The Bulletin Issue #12

Issue #12 Middle & High American Division Magazine

March 2019

Editorial Staff

SELIM EL HINNAWI, G6
My name is Selim El Hinnawi of 6C. It is really a great opportunity to be a part
of The Bulletin. It is an even bigger opportunity to be the youngest journalist
on its staff. I am generally a procrastinator. It is a quirk I have been working on
for quite some time now. The journey I have chosen to take as a reporter for
The Bulletin gives me things to do even when I have no homework or studying.
I think that I made the right decision when I signed up for the Journalism Club.
I hope all my work will become part of this school’s precious memories. Enjoy!

ASEEL TAREK, G7

Hello everyone, and welcome to this issue of The Bulletin! I have been enrolled
in the American Division for almost three years now and I am really happy
to be a student at this amazing school. I chose to join the Journalism Club
because one of my favorite hobbies is writing, and this is my golden chance to
share our news with everyone, now that the magazine has started to cover the
Middle School as well. There is so much to do in the classrooms and so many
activities are organized for us! It’s just been really great fun so far.

JANA WAEL, G11

My name is Jana Wael and I’m a junior. I absolutely love music and I listen
to many genres but my favorite is anywhere near the emo/punk. I’m a
total bookworm – books, books, books. I suppose my love of writing is what
drove me to join the Journalism Club. I enjoy watching television series
(Supernatural definitely tops the list) as well as movies. That’s about it, I
guess, for now... Enjoy this issue of The Bulletin! Bye.

YOUSSOF MAGED, G12

I’ve been in MLS for about 6 years, and this is my second and last year as a
journalist with Ms. Injy El-Kashef. My purpose is to collect all your funny and
happy moments in small frames for you to remember through the coming
years. Everyone should be on the lookout: there might be some funny pho-
tos in here you would feel tempted to use against your friends, but have no
doubt that there’ll be some of you too. Enjoy!

Editor-in-Chief: Ms. Injy El-Kashef

Lay Out Editor: Ms. Sherien Hussien

Activities Director: Ms. Deena Seleem

Contributing Copy Writer: Ms. Nabila Fattouh

2

Honor Roll
Congratulations to the Highest GPAs of
Semester1 2018-2019

Grade 6A: Youssef Talaat, Mai Ali, Malak Ameen
Grade 6B: Maya Abdel Rahman
Grade 7A: Nour Elhodaiby, Amal Helal
Grade 7B: Habiba Mohamed, Jana Zayed
Grade 7C: Hassan Ahmed Abdel Hamid, Malak Mohamed Hussein
Grade 8A: Lina El Faysal, Yasmin Tamer, Dana Mohsen, Amr Khaled
Grade 8B: Noor Mohamed, Sara Abdel Wahab
Grade 8C: Salman Shalaby
Grade 9A: Nour Wael
Grade 9B: Malak El Makkawy
Grade 9C: Malak El Kady
Grade 10A: Aisha Ahmed
Grade 10B: Rabha Mohamed, Ahmed El Ashwal
Grade 10C: Youssef Ibraheem
Grade 11A: Jannatalah Sherif, Yasmin Osama, Nadine Mostafa, Zeina Mohamed, Rahf Ibrahim,

Donia Elmoatazbellah, Dalia Ashraf, Hanna Hiekal, Youssef Ahmed

Grade 11B: Ganna Mohamed, Nour Atef, Rawan Arafat, Nour Ahmed, Alia Zohny
Grade 11C: Nadine Waheed
Grade 12A: Maha Shehata, Kareem Soliman, Salma El Khabeiry, Youssef Hassan,

Muhammad Zahran, Omar Abdelhamid

Grade 12B: Tasneem Said, Mohamed Gobba, Diana Beshoy, Laila Ashraf Shoukry, Oamr Elsafty,

Farah Adel

3

ONE SHIPMASTER by Jana Wael

If some of our readers do not already know, this
academic year witnessed an administrative merge
between the Middle School and the High School of
our American Division. Naturally, The Bulletin had
to speak to Dr. Mohamed Soliman, the Headmaster
who is now leading both levels, and find out what
was behind the decision, how it happened, and what
it has resulted in so far.

WHAT INSPIRED THE MERGE? AND WHY NOW?
There were many attempts to apply this merge in the last few years, but they never worked. But when
the School Principal, Ms. Shahinaz Shehata, needed a deputy to assist her, she asked me if I would be
willing to take over the Middle School as well so she could hire Ms. Dina Fahmy as her deputy in the Higher
Administration to assist her with her daily duties.

WAS IT AN EASY CHANGE OR WAS IT COMPLICATED TO INTEGRATE BOTH LEVELS?
Actually, it was a very hard and complicated process. There was resistance from some members
of the staff because we had to change some positions and shuffle some duties. On the other hand,
parents and students were very cooperative. We are still in the process of merging the two together.
It’s very time-consuming, but it is actually working quite well so far.

