Dwardu's Scoops - First edition 2023

Dwardu’s Scoops

ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

Geared up for an exciting year

The start of a scholastic year always brings a sense of palpable excitement. This year is nodifferent, and the students had not evenarrived yet!

Our twodays of PD have covered suchdiverse topics as Communications, Defibrillator training, Wasteserv introduction, Sectionand Department meetings and one that willbe a highlight for the coming year, and dare Isuggest, years, tocome, AI. This was extremely popular withstaff and was presented inaninteractive and engaging manner.

The St Edward’sCollege missionstatement is clear and aspirational. We willcontinue to‘create exemplary citizens’, withanemphasis on ‘character formation, genuine interculturalunderstanding’, ‘leadership skills which willassist them[our students]tocontribute tothe wellbeing of society’.

ByNollaigMacanBhaird,Headmaster

Respect, good manners, and being disciplined and polite, are core values and expectations that we have for allour students. As Parents/Guardians your reinforcing of these willhelp us achieve our common goal.

The three C's: Coding, Competition, CodeSprint

JulianScicluna

This summer, betweenthe 1st and the 8thof July, a most prestigious coding competition, Code.SprintMaltatook place. Anextraordinary battle of wits and code, todiscover the best coders inMalta!

CodeSprint is anannual, two-round, nation-wide programming competition whereinparticipants studying computing at various levels compete for a spot at the finals and later a handsome money reward. This year, St. Edward's College has nominated three secondary schoolstudents torepresent it: Omar El-Samahy, Gianluca Gatt and myself.

Asithappened…

We were pitted against eachother intworounds, the qualifiers'round (which was online) and the final round, eachwithits owntaxing task.

Whilst preparing tojoin the competitionon the day of the qualifiers'round, Iwas petrified. My hands were sweating profusely and my mind was buzzing withquestions. After joining, we were giventhe task tocode, along with10 minutes or soto clear any doubts about the task. I, along withfifty-six other contestants coded away,trying towrite anelevator simulator inJava and cope withthe tremendous pressure of the two-hour time constraint and being watched like a hawk by the invigilator, until the task was submitted. Then, and only then, a tranquilsense of relief washed over me and filled my head.

A week later came the finals -the ultimate test to find the best of the best. Fortunately, we were allowed tohelp ourselves tosome mouth-watering refreshments fromDr. Juice during the break.

A fortnight later, the award ceremony took place. We were fullof suspense whenthe winners of the secondary categorywere announced, toend up only slightly disappointed. Ireckonthat this experience has beenincredibly fulfilling and truly magical. If asked to participate again, Iwould accept inthe blink of aneye!"

Iwould strongly encourage all young, aspiring Edwardiancoders torise tothe challenge for a wide variety of reasons. Not only is this challenge anexcellent chance tolearntowork under pressure, but it is the perfect opportunity to mingle withfellow coders and learntheir secrets. Moreover, this challenge would help massively inhoning one's programming skills. Furthermore,

whenone tests one's programming limits throughthe challenge, one is getting the possibility towinastonishing prizes.

Julian'stipsandtricksto CodeSprint

CodeSprint is most certainly not aneasy challenge. It would be incredibly foolish toparticipate without sufficient preparation. Here are some helpfulsuggestions togive the competition your best shot:

1. Practice makes perfect: Before the competition, availyourself of the past editions of CodeSprint, whichcan be found ontheir website. Allocate a smallportion of your free time tocompletethem. This helps youget a feelfor the levelof tasks inthe competitionand prepares youtoanswer suchquestions. DO NOT STOP PRACTISING UNTIL THE FINAL ROUND. Practice effectively -poor practice strategies are very ineffective.

2. Libraries are your friends: During the competition, one canutilise any resource one deems fit AS LONG AS IT IS REFERENCED. Utilise this rule and create your owneasily accessible multifunction java helper library to use during the competition(and reference it tobe writtenby 'self'). This saves time and abstracts complex operations during the competition. Youcanalso use any internet resource tohelp withthe library...

