RTSS School Magazine 2008

1 2 MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE AND RABINDRANATH TAGORE INSTITUTE Message It is with much pleasure that I am writing these lines for the first magazine of Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School. I salute this venture and hope that it is the forerunner of many more to come. The MGI and RTI Council started managing the Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School in January 2003. I am happy to say that within a short lapse of time the school has carved a name for itself in the educational landscape of the country. The Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School (RTSS) provides quality education while at the same time it ensures character building. It caters for the overall development of the child, be it mental, physical and spiritual. In this way, he learns to meet the challenges of a world which is in constant mutation within a serene mind. A school magazine is a platform which gives our students the opportunity to express themselves. It enables us to take a journey into the world so as to understand their dreams and aspirations. It also provides us an insight into the ethos of the school and its achievements. I wish to place on record my appreciations for the efforts put into this venture, by the members of staff and the students of the RTSS. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the parents who have entrusted their children to us and wish to assure them that we are going to do our best to meet the expectations they have of us. It also behalves me to thank everyone at the Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School who has then linked with this publication in one way or the other. While commending this effort, I wish you pleasant reading. Dr. (Mrs) V D Koonjul Officer-in-Charge MGI and RTI 3 MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE SCHOOLING SECTOR Message from the Officer in Charge The Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School is the only school of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute running at full capacity as from 2008. This year students of the RTSS will be sitting for the Higher School Certificate examinations for the first time ever. I wish them best of luck. I still remember the very good results achieved by students at the 2006 and 2007 School Certificate examinations i.e 100% pass. It goes to the credit of the Rector , Deputy Rector, staff and students for the good work achieved so far, and the production of the first ever magazine of the school. I hope that the quality of this magazine, will reflect the consistency of purpose depicted by the school so far, under the dynamic leadership of its Rector, Mr Mahend Gangaparsad. A school magazine provides an opportunity to students mostly, to voice their opinions about school life and to compare these with their own expectations. Educators and non-teaching staff must also be encouraged to participate in this exercise. I believe that students who did not wish to contribute to this first volume, will start writing their articles or at least start thinking about their contributions, for the next volume. I congratulate the editing team which must have worked very hard for the selection and editing of material received. I wish that RTSS keeps the production of a school magazine as a regular feature. Mr L. Mungur 4 FORMER DIRECTOR-GENERAL MESSAGE It is with great pleasure that I write this short message for the first magazine of the Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School. The pleasure is all the more as it provides me with yet another opportunity to congratulate the Rector, Deputy Rector, staff and students of the school for their keen sense of initiative. persistent efforts and determination to establish the RTSS as a successful school. Over the last six years a lot has been achieved but I have to admit that it was not an easy task given the limitations that the RTSS team had to tide over. My wish is that by the end of this year the infrastructural problems get solved and the students and staff are housed in more adequate and a better physical environment. The initiative launching of this first school magazine is a welcome one as it will provide the students with an added opportunity to express their creativity and emotions and I know that the editing team is already faced with a problem of choice and are in a very delicate predicament already. I avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Rector, Mr M. Gangaparsad, Mrs K Bhuckory, Deputy Rector and their dedicated team of staff and students for their excellent performance and wish them all the very best for the future. The RTSS is destined to lead many from darkness unto light and for long. Keep it up. J. L. R. Putty (DirectorGeneral) MGI & RT/ 5 RECTOR’S MESSAGE ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,  do more and become better, you are a leader.’ John Quincy Adams.          Penning  down  my  feelings  while  writing  this  message  can  never  be  fully  circumscribed  by  the  words  which follow. The first cohort of the RTSS pupils will leave the school at the end of 2008. I wanted this  school magazine to be dedicated to them in particular and to all the other pupils in general. The aim of  this magazine is to capture the various slices of activities, curricular and extra curricular, the tit bits of  joys and tears which we have lived passionately as the members of the RTSS family.     Today,  the  RTSS  is  a  reference  in  the  educational  sector  because  of  all  those  who  are  directly  and  indirectly related and involved with it. Ours is a daily struggle to provide the best to our ‘kids’ and this  relentless  quest  is  a  journey  and  not  a  destination  for  us.  The  vibrant  young  and  dedicated  staffs,  the  supportive  parents,  the  commitment  of  the  administrative  body  have  fused  to  usher  an  excellent  working  ethos  which  permeates  almost  all  the  activities  undertaken  by  the  RTSS.  This  magazine  is  a  mirror and reflects the many activities done by the school with compassion and devotion. The different  pages of this magazine depict the different hues and shades of school life at the RTSS.    I hope all the readers of this magazine will realize that enormous efforts were required in its making. The  members  of  the  editorial  teams  (staff  and  pupils)  shared  some  marvelous  time  together  and  mutually  enriched  each  other  during  the  exercise  of  writing,  collecting  and  editing  the  different  articles  which  constitute this magazine. I want to thank everyone, those who contributed articles, photographs, those  who sponsored the magazine and those who have appropriated a copy of the first RTSS magazine.     I want all my ‘kids’ to search for their own ideals and work hard towards reaching them because when  you follow your dream, doors open where you would not have thought there would be doors. Education,  above  all,  is  all  about  unlocking  and  unleashing  the  dormant  potential  found  deep  within  each  one  of  you. I am convinced that each one of my ‘kid’ is a precious asset not only for the school or family but for  the  whole  of  humanity.  May  truth,  humility,  compassion,  and  a  sense  of  justice  guide  you  on  every  journey you undertake in life.    The RTSS is indeed a place ‘where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; /where knowledge  is free;/where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls.’ (Gitanjali, R  Tagore).      Mahend Gungapersad  Rector, RTSS  6   MESSAGE DE L’ASSISTANCE RECTRICE Je salue cette toute première édition du magazine de notre collège. La préparation d’un magazine représente un travail énorme, que ce soit pour collecter les articles, les éditer, chercher des sponsors, s’organiser avec les photographes et les imprimeurs. Je tiens à saluer le travail remarquable abattu par l’équipe de rédaction, grâce à qui ce magazine est devenu une réalité. Je les en félicite et les remercie au nom de toute la grande famille de RTSS. Un magazine scolaire est un tremplin pour propulser les talents en herbe aux plaisirs de l’écriture et de la lecture. C’est une occasion pour les étudiants, aussi bien que les enseignants, d’exposer leur créativité et leur acquis intellectuel. La publication d’un magazine est aussi une façon de faire partager avec les parents, la famille et le public les différentes facettes de la vie quotidienne de notre collège et de sa contribution effective à la vie éducative et sociale de la communauté. Bonne lecture. Kavita Bhuckory Assistante Rectrice     7 Message of the President RTSSPTA As a president of the Parent-Teacher Association, it gives me great pleasure to address this message on the occasion of the publication of this magazine. I place on record my appreciation for this laudable initiative. All those who have participated in this venture deserve my congratulations, I am aware that it required a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As magazine, among other things, aim at highlighting the ethos of a college. It is also a means which enables students to express themselves on a variety of topics which concern them in a world which is in constant mutation. They have the opportunity to voice their feelings, express their views and suggest solutions. A school magazine is indeed a platform of creativity. It also encourages the team spirit which is very important for our development as no one can function in isolation. The RTSSPTA is much involved in what is happening at the college and is always ready to help so that the institution may prosper. Moreover the staff and students would also function in an atmosphere where their talents and skills may find a healthy outlet. The RTSSPTA also act as a bridge between parents and the administration of the school. We are all concerned with the well-being of the school. It is my ardent wish that all those of Gurudev but serve the country as responsible citizens. It is only then that we will reach our destination along this journey where noble thoughts are of so much importance I wish you a pleasant reading. Mrs. Rashmi Lallbeeharry President RTSSPTA 8 From across the sea- Reflection Once in a while, you come across somebody who or something which leaves a lasting impression. Three years ago it was my good fortune to meet the rector of Rabindranath Tagore School, in its splendid surroundings in the little known village if Ilot. I have been back to the school a couple of times, whilst visiting Mauritius and every time I find myself in the surroundings of the school, I feel a sense of pride and affection of this magnificent institution and the people working in it. The creation of a successful learning community requires dedication, discipline, creativity, respect for established values, and a caring and nurturing attitude. These characteristics are not measurable when you talk in the grounds and corridors of your school. In African culture, the highest praise that can be given to someone is “ yu, u nobuntu” an acknowledgement that he or she has this wonderful quality: ubuntu. It is a reference to their actions towards fellow human beings, their warmth, their concerns and their respect for others. Ubantu addresses a central tenet of African philosophy; the essence of what it is to be human. Under the competent leadership of your rector, Mr Gungapersad, the team of RTSS are preparing you, not only for academic achievements but also for academic achievements but also to share with you the precious values of human respect and warmth-UBUNTU. The 21st century belongs to you. The world has great beauty and requires concerted effort from you all to preserve it, so that one day your children can enjoy the legacy you have left behindknowing that you took your responsibilities seriously. I am humbled by the request to write in this – your first school magazine, do so with a sense of pride and affection for Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School, and feel privilege to be associated with your school through the Lingiah Award. Soorendra Lingiah United Kingdom 9 Message from Editorial Team    Our  first  school  magazine……enfin,  resi  fini!!  Finally!!  After  so  many  months  of  hardwork,  we’ve  come  up  with  it.  Of  course,  it  demanded  lots  of  dedication  and  a  true  sense  of  discipline  but  overall  it  was  great…  FUN!!!     P.S:  All  characters  in  this  superb  school  magazine  are  real  and          bear  resemblance  to  students  of  RTSS  only.  Ha!!  Ha!!  Ha!!!    We  would  like  to  express  our  sincere  apologies  to  all  the  students  whose  articles  could  not  be  included  in  the  school  magazine.     Enjoy…….. Welcome to RTSS dream world!!!      Editing Team  10 CREATIVE PANEL MEMBERS: Mr Vinaye Dhanookdharee Mr Sanjeev Coonjbeehary Umangish Chumun (upper six SC 1) Rajneesh Mungur (upper six SC 1) Haurheeram Vedraj (upper six SC 2) Arjun Calleea ( Upper six ECO) Message from the panel The creative panel has the immense pleasure to present to you the first School Magazine ever of Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School. A lot of effort has been made in order to present a work which reflects our desire to contribute fully to the development of our beloved school. We thank all those who have helped in different ways so as to make this school magazine a success. Enjoy a very pleasant reading. CHEERS!!! 11 Interview with Mr N.Chellan-Telugu Language teacher He is a symbol at RTSS. Someone who is ever ready to educate and help in the most possible ways. Though in his late 40’s, he is highly appreciated and respected by the much younger teachers and students. Of course, we are talking about Mr Narainsamy Chellan also known as Ram by his dear ones. Therefore, here is an interview with him. Would you please briefly introduce yourself? “ I have 32 years experience in teaching. I joined the training college in 1976 and was appointed as confirmed Telugu teacher in 1977. I worked as a primary school teacher till 2002 and was eventually appointed as Education officer at MGI/RTSS in Dec 2002.” How has been your experience working at MGI/RTSS for the last six years? “Well, great first experience in secondary school. It was rather easy as teaching was already my profession. The head of Telugu Dept at MGI, Mr. S.Appadoo, gave me the task to work with Form 1-5 students. Over the years, mo fine reussi adapter avec l’environment secondaire ek mo pe enseigne H.S.C au RTSS depi 2007. I feel proud that my first two batches of S.C telugu students achieved 100% success in this particular language. There are three students who have already been ranked among the 10 best at the national level.” How IS your relationship with staff and students? “I feel even younger among these young teachers as I’m never considered as old. Zot tous estime ek solicite mo aide n’importe kan ek mo repond touzour present pou tous functions. With students, I share a friendly relationship but we are not friends. Mo bien habituer avec banne z’eleves mais garde bon souvenirs mo banne z’eleves Pre-Voc. Ena buku ki fine reussi passe zot CPE ek maintenant zot pe alle collez.” 12 How do you account for the 100% success in S.C for two consecutive years? “According to me, their determination and hard work have brought this result. But others have to give their maximum to keep up the trend. I believe that the parents, teachers and the Rector have played a major role. Especially the rector, Mr. Gungapersad has maintained a good discipline and his constant encouragement has an impact on the students. I always advise people that they should be dedicated to what they do.” What were the most memorable moments down the years in MGI/RTI? “First of all, Domaine La Grave. Though I was not present with the team, I was at school helping the rector till late. I also relish the fantastic moments we spent at the Residential Seminars. I had also a nice time for the end of year party. Finally, the S.C results for the two consecutive years were also fabulous moments for me!!” Some words on the rector, Mr Gungapersad?? “Bien cordialle. He is never tense; he never shows that he is worried about something. Li pena attitude negative. He knows he can rely on his staff always! Li bien motiver ek li motive lezot. He is very RESPONSIBLE- this word says many good things about him.” Lastly, your message to RTSS students? « Education is vital. Pena progress sans determination ek travaille dure. Pou vine ene bon citoyen, ou bizin ena ene bon education. Nou pa capave fight avec nou proper destin- seki ena, sa mem pou arriver. Moreover, you’ve all got to attend such a prestigious and highly ranked school, so never let it down!!!” Tej Chandra Gooriah EDITING TEAM 13 How does it feel? How does it feel to be an ex-student of MGI and now working as a teacher in the same institution?? Mr M.Gungapersad, Rector. “I am very lucky to be working in a system, where I’ve been a former student. You can say that this has been a huge professional help to me. It has helped me to develop excellent relationships I with pupils, management, staff and parents.” Mr V.Ramloghun, Biology teacher, Head of Dept Biology. “A real pleasure!! Great experience as a student but was a bit reluctant to work as teacher as I had as colleagues my former MGI teachers but with time, everything was ok. Thought a teacher’s job involved teaching only but this is only a small part of it. It also involves help to the management so that things go on smoothly!!” Mrs B. Bhujun-Matarooa , English language teacher. “I feel very proud indeed! I still feel the sense of belonging that I’ve got from this institution. Whatever Gandhian values I’ve inherited, I will try to inculcate in my students. Mr veer Mrs Bhujun Mr T.Deeal, Physical Education Teacher. “It feels great. It’s an honour to be serving the same institution and to be part of the MGI family.” Mr Deeal 14 Miss V.Thacoor, Physics teacher “I am extremely delighted to have lived almost a decade in this institution. My models have become my colleagues and I sincerely enjoy working in this atmosphere, where the emphasis is on creating good human beings capable of handling everything, instead of focusing only on academic performance. I hope to leave my mark on the students of the MGI just like MGI has done in my life.” Mrs Tanuja Pudaruth-Beeharry, Hindi Language teacher “ It is indeed a great honour to be a product of the MGI. I should say that the Institute catered fully for my overall development. I was not channeled to become a bookworm but my teachers guided me to become an educated and sensible human being. I am proud to be able to serve the institution where I gained so much in terms of education and experience.” Mr Nathoo, Economics teacher “It’s like a dream becoming ‘true’. It’s indeed a great experience both as a student and now as a teacher to be part of the MGI system. I have to admit pleasurably that I owe a lot to the school for having developed my intellectual and emotional capabilities, for opening and guiding me through my career path and now giving me the opportunity to deliver and impart my knowledge and skills to our students.” Mr D.Beeharry, Geography teacher. “Great experience since I was student. I owe my love for Geography to my teachers at MGI. I hope I will be able to inspire my pupils to take up Geography as a career. By the way everyone knows my passion for Geography” Tej Chandra Gooriah Seekshah Mohunsingh EDITING TEAM 15 Entretien avec Mme Bhuckory Des tous rendez-vous les sens, dans un entre les quatre murs de mon bureau et ne plus voir mes élèves. téléphone qui n’arrête pas de sonner, avoir mille et une choses à faire et près de 850 Q : Vous apportez beaucoup plus à vos élèves que le côté académique, n’est-ce pas ? R : J’aime mon métier et mes élèves sont comme mes enfants. S’il y a une chose que mon métier m’a apprise, c’est que le côté académique ne suffit guère aux étudiants. Il faut aussi les comprendre et être toujours à leur écoute. élèves à écouter … être recteur adjoint ce n’est pas de tout repos. Allons en parler avec Mme Bhuckory, l’adjoint du recteur de RTSS.Q : Dur, dur, de trouver un moment pour vous parler ? R : C’est simplement que j’ai un emploi du temps très chargé. Mais je m’organise d’une certaine manière pour trouver, chaque jour, assez de temps pour écouter et rencontrer mes enfants (j’appelle mes élèves : mes enfants !!). Je suis toujours à leur écoute. De toute façon, je ne remets jamais à demain ce que je peux faire aujourd’hui. Q : Vous êtes respectée pour votre autorité et votre sens de la discipline. Comment y arrivez-vous ? R : Mes élèves sont adorables mais cela ne m’empêche pas d’être sévère quand il le faut. Mon sens de la discipline et ma conscience professionnelle me poussent à les mettre sur le droit chemin. Q : Etre adjoint du recteur, c’est compliqué ? R : Ah non ! Pas pour moi (…avec un sourire…). D’ailleurs j’adore ce métier. Etre recteur adjoint m’a donné l’opportunité de m’épanouir dans une autre sphère de l’éducation tout en restant en contact avec l’enseignement. Cela me permet d’avoir une nouvelle approche qui facilite une bonne entente élèves-enseignants-administration. Le contact avec les élèves est toujours là, c’est seulement la nature du travail qui change. Q : Des projets et de la volonté : vous savez Madame, ça me plairait bien d’être un jour rectrice … Q: Wouah !!! Quel enthousiasme ! Alors, R : Tu sais, après avoir travaillé 9 ans à MGI (Moka), j’étais très triste de quitter mes élèves pour RTSS. Mais aujourd’hui, je ne regrette rien. J’ai réalisé qu’ici ou ailleurs les enfants sont les mêmes, faut juste savoir les aimer …. Q : Vous aimeriez tellement ……. ? R : Que l’école se fasse une place non seulement dans le nord de l’île, mais aussi dans la société. J’aimerais que tous mes enfants aient une bonne position professionnelle à l’avenir. Mais pour l’instant, mon but c’est de donner le meilleur de moi-même et de les rendre heureux. l’enseignement en classe ne vous manque pas beaucoup ? R : L’enseignant en moi ne meurt jamais. Je ne peux voir une classe sans prof, je me fais un devoir d’entrer et d’expliquer un chapitre quelconque. J’adore mon travail. Je serais triste d’être cloîtrée Quelle profondeur d’âme, voilà pourquoi on l’apprécie autant !! 