17.12.15 Issue 2
The Christmas Pantomime: An Interview with Mrs Collins Emma Cogswell, 12JNL
To start off, what is the pantomime going to be this year? The pantomime this year is Aladdin, which is very exciting, but there is a bit of a spin on it. So it’s not your traditional Aladdin. When is the performance? The pantomime will be in the last week of term on Thursday 17th, just as everyone is getting in the mood for Christmas. I suggest that everybody gets tickets because it’s going to be really exciting and there are lots of teachers in it as well as lots of dance scenes. In all, it’s going to be quite a crazy pantomime. Who is involved in the pantomime? Are there any specific teachers that you’d like to reveal in the cast? Yes. I don’t know how much to reveal, but … I know that the lead role of Aladdin is not played by a man … It is played by a woman. It’s a teacher in the school who has a lot to say for herself. She is very confident. Very jolly. She’s in the Technology department─that’s the hint! But apart from that, there are lots of teachers throughout
the whole school involved. The P.E. department will definitely be doing a dance routine in there, as are some other departments. I also have a lead role, as does Mrs Bates, but we are not going to tell you exactly what because it’s a surprise, and you have to come to the pantomime to find out! So my next question is: how was the cast decided? It was very, very professional (not!). We were having our weekly staff meeting and Ms Broadbent just said “Who would like to be in the pantomime? It was amazing last year, please sign up,” and … some people signed up. So then Ms Broadbent went to people and said “Come on, it’ll be great for you, great for your CV!” And, to be honest, watching it last year, I personally thought it would be a lot of fun so I wanted to be in it. Are there any special twists or surprises that you can let us know about? The dance scenes are set to very modern, recent songs so putting them in Aladdin is quite unusual─even Beyoncé is in there! So that’s the main thing I’d say: getting to see the teachers dance to quite up-to-date songs, not boring, old-fashioned tunes you’d expect them to dance to! How has everyone been preparing for the performance? Well, we have been rehearsing round the world! Heavy schedule: coming in at five in the morning, going home at eleven at night, as expected … no, we all have our scripts and have had a little read through, and we have more serious rehearsals next week starting on the 7th of December. So we are going to do it like cram revision, but instead cram rehearsals! But I think that should add to the special occasion. Finally, what are you doing for the scenery and the costumes? I have been told that there are some specifics. A good hint is that I don’t want to wear a crop top for my costume … I think we just find our own costumes, so I really need to go out and find something! I might have to go out and buy a special jewelbased outfit, because I don’t own the outfit that this character has. I did when I was about five, as a fancy dress costume from the Disney shop. For the scenery, I’m sure we’ll just pull a few of the school’s props on to the stage! The staff pantomime is on Thursday 17th December: 50p on the door!
Who are the H.E.R.E. team? Charlotte Cossins, 12 JJS
Hi everyone. We are the H.E.R.E. team. We are a collection of students from the Sixth Form who are here to support anyone in need of help; whether you’re experiencing friendship problems or just want general advice (for example, coping with exam stress). We’ve all had that moment when life just gets too much, and the overwhelming feelings of stress and anger explode into a fit of tears and, for me, a teacher was never the first person I wanted to speak to about my problems. It felt too humiliating so instead I chose to wallow in my own sadness, when really I just needed someone to tell me that everything would be ok. And that’s where we come in. We have all had to try and come out of the ‘pit of despair’, whether it be through eating ridiculous quantities of chocolate (or Nutella on a spoon) or through binge watching Pretty Little Liars. But we’ve all come out of the pit, learnt to cope with our stress and anxiety, and we are here to help you climb out too, so you can remember what it is to
laugh and feel relaxed. The point we’re trying to make is that we’re not some panel of scary, stuck-up Sixth Formers but rather a group of girls, just like you, who have already experienced exam stress and have been trained in how to deal with bullying, so we can give you confidential advice, and help you feel better again. Every Week B Tuesday lunchtime you can find us in either D1 or the Conference Room, where we are armed with sweets! At Wallington High School for Girls, we are opposed to bullying. Bullying comes in many forms and can affect any one of us, but no student is alone to face the intimidating few who make them feel self-conscious or inadequate. At our school there is the H.E.R.E. team, made up of fellow students from years 1013, who have come together to fight bullying and provide peer support. Every year group has been assigned several members of the team in order to listen to and help any victims of bullying. Within the next few weeks, each form will be visited by their ‘buddies’ to introduce themselves and to let you know where to find them even if you only need someone to talk to. Bullying is perceived as difficult to tackle and hard to cope with, but we are ‘H.E.R.E.’ to change this. The H.E.R.E. team is not a messenger team for the teachers. It is a support network run by students in order to help our fellow peers. Whatever the issue, we as a team will always be able to help. Not only is the H.E.R.E. team ‘H.E.R.E.’ for victims of bullying, but anyone who has any difficult issues that they need to talk about. Our motto is to Help, Empower, Resolve and Encourage. If you are finding school overwhelming and stressful, you can talk to your ‘buddies’ about how you feel and they will help you in any way that they can. On Monday at lunchtime you can come and find us in D1, and there will be an ambassador there to help you. In the following weeks, there will be an assembly informing everyone about how to find us, but please contact us on here@wallingtongirls.org.uk .
