Table of Contents
There Are No Falling Stars in China and Other Life Lessons from a Recovering Journalist: Book Review
by Bea Mariano
Middle School Boys Volleyball
Middle School Boys Volleyball
by Mayumi Haruna
IB Music Night Finale 2025
IB Music Night Finale 2025
by Kevin Choi
Rina Olsen Author Talk
Rina Olsen Author Talk
by Apple Lu
How does Beach Volleyball at St. John's Foster Teamwork, Communication, and Unity?
How does Beach Volleyball at St. John's Foster Teamwork, Communication, and Unity?
by Seah Lee
Lion Dance
Lion Dance
by Jeff Zheng
Visit the Library
by Jaein Kim
There are No Falling Stars in China
and Other Life Lessons from a Recovering Journalist: Book Review
by Bea Mariano
Published in 2023, There Are No Falling Stars in China is a collection of essays by international journalist Marga Ortigas, chronicling her experiences and events from all over the world. Rather than organizing each essay chronologically from her over 20 year long career, Ortigas categorizes the collection by continent and country. This allows readers to have a better understanding and focus on each topic rather than having to jump around time frames, and it allows Ortigas to compare stories from different time periods within a country or region.
Out of the 19 countries written about in this book, many certainly caught my attention and contained some thought provoking ideas about the world we live in today, but a particular few stood out especially; those being: Manila, Baghdad, and China.
The Philippines: Manila- Sometimes, the beholder’s eyes are closed
I think it is appropriate that Ortigas starts off with Manila, the capital of the Philippines. That is not only where she was born and raised but also where she developed a love for storytelling. The political situation of the time heavily shaped her world view, even though she hadn't realized it at the time. A prominent part of her childhood experience that she writes about is the Marcos Regime, which was a brutal dictatorship under deposed president, Ferdinand Marcos. Although Ortigas’ family didn’t directly face any of this brutality themselves, the marks of terror and chaos were always visible. As she recounts herself that “There were traffic jams caused by lifeless bodies dumped on roadsides or angry motorists brandishing guns to get right of way. And frankly, such a dichotomy—between so-called polite society and brutal reality—was more than slightly obscene.” Ortigas’ account of this era reminds me of my own family’s experiences. My maternal side resided in Quezon City, Manila at the same time Ortigas did, and while they, similarly, did not experience the wrath of the regime firsthand, living in the capital meant that feeling its effects was unavoidable.
Even if it was not violence or bloodshed, the economy was a wreck and that was more often the type of suffering most faced. It is that economic struggle that still affects the country most today. Whenever one visits the city today, they can drive by the most modern and luxurious highrises, then just seconds later pass by some slums just a few blocks down. While Manila has relatively healed from the tragedy of that era, the scars still remain mainly in the form of the aforementioned economic situation, the expansive wealth gap between the rich and poor, and the fact that the regime only was two or three generations ago, so the memory still remains fresh for many.
But it is from this chaos that Ortigas found her path to journalism. Originally as a path of “escape” that stemmed from a combination of the country’s chaos and her childhood self’s imaginative yet wandering mind, she never actually disdained the country, always having a spot in her heart for the place she grew up in. As she once said to a British coworker: “It may very well be the ugliest city in the world—but it’s home.” It is from that ugliness, the tragedy, the social unrest that Ortigas learned a lesson that would be a staple of her future career: the ability to look beyond what things seem to be to uncover the bigger picture and that even in chaos there is poetry.
The Middle East: Baghdad- Some people never age
While I shall be writing primarily about the section “Baghdad: Some people never age,” I would like to emphasize that Ortigas’ entry about the Middle East as a whole is absolutely fascinating, heartbreaking, yet beautiful in so many ways. For context: Ortigas was working for CNN just at the time of the United States’s invasion of Iraq in 2003, and she would spend the year traveling in and out of the country. Not only was she in-person covering an event that would continue to shape world politics for years to come, but the experience was incredibly impactful, and she described it as, “An extraordinary time that shaped not just the journalist I became, but the person I am.” The primary focus of this entry is Duraid, a 27 year old father of two, a CNN producer in Baghdad, and a close friend of Ortigas. They and another man named Odai would come to form a little trio that would help support each other as they did their jobs in the middle of war. Unfortunately, Duraid would be killed in an ambush while on a mission. It was the first time the company had such a loss, but it was especially hard on Ortigas, who had just returned to Baghdad seven days prior from the Philippines. But even after facing such a tragedy, the brutal death of her fellow coworker, the team still continued their work. Although everyone had another to lean on for support, dealing with grief would still be difficult, especially accounting for the fact that they were in the middle of an active warzone.
What made this particular entry so unique is that Ortigas included a snippet of her diary that she kept while on this trip. In it she questions why she is even still there, why she is still doing this, and begins to ponder what is the place of journalists in times of suffering, writing: “We [journalists] hide behind our cameras and our microphones. Like swords and shields. We are but witnessing what happens to other people.” While Ortigas was obviously writing that from a place of guilt and grief, it is an important question to think about, and it is one that she brings up every now and then throughout the book. The eye of an outsider looking in in order to take what they are perceiving to share to other eyes even further away, mostly for the sake of entertainment; yet you as human are inevitably going to feel something, form opinions, form attachments, and get caught up in the chaos yourself.
Even though the experience was difficult, it did teach Ortigas that you must go through something in order to get past it. While that path may be dark and painful, there is a new light waiting at the other end. And on a more morbid note: to be surrounded by so much death makes one appreciate life so much more. While grief and pain will inevitably always be there, that shouldn’t stop you from persevering past them. In light of the fragility of life, give it all you’ve got.
North Asia: China- There are no falling stars in China
Although difficult to express the full message in just a review of only 3 entries of the book, the most prominent message of There Are No Falling Stars in China is how hope is never gone, no matter how faint it may seem. While I have so far been quite general about the specific events of the past two sections, I feel as if the richness of the titular entry can only be expressed by recounting the specifics.
The section starts off by giving context to the state of China at the time and to the nature of Ortigas’ assignment. While having one of the largest populations in the world, the Chinese culture largely promotes homogeneity and to be different means to face difficulty. Ortigas began covering news from Hong Kong in 2012 because Al Jazeera’s China-based reporter “displeased” the government. Even then, whenever the team would be in the mainland, there would always be someone keeping an eye on them. The country also was dealing with severe pollution issues, especially in the air where one could not walk outside without a mask. This is where we get to the story of Mama Kong (real name Kong Zhenlan) from Shanxi, whom Ortigas describes as “A sixty-five-year-old, four-foot-nothing powerhouse whose face beamed brighter than the sun.” She would take in children who had been abandoned due to the infamous one-child policy.
