The News Canon - Edition 4

Monday 5th

November 2022

THE NEWS CANON

Read on to find out:

Keep reading to find out if Winter Wonderland is not so much of a wonderland anymore

Pollution and mental health – they may actually be linked

Strikes and Struggles as the Cost of Living Rises this Winter

Iran’s World Cup Woes

Ever wondered what your teacher’s music taste is? Keep reading to learn about their 2022 Spotify Wrapped

A private conversation between the royals ended up becoming a public row about racism

Christmas countdown: 20 days ©©©

San Francisco have now allowed killer robots who may be armed with explosives and be used to injure dangerous suspects

New Drug to Combat Alzheimer’s

By Zara

Alzheimer’s disease is the abnormal accumulation of two different proteins in the brain: beta-amyloid, which forms plaque around brain cells and tau, which accumulates within them. Experts believe that the accumulation of the beta-amyloid causes tau build-up and inflammation which over time causes the brain to shrink. It also reduces the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, so messages and signals cannot be sent effectively. This causes gradual impairment of day-to-day memory and eventual loss of other cognitive functions, which leads to death approximately six to seven years after diagnosis. Alzheimer’s is the cause of two-thirds of dementia cases and estimates suggest that over fifty million people are living with Alzheimer’s right now. The number is predicted to increase to around 78 million by 2030.

But there is hope. The results of a trial of a promising new drug, Lecnemab, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November, 20 years since the last Alzheimer’s drug was licenced in the UK. The drug could be life-changing for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Lecnemab removes the harmful beta-amyloid proteins from patients' brains and slows cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months. After years of failure, the success of the trial means we have a drug that has an impact on the key underlying biological processes that cause Alzheimer’s. It also means that Alzheimer’s is potentially treatable and perhaps even preventable (Meredith Grey would be proud). However, the drug may have contributed to the deaths of two trial

participants (1,800 participant study) and so concerns have arisen about the use of the drug alongside blood thinners. The FDA will weigh the pros and cons of the drug before approving or rejecting Lecnemab by the end of next year.

Additionally, the drug is expected to be expensive, and the NHS doesn’t have the staff or facilities to diagnose potential patients. Furthermore, the drug would have to be given by infusion every two weeks alongside multiple MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) safety scans for which most NHS clinics are unable to undertake. But if the drug is licenced, it could be a breakthrough, and the NHS has experience with similar procedures: intensive monitoring, regular administrations, so we will adapt. Further research will of course be necessary, and the drug will likely have to be used alongside others, but this is the start of a significant development in combating the growing disease, Alzheimer's.

Pollution – An Invisible Gas or Something More?

By Samhita

Warning – this article may contain distressing information for some readers.

We already know that polluted air is bad for our health. This is not a lecture to “save the environment” or “switch to electric to save the polar bears”. This is not even about high risks of strokes, heart disease, or respiratory illnesses. No, this is about pollution promoting suicide.

Yes, you read correctly. You may be thinking: how is that possible? Well, recent studies conducted by Claudia Persico and David Marcotte of American University (Washington, DC) show trends between air pollution and suicide rates in America between 2003 and 2010. The short story is that they found that an increase in one microgram/m3 of pm2.5 in each place is linked to an average rise of just under 0.5% of daily suicide rates. You probably didn’t understand a word of that, except maybe ‘linked’. So, the long story.

pm2.5 is a fine particulate matter, called so because its particles are less than 2.5 microns across. The researchers’ hypothesis was that since pm2.5 can enter the bloodstream via the lungs, the poor air quality can worsen people’s moods, which can increase the probability of a person experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings. So, they put it to the test. They first worked out fluctuating air-pollution levels caused by shifts in the wind direction for every county in America, then carried out surveys about mood and mental state to check with pollution levels in areas of residency. They found levels above 35 micrograms/m3 were associated with a consistent increase in the

frequency of depression reports and energy reduction (the human sort, not the E = V x Q kind).

Other research showed that pm2.5 pollution can cause inflammation in organs, the brain included. Some argue that this inflammation disrupts the normal function of the brain’s reward pathways, which help regulate mood. Other studies show that people who take antiinflammatory drugs, which improve the mood of people suffering from depression, have consistently higher concentrations of proteins called cytokines in their blood. These cytokines are released during inflammation. Suicide victims, examined after death, have high levels of cytokines in their brains.

