony

National Day 2022 celebrations

Aarav Pradhan

Secondary Head Boy 2021-2022

Aarav Pradhan joined Winchester in 2016 as a Year 7 student. Through his time here, Aarav’s achievements have ranged from receiving Awards in Model United Nations, being appointed secretary general of WINMUN, being appointed the role of Head Boy in 2021, Deputy Head Boy in 2020, and Head of Innovation in 2019. More recently, Aarav was honoured with the designation of the Valedictorian of the class of 2023, as an IGCSE and AS level topper; he was also honoured with the Principal’s Award of Excellence 2022-23 and was also awarded the GEMS Platinum Jubilee Scholarship. His most notable initiatives include being a founder and organizer of the International Youth Leadership Summit, which just recently held its third-ever iteration, and founding and leading the Alan Turing AI School@WIN. Aarav joined WIN Times in 2019 as a Copy Editor. He is now a Senior Editor and has authored permanent columns, including “Metamorphosis” and the “Philosophies of a Righteous Mind.”

TeamWINTimessaysaheartfeltthankyoutoAaravforbeingan amazingmemberoftheteam–forthepositivity,unparalleledinsight, andinspiration.WewillmissyouAarav,allthebestforyourfuture endeavours!

Aarav’s Message

I walked through the primary reception entrance, looked at the energetic morning activities while I walked to the entrance, got up the stairs, and realized that it was the last time this would ever happen. A bittersweet farewell but an exciting goodbye. As we prepare for university or our future endeavours, I hope to serenade the last 15 years of our lives one last time.

Some may know me from my adolescent performance of a song by an ex-one-direction member, which, if you haven't seen, is a good thing. But more commonly, the people of Winchester refer to me as the "ID card police." To elaborate, I was ordained with the honour of instructing students to wear their ID Cards at the school entrance, and quite a few people had made it a part of their morning routine to greet me with hellos or the occasional angry stare too.

I am incredibly grateful to all the teachers for every conversation, whether it's talking about our favourite songs or having insightful (and often heated) discussions about our academic interests. We are indebted to your joy and adoration for us. A huge thank you to the Head of Well-Being, Ms. Debbiejo Miranda, who has provided us with genuine love and warmth and has been there throughout my journey as the Deputy Head Boy in 2020 and Head Boy in 2021.

Going to school in 2021 was an uphill battle, yet we triumphed by returning to normalcy. The time we lost staring at zoom icons and profile names all came back as we graced the hallways of our school, quickly regaining our interdependence as a cohort. I'm glad to share memories with a group of students that have undeniably shaped my and each other's understanding of life beyond academia.

My time at Winchester has taught me two things. The first is that the water cooler in the main canteen has the coldest water. The second, arguably more important, lesson is that when you have a group of people you've endured once insurmountable feats alongside, the camaraderie you establish with students once alien to you is unexplainable.

As quoted in the Disney classic Mulan, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and beautiful of all." The class of 2023 has been through several plot twists along our journey. We owe it to this school for providing us with a multitude of opportunities, from student-led lessons during teacher's day to subject excursions and free recreational lessons. Winchester is more than a school–it is an institution that inculcates innovation, art, design, self-expression, and leadership.

Yet what remains more important than this legacy is that Winchester provided us with the resources to understand the endless road map ahead. Whether this road exists here in Dubai or anywhere else in the world, I hope we make our own roads and lead our paths to success using everything we have gained.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of WIN Times for allowing me to share my opinions on many topics, and lastly, thank you to Winchester for being monumental throughout my high school career.

Aarav at his first investiture ceremony in 2017

Aarav being awarded as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023

The graduation ceremony

Leave Something Good Behind

Ms. Angie Arora

Parent of Ayaan Arora, Year 3H

Ms.Angie has been a corporate professional for over 15 years and loves to seek the simplicity in the complexity of life. Made & assembled in India but having been heat-treated in Dubai for over a decade now, Ms.Angie describes herself as a reflective introvert who believes in finding answers from ‘within’and likes to pen down her thoughts (occasionally) with a hope to inspire the goodness that lies in each one of us!

Leave Something Good Behind

Be there for someone, who needs you more than you thought; Be kind & humble, for all the goodness that life has brought.

Don’t hold on to the compliment for the deserving; Even if not getting one in return is unnerving.

Shout out loud what you desire to convey; Tomorrow you may not have a chance to say.

Don’t let the moments pass as empty memories will haunt you; Make difficult choices else the regrets will daunt you.

Mistakes are only lessons learned; Make time to resolve the bridges burned.

The journey you embark upon will not be leisurely; Living a life with no stride is equally cowardly.

If it gets tiring, do learn to rest; Know that, quitting will never bring out the best.

With every move you make, do raise your own bar; Believe that someday you will outshine the sun & the stars;

If you looking for ways to surprise your soul and mind; Then always strive to leave something good behind!

Wellbeing 2.0

Mir Faraz, Year 8

Greetings everyone, my name is Mir Faraz, and I study in Year 8. I’m the Wellbeing Coordinator for my year group. My column, Wellbeing 2.0, endeavours to decode the quintessential meaning of wellbeing – basically, an out of the box interpretation of wellbeing. Our world is changing at an exponential rate. With new disruptions every day, the very concept of wellbeing undergoes a regular paradigm shift. I aim to delve into the hitherto lesser-talked about wellbeing-related topics. The plan is to keep it interesting, thought-provoking, and fun at the same time. Come with me on this journey!

Digital Wellbeing Navigating the Online World Safely

In today's digital age, where technology plays a significant role in our lives, it is crucial for everyone, especially children and students, to prioritize their digital wellbeing. The internet offers a vast array of opportunities, but it also presents potential risks and dangers. In this article, we will explore some essential pointers to stay safe online, empowering young individuals to navigate the online world responsibly and confidently.