WHO ELSE WAS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS?
Everybody. The Middle and High school administrations and the teachers were involved. I’ve met with
them countless times and asked for their input. But mainly it was Ms. Hoda Said, Ms. Enas Adel, Ms. Maggy
Saad, Mr. Nader Farouk, Ms. Shereen Moussad, Ms. Injy El-Kashef, Ms. Amany Awad and Ms. Alaa Assem.
Both administrations worked together.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FROM THIS CHANGE?
I’m hoping the best for the students. I hope that the gap between the Middle School and the High
School will be bridged so that there is a continuum of learning and education because my main goal is
learning and achievement. Also, since they are both now merged, there will be added resources that
will help give more to the students because that’s what it’s all about.

ANY SPECIFIC GOALS FOR THIS YEAR?
I want to see the High School and Middle School become one. From school policies to the Code of
Conduct, the forms that we use and all the other administrative systems. This way, when students
grow from Middle School into High School, they don’t feel a sudden change, they don’t feel shocked.

WHAT IS THE AIM OF MAKING MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WORK TOGETHER?
I want them to become ONE, one unit. I want High School students to support Middle School students
and treat them like little brothers and sisters.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE THIS ISSUE OF THE BULLETIN?
I’m very excited. This will be a very special issue. It will be the first time the Middle and High School
students have worked on The Bulletin together, or on anything for that matter, so I’m excited to see the
finished product.

4

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
by Kareem Soliman

Youssef Waleed, 6A Mohamed Shoukry, 6B Marwan Essam, 6C Jude Nazem, 7A Adham El Shaer, 7B Hana Maher, 7C

I am honored to have been selected for a second year in a row as

Student Council Representative for my class. Being a Student Council

Representative is really not for the faint-hearted. This position requires

dedication and a lot of hard work. We set a higher example for all

students to follow. Being a part of the Student Council also teaches

you a lot of important lessons and shapes you into a more well-
Omar Elsafty, 12B rounded and overall better human being. It teaches you punctuality, Dana Mohsen, 8A

perseverance, dedication, organization, responsibility, social skills and

much more. We also accomplish a lot throughout the school year, and

organize many of the events.

Our responsibilities include attending a meeting every week

with our council coordinator Ms. Deena Seleem. In this meeting, we

discuss what we have accomplished the past week and make future
Kareem Soliman, 12A plans. The Student Council also acts as a link between the student Yassin Nada, 8A

body and the administration, as we are expected to carry messages,

concerns, or issues between both. We organize events at school, such

as the Halloween Celebration, Christmas Festivity, Spring Carnival,

International Day, etc… even charity events like Orphan Day, Nanny

Appreciation Day, and Ramadan Bags, which always turn out to be a

huge success. One of our jobs is also to help plan and organize field
Mariam Elsawi, 11C trips and school activities. Laila Fouad, 8B

Overall, being a Student Council Representative is a great

experience. It comes with its challenges, but also comes with greater

rewards. It teaches you important life lessons and how to become

more of a leader. Being a Student Council Representative is about

being part of something that you know will make a difference, and

Zeineldin Elhaitham, 11B that is what matters the most to me. Ashraf Tawfeek, 8C

Dalia Morshedy, 11A Moussa Shalaby, 10C Yassin Hatata, 10B Aisha Shoukry, 10A Jana Selim, 9C Hussein El Kalla, 9A

5

THE STRONGER YOU ARE

From little children playing in the sandpit to grown men and
women at the workplace, bullying is practiced by people of
all ages and in every social context. The one thing they all
have in common, whether young or old, is INSECURITY.

A person who is confident, who accepts him/herself and
who is at peace with the world does not need to belittle
others in order to feel good, strong
or accepted. On the contrary, the
stronger you are, the less you need
to show off that strength by making
others feel small or weak. The
stronger you are, the less threatened
you feel. The stronger you are, the kinder you are.
Naturally, when students are turning from
children into teenagers – which happens during
Middle School – and when social acceptance seems
the most important thing of all, those weaker
personalities try to hide their inadequacy in any
way. Often they resort to bullying, thinking that it
will protect them, make them popular, feared or
respected. They couldn’t be more wrong.
For this reason, the Middle School has decided
this year to launch a campaign that makes it
very clear to all: zero tolerance to bullying. The
Headmaster, along with Middle School Discipline
Coordinator Mr. Nader Farouk, held an orientation
session with the students to explain what a bully is,
what a bully does and how to fight bullying back.
You just need to step on the Middle School floor to
see the slogans everywhere: inside classrooms, on
the bathroom doors and all along the corridors, as
seen in the pictures here.
If you are being subjected to bullying, no matter
how old you are, the only way to fight it is to speak
out. Do not believe what the bully says about you.
Do not feel intimidated by a bully to do what he/she
asks. Do not take the hurt and keep it inside. Do not
look wounded. Stand tall and SPEAK OUT!

6

WHEN YOU’RE SMILING

We kicked off our first Spirit Day this year with none other than Smile Day and, as Louis Armstrong
so eloquently put it in his classic song, the ripple effect really did make ‘the whole world’ -- in our
case, our MLS world -- ‘smile with us’. Students and teachers alike were totally in synch with the
happy mood that was cast over the day from its first hours. Excitement was evident with the various
shuttle trips to Ms. Sherien Hussein’s office to receive their previously ordered smiley face t-shirts.
Students were trying shirts, taking off shirts, swapping shirts and laughing the whole time. During
lunch time, students and teachers all got into their new t-shirts and the evidence of the crimes
committed were captured below!