3. Good Night, sleep tight: Before the competition, get a good night's sleep (Sleepearly). This ensures that allthat practice and preparationwill not have beeninvain.

4. The three R's: Read, Read and Read: Onceyoureceive the question, read it along withthe rubric VERY CAREFULLY. There may be a featureyoumay forget toimplement or do incorrectly, whichmay result in a loss of points. This can be eliminated by practising past CodeSprinteditions.

5. Failtoplan, planto fail: It is anawfuland very error-prone idea tocode the solutionas you read the question. It would be wise toread the questionmultiple times and make a plan (With a penand paper or ona text editor) beforeprogramming a solution. Include a flowchart and possibly some ideas for extra features (very important). DO NOT SPEND TOO MUCH TIME DOING THIS.

6. Time is of the essence: Youhave a set time toask questions and tocode. Every second is precious, therefore NEVERwaste any time, EVER! Usethe questiontime toyour advantage and ask any questions (clear any doubts) you may have about the task. After completing thepro-

Lunches to look forward to

‘We believe every child should have accesstothe most exceptionalnutritious and vibrant food available’

There is anhonesty inthe food we serve and one whichwill benefit your children. The kitchenis a hive of activity, where all the dishes and ingredients are freshly prepared and eventhe salad dressings are made from scratch.

BytheThomasFranks(Malta)team

We pride ourselves inthe highquality of bothour food and our people, working withlocaland regionalfamily-owned suppliers.

ExcellentCateringForAll

A healthy mind and body are vitaltoa successfulschoolday. A thoroughunderstanding and commitment toa healthy lifestyle willbe a lifelong benefit toyour children.

InspiredbyMalta’sRichCulturalHeritageandProfile

Our highly skilled chefs take advantage of freshly sourced ingredients tocook authentic, delicious food; whilst demonstrating a clear understanding of the dietary requirements of the children. These menus willbe changed termly and seasonally totake advantage of the plentiful seasonalproduce and to inspire new dishes. Eating a balanced diet throughout the day not only ensures optimumgrowthand development, it alsoprovides sustained energy for pupils’ academic and physicalactivity. It optimises their concentrationlevels and makes anessential contribution tooverall nutrient requirements.

OurFood’sProvenanceisSimple–it'sLocal,FreshProduce

Fresh, naturalingredients are dropped off every day toensure we are provided withthemost delicious raw ingredients toadd realdepth of flavour toour dishes. We use localsuppliers to bring us the best of eachseason’s produce. Eating withthe seasons encourages a varied diet as we are not sourcing the same ingredients allyear round. Malta is noexceptionhere, withour localsuppliers we guarantee seasonalproduce freshfromthe island.

HelpingYourChildrenThrive

At Thomas Franks Malta providing nutritious, delicious food is at the heart of what we do. We are alltooaware that children have notoriously different interests infoods and tastes. Yet our adult palates, as wellas our trajectory of future health, is strongly affected by what and how we eatas children. One of our roles as a food provider is to help foster a diverse ‘palate’ and interest inthe wide range of foods and nutrients tosupport health, growth, mentaland physicaldevelopment.

HowNutritiousistheFood?

We follow the good food guide and ensure healthy eating is encouraged wherever possible Vegetables are always offered withevery meal Every pupilis encouraged tohave a nutritionally balanced, varied meal.

Howtotopup

Whenit comes totopping up your child’s tag, it’s extremely easy. Step one, as always, is registration. As a parent, please provide your emailaddress and your child's registered name. Once youhave done this, youas a parent willreceive anemailwitha URL, unique ID and QR code this will thenenable youtolog in withwhatever device youmay want touse. Youcanuse one of four pre-set pay limits or set your own! Payment is accepted withApple Pay or Google Pay. After allthis has beendone, it is easy for youto track and monitor what your child is having for lunchand alsomeans youcaneasily add more money in the future!

Withthe start of a new scholastic year, students, parents and teachers are all excited and bubbling withenergy tosee how the next 9 months will unfold. For over 40 students this year, it willalso mark the dawnof a new era: the transitionfromJunior schoolboys toMiddle schoolstudents.