1. Protect your personal info

The first and foremost rule of online safety is to protect your personal information. Never share sensitive details, such as your full name, address, phone number, or school information, with strangers online. It's important to remember that not everyone you meet on the internet can be trusted. By keeping your online identity private, you reduce the risk of phishing, hacking, and impersonation attempts.

2. Create strong passwords

Passwords act as the gatekeepers to your online accounts. Ensure that you use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. A strong password consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthdate or pet's name. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.

3. Think before you click

One of the common ways cybercriminals exploit individuals is through malicious links and downloads. Exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading files, especially from unfamiliar sources. Malicious links can lead to malware infections or phishing attempts, where hackers attempt to trick you into revealing personal information. If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, consult a trusted adult before proceeding.

4. Be mindful of

cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a prevalent issue that can cause significant harm. It's important to treat others online with respect and kindness, just as you would in person. Never engage in bullying behaviour and stand up against it when you witness it. If you experience cyberbullying, don't hesitate to seek help from a trusted adult or report the incident to the appropriate authorities or platform administrators.

5. Be wary of online users

The internet provides anonymity, which can make it challenging to distinguish between genuine and malicious individuals. It's crucial to exercise caution when interacting with someone you only know online. Avoid sharing personal details or meeting up with individuals whom you have never met in person. If someone makes you uncomfortable or asks for inappropriate information, disconnect from the conversation and report them to the relevant platform.

6. Educate yourself

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of the apps and platforms you use. Adjust the settings to ensure you have control over who can view your profile, posts, and personal information. Regularly review and update these settings as needed to maintain your desired level of privacy.

Digital wellbeing is paramount, especially for children and students who spend a significant amount of time online. By following these pointers, young individuals can foster a safe and responsible online presence. Remember, staying safe online requires constant vigilance and an understanding of potential risks. By prioritizing digital wellbeing, we can make the most of the internet's benefits while mitigating its risks. Together, let's create a positive and secure online environment for all. Stay safe and enjoy your digital journey!

Cyber-Smart @ WIN

Ms.

Shirin Farzana

Ms. Shirin Farzana is the Educational Technology Advisor at Winchester. With her wealth of knowledge, technical expertise and ongoing quest for excellence and innovation, Ms. Shirin is a Winchester pillar. She is a Common Sense Media ambassador and has also been recognized for her extraordinary work by being conferred with the GESS Award 2022 for her outstanding contribution to education. In this article, Ms. Shirin explores the importance of cyber security and the role that each and every one of us, as members of a community, play in maintaining it.

Cyber-Smart @ WIN

Internet Safety, or Online Safety, is associated with maximizing the user's personal safety and security and reducing risks on private information and property associated with using the internet. It is the self-protection from computer crime in general. In the current era, the use of internet and technology has become a major part of our lives. Since the availability of the internet has broadened, cyber attack is a concern which many of them may miss out.

There are different forms of Cyber attacks like viruses, malware, spyware, phishing, ransomware, fraud etc. Social media is a great platform for connecting with friends and families but it has taken bullying to the extreme. Before advanced technology, children and teenagers were troubled by school bullies. Today, they are targeted by bullies via internet. Cyber bullying can lead to serious health concerns such as, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Several crimes can be committed on the Internet such as stalking, identity theft and more. More youths experienced cyberbullying on different social media. Article 29 of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 Concerning Child Rights, also known as Wadeema's Law, states: The telecommunications companies and internet service providers shall notify the competent authorities or the concerned entities of any child pornography materials being circulated through the social media sites and on the Internet and shall provide necessary information and data on the persons, entities or sites that circulate such material or intend to mislead the children.

In addition, the Dubai Data Law (Law No. 26 of 2015 on the Organization of Dubai Data Publication and Sharing), aims for data protection and privacy of all individuals including that of children.

As a parent, teaching your child to be cybersafe will help them to engage with the online world safely, responsibly and discerningly can assist to protect them from online risks.

As Tim Cook said, “If you put a key under the mat for the cops, a burglar can find it, too. Criminals are using every technology tool at their disposal to hack into people’s accounts. If they know there’s a key hidden somewhere, they won’t stop until they find it.” So protect your key at all costs and stay safe.

Digital media and technology are evolving at a dizzying pace, both unlocking extraordinary opportunities and posing real risks for young people. Students are using the immense power of the internet and mobile technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined, both in and out of the classroom. At the same time, tech use can bring up ethical challenges such as cyberbullying and misinformation and health issues related to media balance and social and emotional well-being.

At Winchester, we believe that digital citizenship skills have become essential for students in the 21st century, especially this school year. That's why we are committed to teaching our students how to be digital learners, leaders, and citizens.

The Winchester School has been recognized as a Common Sense School, an honour that acknowledges our efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. The recognition acknowledges our school's commitment to helping students build skills that are essential for their wellbeing today and for the opportunities they'll have tomorrow.

This honour is provided by Common Sense Education, part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

We are one of the more than 80,000 schools across the country that use Common Sense Education's groundbreaking education resources. As a result, our students are better equipped to navigate the digital world and use devices for learning.

As a Common Sense Educator, I believe my digital citizenship work acts as inspiration for educators around me who can following my footsteps. Being a learner myself I would also be able to learn about creative ways other educators are implementing school-wide digital citizenship.

To learn more about Common Sense Education, visit www.commonsense.org/education

Hello everyone! My name is Victoria Nedyalkova. I am a 12 years old student in Year 8 and this is my third year of being on WIN Times. For me, baking isn’t just a hobby, it’s something that I do to de-stress after a long week of school. Baking is an interest that many people have, but it also teaches us a lot of important life lessons that you might not even realize. Sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we want them to, but we have to make them work. Life is like that, and so is baking.

Follow Victoria’s baking page on Instagram, @vicky._.bakes

Ingredients

400 grams lady fingers

6 eggs

1 cup of espresso

120 grams sugar

500 grams mascarpone

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Chocolate flakes

Tiramisu (Beginner)

1. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks, in a large bowl, add the egg yolks and half (60 grams) of the sugar. Beat with a mixer until the mixture has turned pale in colour. Then, add the mascarpone and mix some more until it is smooth.