16 Brief History of Accounting The seeds of accounting were most likely first sown in the city of Babylon around 4000 B.C. when record keeping probably commenced in this civilized area. Babylon prided itself as the city of commerce which surfaced as the language of business. Luca Pacioli, a Franciscan friar, is known to be the father of accounting. The publication of his great book Summa de Arithmetica, Geometria, Proportioni et Proportionalita in Venice in 1494 reflected his deep knowledge of business and bookkeeping as the initial printed project regarding double entry book keeping. The system he published included most of the accounting cycle as we know it today. He described the use of journals and ledgers, and warned that a person should not go to sleep at night until the debits equaled the credits! The aims of the Accounting Department are as follows: To develop an understanding of the role of accounting in providing an information system for monitoring and decision-making. To develop an understanding of accounting concepts, principles, procedures and terminology. To develop skills in preparing and interpreting accounting information. To develop knowledge and understanding of the aims and activities of business and non-trading organizations, their accounting implication and the accounting techniques and procedures appropriate to them. To develop skills of numeracy, literacy, communication and enquiry. To encourage attitudes of accuracy, orderliness, logical thought and an appreciation of professional ethics. What is accounting? For most people, accounting holds no interest because they think of it as a laborious activity performed by people who are 'good with numbers'. Accounting is often confused with the narrow concepts of record keeping and bookkeeping. Accounting of course is much broader than that. "Accounting is the system that measures business activities, processes that information into reports and communicates these findings to decision-makers". The accounting system produces financial statements that report on an individual's or an organization's business in monetary amounts. The course is a very demanding one. It draws from such wide ranging fields like psychology, economics, finance, operations, marketing and even from the legal framework! As such, the student is exposed to a plethora of tenets which overall aims at rendering him or her multitalented so as to face the increasingly daunting global business challenges. It is worth pointing out that business studies cannot be dismissed as theories uniquely. Indeed, they are taught how to make the most of the case study method which mirrors the whims of the real business environment. Students have to foster their ability to think creatively and to take decisions but all this with reasoned justifications. Occasionally, we also host businessmen to share their experiences with the students who can then visualize the theories falling in place. They are additionally taken on educational tours to conduct visits in real business settings. They are also encouraged to participate in national programmes like the SEM investor. Business students are also highly encouraged to indulge in group meetings, presentations and debates so as to master their communication, social, thinking and people skills which are some of the most crucial tools of any successful manager. We therefore at the RTSS are a dedicated and committed team and will always strive to develop the potential of our `would be` businessmen/women of the future. B U S I N E S S & A C C O U N T I N G D E P t. Mr. G. Genvieve, Mr.V. Toolsee, Miss Sautchurn, Mr. V. Nuckchadee, Mr. R. Nathoo Who Uses Accounting Information? Individuals Investors and Creditors Businesses Government Agencies Non-Profit Organizations Taxing Authorities Other Users including employees, consumer groups, labour unions and the general public. Business Studies Successful businesses shape the foundation of successful countries Since time immemorial, daring entrepreneurs have boldly combined scarce factors of production in order to be relentlessly innovative so as to reap handsome rewards for the risks that they embrace. Even today, be it in developing or highly developed economies, the role that businesses play cannot be shrugged off lightly. The programme that is being implemented at the RTSS is one that holds all its promises. In a nutshell, students are introduced to the hectic business world, with clear emphasis on its aims, working parameters, and pitfalls. They are also given an overview of how modern businesses need to map out as well as satisfy the conflicting objectives of various stakeholder groups. 17 ‘Economics is like a jigsaw and the more we study it, the more likely we are to unleash the economics of Uncovering the Logic of Life using Behavioural Economics ’Economics’. E C O N O M I C S D E P t. Economics is one of the most fascinating social sciences that studies the behaviour of the Economic Man (Homo Economicus) as a rational, perfectly informed and selfinterested actor in a scarcitydriven environment. It draws its roots from the study of ‘moral philosophy’ back in the 18th century by Adam Smith and since then the world of Economics has transcended dynamically, unraveling many micro and macro economic secrets that persistently crop up in revitalized forms. Yet, the big question is whether Economics can help to solve all the problems of humanity? And as usual, the simplest answer would be ‘It depends’! Economists are freaky fellows who see the world in a different, yet, mesmerizing manner and seek to link everyday experiences with economic ideas thought provokingly. There is a growing consensus that Economics can help to uncover the logic of life through the use of our economic toolkit and this field of Economics has been coined as ‘Behavioural Economics’. Of course, this system is not free from defects like any economic reasoning and it has many underlying assumptions. For instance, it is being assumed that the person whose turn it is to pay does not run out of town and those meals taken up at each round cost the same. However, the first best solution remains that we should avoid sharing the bill and that we should resort to alternate payments, i.e. one person paying at a time, economically speaking. Likewise, Behavioural Economics can help to uncover many logics of life that we encounter on a daily basis implicitly. I personally believe that the study of Economics can help us not only to make better decisions and to improve our lives as human beings but also to unleash useful insights into the causes of complicated economic phenomenon like the recent upsurge in global commodity and energy prices which can eventually aid policymakers to devise the appropriate remedies. However, nothing comes with perfection and economic policy tools should not be misinterpreted as being magical brooms that can sweep all our problems. There can be side effects with economic pain killers but in the long run, we have to develop the real cures to eliminate the economic vampires and achieve at least the second best of everything, if not the best! For example, when the waiter drops off the check at the end of a meal, people often scramble to figure out the norms for payment. Do we each pay for what we ordered? Do we split the bill evenly even if John had that extra glass of wine and the crème brûlée? Luckily, findings from behavioural economics can help answer this burning question. It turns out that one person should pay the entire bill, and that the person paying should alternate over time. Here is the reason: When we pay any amount of money we feel some psychological pain (we call this the pain of paying). This is the unpleasantness that is associated with giving up our hard earned cash. But it also turns out that this pain does not increase linearly with the cost of the meal. This means that when we double the payment, the pain doesn’t double, it only increases by a bit. In fact, the biggest increase in the pain of paying comes when we switch from paying nothing to paying something. This of course means that we are happiest when we pay nothing, that we are slightly less happy when we have to pay something, and that we become even more unhappy as the size of the bill increases. 18 So dear Economics students, love the subject, play with it, it will give you pains at the beginning, but if you really master it, then you will cherish a passionate career path as an Economist. Goodluck! The Social Sciences comprise of academic disciplines concerned with the study of the social life of human groups and individuals including History, Geography and Social Studies. The Social Science department wants to acquaint students with many of the factors that affect social and cultural behaviors . Geography “While you are divided from us by geographical lines, which are imaginary, and by a language which is not the same, you have not come to an alien people or land. In the realm of the heart, in the domain of the mind, there are no geographical lines dividing the nations.” Anna Howard Shaw Geography teaches an understanding of places and environments. Through their work in geography, children learn about their local area and compare their lives in this area with children in other regions and the rest of the world. They learn how to draw and interpret maps and they develop the skills of research, investigation, analysis and problem solving. Through their growing knowledge and understanding of human geography, children gain an appreciation of life in other cultures. Geography teaching also motivates children to find out about the physical world and enables them to recognise the importance of sustainable development for the future of mankind. History is the continuous, systematic narrative and research of past events as relating to the human species; as well as the study of all events in time, in relation to humanity. History can be seen as the sum total of many things taken together and the spectrum of events occurring in action following in order leading from the past to the present and into the future. The overall aim of teaching history is to help students understand themselves, their country and the wider human society. Without such understanding they would not be able to benefit from the experience of human activity in the past, linking it, as appropriate, with the present, in order to build a better world. History has been introduced at the primary level itself where students are acquainted with some basic knowledge of the subject. This knowledge is further deepened and critically analyzed at the secondary level where students get a wider perspective of the subject. Besides providing students with knowledge of History of Mauritius, the aims of the syllabus are to: Stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the past Promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past Help students towards an understanding of the development over time of social and cultural values Promote the understanding of basic historical concepts, such as cause and consequence Encourage the development of literacy and essential study skills Provide a sound basis for further study The objectives are to enhance the students’ proficiency in the following skills: The recall of relevant factual knowledge The ability to evaluate and interpret source material as historical evidence The ability to express awareness of change and continuity in the past HISTORY S O C I A L S C I E N C E The aims of geography are: To enable children to gain knowledge and understanding of places in the world; To increase children's knowledge of other cultures and, in so doing, teach a respect and understanding of what it is to be appositive citizen in a multi-cultural country: To allow children to learn graphic skills, including how to draw and interpret maps: To enable children to know and understand environmental problems at a local, regional and global level: To encourage in children a commitment to sustainable development and an appreciation of what 'global citizenship' means; To develop a variety of other skills including those of enquiry, problem solving, ICT, investigation and how to present their findings and conclusions in the most appropriate way. D E P t. “THE TRUE SCIENCE OF STUDY OF MAN, IS MAN HIMSELF.” Pierre Charron 19 C H E M I S T R Y D E P t. Ever since RTSS has been integrated in the MGI family, the main aim of the new administrative & teaching team has been to achieve excellence through quality teaching. Science is one of the most challenging fields of studies and so far considered to be an area reserved for the most brilliant students. At RTSS, the very first batch of students taking part in SC examination(in 2006), consisted of 60 chemistry students out of approximately 109 students, the second batch (2007) comprised of 72 students out of around 125 students and this year(2008) , there are 66 out of 107 students taking chemistry. In both 2006 and 2007, the results were 100 %, with a marked improvement in the quality of results in 2007. However, it is worth pointing out that RTSS does not have the best of intakes at Form I level. Our aspiration in the Chemistry Department is to make chemistry the first choice of students rather than it being considered as a tough subject. We try to market the subject from Form I level itself by laying emphasis on its core aspects. For instance, we try to develop awareness in students that chemistry is present in their daily lives and also make them appreciate that a sound knowledge of scientific (chemical) concepts is important. The study of Chemistry develops certain skills in students, like observation, analysis, ability to discriminate and compare. At RTSS, students are introduced to laboratory apparatus and chemicals as from Form I so that they develop a particular liking for the subject and look forward to comimg in the chemistry class. Chemistry is an ever-changing field of study, with new concepts being developed and new technological advances. We believe that our students should not lag behind and should always keep in touch with the dynamic science field. Our motto is to make the best of our limited resources so that our students benefit the maximum H O M E E C o D E P t. The Home Economics department of RTSS consists of three teachers; two specialized in Food Studies and one in Dress & Textile. The overall aim of the department is to help students develop knowledge, understanding and skills which will enable them to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. During Home Economics classes, in addition to subject matter, pupils are exposed to values, discipline, basic and life skills, hygiene and appreciation of these values. Furthermore, the Home Economics department is forever actively involved with all school activities. The school administration, the teaching and nonteaching staffs and the students usually organize Food Day for the collection of funds. Thus the department aims at the improvement and well-being of family and personal living. 20 Biology is the science of life. With the availability of today’s powerful techniques in molecular biology, cell biology and genetics, the pace at which new discoveries are made has accelerated dramatically. A new discovery in the research laboratory can lead to the development of a life-saving drug or new diagnostic procedure. Medicine and the monitoring and preservation of the natural environment all depend fundamentally upon the work of the biologist, the geneticist and the biochemist. The Biology Department at Rabindranath Tagore Secondary school is complete in itself with two fully equipped laboratories ready to receive A-Level biology students for all practical investigations. New and sophisticated apparatus such as colorimeter, centrifuge, electrophoresis kit are at the disposal of students. There is a separate preparation room for the storage and preparation of chemicals. New and latest models of microscopes ensure that students are given the best possible facilities to prepare for exams. Media kits such as overhead projectors and LCD projectors are readily available for projection presentations and biological animations and movies. The biology labs are located in the science block with a beautiful garden in front of it. Since last year the biology department is rearing an iguana which is the centre of attraction of the whole school population. The garden is full of a diversity of plants which are often used as examples in biology classes. At the back of the labs we also possess a small agricultural garden where mini biological field experiments are carried out Performance at SC ‘O’ Level Till date the Biology department has sent two batches of students for the years 2006 and 2007 comprising of a total of 130 students. The percentage of pass is 100% with 15 students scoring distinctions. University Degrees requiring Biology Biology, Medical Science, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Physiotherapy, Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Nursing, Marine Biology, Bioinformatics and many more. Job prospects with Biology Educator Lecturer Lab technician Technical Officers Medical Doctors Physiotherapist Pharmacist Medical representatives Research Officers Occupational Health Inspectors Extra curricular activities All biology students participate in INNOVED and CATS competitions organized by the MOE, Science Challenge organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and Powerpoint presentation competition organized by the Ministry of Sports. Students are taken to nature reserves such as Bras D’Eau, Macchabe, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Roche Noire rocky shore for ecological investigations. Students also visit post mortem labs view the dissection of a human corpse. Staff in the Biology Department We are a lively staff comprising of 4 teachers; two of them post graduates and two graduates. A permanent lab attendant ensures that practical work goes on smoothly. The staff profiles are as follows: Head of Department: Mr Murden Miss Ghallu Mr V. Ramloghun Mr R. Persand B I O L O G Y D E P t. Nursing Officers Agronomist Molecular biologist Microbiologist All jobs in biotechnology Ecologist Marine biologist Plant physiologist Why study Biology? The acquisition of factual material and practical skills forms only part of our biology course. We think it is important that students develop a range of skills which will be of great use to them in their subsequent career and which are sought after by employers. We provide an environment in which students can learn how to organize knowledge, how to judge its value and how to identify problems, how to gather the necessary new information to solve these problems and how to communicate the results effectively. We see students not just as consumers of knowledge but as assessors and producers of knowledge: we believe that Biology makes a good vehicle for developing these transferable skills. For example, practical provides an ideal situation for students to learn not only about biology, but also about collating and interpreting data, finding effective solutions to problems recording and reporting their findings clearly and concisely. Our courses are designed so that these skills are developed from scatch; A-level students will be capable of carrying our original, independent theoretical and practical work in the form of projects. 