The Prime of Mr Pedrick Jasmin Daley, 12 JML
Tell us what you were like as a teenager. As a teenager, I would say I was quite shy ... very polite though. I did work very hard. For A levels, I chose the wrong subjects (possibly), which meant I had to pick new ones up and take on extra subjects and take on most of my A levels outside school. I had to work very hard then ... but as a teenager, I wasn’t a rebel or anything. Do you have a favourite number? Gosh! A favourite number? I always go for four─I don’t really know why. I suppose it’s because it’s the only square number that is also the same as its double. So you’re Head of the Orchestra here at Wallington. How did you get interested in music in the first place? Well, when I was in primary school, I got offered the chance to learn an instrument, and my sister who was 3 years older was studying the violin, so I wanted to play a bigger instrument than her which was the cello, which is how I got into the whole music thing.
Who would you say your role model was when you were a teenager? Oh, interesting, I’m not sure. I suppose, because I was in Sutton Youth Orchestra, there were older people who would come from university to help out and they were kind of an influence on me, we went on tour... Was there anything Santa didn’t get you that you really wish you had got as a teenager? A PlayStation. I had a Gameboy Colour and that’s as advanced as my computer games ever got. I still have it somewhere. It runs on those AA batteries. It wasn’t even rechargeable. What is your favourite memory of Wallington? I’m not sure about favourite. A couple of my classes have played pranks which isn’t necessarily a good thing. They have been mostly funny, and a little bit cute. I remember one of my classes all hid in a classroom, turned off all the lights and closed the blinds. I could hear one of them shouting “he’s coming” and I thought to myself, ‘oh my god, what are they going to do?’ When I actually walked into the classroom, all they did was shout ‘Boo’ really loudly, but I’m really glad it was all they got up to. Also, people say different silly things. I’ve eavesdropped on so many different conversations. You sort of hear the gossip, you know. Any final words you would like to say as a farewell to Wallington? Umm, well it’s been great fun; I’ve loved all my classes (even the chatty ones). I suppose, keep doing what you’re doing, keep being ambitious, keep trying new things and see what you get at the end. Any regrets? Umm… No. What’s there to regret? Thanks again to Mr Pedrick, for agreeing to being interviewed. At the Wally Street Journal, we would like to wish him a fond farewell and all the best of luck at Wilsons.
Hot Chocolate and Cookies in the Library Emma Cogswell, 12 JNL On Friday the 11th of December, the English Department held its very own Harry Potter-themed celebration. During break time, the students who had written the best essays of this term from Year 7 to Year 9 were all invited to the library, in which a magnificent feast of cookies, hot chocolate and scrumptious snacks awaited them. Whilst being serenaded with the hit Christmas songs of the decade, the bunch of avid readers, writers and speakers of KS3 were all keen to sit down while the teachers of the English Department thanked them for all the effort that they had put in to English so far. The event was a huge success and one of the participants even said “This is the best day of my life!� when presented with the home-made brownies made by Mrs Lake and the hot chocolate expertly frothed by Miss Williams. All in all, every one of the participants had fun and all of their efforts were celebrated in a way that they deserved. Congratulations to everyone who attended!
Must-See Christmas Movies Lucy Johnston, 12 JNL
Presents? Check. Christmas Jumper? Check. Mince pies? Check. What’s missing? Of course! Your Christmas can’t be quite complete without these 4 spectacular Christmas classics!
