Brightside Beacon November
Brightside Beacon November
3 November 2024
BRIGHTSIDE BEACON
PEACE CONFERENCE
VOICES FOR PEACE
As we continue to grow and interact As the presentations started, I was
with the world around us, we are struck by how engaged everyone was.
presented with new opportunities for The school was alive with energy, and
learning and leadership. Recently, our each new idea seemed to spark waves
school organized a Peace Conference, of enthusiasm.
bringing together students, faculty, and
parents to explore critical issues While we may not be able to freeze
surrounding global peace. The event time, the memories created during this
took place on November 5th and 6th, experience will undoubtedly stay with
with students from grades 3 to 5 us for years to come. The conference
showcasing their work on November not only allowed us to present and
5th, followed by an equally brilliant day discuss meaningful topics, but it also
of presentations by students from provided an opportunity to witness the
grades 6 to 11 on November 6th. strength of teamwork and the power of
shared thoughts. The feedback we
It all began with a whirlwind of activity received from both our peers and
as we hurried to transform our parents further boosted our passion,
classrooms for the event. Amidst the especially the words of one parent who
chaos of decorations, one class truly praised the "wonderful leadership
stood out. If I had to choose, I would say skills" displayed by everyone. Such
that Grade 4 Amber absolutely excelled encouragement has inspired us to
in bringing their vision to life! Walking continue striving for academic
into their classroom felt like stepping excellence.
into a paradise of creativity and color. This experience was a reminder of
It was so jaw-dropping that I’m sure how much we can achieve when we
anyone who entered would have felt the collaborate. It has motivated us to keep
same sense of awe. The atmosphere learning, growing, and leading toward
throughout the conference was a brighter and more peaceful future. I
electrifying! From the moment it began, am proud to say that this conference
I could feel the excitement building was a resounding success.
around me. Everyone was eager to
share their ideas and hear what others Wadana Asad
had to say.
The Senior Classes' Peace Conference took place on November 6th this year, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of fostering
awareness about global conflicts and the value of peace. In a world marked by unrest and discord, such events help students delve into the
complexities of political dynamics and ideologies that influence the fragile state of world peace.
The day began with a flurry of activity around 9:30 a.m., as students from classes 6 to 11 prepared their stalls with palpable excitement. Amid the
hustle, my team worked on setting up our display while the podcast booth, a focal point of the event, was being assembled next door. The energy was
electric—students darted back and forth, clutching posters and last-minute stall decorations. As the final touches were applied, the air buzzed with a
mix of anticipation and nervousness. Many of us silently rehearsed our lines, bracing ourselves for the arrival of the parents.
At 10 a.m., the Peace Conference officially commenced. Parents entered through the school gates, greeted by a vibrant array of colorful stalls. Each
team presented their topics with poise, explaining how their themes related to peace and its broader implications. Parents engaged actively, posing
thoughtful questions about the topics’ connections to peace and their potential impacts on global harmony. The interactions fostered a lively exchange
of ideas, reinforcing the significance of the conference.
The centerpiece of the event was the podcast, hosted by Syed Abdullah Soherwordi and featuring the distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Syed Hussain
Shaheed Soherwordi. The discussion delved into pressing global issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, the war in Ukraine, and the controversial
use of atomic bombs—are they tools of deterrence or harbingers of destruction? Parents sat attentively in the designated seating area, captivated by
the depth and clarity of the conversation. The podcast offered fresh perspectives on contemporary conflicts and their far-reaching consequences,
making it an enlightening experience for everyone present.
By the end of the conference, the collective effort of students, teachers, and organizers had paid off. Parents praised the depth of students’ research,
the creativity of their presentations, and the thought-provoking podcast. Their enthusiastic feedback was a testament to the event’s success.
Brightside High, true to its name, shone brilliantly that day, with its students showcasing intellect, dedication, and a shared hope for a peaceful future.