But why were these children abandoned you may ask? Well, they all had disabilities, either physical or mental, brought on as birth defects due to the polluted groundwater of the city. Shanxi is one of China’s biggest coal producers and one of its most polluted cities, with later studies showing that the chemicals that contaminated the groundwater increased the risk of birth defects by 450%. While not being wealthy by any means, Mama Kong raised a total of 39 kids (4 of them being biologically hers) with everything she had. She even convinced the local government to give some of the kids legal documents so that they could go to school. As described by Ortigas herself, even through Shanxi’s grey air, “Mama Kong’s optimism broke through the fetters of despair,” existing as a beacon of hope for those whom the rest of society thought had none.
~~~~~
Due to the nature of Ortigas’ job as an international journalist, she has first-hand witnessed some of the most perilous yet unique events that could possibly happen in this world. Active warzones, natural disasters, the aftermath of those disasters, climate and geography of many types, people from all different walks of life, and experiences that you and I will most likely never have, with Ortigas writing it all down into this collection. But the story from which she derives the title is very unique, not because the situation was crazy or rare, but because it is so normal: a conversation on a plane. It was an evening flight from a town back to Beijing; Ortigas was looking out the window and noticed a singular flying star. She made a wish and then shared the news to a colleague who was sitting beside her reading a newspaper. When she told him about her sighting, he instantly brushed her off saying, “There are no falling stars in China.”
While that interaction with her colleague may seem so obviously pessimistic, with the reader perhaps thinking that they are beyond whatever misery that man was feeling at the moment, it is important to realize that his reaction is far more common than it may seem. While none of us may be seasoned international journalists who have traveled the entire world to observe its issues, we are all ultimately human beings who face difficulties everyday. And when faced with them, we tend to instantly assume that there is no solution and that the situation will never improve. We give up before we even try. This could be such major situations like war, famine, pollution, or even more minute situations like disagreements, work, and personal stresses. But Ortigas reminds us that these difficulties are not our fate but rather challenges to tackle, a moment to overcome. It was even that pessimistic coworker that was the one to help Ortigas through the struggles she faced when she began to first work in the country, guiding her through how to survive in such an unfamiliar environment. He was learning Spanish and trying to reach for a life outside of Beijing. As Ortigas perfectly describes it: “He may not have realized it, but he too was wishing on unseen stars.” And one faithful day as Ortigas was getting picked up at the airport by that very coworker, he seemed to beam with an unusual exuberance:
“‘Guess what,’ he grinned. ‘I took a chance when I woke up and looked out my window’---he paused waiting for me to ask— ‘just like you said, I saw one.’
I thought I knew where this was heard but I didn’t want to presume.
‘A shooting star!’ he exclaimed assuredly. ‘I looked and saw a shooting star!’”
While many times we are oblivious to the fact that we’ve given up before even trying, accepting defeat before effort has even begun, sometimes we also don't realize that we continue to persevere. Perhaps if we take a moment to acknowledge that we can indeed endure hardship, and maybe that we are doing it in little ways already, the dark clouds of difficulty will not exactly go away but will be illuminated to show a path to success. Whether it be Mama Kong who gave opportunity to those that society had failed, a simple colleague who dreamed of a life bigger and better than what he had now, a now forever 27 year old man who wanted to see his country liberated from the violence of war, or a journalist who grew up in a country that still scarred by the dictatorship it endured, we all must remember: the light is there.
Final Thoughts
There Are No Falling Stars in China by Marga Ortigas is definitely one of the most interesting books I’ve read in recent memory. It is difficult to compare it to what I’ve read before since, well, I’ve never read anything like it before! But as someone who primarily reads fiction, I think this was a great reintroduction to the genre of nonfiction. It is the fact that all these stories are real and were actually experienced by fellow human beings not too long ago that I sometimes struggle to wrap my mind around, yet it makes me want to learn more about it. But I think the main success of the book comes from the universal life lessons that Ortigas was able to learn and share from these often uncommon experiences. These stories remind us that we as humans are all united by our emotions and the small details of our lives, no matter how different we may seem to each other. Through all the various experiences Ortigas writes about, both joyous or sad, uplifting or deadly, chaotic or peaceful, there is always a way to find hope and moments of happiness even when they seem extinct. Through simple yet incredible prose captured within the span of just 210 pages, Marga Ortigas’ recounted stories of global affairs serve as a poignant reminder that, yes indeed, there are falling stars in China.
Out of the 19 countries written about in this book, many certainly caught my attention and contained some thought provoking ideas about the world we live in today, but a particular few stood out especially; those being: Manila, Baghdad, and China.
The Philippines: Manila- Sometimes, the beholder’s eyes are closed
I think it is appropriate that Ortigas starts off with Manila, the capital of the Philippines. That is not only where she was born and raised but also where she developed a love for storytelling. The political situation of the time heavily shaped her world view, even though she hadn't realized it at the time. A prominent part of her childhood experience that she writes about is the Marcos Regime, which was a brutal dictatorship under deposed president, Ferdinand Marcos. Although Ortigas’ family didn’t directly face any of this brutality themselves, the marks of terror and chaos were always visible. As she recounts herself that “There were traffic jams caused by lifeless bodies dumped on roadsides or angry motorists brandishing guns to get right of way. And frankly, such a dichotomy—between so-called polite society and brutal reality—was more than slightly obscene.” Ortigas’ account of this era reminds me of my own family’s experiences. My maternal side resided in Quezon City, Manila at the same time Ortigas did, and while they, similarly, did not experience the wrath of the regime firsthand, living in the capital meant that feeling its effects was unavoidable.
Even if it was not violence or bloodshed, the economy was a wreck and that was more often the type of suffering most faced. It is that economic struggle that still affects the country most today. Whenever one visits the city today, they can drive by the most modern and luxurious highrises, then just seconds later pass by some slums just a few blocks down. While Manila has relatively healed from the tragedy of that era, the scars still remain mainly in the form of the aforementioned economic situation, the expansive wealth gap between the rich and poor, and the fact that the regime only was two or three generations ago, so the memory still remains fresh for many.
But it is from this chaos that Ortigas found her path to journalism. Originally as a path of “escape” that stemmed from a combination of the country’s chaos and her childhood self’s imaginative yet wandering mind, she never actually disdained the country, always having a spot in her heart for the place she grew up in. As she once said to a British coworker: “It may very well be the ugliest city in the world—but it’s home.” It is from that ugliness, the tragedy, the social unrest that Ortigas learned a lesson that would be a staple of her future career: the ability to look beyond what things seem to be to uncover the bigger picture and that even in chaos there is poetry.
The Middle East: Baghdad- Some people never age
While I shall be writing primarily about the section “Baghdad: Some people never age,” I would like to emphasize that Ortigas’ entry about the Middle East as a whole is absolutely fascinating, heartbreaking, yet beautiful in so many ways. For context: Ortigas was working for CNN just at the time of the United States’s invasion of Iraq in 2003, and she would spend the year traveling in and out of the country. Not only was she in-person covering an event that would continue to shape world politics for years to come, but the experience was incredibly impactful, and she described it as, “An extraordinary time that shaped not just the journalist I became, but the person I am.” The primary focus of this entry is Duraid, a 27 year old father of two, a CNN producer in Baghdad, and a close friend of Ortigas. They and another man named Odai would come to form a little trio that would help support each other as they did their jobs in the middle of war. Unfortunately, Duraid would be killed in an ambush while on a mission. It was the first time the company had such a loss, but it was especially hard on Ortigas, who had just returned to Baghdad seven days prior from the Philippines. But even after facing such a tragedy, the brutal death of her fellow coworker, the team still continued their work. Although everyone had another to lean on for support, dealing with grief would still be difficult, especially accounting for the fact that they were in the middle of an active warzone.