This change is reflected inthe uniform, the books, the expected behavior, different lessontimes, some new teachers and the change of schoolblock too. Nonetheless, the biggest change willtake place inthe students themselves as they are ona new pathof self-discovery. In Middle School, the students become more independent and start todevelop new interests.Their socialinteractions betweeneachotherand withthe adults intheir life, change as well. Physically they grow taller, more muscular and a change indiet oftenensues.

How canthe parents and guardians of these youngsters prepare themselves for this change? There are severalthings that one needs tokeep inmind whendealing witha ‘middle schooler’. Here are some helpfultips garnered over 12years’ experience indealing withthis challenging age group.

They’recomplicated!

As boys hit puberty, they might start experiencing anxiety. This feeling that perhaps was only felt during examdays, might be more recurring and boys need tobe guided onhow todeal withthis feeling of overwhelming stress. Guiding themtoprioritize things, tocreate a schedule and helping themto meet deadlines during the Middle Schoolyears willset themup toa successfulexperience inthe Senior School whenmore academic challenges might be faced. Eventhe sweetest, most loving child might start exhibiting some rebellious behaviour at this stage. Fromusing inappropriate language, tosharing rude gifs and partaking in name-calling or offensive language onthe pitch, this sort of behaviour might be uncharacteristic of your child at home whenhe is alone or witha sibling distracted by a screen. However, it canbe

When your children roll their eyes at you

SamanthaAbela

commonwhenthere are more social interactions. Guardians and parents need torealizethat the boys are developing their ownopinions and personalities and thus they might start todisagree.What pre-teens usually donot know is how tocriticize and clearly express anopinionwithout being hurtfulor feeling over-sensitive about received criticism. As the guiding adults intheir life, we need tosteer these students tobe able toexpress their thoughts and feelings ina constructive way. We alsoneed toengage inmeaningfuldiscussions with themtoteachthemhow todoit. They emulate a lot the behaviour they see around them. It is important that whenwe need totellthemoff about something they’ve done, we speak TO themnot AT the, taking care not tobelittle their ideas.

Rebellionis also showcased intheir academic achievements. It is nosurprise that sometimes grades drop, some homework is not handed inor projects are done haphazardly. Inprevious scholastic years, many times projects weremonitored by parents and this practice stillneeds to continue in middle school. Having said that, students need tobe left todiscover knowledge on their own, totry out things and to be creative. As guardians, it is important though, tocheck their work tomake sure it is up tothe standard required and toguide themonhow they canimprove it, if they feelsatisfied withwhat they have done and tocheck if they have met allthe criteria. Whilst Middle Schoolers might not come toask for help themselves because theywant todoit ‘ontheir own’, they stillappreciate feedbackand guidance.

Before entering Middle School, students would normally be ‘teamplayers’ and easily join infamily activities.During the next few months, this behaviour might change. Students might become more ‘egocentric’ and self-absorbed. What they want, what they think, what they like is cooler, better and more important than the needs of those around them. How we react tosuchbeahviour is key. Being condescending, belittling themor shouting is usually counter-productive resulting insullenlooks, defiant comments and universalfrustration. Sowhat should we do? Should we tolerate and give intothe demands toavoid confrontation? Should we accept that boys are growing up and should be given their ‘ownspace’? Should we give them distance? For starters it is important tobe firmand explainthat the world does not move around themand that they are still part of a family, a group, a class etc… and their needs are important but not more thanthose of the other parties involved. It is alsoimportant tomake themrealize that

their actions, words and behaviour can be hurtful and explainhow and why this is so. Then, it is important to move ontoeither bargaina compromise or be firmthat what they are doing or expecting is not acceptable or can’t be granted. Finally, keeping cool, calmand collected is key tomaking sure that the rules, whichshould have beenclear fromthe start, are alsobeing followed by everyone and thus be fair.

UnderPressure

Once we have tackled the ‘Complexity’ of the Middle Schooler, Icanmove on tothe second point: Peer Pressure.