Average American pm2.5 levels are on average around double the WHO recommended maximum (5 micrograms/m3). A study shows that meeting this figure could save 100,000 lives per year.

So maybe this was an article about saving the environment or switching to electric after all. I’ll let you decide.

China’s Covid Policies Ease After Previously Silenced Mass Protests

By Sophia

For three years now, China has experienced the strictest zero covid policy in the world. Although China has a population of 1.4 billion, there were only 36,000 cases recorded last Wednesday, which equates to around 9 in 350,000. Furthermore, there are only 3 deaths for every million in China, compared with 3000 per million in the US. Considering this, it is arguably shocking that whole communities and buildings (shopping malls, skyscrapers, huge blocks of flats, etc.) have been locked down due to one positive case.

Understandably, the Chinese people have turned to the streets to protest the severely restricting zero-Covid policies. Although protests of varying sizes have been ongoing for over a year, widespread protests have been sparked due to a recent fire in a high-rise block

of flats which killed 10 people. Many Chinese people believe they were unable to escape due to the whole flat being locked down, which means people are literally locked and barricaded inside their homes.

Chinese censorship has been working hard to prevent videos and images of protests in Chinese cities being seen by other Chinese people. Chinese media stays silent about protests and words such as ‘Shanghai’ and ‘Urumqi’ have been censored because ten people died in their flat as they were trapped due to Covid restriction. People have started to use a blank piece of A4 paper which has become the new symbol of protest, though the search term A4 is now being censored on Chinese media outlets too.

Despite the censorship of mass protests and people speaking out about Covid restrictions, lockdown measures were lifted last Wednesday and Thursday from dozens of districts in Shanghai and Guangzhou. However, China’s vice premier said this was because the country was facing a ‘new situation’, which opposes an earlier message from Chinese authorities that the zeroCovid policy was to be maintained.

All facts and figures are from the BBC

Killer robots in San Francisco

By Selin

The San Francisco Police Department (SFDP) have been permitted to deploy killer robots to ‘incapacitate or disorient’, or, conveniently, ‘kill’ violent suspects that pose a life-threatening danger to innocent people. This measure was voted for by San Francisco’s leading board of officers on 29 November. This topic has been one of controversy, as many people do not feel enthralled with the idea of walking down a street and encountering a remorseless, destructive technological species instead of the postman Jim. However, it is also possible that they could bring a new element of safeguarding to the streets of San Francisco, one that would protect the citizens from jeopardy that could not be handled by a mortal police officer. The SFPD currently only employs human beings, yet should this be the case?

There are many arguments for the deployment of killer robots. As gruesome as ‘incapacitate’ sounds, these robots would only enact their violent tendencies in extreme circumstances, and only after other ‘de-escalation tactics’ have been attempted. So, if you’re caught speeding

Celebrity gossip

on the roads of California you will not be chased by an armed bot-on-wheels. For further safety, a small quantity of high-ranking officers would be the only people to authorise their use, meaning that deciding when and where to use killer robots would be in the hands of people that can arguably be relied on to make the right decision.

However, opponents to the cause believe that this measure will result in the excessive militarisation of the police force. Many believe that this would damage the relationship between the law enforcement team and the community being protected. This relationship is already a rocky one, so to deploy killer AI devices would probably lead to a break-up. In addition to this, the killer robots can choose to attack what they see as a threat. Not to undermine the brain power of robots, but what if they choose the wrong suspect, and instead brutally ‘disorient’ and innocent pedestrian? The decision on whether to act on this permission is up to the SFPD

We’re sure you’ve all heard about Tom Holland and Zendaya by now, but their relationship may soon be taken to a new level Since buying their first house together back in February, the two are now rumoured to be engaged! We’ll keep you updated once we learn more, but as there is no hard evidence right now, all we can do it wait and hope that Peter Parker talks to MJ and reminds her who he is.

Private Schools – charities or taxpayers’ nightmare?

By Mahi

Considering we go to a private school, we should know that we are very lucky to be getting such a good education and have access to so many opportunities, because we can afford to pay for a high-quality learning experience. But this week Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party (the Opposition) has argued that private schools should not be subject to the tax breaks that they receive.

Starmer has called for the Rishi Sunak to end the ‘scandal’ of tax breaks: currently, private schools, like NLCS, HABs :(), and Eton, can all claim charitable status, and so are eligible for tax relief on school fees. Private schools in England and Wales don’t pay VAT (ValueAdded Tax) on school fees, and also get at least 80% relief on business rates.