1) Home Alone Over the years, Home Alone has become a family tradition of sorts. The thrilling story of a young boy, Kevin McCallister wakes up to find his wish of having no parents has come true. He basks in the freedom he has found himself suddenly presented with, however this does not last long. Troubled by pesky burglars, he arms the house with an array of booby-traps to fend them off. From the outset, we are all rooting for Kevin’s success. The plot may be beyond belief, but this fast-paced movie has wormed its way into our hearts, becoming a clear family favourite. Top quote: “Keep the change, you filthy animals!”
2) Love Actually Looking for a heart-warming romantic comedy this holiday season? Dive head first into Love Actually. Frankly, there are too many main characters to summarise. The dozen main characters display the lives of both the common and the extraordinary to play out a story that results in one undeniable truth: love. Each couple’s strength is put to the test, all overcoming their own hurdles, finally finding their own versions of happiness for Christmas time. Top quote: “If you really love Christmas, come on and let it snow …”
3) It’s a Wonderful Life It’s an old one, but is one of the best! This masterpiece will leave you with a real sense of the impact we have on the lives of those around us, and whilst it may be corny, it is one of the only Christmas movies that is substantially thought-provoking as well as entertaining. The despair that fills almost the entire movie has nothing on the thoroughly festive, inspirational ending. It’s a real tear-jerker. Top quote: “… no man is a failure, who has friends”. 4) Elf Will Ferrell easily became everyone’s favourite Christmas character in Elf. This is a charming tale of a boy raised by elves who grows up and tries to become accustomed to normal human life in New York. You will instantly become endeared to his character. This side-splitting story will certainly remind you that perseverance and a sickeningly-sweet ending is what Christmas spirit is all about. Top quote: “Santaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”
Redefining Racism Hannah Shury-Smith, 12 AST As I was growing up, I was sure the definition of racism was ‘the treatment of some people as inferior because of their race’, or at least that was how my Collins School Dictionary defined it. However, after growing debates within school and a particularly controversial ‘5 Things You Should Know About Racism’ video posted by MTV News on YouTube, I felt the need to check that the definition of racism that I had been following hadn’t simply materialised in my brain of its own accord. MTV’s video starts by arguing that the dictionary’s definition of racism is oversimplified; the presenter argues that ‘if you want to talk racism, you need to talk sociology’, which defines racism as a combination of prejudice and power. This idea is essentially the basis of the presenter’s final point about racism: she argues that ‘reverse racism is not a thing’ on the basis that ‘racism isn’t about individuals, it’s about institutional power’. The presenter argues that ‘when a person of colour discriminates or stereotypes a white person because of their race, in the United States, they don’t have the institutional power to back them up and say that those feelings are okay.’ Therefore, the presenter defines a ‘person of colour discriminating or stereotyping a white person because of their race’ as racial prejudice, with the essential difference being that racism involves the presence of a social system where, the presenter argues, ‘white people’ have the institutional power. Firstly, is the presenter correct that, at least in the United States, ‘white people’ have institutional power? On one hand, as the mob of angry YouTube comments were eager to point out, the USA is currently under the power of their first black President, Barack Obama. However, one comment used this fact to come to a hasty conclusion that ‘this idea that blacks don’t form part of the social power structure is rubbish’. Is not the fact that Obama is so prominently known as the USA’s first black President in itself proof of the lack of power other races have in the ‘social power structure’? In fact, arguably Obama’s presidency also proves that America still has a long way to go
from the days of the Civil Rights Movement. When searching ‘Barack Obama Birth Certificate’ on Google, the first and third hit provide arguments for why Obama’s birth certificate may be fake, and essentially why he shouldn’t be President of the USA. Is it wholly unreasonable to claim that these rumours were primarily created based on the colour of his skin? Sorry, angry YouTube commenter, but it seems that there is strong evidence to support the claim that there is a racial imbalance in institutional power. But the key point is that, even if ‘white people’ have the institutional power in a society, as they can be argued to have in most Western countries, does this mean that it is not possible to be racist towards them? According to my childhood definition of racism, the answer to this question is a defiant ‘no’. Racism is not only applicable to certain races. Any prejudice or discrimination towards an individual on the basis of their race would count as racism. Therefore, in the same way that it counts as racism to discriminate or attack another individual on the basis