HARQUEST VOLUME 1 QUEENS COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION BUILDING A LEGACY A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION 2023 02 APRIL 2023 COURAGEIN THEACT SHEIKHA HANNA SHAFIYA NAWZER REACH FOR THE STARS From ordinary to extraordinary HAJARA NAUSHAD AWARDS DAY 2023
There will be a few times in your life when all your instincts will tell you to do something, something that defies logic, upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When that happens, you do it. Listen to your instinct sand ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the odds, ignore the complications, and just go for it.
Harquest This edition features and captures the moments that expresses what the school is all about and the essence of the schools' values and mission which is a great way to build spirits. -Hajara Naushad - #1 PATIENCE PERSISTENCE PERSPIRATION
I N S P I R I N G Excel ence 4 0 YEA R S O F
HAR QUEST T A B L E O F Editorial Message Chairman's Message Principal's Message Vice Principal's Message Building A Legacy The Journey of Transformation A Path to Recollect Prefects' Investiture 2022 Meet the Heads A Courage in the Act Reach for the Stars Around the Hill Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition Sports Meet 2023 Success through Perseverance Reminiscence '23 The Key to Success The Altar of the Dead Internet's Best Memes Creating an Impact Habits that destroy your mental health Behind the Art - A skill worth building Just Laughs Breaking the Barrier Upcoming Events Ramadan Tips Connect with us
Intro HARQUEST MESSAGEFROM THE CHAIRMAN It gives me great pleasure in sending this message to the maiden publication of "HarQuest", Harcourts International School newsletter, organised and published by the Past Pupils Association of Harcourts International School. A School News Letter is like a mirror which reflects the clear picture of all sorts of activities undertaken by a school and develops writing skills among students in particular and teaching faculty in general.This is mandatory for an International School which has produced and educated more than 7000 students from its inception. As the chairman of the school I take great pride in commending those who are involved in the publication and I'm sure the publication will help the students, Past pupils, teachers, parents and well-wishers as a whole where all activities have been demonstrated in a picturesque manner. There are many more milestones ahead, which the school is marching towards and shall definitely reach the zenith in coming years. I take this opportunity to congratulate the staff and the students for their commendable efforts and for always living up to the motto of "Inspiring Excellence". I am equally grateful to the parents for their patronage and belief in us. I wish the editorial team all success in the future publications. What is started as volume 1, must continue, unhindered. Ahamed Rheyas Chairman Harcourts International School
The PPA of HIS venturing into publication of a quarterly magazine is a momentous occasion worthy of much praise and commendation. This news letter would definitely be a window to the school community's latest activities and happenings of important events. The launch of it in the blessed month of Ramadan is indeed significant. It is an indication of the recognition of the most important source to us Muslims, the Holy Quran, and the first chapter revealed to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sal), "Al Alaq" which which starts with 'Iqra' which means 'Read'. The Editorial Committee can and should reach out to all stakeholders in the school to make this news letter a success and worthy of publication. Intro HARQUEST MESSAGEFROM THE PRINCIPAL Farzana Jabir Principal Harcourts International School I have much confidence in the capabilities of our PPA, and I am sure that they will fulfil all the aspirations of the school community at large and make it a glorious publication much looked forward to by all. In Sha Allah. Congratulations and best wishes.
Intro HARQUEST MESSAGEFROM THE VICE PRINCIPAL Aysha A Cader Vice Principal Harcourts International School "Education is not about learning of facts but training young minds to think," Albert Einstein. There is a big difference between cramping up facts and learning them so that they can be applied in productive ways. At some while we try to work towards holistic development of our current students and past students by providing them the tools and experiences that encourages them to think. The aim to create empowered minds. It gives me great pleasure to write a few words for the Harcourts International School newsletter, "HarQuest". This newsletter mirrors all the activities approached and tackled by the school along with its powerful teachers in order to achieve the potential of educating the students and increasing their knowledge. I believe it's our goal to make this school and the students successful which is depicted now by the hard work and achievements of the past pupils. I take this opportunity to thank the editorial team for all the handwork put into this magazine.