What made this particular entry so unique is that Ortigas included a snippet of her diary that she kept while on this trip. In it she questions why she is even still there, why she is still doing this, and begins to ponder what is the place of journalists in times of suffering, writing: “We [journalists] hide behind our cameras and our microphones. Like swords and shields. We are but witnessing what happens to other people.” While Ortigas was obviously writing that from a place of guilt and grief, it is an important question to think about, and it is one that she brings up every now and then throughout the book. The eye of an outsider looking in in order to take what they are perceiving to share to other eyes even further away, mostly for the sake of entertainment; yet you as human are inevitably going to feel something, form opinions, form attachments, and get caught up in the chaos yourself.
Even though the experience was difficult, it did teach Ortigas that you must go through something in order to get past it. While that path may be dark and painful, there is a new light waiting at the other end. And on a more morbid note: to be surrounded by so much death makes one appreciate life so much more. While grief and pain will inevitably always be there, that shouldn’t stop you from persevering past them. In light of the fragility of life, give it all you’ve got.
North Asia: China- There are no falling stars in China
Although difficult to express the full message in just a review of only 3 entries of the book, the most prominent message of There Are No Falling Stars in China is how hope is never gone, no matter how faint it may seem. While I have so far been quite general about the specific events of the past two sections, I feel as if the richness of the titular entry can only be expressed by recounting the specifics.
The section starts off by giving context to the state of China at the time and to the nature of Ortigas’ assignment. While having one of the largest populations in the world, the Chinese culture largely promotes homogeneity and to be different means to face difficulty. Ortigas began covering news from Hong Kong in 2012 because Al Jazeera’s China-based reporter “displeased” the government. Even then, whenever the team would be in the mainland, there would always be someone keeping an eye on them. The country also was dealing with severe pollution issues, especially in the air where one could not walk outside without a mask. This is where we get to the story of Mama Kong (real name Kong Zhenlan) from Shanxi, whom Ortigas describes as “A sixty-five-year-old, four-foot-nothing powerhouse whose face beamed brighter than the sun.” She would take in children who had been abandoned due to the infamous one-child policy.
But why were these children abandoned you may ask? Well, they all had disabilities, either physical or mental, brought on as birth defects due to the polluted groundwater of the city. Shanxi is one of China’s biggest coal producers and one of its most polluted cities, with later studies showing that the chemicals that contaminated the groundwater increased the risk of birth defects by 450%. While not being wealthy by any means, Mama Kong raised a total of 39 kids (4 of them being biologically hers) with everything she had. She even convinced the local government to give some of the kids legal documents so that they could go to school. As described by Ortigas herself, even through Shanxi’s grey air, “Mama Kong’s optimism broke through the fetters of despair,” existing as a beacon of hope for those whom the rest of society thought had none.
~~~~~
Due to the nature of Ortigas’ job as an international journalist, she has first-hand witnessed some of the most perilous yet unique events that could possibly happen in this world. Active warzones, natural disasters, the aftermath of those disasters, climate and geography of many types, people from all different walks of life, and experiences that you and I will most likely never have, with Ortigas writing it all down into this collection. But the story from which she derives the title is very unique, not because the situation was crazy or rare, but because it is so normal: a conversation on a plane. It was an evening flight from a town back to Beijing; Ortigas was looking out the window and noticed a singular flying star. She made a wish and then shared the news to a colleague who was sitting beside her reading a newspaper. When she told him about her sighting, he instantly brushed her off saying, “There are no falling stars in China.”
While that interaction with her colleague may seem so obviously pessimistic, with the reader perhaps thinking that they are beyond whatever misery that man was feeling at the moment, it is important to realize that his reaction is far more common than it may seem. While none of us may be seasoned international journalists who have traveled the entire world to observe its issues, we are all ultimately human beings who face difficulties everyday. And when faced with them, we tend to instantly assume that there is no solution and that the situation will never improve. We give up before we even try. This could be such major situations like war, famine, pollution, or even more minute situations like disagreements, work, and personal stresses. But Ortigas reminds us that these difficulties are not our fate but rather challenges to tackle, a moment to overcome. It was even that pessimistic coworker that was the one to help Ortigas through the struggles she faced when she began to first work in the country, guiding her through how to survive in such an unfamiliar environment. He was learning Spanish and trying to reach for a life outside of Beijing. As Ortigas perfectly describes it: “He may not have realized it, but he too was wishing on unseen stars.” And one faithful day as Ortigas was getting picked up at the airport by that very coworker, he seemed to beam with an unusual exuberance:
“‘Guess what,’ he grinned. ‘I took a chance when I woke up and looked out my window’---he paused waiting for me to ask— ‘just like you said, I saw one.’
I thought I knew where this was heard but I didn’t want to presume.
‘A shooting star!’ he exclaimed assuredly. ‘I looked and saw a shooting star!’”
While many times we are oblivious to the fact that we’ve given up before even trying, accepting defeat before effort has even begun, sometimes we also don't realize that we continue to persevere. Perhaps if we take a moment to acknowledge that we can indeed endure hardship, and maybe that we are doing it in little ways already, the dark clouds of difficulty will not exactly go away but will be illuminated to show a path to success. Whether it be Mama Kong who gave opportunity to those that society had failed, a simple colleague who dreamed of a life bigger and better than what he had now, a now forever 27 year old man who wanted to see his country liberated from the violence of war, or a journalist who grew up in a country that still scarred by the dictatorship it endured, we all must remember: the light is there.
Final Thoughts
There Are No Falling Stars in China by Marga Ortigas is definitely one of the most interesting books I’ve read in recent memory. It is difficult to compare it to what I’ve read before since, well, I’ve never read anything like it before! But as someone who primarily reads fiction, I think this was a great reintroduction to the genre of nonfiction. It is the fact that all these stories are real and were actually experienced by fellow human beings not too long ago that I sometimes struggle to wrap my mind around, yet it makes me want to learn more about it. But I think the main success of the book comes from the universal life lessons that Ortigas was able to learn and share from these often uncommon experiences. These stories remind us that we as humans are all united by our emotions and the small details of our lives, no matter how different we may seem to each other. Through all the various experiences Ortigas writes about, both joyous or sad, uplifting or deadly, chaotic or peaceful, there is always a way to find hope and moments of happiness even when they seem extinct. Through simple yet incredible prose captured within the span of just 210 pages, Marga Ortigas’ recounted stories of global affairs serve as a poignant reminder that, yes indeed, there are falling stars in China.