7

THE MLS TALENT MINE

Our walls can speak

Wall graffiti is writing or drawing on a wall within public view. It has existed since ancient times,
with examples dating back to Ancient Egypt. The Graffiti Club has a huge number of participants in
both the Middle and the High School -- more than this Bulletin reporter had the chance to count!
Who knew so many students would be interested in leaving their mark on the school walls? All the
more reason, Graffiti Club instructor Mr. Nofal must have thought, to provide the students with a
bit of background on the history of this very urban art. As a professional graffiti artist, Mr. Nofal
also showed his club members the difference between real graffiti art and mere vandalism before
disclosing some of the designs the students themselves will attempt.
When I visited the Graffiti Club, they were getting their equipment ready, so I asked about
their project. They are combining ancient and modern Egypt in one piece of art on the walls behind
our stadium -- a great idea, especially as we are located right next to the Great Pyramids of Giza.
The process starts by choosing a theme and the style that you’ll use. After sketching your idea on
paper, you set up and clean your wall with white paint. After sketching what’s on paper onto the
wall, you start painting and, finally, the artist responsible for the drawing signs it.

8

9

Behind the curtain

The incredible student performances by the English Drama Club year after year have left us craving
for the next time they get on the MLS stage! This year’s play is going to be particularly special,
though, and we’ll let you in on a secret here: the cast is mostly comprised of Seniors, who will
be playing another High School story called Back to the 80s (oh my God, the music is going to be
fantastic!). Last year’s Grease was super, but this cast will be performing during their actual final
days before graduation – and we know how emotional those times can be, particularly if you are
playing the part of a High School student. Add to that the fact that the Choir and Drama Clubs have
merged for this performance and you can imagine what a treat we are in store for. So, guys, stay
tuned: this promises to be one heck of a show!

10

11

Talking chairs

The Middle School Art Mania Club outdid itself this semester with Ms. Farida Bahaa’s expressive
concept of ‘talking chairs’, which she had previously executed with the High School students
in past years. The chairs were so successful that they are laid out in the hallway outside the
Administration Office! Where else would we display the items that make us proud but in front
of incoming visitors, parents, and higher administrators?
Her idea is to refurbish white wooden chairs with acrylic paints according to each room’s
theme, to be decoratively spread around the floor. This brought out all the creative juices
in the students’ minds and the results were spectacular: oriental, art deco, and psychedelic
vibes are spicing up our classrooms now! You have the panda chair and the watermelon chair
and the chessboard chair and the lalaland chair, to mention but a few, so take your pick!

12

Mirror mirror on the wall

The Middle School Mosaic Club has been
very active this school year. Their theme
of decorating mirrors around the school
with the liveliest mosaics brought so
much life, character, and vibrancy to
our walls! Our very own MLS graduate,
Ms. Doha Shaarawy, has taken a real
passion for the art and is coaching our
students to bring out the best designs
for our school mirrors. The first finished
mirror to find its wall was gifted to the
Activities Department Office; but that’s
only the beginning -- we hope. Way to
go Mosaic Club!

13

The art of cut and paste

Découpage is the art of decorating an object by glueing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination
with special paint effects, gold leaf and other decorative elements. Each layer is sealed with multiple
coats of varnish until the “stuck on” appearance disappears. The result looks like painting or inlay work.

When this Bulletin reporter entered the High School Découpage Club, she was met with colorful
shapes and sizes, all strewn about while the students were busy into their work. While snapping the
pictures I watched wooden trays and jewelry boxes during their metamorphosis from plain items into
works of art adorned with the brightest colors and prettiest shapes. Thank you Ms. Wafaa Alfred!

14

Young chameleons

With the Drama Club, we will have
to separate between the Middle and
the High School versions as each
is running on a separate agenda.
Responsible for the younger club is
Middle School ELA teacher Ms. Maie
Raouf, who directs students from
grades 6 to 8 for two separate school
plays – one of which was staged
during the first semester, while the
other will be held at the end of the
school year.

The photos show the huge difference between the initial phase of the club at the start
of the year and then the first production to bathe in the lights of the MLS theatre: a Middle
School classroom setting with an unexpected appearance (for full details, see pp. 24-25).
How hilarious that was and what a fantastic job the students did capturing the quirks and
idiosyncrasies in the classrooms! Great job guys – we can’t wait for play number two!

15

Zen atmosphere among the school bells

The Yoga Club is really popular,
especially with the High School girls.
Their consciousness of health and
mindfulness has led them to pursue
this meditative practice as a way to
find inner peace.

The patron of this path to mental
growth is the Lotus Meditation Center
-- whose mission is that all schools
should offer yoga to their students --
who have taken actual measures to
bring their vision to the MLS campus. Once a week our girls learn the essentials of yoga, which
include steadiness of breathing and maintaining the positive energy flow within the body. Thank
you MLS Activities Team for bringing this elite activity to our school!