As the students move toMiddle Schoolthey become more ‘self-aware’. They start tocompare themselves more toothers. This might not happenimmediately toeveryone, however over the next 2years, the boys willdevelop at different rates and comparison is inevitable. The boys will compare not only their physicalappearance but alsotheir life. Withsocial media, it is easier to see what others are experiencing intheir life and what ‘you’ might not be doing. Students will want to‘fit in’ and our past measures and attainments are not the same as today. Whatwe considered achievements, for today’s generationit is an ‘expectation’. Anexample is that some still cling totheir childhood toys and routines whilst others willquickly ditchthemtoembrace new trends. Owning gadgets was not a need before, however as they move up toMiddle School, this changes, as they associate ownership of gadgets to‘fitting in’.

Engaging indiscussionwithyour child at home, at the dinner table or during a weekend hike is important todisconnect himfromhis peers and yet get toknow himand what he wants and wishes for. It is important todiscuss withother parents toowhat their ownchildrenare talking about, the trends, the likes, the new habits. Learning about what makes a Middle Schooler’s life interesting is important for the guardians to remainrelevant and tokeep a channelof communicationgoing. It is also important toprepare themfor peer pressure byteaching themtoap-

preciate the present and what they have and towork hard toachieve and get new things. Dreams and goals are important and not everything that ‘others’ have should be giveneasily.

Lookingcool

As their body changes due topuberty, pre-teens might start tobe more self-conscious. It is important toguide themwhenit comes tobothbody-image insecurities as well as other developmentalchanges they might start having. Some might grow taller and muscular earlier thanothers. Onthe other hand, withincreased appetites, some might put on weight. Being mindfulof healthy choices whenit comes toconsumptionof food is important. Boys this age might also start tobecome shy whenit comes tochanging roomroutines and at home they might alsostart asking for more privacy.

The pre-teens will also become more aware of their abilities. Some might become faster as they grow taller for example. Inclass, processing academic concepts might be challenging for some more thanfor others. Whilst we adults understand that allindividuals have different abilities, boys might only start noticing some discrepancies only now as academic materialbecomes more complex toabsorb and retain.

Fashion, evenfor boys, might become a statement. Whilst some might be content whenrelatives buy clothes for them, others will want tobe consulted and will develop their own‘style’. It is important toengage indiscussions about this topic withthemand let themexplore and experiment too. Another salient point here is toteachthemthat it’s ok not toownthe latest branded shoe for example or to‘save up’ if youwant anexpensive piece of clothing especially at anage when they outgrow themquickly. This would teachthemaccountability. Onan existentiallevelit also teaches sustainability.

The same applies for haircuts and other fashionstatements. It is ok todiscuss identity and individuality, however various institutions might have by-laws and norms that need tobe adhered to.

Inconclusion, Middle Schoolers are formidable not-so-little individuals withsome of the greatest potential. They areenergetic, creative, expressive, sensitive, caring, smart, curious etc… As adults intheir life, we are lucky tobe incontact with themand whilst we might feelat out wits ends and they willtest our patience regularly, we needtoappreciate how important this transitionalphase intheir life be and how lucky we are tobe part of molding their futures.

Refurbishment time

Over the summer months, the college may seem quite somnolent. This is far frombeing the truth. The college administration uses these months whenstudents are either away or are at college only for a very short period such as summer camps, toupgrade the historic fabric and the facilities of the college. Obviously, this has tobe planned and executed toa budget and a timetable, giventhat the campus is large and costly tomaintain.

This year we addressed the AudioVisualRoominthe IB corridor and the Junior SchoolICT lab. Following the glowing reviews we had fromstudents and parents last year onthe Senior School ICT Lab, we were more thanhappy tostart work onthe ICT lab for the Junior Schoolstudents. This is anarea whichwillincrease inimportance inthe years to come soit is better tobe prepared. Similarly, the Audiovisual room was crying out for a good facelift. This was givenand it is now allbut unrecognizable!

The sports courts toogot their share of glam witha totalrefurbishment making thembenchmarks for sports standards.