21 C U L T U R E & H I N D U I S M D E P t. Rabindranath Tagore Secondary school is a secondary institution where education and culture are integrally part of the making of an individual. Great importance is given to cultural subjects such as Culture Studies and Hinduism. Cultural Education is a compulsory subject taught as from form one to three. As its name implies, it deals with all cultural aspects of the Mauritian society. Thus as a subject, it is not only very interesting, but very lively and informative. Hinduism is an optional subject offered as from form IV till Upper forms. It is taught through the English medium. Students are acquainted with the use of visual aids . They participate fully and actively in class exposé, picture demonstrations and power point presentations. They also take part in extra curricular activities such as competitions organised by the Ramakrishna Mission, Gandhi day celebrations, Gandhi week, Tagore day among others. The objectives of Hinduism and Culture studies can be summarised as such: they enhance our English language and help develop a critical approach to the study of fundamental questions of religious practices, beliefs, morality thus guiding our students in exploring such issues. School Certificate Performance The result of Hinduism at S.C level was 100% in 2006 and 2007 showing a qualitative improvement. According to my students Hinduism has helped them in understanding human values on earth. According to others the study of Hinduism has explained so many mysteries e.g. life & death, creation, Divine forces amongst others. In short, the study of this subject has refined their character and moulded their personality. Thus, it helps people to lead a peaceful, harmonius and rational life even in the absence of luxuries and comforts. Since 1999 graduation courses in Hinduism, under the appellation of Indian Philosophy, are being provided by the MGI in collaboration with UOM. Now even PGCE courses are held by the MIE. This means that there is a lot of scope for Hinduism students. Students studying Philosophy can aspire to become educators, philosophers, theologians, writers amongst others. Above all Hinduism no doubt helps us to become a good and tolerant citizen who can fit in any society and situation of the world. ihndI ivaBaaga ¹ rvaInd`naaqa TOMgaaor maaQyaimak pazSaalaa Hindi Department – Rabindranath Tagore Secondary Culture & Oriental Language department School The Hindi department of RTSS comprises of 6 educators; Mrs. Tanuja Pudaruth-Beeharry, Mrs. Poonum Jahaly, Mrs. Droopatee Madhou, Mr. Vijaysingh Saulick, Miss. Viswani Beedassy & Mr. Vishal Bholah. The department conducts Hindi classes for Form I to Upper VI students and special attention is also given to the beginner classes (Form I-III). Besides the Hindi language, Literature in Hindi is also taught at the RTSS as per the School Certificate syllabus. Multimedia kit, films, music and other teaching aids are often used to create the proper environment for students to appreciate and learn the Hindi language. The dynamic and resourceful staff of the department regularly seeks new techniques to render the classes more lively and interesting so as to cater for the needs of students coming from a non-Hindi background. It should also be highlighted that the Hindi language transcends all religious barriers. Hence, the department promotes learning of Hindi language for students of different religious backgrounds, be it Muslims or Christians. The Hindi Department achieved the targeted 100% pass for the School Certificate Examinations for the two consecutive years 2006-2007. The department has been active in extra-curricular activities such as essay writing competitions, poetry recitation competitions and elocution competitions. 22 Une petite pensée … "Le jardinier oublié avait fait planter des arbrisseaux pour que, des siècles plus tard, la psalmodie inconnue de la terre se fît entendre aux hommes". André Malraux, Antémémoires 1967 Et puis il y a l'esprit du RTSS: - La confiance entre l'élève et le professeur associés L’établissement du Rabindranath Tagore pour atteindre un but commun : le progrès. Secondary School, le RTSS, a été fondé en 2002 par le L’institut du Mahatma Gandhi. C’est pour chaque élève un lieu de vie et d’épanouissement. Les dimensions éducative, pastorale, culturelle et sportive, trouvent leurs racines dans un projet éducatif. Composé de 3 classes par niveau de la forme Une jusqu'à la forme Trois et de 4 classes de la forme Cinq à Upper Six, notre collège accueille des élèves de tous les horizons mais ayant en commun une même volonté de réussite. Nous nous fixons comme objectif premier avec les enfants qui nous sont confiés : de former leur volonté et leur liberté, de structurer leur intelligence, et de satisfaire leur soif culturelle et spirituelle. Pour nous, cela implique une double responsabilité : leur apporter toutes les connaissances utiles et faire en sorte qu'ils soient heureux à l'école. Nous voulons des enfants épanouis. Pas de laxisme : nous voulons des résultats scolaires. L'équilibre de ces deux objectifs est la personnalité de notre école. Durant ces quelques années passées chez nous, l'accent est mis sur l'effort personnel des enfants. Notre rôle est aussi de leur apprendre à travailler par eux-mêmes et pour eux-mêmes. - Le respect des autres qui impose des exigences de rigueur et de règles de vie. - L'esprit au travail : tout élève porte en lui les moyens de se dépasser. Il suffit de les révéler en l'aidant à en trouver le goût et en lui donnant la méthode. Seul le climat favorable permet le plein épanouissement des facultés intellectuelles. Nous nous efforçons de rendre agréables les études des élèves dans notre établissement. Le RTSS à travers chacun de ses départements, établit une harmonie entre le rendement nécessaire et les différentes aspirations de chaque élève suivant ses capacités et ses goûts : seul un enseignement humain est capable de motiver l'élève, en lui apportant une direction de travail individuel, après lui avoir redonné confiance. F R E N C H D E P t. Pour mieux aider l’élève à acquérir la langue française, nous l’accueillons tel qu'il est, et dans un premier temps, nous n'exigeons de lui que ce qu'il peut fournir au niveau du français. Nous insistons sur : - l'acquisition des mécanismes de base, - la mise en place de méthode de travail, - la mise à distance et la dédramatisation de l'échec, - l'intégration au groupe et le respect de l'autre. Lorsque cette première étape est franchie, progressivement nous exigeons plus de l'élève. Notre but est de donner, ou redonner, à l'élève un intérêt pour la vie scolaire, en lui fournissant les moyens d'utiliser au mieux ses aptitudes afin d'aborder dans les meilleures conditions un deuxième cycle. Notre objectif ? Transformer les écoliers en lycéens responsables et mûrs, puis en étudiants adultes et efficaces pour les conduire à réussir leurs examens, à trouver leur orientation et à leur permettre d'accéder aux études supérieures grâce à : Une pédagogie active Un encadrement renforcé Une équipe de professeurs diplômés et expérimentés. « Je vous propose que la sincérité de ceux qui disent vouloir faire de l’éducation nationale une priorité, se mesure à la manière dont ils traitent les maîtres. » Nicolas Sarkozy 23 La dimension littéraire est une de nos spécificités : atelier littéraire, journal, théâtre, participation aux concours littéraires ou d’orthographe. Les spécificités du departement de francais au RTSS : • Une pédagogie personnalisée au service de l'enfant • Des professeurs d'expérience • Un encadrement efficace et rigoureux • Les cours de soutien • Les cours de vacances • Résultats de SC en 2006 et 2007 : 100% de réussite en français avec plus de 50% de distinction. Nos élèves sont nos meilleurs ambassadeurs : De bons résultats aux examens. Des élèves qui ont appris ou réappris à travailler puisqu'ils réussissent leurs études supérieures, étant conscients de leurs forces et de leurs faiblesses. Des élèves qui aiment leur école, s'épanouissent, et qui, avec leurs familles, sont nos meilleurs ambassadeurs. Gandhi Ji says if someone does not know how a train functions he should not get on it……. Design & Communication and Design and Technology (DC&DT)were introduced in Mauritius in the years 1990’s with the first cohort of School certificate in the year 1992.Design and Communication has taken over Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing(G.M.D), bringing together Wood work, Metal work and G.M.D. Design and communication, also referred to as Graphics design, consists mainly of drawing, namely geometrical and mechanical drawing, free hand sketching, pictorial projections (3D) etc, and designing of packaging, logos, symbols and signs, leaflets and pamphlets, etc. Design and Technology, also referred to as Resistant materials is the study of materials like metals, woods, plastics and others, their properties, uses and finishes, ergonomics and anthropometrics. Acquiring this knowledge is not only theoretical, as through their coursework students are required to put their knowledge into practice. Unlike other subjects , Design & Communication and Design and Technology (DC/DT) are subjects where tools like setsquares, Tee -Squares, Protractors, compasses, pencils(different sizes 2H,3H...HB,...B5 ..., coloured , etc) Plain papers(A3 size, Isometric , Squared Grid etc) are a must for students to be able to work. A well equipped workshop is also needed so as students are able to carry out the implementation of their coursework. Design & Communication and Design& The Design & Communication and Design Technology D E S I G N & T E C H N O L O G y D E P Department We are three in the department, with Mr S.Coonjobeeharry the Head of Department, Mr. V. Dhanookdharee and Mr. H. Bungshee. We are a young but dynamic team, always ready to help students. There are two specialized classes one equipped with computer with AutoCAD software, scanner and A3 size printer. Aims of Design & Technology develop and sustain their own innovation, creativity and design and technology capability, to recognize constraints and to produce high quality products; develop awareness of the significance of design and technology upon society; apply essential knowledge, understanding and skills of design production processes to a range of technological activities and develop an understanding of industrial practices; use information and communications technology (ICT), as appropriate, to enhance their design and technological capability; develop critical evaluation skills in technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts; develop as discerning consumers able to make informed choices; develop positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship and work collaboratively. Can Values be taught in Design & Technology? Technical- Choosing the right materials for the realization of a ‘Neat’ piece of work. Economics - Maximising added value to product Aesthetic - Pleasing to handle, attractive to look Social - regard for the disadvantaged and handicapped Environmental - Ecological benignity, sustainable development Moral - Sanctity of life Spiritual/ Religious - Commitment to a conception of human beings and their relationship to nature Technology is not a time consuming subject It is misleading to claim that DC and DT is a time-consuming subject. For SC and HSC students have ample time to work on their projects as the titles for their coursework are given to them well in advance. Many students await the last minute to start or proceed with the work and hence, they rush to complete the work. This is the reason why both parents and students always complain that the subject is time consuming. No dears, you have not planned your work and followed instructions given by teachers properly!! School Certificate performance 2006 100% 2007 100% Prospect for DT&D C students Educators, Architects, Engineers- Civil, Mechanical Draughtsmen, Designers – Cars, Graphics Designers, Fashion Designers, Aero designs, Interior decorators Market Researchers 24 The Mathematics Department at the RTSS came into existence in 2003 consisting of one Mathematics teacher and one computer teacher, namely Mr RAMFUL S and Miss BYLOLL N S, teaching both Mathematics and Computer to pupils of Form I and Form II. In 2004, Miss Beryl Lee and Miss Diane Ramsurrun joined the department after the departure of Miss Byloll. The following years Miss Devina Bundhoo, Miss Preetee Balagee, Miss Subashini Parasuramen, Mrs Reena Balgobin, Mr Dany NG, Mr Hemant Ramlall, Mr Ajay Ramgoolam, Mr Shahir Beebeejaun and Mrs Reena Sohawon joined the department. Some mathematics teachers came to RTSS for short periods namely Mr Seetohul, Mrs N Koushal and Mr P Woochit. After five years of existence, to date we have a full fledged staff of 9 young and dynamic teachers. Our department is mainly student oriented since they are the ones who rely the most on us. For this reason, we try our level best to upgrade the teaching environment in the Department. New teaching techniques are being introduced to make both teaching and learning more enriching. During Departmental meetings we reflect on how to improve teachingmethods that can be used in the classroom to yield better results are being implemented. The members of the Department dedicate themselves to pupils in the development of Mathematical understanding and personal achievement. Mathematics is a ‘critical filter’ in the social, economic and professional development of individuals. (Beessoondyal.H, 2005). Good teaching is the key to improving student achievement. The Department has successfully achieved its goal by bringing a 99.1% pass in Mathematics and 90 % pass in Additional Mathematics in 2006 and 100% pass in Mathematics and % in Additional Mathematics in 2007. We are also expecting good results from our first batch of HSC students this year. We wish them good luck and thank them not letting us down through their performance . M A T H S D E P t. The computer department is actively involved in the preparation of certificates for prize giving day and creation of a website to make the public aware of the school and its activities. During cultural activities, this department is in charge of the sound system and ‘montage’ of videos. The computer department also shoulders the responsibility of the printing jobs of students. Very often, during recess and free periods, students come for printing tasks or research work on the Internet. In short, our department ensures that the whole school population gets access to a computer and becomes IT literate. C O M P U T E R D E P t. 25 THE RTSS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT “Who you communicate with decides the language you use, How you use the language affects the perception others have of you.” W.Walt English is the key instrument of globalization. It is indeed paramount to know how to use the language rather than just knowing it. Teaching English encompasses more than the mechanics of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Our aspirations as members of the department are to provide our pupils with the opportunity to sharpen their critical reading and writing skills through the study of language and literature. We want our students to develop marketable communication dexterity in such a challenging world. We are here to facilitate the broadening of general knowledge, unveiling literary skills and encouraging the appreciation of different genres. Since 2003, the English Department has been sailing in the same direction, with the same mission and towards the same destination. However, the crew members have changed. Each one bringing his or her own touch. Mind you! In this era where cloning is an obsession, we celebrate individualities. We not only seek originality from our kids but from colleagues as well. RESULTS 2006: 100 % PASS 4 DISTINCTIONS (2) 15 GRADES (3) 2007: 100% PASS 25 DISTINCTIONS (1) 19 DISTINCTIONS (2) 48 GRADES (3) E N G L I S H D E P t. TEACHING STRATEGIES AND STYLE “Tell me and I’ll forget, Show me and I may not remember, Involve me and I will understand.” American Saying. As far as possible we try to create a relaxed, friendly, informal and open classroom atmosphere while establishing discipline, high expectations of performance and handwork. Discussions, group work, paired assignments; presentations and project work underlie much of our teaching. Careful, constructive and regular marking of written works as well as the assessment of oratory skills through oral examinations underpin classroom strategies. When and where needed individual attention is forwarded. Strengths and weaknesses are considered. Stratagems are discussed within the department, where a variety of tactics bubble. Enthusiasm is all but inevitable. Improvement as well…….. As such, we need to lift our eyes from the books, adjust our specs and explore more constructively the various potentials multi media offer. An intensive use of audio visual facilities will enhance both language and literature teaching in the classes and make learning more enjoyable. Speaking of enjoyment, the English Department continues to relish success at all key stages. Delighted, more confident and motivated we endeavour to extend our support to one and all. Pupils have resources galore, we open the doors, they have to enter. For learning never ends, it has to be tasted gleefully. Each new page, each new Website is yet another beginning……… DANA SAMY FOR THE ENG DEPT. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES MUN Model United Nations Outcome: Best Delegates Year 2007 and 2008 DEBATE Organised by the Blood Donor’s Association Outcome: First Prize Year 2008 ELOCUTION CONTEST Organised by the Pamplemousses Youth Centre Outcome: Second Prize Year 2006 and 2008 BRAIN TRUST Organised by the Sharma Jugdambi SSS Outcome: Second Prize Year 2008 ESSAY WRITING COMPETITIONS SHORT STORY WRITING COMPETITIONS SPELLING BEE 26 THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS Physics - the study of matter, energy and their interactions - is an international enterprise, which plays a key role in the future progress of mankind. The support of physics education and research is important because: Physics is an exciting intellectual adventure that inspires young people and expands the frontiers of our knowledge about Nature. Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world. Physics contributes to the technological infrastructure and provides trained personnel needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries. Physics is an important element in the education of chemists, engineers and computer scientists, as well as practitioners of the other physical and biomedical sciences. Physics extends and enhances our understanding of other disciplines, such as chemical, the earth, agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences, plus astrophysics and cosmology - subjects of substantial importance to all peoples of the world. Physics improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medical applications, such as computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasonic imaging, and laser surgery. The year 2005 has been designated the World Year of Physics to recognize physics as a foundation of science. The designation coincides with the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's "miraculous year" of 1905, during which he published papers on the theory of relativity, quantum theory and the theory of Brownian motion, ideas that have profoundly influenced all of modern physics. We are deeply indebted to generations of physicists for the world we understand, our security, our livelihoods and our economic progress. The fruits resulting from the sacrifices of these intellectual giants are ubiquitous. Physics endeavours to understand the underlying laws governing our universe. By better understanding those laws, we can better interact with and harness our environment. Physics does not just lead to working in a research laboratory. Physicists: Design computer games Monitor the environment Invent life-saving medical equipment Make the latest cars the safest ever Model financial markets Shape futuristic buildings and structure Physics is useful in everyday situations. Having an awareness of physics can help explain: Friction, breaks and crashes How water boils or freezes How simple machines work. Working out how fast or slow things go Predicting where things go and when they get there Careers and job prospects in physics Physics graduates can find employment in a wide range of areas: • • • • • • • • Research and Development Teaching Computing Health Sciences Management and administration Product Development Consulting Sales and Marketing • • • • • • • • Actuary Aeronautical Engineering Dentist Doctor Engineering Graphic Designer Pharmacist Physiotherapist P H Y S I C S D E P t. To summarise, for all these reasons, physics is an essential part of the educational system and of an advanced society. “Physics today has permeated every strata of life. Be it environment, medicine, communication or space sciences, it has enormously proved its effectiveness for the benefit of mankind”. Physics has something fascinating. "Physics is a very lively science, exciting and ever and anon surprising,” "While physics answers questions about origin and destination of the universe, the structure of matter, and the development of life on our planet, it plays at the same time a key role for new technologies." 