16

Rhythm is a dancer

The Dance Club has been gaining more
and more popularity, guys. It would
actually be safe to say that it has
come to count among this year’s most
populous clubs! Whether in the Middle
or High School, the Dance Club gathers
up a really unique and varied group of
girls. If dancing wasn’t fun enough on
its own, let’s also add the fact that the
students get to choreograph their own
dance to their chosen song. After serious
auditions to determine the groups, the
Club coach set the rhythm rolling. We
can’t wait to see the graceful outcome!

17

Unplug your ears

The Marching Band and Percussion
Clubs for Middle and High School were
merged during the first semester –
and we have no doubt that the result
will be jaw-dropping (remember,
we already had a little tantalizing
taste during their performance at
the American Division’s Christmas
festivity). When this Bulletin reporter
spent a moment with this club while
they practiced on their instruments, she was prrrrretty mesmerized. They played their individual
instruments flawlessly and with such harmony! This club is also fantastic for those who want to blow
off some steam – you get to beat on something repeatedly and make music in the process!

18

Voices of the young

The Bulletin joined in on a
session with Ms. Amera Reda’s
Middle School Choir Club at the
beginning of Activities season to
watch how she goes about the
allocation of individual voices
to form a successful ensemble.
Ms. Amera asked each student to
sing a song of their own choice.
She then went around the class
verifying each individual voice
to determine how best to utilize
it. Naturally, each one of the
students had a unique timbre
– just like a fingerprint – that
the instructor really seemed to
enjoy. Based on the wonderful
results of previous years, we are
very eager to hear the Middle
School Choir this year.

19

Master chefs at MLS

Cooking is the ‘nouveau’ trend
that is taking over the world by
storm. Both boys and girls have
come together to learn the basic
techniques of searing, grilling and
sautéing from world class chefs.
Televised programs have become
the new ‘in’ thing, so naturally the
club coordinators at MLS have to
keep up with it. Our new expert
chef for the Middle School Cooking
Club, Ms. Sherine Abu el Kheir,
owner of the Sous-Chef Company
of readymade cake/pancake
mixes, has joined the MLS family
to bring our students new ways
and techniques in making the most
scrumptious dishes including baking
and desserts. Bon appétit!

20

Mother tongue drama

Following Mr Ehab Salem’s successful
skits and plays in Arabic -- which
have been traditionally performed
during the Talent Show -- this year
sees the official birth of the Arabic
Drama Club both for the Middle and
High School students. This Bulletin
reporter went in to take pictures
and was totally absorbed! The club
members were kind enough to
provide this brief synopsis of the play
they are rehearsing -- written and directed by Mr Ehab, of course: the main character is a man
who plans to propose to a woman; he gets to her house to meet her father and brother. As the
day progresses and they are all almost agreed, the bride-to-be asks him “momken te7mini?” And
here comes a sudden plot twist that we wouldn’t dare spoil for you! Be sure to catch this great
performance when it is announced – you’ll love it.

21

Out with that energy

The Activities Department has set up a whole basket of sports clubs for Middle and High School
students of an athletic inclination to choose from. The beauty of the sports clubs is that, just like
all the other clubs, they positively contribute to the students’ skills, talents and character. They
promote physical activity and teamwork, for example, two crucial skills to have in life. Let’s take a
look at the available options:

There is streetball, which is a variation on basketball gaining popularity in recent years based
on the same goal of getting the ball in the basket.

There is badminton -- that racket sport where you hit a birdie across a net for hours of fun on
the beach and in gardens -- which takes on a more competitive aspect in the club.

There is volleyball. Volleyball needs no description. We all just love volleyball.
There is also table tennis, which has students in the stadium focusing so hard on that tiny
ball bouncing on the hard table that you feel their eyes will pop out. Table tennis for reflex
improvement, big time.
And there is even kickboxing, which is a group of stand-up self-defense sports based on kicking
and punching, historically developed from karate mixed with boxing. Talk about burning calories,
boosting energy and reducing stress!

22

23

REVENGE OF THE

Before the end of the first semester, a number of Middle School clubs had produced some wonderful
performances right on the MLS theatre. The audience was greeted by sparkly Christmas decorations
which they admired while settling down, accompanied by Christmas carols.

Before the curtains opened, the choir team showed up. Mostly composed of 6th graders, the
choir members were clearly chosen with great care, judging by the three song they performed.
The first song was “How Far I’ll Go” from the Moana movie; the second was “Fireworks” by Katy
Perry, and last but not least was Shakira’s “Try Everything”. The audience was just amaaaazed by
their beautiful voices!

Following a short break came the moment that we were waiting for and finally the curtains
opened. Students of the English Drama club, directed by our amazing English Language Arts teacher
Ms. Mai Raouf, walked in with high quality microphones and took their places to form a really noisy
“classroom”. Then a student acting out the role of teacher walked in, greeting them “Bonjour,
class.” The class answered in a monotonous tone displaying boredom. The teacher explained her
plan for the lesson. “Boring,” said a student. The class became rowdy again, rising to a crescendo:
“WE HATE FRENCH, WE HATE FRENCH!” The teacher tried to settle them down but couldn’t, then,
furious, she left the mock class.