Manha Shahab
The event was made even more special by the beautifully designed
house badges created by Mariam Sultan. These vibrant designs
perfectly encapsulated the essence of each house and were proudly
worn by participants.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, written by The book explores themes of family,
Rick Riordan, is the first book in the Percy Jackson identity, and self-acceptance, offering
series. It presents a world where Greek mythology readers meaningful insights alongside its
is seamlessly intertwined with modern life, entertaining narrative. While some plot
creating a story that feels both fantastical and twists may be predictable, the unique
relatable. While the book is primarily aimed at perspective and creativity of the story
readers aged 12–15, it is beloved by audiences of all more than make up for it.
ages for its engaging blend of humor, adventure,
and mythology. The Lightning Thief is an excellent
introduction to an unforgettable series.
The story follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy Packed with humor, heart, and heroism,
with dyslexia and ADHD, who has always struggled it’s a must-read for fans of mythology and
to fit in. After a series of strange events, Percy adventure. While written with younger
discovers he is a demigod—the son of Poseidon, the audiences in mind, its clever storytelling
Greek god of the sea, and a mortal woman. and rich themes make it equally
Accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, Percy enjoyable for readers of all ages.
embarks on a thrilling quest across the United
States. Accompanied by his best friend Grover, a Whether you're discovering this series
satyr, and Annabeth, the daughter of Athena, Percy for the first time or revisiting an old
must recover the bolt and clear his name before a favorite, Percy Jackson's journey will
war erupts among the gods. leave you eager to dive into the next
installment.
Percy’s struggles with dyslexia and ADHD are Abdur Rehman Aziz
portrayed as characteristics of demigods, making
him a relatable and inspiring hero for young
readers. Riordan brilliantly reimagines Greek
mythology in a modern context, from Mount
Olympus being situated above the Empire State
Building to the Underworld hidden in Los Angeles.
These imaginative details breathe new life into
ancient myths. The story strikes a perfect balance
between action, humor, and
Wareesha Aurangzeb
We rushed out around 1:00 PM to get to the Mall of the Emirates, The Final: New Zealand vs. South Africa—a guaranteed first-
after which we went for lunch. At around 5:30 PM, we excitedly left time champion. The day began with a trip to the stores,
for the stadium. My heart pounded as I realized we were highlighted by my constant nagging, “We’ll be late, let’s
significantly behind schedule. When we finally arrived, we still faced leave!” I was understandably on edge to get to the stadium.
a 10-minute walk to our seats. The match was electrifying, with New
Zealand putting on an impressive performance. Pakistan, on the Arriving among the buzzing crowd, we prepared our
other hand, dropped six catches before my eyes, leaving me posters—mine reading “White Ferns,” the name of New
disappointed. The match concluded with New Zealand winning by 52 Zealand’s cricket team. I need not have worried earlier, as
runs. we arrived in time to witness the gigantic flags unfurling
during the national anthems.
After the match, we discovered which gate the players would be
exiting from and decided to try to meet them. To my delight, I was The match swung back and forth, making for a compelling
successful! I met Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s captain, who gifted experience for all 21,000 people in attendance. New Zealand
me a cap. I also met Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates, two players I accelerated in the last five overs, scoring 48 runs, aided by
deeply admire. Meeting players I had watched on TV for the past sloppy South African fielding. South Africa started their
two years left me over the moon with elation. innings decently, not losing any wickets during the
powerplay. However, after the halfway mark, their wickets
October 15th, 2024 tumbled. Despite their efforts, they ultimately lost by 34 runs.
Filled to the brim with excitement, I woke up before my brothers and New Zealand emerged as T20 champions. Entering the
headed to the nearby Dubai Hills Mall for a delicious Turkish World Cup with ten consecutive defeats in the format and
breakfast with my mother and aunt. Returning home, we packed in a predictions of a group-stage exit, they went all the way, with
whirlwind to head to Khor Fakkan to spend two days by the beach! every player contributing to their historic victory.