27 Executive Members of RTSS PTA Miss Tancoory, Mrs K.S. Bhuckory, Mrs Lallbeeharry, Mrs Dossieah, Mrs R. Balgobin, Mr. Beekharry, Dr Sowaruth Mr Burton, Mr M. Gungapersad, Mr, Mr R. Ramful, Teaching Staff of R.T.S.S. 28 Form I Blue Form Teachers: Mrs. M.D. Dosieah, Miss Ghallu Form I Red Form Teachers: Mrs T.P. Beeharry, Miss P. Uckiah, Mr Bholah 29 Form I Green Form Teachers: MissS. Goordeale & Miss P. Juggoo Form I Form II Form II Green Form Teachers: Miss Y. Mahadeo. Miss E.Sornum Form II Red Form Teachers: Mrs. P. Jahaly, Mr. S. Moideen 30 Pre- Voc II Form Teachers: Mrs. K. Bajaj, Mr. H. Bungchee, Mr. S.Coonjobeeharry Form II Blue Form teachers: Mrs P. Ramrup, MissV. Beedassy Form III Blue Form Teachers: Mrs T. Balgobin, Mr. Sookun Form III Red Form Teachers: Miss Tancoory, Miss M.Koonjul, & Mr. Ramgoolam 31 Pre-Voc III Form Teachers: Miss B.A. Janally, Mr. N. Chellan Form III Green Form Teachers: Miss Sautchurn, Mrs R. Balgobin Form III Form IV Form IV Eco 1 Form teachers: Mrs. Beryl, Mr V. Dhanookharee Form IV Sc 1 Form Teachers: Mrs. A.A.Appaddu, MissB.S. Haulkory 32 Form IV Eco 2 From teachers: Mr. G. Genevieve, Miss M. Ramsurrun Form IV Sc 2 Form teachers: Mr R. Nathoo, Miss B.Thakoor Form V Eco 1 Form Teachers: Mr. Toosharnath. Deal, Mrs B. Bolaky Form V Sc 1 Form Teachers: M rs D.L. G . Sam y , M rs. S. M ungur 33 Form V Sc 2 Form Teachers: Mss N. Soukhee, Mrs. R. Luchoomun Form V Arts/ Sc3 Form Teachers: Mr. P. Behary, Mrs. S. Armoogum, Miss F.B..Jahib Form V Lower V I Lower VI Sc 3 Form teachers: Mr. D. Ng, Mrs. R. Madou, Mrs. M. Seegoolam Lower VI Sc 1 Form Teachers: Mr R. Ramful, Mr. A. Beedassee Lower VI 34 Lower VI Eco Form Teachers: Mr.H.K. Ramlall, Mrs.H. Seesurn Lower VI Sc 2 Form Teachers: Mrs Y. Juddoo, Mrs. M. Oozir, Mr. S. Murden Lower VI Upper VI Eco Form Teachers: Mr. Toolsy, Mr. V.Nuckcheee, Miss G. Kallydeen Upper VI Sc 1 Form Teachers: Mr. R. Persand 35 Upper VI Arts / Sc3 Form Teachers: Mrs M. Ramkalawon, Mr. N. Jhummun Upper VI Sc 2 Form Teachers: Mr. V. Ramloghun, Miss U. Sungkoora Upper VI Clerical officers Non- Teachning Staffs Librarian clerk Lab Attendants General Workers Ushers: Mrs. A. Nobin & V.Lutchmun 36       37 INTERVIEW WITH THE RECTOR Would you briefly describe your career to the readers of the RTSS magazine? I joined the MGI as an Education officer in 1994 and I taught English Language, General Paper and Literature in English till 2002. In January 2003, my career got its most fortunate twist when I became the head of the RTSS. How were your feelings as soon as you became the head of the RTSS? It was very difficult at the very beginning. I was appointed at this post at a very young age (perhaps, I am one of the youngest at this post) and this was enough to spark a wave of jealousy and recrimination in certain quarters. A few persons tried their best to pull me down, they believed that I would quit the post and they levelled doubts about my potential. But I never doubted myself. I am happy that I proved these people wrong. Thanks to people who had faith in me, I resisted all adversities. I would never forget my well wishers for their unflinching support. Is it easy to manage the RTSS? Managing a secondary school is not a joke. It is a very demanding job. A leader has to provide a sense of direction and should be able to make others share his dreams and vision so that the journey is travelled as a team and not in solitude. I have to make sure that team spirit prevails; everyone feels that s/he is an important member of the RTSS family and we mutually care for each and everybody. Once, we share common ideals, then, overcoming hurdles becomes easier. A rector should be able to rally almost everyone around him. Properly supported by my heroic staff, responsive pupils and my model PTA, I am sure I can manage the RTSS amidst any adversity. Why do you call your pupils ‘kids’? Can there be a better word than ‘kids’ to encapsulate the love and care that a rector can possibly have for his school students? There is a very profound relationship between them and me which I will never be able to describe. The love that I bestow to them is reciprocated with ‘compound interest’ and I cannot ask for more. I commune with them with devotion and their smile fuel my energy daily. They are the best of ‘kids’. What is the secret for the RTSS success? Love and dedication are the two magic doses which can sum up the secret of our success. We do everything with devotion. Try to compare the RTSS of 2003 and the one of 2008. I have closely ensured that my vision of a modern secondary school located in a rural area bears its fruits. The staff work with compassion and the ‘kids’ respond with all the characteristics of affectionate and sometimes ‘pampered’ children. We get contaminated by the contagious positive vibration which exudes at the RTSS. Even the 38 parents feel this oneness with the school. Such cordial relationship is bound to produce positive results at different levels. That is why education takes a larger dimension and the classrooms open up vistas for self growth, mutual sharing, broad mindedness and dreams are brought to fruition. I believe, observers call this success but we call it our way of life at the RTSS. We do not have any obsession for success but still we invest ourselves body and soul when we undertake something and mind you we do it daily with humility and modesty. Sir, we are really impressed by your hard work. How do you manage it? When you love what you do and do what you love, then your soul and body get reinvigorated invisibly, as if God silently blesses you from above. Work is my prayer. I can never accept or tolerate laziness or mediocrity. When you love something and you put your heart at it, then you always feel that you can do more and more. Let me tell you that very often my teaching and non- teaching staff and even my deputy request me to take some rest. 2003-2008, what are the major realisations of the RTSS? For two consecutive years we bagged 100% at the SC level. In 2007, more than 40 students scored aggregates ranging from 6 to 10. Around 50 students got distinction in English, and another 50 got distinction in Maths and more than 60 scored a distinction in French. For a school found in the remotest rural area of the island, this is a feat worth extolling. I am emphasising this for readers who may have an ‘urban complex’. I have teachers who prefer to travel long distances to work at the RTSS rather than seek their transfer. MY staff works relentlessly with love and affection, without grumbling. Why? Look at my kids and compare them with others to see the difference for yourself. The RTSS is one of the most sought secondary schools in Zone 1 even if it is not a National College. I do not want to add more, it would sound like boasting. I promise that there are other pleasant surprises in store for the future. Don’t forget we are only six years old! At the RTSS we do not do different things but simply do things differently as Shiv Khera would put it. (Note from the editing team. We thank you very much for sharing your views with the readers of this magazine. We can assure you that your ‘kids’ also cherish you very dearly as you are a genuine role model to all of us as you inspire us to take up new challenges with confidence and reach greater heights everyday.) Zeba Mubarak Jan, Priyanka Balgobin Veda Dawoonauth ( Form V SC1) 39 Residing in our heart, RTSS history you've marked, You presented yourself as a bright scholar, Despite your absence, You still shine like a star, We've been told to turn the page, But, you'll remain for us as a living image, Silent You were in the light, But darkness stole your living right, You will always dwell in heaven, For on Earth you were a diamond, It's been weeks we've cried, But today you are our pride, You will always be deep in our heart, And, May God always keep you as his part.... Rajneesh Mungur If You Wish If you wish I will come back again If this sea-shore adrifts with the waves of joy and sorrows I will make the raft a floating again on the water and play on the dust I will float on the water of the eyes or behind the mirage of laughter I start again on the thorny way at night, I live with wounds or die Play smiling with me again in disguise I love the world again with love anew. VYAS RAMBAREE 40 Someone absent in Lower VI Science 1! Outing on 09 May 2008 , RUBESH on the phone , “ OUI OUI , MO PE VINI MEME LA DO ! These are the last words ,we heard from him .On that particular day ,we , students of lower VI Sc 1 {close friends of rubesh} really wanted him to join us at the outing, we kept calling him, but the latter kept us waiting … he never came. Who was this guy ? In simple words … You want a dose of entertainment in your dull life, a way to forget your stress and tension ,a friend to make your day an enjoyable one, turn a boring lesson into an entertaining one, make the eve of an exam Christmas eve,… the only thing you had to do, was to contact Mr Rubesh Ramdhoneea. He was there to spread euphoria everywhere! Some may think that we have forgotten Rubesh in Lower Sc 1 because we seem to have gotten on with life, but we are only trying to make his absence unnoticeable….to make it bearable. WE DEEPLY MISS U IN LOWER VI SC 1 ! Rubesh Ramdhoneea O7.12.1991 - 09.05.2008 Morcellement St Andre Student of Lower VI Sc 1 Sahil Teeluckdharry Lower VI Science 1 41 GOD… MY ULTIMATE SHELTER The moment I stepped in the temple, the soft chimes of the tiny bells attached to the door soothed my anguish…. The mere sight of the forgiving smile the deity wore on His face drove my desperation, if only a tiny bit, away… I stood there, the soft breeze gently caressing my hair, and stared at Him for a long time… I wanted to cry out in pain and pour my heart out to Him… I had so many things to ask Him, but my helplessness and despair made it difficult for me to start … I wanted Him to tell me what I did wrong to deserve such a punishment… What I did wrong for Him to throw the dice when it came to deciding about My fate… And above all, what did my precious baby do wrong to deserve a death sentence even before understanding what life was … My heart wrenched with pain as I thought of my innocent baby struck with that dreadful disease which left him with no more than two short months to live… I wanted to curse Him for playing with our lives and feelings so mercilessly… Why bother give life to my baby if He was to snatch it away from me so soon? Why not me?! How come He expected me, the one who gave life to the tiny baby, to watch him suffer and die?? For God’s sake, for nine months I carried him everywhere, as the better part of myself, carried him to the same steps leading to where I was standing right now… Here I was, three years later, helpless, while my baby was slowly being engulfed by death. I wanted to do so many things; yet I did not… I did nothing at all… I did not lash out those angry words to Him… I could not… Finally, I just dropped down to my knees, and thanked Him… I thanked Him for granting to my baby, a chance at life, be it a short one… I also thanked Him for having blessed me with the angel my baby was… He made me realise that we just do not blame God for our fate… Instead, whatever is given to us is God’s property… Something He is great enough to bestow on us for some years of our lives as a blessing… Things we should just cherish and make the best out of… And when the time comes, be as great as He is, and let go of… Without any regrets… Yovanee Thyantan Upper VI Science 2 42 FROM PLAINE VERTE TO ILOT One day, leaving my Plaine Verte For Ilot in year 2002. Bravely, I boarded a giant bus To a strange place of luxurious sugar cane fields… I was amidst Rocks, blocks, constructions, Was it a college? From Plaine Verte to Ilot I discovered a big family Of brothers and sisters. From time to time, I learnt, I studied. Sometime, through the window-pane I caught sight Of A marvellous rainbow… From Plaine Verte to Ilot What a reality! What a dream! Through years Through smiles Through tolls and tears I came to believe In the future of my school… I believe in Almighty To bless this Place of heaven From Plaine Verte to Ilot What I am! What I believe in! What I live for! It’s my Rabindranath Tagore College My Geetanjali That glitters in my deep EXISTENCE Irfaan Hossen Upper VI Science One tty yra Ko To Ro ad To ou P .L is To No tre SITE RABINDR TAGO ANATH SECON RE Rabindran DA ath SCHOO RY L me Da BRAMBHA KUMARI CENTRE s bas es le Ca To Tagore SECON DARY SCHOOL `Epin To D Em es br ev ad es Sup er U Mosque Pu Supemark et bl iq ue sD eC am pD Ave D Ch em in es O rchid ee nic Lan e t Ilo ad Ro ch Br OL D CQ FLA D ROA ay Routes 43 COEDUCATION- A BLESSING OR A CURSE? Coeducation, as the word denotes means the joint education of boys and girls in the same schools and colleges whereby they attend the same classes, play on the fields together, in short get real opportunities to learn about each other. For some time now opinions in Mauritius have been divided on this subject; which is better single-sex schools or mixed schools? Meet our two groups of friends -- Alice and Jerry; Jane and Bryan . The former are staunch believers in mixed schools while the latter are more conservative and feel that boys and girls should be schooled seperately. Lets hear from them …. girls can become the willing or unwilling victims of unscrupulous boys in mixed schools. Alice & Jerry: My dear friends! Indeed members of the opposite sex are bound to be attracted to each other, be it in colleges or the world at large! This is inevitable. If not now, this will definitely happen later in their lives. So why separate boys and girls when they are meant to be together? Besides, the presence of girls has been found to have a refining effect on boys. Vulgarity thrives among boys, but if girls are in their surroundings, they steadily develop a habit of talking decently and behaving in a gentlemanly manner. In addition our dear opponents say that girls may easily fall prey to the traps set by boys. But this is where our values and the good culture instilled in us by our family is most needed. If one has a strong willpower and a good sense of judgment, who can succeed in misleading one? equipment and land for games. Lots of money is invested in mixed schools, since they have to cater for both sexes. Changing rooms, bathrooms and toilets have to be provided for both males and females whereas in single sex schools, it goes without saying that there are not so many expenses... Alice & Jerry: Infact, coeducational schools prevent discrimination and provide a fair and equal education to both sexes. Hitherto men were the first to oppose the rights conceded to women but coeducation gives men first-hand knowledge of the latent potentials and capabilities of a woman. From the financial and economic point of view, we strongly believe that though seperate changing rooms and toilets prove to be costly to the school,a separate institution should be doubly costly!. Therefore it is more practical and beneficial to encourage coeducation. Distraction opposite sex! by the Jane & Bryan: First and foremost, teenagers are more likely to be distracted by members of the opposite sex. This may result in infatuation or unrequited love causing a lot of headache to the vulnerable adolescents and making this phase of life even harder. Unisex colleges segregate the two sexes as the free intermixing of the sexes during puberty may easily lead to sexual misconduct and The need to provide for more equipment and staff .. Jane & Bryan: Well, we should not forget the fact that mixed schools require more complicated arrangements and more 44 Competition girls and boys between Jane & Bryan: Furthermore, we would like to point out that girls react less favourably to competition than boys. Girls often feel that they should compete with girls only and not with the opposite sex. If students are not responding to competition, then coeducation does not have its raison d’etre! Alice & Jerry: A coed environment encourages females to compete with males and it is believed that females do perform better when challenged by the complete spectrum of males and females talents. Single sex classrooms nurture a cocoon like environment which a student might like at an early stage but what will happen to the latter when it is time to face the real world which is mixed? Coeducation is infact a microcosm of the real world. If one is unable to adjust in a co educated school, it will be hard for one to cope in the world outside... and strong enough to avoid unpleasant experiences. Curriculum in schools Alice & Jerry: The curriculum in mixed schools is more varied than in a unisex school, since it might not be possible to provide all subjects at single sex schools. For instance: subjects like design & technology will not be provided in girls’ school and food & nutrition will not be available in a boys’ college. But in a mixed school all doors are open for both sexes and they are even given the chance to opt for ‘unconventional’ subjects they might not have got at a unisex school Jane & Bryan: …But may be you are right… in life, they can effectively deal with them. The classroom is in fact a preparation for the real world to be encountered in the near future. That’s all, thank you for your kind attention I now leave the stage to my dear friends from the opposing team. Jane & Bryan: Err … but unisex schools separate teenagers during puberty and… well thank you. So which of our friends have managed to convince you? We hope that this article has helped you make up your mind on this subject! Students of single sex schools concentrate better... Jane & Bryan: It is generally believed that in single sex schools teenagers concentrate better on their academic work and that emotional problems are more likely to occur in mixed school. Alice & Jerry: Hmm… this may be ‘generally believed’ but may not be a fact! It is also true that in unisex schools, there may be distraction too. Like we have discussed earlier, this is something inevitable. We have to be motivated Chaya Juggoo Bhavna Burhooa Shesta Ramrichia Lower VI science 2 Parting shot…. Alice & Jerry: the last point that we are going to debate on is the most important one! Both men and women work together to survive and exist. They require each other‘s assistance to succeed. For students to achieve success, they require an education system that will fully prepare them for life. If the outside world is mixed, it becomes very vital for secondary schools to be mixed so that when the students are to encounter the opposite sex 45 SHRI RABINDRANATH TAGORE A Brief Biography Rabindranath Tagore was born into a distinguished Bengali family in Calcutta, West Bengal on 1861. His father’s name was Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, a well known Hindu reformer and mystic and his mother was Shrimati Sharada Devi. Tagore received his education at home. He was taught in Bengali, with English lessons in the afternoon. He read the Bengali poets since his early age and himself began writing poetry by the age of eight. Rabindranath Tagore did have a brief spell at St Xavier’s Jesuit school, but found the conventional system of education uncongenial. His father wanted him to become a barrister and he was sent to England for this reason. In England, Tagore heard John Bright and W.E. Gladstone speak and was highly impressed and inspired by their “large-hearted, radical liberalism.” In 1879, he enrolled at University college, in London, but was called back to India by his father in 1880. By 1883 he was married. Tagore’s family chose his bride, an almost illiterate girl of ten named Bhabatarini (renamed Mrinalini), whom he married with little ceremony. They were to have four children, the eldest was born when Mrinalini was 13. However, Mrinalini died at the age of 30. From 1890, Tagor undertook the management of his family estates. His earliest poetic collection Manasi (1891), Chitra (1895) and Sonar Tari (1895) used colloquial Bengali instead of the usual archaic literary form. In 1901 he founded the famous Shantiniketan near Calcutta. This was designed to provide a traditional ashram and Western education. He began with 5 pupils and 5 teachers (three of whom were Christian). His ideals were simplicity of living and the cultivation of beauty. In 1912, Tagore visited Britain again and his own English translation of Gitanjali was published under Yeats’ auspices. A lecture tour of Britain and the USA followed. In 1913, he was awarded the famous Nobel Prize and used the prize money to improve his school at Shantiniketan. 