Finally, a word of thank youtothe indefatigable maintenance team whose sterling work and commitment ensure that the finished product is one of quality delivered ontime.

gram, DO NOT stop and NEVER SUBMIT YOUR WORK EARLY OR LATE. Use the remaining time tocheck the programfor any unfulfilled criteria and add as many extra features as youcan.

MOSTIMPORTANTTIP: Have funand compete for the prestige and the sake of learning, not the prizes! This competitionis intended tohelp us learnthrough the mistakes we make initthat is its purpose. The lower youend up, the more the world offers youtolearn! Make sure youenjoy every minute!

SylvanaDebono

Highlights from Summer School 2023

Summer Camps and personal development

It was indeed a busy, fun and engaging summer for various students in Yr 4-5-6 who took part in the Summer Camps activities organized by St Edward’s College and administered by Ms Samantha Abela, Ms Annette Agius and Mr Ayrton Senna Spiteri.

For the students, it was a transformative experience, filled with growth, optimism, and team building. During this summer camp, students participated in a range of engaging activities designed to foster personal development and create lasting memories. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, the program offered a diverse range of eventsthat catered to different interests and abilities.

Team building exercises played a vital role in this summer camp, allowing students to develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These activities not only strengthened relationships but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie among participants.

During the 3 day camps, the students also pushed their own personal boundaries by staying away from gadgets, sleeping at school and cooking apart from learning to take care of their personal belongings and even budgeting. Various students and parents shared their feedback and these are some of the testimonials received:

“I am grateful that John* had the opportunity to spend a few days with his friends and to learn new life skills . Last night, I could see that he had grown over the last 3 days. As I understand it, the longest running study on successful people is by Harvard Business School and the study evidences that children that do chores become successful adults. So, I am so grateful that you made them do chores. You have helped them grow. He came back happy and better for

it …” (Signed)

“Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. James* really enjoyed every minute of it. He enjoyed the outings, the activities and most of all the challenges. It was a life lesson for himand evenfor me :) …”(Signed)

“Ms Samantha the nice one, Mr Ayrton the funny one and Ms Annette the caring one :)”(Signed)

“Mark* had a great time like always and has made some lovely memories ! Mark loves these sort of activities and they help inhis independence and self esteem.”(Signed)

“Luke* together with his friends, with you, Mr Spiteri and all those that made this happen spent three full days creating unforgettable memories that go well beyond football! He strengthened the already existing bond that he has with his school friends and learnt valuable lessons… We (including Luke) are truly grateful that Luke had the opportunity to participate in such a well-organized and enjoyable summer camp. The different activities, workshops and team building exercises allowed Luke to explore his interests, develop new skills, and step out of his comfort zone. Your dedication and enthusiasm made each day exciting and engaging. The summer camp also served as a good lesson on the idea of inclusion , a very important concept at their age that is surely worthworking on.” (Signed)

Overall, this summer camp live-in activity at St. Edwards Malta provided an immersive experience that combinedfun-filled adventures with valuable life lessons. Students can look forward tomore unforgettable learning opportunities and new friendships as Our Team works to provide more camps of such nature inthe future. *nameshavebeenchangedto

Sheer grit!

Why do we need to put in a picture of a young man on track and field sports? Just look at his face: the concentration, the determination. This is the true Edwardian spirit which characterizes our students.

At St Edward’s College we believe in tapping into the full potential of the students. It is not about receiving ‘empty vessels’ and ‘filling them up with knowledge’ - so Victorian. Education has progressed so much in the 100 years since the college welcomed its first students.

BySylvanaDebono

Today we look to the holistic development of children, to enabling them to question the world around them, to think critically, to understand and eventually, to absorb and learn through experience. Our students are encouraged to question— questioning is not insubordination it is only the sign of an active mind. Along with questioning come manners you may question anything and anyone, you may even disagree but all this has to be done with full respect to the other person.

That is what makes St Edward’s College a great place to study.