of them being ‘black’, I would count it as racism to discriminate or attack an individual on the basis of them being ‘white’. The MTV presenter would strongly argue that the latter example could only be counted as racial prejudice, due to the institutional power of ‘white people’. Whilst the institutional power imbalance is an important issue, I do not think it begs the need to define these two examples with different terms; they are both hate crimes based on race, so both fit my definition of racism being ‘the treatment of some people as inferior because of their race’. Maybe this development of racism’s definition is a result of the world becoming more liberal. The days of the state-supported slave trade are over, and most people have equal rights in voting and education. Now the real and hardest battle has begun; to change society’s innate attitude towards race. This could explain the spur to redefine racism; maybe people hope that by changing the very way people perceive the term ‘racism’, they can point out to society how we still have a long way to go before we can comfortably claim that all races are equal, which is a point I wholly support. What I do not support, however, is the angry reactions such discussions inflame. On one hand, ignorant YouTube comments smugly proclaim that they feel like ‘some black people are stuck in the past … they want to remember slavery and not change’. The only purpose of remembering the savage barbarity of the slave trade is to prevent
anything like it from ever happening again. But on the other extreme, I worry that the MTV presenter’s definition of racism may encourage a culture of ‘us’ and ‘them’, where people are encouraged to focus hatred on the negative social differences between racial groups, rather than our positive social similarities. Whilst these differences are undeniably important, they do not bring us closer to achieving the ideal society; a society where we would celebrate cultural differences, as well as giving individuals from different cultural backgrounds the same opportunities in society. And this is probably why I am more comfortable with racism being defined as ‘the treatment of some people as inferior because of their race’. With this definition, a society free of racism would be a society free of any hatred, discrimination or persecution based upon race, including in positions of social power. In contrast, the absence of the MTV presenter’s definition of racism would only mean a society where all races have equal representation in positions of social power; although this might automatically limit hatred based upon race, it does not entirely remove it. On the whole, maybe this discussion is a good thing; maybe it shows how far society has come, even since the end of the Civil Rights Movement. But it also highlights how far we have to go before the society that we’ve dreamed of for so long can be achieved.
Peer Pressure Abiramy Sriskantharajah, 8 Seacole
Have you ever acted differently from who you really are? Has this ever been because of your friends? Well, this is peer pressure. To define this in detail: peer pressure is when you do something to fit in with your peers, or when you get forced into doing something because the other people around you are doing it. This can be anything from wearing the same clothes to taking drugs. Many of the people you know may actually be someone else deep down, but act differently for the sake of fitting in with their friends. According to a survey by ‘Parent Further’, 90% of the teenagers surveyed said they were influenced by peer pressure. Some things you are doing now could be because of peer pressure. Without knowing, you could have changed from the person that you were when you started school to someone totally different because of your friends. 70% of teenagers are actually pressured into smoking. This might be unbelievable, but when someone’s peers try something new and they like it, the person could get pressured into doing that too. Imagine: the coolest kid in class says, “Who even likes Maths?” or “Oh, isn’t pink so in right now!” You’d reply accepting this and follow whatever they say. But in reality, you might love Maths and you may hate the colour pink. Just following what other people say is another type of peer pressure. Next, imagine you’re voting for which song you want to sing in the music inter-house as a class. You are about to put your hand up for a certain song, when the person next to you whispers to her friend: “If we sing this song, we will look so stupid!” You just automatically put your hand down, and vote for the song the majority of the popular kids vote for. Believe it or not, this is also peer pressure!
On the other hand, peer pressure can be good too. Learning positive ideas from your friends will not do you any harm. It may be hard, but always try to avoid negative peer pressure. Just listening to your own beliefs and feelings can help you do this. Also, choose your friends wisely. Never choose to be friends with someone just because they are really popular. Choose your friends for who they actually are. Having one friend who does not pressure you equates to having six who pressure you in everything you do. If you have made some mistakes whilst under the influence of peer pressure, it doesn’t matter: you can change your ways now. So, listen to yourself and try not to be influenced by your peers!