This basically means the Labour leader wants to be able to charge private schools an extra 20% in the form of VAT, and wants to stop the tax relief in order to give the extra money to state schools, which would be beneficial to many schools in struggling areas.

During Wednesday’s Prime Minister Questions (PMQs), Keir Starmer drew attention to Rishi Sunak’s old school, Winchester College, which is significantly fancier school than most schools in the country (it has its own rifle club?!). He questioned the Prime Minister in ‘handing them nearly £6m of taxpayers’ money this year...?’ and said that the money would be much better spent on state schools.

However, the Independent Schools Council –which represents most private schools, including NLCS – has warned that by adding VAT to school fees, it’s going to be the hardest working families impacted the most, with some families no longer being able to afford private school fees. Fees are already being increased at almost all private schools because of the economic climate, so fears are that more students will drop out of private schools in favour of a free education. This leads to kids moving to state schools, further putting a strain on the education budget.

Winter Wonderland or Just Winter Land?

By Dhashini

Winter wonderland, the winter fair that makes everyone’s day, has recently had a darker side than just overpriced candy floss. Do you ever feel butterflies when you go to an amusement park? Ever feel nervous you’re going to fall off the ride? Maybe these feelings are justified, as on the 26th of November, three people were thrown off a ride in Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland. Many witnesses heard a ‘bang’ when they turned round to find the ride malfunctioning and a woman stuck between the rails and the ride, with another left unconscious on the floor.

The ride left two people seeking medical attention and being hospitalised, with one of them there now. On the 1st of December, the spokesman for Winter Wonderland came out

and said that the ride had been removed and was to experience safety checks. No apologies or refunds have been sent out, but on the day of the incident, the fair’s ‘cycle response team’ were in the city centre for a rugby match. This leads to the question of why there were no proper safety regulations for the fair, and whether the rides had been checked before it opened.

Although the ride is going through an inspection, many wonder why the malfunction

was not picked up at the beginning of the day, as all amusement parks are supposed to have daily checks. Amusement Park accidents are few but tragic, normally caused by either a malfunction or the guest not following the rules. This case is still under investigation, so we won’t know until later whether the ride was checked by an incompetent worker, or the guests didn’t fasten their seatbelts well enough. All we know is that ‘Ice Skater’ is not a ride we would recommend!

Racism in the Royal Family

By Lana

It should come as no surprise that the Royal Family have once again shown reluctance to accept and embrace a changing, modern Britain.

Camilla, the Queen Consort, recently invited 300 guests to her home to support her campaign about domestic violence, however, the occasion did not mark this particular achievement of Camilla, but instead brought about a racist incident between a guest at the reception, Ngozi Fulani, and a member of the Royal Household, Lady Susan Hussey, who is Prince Williams godmother.

A witness described this incident as ‘chit chat’ between the guest and Lady Hussey which took a turn for the worse when there was an apparent unwillingness to accept Fulani’s response that she was from Britain. The questioning seemed to present an underlying misconception that she couldn’t ‘really’ be from the UK. Those of us who are ‘really’ from Britain and aren’t White know how frustrating it can be to be repeatedly asked where you are actually from. Within hours of the event, a social media post reporting about the persistent questioning went viral, and led to Lady Hussey resigning and apologising.

Ms. Fulani said she was ‘totally stunned’ by Lady Hussey’s comments and the palace has described the remarks as ‘unacceptable and deeply regrettable’. A spokesperson for Prince William said, ‘racism has no place in our society’ and that ‘it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect’.

This incident raised the question about the Royal Family and their ability to reflect a diverse modern Britain and illustrates Buckingham Palace to be an unwelcoming, dated place. And as for the rest of the family, they have publicly been trying to send a message about supporting diversity and inclusion. For example, the King has talked of wanting his reign to reflect Britain as a ‘community of communities’, which suggests that he is ready to embrace a diverse Britain, further emphasises by his latest appointments to the prestigious Order or Merit were mostly people from ethnic minorities. Camilla, in a modernising move, took Lady Hussey’s role of lady-in-waiting away and replaced it with a less senior role as ‘lady of the household’.

Leading on from this idea that the royal family generally is set in their dated, traditional ways, Ms Fulani aptly put in an interview with the Independent website, ‘[this issue] is bigger than one individual. It’s institutional racism’.