Starting with professional development

Professional development is one of the key areas of the scholastic year. Children learn...but so do teachers. From Branding to Artificial Intelligence, from waste separation to school development plans, the topics were varied and interesting. Headmaster Mr Nollaig Mac an Bhaird kicked off two intensive days which were brought to a close through a teambuilding activity: a ‘PUB’ quiz!

Green Fingers achieve Silver

St Edward’s College has been awarded the Silver medal for its eager participation in the Let’s Talk Farming program. This was an initiative launched and supported by the Department of Agriculture and aimed at fostering the love of agriculture and all things horticultural among students. Mr Brandon Gerada, who piloted the participation for the College explained that this initiative touched as many aspects of farming, husbandry and horticulture as possible. From house plants to fruit trees, from flower bulbs to potatoes, from cats and dogs to cows and sheep, the children in the program got a taste of the land and all its bounty.

Background

Inrecent years, there has beena growing realization of the importance of agriculturaleducationinschools. To foster a deeper understanding and appreciationfor farming, an innovative programhas beendevelopedthat encourages agriculture and farming withinthe school environment. This programaims toequip students withessentialknowledge and skills, promoting sustainable practices, and nurturing future generations of agriculturalleaders. The agriculture and farming programis designed tobe comprehensive, engaging students across various age groups and academic levels. It incorporates boththeoreticaland practicalcomponents tocreate a holistic learning experience. The program seamlessly integrates agriculture-

related topics intothe existing curriculum, ensuring that students understand the relevance of farming intheir lives. Concepts suchas plant growth, soil health, animalhusbandry, and environmentalsustainability are wovenintosubjects like science, geography, and evenmathematics. Eachparticipating school establishes its owngarden, where students actively participate in planting, tending, and harvesting crops. These gardens serve as living laboratories, allowing students towitness theentire agriculturalprocess firsthand.

Tosupplement classroomlearning, the programorganizes workshops conducted by agricultural experts. These workshops cover topics suchas sustainable farming methods and food processing. Field trips tolocalfarms and agriculturalresearchcenters are alsoarranged, giving students a chance towitness modernfarming practices and connect withfarmers. Benefitsand Outcomes The introduction of an agriculture and farming programin schools brings numerous benefits PracticalSkills and Knowledge: Students acquire practicalskills suchas gardening and problem-solving techniques, empowering themtomake sustainable choices intheir lives. By engaging withnature and understanding the significance of sustainable farming practices, students becomeenvironmentally conscious individuals whoactively contribute toconservationefforts. Healthand Nutrition: Through cultivating and consuming their ownfreshproduce, students develop healthier eating habits and a deeper understanding of the nutritionalvalue of fruits and vegetables. The programalsoexposes students todiverse agriculturalcareer paths, inspiring themtopursue careers infarming, agribusiness, agronomy, or agriculturalresearch. The programcreates a platformfor community involvement, fostering partnerships betweenschools, localfarmers, and agricultural organizations. This collaboration strengthens community bonds and promotes knowledge-sharing. By implementing a school-based agriculture and farming program, we provide students witha solid foun-

dationin agriculturalknowledge and skills, nurturing future stewards of the land. Through hands-onexperiences, theoreticallearning, and community engagement, this program creates a generationof environmentally aware, healthy, and empowered individuals ready to contribute tothe sustainable development of our world

Knowingourroles,preparedtotakethemon

As regards our academic offerings we have introduced Media Studies at Senior levelas well as History at IB level. Our cohort of IB students has almost doubled as bothparents and students are beginning torealise the value of anIBDP diploma.

CPD is crucialfor aneffective and modernorganisation. The emphasis, like inour School Development Plan, is the word, ‘Continuous’.

Three of our teachers travelled toMadrid earlier this summer. The training they received focused ontraining for teachers ondigitallearning. The training was held at ECO DigitalLearning which is aneducationalhub specialized indigitalization. St Edward`s is anassociated partner withthe beneficiary partnerMACTT for the Erasmus+project called QUID (Quality Inclusion and Digitalization).