Photo credits: Penguin Random House SEA
Middle School Boys Volleyball 2025
by Mayumi Haruna
Since the Christmas break, the middle school boys volleyball team have been working extra hard to make it to the top of a competitive league! Their coaches have been focusing on helping the boys develop their skills on the court. We can see how hard they have been training when we watch their games. Their spikes and bumps show their hard work and efforts. Team Captain Tony Son is especially skilled in spiking. Players for B team and C team are also very powerful with their ability to serve the ball across the gym and over the net. Players from all teams are really quick at saving the ball using their fast reflexes. Eighth grader Henry Taitano is great as a setter. Our team has also welcomed eighth grader Jayden Poulsen to play for us as a blocker. While he does not attend St. John’s, he has become an integral part of the team. The players do a really nice job of overcoming obstacles and working together as a team. Each player is able to have his own unique abilities as a setter, libero, outside hitter, and blocker.
Coach Interviews:
Coaches Yao, Flores, and John have a positive attitude about how they want the team to be. Arvin Flores, who is the Middle School VB head coach, says, “The goal for this season is for each athlete to improve individually, which will ultimately help them improve as a team.” Coaches Arvin Flores and Andy Yao’s advice to future and current players is to “Listen to the advice of the coach, be supportive, have a good attitude, have fun, and enjoy the moment.” Coach Yao says, “Good vibes lead to good practices that lead to good games.” Staying positive about games and having fun improving in practice will lead to those good vibes. The excitement about the games and enjoying playing them helps them win their games and still enjoy them even if they lose. An important thing Coach Flores wants all players to hear is that “Sometimes the results won't always go our way, but we have to know we gave it our 100% every single time. Our ability to respond in a positive manner is more important than the actual end result.” Coach Flores has also mentioned that putting in 100% effort is key to becoming better players. The boys prove this correct by practicing their hardest before games and during practice. They also try their hardest when playing on the court by using their power to spike balls and to serve.
Coach Yao had said that the goals for this season are to “develop a sense of camaraderie and accomplishments among the players” and using the “basic skills and knowledge to participate in volleyball.” He also says another goal is “Efficiently using those skills so that as a team they are able to create opportunities and play to score points.” Coaches Yao and Flores highly recommend joining outside leagues or summer camps for volleyball to work on developing players’ skills. Coach Yao’s core values as a coach are fairness, respect, resilience, and discipline. Coach Flores says that he wants to help the middle school boys develop into the strongest and smartest players that they can be. Coach Flores’ core values is to “Make sure every athlete is pushed to their potential.” He says it’s very important that every kid learns from their past mistakes and how to fix them. He also says, “We have to learn to trust the process and also trust our teammates.” Players have said Coach John has done a great job teaching them how to react when the ball comes over to them and to help prepare for games. All the coaches have done an amazing job at helping the middle school players get better at volleyball and develop their skills and mindsets.
Player Interviews:
Players from the A, B, and C teams are really happy and excited about this season of middle school volleyball. Team captain for A team, Tony Son, says in an interview, “The reason why I chose to join volleyball is because I was finding a sport that I truly like, and I fell in love with the game after I was playing with my friends.” A new sixth grade player, Shoji Haruna, said that he couldn’t wait to play volleyball for middle school. He said that he enjoys getting to play volleyball with his friends and playing competitively with others, which is why he decided to join this season.
Shoji happily said that, “I am looking forward to playing the last game of volleyball” because it will be his first final game playing with his teammates. Tony is especially looking forward to playing against Santa Barbara. He says, “They are a pretty good team. They have good chemistry, many good players, and they are chasing for the win just like us.” Tony is positive about that game against Santa Barbara, and he says that this “Is a team that we have to beat and win.”
Shoji says that his goal is to become more skilled at volleyball and win many games. Returning player Tony also says, “My goal for this season is to win the championship.” When asked about what allowed these middle school boys to get so good at volleyball, Tony had said that, “I improved a lot compared to last season because I trained hard day and night.” He says he trains to improve by doing “Workouts and many other possible ways to help myself improve.” Shoji Haruna says, “Practicing serving helped me a lot during games” and that it’s important to “Always listen to the coaches.” By listening to his coaches, Shoji is able to fix his mistakes and learn from them. Tony wants other players to know that “I really recommend paying attention and being humble every time.” Without the help of all three coaches, Shoji says, “I would not be good at reacting when the ball comes over and knowing if it's out or in.” Tony mentions that “Practice made us become better. Practicing helped a lot not only for me, but for the rest of the team.”
The middle school boys have done a really great job at volleyball as a team. They have worked very hard to try to make it to the top and become powerful players. A team managed to have an amazing amount of 10 wins this season. The B team also made 4 wins this season too! This year of middle school volleyball is yet another spectacular season of sports! Go Knights!
Coach Interviews:
Coaches Yao, Flores, and John have a positive attitude about how they want the team to be. Arvin Flores, who is the Middle School VB head coach, says, “The goal for this season is for each athlete to improve individually, which will ultimately help them improve as a team.” Coaches Arvin Flores and Andy Yao’s advice to future and current players is to “Listen to the advice of the coach, be supportive, have a good attitude, have fun, and enjoy the moment.” Coach Yao says, “Good vibes lead to good practices that lead to good games.” Staying positive about games and having fun improving in practice will lead to those good vibes. The excitement about the games and enjoying playing them helps them win their games and still enjoy them even if they lose. An important thing Coach Flores wants all players to hear is that “Sometimes the results won't always go our way, but we have to know we gave it our 100% every single time. Our ability to respond in a positive manner is more important than the actual end result.” Coach Flores has also mentioned that putting in 100% effort is key to becoming better players. The boys prove this correct by practicing their hardest before games and during practice. They also try their hardest when playing on the court by using their power to spike balls and to serve.
Coach Yao had said that the goals for this season are to “develop a sense of camaraderie and accomplishments among the players” and using the “basic skills and knowledge to participate in volleyball.” He also says another goal is “Efficiently using those skills so that as a team they are able to create opportunities and play to score points.” Coaches Yao and Flores highly recommend joining outside leagues or summer camps for volleyball to work on developing players’ skills. Coach Yao’s core values as a coach are fairness, respect, resilience, and discipline. Coach Flores says that he wants to help the middle school boys develop into the strongest and smartest players that they can be. Coach Flores’ core values is to “Make sure every athlete is pushed to their potential.” He says it’s very important that every kid learns from their past mistakes and how to fix them. He also says, “We have to learn to trust the process and also trust our teammates.” Players have said Coach John has done a great job teaching them how to react when the ball comes over to them and to help prepare for games. All the coaches have done an amazing job at helping the middle school players get better at volleyball and develop their skills and mindsets.