To create a legacy, you have to come out of your own comfort zone. That was exactly what I had in mind when I was appointed as the lead of the past pupils' association at HIS. Our association was a budding organisation with annual projects that created an impact, but ever since COVID-19 happened, the team had to split and was dormant for more than two years. Ever since 2022, I have never been more thankful for having all of the past pupils of HIS come together and create an impact of a lifetime, which will not only inspire but also provide an opportunity and create an impression for the younger ones to follow. It has been a wonderful year ever since we've begun as a new association, and we want to keep growing as we reach new standards. The past pupils' committee has been nothing but supportive, encouraging, and most of all, dedicated towards the upliftment of their alma mater. With the passion to pursue excellence, as our motto says, the association will continue to uplift and help the school at any level we can reach and hopefully keep up to the standards we were taught to maintain. The HarQuest edition is the first of many to follow, and hopefully, it will give our dear readers an insight to forth their voices to share their thoughts and bring forth a new legacy to follow. Building A Legacy The association will continue to uplift and help the school at any level we can reach and hopefully keep up to the standards we were taught to maintain. Sheikha Hanna Vice President Past Pupils' Association of HIS
TRANS FORMATION The Journey of From ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY "There are some philosophical quotes and sayings regarding time as "time is the best healer" or "time and tide wait for none". Throughout my journey from a teenager to an adult I have formed and believed "time is the best teacher". By god's grace, I haven't faced any major challenges in my life yet but few phases have for sure twisted the situations and comfort in a Topsy turvy form. I have been through situations where I would break my head and then there's now when I prioritise my mental peace and serenity. Since teenage i.e some 6-8 years I have had new experiences, new people, new problems and new solutions to it. The greatest support system in my transformation from a playful kid to a mature adult my family, friends, well wishers and most importantly my school has played a major role to mould me in the form I'm in. I surely remember and regret being the kind of kid where I completely saw things in Black or white. From being completely dependent on someone to be an independent personality, my journey has been through an emotional and psychological roller coaster. Learnt new experiences, new lessons and most importantly I have been introduced with the greyscale of life unveiling the colours of life and humanity. My limitations and my struggles were absolutely within me itself. It is me who has constantly been the hurdles for my own development. Having a stagnant and algae perspective and approach towards things has made things and scenarios difficult for me. According to me, learning a new thing is necessary, dropping the old is much more difficult and challenging than the former. As a teenager, I was confused and clueless about who I really was. My identity was whatever my peers' identity was. Their opinion was my opinion. But as I grew, I learnt to listen to my inner voice, I tried different tasks to figure out my likes and dislikes. Different interactions with my friends, teachers and relatives taught me huge lessons. Although there were times when I was unsure of what I was doing, the support from my principals, teachers and parents helped me to keep going. Learning to set boundaries but at the same time trying to step out of my comfort zone was a very complicated process. But now over the years, as I am on my way to becoming a young adult I seem to be finding a balance that I have always been looking for. There's so much more to learn, but the journey of transforming from a teenager to a young adult has taught me that it is going to incredibly exciting and challenging! Just a few years ago, I was a shy, carefree person who hardly had self-confidence. I was constantly doubting every step I took. But today, Now, I have grown and learnt a lot. I gained the self-confidence that helps me to portray my talents and strengths in an amazing way. I learnt how to step out of my comfort zone and I'm proud of myself. The experiences I gained from being the head Prefect in school to various other positions held and also by engaging in activities I was once quite scared of helped me understand that the only thing that was holding me back was my own self." "From being completely dependent on someone to be an independent personality, my journey has been through an emotional and psychological roller coaster. Learnt new experiences, new lessons and most importantly I have been introduced with the greyscale of life unveiling the colours of life and humanity. Hajara Naushad Former Vice President Past Pupils' Association of HIS
I also take this chance to sincerely thank my school, for providing me with the opportunity to build my career in the field as an accounts assistant and gain the experiences and skills I have acquired by filling that role. The accountability that the role carries has also taught me to navigate through my current responsibilities with ease and confidence. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman, Mr. Ahamed Reyas, Mr. Azeez, Madam Jurangpathy, and Madam Aysha Cader, for granting me this position and for having my back always/ Moving on to the Past Pupils' Association, which has been an organisation to embrace the needs of the school and unite our past students of HIS to keep the chain going. The year 2022 has been an incredible year with many projects and fun activities that have helped us gain so much knowledge, and I would like to thank our Chairman, Mr. Ahamed Rheyas for his continued support towards the PPA in order to raise its standards. I also would like to thank Madam Farzana and Madam Aysha Abdul Cader for the support and advice to keep the PPA going. Finally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my team, the executive committee, Sheikha Hanna, Ameera Khan, Asma Fahmy, and Nashwa Nadine, for their tireless efforts to elevate the PPA. As Secretary of the Harcourts International School Past Pupils' Association, I am honoured to contribute to this issue of the magazine. Harcourts International is one of the main reasons for where I am today, which laid the groundwork for my future success and endeavours. The few years at Harcourts International have moulded me in terms of skills and knowledge, such as leadership, decisionmaking, responsibilities, and many more, through extracurricular activities that have definitely helped me climb up the ladder to achieve my life goals. Aysha Irfan Recollect Secretary Past Pupils' Association of HIS
Prefect’ s Investiture 29 September 2022 The momentous day of the prefects investiture which was held on the 29th of September 2022, dawned to bestow responsibilities on the deserving young talents of the school to lead their school from the front with their commitment, confidence and competence. The school held the ceremony with great enthusiasm. It was the occasion where the young students were all prepared to don the mantle of leadership and discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them by the school. To inculcate the leadership qualities in students and to give them a feel of being an important and integral part of the administrative body. The event began with the welcome address by the former Head Prefect for the year 2021/2022, Thaqiyya Mohamed. This was followed by the traditional opening ceremony of Harcourts International School where a beautiful flower arrangement is made by all Prefects each putting a flower into a vase, which symbolizes the beauty of our event. Up next on our agenda was the most awaited moment of the day, The Badging of The Prefects. This was indeed a beautiful moment for all prefects, with Thaybah Imran being badged as the Head Prefect, Hadhila Riyaz as the Deputy Head Prefect, Tayyiba Shafras as the Games Captain and Kiruthika Devanandan as the Vice Games Captain for the year 2022/2023. We could then see the Prefects oath being taken by our new batch followed by the Prefects song. This was an integral part of the event as the students swear on the duties and responsibilities bestowed upon them. Next, The Head Prefect, Thaybah Imran delivered her acceptance speech, which showed her enthusiasm and grace towards her post. The Deputy Head Prefect, Hadhila Riyaz delivered her vote of thanks where she conveyed her heartiest gratitude towards the school and all who were involved behind the success of the event. Alhamdulillah, it was indeed a lovely event, highlighting one of the most important parts of the academic year.