We alsohad four members of the SMT attend the Principals Training Center where they completed the module ‘Creating anEffective School’, this was anonline course. PTC practices, suchas ‘Learning Walks’, are, and willbe, piloted at St Edwards’s

At the start of October we willhave twostaff members attend the IB GlobalConference and Heads World Conference. The theme this year is ‘Educationfor an Inclusive Future’.

These couple of conferences stand out. There willbe CPD for allstaff throughout the year. Keeping staff, students and parents, abreastof current thinking in educationwill enable us to deliver the best education, based onevidence drivenresearch, that is available.

We canhave a ‘great’ year, collectively andas individuals whenwe allunderstand our roles inthe students education.

...Making memories

New appointment for St Edward’s College Board member

Prof. Valerie Sollars has beenappointed Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability witheffect from1 July. A literacy expert, Prof Sollars serves onthe Board of Governors of the College and alsosits onthe Education Committee of the same board.

Prof. Sollars obtained her bachelor degree inEducation in1987 and, as a CommonwealthScholar, pursued post -graduate studies at McGillUniversity inMontreal, Canada. Subsequently, she undertook doctoral researchat the RoyalVictoria University of Manchester.Her researchfocused onhome and schoolfactors impacting emergent literacy experiences as wellas theteaching of Englishas a second language inyoung children’s classroom/schoolenvironments.

As a member of the Department of Early Childhood & Primary Education at the Faculty of Education, she has beenresponsible for introducing and promoting early childhood educationand care (ECEC) throughvarious programs of study at an undergraduate and post-graduate level. Inadditiontothe B.Ed.(Hons.) degree inECEC (20092016), Prof. Sollars was the coordinator of the joint Master degree inECEC withfive EuropeanUniversities (2005-2009) and subsequently thelocalcoordinator for one of the first Erasmus Mundus programs whichUM participated in(2010-2016). She alsoproposed, coordinated and led severallanguage-related projects throughthe EuropeanCentre for ModernLanguages (ECML) inGraz, Austria (1998-2007) and has beencommissioned by the State Institute for EarlyChildhood Research& Media Literacy inMunichtoauthor country reports about the early years workforce inMalta (2007; 2017/2018; 2021-2023).

Inadditiontoundertaking research, presenting and publishing her work in local and internationalfora, conferences and journals, Prof. Sollars was responsible for drawing up severalkey policy documents inearly years, including the first nationalpolicy for ECEC (2004-2006); the

early years cycle for the NationalCurriculum Framework (2008-2012); a document reviewing progress and challenges inECEC ahead of the introduction of the free childcare scheme (2013) and a strategy document for the implementationof the ECEC curriculumfor the Ministry of Education(2014).

Prof. Sollars has held severaladministrative posts at a localand internationallevel. She was Head of Department for the thenDepartment of Primary Education(2004-2011) and became the first female Deanat the University of Malta in2007, an appointment whichshe held for eight years. Shewas alsoa member of the Council for the Teaching Profession; a member of the NationalInstitute for Childhood within the President’s Foundationfor the Well-Being of Society; a member of ENTEP (the EuropeanNetwork for Teacher EducationPolicy) and is currently the country coordinator for EECERA (the EuropeanEarly Childhood Education Research Association). She is alsoa member of the Lisa Maria Foundation.

Waste Separation to the fore

ByVivianBorg

The college this year will be shining a spotlight on the need to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging waste. In collaboration with Wasteserv, we shall be holding a number of activities which bank on creative ways to implement the 3Rs. The first is an art competition for the various level s of the college. These will target cleanliness and the need to separate waste properly. More information from the teachers of Art and the Heads of Sections.

Sailing at top level

Last July Iparticipated in the Ilca 4WorldChampionships where I managedto place 12th out of 250athletes. Competing against the bestcomes with its challenges but throughout my 9years experience in dinghy sailing Ihave learned howto overcome them.

One of the greatest challenges Ifacedwas in the preparation for the event as prior to these championships Isat for my O-levels, time managementwas extremely important andabalancingact between the two was crucialin order to succeedin two important events which can leadme onto apositive path for the future.