Player Interviews:
Players from the A, B, and C teams are really happy and excited about this season of middle school volleyball. Team captain for A team, Tony Son, says in an interview, “The reason why I chose to join volleyball is because I was finding a sport that I truly like, and I fell in love with the game after I was playing with my friends.” A new sixth grade player, Shoji Haruna, said that he couldn’t wait to play volleyball for middle school. He said that he enjoys getting to play volleyball with his friends and playing competitively with others, which is why he decided to join this season.
Shoji happily said that, “I am looking forward to playing the last game of volleyball” because it will be his first final game playing with his teammates. Tony is especially looking forward to playing against Santa Barbara. He says, “They are a pretty good team. They have good chemistry, many good players, and they are chasing for the win just like us.” Tony is positive about that game against Santa Barbara, and he says that this “Is a team that we have to beat and win.”
Shoji says that his goal is to become more skilled at volleyball and win many games. Returning player Tony also says, “My goal for this season is to win the championship.” When asked about what allowed these middle school boys to get so good at volleyball, Tony had said that, “I improved a lot compared to last season because I trained hard day and night.” He says he trains to improve by doing “Workouts and many other possible ways to help myself improve.” Shoji Haruna says, “Practicing serving helped me a lot during games” and that it’s important to “Always listen to the coaches.” By listening to his coaches, Shoji is able to fix his mistakes and learn from them. Tony wants other players to know that “I really recommend paying attention and being humble every time.” Without the help of all three coaches, Shoji says, “I would not be good at reacting when the ball comes over and knowing if it's out or in.” Tony mentions that “Practice made us become better. Practicing helped a lot not only for me, but for the rest of the team.”
The middle school boys have done a really great job at volleyball as a team. They have worked very hard to try to make it to the top and become powerful players. A team managed to have an amazing amount of 10 wins this season. The B team also made 4 wins this season too! This year of middle school volleyball is yet another spectacular season of sports! Go Knights!
IB Music Night Finale 2025: A Spectacular Showcase of Talent and Dedication
by Kevin Choi
The 2025 IB Music Night was an unforgettable evening of musical artistry, featuring the outstanding talents of this year’s IB Music Higher Level students: Gaius Dulay, Issac Campus, Taisei Tagami, Raylene DeBenedictis, Noey Lee, and Kevin Choi. Each student took center stage to present their compositions, arrangements, and performances, demonstrating months of practice, dedication, and passion for music.
The event began with an introduction of the IB Music Higher Level students, highlighting their primary instruments and contributions to the night. Gaius showcased his original composition, "Grand Serenade Mvt. II", while Issac arranged "Stormy Monday" by T-Bone Walker. Taisei brought his unique touch to "Stay With Me"
by Tetsuji Hayashi, and Raylene arranged "Czardas" by Vittorio Monti alongside "Mystery Song" by Mike Stock, Matt Aiken, and Pete Waterman. Noey’s original composition, "Jazz in the Jungle", mesmerized the audience, and Kevin’s arrangement of "To You" by Shin Hae-Chul provided an emotional highlight of the evening.
Beyond individual performances, IB Music Night was a testament to collaboration, with a team of talented musicians from the school community playing vital roles in making each performance possible. Gaius, Issac, Taisei, Raylene, Noey, and Kevin were supported by a diverse group of instrumentalists, adding depth and richness to their arrangements. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Babia, the IB Music teacher, who played a crucial role in refining each of the performances. Each piece performed carried a deep personal significance for the students. Whether it was a reflection of their musical journey, a tribute to an inspiring artist, or an exploration of unique musical techniques, each selection offered insight into the students' artistic taste and perspectives. Various styles, from jazz and blues to classical and contemporary, were explored, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the performers. Elements such as improvisation, dynamic contrasts, and genre-blending were central themes throughout the night. One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the handbell performance, “A Prayer to Saint Francis,” conducted by Raylene DeBenedictis. She arranged this piece as a tribute to Mrs. Skanse, who retired last year. A talented group of students, including Justin Li, Roy Jin, Elizabeth Higley, and Sydney Packbier, delivered this mesmerizing piece that captivated the audience. Raylene also indicated that this song was a “childhood song” for her, adding a sense of motivation on this piece.
The night concluded with interviews from both students and teachers, reaffirming the event’s success. Joshua described the experience as truly inspiring, noting the hard work and dedication of the IB Music students. Taisei enthusiastically called the night a “wonderful experience” while arranging, practicing, and performing his piece. Ms. Lee, a high school math teacher, praised the event, declaring it the best IB Music Night in years. Mr. Babia believed the night would be remembered as a great achievement because it showcased the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and collaboration among the IB Music students. With its combination of breathtaking performances, artistic expression, and community support, IB Music Night 2025 proved to be a night to remember. The passion and dedication of the students ensured that this event was not just a performance but a celebration of music itself.
The event began with an introduction of the IB Music Higher Level students, highlighting their primary instruments and contributions to the night. Gaius showcased his original composition, "Grand Serenade Mvt. II", while Issac arranged "Stormy Monday" by T-Bone Walker. Taisei brought his unique touch to "Stay With Me"
by Tetsuji Hayashi, and Raylene arranged "Czardas" by Vittorio Monti alongside "Mystery Song" by Mike Stock, Matt Aiken, and Pete Waterman. Noey’s original composition, "Jazz in the Jungle", mesmerized the audience, and Kevin’s arrangement of "To You" by Shin Hae-Chul provided an emotional highlight of the evening.
Beyond individual performances, IB Music Night was a testament to collaboration, with a team of talented musicians from the school community playing vital roles in making each performance possible. Gaius, Issac, Taisei, Raylene, Noey, and Kevin were supported by a diverse group of instrumentalists, adding depth and richness to their arrangements. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Babia, the IB Music teacher, who played a crucial role in refining each of the performances. Each piece performed carried a deep personal significance for the students. Whether it was a reflection of their musical journey, a tribute to an inspiring artist, or an exploration of unique musical techniques, each selection offered insight into the students' artistic taste and perspectives. Various styles, from jazz and blues to classical and contemporary, were explored, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the performers. Elements such as improvisation, dynamic contrasts, and genre-blending were central themes throughout the night. One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the handbell performance, “A Prayer to Saint Francis,” conducted by Raylene DeBenedictis. She arranged this piece as a tribute to Mrs. Skanse, who retired last year. A talented group of students, including Justin Li, Roy Jin, Elizabeth Higley, and Sydney Packbier, delivered this mesmerizing piece that captivated the audience. Raylene also indicated that this song was a “childhood song” for her, adding a sense of motivation on this piece.
The night concluded with interviews from both students and teachers, reaffirming the event’s success. Joshua described the experience as truly inspiring, noting the hard work and dedication of the IB Music students. Taisei enthusiastically called the night a “wonderful experience” while arranging, practicing, and performing his piece. Ms. Lee, a high school math teacher, praised the event, declaring it the best IB Music Night in years. Mr. Babia believed the night would be remembered as a great achievement because it showcased the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and collaboration among the IB Music students. With its combination of breathtaking performances, artistic expression, and community support, IB Music Night 2025 proved to be a night to remember. The passion and dedication of the students ensured that this event was not just a performance but a celebration of music itself.