2. In a medium bowl, add the egg whites and beat until they have become white and opaque. Once that has happened, add the remaining sugar and mix until a stiff meringue has formed.

3. Add the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Using a spatula, very gently incorporate until no white streaks are visible.

4. In a rectangular, deep ramekin, first add a thin layer of the cream. Spread evenly using a spatula.

5. Pour the coffee in a shallow container. Make sure it isn’t hot, or else the cream will melt. Dip each lady finger in the coffee for about one second, any longer, and they might break apart, since they absorb a lot of liquid. After you dip one of the biscuits, line them up very close to each other, first vertically in the ramekin. If there is still some space in the ramekin after just one row, cut the ladyfingers in half and add them on top of the cream.

6. Cover the lady fingers with more cream. Chop up some chocolate into small flakes and sprinkle all over. This will add a crunchy yet sweet texture to each bite.

7. After that, repeat the dipping process of the ladyfingers in the coffee, but when adding them into the ramekin, line them up horizontally this time.

8. Cover the lady fingers with a generous layer of the cream, dust the top with cocoa powder, and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

A tiramisu is something that you can quickly put together in just less than an hour, with no oven time required, and super easy instructions. A tiramisu is the perfect recipe for a beginner to try that will always leave you craving some more.

Ingredients

110 grams unsalted butter

2 teaspoons honey, and an extra 3 tablespoons

2 large eggs

75 grams sugar

Scraped seeds of 1/4th of a vanilla bean pod. (You can also use about a teaspoon of vanilla extract)

1 teaspoon orange zest

90 grams flour, and extra for dusting

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8th of a teaspoon salt

20 grams shelled, and crushed pistachios.

These madeleines are the perfect, indulgent mini butter cake for someone with a sweet tooth. With different flavours that go extremely well together, these firm, yet spongey cakes get their name from a maid, who baked them for the Duke of Lorraine and deposed King of Poland.

Orange, pistachio, and honey madeleines (Intermediate)

1. Add the butter and honey in a saucepan. Melt over low heat and set aside to cool.

2. Place the eggs sugar, vanilla and orange zest in a bowl and mix with a mixer until smooth.

3. In a different bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the egg mixture, and mix until combined, then add in the cooled butter and combine. Once everything is homogenous, cover with cling film and rest in the fridge for an hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 200c, brush the madeleine tray with butter, then coat dust with flour. Shake off any excess.

5. Add the batter into each mould, it should be around 2/3rds of the way full.

6. Bake for 9-10 minutes. When out of the oven, let cool before flipping the tray over a cooling rack.

7. Brush each madeleine with some melted honey and add the crushed pistachios on the narrow end of the madeleine.

Ingredients

70 grams shelled pistachios, and an extra chopped 15 grams

4 large eggs

130 grams sugar

2 tablespoons hot water

80 grams self-rising flour

-1/8th teaspoon salt

20 grams icing sugar

300 grams raspberries

200grams white chocolate

75 grams unsalted butter

280 grams cream cheese

270 grams double cream

Pistachio roulade with raspberries and white chocolate cream (Advanced)

1. Preheat the oven to 200 C and line a 35x30cm shallow baking dish with parchment paper

2. Blend 70grams of pistachios in a food processor until fine.

3. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks, and place the yolks and sugar in a bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Then, add the hot water and the ground up pistachios. Gently fold to combine.

4. Sift the flour and salt into the yolk mixture, gently fold with a spatula again.

5. In a different bowl, with the whisk attachment on your mixer, whip up the egg yolks until stiff peaks form, then combine into the yolk mixture in 3 small portions.

6. Pour the batter into the tray and bake for about 15-18 minutes.

7. Sift half (10 grams) of the icing sugar onto a large tea towel. Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, before flipping it onto the towel. Cover the other side with the remaining sugar. With the short end of the cake facing towards you, roll the cake tightly using the tea towel, and place in the fridge to cool completely.

8. While the cake is cooling, place the chocolate in a bowl. The bowl should be over a pot of simmering water, but the water shouldn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir constantly, and when melted, set aside to cool slightly.

9. Place the butter in a bowl and use the paddle attachment on the electric mixer to beat until smooth. Once pale in colour, add the cream cheese and the chocolate. Mix until combined and smooth. After that, add the cold double cream, and continue to mix until stiff peaks form.

10. When ready to assemble, add about 2/3rds of the cream inside the cake, leaving about 2cm of cake without any cream at one end. Then, add the raspberries, saving about 12 for the top. Roll the cake, and use the rest to cover the outside, making sure there is a smooth and even coat. Add the remaining raspberries on top and sprinkle the top with some pistachios. You can also cut of the ends of the cake to make sure it looks neat.

Hello readers, I am Toshith Bhaumik. I am the Secondary Student Head of Curriculum Enrichment, and I am truly passionate about sports. I am a part of the WIN Times team as a columnist for the sports section and I hope you all learn a lot and have fun reading my column!

Sports Builds Character

Sports have long been touted as a tool for physical fitness and entertainment, but their benefits extend far beyond the physical realm. Engaging in sports can help build character, teach valuable life skills, and instil important values. Here are some examples of how sports build character.

Perseverance and Resilience

Sports have long been touted as a tool for physical fitness and entertainment, but their benefits extend far beyond the physical realm. Engaging in sports can help build character, teach valuable life skills, and instil important values. Here are some examples of how sports build character.

Teamwork and Cooperation

Athletes are frequently required to operate as a team to accomplish a shared objective. Important abilities like teamwork, cooperation, and communication are strengthened as a result. A key life skill acquired by athletes is the ability to set aside personal objectives in favour of a team aim. For instance, the US Women's National Soccer Team won the 2019 World Cup by playing with a remarkable sense of collaboration and mutual respect. Despite difficulties on and off the field, they were able to cooperate and reach their final objective.