It’s almost the end of this academic year? Woah now that was fast! Let’s be honest, this was indeed an amazing year for the school. Alhamdulillah. We started the year with heavy hearts since we had to bid farewell to some of our heroes. Up next on our agenda was the Prefects’ Investiture 2022/2023, whi1ch turned out to be a successful event too alhamdulillah. The next event is one of the most awaited event by our ICT stars. That’s right, The Multimedia Competition! This was a fun one especially since we were able to conduct it after a long wait. Splendid year indeed, don’t you agree with me Aadhila? Where do I even start? I've spent 10 years at this amazing school. My time at Harcourts has absolutely flown and now, having High School come to an end is a bit surreal. Throughout those years we've created special bonds with the school, the teachers and undoubtedly each other. Regardless, we have shaped each other, for the better or for worse. And despite all the odds we still managed to make the Sportsmeet and the Awards day a successful event. Our time here together as a senior class will not be remembered by grades, popularity, likes or favourites, but by our relationships. Class of 2022 /2023, it’s been a splendid year with you and I wish you all the very best from the bottom of my heart. - A REFLECTION ON THE YEAR 2022 - Without a doubt this year was a remarkable one, as we got the chance to compete in the inter house sports meet for the year 2022/2023. All 3 houses participated enthusiastically and made the event a fun filled one. This year we took keen interest in developing karate skills. We had 2 grading examination for the karate students. Other extra curricular activities like Netball and Little friends were held afterschool. This year was definitely a rollercoaster ride. Alhamdulilah we had caught up with all the events we had missed out in the previous years due to the pandemic. I have to admit this year was a very tiring one but nevertheless it was an experienceful year. Alhmadulliah for a successful year! Kiruthika, share with us your thoughts about this year, we would like to hear from you. Yes, Absolutely! I feel privileged to pen a few words as the deputy head prefect for the year 2022/2023. This year has been a memorable one indeed as we celebrated our annual awards day for the year 2021/2022 after three long lost years. Alhamdulillah the event was a great success. Apart from this, we also launched our annual yearbook which highlights the events of our school. Any guesses of the number of years the yearbook was not launched? It was not launched for six long years which makes this year a lucky one. Thayyiba, would you like to add a few words about your experience? Thaybah Imran Aadhila Riyaz Thayyiba Shafraz Kiruthika Devanandan
C O U R A G E I N T H E A C T SHAFIYA NAWZER Magazine Editor at Ceylon Newspapers and Head of Communications and Strategy at Haut Monde Event Management and PR - When I think of my school Harcourts International, my heart gleams with pride and I share a feeling of home. My memories of school are some of the best days of my life that I shall always cherish dearly. My school helped to shape me and plays a crucial role in the person I am today. My amazing teachers educated me and thought me discipline, manners and responsibility. I was blessed to have teachers who saw my talents and believed in me more than I ever did. I fondly remember my English teacher in grade 5, acknowledging that I can write and my essays were the best. These little things and moments, allowed me to blossom into a writer and journalist today. When I went for my prefect’s interview; I said, “I would like to serve my school to the best of my ability.” I hope and pray that I did. Harcourts to me was a safe haven, a play I felt accepted, celebrated and loved. I had some of the best friends and teachers who always had my back. If you're a student of Harcourts, you should keep your head held high and be extremely proud of your school. Forever grateful to my alma mater!
The Awards Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements students have earned in and outside of the classroom. A celebration that provides an opportunity to share students' feats, accomplishments, and innovations. To inculcate a competitive spirit and encourage excellent results our school held the awards day on the 25th of February 2023 at the Royal Institute Auditorium. The award ceremony was carried out with the usual pomp and fanfare. The auditorium was decorated with fresh flowers. The prize table looked glamourous, with all pride it held the shiny trophies, plaques and presents. Students were excited to celebrate this day with great passion and fervor. The Chief Guest, Mr Saliya Peiris and Guest of Honour Mr Omar Kamil were welcomed by a guard of honour accompanied by the heads of the school. The teachers and the principal of the school looked resplendent in their black or red cloaks. The past teachers and heads were invited to witness the spectacular moment of every Harcourtian. After the arrival of the chief guest, the ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Qur’an followed by the school song. Students of the primary section warmly welcomed the audience with a dance and the welcome address was eloquently delivered by the head girl, Thaybah Imran. Highlights of the school academic year were addressed by the principal madam Farzana Jabir. Audience were entertained with multimedia presentation, dances and a drama from the extract of ‘Little Women’. The prize distribution and speeches were followed up respectively after each entertainment. STARS AWARDS DAY 2022/2023 REACH FOR THE Chairman, Mr. Ahamed Rheyas addressed the audience. His speech as always was brief, eloquent, and expressive. It was clear to all present that he has a true and deep love for the development of the school, he specified to the audience how important it is to educate girls and his passion to broaden the field of education for them to the level of campus. The celebration came to an end with the national anthem and salawath. It truly was an evening to cherish, full of colours, cheers and happiness! - Asma Hameed
AROUND THE HILL PPA News What a year it has been! From minifundraisers to extravagant re-unions, 2022 was definitely a year to remember. With each phase passing on to another, the association is proud to host and be an inspiration for young girls to follow. To those who ask what's coming next, you never know! The committee is always on their tail, ready to take action to ensure the success of the school and its beloved children, and, hopefully, to pursue excellence until the very end.