Photo taken by Mr. Suplido.
Rina Olsen Author Talk
by Apple Lu
On January 31, the St. John’s library had the honor of hosting an author talk with senior, Rina Olsen, providing aspiring writers and creatives the chance to engage with her and purchase a signed copy of her latest publication, The Water Stricken. Rina is nothing short of extraordinary. As a 2024 YoungArts alum and a top 15 winner of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, her talents have garnered attention from organizations like the John Locke Institute, the Sejong Cultural Society, and Guam History Day. She has also made her mark by being long listed twice for the 2024 Wigleaf Top 50 fiction and serving as an editor for the teen literary magazines Polyphony Lit and Blue Flame Review. She has accomplished all of this before she has even graduated from high school.
Her latest book discusses feminism and highlights the women of the Joseon Dynasty during the 1866 French expedition to Korea. Rina was motivated to write due to the untold stories of history and began her writing journey when she was exploring her Korean and Japanese identity. She wondered, “Does my passport determine who I am?”
In her writing process, she starts with at least two drafts on paper before typing and editing on her laptop. She is currently working on her third book, which focuses on the 1875 Japanese expedition to Korea, dreams, face reading, and Taoism's influence on Korean culture.
During the interview, Rina shared when she realized she wanted to be an author, stating it was tied to embracing her ethnic Korean identity. She discussed the challenges of writing, including dealing with writer’s block and the importance of persistence. Rina advised aspiring authors to thoroughly research the publishing process and to write if they have something to express. Her research often begins online as she looks for articles on issues overlooked in the West.
The author talk at St. John's School library offered valuable insights into writing and storytelling, highlighting the importance of literature events in motivating young readers to pursue their creative interests.
Her latest book discusses feminism and highlights the women of the Joseon Dynasty during the 1866 French expedition to Korea. Rina was motivated to write due to the untold stories of history and began her writing journey when she was exploring her Korean and Japanese identity. She wondered, “Does my passport determine who I am?”
In her writing process, she starts with at least two drafts on paper before typing and editing on her laptop. She is currently working on her third book, which focuses on the 1875 Japanese expedition to Korea, dreams, face reading, and Taoism's influence on Korean culture.
During the interview, Rina shared when she realized she wanted to be an author, stating it was tied to embracing her ethnic Korean identity. She discussed the challenges of writing, including dealing with writer’s block and the importance of persistence. Rina advised aspiring authors to thoroughly research the publishing process and to write if they have something to express. Her research often begins online as she looks for articles on issues overlooked in the West.
The author talk at St. John's School library offered valuable insights into writing and storytelling, highlighting the importance of literature events in motivating young readers to pursue their creative interests.
How Does Beach Volleyball at St. John's Foster Teamwork, Communication, and Unity?
by Seah Lee
The St. John’s Knights are often recognized for their excellence in academic performance, yet they are also celebrated for their persistence, grit, and accomplishments in many athletic settings. Beach volleyball, in addition to being great at keeping the players in shape and generally being enjoyable to participate in, also allows for a different sense of unity, teamwork, and communication outside of our tight knit group of Knights. Beach volleyball is a third quarter sport for both boys and girls and is led by Coach Shepherd. There are 40 players, and almost 15 are new or from different schools. St. John’s welcomes students who want to play beach volleyball but their schools do not offer it as a sport. There is no doubt the Knights are able to come together and get things done, but unity, communication, and teamwork are all put to the test as we merge those from different schools and communities together.
Though beach volleyball mostly follows similar rules to indoor volleyball, the key differences include the number of players on the court and levels of responsibility each player carries during the game. For example, only two players are allowed on each team to play in beach volleyball while six players work together to fill the court in indoor volleyball. Additionally, athletes in the indoor volleyball team are all St. John's students while in beach volleyball non school affiliates are welcome to join. Kira Johansen, a freshman, states, “Beach volleyball gives you more responsibility and pressure to perform well because if one partner messes up, the other has to be ready to get it back in play.” Even though this seemed like a lot of pressure at first, she says it helped her get used to communicating more, and she learned to effectively share ideas in different ways when, especially in games, tensions are high and everyone rushes to get points. With the wind against you, the partners have to watch out and make smart decisions for each other. Coach Shepherd also states that having fun and learning the tools to get better at volleyball is the main objective, meaning it is not all about winning. Winning would be a great addition, yet it is not the main reason as to why athletes should want to play. More ambitious goals of winning more and more games all stem from the basic groundwork of trusting your partner and team and acting as a unified power on the sand.
Beach volleyball takes place at Dungca’s Beach in front of Jimmy Dee’s Paradise Beach. Many schools such as Father Duenas, Academy of Our Lady Guam, and Harvest Christian Academy are seen practicing there alongside our athletes. This creates a unique sense of camaraderie that no other sport can offer. For example, the daunting but also thrilling feeling of almost losing the ball to the ocean’s waves gives the Knights some time to share a hearty laugh as they watch each other sprint after it, hoping to get to the ball before the water does. The end of every practice brings competitive fun, where everyone tries to stay on the winning side when playing Queen of the Court. Silly mistakes and friendly talk on the court all make for a different practice every day, and boring is not an option. However, this doesn’t mean that the sport should not be taken seriously; it means that even though fun is a key aspect of the sport like any other, hard work and determination also has to follow it. During one practice, the Knights took the time to celebrate a wedding. It was random and spontaneous; everyone thought it would be the regular practice, yet a woman in white, a flower girl holding baskets, and a groom wearing a freshly ironed suit walked out. We laughed and sang along to the heartfelt songs, discussed the pretty decorations, and booed the rain.
Beach volleyball seems to also be popular for those desiring to join a new sport or those wanting to advance on their level of play in indoor volleyball. Most players are returning athletes, yet a few freshmen and new members from different schools make up most of the “new members pool.” Many members from outside of school have joined the team; currently there are almost ten . A few had concerns if these outside members would assimilate with the team, yet many have seemed to already become a part of our school. Coach Shepherd says that not much is different about coaching athletes that are not originally a student at St. Johns. Aside from the fact that the members don’t talk to each other every day of the week at school, he feels that the welcoming atmosphere has helped to settle those that were new. He also states that just because dialogue was not shared every day, doesn’t mean that there were less instances of teamwork, and the team has already shown great levels of teamwork and bonding. The Knights also think that this is beneficial as it teaches experimentation with different communication styles and seeing the unfamiliar faces and hearing new terminology can all be effective in improving empathy and paving the road for a long term relationship. The drills used to warm up every practice are also only made available for partners or groups to do, which shows that even through normal practicing sessions, teamwork is valued and promoted.