Discipline and Focus

Athletes participating in sports must adhere to a set of rules and regulations and practice frequently to advance their abilities. As athletes must learn to prioritize their time and make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals, this aids in the development of discipline and focus. You may use this discipline and attention in other aspects of your life, including school or the workplace.

Michael Phelps, an Olympic swimmer, is a prime example of someone with a strong work ethic and sense of discipline. To become one of the most decorated Olympians in Olympic history, he put in long training sessions every day, including on weekends and holidays.

Sportsmanship and Respect

Athletes can learn to compete honourably and with respect for their rivals through sports. Even when they lose, they learn how to play by the rules, be fair, and be sportsmanlike. This fosters the development of strong moral principles that may be used in various spheres of life.

For instance, during a qualifying heat for the 5000-meter event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand and Abbey D'Agostino of the United States clashed and collapsed. Despite their injuries, they supported and cheered each other on as they finished the marathon. One of the Olympics' most enduring images was their show of sportsmanship and mutual respect.

The ability to develop character, instil values, and impart life skills are all frequently attributed to sports. Athletes acquire important principles that can be applied to all aspects of life, from tenacity and resilience to collaboration and sportsmanship. Sports can certainly has a good effect on your character and helps you become the greatest version of yourself, whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior.

Nurturing Soft Skills Building Foundations for Success

Mishal Faraz, Year 11

In today's rapidly evolving world, academic achievements alone are not enough to guarantee success in life.As students, it is crucial for us to complement academics with soft skills. These skills, often overlooked but highly valuable, encompass a range of personal attributes and qualities that can shape our character and enhance our ability to navigate through various challenges. In this article, Mishal Faraz, Year 11, explores the importance of soft skills and discusses some key points that can help us cultivate them for a brighter future.

Nurturing Soft Skills

Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships, whether it's with friends, family, teachers, or future colleagues. Developing strong verbal and written communication skills enables us to express our thoughts clearly, actively listen to others, and build meaningful connections. By practicing active communication, we become better equipped to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and share our ideas confidently.

Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions is a vital skill that can positively influence our interactions and decision-making. Emotional intelligence enables us to empathize with others, regulate our own emotions, and handle conflicts constructively. By developing this skill, we not only cultivate resilience and self-awareness but also foster healthier relationships and create a more supportive school community.

Critical Thinking

In an information-driven age, the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively is increasingly essential. Soft skills such as critical thinking allow us to analyse complex situations, evaluate multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions. By honing our critical thinking skills, we can navigate through challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and become lifelong learners, ready to tackle the ever-changing landscape of the future.

Collaboration

In an interconnected world, the ability to work effectively in teams is crucial. Collaborative soft skills include active listening, compromise, and valuing diverse opinions. By actively participating in group projects and extracurricular activities, we develop the necessary skills to collaborate, respect others' ideas, and achieve shared goals. Cultivating collaborative skills prepares us for future endeavours and fosters a sense of unity within our school community.

Time Management

Mastering time management is essential for balancing academic commitments, personal goals, and extracurricular activities. By organizing our tasks, setting priorities, and avoiding procrastination, we can make the most of our time and achieve better outcomes. Developing this soft skill empowers us to meet deadlines, reduce stress levels, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, setting the stage for success in various aspects of our lives.

As students, we must recognize that academic achievements and soft skills go hand in hand. These skills act as a catalyst, helping us navigate challenges, build relationships, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By investing in the cultivation of communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, collaboration, and time management, we lay the groundwork fora promising future. Let us embrace these soft skills and unlock our true potential, contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous school community, and beyond.

NEW INITIATIVE ALERT!

Hey! My name is Rishit Singh, and I am a Year 12 student here at Winchester, JebelAli! I am also honoured to represent my cohort as the current Secondary Head of Innovation and the current Music Club Bass Leader. I could talk for hours on length about my enthusiastic interests in the creative world of music, art, and media, or my curiosity in technology and computers, but I’m excited to be taking this opportunity to share with you all my love for foreign languages and cultures –and a little bit about my newest initiative, Rue de la France!

Rue de la France

I, Rishit Singh, recently had the tremendous opportunity of founding and leading an exciting new initiative in collaboration with our French department here at Winchester: our very own (and very first!) French community! This community aims at promoting French language and culture and celebrating foreign languages in general, striving to introduce students and parents alike to the vast world of foreign culture beyond just learning the language in our classrooms. In fact, it’s like a little piece of France in Winchester

which is what inspired our community’s name: Rue de la France (loosely translated, “French street/road”)! What follows is an introduction to our team, our origins, the impact we’ve had on Winchester, and the future of Rue de la France!

So how did Rue de la France come to be?

Having been a Winchester student for 14 years, I grew to hold a special gratitude for my peers and teachers. I had always loved learning foreign languages, so I had come to build strong relationships with my French teachers over the years. Come year 10, I had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Jalloul, my French option teacher at the time. Over a course of two years, learning in his classroom and having him as a mentor opened my eyes to his passion for the language, and his enthusiasm for French culture – and that spirit was what motivated the founding of this community. So, I talked to Reba, Tanvi, and Keisha, now part of our admin team at Rue de la France, and started building our foundations. Rue de la France works hand in hand with the French department to show our students, parents and the wider society that learning a language does not have to be strictly academic – it is the spirit of a country that is channelled through their language and culture, and we should cherish being part of a lively international community at Winchester!

Our Achievements…

The Rue de la France community organised a variety of activities as part of our most recent accomplishment, French Week 2023. The week started off with a ceremonial parade, which was a sight to behold! Students, donned in French attire, marched along the corridors of the school waving the flag of France, displaying their love for the French culture. We even had Mythali Wannakuwatte, a WinchesterAlumni, make a guest appearance as the flag bearer!