Another “teacher” walked in and asked the students to place their assignments on her desk.
“I couldn’t do my assignment because my grandma died yesterday,” said a student. “Aw, I am so
sorry,” replied the teacher as the student returned to her desk whispering “she believed it,” to her
partner. Each student then came up with a different lie for not submitting the assignments, causing

24

ROBO-TEACHER by Aseel Tarek

more tumult in the class. The teacher screamed for them to settle down, then went on explaining
a new lesson. “I need to go to the toilet,” requested a contorted student. “That’s it!” screamed
the teacher, storming out of the classroom.

The “principal” called the “Student Council” to his office and informed them that every teacher
who’s been in that class refuses to teach it again. “Where can I get teachers from? From Mars??”
shouted the principle. “Wow, you are so smart Mr. Adam,” exclaimed the Student Council. “GET
OUT!” shouted the principal, after which the students rushed away. The principal kept thinking
and thinking in his office, until an idea popped in his head. He paused and let out an evil laughter
as the curtains closed for a new scene.

The curtains reopened to the noisy classroom again. Suddenly, a robot teacher walked in
mechanically and began explaining the lesson really fast. “I can’t take notes,” said a student in a
panic. The robo-teacher didn’t listen and gave them a lot of assignments and homework instead.
After the lesson, the students sat together bemoaning the loss of their teachers. When a student
from the choir team came up to the stage and sang Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is
You”, the teachers showed up and accepted the students’ apologies. It was a great ending to a
great play! All our thanks to Ms. Mai Raouf, the choir teacher and to the students who gave us this
excellent show.

25

MEANWHILE IN

Popping matters

In ELA class, Grade 9 were introduced to Pop Topics, a stimulating activity during which the students
are required to speak about random everyday topics in 60 seconds as fluently as they can. Students
were assessed based on the richness of the oral content they presented, as well as their posture, body
language, and clarity of locution. The relevance of this activity cannot be overstressed; by acquiring
the ability to speak flowingly to a variety of people about diverse issues while maintaining eye contact
and showing confidence, today’s youths will be rock solid when they become tomorrow’s adults and
venture out into the world. Thank you Ms. Sara Mokhtar!

26

THE CLASSROOMS...

How do you plead?

After reading, studying and analyzing Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz’ famous novel The Thief and
The Dogs, Grade 10 students were asked by their English Language Arts teacher to set up a mock trial
for their Quarter Two oral assessment of persuasive techniques.

Students brought back to life in 2019 some of the better known Mahfouz characters, such as
Said Mahran who was placed on the stand, Nabaweya, Ileish, Nour and Raouf. The rest of the class
was divided among members of the prosecution team, defense team, jury and judge, each standing
in court to present his/her case (persuasive essays of their writing) with or against Said Mahran, in
addition to providing evidence, until a verdict was reached. Thank you Ms. Doaa Naguib!

27

Whose phone is this?

Seniors had to choose one of the characters in
William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
and complete the three steps outlined below in their
project description to show the content that would
be found on this character’s cell phone.
1. Wallpaper: What would the character’s cell phone
wallpaper be and why would this image choice
appeal to this character?
2. Email: This character just received two messages.
Thinking back over the reading, explain which other characters just sent messages to this character and
what is the content of each message.
3. Playlist: Write three song titles with artists’ names that would likely be found on this character’s
playlist. Be sure to explain your reasoning as to why these three songs would appeal to this character.
Unbelievably fun; unbelievably accurate characterization and analysis.

28

This is my story so far

Throughout Quarter Two, Grade 11 students spent hours and hours with narratives. After analyzing
figurative language, poems, short stories and finally writing a short story, Grade 11 students concluded
the unit with collages representing their own life experiences (friendship, family, regrets and hopes) to
relate the academic content to real life and to seal this unit about “stories” by visualizing their own.
But that is not all, their collages had to reveal 7 out of 10 topics: family, friends, dreams, failures, life
style, values, quotes, pets, hobbies & sports. Thank you Ms. Heba Zeitoun!

29

More than chit-chat

In order to facilitate Grade 11 students to become fully engrossed in their ELA unit centered on
narrative as we saw on the previous page, and since they were themselves expected by the unit
requirements to write a narrative of their
own, their teacher had a simple yet lovely
idea. As depicted in the photograph,
the introductory activity they engaged
in had them spending a portion of the
class refreshing their memories of all
the different experiences they have
encountered in order to start thinking of
a plot to their narrative.

How much for an X-Large?

While studying Unit Rates in Semester One, Grade 6 students were tasked with a great activity.
They were required to go to any hypermarket, or visit its website, and research an item of their
choice for their project. They needed to pick a product available, in at least three different sizes
that they could compare. The product could be a bag of chips, a bottle of soda, shampoo or body
wash, a box of cereal or anything else under the sun so long as the brand remained consistent
throughout the project.

Students then had to create a poster displaying a picture of the item, the unit rate for each
item, a description of how to find the unit rate, a graph comparing the different sizes of their
item (amount paid and measurement unit), and a written summary of their project.
Thank you Ms. Farah Abdel-Aziz!

30

Cairo’s coolest urban project

Grade 9 students were tasked with a huuuuge Algebra project to demonstrate that they have
successfully synthesized all the knowledge explored in class during the first semester. They had
to design their own colorful and creative city using straight lines for streets. They were required
to find the equations of the lines they graphed, the points of intersection of the lines, and the
buildings had to be labeled using ordered pairs. The project was called City Map and for all the
great learning and fun in it, we thank Ms. Kariman Abdel-Tawwab!