46 Apart from his poetry, he held major exhibitions of his paintings in the West. He was also a noted composer. His works and his life influenced film director Shri Satyajit Ray, who had been one of his pupils. Tagore was not politically motivated and tried to harmonise the views of east and west. In August 1941, Shri Rabindranath Tagore was moved from Shantiniketan ashram to Calcutta for an operation. In the same year i.e. 1941, he passed away in the same house in which he was born in. Although Tagore wrote successfully in all literary genres, he was first of all a poet. Among his fifty odd volumes of poetry are Manasi (1890) [The Ideal One], Sonar Tari (1894) [The Golden Boat], Gitanjali (1910) [Song Offerings], Gitimalya (1914) [Wreath Of Songs], and Balaka (1916) [The Flight Of Cranes]. The English renderings of his poetry, which include The Gardener (1913), Fruit-Gathering (1916) and the Fugitive (1921), do not generally correspond to particular volumes in the original Bengali; and in spite of its title, Gitanjali: Song Offerings (1912), the most acclaimed of them, contains poems from other works besides its namesake. Tagore’s major plays are Raja (1910) [The King Of The Chamber], Dakghar (1912) [The Post Office], Achalayatan (1912) [The Immovable], Muktadhara (1922) [The Waterfalls] and Raktakaravi (1926) [Red Oleanders]. He is the author of several volumes of short stories and a number of novels, among them Gora (1910), Ghare-Baire (1916) [The Home And The World] and Yogayog (1929) [Crosscurrents]. Besides these, he wrote musical dramas, dance dramas, essays of all types, travel diaries and two autobiographies, one in his middle years and the other shortly before his death in 1941. Tagore also left numerous drawings and paintings and songs for which he wrote the music himself. In a nutshell, Rabindranath Tagore was A Poet A Philosopher A Musicial A Writer An Educator and A Nobel Laureate Rajneesh Mungur 47 A Para able   On upon a time t nce n there was a class s and the students expr ressed di isapprov of thei teacher val ir r. Wh should they be concern with hy d e ned globa interde al ependenc global problem cy, l ms and wha others of the world wer thinkin feelin and do at w re ng, ng oing? And the te A eacher sa she ha a drea in wh aid ad am hich she saw one of her st e tudents f fifty year from to rs oday. T stude was a The ent angry and said , d “Why di I learn so much detail a id n h about the past e and the adm d ministrati of my country ion y y and so little abou the world ?” ut He w angr becaus no one told him was ry se e m th as an adult he would b faced hat be a almost da with problem of a aily h ms glo obal inter rdepende natur be the ent re, pro oblems of peace, s o security , quality o life, foo inflat of od, tion, or sc carcity of natural re n esources. . Th angry student f he s found he was the v victim as well as t benef the ficiary. “W was I not wa Why s arned? W was Why I not be etter edu ucated? W Why d my tea did achers no tell me about ot e the problem and hel me un ms lp nderstand d I was a mem w mber of an interd a dependen human race ?” nt n With ev great anger the stud ven ter r dent shou uted, “You helped m extend my han with i h me d nds incredibl machin le nes, my ey with telescope and m yes t es microscopes, my ear with te rs elephone radios and son es, s, nar, my brain with compute ers, b you did not h but d help me e extend my heart, lov concer h ve, rn to the entire hu e uman fam mily. Yo teach gave me half a loaf.” ou, her, 48 RTSS STUDENT COUNCIL 2007 & 2008 A school is of course managed by the rector, its teaching staff and non-teaching staff as well as the administration department. This team works to cater for the needs of each and every student. Together with improving the academic performance of the school the welfare and benefits of students should also be taken into consideration. For this purpose, the executive members of the student council were elected on the 19th of March 2007. Following the introduction of the excellence award to honour the best in the education field, the RTSS student council postulated in the Best Student Council category. The student council body operated under the guidance and supervision of Mr. V.Ramloghun, biology teacher. Election of executive members of the student council 2008 was held on the 3rd of April 2008 in the Lecture Theatre. Newly elected class student council members, last year’s members, classcaptains and vice class-captains along with all the prefects participated in the election. Below are the newly-elected Executive Members: OFFICE BEARERS PRESIDENT Rambaree Vyas VICE-PRESIDENT Calleea Arjun SECRETARY Boolaky Zainab Bibi ASST SECRETARY Bhoobun Haumansha TREASURER Burhooa Bhavna ASST TREASURER Ramdoss Bhavna Chandni P.R.O Mungur Rajneesh MEMBERS Chumun Umangish Haurheeram Vedraj Tembah Khavir Munoosingh Varun Chakoory Hanshinee Ramhit Ashveena Pockraz Neha Ramruttun Yoshna Ramsewak Kshema Hoolash Shreeya Varun Munoosingh EDITING TEAM 49 Gooriah T Beeharry K Caunhye S Chummun I Rughoobur S Pathel D Jeewooth A. Ramdhony N Boodhoo S Basdeo Teeluck Dawoonauth V Poonye K - President -Vice-President -Secretary - Asst-ecretary -Treasurer -Vice-Treasurer -P.R.O -member -member -member -member -member -member EXCLUSIVITIES OF RTSS RTSS School Year 2008 Calendar… According to us… January: It is the time to pack bags and remember the way to school again (ti pou pli bon si nous ti pou écoute ça romantique disque de l'année là qui passe ça souffrance de l'année quand nous mette ça uniforme là). At school, we are welcomed by the usual speech of the rector saying that Form 5 and HSC students have to work really hard this year(fek rentre l'école, li commence décourage nous aster là même). Suddenly, in the assembly we get a glimpse of that cute boyfriend/ girlfriend (heureusement la vie pas si amère). But still, guys and girls, we can relax, there are many public holidays ahead (travail capave attendre). February: Sc results 2007 have already come out! RTSS got 7 pupils getting 6 as aggregate (we pauvres HSC and form 5 students drool over their results with big popping eyes and saliva in our mouth). Rector starts dreaming big about us (pitié nous!). There's still time for exams to come! (Champions league largué, cahier dan coin) March: Teachers are overloading us with homework (nous couma dire bane vrais zombies- ti capave mette nous dan films vampires). The only reasons why we are coming to school these days are because of that boyfriend/girlfriend (si ena aster) and to show our patriotism on the 11th of March (pou gagne jus, gateaux). April: We have 2 weeks holidays to revise because exams are starting on the first day of 2nd term itself!(pé gagne crise- adrenaline is being secreted) Exams have started (juste pé gratte la tête ek mange crayon pou faire le temps passe vite). It would have been good if exams were cancelled but coming from the rector, it would just have been (ene poisson d'avril). May: Tagore day (bane anges couma nous ena respect pou Tagore)! We get daily doses of speech from teachers. We have to start working (bisin tire ça bane past-papers ki ti pé dormi dans placard là). June: Life is too difficult (cernes pé formés si tant pas pé dormi). When we are sleeping too, we get nightmares of the rector running after us rather than sweet dreams of our boyfriend/girlfriend. 50 July: Mock exams! (qui faire professer rempli point qui ‘mock at us’). Even God cannot help us now!) Now we start to realise why the rector was emphasizing on revision from the start and not to wait for the eleventh hour (pas pou narien li recteur). August: Holidays are not for us. There is only one word in our minds: work and work (hormones are out of control and teachers are not making life easy too!) The beds call out to us at night (ça molton pe dire nou vin dormi) but we immediately remember the nightmares we can have! (pas envie gagne remark dans journal avec ça bane professeurs là). September: Situation same same but different! (ça juste dans chanté ça). The final turn,(entier l'année ine dormi aster ban nerfs pres pou kasse! Mo Sanatogen coter) October: (Cannon fini largué!)The real exams have started- you want it or not! (l'éxamen pane commence bonheur par hasard?) Last revision to go and write what you can in the exams even if you have a complete blackout! Gandhi aussi ine fer fausse r nou meme ki nou ena bon manier! Pou la première fois personne pane crie ek nous ça jour là! Alle lesse nou prend ene grand respiration ek apres nou pou corek, bon mo espere aster ! November: We thought of challenging the greatest enemy- Cambridge and exams! Mais avoy promene. December: Come on, les meetings with boyfriend/girlfriend have to start, la mer, le soleil et la plage aux rendez-vous, pa cone aster capav…! That is our domain: amizé ça nous conné, results and examsça nous pas envie conné! Entre-temps, Cambridge people still correcting the papers- the outcome (results top pas top?) Still pending… Most applicable to Form 5 and HSC students! We apologise if any sentiments were hurt but this article is meant to be taken lightly nothing serious! A good sense of humour lightens the spirit, vrai pa vrai? For nothing on earth, would we change schools for there is no better school than the RTSS. We fanatically adore and love our teachers, Rector and friends. We have already informed you so now don't say (mo pas ti conné) car aster you conné! Jour resilta Rector’s speech: “Ouai mo ban zenfans ine gagne 100% enkor et zot conner combien mo fier de zot. But we should have bigger dreams still!” Zelevs: “Ouai, Ouai, nou mem pa kone coument ine gagne sa!” 51 Interview of Himesh Reshammiya Interviewer: What are your views about great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi & Rabindranath Tagore? Himesh: Dil ki surkh diwaaron pe naam hai tera tera…. Interviewer: According to you has they been forgotten? Himesh: Obviously not! Aksar dil tumhein yaad karta hai. Interviewer: Does their absence make any difference to you, personally? Himesh: Zindagi mein hai tum bin ye viraniyaan…ye viraniyaan… Interviewer: Imagine they’re listening to you right now. What would you like to tell them? Himesh: Jhalak dikhlaja Jhalak dikhlaja ek baar aja aja aja aja aaaaja…. Interviewer: Will their return to this world change anything in you? Himesh: Meri deewaangi meri awaargi ko zara chain aye sanam tu thaamle jo daaman sambhal jayeinge kadam. Interviewer: Thank you HR for your precious time and this exclusive interview. Himesh: Jai matadi Lets ROCK!!!!! Lower VI Science 2 52 BLUETOOTH: The wireless technology Auchoybur Poushpanjalee Upper VI Science 2 More than five new Bluetooth enabled products are qualified every working day and 13 million Bluetooth units are shipped per week. The installed base of Bluetooth devices is one and a half billion and climbing, making it the only proven choice for developers, product manufacturers and consumers worldwide. Ten years after its first specification was designed, Bluetooth technology ranks as “one of the most successful interface technologies of all time,” and is branching out from headsets and mobile phones to applications such as game consoles and medical devices. Meanwhile, an updated Bluetooth specification, version 2.1 + EDR, adds secure simple pairing that makes setting up devices simpler than ever. Bluetooth wireless technology enables many kinds of products to communicate and is a standard feature in most cell phones. With the availability of high speed Bluetooth, device users can expect to share their entertainment data with their trusted friends, without the need for cables and wires. Some applications consumers can benefit from are: - Wirelessly bulk synchronize music libraries between PC and MP3 player - Bulk download photos to a printer or PC - Send video files from camera or phone to computer or television 53 JEUNES : LEUR PREMIER CHAGRIN D’AMOUR L'amour vit l'instant présent, ne se retourne pas sur le passé ni ne s'inquiète de l'avenir. L'amour c'est maintenant ! [Leo Buscaglia] Une rupture à 16 ans, ce n’est ni un manque de chance, ni une tare, ni une maladie. Au contraire, c’est une étape utile et structurante. Même si le jeune est désespéré, même si ses parents sont désemparés. Depuis trois semaines, Vashee ne mange plus, n’appelle plus ses copines au téléphone et se désintéresse de ses études. Elle a coupé son bracelet brésilien, s’enferme dans sa chambre et sanglote toutes les larmes de son corps en contemplant une photo froissée de son expetit ami, Vimal. Tout est fichu, sali, détruit : plus jamais elle n’aimera comme elle a aimé ce garçon infidèle ! D’abord amusés et attendris, ses parents s’inquiètent. C’est la première fois que leur fille de 16 ans est si malheureuse. Ils ne la reconnaissent plus et donneraient n’importe quoi pour lui éviter cette souffrance. Ils pensent même l’envoyer consulter un médecin, tant ils ont peur qu’elle s’effondre ou qu’elle se suicide. Pourquoi tout de suite penser au pire? Pourquoi cette phobie du chagrin ? Comme toutes les épreuves qui jalonnent notre existence, le premier chagrin d’amour est essentiel pour mûrir. " C’est un rite initiatique que tous les adolescents traversent quand ils se sentent prêts à confronter leur intimité physique et, surtout, psychique, avec l’autre, l’aimé(e) ", souligne le psychiatre Xavier Pommereau, spécialiste de vel’adolescence (il dirige l’unité médicopsychologique de l’adolescent au centre Abadie, à Bordeaux). Trop attaché aux parents ? C’est vrai, un ado en plein chagrin d’amour est totalement absorbé par son malheur. Il le vit avec violence et passion, comme tout le reste. Pour lui, c’est très sérieux. Il a l’impression d’avoir tout perdu, qu’il n’arrivera jamais à faire le deuil de cette séparation. Seuls les adultes savent qu’on se remet de tout et que le premier amour ne sera pas le dernier. 54 Si la souffrance est si violente, c’est parce qu’elle ravive la douleur d’autres séparations, plus anciennes. " Le tout premier chagrin d’amour, c’est avec sa maman qu’on le vit, dès ses premiers mois, explique Catherine Mathelin, psychanalyste. On doit tous renoncer à la fusion, à l’amour absolu, au désir d’être totalement accepté et pris en charge, même si on n’en fait jamais vraiment le deuil ! " Ensuite, il faut renoncer à son amour œdipien et, ça aussi, c’est très douloureux. Selon Xavier Pommereau, la violence d’un chagrin d’amour est proportionnelle à l’attachement que l’adolescent éprouve encore pour ses parents : " Sans en avoir conscience, les adolescents cherchent à tout prix un substitut affectif à celui des deux parents dont ils ont du mal à se séparer. Leur petit(e) ami(e) est un “plus que mère” ou un “plus que père” avec qui ils espèrent vivre un amour idéal, “pour la vie”. Or cette quête est sans issue. Un “amoureux” ne peut jamais combler tous les manques affectifs. Alors, quand ils perdent leur objet d’amour, c’est le drame ! " L’éducation sentimentale Vivre un chagrin d’amour implique qu’on a pu… tomber amoureux. Cela signifie qu’on a pu sortir de l’Œdipe, aimer ailleurs que dans sa famille, quitter l’enfance pour devenir adulte. Et ça, c’est plus que positif. Quoi de plus formateur que de découvrir que l’autre peut éprouver des sentiments très forts pour soi, mais que son amour n’est ni un dû ni un acquis. Quoi de plus enrichissant que d’expérimenter une nouvelle gamme de sentiments ? Quoi de plus excitant que de ressentir pour la première fois de troublants émois romantiques ? Ce sont les premiers pas de l’éducation sentimentale. Mise en garde Au 21eme siècle, l’amour est devenu banal pour beaucoup car on y a trop facilement accès des fois. Les parents accordent aux ados beaucoup de liberté, d’argent, de portables ou de vêtements griffés. Pour certains ados mauriciens, le romantisme est mort et l’amour … enterré ! Il faudrait que nos jeunes se ressaisissent et réalisent que la fidélité est mieux que l’amour libre et que « coucher pour coucher » est totalement démodé (même dans les pays européens !!!). Il faut prendre son temps car il y a un temps et un moment pour chaque chose dans la vie. Il serait aussi utile de noter que les jeunes de chez nous pensent avoir beaucoup grandi et atteint une maturité mais c’est important de souligner que tous sont toujours insuffisamment informés sur la sexualité, les moyens contraceptifs et les maladies sexuellement transmissibles. Ce qu’il faudrait à nos jeunes c’est de retrouver un peu de romantisme et de prendre du temps avec leurs sentiments. L’amour est un sentiment formidable qui ne mérite pas d’être négligé ni banalisé. Le monde est une mer et notre cœur en est le rivage ; la raison peut nous avertir de ce qu'il faut éviter, le coeur seul nous dit ce qu'il faut faire. Terminons sur une pensée de Chateaubriand : « Aimer, c'est bien, savoir aimer, c'est tout. » 55     56     57     58 La pollution de l’environnement de notre pays. Au début du 21e siècle, notre pays fait face aux beaucoup de problèmes dont parmi : la maltraitances des enfants, le diabète, la pollution de l’environnement et la délinquence juvénile. Moi, je considère la pollution de l’environnement comme étant le problème le plus urgent. L’environnement est l’entourage habituel où nous, les hommes, vivons. Pour que les générations futures puissent profiter de la nature at pour qu’ils soient en bonne santé, nous devons sauvegarder notre environnement. Beaucoup de mesures sont à prendre. Certaines sont déjà prises mais il y a beaucoup de personnes qui ne les respectent pas. Je pense que notre environnement devient de plus en plus pollué grâce au progrès constant de notre pays. De jour en jour de nouvelles usines sont mises en place. Elles polluent l’environnement en relâchant leurs déchets toxiques dans la nature. Par exemple, Alcodis est une usine qui se trouve dans le sud de l’île Maurice qui laisse échapper des gaz toxiques qui polluent l’environnement et qui empoisonne les enfants dans l’entourage. Aujourd’hui, il y a trop de voitures qui polluent l’air et c’est à cause de cela qu’il y a des trous dans la couche d’ozone. À travers ces trous, les rayons ultra violet pénètrent dans notre atmosphère et causent des maladies comme le cancer de la peau, l’asthme, le cancer du poumon, la maladie des yeux et causent le réchauffement de la terre. Je pense que pour arriver à résoudre ce problème de pollution de l’environnement, des lois très strictes doivent être mises en vigueur. Des officiers de la protection de l’environnement doivent se rendre dans des usines plus régulièrement pour un constat des lieux. Finalement, les voitures doivent obligatoirement avoir un filtre pour filtrer l’air d’échappement. Un environnement sain est l’élément le plus important pour que l’homme soit en bonne santé et pour que les générations futures puissent profiter de la nature. Alors, unissons-nous pour le protéger!   Jyotsna Pulluvee Luxmi Ramgoolam  Form V Science 2  59 GLOBAL WARMING Global warming has already become an environmental issue of high concern. Indeed, the consequences of this phenomenon such as drastic climate have been remarkable. For instance, the atmospheric temperature has increased by 1 o C over the past century. Consequently, icebergs have melted faster than ever at the poles, with a considerable increase in the sea level, which is a hazard for low-lying countries such as the Maldives, which could be completely submerged if no preventive measures are taken. How to, if not eliminate, minimize the extent of global warming? To do so, we should first understand how global warming occurs. Many of us have heard about the famous ‘ozone’. Yet, some of us might be stunned if I would say that ozone, an allotrope of oxygen, is a pollutant in the troposphere (the lower atmosphere), for it reacts with exhaust fumes, more specifically, the unburnt hydrocarbons from engines, to form photochemical smog, which hinders visibility. However, in the stratosphere (the upper atmosphere), the ozone proves to be a blessing, in the sense that it ‘filters’ the ultra-violet radiation emanated from the Sun and reaching the Earth. However, the use of CFCs (short for ChloroFluroCarbons) and halons (compounds containing bromine atoms) have resulted in the gradual but alarming destruction of the ozone layer. In the presence of UV light, very reactive chlorine atoms are broken apart from CFCs and react over and over again with ozone, converting it into ordinary oxygen. The same goes for halons. There is already a large hole in the ozone layer around the South Pole. Increased combustion of fossil fuels and decomposition of vegetable matters in marshy land result in the release of a potential greenhouse gas, methane, which is not removed from our atmosphere, unlike carbon dioxide. Methane forms a layer in the atmosphere and prevents infra-red radiation emanated from the Sun, from reflecting back from the Earth’s surface into outer space. Infrared radiation, which is a form of energy, hence causing global warming. 