The first games began on January 31, 2025; there were many wins, personal records, and even losses, yet all players had fun, put in a lot of effort from the past practices, and showed up with a smile on their faces. From the start, we were able to see determination as practices started even before the season, showing the amount of dedication and commitment both players and coaches have toward the sport. At the end, many accomplished their personal goals of heightening their level of play and some personal best records of a big win or overall great plays were celebrated.
Overall, beach volleyball can be fun, serve as a great form of exercise, and allows us all to come together and bond. If you want to improve your teamwork, communication, and volleyball skills, speak with Coach Shepherd or a member of the team to learn more about how you can join next year!
Though beach volleyball mostly follows similar rules to indoor volleyball, the key differences include the number of players on the court and levels of responsibility each player carries during the game. For example, only two players are allowed on each team to play in beach volleyball while six players work together to fill the court in indoor volleyball. Additionally, athletes in the indoor volleyball team are all St. John's students while in beach volleyball non school affiliates are welcome to join. Kira Johansen, a freshman, states, “Beach volleyball gives you more responsibility and pressure to perform well because if one partner messes up, the other has to be ready to get it back in play.” Even though this seemed like a lot of pressure at first, she says it helped her get used to communicating more, and she learned to effectively share ideas in different ways when, especially in games, tensions are high and everyone rushes to get points. With the wind against you, the partners have to watch out and make smart decisions for each other. Coach Shepherd also states that having fun and learning the tools to get better at volleyball is the main objective, meaning it is not all about winning. Winning would be a great addition, yet it is not the main reason as to why athletes should want to play. More ambitious goals of winning more and more games all stem from the basic groundwork of trusting your partner and team and acting as a unified power on the sand.
Beach volleyball takes place at Dungca’s Beach in front of Jimmy Dee’s Paradise Beach. Many schools such as Father Duenas, Academy of Our Lady Guam, and Harvest Christian Academy are seen practicing there alongside our athletes. This creates a unique sense of camaraderie that no other sport can offer. For example, the daunting but also thrilling feeling of almost losing the ball to the ocean’s waves gives the Knights some time to share a hearty laugh as they watch each other sprint after it, hoping to get to the ball before the water does. The end of every practice brings competitive fun, where everyone tries to stay on the winning side when playing Queen of the Court. Silly mistakes and friendly talk on the court all make for a different practice every day, and boring is not an option. However, this doesn’t mean that the sport should not be taken seriously; it means that even though fun is a key aspect of the sport like any other, hard work and determination also has to follow it. During one practice, the Knights took the time to celebrate a wedding. It was random and spontaneous; everyone thought it would be the regular practice, yet a woman in white, a flower girl holding baskets, and a groom wearing a freshly ironed suit walked out. We laughed and sang along to the heartfelt songs, discussed the pretty decorations, and booed the rain.
Beach volleyball seems to also be popular for those desiring to join a new sport or those wanting to advance on their level of play in indoor volleyball. Most players are returning athletes, yet a few freshmen and new members from different schools make up most of the “new members pool.” Many members from outside of school have joined the team; currently there are almost ten . A few had concerns if these outside members would assimilate with the team, yet many have seemed to already become a part of our school. Coach Shepherd says that not much is different about coaching athletes that are not originally a student at St. Johns. Aside from the fact that the members don’t talk to each other every day of the week at school, he feels that the welcoming atmosphere has helped to settle those that were new. He also states that just because dialogue was not shared every day, doesn’t mean that there were less instances of teamwork, and the team has already shown great levels of teamwork and bonding. The Knights also think that this is beneficial as it teaches experimentation with different communication styles and seeing the unfamiliar faces and hearing new terminology can all be effective in improving empathy and paving the road for a long term relationship. The drills used to warm up every practice are also only made available for partners or groups to do, which shows that even through normal practicing sessions, teamwork is valued and promoted.
The first games began on January 31, 2025; there were many wins, personal records, and even losses, yet all players had fun, put in a lot of effort from the past practices, and showed up with a smile on their faces. From the start, we were able to see determination as practices started even before the season, showing the amount of dedication and commitment both players and coaches have toward the sport. At the end, many accomplished their personal goals of heightening their level of play and some personal best records of a big win or overall great plays were celebrated.
Overall, beach volleyball can be fun, serve as a great form of exercise, and allows us all to come together and bond. If you want to improve your teamwork, communication, and volleyball skills, speak with Coach Shepherd or a member of the team to learn more about how you can join next year!
Lion Dance
by Jeff Zheng
The entire school gathered as the pounding of drums and gong created rhythmic vibrations throughout the gym on the morning of January 31st . The lion dance is an annual SJS tradition that is offered to us by the Chinese School of Guam. It typically takes place a few days after Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year celebrates the ending of winter and invitation of spring. Chinese New Year can start from as early as January 21st to February 20th and spans over two weeks of celebration. The team consists of the captain, Philip Palomo, followed by Allan Zeng, Alwyn Lin, Chucky Wu, Shane Wu, and Lee Au. In addition, the instrumental captain is Joyee Lin, followed by Ashlyn Liu and Kaylee Ng. These dedicated students have practiced from September all the way to the day of the performance in order to show our school and many others the art of the lion dance. To the dancers, lion dance means preserving their Chinese heritage and having the opportunity to celebrate it with others, regardless of their heritage.
The lion dance itself is by no means an easy task. It requires lots of endurance and strength to be able to pull off such quick and precise movements. The lion costume itself is very heavy, so having to jump, lift, and run while carrying a weight is “like its own sport.” Synchronizing with each other took time, as not everyone on the team had time every week to show up to the practices. The tail dancer needs to precisely flap the body in accordance with the head performer. On top of that, their movements need to match up with the rhythm of the music. The lion needs to move uniformly instead of following the head. Some of the dancers felt excess pressure to perform well in front of people they know, especially at the beginning stage, but they were able to get into the flow as they continued.
This year’s lion dance introduces a new character: the big-headed Buddha or Dai Tou Fo. This character guides the lion throughout the performance. He symbolizes the joy, wisdom, and prosperity to come in the New Year. This character is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The purpose of the lion dance is to bring “good luck to one's family and ward off any evil spirits.”
As the performance began, instruments rumbled as the lion awakened in the middle. It moved along with the echoes of the gong. The vibrant red lion stood out with golden highlights. It took its deliberate steps around the gym and bobbed its head while the body was flowing through the air. Once the lion was ready, it made its way over to the smell of money. The lion happily took the offering of the red envelope. Once done collecting and consuming all of the red envelopes, the clashes and booms from the gong heightened in intensity as it made its way over to the final envelope--a trap to get it to eat the cabbage. After struggling, the lion was tricked, and a sudden stop in drumming left a loud silence in the gym.
Although the lion dance was quite a physically demanding challenge requiring dedication, coordination, and courage, the performers were able to overcome these hurdles through positivity and their shared passions for the lion dance. They were able to provide an entertaining performance for the entire school and leave a lasting impression on the young students that had never seen the lion dance before. As the dragon passed, an expression of awe lit up on the lower school students. This is what gives the performers joy—seeing others experience the same wonder and excitement they feel when performing and being able to share Chinese culture with others.