31

Color my Mathosaurus

Combining all congruence theorems, Grade 10
students played some more with colors while
studying Congruent Triangles in Semester One.

In pairs, they practiced determining whether
triangles are congruent by Side-Side-Side (SSS),
Side-Angle-Side (SAS), Angle-Side-Angle (ASA),
Angle-Angle-Side (AAS), or Hypotenuse-Leg (HL),
as well as identifying valid congruent statements
through a coloring activity.

How? Well, there were 12 problems in total. For
each one, the students identified how the triangles
are congruent and the valid congruency statements.
By so doing, they matched the numbers with the
colors and were then able to color the dinosaur.

No huffing and no puffing

Grade 10 students were presented with a three-part Maths
activity during their exploration of the Parallel Lines and
Transversals lesson in Semester One as described below:

The Missing Angle – maze – is a self-checking worksheet that
allows students to strengthen their skills in finding the missing
angle when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. Students are
given one angle; they use their answers to navigate through the
puzzle.

Then comes Angle Pairs – coloring – activity in which students
are prompted to identify given angle pairs using diagrams of
parallel lines cut by a transversal. Students use their answers to color the picture.
Finally, the Solving Equations – riddle – section requires students to find the value of x using
given angles created by parallel lines and a transversal. The students have to write and solve
equations then use their solutions to solve the riddle.
These three great activities allowed students to practice solving problems with parallel lines cut
by a transversal while having lots of fun in the classroom. Thank you Ms. Sarah Gawdat!

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A slice of the cake

Grade 7 students implemented a fantalicious Maths project in Quarter Two called “My Fractions
Recipe Party”. Divided into groups, the students used their addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, logic and organizational skills alongside their fraction conversion skills to plan a party for
30 guests! They needed to create a recipe book which included several fraction recipes, work on
serving/portion size, make a shopping list for the needed items as well as calculate the total budget
for the party and finally construct an invitation for the guests. Thank you Ms. Soha Awadalla!

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Follow the leader

If you are still not aware how difficult a teacher’s job is in the classroom, ask Grade 10 students as
they were given a taste of this challenging task during Quarter Two in Geometry class. Teacher’s Role
was the name of the game and challenging were its rules.

In groups of five, the students were required to design and create their own PowerPoint presentation
on one of the trigonometry sections studied in class. Naturally, the presentation had to be written in
their own words and individual style.

But it doesn’t end there. Just as the teachers rack their brains to come up with engaging learning
activities, so the students also had to create and develop an activity or game for the section they
chose to present. The students were assessed according to their performance in explaining their
designed PowerPoint and their creativity in the activity they invented.

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Angry birds and happy students

Grade 11 students of Advanced Algebra play Angry Birds, just like everyone else. What most players
don’t realize, however, is that this addictive game relies on Maths and Physics for the players to catapult
the angry birds at the green pigs -- the flight paths of all birds are actually parabolas. Who will make use
of these important details? Our Algebra II teacher, naturally!

The students were requested to play the game, analyze it in terms of Maths and Physics, and create
different quadratic equations for the birds’ path, including physics questions concerning the initial and
final velocities as well as maximum height. No, no, wait – the incredibly creative learning activity also
requires the students to end up by creating their own game. Thank you Mr. Mostafa Shaaban!

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Mathematically stained

Grade 11 students enrolled in Algebra were assigned a really funky project during Semester One: they
constructed straight lines written in different forms and intersected them to create regions which
they were then to color and create a stained glass window. Not only that, but they also had to find the
inequalities that form these regions and write them down. It’s one of their teacher’s favorite Grade
11 projects – and we’ll bet one of the students’ too. Thank you Ms. Nanice El-Sharnouby!

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ETERNAL SHELF LIFE

The new American Division library opened its doors just after the Winter Break this academic
year to welcome all students. Even before the “official opening”, a number of students had begun
borrowing books while others had headed to the library for some quiet study time.

Grade 6 were the first to pay the library an official visit. Once inside this world of silence and
ideas, the students split up to pursue their individual preferences. Some picked a book to read;
others shared an encyclopedia; while others yet, split into groups, played a quiz card game. By the
end of the session, and to the librarian’s delight – we must remember this is the age of Internet and
Google – eight students asked to borrow some varied titles: a German language phrase book; a book
on Prophet Mohamed, two copies of Macbeth, 100 People Who Changed the World, and a French
language exercise book, among others. Thank you Ms. Leila El-Hennawi!

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REVIVING EGYPTIAN GLORY

Nothing says Egyptian
pride like visiting one
of its most historical
palaces, the notoriously
grand Abdeen Palace
of the late Mohamed
Ali dynasty. This palace
that was built by
Khedive Ismail, which
King Fouad and King
Farouk called home,
was recently renovated
and restored by the
Egyptian government
and tours were opened
to experience the
grandeur that once was
an Egyptian legacy.