60 Of course, to minimize global warming, the use of hazardous compounds such as halons and CFCs should be prohibited. In order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, scientists should persevere day and night with research for ‘alternatives’. For example, only very recently, Sir Richard Branson literally concocted a biofuel consisting of … coconut oil and other natural products. In collaboration with Virgin Atlantics, the first ever ‘biofuel flight’ was safely performed from England to Holland. Moreover, the use of hydrogen as our fuel in the future is very probable. On a political basis, several forums have already been set up. The Montreal Protocol (1989), the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (1992) and the more recent Protocol of Kyoto are some examples of the international campaigns set up in the eternal fight against global warming. 31 developed countries have signed the Montreal Protocol. But unbelievably, the US has relentlessly refused to sign the Protocol of Kyoto. It is not shocking that the US is so reluctant for they are, undoubtedly and unsurprisingly, one of the leading countries in the emission of greenhouse gases. Immediate actions are required if we are to win this war against global warming. Let us, together, power a greener tomorrow. Kheelesh Poonye Lower VI Science 2 Our Cultural Legacy Mauritian Culture involves the blending of several cultures accumulated over the centuries as well as personal culture arising indigenously. Some claim that Mauritius has escaped the identity crisis faced by other multicultural countries in the world. Our country has its own language, the Mauritian Creole, but has for official language, English. We have our own thriving literature, our own music and dance (Sega) and our own cuisine (Cuisine Creole).Mauritian music blends the sound and rhythms of Western and Eastern Africa, India and China, which have been brought over by immigrants. The traditional music style is the ‘Sega’ brought by African immigrants. Sega dancers wear elaborated coloured skirts and dance around a bonfire. It is accompanied by rhythmic instruments like the Ravanne and the Triangle. Traditional Music and Dances have been brought by Indian and Chinese immigrants. Refined Classical music is much appreciated in Mauritius. Wearing colourful sarees, the dancers carry out precise choreographies with Traditional Dances are the Dragon and Lion Dances. They involve a long dragon costume underneath which dozens of dancers hide, moving to the drumbeat. Western Music is also popular in Mauritius. It includes mainstream rap, hip-hop, rock and jazz. The number of holidays and festivals indicates the rich legacy of our people and the island’s ethnic diversity. Mauritians celebrate all festivals together; sharing ‘Gâteau La Cire’ on Chinese Spring Festival and Indian Cakes during Deepavali, the ‘Sewaye’ on Eid-Ul-Fitr, and ‘Oeufs Pâques’ on Easter. Mauritian Cuisine caters to most palates. It blends a variety of flavours and slices brought by immigrants. Culinary Traditions from France, India, Italy, China and Africa have been passed down through generations. A typical Mauritian day starts with a Continental Breakfast, followed by a Chinese Lunch, a French Supper and ends with an Indian Dinner. Indian workers brought with them their spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. There is also extensive use of dholls, vegetables, beans and pickles, ‘Dholl Puri’ and ‘Roti’. The Muslim community prepares ‘Biryani’ of Mughal origin, a dish with meat, spices, potato and rice. Even if the Chinese community is small, its cuisine is very much present in the restaurants. Fried Noodles, Fried Rice, Chop Suey, Spring Rolls are appreciated by everyone. All communities have blended each other’s cuisine and adapted them to their liking. The result? Our unique Creole Cuisine, not available anywhere else in the world! each movement having its own meaning. Classical Indian Dances are usually accompanied by musical instruments such as the ‘Tabla’ and the ‘Sitar’. The best known Chinese Yashdev Ramloll Upper VI Science 1 61 Mauritius – My Beloved Country On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius, it gives us great pleasure to think about our country, its history, its cultural diversity, its beauty, its natural landscapes, luxurious fields and beautiful beaches, and its developing industries and economy. What strike us and keep us close to it as true Mauritians are the languages we speak, our cultures and traditions and above all, our sense of patriotism. The Slogan “nou pays nou fierté” speaks of itself and appeals to every Mauritian. The lives of our forefathers have never been easy; it meant a constant struggle towards development and prosperity. They shaped the destiny of this country. Political leaders made great efforts until Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam played his part as a leader and gave Mauritius its Constitution. Mauritius became th March 1968. Sir independent on 12 Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the first Prime Minister of this country and well deserves to be called the Father of the Nation our praises for having written in our National Anthem, “Glory to thee Motherland, O motherland of mine ….” He evoked one’s love for unity, peace, justice and liberty in the following terms: “……as one people, as one nation, in peace, justice and liberty.” Our love for our country is palpatable when we seek God’s blessing: ‘‘Be loved country may God bless thee for ever and ever.” Forty years have elapsed, but the feeling of patriotism, ‘‘nou pays nou fierté’’ is still dominant. One of the most beautiful aspects of my country lies in the diversity of its people -a multiracial nation. Here we have a diversity of religions, traditions and cultures. All Mauritians, irrespective of creed `or colour live, work and strive together. There is respect for the values of others. This is a clear indication of “unity in diversity.” Is this not the pride of every Mauritian? As a Mauritian I am proud of my country. PRASHANT SOWDAGUR Form IV Science1 The 1st National Day was observed with great fervor by Mauritians. A National celebration was held at Champs de Mars. It evoked a great feeling in the heart of every Mauritian who visualised his Motherland achieving Independence. A pride for and devotion to his country is felt by every Mauritian. Jean George Prosper deserves all 62 JOKES A wealthy industrialist named Rajesh was sitting besides his dying wife. When her last moment came she said: “Go for remarriage after my death. But promise me that you will not give her my clothes to wear”. Rajesh answered promptly: “It is a promise Uma. Anyway Madhu is tall and slim. Your clothes won’t suit her!” Lakshana Nobin Monisha Chintaram TIME success in life is the proper use of time. Life is so short and uncertain. We do not know when we shall be called away from this world by death. Time is lost and lost forever. Time and tide wait for no man. The boy who is unmindful of his lessons will find to his sorrows, when he has become a man, that he has lost the opportunity of making himself learned. The young man, who is afraid to work and idles away his time is sure to find in later years that he is a burden to himself and others. When you are busy in gossips, you should know that you are spending your time without any benefit to yourself. The time you spend in speaking ill of others, in aimlessly strolling about idle companions, in reading worthless books, and in other useless, if not positively harmful, occupations is so much valuable in lost. There are some people who say that they have no time for reading books or for otherwise improving their mind or body. They only deceive themselves. If they are punctual and industrious, they will find time for everything. The secret of 63 AN ACCOUNT OF THE MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 2007 What is MUN all about?? Bleak, clueless, with everyone fighting to participate in it. First year, First batch of RTSS taking part, are they going to make it??? The 2007 Annual Session of MUN started in the second term holidays on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August. MUN stimulates the activities of United Nations, usually the Security Council, the General Assembly and its commissions whereby participants assume the roles of representatives of member states of the United Nations systems vast agenda. This year, Arjun, Shruti, Tej, Pooja and I myself, Griha, were the only delegates from our school representing Bolivia, a Latin American country. OUR EXPERIENCE: It’s just wow!! At first, I found it hard, complicated and I even wanted to withdraw but in the end it turned out to be simple, cool, adventurous, challenging and instructive. Day 2 was a bit stressful and tiring but I handled it. In fact, MUN allowed me to enlarge my circle of friends. It was so enriching, interesting that I did not want it to end. It was a real boost to my personality, my self esteem, personal confidence and most importantly , I learned to be diplomatic. Personally I think, MUN should not only be encouraged at national level but also at school and regional levels. MUN, “ Too perfect, too kool.” Griha Luxmi Rawoo (Head of Delegate) Commission: Environment “Bolivia has been identified,” “you have the floor, please state your point”, “I yield the chair OOPsss, the floor to the chair.” Well, these statements still ruminate in my mind. MUN has been an extremely enlightening experience for me. I represented the Education commission whereby I had to fight for the Bolivian rights in that sector. And, Bingo!!!, the resolution passed with the majority of votes favouring my group. We won the best delegation trophy thanks to a dynamic teamspirit. And as we rightly say “Coup d’essai, Coup de maitre,” and we proved it right once again by being among the best delegation. I heartily 64 hope that in the future our younger friends are among the best delegates category become the pride of RTSS. MUN has moulded my personality, and I have developed a great sense of self confidence. MUN “just a mesmerizing event”. Of course, how can I forget the formal get up we had to adopt, we looked like real ministers☺. So, friends do not ever miss such a golden experience. LONG LIVE MUN! LONG LIVE BOLIVIAN DELEGATION(2007)!, LONG LIVE RTSS!!!! Shruti Lallbeeharry Commission : Education I must say, MUN, one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I learnt the true sense of the word ‘Diplomatic’ by being a Bolivian delegate in MUN 2007. Griha, Shruti, Tej, Pooja and I did not have any notion about this conference. We were in the air, we speculated loads of things, but with our enthusiastic team and teachers, we made it. Griha wrote a praiseworthy policy statement for Bolivia. Clad in suit and boot, these three days were simply marvelous.Well, I can say that many people underestimated us; some even said that RTSS had sent its 3 clowns and 1 dancing puppet to MUN. But I can proudly say that these words became our challenge, and we lived up to the expectations of RTSS, bagging the best delegation award on our first participation itself. “Wake up friends, wake up delegates…. you’ve still got to see wonders from RTSS in the years to come.” Tej Chandra Gooriah Commission: Science and Technology For me, that was a lifetime experience. It was simply amazing!! Once I got used to the protocol, it was great fun for me. Morerover, all the beautiful girls of Mauritius from Loretto college to DMC were gathered there in their beautiful clothes. WOW! Tej and I simply enriched our phone memory with mobile numbers! In fact it was at MUN that I realized that Mauritius is full of beautiful AND smart girls! 65 Back to MUN, it helped me to gain confidence in myself, to express my opinions and interact with an audience. The preparation for MUN urged me to carry out research work, inquiring about burning issues currently prevailing in the world. Finally, the feeling of being an MUN delegate induced in me the desire of being the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Mauritius, one day. “IF MUN had lasted for 1 week instead of 3 days, it would have been great! Callee Arjun Commission : Sports Well, my work as a secretary consisted mainly of screening and distributing messages between delegations. Also, during the commission sessions, secretaries assisted chairpersons during debates. I think MUN is an excellent way to empower the youth. It was a once- in –life opportunity and I made the most of it. Needless to add, friendship ties got even stronger and I got to meet and share the experience of former MUN delegates, not to mention the elegant and distinguished chairpersons. “It was simply fabulous and I heartily thank our school to have given us the privilege of attending the MUN platform.” Pooja Indurjeet Secretary Fellow friends, That is all we have to share with you as delegates of Bolivia. MUN is not a competition but rather the very quintessence of team spirit, diplomacy and knowledge. It is a wonderful platform to explore yourself and other new things. However, behind our success, there are many hands. We wish to thank heartily Mrs Bhujoharry, without whom we would not have learnt the parliamentary procedures, her support, guidance and faith in us paved our way to success. Our special thanks go to our coordinators Miss Mahadoe amd Mrs Luchoomun and also without forgetting Mrs Samy, Mr & Mrs Gangaparsad , Mrs Buckhory, Miss Janaly, in fact the whole school. Long live MUN! RTSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Long live Delegates of Bolivia 66 RTSS SHINES AGAIN MUN 2008  The  12th  edition  of  the  model  united  nations  more  commonly  known  as  MUN  is  a  representation  of  the  annual  conference  of  the  United  Nations  in  which  students  of  lower  6  of  almost  all  secondary  schools  of  Mauritius  participate.  A  group of 4 students  represent  a  delegation  of  a  country  and  these  4  students  are  divided  into  different  commissions  in  which  they  have  to  debate for and against resolutions.  RTSS  this  year  had  2  delegations,  Tunisia  and  Libya.  Ashna  Bhurtun,  Itisha  Chummun,  Sahil  Teeluckdharry and I formed part of the Tunisian  delegation  while  Hema  Ramnarain,  Priyanka  Vencatasawmy,  Kheelesh  Poonye  and  Julien  Nizelin were our Libyan counterparts.   Back to day 1…                                                                   MUN  2008  started  on  the  3rd  August  2008  with  the  reading  of  the  different  country  statements,  but  only  after  the  speeches  of  the  different personalities present there. Ashna and  Kheelesh were one of the rare delegates to have  read their country statements in a faultless way.  Day 2…  The  second  day  was  the  debating  day,  i.e,  the  delegates had to debate for  and  against  different  resolutions,  including  theirs.  At  the  beginning,  I  was  feeling  very  nervous  and  I  am  sure  it  was  the  sight  of  countless  delegates.  However,  it  started  smoothly  and  a  feeling of excitement replaced   the anxiety I had at the beginning. The day went  on  with  the  voting  of  the  five  resolutions.    The  day ended at around 16 30 and we all left there,  quite  confident  of  bagging  at  least  two  best  delegation  awards  because  all  RTSS  students  had participated actively on that day.   DAY 3…   The last day was for the voting and debating of  the  general  motion  in  the  General  Assembly.  Unfortunately,  Tunisia  did  not  get  the  floor  to  voice  out  its  opinion  while  Libya  was  lucky  enough.  Then  came  the  moment  we  were  all  waiting for: the proclamation of the results. The  best  delegation  awards  started  in  alphabetical  order  and  Libya  was  awarded  and  after  some  time,  Tunisia  followed.  We  had  done  it!  Both  groups of students sent  by  RTSS  got  best  delegation  awards,  ie,  100%  success!    On  top  of  that,  Ashna  was  awarded  the  best  delegate  award.  MUN  was  over.  On  the  first  day,  we  were  thinking,  “  Why  on  earth  did  we  get  involved  with  MUN?”  and  we  went  home  eyes  full  of  tears.  MUN  made  us  meet  new  friends  and  know about how the United Nations conference  functions.  Overall  it  was  an  enthralling  experience.     HAIL MUN 2008!  HAIL RTSS!  Varun Munoosingh  67 PICS THE GRRENEST SCHOOL a trip in our school Our pet iguana MADAM KI ENA ZORDI Technology in our daily life RIGHT HERE IN PARADISE ALE BAYO MANZ AR LI ZOT ENCORE LA MEM, LACLOS FINI SONE 68                                                     69     Le don de sang: Le don de soi  Mardi le 10 juin,  pour  la  première  fois,  a  été  organisée  une  collecte  de  sang  au  Rabindranath  Tagore  Secondary  School  à  Ilot.  Environ  une  centaine d’élèves et d’enseignants ont pris part  à  cet  acte  responsable  et  bénévole.  D’après  le  recteur :  « Certains  élèves  avaient  peur  mais  ils  réalisent  que  ce  n’est  que  quelques minutes dédiées à  sauver  une  vie.  Grande  fut  la  déception  de  certains  dont  le  don  a  été  refusé  pour  un  poids  corporel  insuffisant  ou  un  `HB`  trop  bas.  Tous  voulaient  tant  apporter  leur  contribution  à  ce  projet.  Cela  reflète  la  générosité et la solidarité de nos enfants. »  Dans  le  gymnase  du  collège  régnait  une  ambiance  décontractée  et  pleine  d’humour.  Une dizaine de représentants du Ministère de la  Santé  s’affairaient  autour  des  jeunes  donneurs  qui étaient curieux et enthousiastes de faire ce  premier pas dans  le monde des adultes.  La  majorité  du  personnel  enseignant  et  non  enseignant  ainsi  que  certains  parents  d’élèves  étaient    présents  pour  apporter  leur  soutien  et  faire un don à cette noble cause.          70       71 DID YOU KNOW? History The word Tabla comes from the Arabic word “tabla,” which means drum. The history of Tabla is indeed very controversial. This is due to the fact that we do not know exactly who has invented the Tabla. All the historical studies made so far have produced different results. However the most colorful result obtained relates that it is Amir Khusro, the chief councilor of Allauddin Khilzi who is the inventor (13th century). It is believed that he invented the Tabla set by dividing the Pakhawaj (another Indian percussion instrument) in half. The first person to give a refined and wonderful performance was Ustad Siddar Kwanan of Delhi Today You may not be in contact with the musical world but you must surely have seen a pair of Tabla. This fabulous instrument is widely used in Indian music ( Classical & Bollywood). Tabla is the only instrument which is highly appreciated in the west because of its softness and it helps a lot in fusion music. One person who has a great hand in giving Tabla a worldwide reputation is the one and only Ustad Zakir Hussain. He is today appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the music world at large as an international phenomenon. He has obtained worldwide fame for giving exciting concerts and is the finest Tabla player ever known. Son of Ustad Alla Rakha, he can be considered as the king of fusion music. The year 1987 marked his first solo release named ‘Making Music’ and was one of the most inspired east-west fusion album ever recorded. 