Do You Want to Design a Baby? Mathoorika Sivananthan, 12 KBT So far embryo-editing has been used to improve our understanding of human biology. However, recently the gene-editing summit in Washington enabled researchers to begin to alter human DNA. The global summit was prompted by China announcing that they had carried out gene-editing on human embryos, and it means that we have moved a step closer to genetic enhancement becoming a reality rather than a fantasy found in science-fiction. The perks of this discovery are that patients suffering from immune system, skin, blood or muscle disorders can now be treated by removing the faulty gene. Even if a complete removal is unsuccessful, scientists can still prevent the risk of passing on the faulty DNA to their offspring. That is where embryos come in. Although this may sound great, ethics does come into play. Some of you may hold the view that this is all for the better and these advancements should be embraced. However, as Professor George Church, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School said: "People instinctively had fears about IVF technology at the beginning. This is the same. We need to do the research and once we get through safety and efficacy testing then it can progress to clinical trials." This argument is supported by the view that it is unethical to alter the uniqueness of humans. Each human is special in their own way and we should love our children and respect each other for who they are and not how they look. Even though this technology will initially be targeted towards medical purposes, businesses and firms may start to use these scientific developments for aesthetic purposes; this would be a misuse of an otherwise positive technique. Many scientific discoveries including the nuclear bomb by Einstein and ammonia by Haber have led to undesirable consequences. Whilst these historical examples do not confirm that gene-editing would also be misused in the future, there is a strong chance that, if we don’t discuss
and debate this issue seriously now, the same negative implications could arise. Therefore, we must be prepared for a thorough engagement between the public, scientist and government on this subject. Hence, I hope that you consider your stance on this issue and maybe start discussing it while enjoying your Christmas dinner – be sure to save any of your opinions in The School Newspaper folder in The Shared Area to be included in the next issue!
References http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34994180 http://filter8external.schoolsbroadband.co.uk/access/web?id=e9c8366a-9a9b-11e5-9e63-00e0ed299780
The General Francesca Harrison, 10 Pankhurst As the General entered the marble corridor, his many medals glistened on his left breast pocket, under the silver, sparkling chandelier. His scarlet red jacket and offwhite trousers cut into his sides. It had been many years since they were last worn. He brushed his golden epaulettes, ever so lightly, as a bead of sweat rolled down from his extravagant cap. He straightened his jacket, brushed through his beard with his rough fingers, and approached the staircase. The empty silence of the deserted house caused the General’s heavy footsteps to rattle the crumbling walls. He placed his cold, pale hand on the smooth, sandy banister, and began his ascent up the 300 stairs. Of what was next, he was unsure. His pace slowed as he reached the summit, there, in front of him, scenes of violence, horrified faces, carved into solid, dark wood. He took a breath, stared at the floor, and, with one hand, slowly opened the door. His grey eyes widened as he gasped. Everything was still, perfectly as he left it. His swords, mounted in glass cases, blood still staining the tips, and his previous uniform littered the walls. He slowly pulled the golden rope to draw the curtains open and breathe life into his dull, chilling memorabilia. He wandered around the square room. His portraits hung high on the walls, and reminded him of what he was guilty of. Towards the furthest corner of the room, was a small door. Dark-wooded, but no carvings; it was almost hidden behind a giant grey-white sculpture of a horse. At least 8-feet high, the body was smooth, but its face perfectly reflected the mood of that day. As the General passed by, it seemed to stare down on him, with its harsh eyes and dark aura. He gripped the gilded doorknobs and entered the room without hesitation. Although it was a small, lightweight door, its slamming seemed to have woken what was within the room. The General made no moves. This was why he was here.