The ceremonial parade

The parade was followed by a series of engaging classroom activities and games, drawing inspiration from France’s academic and artistic history, including traditional French games such as werewolves, exquisite corpse, and French taboo, as well as educational activities like spelling bees, virtual tours, memory games, and situational roleplays. By students’votes, our most popular activities were Werewolves, an interactive storytelling game played in groups, and our Hospital roleplays, where students practiced using French vocabulary for common medical conversations like visiting the doctor.

We also hosted school-wide competitions on French poetry and literature, where students showcased their talent and enthusiasm for the French language by composing beautiful poems and writing captivating stories. Our most popular competition, the Classroom Decoration competition, took the year 7, 8, 9 and 10 corridors by storm, with every classroom door covered in French flags, banners, baguettes and even café stalls!

The Classroom Decoration competition

And finally, the highlight of French Week was the highly anticipated Talent and Fashion show! Including student participants from year 4 to year 12, this event saw our participants explore and showcase French fashion throughout history. The event was further enlivened by spectacular vocal and musical performances by student performers, as well as a very special performance by Winchester alumni Johncole! The judges, our French teachers, were impressed by the quality of the submissions and had a tough time selecting the winners!

“French week was a fantastically knowledgeable week with varieties of informative activities and fun projects like classroom decoration; it really helped ‘spread the word’ about France by providing different facts about not only the language but also the cultural differences and similarities we share; I thoroughly enjoyed the festivities as it was refreshing to see the school come together so greatly, hope to see more informative fun events like this one in the future!”

- Seirra, Year 13

…And what’s to come!

The success of the French Week is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Rue de la France community. The team put in immense effort to plan and execute the activities and competitions, and the students participated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Our community managed to achieve its goal of promoting the French language and culture and celebrating foreign languages – but we’re not stopping here!

Rue de la France has launched its own social media accounts on Instagram and YouTube, which is where we plan to expand our impact even further! Not only do we hope to reach out to our Winchester parents and involve them further in our activities, but we also hope to reach a broader audience and grow our impact on society!

“The founding of Rue de la France is a step in the right direction towards promoting cultural diversity and appreciation for foreign languages. By celebrating foreign languages, students are exposed to new cultures and perspectives, which can broaden their horizons and make them more empathetic towards others. Rishit and his team have set a great example for others to follow, and their efforts continue to create a more inclusive and diverse school community!”

- Shania, Year 11

Author’s Note

I am ever grateful to Ms. Debbie and Mr. Jalloul for enabling me to work on this initiative and supporting us in our goals, and to our admin team – Reba, Tanvi and Keisha for coordinating our continued efforts with me. We have much more planned for the future of this community, and I can’t wait to share it with my Winchester family. Merci, et à bientôt!

You can reach out to Rue de la France via our Instagram page, @ruedelafrance , and stay tuned for updates on ourYouTube channel by the same name!

DEEjMyPE

NEW INITIATIVE ALERT!

@deejmypewin deejmypewin@gmail.com

DEEjMyPE is an initiative started by StevenAbraham Victor and IsaacAbraham in hopes to make PE lessons and other school events a more fun and engaging experience for all. DEEjMyPE has so far assisted in hosting the WINMUN social, the WIN fun fair, and the under-12 football tournament. It has been successful in establishing a sense of community and bringing people together on each of these occasions. Twelve individuals make up the DEEjMyPE team, which collaborates to get the greatest outcomes.Along with creating playlists that anybody may enjoy, the crew also aids in the initiative's marketing and promotion. We make sure DEEjMyPE is very participatory and is always being enhanced to make sure everyone enjoys the final product. We help ensure that the playlist is often updated with new music that our listeners recommend, and we periodically hold team meetings to help address any feedback that may have been provided. Overall, DEEjMyPE is a creative project that fuses music and physical education to provide a fun and engaging experience for students, and can't wait to DJ more of Winchester's events!!

Steven Victor and IsaacAbraham, Founders of DEEjMyPE

WIN Fun Fair 2023

WINMUN 2023 Social U-12 Football Tournament

My UAE: For Our Emirates

Team UAE Culture and Values

At The Winchester School, JebelAli, we take immense pride in the beautiful nation we call home. Throughout the year we organize a plethora of events to pay homage to the country's rich traditions and cultures as well as celebrate the pivotal events and milestones.

The UAE celebrates Emirati Children's Day on 15 March every year. This special day aims to raise awareness about children's rights and welfare among the general public so that children get a healthy, safe and supportive environment for their development.

To commemorate the occasion, Team UAE Culture and Values have lovingly curated a collection of essays, poems, photographs and artwork by our talented Winchester students to encapsulate the glory of the nation. Each contribution is an expression of love and gratitude for the UAE and it's visionary Rulers.

Click on the link below to access the E-book.

https://gemsedumy.sharepoint.com/:b:/p/de bbiejo_m_win/EWRNHrD zeXxDhEmn08oq3qYBfl5 cctBUOfi0lMxwTrfwzQ?e =2v9bAg

“My UAE: For Our Emirates” is a compilation of heartfelt tributes to the UAE from Winchester students.

Every poem, essay, photograph, and artwork is an expression of love and respect. Team UAE Culture and Values is grateful for all the valuable contributions, and it is with great pride and happiness that we present them to the Winchester community.

Follow Team UAE Culture and Values on Instagram @winuaecultureandvalues

Inspire to Aspire

Hello. My name is Jaimee Felysse A. Reyes of Year 7-B. I was one of the columnists of WIN Times last year where I shared book reviews and recommendations on my column “On My Bookshelf”. This academic year, I am honoured to be given a chance to have my own column again which I named “Inspire to Aspire”. Here, I will be sharing bits and pieces about different opportunities inside and outside the school, including my personal experiences. The Winchester School Jebel Ali prides itself in producing talented students. One of the factors contributing to this feat are the various opportunities it provides throughout each school year. I have been joining these competitions and events not just to win, but to develop my confidence and improve my social skills. Some of my friends, classmates and other parents often ask me how to join, what to prepare and what to expect. So, I thought of sharing my experiences and some tips on how to go about them. This space aims to give insights on various competitions and events which can help boost every student’s confidence in showcasing his or her skills and talents. My column will try to motivate others to reach out and do something noteworthy, to develop their hidden abilities, to show others how to be their best and to work towards higher goals. I will give inspirations for your aspirations.