72 Zakir Hussain as a professor In 2005, he was named an Old Dominion Fellow by the Humanities Council at Princeton University, where he stayed for the 2005-2006 semester as full professor in the music department, teaching a survey course in Indian classical music. In the spring of 2007, Zakir turned to Stanford University where he gave the same lesson. Tabla in our beloved school At RTSS, Tabla has always been given paramount importance just as other subjects taught. Tabla is very often used as a secondary instrument. It is very much appreciated. Pupils of RTSS learn it with alacrity both during normal music classes and after school hours through the certificate course offered by MGI. Solo presentations have also been given under the guidance of Guruji Jogeswar Yashpal Dikshit, on various occasions namely Gandhi Day, Tagore Day, end of year party, Music day or even prize giving ceremony. On every occasion, we had an appreciative audience. Mr Gungapersad has always encouraged us to give the best performance. Many parents seem to have an ambivalent attitude towards music but at RTSS, we have the privilege of learning and presenting something in the music field, to bring out our hidden talents. Page designed by: Chumun Umangish Article written by: Rajneesh Mungur and Chumun Umangish Upper Science 1, Tabla students Mahatma Gandhi Institute Creative panel 73 The Charm of Music Literally music may be defined as the art of combining vocal and/ or instrumental sounds to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion. There is in fact hardly anyone of us who is not influenced by music because it has been said that a person who does not make music or does not listen to it denies himself a certain aesthetic pleasure which is legitimately his. It is thus better to let us get carried away by the charm of music. In fact, nobody with human feelings can escape the great charm of music. Music is capable of arousing in us various feelings and sentiments. Here are a few examples. Martial music will stir up even the most lethargic man. Patriotic songs inspire us. Sad songs and elegies arouse our sadness. A religious song often elevates our mind more than a hundred sermons. It thus helps towards the meeting of the human and the divine in unity and harmony. Music also has a charm of its own. This has been acknowledged by the people of all ages and countries. The Greeks believed that Orpheus could make even stones dance to his music. The Indians have got many anecdotes of miracles performed by Tansen, the musician of Akbar’s Court. Yet even though in the 21st century, we are not so lucky to witness such wonders, nevertheless every second somewhere someone is being inspired by music. On the one side one turns to music to escape loneliness, whilst on the other someone dances to the tune of music whole heartedly to enjoy himself with his friends. In this way man always turns to music whether he is alone or in the best company.. Moreover, music does not only touch the soft chords of our heart but it also infuses courage and cools down the excitement and even the raving of madness. A person without love for music is considered as dull and dangerous. He may have wicked plans and therefore he must never be trusted. In fact, Shakespeare has rightly pointed out: 74 “The man, that hath no music in himself, Nor is moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for stratagems and spoils, The motions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark of Erebus; Let no such man be trusted” Besides all this, the ideal of education is the full development of the human personality. Good music is an important factor in the guidance of emotions and in the development of the mind and body. Musical education thus results in the development of the four C’s:- Culture, Creativeness, Concentration and Comradeship. As a matter of fact, history bears testimony that mighty minds of the past and present have been good musicians. As example, we have Albert Einstein, Albert Schweitzer and Paderewshi who was the Prime Minister of Poland; and believe it or not they were all good musicians. It is thus for this reason that Plato recommended that music should play a prominent part in the education of the young. Finally, we can say that music is not only the universal language but perhaps one of the wonders of the world. So to quote Shakespeare again:“Let the sound of music creep in our ears”. It is only then that we will realise its charm! DIVYASHALI SOWDAGUR Lower VI Arts 75     Bharata – Natyam Dance    Bharata – Natyam is the oldest classical dance of India hailing from the Southern State of Tamil Nadu. Bharata - Natyam literally is Bha+ Ra+ Ta+ Natyam i.e Bhava+ Rasa+Taal+Natyam; it is a dance form combining bhava, nritta and natya, set to a taal, to give rasa or ananda. Its origins are traced back to Lord Shiva’s “ Nataraja” form or posture, as is evident in the famous “Chidambaram” temple. Lord Shiva was the main deity to whom the “Devadas” dedicated herself. Lord Vishnu, Krishna and sometimes Kartikeya were the other deities for whom this dance was performed. Even today, Bharata – Natyam items focus on tales connected with these deities The main posture of this dance form position. This requires the upper part position wih the knees spread out and fan. The hand gestures (mudras) important part of the dance. body posture and mudras. This dance form is music known as the carnatic Mridangam, flute, violin and an important musical support for is “ araimandi”- the Half-Sitting of the body to be erect, legs bent in half the feet positioned like a half-open with intricate footwork, form an The dancer makes elegant lines with accompanied by the South Indian music. The drum known as nattuvangam i.e cymbals, Talam forms the dancer’s performance. The costume of a Bharata – Natyam dancer is made of silk and draped in such a way that it opens out into a fan complementing the araimandi posture. It is accompanied by some special pieces of jewellery. The traditional performance of Bharata – Natyam consists of the following items :Alarippu, Jatiswaram,Shabalam,Padam,Shlokam,Tillana, and Varnam. Prominent exponeuts of Bharata – Natyam are : Ruckmini,Balaraswati,Yamini Krishnamurthy, Mrilani Sarabhai. M. J. Agui…………… …..   76 Open Minds-Don’t Mind!! “Encore en retard!!” My God, still gonna be late for school again! (once there)-I better hurry else will have to enter my name for lateness. “Lacour bien trankil Hein….” “t’s absolutely DISGUSTING!!”…Ooops, ca va chauffer☺ The corridor of the ground floor is shaking,(sighing),wonder what they’ve done.. Passing by, one English teacher replacing in Upper Eco1, “Will u plz shut up?”…No response… “Am requesting?” He he they not gonna listen.. Empe devant in Form IV Sc2, students are dozing off at 8:30 in the morning!! Wonder who’s doing the class.. “There are too many flies over here ” All right, I understood who she is.. Ale b quick now, gotta be in my class b4 the first period ends! Silence reigning in Lower VI Sc1, vraiment drole… They are having GP class if not mistaken. Slowing down next to their class: “U better keep ur arrogance for urself.. You make me feel as if I come to work for nothing…” Pitie zot! Dan mo classe, 43 zeleves, pa truv place ditou, wonder if I’ll have to do the class STANDING!! Wednesday first 2 periods, swit dreamz to Venkadee, les ‘intellos’ qui travaillent, Sonee p flat Ronaldo… Bon,hope the D’s gonna be short n swit n the chemistry teacher won’t 4get 2 ask me 2 keep quiet☺lolz.. PRATHNA HOOLASEE Lower VI Science 2 Literal translation of ‘creole’ into English. Here is a conversation going on between two friends namely Kevin and Dhoby whereby Kevin is persuading Dhaby to accompany him to Port Louis and to bunk school. K: “Hey Dhaby, what manners?” D: “I’m fine. You what position?” K: “Me too correct!” D: “Won’t you go to school today?” K: “No, I want to cape school and go to Port Louis to break a pose, come with me. D: “No I can’t, my father will remove my food!” K: “Your father won’t know… We will chake and eat retten dhol and big weight at Straw Hat.” D: ”I can’t eat it, my belly will be deranged!” K: ”Okay no problemo! We will eat fried apple or the earth at Mc Donald!” K: ”Don’t make soy!” D: ”I can’t come my father is a head eater, he will release my race!” D: ”Okay, let’s go, but we will not beat with my father at Port Louis!” K: “Don’t you worry my black! I am here itself, no? D: ”That’s why I’m worrying!” K:”He, we will get to see many thirty five and we can take pleasure.” K: ”Don’t take tension, we will make attention that the police don’t make our chutney,” Iteesha Dussoruth Form V Eco D: ”No! The police will beat us and will bless us! 77 Ai-je besoin d’un téléphone portable ? « Sans mon portable, je me sens perdu et irritable. » disent les jeunes. IL Y A quelques années de cela, le “ téléphone portable ” portait mal son nom. En raison du poids de ses batteries, il n’était “ portable ” que si vous vous appeliez Monsieur Muscles ou si vous l’installiez dans votre voiture. Plus encombrant qu’un carton à chaussures, il coûtait en outre l’équivalent de plusieurs milliers de roupies. Aujourd’hui, 1,35 milliard de portables sont en service. Dans certains pays, plus de la moitié des habitants en possèdent un. La plupart de ces téléphones tiennent dans le creux de la main. Un quotidien australien fait ce constat : “ Ces appareils égalent presque en nombre les téléviseurs et les ordinateurs réunis. ” Dans une vingtaine de pays, on compte désormais davantage de portables que de lignes fixes. D’après un spécialiste en électronique, le téléphone mobile n’est pas simplement une merveille de la technologie, c’est “ un phénomène de société ”. LES téléphones portables sont de plus en plus en vogue dans beaucoup de pays. Ils sont pratiques. Vous, vos amis et vos parents pouvez vous appeler n’importe quand, n’importe où. Certains modèles vous permettent d’échanger des messages texte, “ le tout dernier moyen pour les jeunes d’étancher leur soif de communication ”, reconnaît le Times de Londres. Parfois même, vous avez la possibilité de vous connecter à Internet pour consulter des sites et envoyer des courriers électroniques. Peut-être possédez-vous déjà un téléphone mobile, ou envisagez-vous d’en avoir un. Quoi qu’il en soit, souvenez-vous de ce proverbe : “ Toute médaille a son revers. ” Certes, le portable présente des avantages. Toutefois, vous voudrez sans doute réfléchir au revers de la médaille, car même si vous décidez d’acheter un mobile, vous l’utiliserez plus sagement si vous êtes bien conscient des inconvénients éventuels qu’il comporte. ‘ Calculez la dépense ’ Bien sûr, vous pouvez obtenir un téléphone à très bon prix. Cependant, comme l’ont découvert plusieurs jeunes : la facture peut subitement devenir salée. Sans oublier les incitations constantes à accepter de nouveaux services et à acheter des modèles toujours plus chers. “ Je travaille pendant les vacances pour économiser de l’argent et acheter ainsi un nouveau modèle tous les ans ”, déclare Yushveer. De nombreux jeunes font de même. Même si vos parents acceptent de payer votre facture de téléphone, vous devez néanmoins être conscient du coût que cela représente. Des fois, les parents font un grand sacrifice budgétaire à seule fin de payer le mobile de leurs enfants, lequel n’était sans doute pas indispensable au départ. Vous ne voudriez pas imposer un tel fardeau à vos parents, n’est-ce pas ? “ Un gaspillage de temps ” Beaucoup de jeunes qui, au début, utilisent modérément leur téléphone s’aperçoivent rapidement qu’ils y passent plus de temps que prévu, au détriment de choses plus importantes. Autrefois, Mallika passait beaucoup de temps à table avec sa famille. “ Maintenant, dit-elle, le repas terminé, chacun retourne dans sa chambre avec son portable. ” Un tiers des jeunes adultes entre 16 et 20 ans préfèrent le message texte à tout autre moyen de communication. C’est vrai qu’il revient plus cher de téléphoner. Mais vous perdez aussi plus de temps à taper un message. “ Si quelqu’un m’envoie le message ‘ bonne nuit ’, je réponds ‘ bonne nuit ’, avoue Vikash. Résultat, on passe une heure à s’échanger des messages. Des banalités. ” Plus d’un utilisateur serait très surpris s’il calculait tout le temps qu’il passe chaque mois à téléphoner avec son portable. “ Nombreux 78 sont ceux qui pensent que le mobile fait perdre plus de temps qu’il n’en fait gagner ”, reconnaît Teija, 19 ans. Même si votre situation justifie l’acquisition d’un portable, il vous faut réfléchir au temps que vous passerez en communications. Les conversations en cachette Jullianna mentionne un autre piège : “ Comme les appels parviennent directement à la personne sans passer par la maison, les parents risquent de ne pas savoir avec qui leurs enfants conversent ni même s’ils sont au téléphone. ” Des jeunes utilisent leur mobile pour établir une relation secrète avec quelqu’un de l’autre sexe. Certains ont ainsi manqué de prudence, ne tenant pas compte de principes qu’ils auraient respectés en temps normal quand ils communiquent avec autrui. Pourquoi donc ? Avec la messagerie, personne ne peut contrôler ce que les jeunes font. Le fait de ne pas voir ni entendre votre interlocuteur peut influencer votre comportement. Certains voient dans le message texte un moyen plus neutre de communiquer. Dans un message, on peut écrire des choses que l’on n’oserait pas dire en face. Demandez-vous aussi quand et comment vous répondrez aux appels et aux messages. Fixezvous des règles raisonnables. “ Je ne consulte ma messagerie qu’une fois par jour, explique Shaheen, et je ne réponds généralement qu’aux messages importants. Ainsi, mes amis ne m’envoient plus de messages inutiles. S’il y a un problème vraiment urgent, ils m’appelleront de toute façon. ” Veillez surtout à bien choisir les personnes avec qui vous dialoguez. Réfléchissez avant de donner votre numéro de téléphone. S’ils n’attendent pas d’appel urgent, beaucoup préfèrent éteindre leur téléphone, ou le mettre en mode silence quand ils participent à des activités importantes. D’autres le rangent. Après tout, la plupart des messages ne peuvent-ils pas attendre ? Si vous décidez d’avoir un portable, que ce soit avec l’intention d’en rester maître. N’en devenez pas esclave. Restez vigilant et sachez toujours à quoi donner la priorité. Le portable, bien que sujet à controverse, exerce une puissante influence tant sur l’économie que sur les relations humaines. Comme ses cousins, le téléviseur et l’ordinateur, il peut être soit un esclave serviable, soit un maître exigeant. Ami ou ennemi : tout repose littéralement entre les mains de l’utilisateur ! Fixez-vous des limites Si vous songez à avoir un portable, pourquoi ne pas commencer par faire le point et voir si vous en avez réellement besoin ? Discutez-en avec vos parents. Plus d’un jeune est du même avis que Karishma, qui dit : “ Pour beaucoup de jeunes, posséder un mobile est une trop grande responsabilité. ” Même si vous décidez d’avoir un portable, il faut savoir en rester maître. Comment ? Fixezvous des limites raisonnables. Par exemple, restreignez le nombre de fonctions dont vous vous servez, ou le temps et l’argent investis en communications. Certains trouvent pratique d’utiliser un mobile à la formule prépayée pour se limiter plus facilement. 79 SPAM MAIL A friend of mine was once relating how her computer crashed when she opened an unsolicited e-mail. “What a nasty mail!” she had pointed out. What defines a spam mail? An electronic equivalent of junk mail? A cheap way of advertising and communication? A nuisance to users? In fact, spam mail is widely used by a multitude of marketing companies in order to promote and sell various services and products like cosmetics. In other words, spam mails foster moneymaking schemes. Adverse Effects of Spam mail. It consumes large amounts of the recipient’s time and Internet capacity. Another worrying aspect of spam is that it is virtually impossible to determine where the mail originates. It is needless to add that spam may contain viruses which are harmful to the computer system. Indeed, “nasty” is the right word to describe a spam mail. The most common and recurring effective measure taken against spam is the use of e-mail filters, which automatically block junk mails from the recipient’s inbox. The e-mail filters prevent the user from having to manually sift through his or her inbox. According to Mail Abuse Prevention System (MAPS), an email is regarded as spam only if the recipient’s personal identity is irrelevant (because the message is equally applicable to many others), the recipient has not granted permission for it to be sent and the message appears to the recipient to give a disproportionate benefit to the sender. According to the Legislation introduced in the European Union in December 2003, it is a criminal offence to send spam unless the recipient has agreed in advance to accept it. Those who want to send spam mails should think twice before doing so after reading this article! Vilakshna Priyanka Balgobin Form V Science 2 80 The alchemy of exams Exams start tomorrow and you have not yet touched any of your notes. You are not able to concentrate on anything due to the fear of failing the exams. Time is running out faster than it should be. “ayo, ki mo pou fair la?”, “ sa ban notes la kot sorti sa? Pa pou moi sa!” These are the sorts of questions which keep cropping up in your head. This is the time when you think the most of God (“ayo bondié”, “God help me!”). And you also know that God helps those who help themselves, as you are so often reminded by your Culture Education teacher. This is what happens to more than 75% of students who wait for the eleventh hour to revise. These students usually end up nibbling their fingernails (les ongles sont des aliments riches en énergie!) in the examination room while the words on the paper dance. Indeed students become stressed when it comes to revision, more precisely, last minute revision. When exams are nearing, students come up with thoughts like “demain mo mett ene seryé ar mo revision”. This has never worked. You know why??? Well, you do not have to be a genius to know why. This is because of the simple fact that you will always find an excuse, however lame it may be, so as not to revise. So dear readers, here is one simple golden advice: keep revising on a regular if not daily basis. Daily revision might not guarantee you the results of your dreams but it will at least give you results you can be proud of. Not everyone is a born genius. Geniuses do not have to work hard to get good results but you should not try to emulate them at any cost as this may prove to be fatal to your report book. Veda Dawoonauth Varun Krishn Munoosingh 81 100% RTSS Want to know more about the typical RTSS student?! Then, quickly come and peer through this survey. Teachers, please pay attention as this may be handy. 1) When I was young, I was considered to be A. “ene intello” B. “A Real Beauty” C. a loser! D. Un/une delinquant(e) 2) When I was 15, I liked A. Myself B. Hanging out with friends C. Pestering my teachers D. Pretty boys/girls 3) When I was 12, my aim was A. To save the world B. To get married and live happily ever after C. To be the teacher’s pet D. To be the most popular boy/girl 4) Now my aim is A. To retire and settle down cozily B. To study, study and study C. To run away from school D. To have fun 5) Even for a million rupees, I wouldn’t A. Leave my school B. Marry Wayne Rooney/Tabu C. Be a teacher D. Reduce the number of tests 32% 22% 32% 2% 6% 30% 6% 56% 8% 24% 10% 54% 10% 48% 8% 34% 43% 23% 4% 30% 82 6) The most ridiculous thing I heard was A. RTSS students are lazy B. Man Utd is better than Liverpool C. RTSS teachers were on strike D. “the dog ate my hwk” 7) When I look at myself in the mirror, I usually say A. “Ayo” B. Hopeless! C. Perfect! D. Could have been better 8) RTSS’s evergreen motto can be A. “You’ll never walk alone” B. “We are the Best” C. “RTSS rules” D. “Euh…pa ti kone!” 18% 14% 20% 48% 18% 18% 12% 52% 26% 22% 26% 24% 9) What could the RTSS students be doing in the gym? A. Flirting 53% B. Sleeping 8% C. Hiding (Bizin cap class!) 35% D. Struggling with chemistry notes 4% 10) RTSS girls have a soft corner for A. RCPL Boys (Ban tapers!) B. RCC Boys (incarnated laureates) C. JKC Boys (Ca ouai!) D. RTSS Boys (Unique – ena style!) RTSS Boys’ sweethearts are A. QEC Girls (incarnated laureates) B. Droopnath R. Girls (sinfully sexy) C. L. Sushil Girls (bcoz they are so “sushil”) D. RTSS Girls ( sa ki appel all-rounder) What does the letter “T” stand for in RTSS? A. Totally crazy B. Totally Genius C. Truly angels D. Truly devils 22% 8% 18% 50% 38% 6% 14% 42% 14% 22% 22% 42% 11) 12) ENJOY!!! Editing Team 83 RTSS INTER-CLASS FOOTBALL ROLL OF HONOUR (Palmares) Year 2006 Winner – Form 4 Sc 1/ Eco Players – Sahil Teeluckdharry (captain), Vashish Jagarnath, Keshav Beehary,Roomesh Sookun, Vikash Mootoosamy, Tiruven, Chenah Daren, Shramvanam Apadoo,Cedric Quint, Lav Gholet,Beekee (Gk) Players - Sahil Teeluckdharry (captain),Vashish Chickooree, Cedric Quint, Lav Gholet, Tiruven, Ramsokol,Anil Beehary,Beekee,Dihout, Roomesh Sookun, Girish Heeramun, Harshay Chowdarry. YEAR 2008 Winner – Lower 6 Sc 1 Year 2007 Winner – Form 5 Sc 1/ Eco 2 Players - Sahil Teeluckdharry (captain), Divij Soobhug (Gk), Prakash Domun, Yogesh Lutchun, Krishn Ghorun, Mooktiram, Cedric Quint, Lav Gholet, Vashish Chickoree, Tembah, Girish Heeramun,Anil Beehary, Roomesh Sookun, Vashish Auckhojee. 