The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition which was held recently is a well recognized International writing competition. Established in 1883 with thousands of students taking part every year, it is the most ideal way to recognize achievements, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing. The students of Harcourts International has once again taken the spotlight by securing 2 Gold Awards, 8 Silver Awards and 25 Bronze Awards, for both in junior and senior categories among the thousands of participants who took part globally. It was a golden opportunity for the young writers of Harcourts International School to share their thoughts, experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievements celebrated internationally. "Nothing stops a man who desires to achieve " - Hajara Naushad -
SPORTSMEET 2022/23 "If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough." Mario Andretti The annual sports meet for the year 2023 was held in grand splendour after a hiatus of nearly two years. With the flags held high and the sound of cheers among the enthusiastic students, the school made sure that this was a year to never forget. This is where the kids show off their athletic prowess in a setting of friendly competition. Here, exceptional abilities are recognised for potential growth. They have the opportunity to participate in and score points for the home team in team events created for the less agile. The sports meet was held at the S.D.S. Jayasinghe Grounds and was initiated with the usual proceedings, and then began the sports events such as athletics, mini games, and many more. The meet also featured a colourful drill display and a march past. After a successful agenda, Garnet House took the championship trophy home, while Jade House came in as the runner-up for the event. The sports meet finally concluded with happy hearts and brought the majority of the school together to celebrate the true sporting spirit. 25 Unleashing the Athlete Within you
Establishing a business in the fiercely competitive field of fashion is not an easy task, let alone starting from scratch, what were some of the hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?. Starting an online clothing store in the fashion industry is a daunting task, especially when you're starting from scratch. There were days where I felt like giving up because I was overwhelmed by the amount of work that needed to be done. From designing clothes, sourcing materials, and shipping products, it required a lot of trial and error as well as continuous learning. However, with determination and hard work, I was able to streamline this process and ensure that my customers received quality products on time. But through all these difficult times, my husband and family were the pillars of strength that kept me going. Overall, anything is possible with perseverance and a strong support system. What is the creative process that goes behind designing your products? Designing clothes is a creative process that requires passion, patience, and imagination. Initially, we start sketching out rough draughts of designs and begin to choose the fabrics. We then experiment with different textures, colours, and patterns until we find the perfect match. And then comes the cutting and sewing process, where the actual garment is constructed. We pay close attention to details in order to ensure that every aspect of the garment is perfect. MODEST FASHION SUCCESS PERSEVERANCE THROUGH FASHION Raiza Naushad is a successful entrepreneur having her own business, Hijabista, a clothing line exclusively for modest wear. Her story inspires many generations to follow, and with her success, she's bound to be the best at what she does. Here are her thoughts... Raiza Naushad
F R O M D E S I G N I N G C L O T H E S , S O U R C I N G M A T E R I A L S T O S H I P P I N G P R O D U C T S I T R E Q U I R E D A L O T O F T R I A L A N D E R R O R A S W E L A S C O N T I N U O U S L E A R N I N G , H O W E V E R , W I T H D E T E R M I N A T I O N A N D H A R D W O R K I W A S A B L E T O S T R E A M L I N E T H I S P R O C E S S A N D E N S U R E T H A T M Y C U S T O M E R S R E C E I V E D Q U A L I T Y P R O D U C T S O N T I M E . Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for promoting your brands and reaching new customers. Use hashtags Post regularly Engage with your followers. Every business has a story, a source of inspiration, what was the story behind hijabista? Growing up, I struggled to find clothing that reflected my personal beliefs and style preferences. Everywhere I looked, the options were either too revealing or simply unflattering. I realised many other women shared this same struggle. That's when I decided to start my own line of modest clothing. As I began researching the market, we realised that there was a significant gap in the industry: while many brands offered trendy clothing options, few catered specifically to women seeking modest attire. Determined to fill this void, we set out to design comfortable, fashionable pieces that would make every woman feel confident. Looking back on everything we've achieved, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. What is the creative process that goes behind designing your products? Designing clothes is a creative process that requires passion, patience, and imagination. Initially, we start sketching out rough draughts of designs and begin to choose the fabrics. We then experiment with different textures, colours, and patterns until we find the perfect match. Then comes the cutting and sewing process, where the actual garment is constructed. We pay close attention to details in order to ensure that every aspect of the garment is perfect. Your business is primarily online; what are some tips you can offer on optimising and utilising a business’s digital presence and tools? Stay up-to-date: keep an eye on industry trends and technological updates. Adapt your strategy accordingly to stay ahead of the competition. Interviewed by Asma Fahmy & Nashwa Nadine Pioneers to introduce hijab bouquet in Sri Lanka
Bloom where you are planted
Reminiscence '23 was a day full of laughter and love, a joyful reunion of the past pupils organised by the PPA. The event was held at Nuga Rosmead and was graced by many alumni from batches 1998 onwards. It was indeed a wholesome event, as most of the alumni were able to reconnect with each other and with their teachers. The day was filled with colours and incorporated a significant aura among everyone. The heads and the founders of the school were among the special invitees that graced the occasion. There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered. Reminiscence '23 definitely lifted the spirits of acquaintance and nostalgia amongst the participants, and truly was a day to never forget. Back to where it all began...