The Royal Spelling Bee

As my previous article on the World Scholars Cup had a good turn out and has successfully inspired numerous students to participate in the same competition this year, I am thrilled to write another piece on an equally esteemed event hosted in Dubai. My fellow students, get ready to be inspired to join the Royal Spelling Bee.

What is the Royal Spelling Bee?

The Royal Spelling Bee is a prestigious event that takes place annually in the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most anticipated events drawing in students from schools all over the country. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their spelling skills, and it is also a chance for them to learn new words. The competition is intense and requires a great deal of preparation, dedication, and hard work. The participants spend months preparing for the event, studying complex words and practicing their spelling skills.

The spelling bee is an opportunity to acquire more knowledge and master spelling. Children taking part will be more literate and confident in their studies. It is an excellent opportunity to prove to yourself and others how you can develop both thinking and memorizing abilities. It is also a space where you get to meet and compete with fellow school mates and make new friends from other schools.

The competition has 3 rounds, with each being progressively challenging and competitive –

School round Emirates round

My Own Experience

I still remember the first time I participated in the competition when I was in Year 3. I was inspired to join because I would frequently earn the Super Speller award in class. This award is given to students who get all the words correct during the spelling test conducted weekly.

I did not have any idea how the contest will go about but out of curiosity, I still pushed through with the competition. During my first exhilarating experience with a spelling bee competition, I proudly secured the 2nd Runner-Up position, earning a coveted certificate and a gleaming bronze medal.

However, the following years posed unprecedented challenges with the unexpected arrival of the global pandemic, halting my participation in Years 4 and 5. Nevertheless, in Year 6, as the world began to go back to normal, I eagerly returned to the competition with renewed determination. This time, my hard work paid off as I achieved remarkable success, clinching the 2nd Runner-Up title at the School Level, an impressive 2nd Rank at the Emirates Level, and culminating with a thrilling 1st Runner-Up win in the exciting Finals. The recognition for my achievements was evident as I proudly received certificates, medals, and trophies. This whole experience has been a roller coaster ride for me. Since competitions were halted for a long period of time, I do not know what to expect. I have mixed emotions: excited for having to compete again but at the same time scared that I might not perform well. But as the saying goes, you’ll never know unless you try. So, I will take you step by step to my journey in the competition.

During the preliminaries, the lecturers summoned us participants in between lessons and led us to the venue which is the school auditorium. As my classmates and I made our way towards the competition area, excitement buzzed in the air. We eagerly took our seats one by one as the dictation began. With each passing moment, the anticipation grew as we awaited the announcement of the 5 qualifiers for the oral round. After carefully checking and skimming through each student's scores, the lecturers called on the chosen qualifiers to spell the words orally.

The competition was intense, and after the final results were sent out, I was ecstatic to find out that I had won 2nd Runner-Up once again! But that wasn't the end of it for me. I was determined to improve and to strive for the top prize in the Emirates Level as well as the National Championships, the most prestigious round of the competition.

Competing with students from all over Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the Emirates Level was no easy feat, but I was determined to succeed. The competition was held in the prestigious Oxford School Dubai, adding an extra layer of pressure. With each passing round, I gave it my all, and my hard work paid off as I achieved my best result yet, clinching a 2nd Rank trophy! It was a moment of pride and accomplishment that I will always cherish.

Over the next few months, I diligently studied the resource and the dictionary, preparing for the big day. This time, I was ready to take on the challenge of competing against students from school all over the UAE. We started with the dictation and the unscramble the letters round, where they selected the qualified students to move to the next round. They called all the participants to announce the students who made it and proceeded with the deciding round, the orals. Thankfully, I was selected.

The oral rounds were quite different and even more exciting than before. We were each given a paper with a number to hold up, and the moderators would pick the person who was first to respond. We participated in a variety of word games, including the ‘guess the words from the pictures given', fill in the blanks with the correct word in a sentence, and the oral spelling test.

As the event drew to a close, the moment of truth arrived as the awards were given out. It was then that I realized that for the first time in my life, I had received a big trophy and had won 1st Runner-Up in the Royal Spelling Bee! This achievement was one of my most adored and appreciated accomplishments, alongside the ones I had received during the World Scholars Cup. It inspired me to

Looking to ace your next spelling bee competition? Look no further! I am thrilled to share with you some tried and tested techniques that are sure to give you the winning edge. These strategies have been proven effective and will definitely help you improve your spelling skills. From memorization tricks to creative study methods, these tips will help you conquer any spelling bee competition you encounter.

1. Start revising early and avoid cramming: Don't wait until the last minute to study for the competition. Start early, preferably a few weeks or a month in advance, to memorize the spelling of minor and major details gradually over time. Cramming all your study time into the night before can lead to lack of sleep, undereating, and exhaustion, which can negatively impact your health and thinking skills on the day of the competition.

2. Avoid distractions and stay focused on your study materials: While studying, avoid all distractions and focus solely on the resources and notes in front of you. This means staying away from social media, TV, or anything else that could take your mind off your studies.

3. Play word games like Scrabble, Mind Boggle or other spelling-related games to improve your skills: Scrabble is a great way to learn new words and practice spelling them correctly. Other games, such as word searches or crossword puzzles, can also help improve your spelling skills.

4. Practice reciting the words out loud, not just writing them down: Don't just write down the spelling of words, practice reciting them out loud, too. Many students have difficulty during the oral rounds of spelling bees, so it's important to practice speaking the words as well as writing them.