Our 9th Graders
and 6th Graders were
among the lucky visitors
as a part of their
Arabic Social Studies
integrated curriculum.
The ‘classroom without
walls’ experience has
proven to be of utmost
benefit for students to
visualize what is studied
in books. Egypt offers
so much depth and
diversity when it comes
to its cultural heritage,
and MLS students were
completely in awe
when they indulged in
the richness of their
country.

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39

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

by Jana Wael

In the context of educational trips and cultural enrichment, the school provided Grade 11
students with the opportunity to visit Al-Mu’izz Street on a school trip to learn more about
Cairo’s Fatimid history.
One of the city’s oldest, the street is named after Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah Al-Fatemi, the
fourth caliph of the Fatimid Dynasty. It stretches from Bab Al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuweila
in the south. Starting in 1997, the government carried out extensive renovations to the historical
buildings, paving, and sewerage to turn the street into an open-air museum.
We arrived in front of Bab Al-Futuh under a clear blue sky in the morning of 27 November,
on a wonderfully sunny day. We started our tour with a visit to Al-Azhar Mosque. Our tour guide
Mina told us all about Islamic history and the exceptional monuments of this unique area. We
learned about Al-Mu’izz Street’s mosques and buildings, the architectural elements of mosques
such as the Mihrab, Qibla Riwaq, Ablution Fountain, Minaret and Gate, among other interesting
architectural information.
This interesting session was followed by a lovely stroll through the historic streets. We
passed by countless antique stores, goldsmiths and jewelry shops. We also visited a Sabil, which
is a building containing a watering fountain, a guesthouse, a school for underprivileged children
and a mosque.
Finally, before leaving, we were allowed to wander the streets of Souq Khan Al-Khalil
independently for 45 minutes to shop to our heart’s content and eat in the popular restaurants
serving traditional -- and absolutely delicious -- Egyptian food.

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41

A CITY OF TWO TALES

Nothing emphasizes Egyptian unity and pride more than a school trip to both Amr Ebn Al-Aas
Mosque and the Hanging Church on the same day. That’s exactly what our 8th grade students
experienced firsthand as a part of their Arabic Social Studies curriculum. The students were more
than intrigued and totally fascinated by the structures and magnificence of the two buildings which
stand next to each other, as well as the history that goes with each. Once again, MLS students are
‘lucky ducks’ to experience the richness of our Egyptian culture!

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43

I SAW A MUMMY!

Education without walls is an essential part of learning. What better way to explore Ancient Egypt
than by diving into the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, and experiencing the richness and depth of our
ancient heritage? This was exactly the trip that was offered to our 10th Grade students as part
of their Arabic Social Studies curriculum. The students were delighted and completely engaged
as they absorbed a small fraction of the antiquities displayed in our museum. The highlight was
definitely the mummies’ room where Ramses II’s mummy can be found as well as those of other
members of the 19th dynasty. Thank you MLS for providing our students with a trip that many
people from around the world would be lucky to be a part of!

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BIGGER AND BETTER

It’s been six years since the American Division began
hosting its annual University Fair – and it just keeps
growing with every passing edition! As always, our
College Counselor Ms. Injy El-Kashef organizes the
MLSUF for the benefit of Misr Language Schools’
juniors and seniors of all divisions (as well as their
parents), for this is a chance she doesn’t want anyone
to miss out on. Even 10th graders are invited to the
MLSUF, as they too need to start brainstorming their
future plans and investigating options so that they can
choose the right courses before getting into Grade 11.
With the organizational help of lovely Junior Mirna El-
Shalkami, the fair was as splendid as ever.

The Egyptian universities that joined us this year
were the Arab Academy for Science and Technology
(AAST), the British University in Egypt (BUE), Future
University in Egypt (FUE), the German University in
Cairo (GUC), Misr International University (MIU), the
Modern Sciences and Arts University (MSA), New
Giza University (NGU), Nile University (NU), Zewail
University and, for the first time, the University of
Canada (UCE) campus to open in Egypt and the University of London campus in Cairo.

For the growing number of students who seek to pursue their studies abroad after graduation, the
MLSUF provides the best study abroad agencies in Egypt to join the fair. In fact, as the numbers on the
charts here show – and despite the rising cost of living, combined with the depreciation of the Egyptian
pound against foreign currency – the American Division’s 2018 graduates who enrolled in universities abroad
is still higher than in 2017!

Whether you are choosing to remain in Egypt or go overseas, however, MLS teachers and administrators
prepare you for success in any environment, so just keep swimming!

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47

NOT THE ONLY ONE,

Have you ever felt trapped by a certain aspect of your life but couldn’t talk
to anyone for fear of being judged? If your answer is yes, by all means read
the interview below. It may encourage you to pop a visit to the Guidance
Counselor offered by our school and talk until you feel all the weight lifted off
your shoulder. Her name is Ms. Mai Kamouni and she has experience dealing
with us teenagers because she worked in previous schools to help students
feel better about themselves and work harder to achieve their goals.

TO START OFF, SOME STUDENTS WORRY THAT WHAT THEY SAY MIGHT BE TOLD TO OTHERS.
HOW DO YOU HELP STUDENTS TRUST YOU?