Azeeza Yaseen has been a loyal, passionate student ever since she joined Harcourts International School. Here's what she has to say. THE KEY TO SUCCESS I try to never give myself the option of giving up. I believe that if one door of opportunity closes, ten doors open up. So every time I am at a low, I consider that a sign of something great to come and all I have to do is keep my head up high and give it my best shot - good things will definitely follow. Being a student of CGS and HIS from nursery till AL what impact has this school on you? My school has made me what I am today. I went in as a naïve and reserved child and came out mature and open-minded. School for me wasn't only about studying. The experiences, opportunities and lessons learned along the way are what really made my school years the best years of my life. I’ve learnt a lot in school — a lot more than I had ever imagined. For instance, we were never ever spoon fed in school. We had to explore and find various things ourselves. We were taught the art of being able to successfully complete tasks designated to us with whatever limited resources we had. That is what made me self dependent - a skill I truly value today. All in all, school gave me friends and teachers who became like family - and Harcourts will always be my home away from home. If you look 10 years back did you ever think you would be doing something different to the stream you chose in school? What inspired you to go in the field of Finance? While I was schooling I had dreams of pursuing a career in medicine. That led me to choose the science stream and I was very passionate about it - I still am. However, at a certain point, the chances of me being able to pursue medicine became very uncertain. I faced a dilemma at the time, but I realised that it is wiser to accept an opportunity that was coming my way, than chasing one that may or may not reach me. Finance was an opportunity that came to me. I realised that unless I gave it a go, I would never know whether I had what it takes to excel in that field. I decided to enroll myself into an ACCA course and from that point on, everything just fell into place. I have never looked back since then. What are your plans for the future? Education is my passion and I plan to stay in the field for as long as I possibly can. The field of FInance has given me recognition that I never dreamed possible and my current role as a lecturer for ACCA is my dream job. I hope to expand my knowledge and reach greater heights as a Lecturer of more Finance related subjects. I also play a role in an Ed-tech company. Ed-tech is a niche market and I was fascinated to see how two markets, Education and Technology, could come together seamlessly and do wonders in breaking barriers the education industry had for the longest time. Therefore, my plan is to grow and learn as much as possible in the organisation and to play a major role in taking teaching to truly the next level. Azeeza Yaseen
You may see failures along the way, but remember, failure is a part of the game. You can’t grow without making mistakes — because making mistakes is how we learn what to avoid next time How did you manage hustling between many roles , responsibilities and duties? As the years went by and my roles and responsibilities increased, I realized that what seemed impossible yesterday, seems very doable today. I realized that trying to stay in my comfort zone was not going to help me grow, and so I started pushing my boundaries and surprised myself with what I was capable of. I have a list of priorities that I try to not compromise. In doing so, it is true that I have very little time available for myself, but this doesn't really bother me because I have always pursued and done things that I love doing. So I guess, I enjoy the hustle! Was there a point where you almost gave up but didn’t – what kept you going? I try to never give myself the option of giving up. I believe that if one door of opportunity closes, ten doors open up. So every time I am at a low, I consider that a sign of something great to come and all I have to do is keep my head up high and give it my best shot - good things will definitely follow. How did you push yourself through the worst time? I keep in in mind that both good times and bad times are not here to stay. The more we think about our problems the bigger they are going to seem to us. Whenever I face a challenging situation, I remember that this too shall pass and that every problem has a solution. It is only a matter of time before things fall back into place. What would be your biggest takeaway to the youngsters to keep them motivated? Don't ever under-estimate yourself. Different people have different strengths. All you need to do is play to your strengths. It is true that some individuals are gifted with certain talents that help them excel, but remember one thing - whether you consider yourself talented or not - Hard work beats talent any day. Many people have dreams and aspirations but don’t make them a reality. You need to work on your dreams to make them a reality. You may see failures along the way, but remember, failure is a part of the game. You can’t grow without making mistakes — because making mistakes is how we learn what to avoid next time. Remember, success is not final and failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. CREDIBILITY CONFIDENCE COMPETENCE COURAGE COMMITMENT COMMUNICATION INTERVIEWED BY Asfa Hameed
THE ALTAR OF THE DEAD When I walk in, the smell of coffins and holy water envelopes me in a fantasy of satisfaction, and I take a step towards the altar. I could feel the corner of my lips beginning to curve when I set sight on the wooden coffin in front of me, but I tried to suppress the building joy inside. People gather to take their places beside each other, and I walk to the first seat next to Martha. It was hard to concentrate on the priest’s sermon with the blinding church lights, and the smell of candied rot penetrated into golden cups next to the coffin, and the whole place was drenched in a hazy gloom of burned incense. There were worshippers, grieving, as they looked into the eyes of the dead, who was in a golden frame with a happy-go-lucky smile, an optimistic grin across her face, and the words “Sarah” written beneath the pale white flowers that wrapped around her picture. The idea that the deceased was actually dead was an impossibility, because how could a happy child, the third one this week, have fallen into the eyes of the serial killer? I cross my fingers as the priest delivers his sermon, his expression miserable and his eyes glued to the casket. In other circumstances, the church would have been a sight for sore eyes with its massive painting behind the golden crucifix, and if you looked into it harder, you’d notice that there wasn’t a single scratch on its triangular form. BY SHEIKHA HANNA