5. Create a study schedule that includes breaks and relaxation time: It's important to take breaks and give your brain a rest while studying. Create a schedule that allows you to study for a set amount of time, take a break, and then return to your studies refreshed.

6. Write down important notes and definitions to help you remember them: Writing down notes and definitions can help you remember key information. Keep your notes simple and concise, with only the necessary terms and definitions you need to know.

7. Practice speaking the words out loud with a friend or family member: Practicing with a friend or family member can help you get used to the pressure of spelling in front of others. Have them call out the words for you to spell and practice saying the letters out loud.

8. Take your study materials with you wherever you go and review them often: Don't just study your notes once and forget about them. Take them with you wherever you go and review them often to help reinforce your memory.

9. Prioritize your health and well-being while studying: Remember to take care of yourself while studying. Take breaks, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to keep your body and mind healthy.

10. Choose study techniques that work best for you and stick to them: Everyone learns differently, so find the study techniques that work best for you and stick to them. Quizzes, mnemonics, or flashcards can be helpful, but ultimately, the most effective study techniques are the ones that work best for you.

T I P S A N D T R I C K S

Learn Arabic with Nadia

Hello! My name is Nadia Gaber Sayah, I'm in Year 5, and I'm back for the third consecutive year as a WIN Times columnist! In this column, I will continue to teach the WIN Times readers Arabic phrases. So let me take you on a journey to learn more about this beautiful language.

Ana Ofadelu Al qeraah

I prefer reading

Abi Ohebu Assafar

Dad likes travelling

Ommi Tuhebu Attahe

Mom likes cooking

Okhti Tufadelu Arrasm

My sister prefers drawing

Ana Ohebu Al moseqa

I like music

Ana Alaabu Kurat-ul

qadam

I play football

Okhti Tumaresu Assebaha

My sister practices swimming

Abi Yalaabu Alkurah Attaerah

My father plays volleyball

Ana Alaabu Fe Almalaab

I play in the field

Ommi Tasbahu Fe Almasbahu

My mother is swimming in the pool

PLANET LOVE

Madiha Javed, Year 6

My name is Madiha Javed. I study in 6H, and I am currently the Primary Student Head of Cultural Awareness. A passionate environmentalist, I volunteer my time taking care of the environment. I am also an enthusiastic reader, and the founder and organizer of a free library. In this column, I write about environmental issues.

Plastic Pollution

Using plastic is widely considered an environmental threat due to its negative impact on the natural environment. Plastic is a synthetic material made from petrochemicals derived from oil or natural gas. It is a highly durable material that can take hundreds of years to decompose, and as a result, it has become a major contributor to pollution and environmental degradation.

One of the primary environmental threats of plastic is that it is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally in the environment. This leads to plastic waste accumulating in landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems, where it can harm wildlife, pollute waterways, and release toxic chemicals.

In addition, the production of plastic requires significant amounts of energy and resources, including oil and natural gas. This contributes to climate change and other environmental issues, such as air and water pollution.

Fortunately, there are many steps that individuals and businesses can take to reduce their use of plastic and lessen its environmental impact. This can include using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, choosing products with less packaging, and properly disposing of plastic waste through recycling programs or waste reduction initiatives.

Governments and organizations are also taking action to address the environmental threat of plastic. For example, some countries have banned single-use plastics or introduced taxes on plastic products

HIYA CHOPRA, YEAR 11

My name is Hiya Chopra, I study in Year 11 and I am currently the Innovation Coordinator for my year group. I have a wide range of hobbies, including dancing, swimming, athletics, and debating. I also enjoy taking my time out to volunteer and give back to my community. In this column, Global Citizenship, I will discuss various global concerns in sectors ranging from the environment to the economy, laying emphasis on the fact that each and every individual has a global responsibility to contribute towards the betterment of the world.

Carbon Farming

The global aim of climate neutrality necessitates all parts of the economy to cut emissions to near-zero, and capture greenhouse gasses in natural sinks to the maximum capacity. Reducing the carbon footprint of industry, transport and electricity generation is still manageable, but it's hard for the agricultural field to reduce the same, since the world is struggling to meet the food demand of the growing population. An important contribution by farmers to reduce carbon footprint could be their efforts to store carbon in the soil using carbon farming.

What is carbon farming? We can say that Carbon Farming is a whole farm approach to optimizing carbon capture on working landscapes by implementing practices that are known to improve the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and stored in plant material and/or soil organic matter. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations pledged to keep the average global temperature rise to below 2 degree celsius, above preindustrial levels and to take efforts to narrow that increase to 1.5 degree celsius. To meet those goals, we must not only stop the increase in our greenhouse gas emissions, but we must also draw large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The simplest, most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial way to do this is right under our feet - 'carbon farming'. We can farm carbon by storing it in our agricultural soils.

Carbon farming practices are management practices that are known to minimize carbon and/or GHG emissions. CO2 is first absorbed from the air by plants, via photosynthesis. The roots and other parts then decompose and are converted into soil carbon by microbes. Plant matter, and with it the CO2, are thus stored in the soil in the form of organic matter, particularly humus. With carbon farming farmers use the power of the soil to sequestrate carbon emissions from industry, infrastructure and households nearby. This yields a better climate, more fertile and resistant farmland, and also creates opportunities for several partners in and outside the agri-food chain.

No-till and direct-seeding methods place the seed directly into the soil, minimizing the disturbance associated with seedbed preparation. The lack of disturbance allows the roots and crop residues from the previous crops to form soil organic matter. Furthermore, we can use more diverse crop rotations for carbon farming. Forage crops such as grasses, clovers and alfalfa penetrate the soil with extensive root systems that lead to the formation of soil organic matter. Short rotations dominated by crops that have poor root systems (corn, soybeans) are not successful in building soil organic matter.