After a tiring two-hour drive, we arrived at our picturesque
destination. With the sparkling sapphire-blue sea in front, towering Mariam Sultan Khwaja
mountains behind, and soft white sand in between, it was a true
getaway. I spent the rest of the day strolling along the beach, sliding
down water slides, and swimming in the beachside pool.
After a good night’s sleep, I made my way down to the beach, only to
discover that an oil spill had occurred at a nearby port. The slick,
slimy look of the water made it clear that swimming was not an
option. Instead, I explored the area’s other attractions, visiting the
Khor Fakkan waterfall and the beautiful boardwalk. The day ended
with a breathtaking sunset at the beach, a safe distance from the
water.
The day had arrived! I was going to watch one of my favorite teams:
Australia! Amid the hustle and bustle of packing, we headed back to
Dubai, stopping at Al-Rafisa Dam on the way. Nestled among the
mountains, its silver mirror-like waters were as clear as glass.
After South Africa’s victory, it was time to see who would join them
in the Grand Finale of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: New
Zealand or the West Indies. To watch this match, we traveled to the
neighboring emirate of Sharjah.
The mandatory mall day of any Dubai trip had arrived. We visited
the all-encompassing Dragon Mart, which sells everything from drill
machines to clothes, followed by a stop at IKEA, a Swedish-origin
store filled with exceedingly beautiful things.
STUDENTS’ CONTRIBUTION
THE WORLD THROUGH A CAT'S EYES
The world feels so big, and I feel so small and broken. I’m just trying to survive one more day. These words come to my mind
every day. I never knew life could be so tough. I never imagined that each new day would bring fresh challenges.
I stretched my back, yawned, and began walking to live yet another day. The scent of bacon and eggs wafting from the houses
filled my grumbling tummy with longing, but I knew if I tried to stand on a windowsill and watch the tempting eggs sizzle with
bacon, the humans would scare me away. So, I decided to search for something in the garbage can instead. The smell of the
trash made me gag, but I also knew I couldn’t give up.
Digging through the garbage, I found a stale piece of bread. Just as I tried to grab it, I felt someone grabbing my neck. I
immediately knew it was the garbage man. I knew I’d have to stay hungry as he recklessly threw me away. I watched the
bread fall into the garbage truck and turned away, my stomach still empty. I was so hungry I could eat a horse.
“Meow!” I cried, scared of the speeding cars that made my heart thump against my ribcage like a drum. Swish, swoosh! The
big cars rushed past, and I thought, “Even though I’m not invisible, why does it feel so?”
I tried to cross the road, but each step felt like a risky dance with death. I spotted another garbage can on the opposite side,
but hearing the rumble of the garbage truck behind me felt like a storm over my head. “No, I have to do it,” I thought.
1, 2, 3…
And I darted forward! Then, the only sound I heard was a loud peep! I realized I was too slow for the speeding car.
When I opened my eyes, I was in a different place. Thankfully, I saw a familiar face—the man who had hit me. I glanced
around and noticed bandages on my body. The thick scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. I realized I was in a veterinary
clinic.
The man reached out to pat me, but I shifted away from him, unsure of his intentions. However, the guilt on his face made me
feel a little more comfortable. He spoke, but I couldn’t understand his words. When he finally patted me, it felt as comforting
as an old shoe.
Moments later, he spoke with the doctor, then picked me up and placed me in a huge, luxurious car.
Before I knew it, I was in a house—extravagant and beautifully decorated. Pictures of the man’s family adorned the walls, and
unique, antique decorations filled the rooms. It was an amazing place, and I loved it.
From that day, my life changed forever. I now had fresh bacon and eggs, kind touches on my neck, and a safe place to call
home.
My hard work had finally paid off, and I was in seventh heaven. I learned that every sorrowful beginning can lead to a happy
ending. I realized that giving up is never the way to solve problems.
Maryam Tanoli
Stop pointing arrows on their body Whispering tales of the witching time
Please their whining, say sorry As autumn winds howl through trees so
near
Let's keep them safe Ayesha Ali Khan
Let's keep them sound 5 Lapis
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