The lion dance itself is by no means an easy task. It requires lots of endurance and strength to be able to pull off such quick and precise movements. The lion costume itself is very heavy, so having to jump, lift, and run while carrying a weight is “like its own sport.” Synchronizing with each other took time, as not everyone on the team had time every week to show up to the practices. The tail dancer needs to precisely flap the body in accordance with the head performer. On top of that, their movements need to match up with the rhythm of the music. The lion needs to move uniformly instead of following the head. Some of the dancers felt excess pressure to perform well in front of people they know, especially at the beginning stage, but they were able to get into the flow as they continued.
This year’s lion dance introduces a new character: the big-headed Buddha or Dai Tou Fo. This character guides the lion throughout the performance. He symbolizes the joy, wisdom, and prosperity to come in the New Year. This character is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The purpose of the lion dance is to bring “good luck to one's family and ward off any evil spirits.”
As the performance began, instruments rumbled as the lion awakened in the middle. It moved along with the echoes of the gong. The vibrant red lion stood out with golden highlights. It took its deliberate steps around the gym and bobbed its head while the body was flowing through the air. Once the lion was ready, it made its way over to the smell of money. The lion happily took the offering of the red envelope. Once done collecting and consuming all of the red envelopes, the clashes and booms from the gong heightened in intensity as it made its way over to the final envelope--a trap to get it to eat the cabbage. After struggling, the lion was tricked, and a sudden stop in drumming left a loud silence in the gym.
Although the lion dance was quite a physically demanding challenge requiring dedication, coordination, and courage, the performers were able to overcome these hurdles through positivity and their shared passions for the lion dance. They were able to provide an entertaining performance for the entire school and leave a lasting impression on the young students that had never seen the lion dance before. As the dragon passed, an expression of awe lit up on the lower school students. This is what gives the performers joy—seeing others experience the same wonder and excitement they feel when performing and being able to share Chinese culture with others.
Photos Provided by Alwyn Lin
Photo Provided by Samuel Guo
Visit the Library
by Jaein Kim
A library is defined as “a place set apart to contain materials such as books for various purposes.” Libraries are such an important part of a community because they are able to provide comfort, information, and much more. It’s a place where you can visit basically whenever, contribute in many ways, meet the librarians - and don’t forget about all the events!
When you go by the St. John's library, you can often find students there. The library is open for everybody during school and after school. From 6-8PM any day before a school day, the library offers "Night Library." You can utilize Night Library to read, work, or just chill quietly. “I’m hoping that at the library, not only will the students find something they want to read, but they will also be able to find themselves,” Mrs. Petra says.
Our librarians, Ms. Fernandez and Mrs. Petra, are dedicated to keeping the library as an enjoyable place for everyone. Both of them relish sharing the delight of reading, as Ms. Fernandez’s favorite part of being a librarian is checking out books to students, and Mrs. Petra’s is helping (little) kids discover how sublime it is.
If you don’t feel like borrowing a book, you can always still contribute by donating your own book! Once donated, there will be a sticker inside it noting that you were the donator. Now, let’s say you were unable to find a book you wanted to read. You can search it up on the computer provided or even ask one of our very wonderful librarians to help you!
However, we also have to learn to be respectful in the library. Firstly, the most obvious rule - be silent! This is especially important during Night Library, where it specifically says in the Knightly News that it is not a place for socializing. Second, when you borrow a book, make sure to return it on time, within two weeks, so that other people can read it as well. Lastly, if you take a look at a book, please put it back in the right place. “The hardest part of being a librarian,” Ms. Fernandez revealed, “is when students come and look at books, then don’t put them in the right place, so I have to find the misplaced book.” Let’s try not to further trouble her!
The library hosts many events because Mrs. Petra wants the library to be a good place for everyone in the community. One of those events is Rina Olsen’s author talk that took place on January 31. Rina is a senior at St. John's with not one - but TWO published books, and she has been declared one of the top fifteen Foyle Young Poets of 2024! During the event Rina talked about her experience as a young author, the process of writing, and her background. There’s also an ongoing crochet event by Christian Hutapea that started on January 16 where he teaches students the joy of crocheting. The library hosts other events such as dances, karaoke, activities for the Japanese exchange students, etc.
Whether or not you are an avid reader, time-to-time reader, or someone who has only touched a book for school purposes, I recommend you give the library at least one visit. Books are such an amazing part of life; they are something that you can use to escape the real world and dive into a place where anything (that the author chooses) can happen. There are many ways to contribute to the library community-- even more than I’ve mentioned in this article. And as Mrs. Petra says, “Please, please come and borrow books.”
When you go by the St. John's library, you can often find students there. The library is open for everybody during school and after school. From 6-8PM any day before a school day, the library offers "Night Library." You can utilize Night Library to read, work, or just chill quietly. “I’m hoping that at the library, not only will the students find something they want to read, but they will also be able to find themselves,” Mrs. Petra says.
Our librarians, Ms. Fernandez and Mrs. Petra, are dedicated to keeping the library as an enjoyable place for everyone. Both of them relish sharing the delight of reading, as Ms. Fernandez’s favorite part of being a librarian is checking out books to students, and Mrs. Petra’s is helping (little) kids discover how sublime it is.
If you don’t feel like borrowing a book, you can always still contribute by donating your own book! Once donated, there will be a sticker inside it noting that you were the donator. Now, let’s say you were unable to find a book you wanted to read. You can search it up on the computer provided or even ask one of our very wonderful librarians to help you!
However, we also have to learn to be respectful in the library. Firstly, the most obvious rule - be silent! This is especially important during Night Library, where it specifically says in the Knightly News that it is not a place for socializing. Second, when you borrow a book, make sure to return it on time, within two weeks, so that other people can read it as well. Lastly, if you take a look at a book, please put it back in the right place. “The hardest part of being a librarian,” Ms. Fernandez revealed, “is when students come and look at books, then don’t put them in the right place, so I have to find the misplaced book.” Let’s try not to further trouble her!
The library hosts many events because Mrs. Petra wants the library to be a good place for everyone in the community. One of those events is Rina Olsen’s author talk that took place on January 31. Rina is a senior at St. John's with not one - but TWO published books, and she has been declared one of the top fifteen Foyle Young Poets of 2024! During the event Rina talked about her experience as a young author, the process of writing, and her background. There’s also an ongoing crochet event by Christian Hutapea that started on January 16 where he teaches students the joy of crocheting. The library hosts other events such as dances, karaoke, activities for the Japanese exchange students, etc.
Whether or not you are an avid reader, time-to-time reader, or someone who has only touched a book for school purposes, I recommend you give the library at least one visit. Books are such an amazing part of life; they are something that you can use to escape the real world and dive into a place where anything (that the author chooses) can happen. There are many ways to contribute to the library community-- even more than I’ve mentioned in this article. And as Mrs. Petra says, “Please, please come and borrow books.”