The burgundy bricks and the carpet, which matched the solitary, dense walls and stained-glass windows, had grown so old over the years that they needed severe repair. I could hear the quiet sobs of Martha beside me, her handkerchief wet with tears, while Sam held her in a tight embrace. I put on my melancholy expression and moved a pitiful palm on Martha’s shoulder, who is now shuddering with desolation. While engaging in the sermon that fills the hall with darkness and death, I gently press and comfort her. The sleeve of my black sweater begins to touch the sensitive opening under my skin, but I’m oblivious to its pain, knowing that it was all worth it. A figure walks up to the altar and brushes his palm against the cold wood of the coffin, his cheeks swollen with tears, and a single white rose is enveloped in his hand. He places his hand on the casket and doesn’t move, while the rest of the grieving people begin to take their turns. Martha and Sam follow them too, motioning me to join them, but I nod my head. The hall, which was once filled with grieving sobs and echoes, has now turned into whispers and warnings, and regret for the dead. With time moving, each person walks up to the pine box, says their prayers, and heads towards the oak church doors. I stay in my place while the rest say their goodbyes, and when everyone leaves, I raise myself to pay my respects when I notice him, in the same position, the white rose still clasped around his right palm, now crushed into pieces of falling pale petals. “Felix,” I say, as I stand next to him, my hands diving deep into my pockets and clutching them tight. Felix stays intact; not a single movement is shown, except for his chest, which rises and falls as he continues to stare. He crushes the white rose further, and now the flower has turned into nothing but a blank stem with emptiness within. “I will find the person who did this,” Felix whispers, loud enough for me to hear, and he releases his palm from the casket. “I will find the one who did this, and make him pay.” Unexpectedly, I laugh. I break into a notorious grin as he turns to look at me, eyes wide with disbelief. I run my left hand deeper into my pocket to retrieve the sharp object that I had a plan for and look at him, dead in the eye. “You won’t, Felix.” I smirk in satisfaction, “Because you’re next.” w w w . r e a l l y g r e a t s i t e . c o m
BEST TWEETS THE INTERNET'S
Creating an Impact SShhaahhiillaa NNaawwzzeerr
You possess an impressive portfolio of talents and skills at such a young age, this definitely requires great time management and multitasking skills. Could you share your experience and some tips on this? I was always someone who wanted to multitask and try out different things. Right after A/Ls, when I joined APIIT for my Business Management degree, I understood that in order to be successful, it was not only academics but also involvement in extracurricular activities. I began by joining the APIIT Toastmasters Club and exploring my talent for public speaking. I then joined many clubs at APIIT, such as the Tantalize Marketing Committee, where I was able to discover my strong communication skills, which I had to use to attract more sponsorships for the event. In my second year of university, I was offered a part-time job at Y Entertainment, during which I was able to gain experience communicating with corporate employees and coordinating sponsorships. After I completed my degree, I realised that I had to utilise my strong-suit skill, which lay in communications, which is an integral element in my career . Consequently, I decided not to embark on the corporate path, but rather I started tutoring students, which caught the attention of a large market, and now I have launched my own institute. Although I didn't have a full-time or 9-to-5 job, I was able to work parttime as a public speaking consultant and coach. Ultimately, controlling your time and schedule is what allows you to do multiple things at once. As it can be tiring to juggle so many things simultaneously, it is natural to fall prey to burnout. How did you deal with this challenge? I would say that Harcourts played a significant influence on my ability to overcome this challenge. As students, we were trained to manage multiple tasks concurrently, and we received a wellrounded education as a result. As such, I was able to overcome this obstacle. Could you describe a typical week in your daily professional life? My week starts by preparing lesson plans for my students. As I teach different subjects, I make sure to plan out the activities that are to be carried out with the relevant lessons. I make sure to schedule all my plans for the week in my planner so that it’s easier for me to coordinate and work accordingly. I then spend time after my sessions on research in order to expand my knowledge in the areas I am teaching. As indicated by your yearly creative pursuits, how do you find the drive and inspiration to do new things? Undoubtedly, there will be days when you feel uninspired and have no motivation to do anything, but if you surround yourself with the right people, you'll find that they inspire you, encourage you, and provide you with various possibilities. How did your experience at Harcourts International School shape you to be the person you are today? As I have always mentioned, Harcourts played a major role in who I am today. Although it was an all-girls school, we learned a wide range of things and were involved in many extracurricular activities. This gave me an opening to try different things and achieve many goals. Shahila is a respected individual even among her peers, as she dedicates her time and skills to assisting the operations of the Past Pupils Association (PPA). Her experiences as well as her valuable advice help inspire all minds alike to pursue change and opportunities that create an impact. INTERVIEWED BY Asma Fahmy and Nashwa Nadine IMAGINE BELIEVE ACHIEVE