Staring at him were four figures. The closest resembled a cow; cream, singlecoloured and on its hind legs. His eyes were black and his breathing sharp and rushed. Next to it, on the right was a much smaller creature, but still at least 10-feet high. This too was cream, but the fish’s fins were a brilliant red. Far more full of life than the General’s scarlet red. This, also standing upright, lowered its head in anger towards the General. As he focused his gaze from the fish, a sudden gust took him back. Peering over his left shoulder, perched on the high doorframe, but leaning far down, was a man-like vulture. Its claws and beak were a golden, beautiful yellow, but its long, feathered body, arms and legs were the blackest black. There was almost no change between where his body stopped, and arms began. Curled up behind him, were his glorious wings. The General admired them as they unfurled to reveal the true size of them. Never had the General seen anything so wonderful. He leant out to touch the soft, inviting feathers, but as he did, the vulture snapped and locked harsh eye contact with the General. Its piercing green stare intimidated him. The General fell back a few paces and turned, as he felt a presence behind him. The largest of all these creatures stood by him. It clearly resembled Lucifer; the sad, dull, red of its body perfectly matched the scarlet of the General’s jacket. His spiralling, discoloured-yellow horns stood from his head, his muscular figure shadowed everything in sight. These creatures had but one purpose: to kill the guilt and shame. Each of them clutched a polished silver spear between their large hands, “Onward the light brigade,” muttered the General. These creatures knew how to fulfil their purpose. As he spoke, the four monsters cornered him. The last thing the General’s sad eyes laid upon was the painting of the six-hundred that he had killed.
Aisha Chaudhry, 12 PBD Hello Beautiful Darlings! This month, down in The Wally Street Journal HQ we’ve been gearing up for Christmas festivities. To turn up the jingling bells and the Christmas songs, I’m here to help a little with all the glitter and glamour that will be twinkling and sparkling in your lives. Wash your face! I would definitely recommend that you clean your face twice a day. Properly clean, not just clean. Exfoliate your face and body! Exfoliate twice a week to help get rid of all that dead skin. But exfoliators aren’t just for your face, they can also be used all over your body; I mean, your body has skin, which also grows old. Remember to follow up on the exfoliation process with a face mask which nourishes your skin and don’t forget to moisturise. Very important. Sleep! Also, don’t forget to sleep. You may be running around with various preparations, but you don’t have school for a week before Christmas. I know you want to go out, but go out and have your tasks done in the day so you can call it an early night. You should rest, I mean, it’s the holidays─a gift given solely for the purpose of getting to know your bed again. Wash your hair! It’s winter, and the cold weather is now harsh on our luscious locks, and they look kind of … dead and dry. So girl, bring it back to life. If you’re going to use store products to replenish hair, make sure that it’s for your hair type and go for the powerhouse product that will get results (and it’s a bonus if they’re on offer!). But if you’re looking for a home-made treatment then deep cleanse your hair by mixing ¼
tablespoon of vitamin C powder, ¼ tablespoon spoon cider vinegar and half a cup of hot water and apply to freshly washed hair. Everyone knows that using too much heat can be a heated disaster for your locks. But if you’re determined to use heat on your hair, be it for curling or straightening those tresses, then wash your hair the night before and let it air-dry. Then style away the next day. And don’t forget the heat protectant. DON’T. Practise your hairstyles! Up-dos are slightly difficult so make sure to practice them in advance; then you can have a hairstyle that makes you feel as if you’re ready to conquer the world.
Merry Christmas!!!
Butterfly Children1 This skeletal assembly in the membrane’s basement dries the slack dermis to a Caerphilly’s crumble. Mummified by our mothers on padded tables every morning each touch a lit torch a red blister risen through the cloth’s chrysalis. Tied fast with tape we still leave loose layers of ourselves as we emerge each morning turned a little further to translucence a little further to undoing ourselves. By Phil Brown
1
A term for sufferers of epidermolysis bullosa
Easy-Peasy Christmas Craft: How to make a snowflake Emma Cogswell, 12 JNL 1. Fold an A4 piece of plain paper so that one of the top corners meets the edge of the rectangle, thus making a right-angled triangle 2. Cut the triangle out from the rest of the paper 3. Fold the triangle in half, making a smaller right-angled triangle that is half the size 4. Fold one of the corners of the triangle over, leaving about 1/3 of the whole triangle uncovered by the folded corner 5. Fold the uncovered 1/3 of the triangle over the other folded corner, making an arrow shape 6. Cut the two spiked ends off, leaving a thin triangle 7. Start cutting into the triangle, experiment with shapes like circles, triangles and rectangles, making sure to keep some of the corners uncut and attached to each other 8. Carefully unfold the triangle until it reveals your finished snowflake 9. You can then stick it on your window for an easy but pretty Christmas decoration!