First of all, we sign an agreement form stating that anything said in the counseling office will be confidential,
meaning that no one will know about it. Obviously, nobody opens up from the first session, but as time passes
and they see how I work and react with them though their struggles, they start opening up, feeling comfortable
and trusting me bit by bit.

CAN YOU DIAGNOSE SOMEONE IF THEY ARE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES?

I don’t label people. I take their symptoms and try to figure out the core reason of the issue, because I’m against
labeling and because it might be inaccurate.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT METHODS IN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT STUDENTS EVEN IF THEY
ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THINGS? DO YOU APPLY MORE THAN ONE STRATEGY?

Yes of course. It depends on the character I’m dealing with. Sometimes one method will not work with this boy or girl;
it depends on their behavior, their age, their gender, etc…

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS GOING THROUGH A
MENTAL ILLNESSES SUCH AS DEPRESSION?

It definitely depends on the degree of depression and its severity. I’d have to work with that student’s parents as well
as the student to find the core of the depression.

WHAT IF SOMEONE IS SUSPECTING THAT ONE OF HIS FRIEND IS GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION,
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Well, there are many; but to name a few, you have to look out for withdrawal from activities, loss or increase of
appetite, insomnia or oversleeping, the desire to always be alone, disinterest in hobbies.

IF A STUDENT TALKS ABOUT FAMILY MEMBERS MISTREATING THEM, WOULD YOU TELL THEIR
PARENTS?

Before talking to their parents I would need the student’s approval; if the student doesn’t give it, I meet with the
parents and give them hidden messages. Because going through verbal, emotional or physical abuse can’t go on, so I
need to talk with the parents to reach a common ground and fix the issue.

WHAT ARE THINGS THAT DRAW A LINE AND WILL FORCE YOU TO INFORM THE PARENTS?

I have to tell the parents if a student self-harms, is getting abused or if they have suicidal tendencies.

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AND NOT ALONE
by Jana Wael

CAN YOU HELP US DIG IN AND FIND OUR PASSIONS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE WOULD DO IN
THE NEAR FUTURE?

Of course, but the school also provides you with a Career Counselor who is very specialized in this, Ms. Doaa Naguib,
to help you decide your path.

HOW COULD YOU HELP US WITH OUR ACADEMIC STRUGGLES?

Academically, I cannot interfere; but if a student has problems with concentration, absorbing information or focusing,
we can work on it with activities, assignments and exercises like meditation or yoga.

HOW COULD YOU HELP A STUDENT COME TO TERMS TO WITH A TRAUMATIZING EXPERIENCE
OR A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES?

I have to dig deep to uncover the emotions the student felt at that moment. Then I work with him or her using
techniques such as Emotion Freedom Technique (EFT) to help release the pent-up emotions and accept what happened.

ARE THERE METHODS FOR DEALING WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY?

First of all, you have to want deal with it, because it can block everyone out. So to be able to deal, you have to really
work for it because being that introverted makes it hard to open up. One reason that might make it so hard to open
up is when the social anxiety is a result of a bad experience and, unless they are able to talk about it, they won’t
move forward.

HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH A STUDENT GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION AND/OR ANXIETY?

Well with a student going through depression, I have to dig deep because depression makes you numb so I have to get
the student back to his/her normal life routine. I am generally against medication because they suppress emotions
and that person already suppresses his/hers. I work with him/her through sessions and make short-term plans to
cause them to get out of their comfort zone. For a student going through anxiety, they have to be aware what are
their triggers; for example, someone’s trigger might be crowds, so when they are aware of their triggers I’ll be able
to guide them in the situation and give them tips on how to go through it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES?

Firstly, they have to recognize the good qualities and characteristics in their personality and develop them. Also, they
have to embrace their flaws and work on them. And, most importantly, they have to believe in themselves.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE UNABLE TO COPE WITH STRESS?

Most importantly, you have to manage your time and set your priorities. Always give yourself time, don’t rush through
everything, and arrange your day in a way that allows everything that has to be done to be done with also taking time
for yourself.

CAN YOU HELP WITH PANIC ATTACKS?

Yes, for people going through panic attacks I work with natural methods such as homeopathy, which gets great results,
breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. It’s very important to have a plan B.

WHAT ARE SOME SOCIAL SKILLS YOU BELIEVE EACH STUDENT SHOULD TRY TO ACQUIRE?

This of course depends on each person, but if you want basic characteristics I think each student should be in peace,
be confident and open minded to accept others, himself and his parents the way they are. Each person should know
their passions and work on them.

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HIGH SCHOOL SLEEPOVER

Imagine having a sleepover with your BFFs where you don’t have a curfew and your parents would
let you chat the night away till the early morning light. Now add to this equation that your whole
class -- no wait, the entire high school! – is invited. Now to make your head spin, imagine that this
sleepover is under the Cairo sky in the middle of the school stadium! That’s what our older students
did on their High School camp. Ms. Deena Seleem once again outdid herself with the organization
and the assortment of activities, which included a percussion circle, sac race, tug-of-war between
students and teachers, and the most scrumptious dinner with pasta, roasted chicken and salads.
The highlight of the evening was the surprise birthday celebration of Karim El Zeini in Grade 10
orchestrated by his classmates, complete with cake and birthday song!

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