IS Announces the Death of their Leader Abu alHassan al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi

By Anoushka

The jihadist group Islamic State, also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) or ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) announced last Wednesday 30th November that their leader, Abu al-Hassan al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi has died.

For some quick background information, IS is an Iraqi group that has been widely known as a terrorist organization. As of today, IS holds around 6000 to 10,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq, whom occupy rural areas in order to carry out hit-and-run attacks, ambushes and roadside bombings. The IS Organization once controlled 88,000 sq km across eastern Iraq and western Syria, imposing a violent ruling over almost 8 million people. Whilst as of 2019, IS no longer controls this territory, the UN still warns civilians of the danger the organization still holds in society. Not only in Syria and Iraq, but also in Afghanistan, Somalia and Lake Chad Basin, where well-established networks are believed to be based.

Whilst the exact circumstances of his death are

still unknown, an audio message provided by the group spokesman can tell us that al-Hassan's death occurred during conflict, and that he called 'the enemies of God' as the fight took place. US sources state that he died amidst an operation by the rebel Free Syrian Army this October, where a number of rebel factions where planning on overthrowing the President Bashar al-Assad. However, the rival jihadist group, Al-Qaeda states that al-Hassan has been dead for some time now.

Abu al-Hassan al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi fhas been leader of the IS organization since the violent death of his predecessor in Syria this March. An anonymous spokesman announced his replacement as Abu al -Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi. (It is important the note that these names are fake to protect the identity of the members during conflict). As of today, we still know very little about this new leader, but the spokesperson has encouraged followers of the group to show their loyalty and 'pledge allegiance to him'.

Is Attacking Ukraine’s Power Grid a War Crime?

By Finn

Russia has been continuously attacking Ukraine’s central energy infrastructure, plunging half the country into darkness, and leaving 10 million people without electricity. Is this strategy a violation of international humanitarian law, or can it be justified by the Kremlin?

International humanitarian law states that a country is allowed to strike another country’s energy sources or infrastructure if it provides significant military gain/advantage to the attacker. Dr Maria Varaki from the King’s

College War Studies department said that ‘the state has an obligation under international humanitarian law (IHL) to choose a target or a tactic that will cause less damage to civilians. Less death and less injury, but still fulfilling the military advantage.’

Civilian deaths and injuries as a result of attack to the power grid are not necessarily violations of humanitarian law and aren’t always classified as war crimes, which is why the ‘principle of proportionality’ must be applied to these cases. This principle states that harm to civilians should not be extreme or excessive in relation

to the military gain, but this is very difficult to judge.

Russia has denied any intentions to harm civilians, claiming that the attacks on Ukraine’s power grid are simply strikes against ‘the military command system of Ukraine and related energy facilities’ (Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation) but with over 200 separate targets hit by Russian forces, it is hard to believe that they considered the military gain achieved by each target hit.

"The unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to settle the problem, to start negotiations, its refusal to seek common ground - this is their consequence," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The issue facing these strikes is the justification given by Russia’s higher powers – that the

nation is attacking power stations on purely military basis and that the civilian deaths or injuries are proportionate to the military gain that Russia achieves. How can this be judged or proven when these laws seem so subjective and open to interpretation? Ultimately, the law surrounding war crimes and human rights in times of military conflict needs significant clarification.

Iran’s Word Cup Woes

By Girisha

The phrase “Don’t bring politics into football!” has been bellowed by hundreds of thousands of football fans since the World Cup began in Qatar this year. However, for the people of Iran, sports and politics are one and the same.

Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Republic of Iran and its regime in the eyes of many Iranians. If you are unaware of what the Islamic Republic of Iran has done, you can find an article in edition 1 of the News Canon (I know, shameless self-promotion) about the recent atrocities committed by the Iranian government. In short, the government is forcing women to wear hijabs and unfairly arresting and executing protestors. This is violation of human rights is a problem that has and continues to terrorise the women of Iran.

Although the Iranian team didn’t sing the national anthem before their first match, they did for the next two, and their participation in the World Cup has caused many conflicting opinions within the Iranian community.

Mahrou, a 17-year-old Iranian living in the UK, says that she cannot support the team. She argues that it has been “hijacked” by the government to show that there is nothing happening Iran. Despite her love for her country, Mahrou refuses to support the values and actions that the team represents.

Contrarily, 33-year-old Kamyab Givak (another Iranian living in the UK) thinks the team should progress, although she does not support the actions of Islamic Republic in any way. This is because staying in the World Cup gives the people of Iran a platform, and by progressing, the conversation and media attention is maintained.