You must be thinking how Jim can be so stupid. Still, in reality, we all are guilty of this behavior, one way or the other, we all perform or inculcate habits that we feel are making us better. Still, we fail to focus on the activities that are sabotaging our growth. Good habits are important but it’s often our bad habits that prevent us from reaching our true potential or barricade our healing journey. We carry bad habits around all day like heavy weights on our backs. They’ll tire us out & frustrate us to the core. Here in this article, we'll be discussing terrible habits that are seriously damaging your mental health. You Waste a Ridiculous Amount Of Time Feeling Sorry For Yourself Feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t get you anywhere in life, it disconnects you from reality and you are in your own little world telling yourself how the world is conspiring against you. It rewires your mind into a victim mindset. The major setback with this mindset is that your focus will be directed to the problems, which will reinforce more feelings of self-pity. Instead of pitying ourselves for what we lost, we can choose to feel grateful for what we have. Write one thing that you are grateful for every day. Whenever faced with a problem or failure, instead of wasting your time by feeling sorry for yourself, choose a form of action that you can do, it doesn’t matter how big or small it is just take the first step toward the solution. You Are Expecting Immediate Results Nothing in life worth achieving comes easy. You have to take the hard road to HABITS THAT DESTROY YOUR MENTAL HEALTH &How To Overcome Them o start this article let me tell you a story about Jim. Jim works out 5 times a week and keeps track of the exercises he has performed during the week so that he is always in check with the progress he is making. Over 6 months, Jim isn’t noticing much change in his body, he is neither losing weight nor gaining any muscle. He rants about his frustrating feeling to his friends and family. He tells them he rarely misses a workout and what can be going wrong that he is not getting any results. Here’s a catch to this story, each day after Jim leaves the gym, he feels hungry from all the exercise he had performed so he treats himself to McDonald’s every day after the gym. In his head, he is thinking “I worked hard, I deserve a treat.” T bring sustainable & meaningful results. In the world of social media and instant deliveries. Everyone on the internet will make you feel that they are living their best life, a world of no insecurities, no vulnerabilities, luxury vacations, and unlimited success all of that without even working for it. Well, News Flash!! Life on social media isn’t real. People on the internet have mastered the art of hiding anything that’s real. But the problem is we go around seeing their highlight reels (Their best moments) and mistake it as their real life. The overnight success stories of young entrepreneurs & influencers are floating all over the internet. These types of stories fuel our desire to get immediate results and screw up our mental health. Create Realistic Expectations, it takes time, effort, money, and the right belief system to build something that lasts. Set a realistic time frame in which you’ll measure your initial results. If your action isn’t getting instant results or isn’t visible, it doesn’t mean that what you’re doing isn’t working.
You are Focusing Too Much On The Things You Can’t Control The world is divided into two different things, the ones we have control over and the ones we have no control over what’s so ever. But we live our life fretting, getting stressed, fearing, worrying, and yelling over the things or situations or people that we can’t control. It feels safe to have everything under control, the world seems less scary and more predictable when we have things under control. Secretly we are craving for a life of certainty. But no matter how much we try life will always be uncertain & unpredictable. We also must realize the kind of torture we put ourselves into when we hold on to or try to control everything. It brings immense mental stress. When we learn to let go of the things/people/circumstances we can’t control we are freeing up our time and energy for the things we can actually control and this can help us accomplice some incredible things in life. Remind yourself that there are a lot of things that you can’t control. Whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed by a situation in life ask yourself. Is there anything under my control? Identify Your Fears, When you catch yourself trying to control something that you can’t, ask yourself, What I am so afraid of? Do you worry that someone else is going to make a bad choice? Acknowledge your fears and try to understand them. It will help you recognize what is and what isn’t under your control. -By Chirag Malik on Medium Focus on cooperation rather than comparing. There will always be someone bigger, better, wealthier, talented, or happier than you. Even when you reach the top you will still somehow find someone who is better than you in some aspect of life. Instead of competing with them, as seeing them as your competitors. See them as your teachers & learn from them. Collaborate with them to reach new heights. You Worry Too Much About Pleasing Everyone People pleasing is about controlling how others feel; it’s a terrible idea but yet we do it and jeopardize our mental health in the process. The people-pleasing traits can be formed due to fear of conflict or fear of rejection, we tell ourselves If we can make everyone happy everything will be okay. A people pleaser wants to please others because they believe that if they don’t make them happy, they won’t be liked by them. Pick your top 5 values in your life that you want to live and rank them in accordance from the most important to the least important. And now stop and think whether you actually live by those values or not. Pleasing people shouldn’t be at the top of your list. Are you putting too much effort into something that is not even on your list?