ByBenVassallo

Leading up to the championshipIwas training hard,focusing on my goals. Whilst my friends were partying Ihadto go to the gym, whilst they slept Iwas training,insteadof aburger Ihadsalad. Competing at a top levelon the world stage takes discipline and sacrifice but that’s what makes atop athlete,and also atop student.

This year’s worldchampionshipwas heldin Volos,Greece,400plus teenagers and around 100top level coaches from around the worldflockedto theseshores. We were 6 Maltesesailors, oneof which an Edwardian like me,Ryder Croft.We had4days of training before with sailors from Peru, the US,HongKong, Spain and otherEuropean nations. Meeting like-mindedpeople from nations across the globe is atruly amazing experience. It is an expressionof different cultures brought through sport.

The Opening Ceremony was heldthe night before the first day ofracing,signaling the start of thelargest ever Ilcachampionshipbreaking last years record.

As an athlete the importance of mentalstrengthand discipline is second to none,problemsolvingandnever quittingwas amentality instilledin me from ayoung age,this is the only way one willsucceed. The mind is the most important tool,not only in sport but in allaspects of life. A strong mind makes astrong body and astrong mind and body leadto success.

This is exactly the mentality Ineededin the firstrace of the championship. After avery goodstart,Iwas sitting in the top 5where asudden wind shift which Ididn’treadpushed me to around 30th at the upwind mark. After a set back Iwas always taught to ignore my emotions and keepcalm and sailhowIknowhowto sail,not lose concentration andnever give upno matter what. Slowly but surely,I

regained positions and finishedthe race in 14th. That race set the tone for theremainder of the championship,where Iwas confidentthatIwillperformthe bestIcouldpossibly performin each andevery race.

And after achampionshipwhere Iusedallmy experience and knowledge,IachievedMalta’s highest ever position in aworldchampionshipin the Ilca4 boys’ class. An achievement that satisfiedme toan extent though, as Iknowthat Ican do better and a result like this willonly push me to unleash further my fullpotential.

Lastly,Iwouldlike to thank everyone involvedin helping me achieve this result. A specialmention goes to allmy teachers at St. Edwards College for alltheir hardwork and dedication. As Ibegin anewchapter in my life,Iwillalways remember this unique school

Rising star rides the wave

(reproducedandadaptedfromreportbyLovin’Malta)

Young EdwardianBenjaminVassallomade his mark at the ILCA 4 YouthWorld Championships held inVolos, Greece.

BenjaminVassallowho sails withthe Malta Young Sailors Club achieved animpressive 12th place overallinthe boys’ category amongst a robust poolof 287sailors. Vassallo, alsoa bronze medalist at the recent Games of the SmallStates of Europe (GSSE), managed tosecurea noteworthy 3rd place inthe second race of the championship, withhis best end -of-day ranking being 8th overall.

Throughout the six-day championship, participants encountered a mix of sailing conditions with wind speeds fluctuating between6 to14 knots. The Maltese sailors were adeptly assisted by RMYC Sailing Schoolcoaches Ruya Cakmakliand Alexandr Denisiuc.

(SeeBen’sStoryonPages8-9)

Following this championship, Vassallo is prepped totransitionto the ILCA 6 Class uponhis returntoMalta.

St Edward’s College Malta

Triq San Dwardu

Birgu BRG 9039

Citta Vittoriosa

Phone: +356 27 88 11 99

Editor: Sylvana Debono

Email: communica-

tions@stedwards.edu.mt

Founded in 1929, St Edward’s College is an all-boys college for both day and boarding students. Boarding is offered between the ages of 11 to 18. At nursery and kindergarten as well as at post-secondary level, the college is co-educational. As a private educational college, St Edwards offers excellent teaching facilities, high teacher-pupil ratio, a very wide range of sports facilities and scrupulous personal attention to the students.

At St Edward’s College, students receive a well rounded education ending up in the IB Diploma. Most of the students go on to study at world class universities. Our top students are leaders in society ranging from Science and Business to traditional professions and the arts. Most Edwardians retain a love and appreciation of sports throughout their lives.