Some Iranians are supporting Iran, but with a “heavy heart”, like Sinai Noor. He highlights that Iran is still Iran at the end of the day, not the regime that has claimed it. The true culture and diversity of Iran is something that will stay no matter what regime is present, and he will always be Iranian. He, of course, does not support what is going on and worries for his

family, but defends the players by asking, “What can they do?”

These three different opinions show that the World Cup is never just about football – the mere presence of a team can have a significant impact on the country itself.

Videos have emerged of people dancing, cheering and laughing in the streets of Iran, celebrating Iran’s elimination from the World Cup. To them, the team is synonymous with the Islamic Republic.

Furthermore, protests and executions are still occurring in Iran. Activists reported that Mehran Samak was shot in the head after he honked his car's horn in Bandar Anzali on Tuesday night. This has caused further unrest in Iran and more people have since stood up in protest.

By Vanya

I agree with Kamyab, and think it is essential to keep the conversation going. People are being murdered, and something must be done about it.

The Colorado Shooting

Not long before midnight, a 22- year old shooter armed with a rifle, entered Club Q (an LGBTQ venue in Colorado Springs) and killed 5 people while injuring many more.

On the 19th of November, the gay club hosted a drag show and had a $16 “drink all night” scheme. The club was packed with people, and everybody was grooving to the beats of a local DJ until they suddenly heard gunshots and saw a muzzle flash. Before most people could comprehend what was happening, several people were gunned down. Witnesses describe hearing gunshots, people crying and windows being shattered. Soon the club was a mix of bodies lying on the floor, broken glass and blood. The first 911 call was made at 11:56 pm and officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department arrived by midnight. Up to 75 police officers and firefighters were present and the accused was arrested within 6 minutes. The gunman was identified as a 22-year-old local resident who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They were earlier, in June 2021, arrested in connection with a bomb threat.

The five victims included

1. Raymond Green Vance, 22

2. Daniel Aston, 28, bartender

3. Derrick Rump, 38 , bartender

4. Kelly Loving, 40

5. Ashley Paugh, 35

More than 18 people were injured.

Club Q is known as a “second home full of chosen family” for LGBTQ people and the owner of the outlet describes it as “gay as hell” with go-go dancers, drag queens and bartenders in jockstraps. The shooting comes as a great shock for the loving community of Colorado Springs and has left everyone horrified and devastated. President Joe Biden expressed his sympathies for the victim’s families while also saying that “Gun violence continues to have a devastating and particular impact on LBGTQI+ communities”.

Strikes and Struggles as the Cost of Living Rises this Winter

By Adonaa

Can’t get your X-mas card to your grandma this year? 2-hour delays on railways? Broken your leg but there’s no A&E? Read on to find out why…

More than ever, we’re experiencing the UK’s biggest trade unions and workers revolt against working conditions, pensions, and pay as industries fail to increase wages in line with the current cost of living. It’s become so chaotic that postal workers and strike action protesters filled the street outside the Mount Pleasant Royal Mail Sorting Office with pink gas in their mission for higher wages.

But why are they getting paid so low, you ask? The aftermath of COVID and the RussiaUkraine war has meant that oil and gas are in greater demand, making it so much more expensive for all of us to heat up our houses and get cosy this winter.

The cost of energy is and will continue to be tough, especially for NHS staff with salaries ranging from £20k for cleaners (below average UK wage) to £35k – 40k for school nurses and paramedics. It’s almost impossible to keep up with rising inflation rates; even a day-to-day staple such as milk has reached a 32.6% price rise!

The thing is employers are worried about increasing pay for their employees because of

the ‘wage-price spiral effect’. Basically, if nurses and train drivers and so on petition and win big pay rises, their employers will in turn have to raise prices for consumers. Then we get hit with that all-too-familiar inflation – it just keeps following us, doesn’t it? And it becomes an ongoing cycle of rising prices for us consumers, meaning that I definitely won’t be buying anyone presents this year (leaving that for “Santa”).

Just so you know, striking isn’t all about just getting what you want. Most of the time strikes aren’t successful and PM Sunak has warned us about the economic turmoil ahead.

But (there’s always a but, isn’t there) some strikers have been lucky in their petitions. For example, there has been a 5% pay increase for train drivers in Scotland and a 15% pay rise for criminal barristers in England and Wales after their strike in June. It’s not all doom and gloom here, but many NHS staff do not have high hopes as they plan to walk out this December. A survey conducted by YouGov in August showed that 64% of the public are in support for strikes by nurses, with teachers, postal workers and bus drivers all coming after.