Farmers can also build soil organic matter by adding organic amendments such as animal manure, composts, forestry residues (wood chips) or biosolids to the soil. Using the right amount of fertilizer is also important to farm carbon. Fertilizers can improve plant growth, lead to larger roots and add more plant matter to the soil in the unharvested portion of the crop.

Project Drawdown, a non-profit organization that researches solutions to global warming, has estimated that global farmland restoration (building soil organic matter) could remove 14 gigatonnes (billion tonnes) of CO2. Farmers often make decisions in response to short-term economic pressures and government policies. Improved soil management is a public good. We need economic tools and short-term incentives that encourage producers to adopt these carbon farming practices for the good of all.

The History of Inventions Sarah Javed,

Year 4

Greetings everyone! I am Sarah Javed and I study in 4H. I am the UAE Culture and Values Coordinator for my year group. I like to participate in innovative programs and competitions. I am the organizer of a free library. My hobbies include reading, gardening, building Lego, and learning programming. In this column, I will be talking about different ground-breaking inventions which changed history. Stay tuned!

From Papyrus to Print A Brief History of Paper

Paper is a material that has played a significant role in human history. While the invention of paper is widely credited to the ancient Chinese, who developed a technique for making paper from plant fibers over 2000 years ago, other cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also had their own methods of creating paper-like materials.

Originally, paper was made from materials such as bark, hemp, and silk. However, the Chinese perfected a technique for making paper from mulberry bark, which quickly spread throughout the world. The process involved breaking down the fibers of the plant into a pulp, which was then spread out and pressed into thin sheets. The resulting paper was strong, lightweight, and flexible, making it ideal for writing, printing, and many other uses.

In AD 105 a Chinese court official, Ts'ai Lun, produced a paper web from a slurry of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) fibres in water. A small amount of the slurry was lifted up in a rectangular sieve consisting of a sheet of silk surrounded by a frame. The sieve was shaken gently to spread the fibres evenly and, as the water drained off, they settled to form a sheet which was then dried in the sun. This process produced long-lasting, high-quality paper, as can be seen from the samples preserved in the British Museum.

Paper played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and ideas, as it allowed for the creation and

In the Middle Ages, paper production spread throughout Europe, and the printing press was invented, revolutionizing the way books were created and distributed. This led to an explosion of knowledge and culture, as books became more widely available and literacy rates increased.

Today, paper is used in a wide range of industries, from publishing and printing to packaging and construction. It is also an essential component in many everyday items, such as tissues, toilet paper, and paper towels.

However, the production of paper also has environmental consequences, such as deforestation and water pollution. As a result, many companies are working to develop sustainable paper production practices and reduce their environmental impact. Recycling paper is also an important way to conserve resources and reduce waste.

The invention of paper has had a significant impact on human history and remains an important material today. Its significance lies not only in its role as a tool for communication and recordkeeping but also in its many practical uses in everyday life. While the environmental consequences of paper production are a concern, efforts are being made to promote sustainable practices and reduce their impact on the planet.

Dear students, welcome to Ms. Veronika’s Corner! Together we will promote the love for reading across the school and discover new horizons in the world of books. Each issue, I will discuss various thought-provoking topics related to reading, from different genres to tips to enhance your reading experience and broaden your literary exposure, as well as give recommendations!

Reading During the Summer Vacation

Ms. Veronika Lambova, Primary Librarian

Most of us understand why reading is important and associate it with intelligence, but much like exercise, knowing something and doing it are two different things. Here are a few tips to ensure that you read during the summer holidays.

KEEP YOUR BOOKS WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM

If you have plenty of books in your house but you never pick them up, look for opportunities to put books in places where you might be bored and a little bit trapped. Make sure that you have books in every room of the house – the bedroom, the kitchen, the living room, the dining room – make sure there’s no nook without a book!

RESIST THE GADGETS

What are the barriers to reading in your home? Many of you tend to reach for electronics before books, so find opportunities to limit access to those devices and reach for books instead. I am not suggesting going screen-free, but rather eliminate that shiny distraction as often as necessary to get a book in your hands.

READING IS READING

Comic books are books. Magazines are interesting and educational. Reading is reading, and anything that has words or pictures counts. Even audiobooks require following a story and visualizing the world in your head, making them a wonderful resource.

CHOOSE YOUR READS

During the school year, much of what you read will be decided by your teachers. Summer is when reading should be fun, loose, and a time where you can choose what to read.

ADD THE LIBRARY TO YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMER SPOTS

If you need help finding books of interest, why don’t you visit the public library? The Old Library in Dubai is a 50-year-old library and home to about 25,000 books, and is run by a strong community of volunteers.

Summer is a great opportunity to develop good reading habits in a fun, relaxed environment. And it just may be the chance for you to fall in love with reading!

WIN Center Stage

Saadgee Singh, Year 6

Hello! This is Saadgee Singh from Year 6. I am currently the Primary Head Girl . My hobbies are practicing ballet and playing tennis for which, I am getting trained. I thoroughly enjoy reading thrillers and mystery books.

Aesthetically inclined, I aspire to become an interior designer and add a dash of creativity in every house I visit. In this column, I’ll be shining the spotlight on various events celebrated at Winchester.

WIN Fun Fair 2023

After a 3-year-long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the highlights of this academic year was the WIN Fun Fair 2023, highly anticipated and awaited amongst all members of the Winchester family. It’s the time of the year when the entire community comes together for a cause. This year, the theme of the Fun Fair was “WIN World Culture.”

The theme of WIN World Culture was aimed at creating more awareness of the different nationalities and cultures at Winchester, as well as celebrating diversity. International stalls were set up and run by parents, students and staff. Each stall presented fact sheets, local souvenirs, local cuisine samples, as well as put on cultural performances. Overall, it was an absolutely spectacular day with smiles all around.

O U N T R Y S T A L L S

Hidden in this wordsearch are some words which describe the Winchester community. Challenge yourself to see how many of them you can find!