What Type of Christmas Person Are You? Lucy Johnston, 12 JNL Take this quiz: it’s the ideal way to find out what you’re going to be like this Christmas. You’re walking through the beauty section of the shop and spot the last Benefit Hoola Bronzer in the Christmas sale, what do you do? a) Leave the shop. You’ll wait until the New Year’s sales instead (Christmas sales aren’t for you). b) Buy it for your best friend (who you know really wants it). c) Buy it for yourself. It’s perfect for your complexion. You’re online shopping for Christmas. What do you do? a) Turn off the computer. Who are you kidding? You don’t Christmas shop. b) Spend your time looking for the ideal presents for everyone you know. It’s important to make their day special. c) Start making your ultimate Christmas list! No surprise gifts allowed? When it comes to decorating the tree, what do you do? a) I don’t buy one. Deforestation is a bigger issue than ‘Christmas Spirit’. b) Cover it with as much sparkle as possible. It’s time to feel Christmassy! c) You’re not feeling sparkle this year, so you decorate the tree to match your mood: black. The Christmas playlist has finally been put on in the car. What do you do? a) Turn it off; you’d rather listen to Justin Bieber than this! b) Blast it as loud as it can go! You love Christmas and everyone should know it! c) Skip everyone’s favourite song, your favourite tune is the only one worth listening to!
Waking up on Christmas morning, what do you do? a) Roll over and go back to sleep. It’s just another day … and it’s early. b) Give your family the presents you’ve carefully selected for them. c) Run downstairs and tear open all the presents with your name on: it’s your day. It snows for the first time in December, what do you do? a) Move to Australia! It’s summer there. b) Wake up the family and let them know! You can share the Christmas memories! c) Hurry outside and trample on all the snow as fast as you can! You have to be the first one out there!
If you were mostly a)
If you were mostly b)
If you were mostly c)
You’re a Scrooge—you
You’re an Elf—the light
You’re the Brat—you
hate all things Christmas!
and soul of the Christmas
couldn’t care less about
This season is awful and
party. You absolutely
making others happy.
you can’t wait until it is all
love the holidays and
This season is all about
over! Why can’t we just
love to make people
you! Never mind buying
skip to the New Year?
happy with your brilliant
gifts, it’s important to
gift ideas!
keep yourself happy at this time of year!
Puzzle 1: The following sequence goes: 2, 2, 1, 2, ½ , 1, ½, 2, 1… Which of the following is the next term? A) ¼
B) 2
C) 1
D) ½
Puzzle 2: Decipher the following message to learn how to win a small edible prize! FNUU MXWN OXA MNLRYQNARWP CQRB VNBBJPN! KJBRLJUUH R FJB CXUM UJBC VXWCQ CQJC R LXDUMWIC YDKURBQ VH NVJRU RW CQN VJPJIRWN, KDC CQJC MXNBWIC LXDWC RO RCIB RW LXMN! CQNANOXAN RO HXDIEN LAJLTNM CQRB YDIIUN, NVJRU MJUNHS@FJUURWPCXWPRAUB.XAP.DT BX R LJW PREN HXD J LQXLXUJCH YARIN JWM YDKURBQ HXDA WJVN RW CQN WNGC RBBDN! Hint: This kind of cipher is named after an infamous roman emperor.
Christmas Dingbats:
Hi AUTUMN!
Pres
YO WINTER! SUP SPRING!
Puzzle 1 Answer: B – For the 3rd term, I had to divide the 1st term by the 2nd term, for the 4th term I had to divide the 2nd term by the 3rd term and so on. So for the term asked in the question we had to divide 2 by 1, making 2. Puzzle 2: I’m not giving you a solution! But I can tell you that the puzzle is a Caesar shift. Do look it up.
Dingbat solutions:
Midnight Mass – The mass is in the middle of the night
Wrapping Paper – It’s a wrap, in some paper.
Pres
Opening Presents
Hi AUTUMN! ents YO WINTER! SUP SPRING! HELLO
Seasons Greetings – Greeting the seasons.
Thank you for Reading!
The newspaper committee would like to extend a large thank you for reading this Christmas Edition of the Wally Street Journal! Hopefully it helped to get you in the Christmas spirit!
We hope that you all have a fabulous Winter break and that you all continue to write such fabulous articles and essays and submit them to the School Newspaper folder in the shared area.
If any of the articles in the newspaper spike your interest, please feel free to write a letter voicing your opinions for the Letters Page.
Thank you and goodbye for now!