“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

• Winnie The Pooh

Dear readers, 

As I sit here writing my final Editor’s letter I can’t help but feel overcome with a mix of emotions; bittersweet nostalgia, immense pride and gratitude. 

Since joining the newspaper at the end of Year 9, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented, enthusiastic, and endlessly entertaining students in our school. To my incredible team; thank you for being the best team I have ever worked with. I promise I’m not just saying that because you’ve had to put up with me! From late-night layout sessions to frantic last minute delays, we’ve shared moments I will treasure forever. Well… most of them… Print nights? Still trying to block those out. 

I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. To Mr Kirby and Ms Aimee; thank you for giving up your Thursday nights and offering so much guidance. To my fellow departing Year 13s, Petra, Nika, Rhea and Ksenia, you’ve all been pillars of dedication and creativity, consistently going above and beyond – I could not have done it without you. To Tanvi, my first Editor, whose brilliance I’ve tried (and probably failed) to emulate and to Alice, whose boundless imagination taught me so much – thank you. Finally, a special thanks to Ms. Brennan, my inspiration, who has always stood by me and showed me the importance of student voice. For those who might miss me, don’t worry, you’ll have someone far better to look forward to! Congratulations to Ms. Brennan on the arrival of her baby girl, Saoirse, who was most definitely named after me.

Now as I pass the torch to Mai and Tanu, I’m excited to see the direction The High will take next. They’re an incredible duo, and I have no doubt they’ll make sure our readers continue to be entertained, informed, and occasionally confused by our attempts at humor. I know this paper is in excellent hands. Issue 113 is the perfect split of our hard work… I just did the easy brainstorming bit and left them the edits and print night! Enjoy!

To our writers, artists and readers, my final words of wisdom are simple, never be afraid to speak your mind or shy away from controversy. The angry emails, the ISL leadership edits on that one crazy article (if you know, you know) and the occasional haters were all worth it because they taught me invaluable lessons on standing up for what I believe in. 

Thank you for all your support this year! It’s been an absolute joy creating these issues for you, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as we’ve enjoyed making them.

Lots of love,

Saoirse

P.S. Mai is taking over from here. Let’s see what exciting articles lie ahead!

…

*Taps mic*

Is this thing on?

Wow, it feels strange to be the captain of the ship now (Now burdened to write the letter every week, which only my parents will read it). Moments like this, of transition, are always bittersweet. Saying goodbye to members who shaped the High into what it is today is hard and tear-filled. The MPR feels much quieter now without the Year 13’s complaining about their workload and reassuring us Year 12’s at the same time, but at the same time, there is so much to look forward to. This issue is a special one, featuring old voices of the High discussing how ISL prepares you for the IB and the mystery of Jack the Ripper no longer being a mystery, as well as new voices from Year 9s and 10s sharing their thoughts on music in Space and the Hobbit production. During the brainstorming session, I got excited for the year to come, with the prospect of many new ideas and voices. Because that is what the High is about: opening the Student body to new perspectives, from those who haven’t had the opportunity to share their voices before.

Change is scary (Like IB exams). I can say I am scared, Afraid not to be able to fill Saoirse’s shoes, who brought so much innovation and happiness to the High, or live up to Alice’s legacy, who pushed us to be our most creative selves. However, change also opens more doors and opportunities, something that is important to remember, as the end of the year is always a time when our lives undergo significant changes. And I know that with Tanu supporting me by my side, we have the chance to shape the High into something even more incredible, and I’m looking forward to being able to make my mark on the ISL community.

Panicking but Hopeful,

Mai