Shaziya Kamil Who or what inspired you to start the business? I have always had a passion and a knack for crafting, even from a very young age. Just like we all have that one hobby or one thing in life we kind of long for, mine has always been crafting. I remember during my school days, when there were only local channels on TV, I used to follow the few crafting programmes aired and remake them at home. So what inspired me was my passion for crafts and my liking for them. Why did you name it Iheartcraft? The reason I named my business I Heart Craft is because I do it from my heart; it's my passion, my creativity, gifted from God Almighty, so my heart was set on this name, I Heart Craft, and looking at where we are today, I'm so glad I chose the ideal name that describes my business. What advice would you give to someone starting out in a career or business? There will be challenges, difficult times, unanswered questions that are unnerving, and so much more. So keeping positive is key to staying on course and finding the right solutions. What is the biggest factor that helped you be successful? It's my never-give-up attitude, and of course I can't forget my blessings, but there's one person who has been driving me from behind — that's my soul partner, my husband, who simply respects my talents and gifts and always encourages me to do better. He's actually my stronghold. Crafting takes quite a lot of time and patience. Did you find yourself giving up because it was difficult? Yes, crafting takes a lot of time, which is why I always believe that to be a crafter, you need to be gifted with all the skills and also have that inner passion. Of course, during my career I've had many difficult moments, but I've never wanted to give up; instead, I've always tried to look for new solutions and alternatives and to keep going. How did you manage hustling between many roles, responsibilities, and duties while running a business? This has always been my challenge. I carry the role of a daughter, a sister, a wife, and most of all, the most challenging role of a mother, being a mom of three. I'm so proud of myself humbly because I have been able to juggle between all the roles. It's never an easy task because there are many days I have felt 24 hours is not sufficient, but I always prioritise and try my best to strike a balance between my personal life and my business. And the support I get from my husband and my kids has been an immense strength. How do you set your business apart from others in your industry? Currently, there are many crafters out there just like me, and I am in a very competitive industry, yet what I always believe is that it's your creativity, your uniqueness, your dedication, and always delivering the best without compromising value or quality that sets Iheart Craft apart from others in the industry. Clients come to me or choose me because I always try to deliver beyond their expectations. Give a few key qualities should be processed in order to be successful. Also, always pay respect to another fellow entrepreneur in your industry. Everyone is unique; being competitive is fine, as long as it's healthy, and be humble enough to accept another fellow entrepreneur's success. INTERVIEWED BY Asfa Hameed
Aqeedha Sheriffdeen BREAKING THE Aqeedah Sheriffdeen is the mastermind behind the renowned baking store ‘Bake it Yourself (BIY) studio’. Her studio is the one stop shop for all bakery essentials. Aqeedah has always been passionate about baking, her passion has led to this business. One of her milestones in this filed as described by her was being a sponsor for a French artist for an American cake show which was broadcasted worldwide. Being a headline sponsor for a Cake event in Sri Lanka and later Sponsoring a French artist for an American cake show which was broadcasted worldwide. What is most crucial to you as a business owner and what products does your business offer? BARRIER I run a cake supply store and a baking/ art studio. Most crucial part of my business is maintaining the highest quality in my products and the most exclusive service from the studio. Cooking/baking Inspired by my mom who is an amazing self-taught Cook. Coming from a family of business and trading this was always in my bloodline. What made you name your business ‘Bake it Yourself’? The words DIY (do-it-yourself) made me name my store Bake it yourself since we cater to everything a baker needs. What is your long-term goal with your business? BIY LANKA becoming BIY International All of us get inspiration from somewhere or from someone. What or who was your inspiration? Was baking your passion that led you into this business? Describe a professional milestone you have achieved? Running a business and managing a family is no easy task. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Definitely not an easy task, but with strong faith in God every day and the best support system which consists of my family and best friends I think any woman can do anything. INTERVIEWED BY Asma Hameed
Upcoming PRE HAJJ FAIR - ORGANIZED BY THE HIS PAST PUPILS' ASSOCIATION HARCOURTS WALK FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHOOL CRESCENT AND HARCOURTS 4OTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 1 2 3 4 5 Events
"Boost Your Iman" Need to gain the reward of been recited 1/3 of the Quran in one night? Recite Surah Ihklas Nothing prevents the entry into Paradise except death if you recite Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer Do you want a palm tree planted for you in paradise? ➡️ Recite “Subhanallahil aleemi Wabihamdihi” ْلَعِظيِم َوِبَحْمِدِه) ( ُسْبَحاَنِهَّللا ا Want your sins forgiven? ➡️ Say “subahanallahi wabihamdihi” 100 times a day. (ُسْبَحاَنِهَّللا َوِبَحْمِدِه) Do u need thousand good deeds to be recorded for you or a thousand bad deeds wiped away. ➡️ Say Subahanallah 100 times ِه) َّٰل (ُسْبَحاَن ٱل The naming of Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. During the holy month of Ramadan, we Muslims build stronger relationships with Allah through fasting, selfless actions, and praying. According to the Qur’an, the main reason for the fast of Ramadan is for we believe to attain “taqwa”—God-consciousness. The purpose of fasting is to train ourselves in humility, patience, and spirituality, and it’s one of the best times for forgiveness. Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم (said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ." - Bukhari Compiled byAysha Irfan Essential Ramadan Fasting Tips
CONNECT @harcourtsinternationalschool @pastpupilsassociation.his Want you or your article to get featured? Send your contributions to: [email protected]
0765 313 150 / 0727 777 008
Your health is our priority 25 YEARS Compassinate Care of