The good news is the East of England service will not be affected by the strikes. So, let’s all try stay safe this winter. No crazy dares and no bungee jumping of your balcony or anything.

Interviews with teachers on their Spotify Wrapped and Secret Santa

(We somehow ended up with A LOT of answers)

Teacher: Mr Pike

Spotify Minutes: 33,259

Top artist: Coheed and Cambria

Ops on secret santa: Prefers year round (buying gifts when see something person would like) and open Santa (giving gifts to people care about)

Other:‘DOMi & Coheed and Cambria were my top artist, but please, if possible also give a shout out to two of the others in my top 5: DOMi & JD BECK, and BENEE, they are so good.’ Direct quote from Mr Pike

Teacher: Miss Timm

Spotify minutes: 35,335

Top artist: artic monkeys

Top song: Spanish Sahara – 150 times Ops on secret santa: likes secret santa, thinks it’s fun

Teacher: Mr Bryers

Spotify minutes: 24,424

Top song: Heaven by Brothertiger

Top artist: Brothertiger

Ops on secret santa: Thinks it’s a bit of fun. The Chemistry department does one and I think that, as long as everyone is willing to participate and there is a set budget, then it is sensible and no one feels short changed. I prefer it to Evil Santa, which is when all gifts are put into a lucky dip and people can choose to steal each other presents.

Teacher: Mr James-Williams

I use apple music, but I guess that jazz and classical music are probably top if I were to have a top artist/song Ops on secret santa: ‘it’s ubiquitous now.’ It was special, but now every group wants to do secret santa, even if they don’t know each other well. It’s like ffs. I’m not against it in principle, because I do love Christmas

Teacher: Ms Aldcroft

I do not listen to spotify a lot Ops on secret santa: I like it a lot, I like the act of kindness

Teacher: Ms Mardell I don’t use Spotify

Ops on secret santa: I love secret santa

Teacher: Dr Silverman Spotify Minutes: 29,000

Top artist: Cardi B and Niki Minaj (we think this may have been a joke) Ops on secret santa: when done great it’s great, when done badly its horrendous Disclaimer: Made no comment on actual stats as had a family account

Teacher: Mr Haigh Ops on secret santa: I think it’s a great way to save money and still get things you like, I do it with my family

Teacher: Mr Mcall Apple music user Ops on secret santa: I’ve never participated in one, but it sounds lovely. But I would be worried about the stress to find a gift

Teacher: Mr Boase Spotify minutes: 59,853 Top artist: Audrey Brisson Top song:

Teacher: Mrs Gamsu

Top artist: Matilda Spotify minutes: 1,278 Top song: Miracle by Matilda the musical (Disclaimer my son was in Matilda so I have been listening to it with him)

Ops on secret santa: I love secret santa because I love buying and receiving gifts. The English department have already done secret santa

Teacher: Mr Hennelly

Top artist: scouting for girls Spotify minutes: 33,494 Top song: she’s so lovely (disclaimer I do have a more modern music taste)

Ops on secret santa: It’s a really good alternative for people who might be on a budget to give one gift, it means everyone gets one gift, but I’m really bad at keeping secrets so it’s less of a secret when I do it

Teacher: Mr Majithia

Teacher: Mr Majithia

I don’t use Spotify or apple music I listen to the radio Ops on secret santa: I think it’s cool, part of the fun to give gifts and figure it out, I like shopping so it’s fine, even if it’s not me I quite like shopping

Teacher: Mr Dave’s

I don’t use Spotify or apple music, I’m an old man so I listen to CDs and Records Ops on secret santa: I think it’s a lot of pressure and means you might buy stuff people don’t need. It’s quite wasteful. I sound like such a grinch, but I think it’s better to do homemade gifts and it can be a massive pain when you are in 10 different secret santa groups

Teacher: Ms Hayne

It says I have to update my spotify to get my wrapped Ops on secret santa: it’s fun but ideally the spirit of giving and thinking about what others like should be above consumerism. Making people things or giving people second-hand gifts is nicer, reduce reuse recycle. It’s maybe better when secret santa is with a small group, and it’s better when you pick your name out of a hat and then you pick a present out of the bag which everyone contributes too and then you can decide if you want to keep it or swap it