84 The RTSS acknowledges the financial support of the following parents in the publication of this magazine Mr and Mrs Prayag Chummun Bros( Quincaillerie Kailash, Notre Dame) Le Victoria Hotel Fondation Espoir et Dévelopment Mr Ved and Mrs Amrita Dosieah Mr Rajesh K. Jucmohun (Director Luxport Ltd) Mr Gaffur Bukhory Mr K. Moheeputh Mr and Mrs Jay Mokool Mr Fokeerbux Mr E. P. Clément 85     86 aaaa ecr a as a g ul l Ç bra Ç pe osh a s a[ hn 'a la k aar e' i'k P [ [g h r'a a ul a Alh a [ a[ Er ' a i e' Pk r wh>ame s ol a s aa t ai n a j r aa 'ul e[ [ uki ! ra q [ [d se' uk >e k a kq r g a l z >ezy a e á th ai ex a r Reetesh Hurry (Form III Green) at Uy Ç a a *s Ç sa saaan a at e se a Uy kat a [a a *s m a J um a ix na aa r a! p [v A ak a h aas [ =t E a nla a a ha a h I k-ve ub ! e a A s[ aha k x he\ a a v uK aa a E a mlaa aa aav a e\ k \i h } [ j h >a E y a ! a A im v ia k va a k [ a h [aa r hs ! aE -n a a e\ s h sCB na a E v a u[pA a ! \k e[ a b a a k t ha un r[e k a k mr a a [ : saaav Ae at e da a a Uy knaxa a [eK a *s a I ae\ s a n a A A a Er s aargKs ay ka aae, Uy ks uia a [ [ va x a e*d aa a a e a t y e\ y \g j[ a a ak hE I a Ih Z n a e ya hta a \da a ! has k I exUy [ sE a a *s saaan a at e se a Uy kat a [a a *s m a J um a ix na aa r a! [Uq mr p y a Ç kÇ ma k h an [c U|, E\ maIn a a r v a a a ile ml U| M ba aah aI E\ c ja aa as t a nh [Uq a E mk a a mr m ery a ap a m t a [e aa k b a az a sk aa aaF K v [h z a | r >e ! a l K z >eb e\ mE\ n A a aa a E\k jt [e\ m >a a a a ra mi kaa M ab [nla uJaaaat an m c a a a p a s erka amjeW eva a[p a Ie aa a a a t a pm[sat aaaaha l mBe j akI a M e\ aa a a maa>at ae\ bha uJsa a aa j r m e r a e\ se $N aanaz m a [a M a aB J kr a a kezva [k[ a F aa | [>a y r a e\ ka p r s a pa a mA I errM m Iaa a a m p r baae da ae ! ma n g c uJUr a c a aa a s B a e gI\dag a ns j h a aM r eta a a a I um a e wd t x a a I r S T a a a Iteesha Dussoruth (Form V Eco) vIr a na &S an N \j aIa Vrishnee Neerunjun (Form I Red) 87 aaa uf Ç i h m Ç gma gg na a [ laM aad ze[a a uf d >e,k y a eOa ap ei v a K kg a a U bh Aaei ie by aaa aE i g n yaM ir p j v daM l g a aad aa a ufan a at I n a a a o s ma kb a g kaa e h p ta a=i [ kaufm at E\ M a a a e\ pº [ d [ a bt y K s i a s Ii a a u*ka I a v I a a r ha m a o nr Bng n A asAt n Ai a aad g s a aa a a a y g () a a a ja ka a a a e[ us da ei a v a v a uf T a e a Er T a a / | ha[[=N[ Tik dIsti mha pm r*t[[ a e\ ?rkk alne aa e\ Aa Akah [ pe ik k a ne d [ d a aka aa a k r b a [e h a n N e ba a a t s ah a a[ I m k a a h [s anE M AIItM r llr m aah a a >t a ui e z a x k e h n e\ o jE FIt t da a eva I aI t j a a n a Rooteeta Devi Jeetun (Form III Blue) 88 aa Ç Ia nk ay Ç tv a bjar Bnknah a ae G k av aKk ha p [ aIa ia [[T n nr a I a y a e a M a I a eW t a le k a a a raas [ana[ k v aK mya akaa v [ s y aM a h a r a i a a aa i eg exs ec p T h ak a a ec a r k En a la a ex a a a m kaa p g ja mI a e[a he[sae rr M dl m a a a a a d/| k ya eW\e T i va a a s a a G a rahahanknahE\ kaaK mn a"n n a y a [[h[s y a a e kma ae tv aKkaaakU| ? ex[- a a a i a e a m Ene v i " a a j I a le k E, a a l |b I a a mnj[-sn rr aa>a r y U[ a s h aa h " lI a E M | ( a)ak a " r ek h heW a a \, G a rakaray Uska he B e[h mn ya [ll d yi v p a ya a e v a J i ia aa ka a a a y exa sk aM r a l Ak a aa a m a a e v e[ / n W a a K a a |g jn mhT aaae\ nr M aar aa es a h n a a a G a rahahanknahE\ kaaK mn a"n n a y a [[h[s y a a e kma ae tv aKkaaakU| ? ex[- a a a i a e a m Ene v i " a a j I a le k E, a a l |b I a a oae oans saaa b a aM aB s a h k k Ia e[ W [ t \ un n Ia I vagh "aeKrd. aIa a - bdjre.M h a T b a a >aa eK" g r t a a a re, aa a . a a r a b a - h . . . raeql t e v a i v p b kajen mn k Mska hIn y yaa a e n [ a a a ka a a e[h a>[ exa ra I a e[ / nh a a e P aa i y a yl A a r a a aa |g a p p a sarT a a \g at r M raa e b ka Ara [h n et a em a I I r " Im/yan m--a k bA a dd [k a M ex IduJ v aae a a d,a a a a II e a t " oan aIeraI a s hs Ani M a b a kD ad k e o aa h [ n Ia [ y \ y a n a v p a s r - nj k|g a a \g aha A a, a/ he mr[ h"a a [jM A e k I a hm l a na a et a I T j\ n aI a a ae " a ra v a Aae\ ia a mnh Bp k l aM a e ya a a [ maz ex a I n a aK aak ap y I I l a Asm gi k ad a laU[ a a e nl e\ bj mAy aa a a r p v aele !" h " a a ba n - na ae t a a ak a I ex a a a r " U[n rr m-k s h a y lI a E M exh a a " a a a \, eW shG a bj s [-haaa a aa h "e\ b m l" hga ra a e\ dI n ( a)t a eK a us ek E\ a d aM I a mum U|g r bje x [e kaael gm( Ian r i v bn a a a a[a k la aa a exn k n a k e l ah a a a / a a t a e[ ya ) "aeK bdM b bd>aa eK a a a aa a " a re h re. r ar a - j . . . bjahmay[ p ltU| M a a mum B y a ka a " h "e\ AA e[s a h na E\ t auKa I a I a Dk aj p a e a a a I r z - nj k|g m()j\ a, a/ a r "a a [jM ex [ A n l a a k a hm r aI a a ae " a kabe hg [ mB cn a #sa |s e M ae\ ac aa a Ia a a el ci jy a sIa et aa a a \hr n a nN a a a a Chetnasingh Jeenarain (Form II Blue) 89 Ç BhaÇ a uA Ul a r a p a y a A[ iae s n a [ B[ nm a |s k I aaI aa a s a h U k k J \, e I a a bp kaybh aa e[a ba aE\ M sa i s a EQ an l a s I / ae e pe Aer p [a a a s j keK |K I a r a ae m >aa t e, aar e\ a UC a ed ne\ K r[a M a a um JaI j tI j >a ud a / r a uk h a |g a rh[[aa a |sIa ah eke k x, [ a km ra ei e\ U| n x dl Aux yB? ub f a saka a a |K m aaa a a ae d a a r ka n i n a [ e\ a a n a r I k h tBak [ lA a a [ sI aa UlnI aa je\ a a , m E a ah e m j ye j[ a [aak aanIa r a [ a akP nI tI , i m a ! a a y re e j io bd ay .a B. Uday t sh a It n c a a I - a Ç w aa Ç sIm[ k aa aB[ a ha B ec U| E\ ka a t I I , A ia[ mk pA k e[ M a aken A n p [ aa l a as a e- I e e\ a I b h ya a a k? zr b >I [ an ek a a U| /[n y[ k aar [P a s a i aar P lI / II k b? [ca A C eq cIm [enn a h da a U| a ab h E\ i a U|, t ka a a e\ cIm [ [ b a h vlU|, a U| a a aa h E\ i k t k a a In jmPermUm a a [ aId I e\ s a ke, v aam [ c a n la aa a t a pºaae\ nm a hramer =i a araa se sB a a a a \s m a , oU| ma apk z aka e[a >th [ mrj a E\ A I y I r aa x e\ a e\ AaTaai k a[ma am p [a Er| E\ s Tta Ia k a a at s F s a a ev a - a a , bm a At aa kaar n o ak a n |Ka U| E\ [ a[ a I e\ a , bw a c m ats a a sa I a er an h I a I E h, - t a bw a s mM ats a a sa a p er an haa a a E a - n a vd a aa eda an O T a Veda Dawoonauth (Form V Sc 2) 90 Attention les Filles...la flèche peut-être saignante!! "L'amour est un je-ne-sais-quoi, qui vient je-ne-sais-d’ou, et qui finit je-ne-sais-quand,"a dit Mlle De Scudéry un beau jour. Les filles cette présence éternelle de ton premier amour te laissera triste car on n'aime qu'une seule fois. L'amour nous plonge dans un sommeil oublieux, mais attention car si ton petit ami n'est pas la bonne personne, l'amour ne devient qu'un matelas d'aiguilles et se termine en désastre. Aie c'a fait vraiment mal!!Pour t'éviter de te faire écrasé cruellement sur l'autoroute de l'amour, vaut mieux t'armer de la PRUDENCE. HELAS!!Quoi faire car a mesure que l'amour croit,la prudence diminue!Mais souviens-tu de ce fait que le plaisir d'amour ne dure qu'un moment ainsi pour éviter que tu ne souffres du chagrin amour ta vie entière, saches faire le bon choix! Prends ton temps et décide qui est l'élu de ton coeur sinon salut les mouchoirs!!! 91 Le Safran Le safran est une plante a bulbe et a fleurs don’t une espece est le safran. Le safran est considere comme un des condiments traditionels don’t l`usage et l`importance sont tres eminens et salutaires. Le safran est une plante aux feuilles assez largement etendues qui tirent sur vert trouble.Il presage sa maturite par une belle fleur hors pair. A cette apparition, les feuilles se changent en jaunatre et doncmarque le signe pour la recolte. Une plante procure au moins un kilos de safran. Apres la recolte, ce qui reste de ces racines fournissent des nouvelles plantes quand la prochaine saison arrivera. Depuis fort londtemps, admis comme ayant une incontestable et riche valeur en fer, le safran est estime fort valable pour des usages internes et externes. En sus, cette plante de nature potagere est veneree dans nos rites, surtout par les Hindous. L`USAGE INTERNE Le stigmate de la plante de safran fournit une poudre servant d`assaisonnement dans les activites culinaires. La poudre safranee melangee aux autres ingredients rend plus attrayante la saveur des plats mais aussi contribue a leur attribuer une couleur charmante. Le safran vert ecrase ou en poudre bouilli dans le lait est souvent utilise et bu avant d`aller ay lit car, c`est considere comme un remede traditionel contre la fraicheur rigide et cela aide aussi a reduire a neant las microbes intestinaux. L `USAGE EXTERNES Le safran est aussi pratiquement utilise dans les cremes antiseptiques, comme par example le cataplasme sur blessure ou le massage du corps, souvent pour se defendre contre certaines maladies de a peau. Certaines de ces cremes aident aussi a embellir la peau. Le safran est aussi un element enormement utilise dans les rites, en particulier dans les ceremonies traditionells ou prieres dans la communaute hindoue. 92 Une pate de safran en forme monticule dotee d`un coup de pouce de ‘koungkoumam’ represente le dieu ‘Ganesha’ qui est improvise dans toute les rites religieux. L`eau et le riz safranes sont aussi utilises pendant les mariages traditionels et pour divers autres occasions religieuses comme par example, le ‘Pongal’ et le ‘Deepavali’. Une corde safranee attachee a un bijou notamment en or est veneree comme le cordon nuptial connu sous le mon de ‘Taali’ chez les Tamouls. Le safran que ce soit en morceau ou en poudre est tres largement utilise dans les ceremonies ou prieres consacrees a la deesse ‘Amen’. Le marche sur le feu est une des festivites celebrees a Maurice ou les gens utilisent le safran pour teinter leurs vetements. Les devots qui vont marcher sur un parcours de braise ont un morceau de safran attache a l`aide d`une corde autour de leurs mains considere comme la ‘Kanganam’. Cette plante est aussi la source de bonheur et de properite pour toutes les communautes Mauriciennes. Ashini Vencatasawmy Form 3 Green. 93       94       95       96       97 THE WRONG TURN ( DOMAINE LA GRAVE- 24th May 2006) It will be remembered as the first major incident to mark the history of RTSS.EVERYTHING will be related to you in the most minute details. All buses reached MIDLANDS, more specifically BANANES. It was the help of a local inhabitant that saw us taking a rocky and muddy road in the midst of sugarcane fields to reach a muddy spot which was the PARKING AREA, if we can describe it as such. The ascent started at around 11.00. Things were rather weird since the beginning as many of us did notice the absence of a guide to lead us to the mountain. The owners of the place suggested we follow the RED ARROWS during the journey. I remember everyone mentioning the absence of those RED ARROWS in several specific spots. The Ascent was rather fun! . Everyone ‘maryé piké’ managed to reach the peak of the mountain by 12.30. The peak was an inclined plateau where all students rested and lunched together. NAVRESH KISSOONDOYAL ti bien fatigue and mistook ‘gratin chouchou’ for ‘satini chouchou’. Soon after the lunch at around 14.00, everyone set out for the descent. Everyone was following the fence on our left fearing that we might fall in the precipice. The march, down the mountain was done with several small groups of students accompanied by one teacher. The long queue was moving at an extremely slow pace. At a certain moment, the fence came to an end and THIS WAS THE SPECIFIC SPOT WHERE EVERYONE PRESUMABLY TOOK THE WRONG TURN. Ahead there was a kind of open field and many students were rushing across it and then came the HELLISH DESCENT, the MOST DIFFICULT PATHS which later we came to know were the BLACK-ARROWED PATHS meant for professional and skilled mountain hikers. Time was running like anything and still, the long queue was pending behind. The first group of students accompanied by Mr Veer Ramloghun reached the foot of the mountain at around 15.30 and there were still students high up on the mountain. AMEERSAHEB SHAH and BEELUR JAYSON, accompanied by Mr. Veer Ramloghun did the heroic act of going back up the mountain to look for the others. Bane garcons fine demontrer ki zot bane vrai zoms sa jour la! They preferred to be the last ones and helped the girls and lady teachers to climb down first. At around 18.00, the last groups of students were still in the middle of the mountain. Night fell. It was pitch dark.Moreover it started raining. The slope was even more slippery and steeper. 98 Had we not brought our mobiles, nou ti pou tasser. It was the few bars of battery on our mobiles that helped us to light our path as it was really dark. We were moving slowly on the muddy track. Though the tension was rising, the fun we had was memorable. The teachers, namely Mr. Beeharry, Miss. Veeriah, Mr. Coonjoobeeharry, Mrs. Samy, Mr. Ramloghun, Mr. Bissoondoyal, Mr. Dhanookdharee, Mr Y.Juggessur, Miss Bundhoo, Mrs. Mohess, Mrs. Hurry, Mrs. Seegoolam and her helpful husband, Mr Seegoolam, a very courageous policeman whose experience was a great aid to us that day. Some were saying that they would be missing their ‘Tulsi’ or ‘Muneca Brava’. Some even saw ‘Calèche de Lallmatie’ and ‘Loupgarou’. Some were singing our National Anthem. It was around 19.45 pm, and the last group met a rescue team consisting of 3 police officers and a strange guide whose torch ran out of battery just at that time (ene jour soy mem sa). We had to show him the way instead, “lols”. The police officers counted the number of hikers to make sure that no one was left behind. During the last stage of the journey, VASHISHT NARASIMULU sprained his ankle and RAO KISTNAMAH shouldered him down the mountain. The last group finally reached the parking area at around 20.30.This was a clear example of friendship. You should have been there to see the steps taken to rescue us. A mere loss of track became a huge rescue activity. Everyone was there: the Police Force (SMF, SSU, Sniffer dogs) and the press. “Filme indien net-la police vine dernier l’heure.” Some parents even came up to Midlands to get their kids. Mr. Tembah, a responsible parent brought water and food for the students. We even got “Farata, rougaille n gros poids” from inhabitants around. The buses headed to Midlands Police Station for inquiry purposes. The buses ultimately reached school at 22.40. Over there, it was the same thing; I have never seen so many people in the school yard. Everyone from parents to teachers to our rector was worried.Our Rector, Mr. Gungapersad held the most nocturnal assembly in Mauritius (at 11 p.m) in the gymnasium. The students’ clothes were mud splattered. Fortunately only our clothes were stained, not our school’s reputation, even if a few tried it. All of us grew closer and developed a stronger sense of fraternity. After that, a lot of criticisms were leveled against RTSS. But we are still going strong keeping Domaine La Grave as a lifetime memory to cherish. We lost our track at Domaine La Grave to find the best route to RTSS. Long live the family of RTSS. Gooriah Tej Chandra 99 Cette lettre vient d’un blog d’une jeune ado … Cher papa, S’il y a une constante dans notre maison, c’est cette petite phrase de maman, qui clôt toute discussion ayant quelconque lien, de près ou de loin, avec l’argent. Cette phrase est facile à retenir : « Demande à ton père. » Or, mon père, jusqu’à preuve du contraire (et vu la ressemblance la question ne se pose même pas), c’est toi. J’ai essayé de t’en parler ce weekend, je te jure. Samedi d’abord, je te voyais seul devant un match de foot, je me suis dit, c’est le moment. Manque de bol, j’avais pas repéré Loïc, tel le fils prodigue, tapi à côté de toi sur le canapé. 13 ans. L’âge dramatique. Du coup, j’suis repartie dans ma chambre refaire une répétition générale en surfant sur le net. Je sais que t’aime pas que j’utilise l’Internet. Mais que faire. J’y suis accro (comme toi à l’époque des BEATLES !). C’est la seule façon de se faire plein de nouveaux amis et de rester en contact avec eux. Dimanche, Emily a émis l’hypothèse d’épouser son petit ami qu’elle connaît depuis quinze jours, je crois qu’il y avait urgence, j’ai compris que tu veuilles lui parler en tête à tête (après que maman lui a refait le coup des abeilles et des fleurs). 18 ans. L’âge tragique. L’âge où les ados ont tendance à faire de grosses conneries/bêtises. Ensuite, c’était l’heure de ma série préférée je me suis demandé si l’occasion n’était pas idéale, mais toi, t’as choisi ce moment pour me demander si j’avais fini mes devoirs, comme la réponse était « pas trop », j’ai préféré me retirer. Nous voilà donc lundi matin et je n’ai toujours pas réussi à coincer mon Papounet hautement généreux et noble, sur le thème suivant : « Comment peut-on endurer une vie d’adolescente avec si peu d’argent de poche et qu’une carte à puce Orange ? » La vie est chère, Papouni. Les chaussures Tektonik, les vêtements et accessoires Mexx et Bluesteel…penses-tu qu’on me les donne ? Au lycée, je connais une fille qui récolte trois fois plus que moi en une semaine. Et il paraît qu’elle fume. Alors, pourquoi, ayant la moyenne en classe, je ne peux pas aller au concert de David Guetta avec mes potes, qui contrairement à ce que tu crois sont nonfumeurs et non alcooliques ? Je ne sais pas pourquoi, je sens que tu vas me dire que les autres peuvent bien faire ce qu’ils veulent…tralala, tralala. De plus, je vais travailler pendant tout le mois de novembre & décembre dans le magasin BILLABONG à Caudan. Je pourrais ainsi socialiser avec des jeunes de mon âge et gagner de l’expérience et du fric pour pouvoir partir camper avec Cynthia, Ludovic et la bande. J’en profite pour te l’annoncer. Y’aura des majeurs, maman a déjà dit oui. Je te préviens que j’ai pris son oui pour un double oui. Non ? Quatorze jours, les promenades en forêt, la plage, salade de fruits de mer, plats exotiques sous les étoiles avec mes amis et Ludovic en maillot…je paie tout. Alors pour me remercier d’assumer avec tant de maturité ces premières vacances et pour fêter mon futur passage en première, je suggère une augmentation exceptionnelle en octobre. Et je propose la permission de sortir entre amis. Et enfin me faire tatouer. A débattre. Ne te fâche pas. Je te promets d’être responsable et si tu me fais confiance, je te jure de ne plus rien te demander encore. L’important, c’est de ne pas se laisser submerger par la première pulsion qui passe. De rester zen. Bizous. Amy 100 WAS I A BURDEN? Elo Mama! Sorry for not having talked to you for some while…Hmm, in fact, I’ve been discovering such nice things about myself; it’s wonderful out here! It’s nearly 6 weeks I am here and it all feels really cozy and warm. How must it be outside? Am equally dying to know that! Still, I want to cherish every moment am here. U take such good care of me, I bet anything, u r the BEST mama ever! My papa must be mad with joy, waiting for me, nah?! U guys thought about my name? Mama, wait, someone’s here-…. Ouch, what’s that? Hey, stop, who r u to peek into my house? Mama, they’re hurting me! Oh, tell them to stop please! Mama, u r not doing anything? Have I been bad? Caused u trouble? Ouch, they ripping my feet! Plz, don’t pull me out, MAMA!!!...... How is that innocent to blame? DON’T TAKE AWAY A LIFE FOR UR RELIEF Be against it, fight it-ABORTION PRATHNA HOOLASEE Lower VI Science 2 101       102       103       104       105       106   MY DAYS AT RTSS    All those days at RTSS …….. how can I describe them, those unforgettable days …….. as joyful times ? Or  as bad moments ? Or both ? Well, I think it’s a mixture of both.  Just like every student, I can still remember my first day at secondary school. Leaving the primary school  and my friends stressing for me. I can recall each night feeling the anguish of going to this new school  with new faces in new surroundings.  Fortunately, this worry did not last long as the boys and girls were very friendly.  Each  day  at  RTSS  was  better  than  the  previous  one  as  it  was  full  of  mischief,  fun  and  laughter.  There  were always people to share my joys and to help me in difficult times. My friends were always there to  support, encourage and to cheer me up when I was down.  Besides friends, the teachers  also played a great part. They were always there to make us understand  even after several trials and especially ensured that we were comfortable to ask any question.  Today, when I think about these past days, there’s a strange feeling which overcomes me, and maybe  it’s that of getting separated one day. After all, it has to happen one day or the other. So even if only a  few months or years are left, let’s enjoy these remaining moments for once they are gone, its over…….  I would like to thank my friends, devoted teachers and the Rector for their kind support.                                                                                            Urvashi Cunnuck  Form 1 Red                107     RABINDRANATH TAGORE SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOOL CERTIFICATE RESULTS 2007 BOYS & GIRLS S n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 GRADE SUBJECTS English Language French Language Maths Add Maths Chemistry Physics Biology Computer Economics Accounts Business Studies Hindi Hindi Literature Urdu Tamil English Literature French Literature Telegu Art & Design Hinduism Design & Comm. Food & Nut Geography 1 2 5 2 8 2 6 5 9 1 3 1 1 7 5 4 5 1 5 0 1 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 9 2 4 2 2 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 0 4 1 1 1 4 1 3 2 3 0 1 0 1 2 4 3 2 0 3 4 1 4 8 3 9 3 1 1 8 2 1 1 2 6 1 0 8 7 1 4 1 5 0 4 3 0 3 5 5 1 3 4 1 2 7 1 0 6 5 4 5 2 2 8 1 5 2 0 0 2 2 2 4 1 1 1 0 5 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 5 4 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 6 1 2 7 7 1 3 6 1 2 1 0 3 4 7 8 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 2 6 0 4 Tota 7 8 9 l 5 1 8 8 1 0 3 3 4 2 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 5 5 2 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 8 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 124 125 125 89 72 67 53 29 31 42 33 48 6 10 6 12 11 4 12 14 16 4 14 No. Pass 124 125 124 81 72 67 53 29 30 42 33 48 6 10 6 12 11 4 12 14 16 4 14 % pass 100% 100% 99% 91% 100% 100% 100% 100% 97% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%                   108     S.C 2007‐ Heroes and Heroines of RTSS scoring Aggregate 6    “  it’s  just  the  beginning  for  me…….got  two  more  crucial  years….  I’ve  got  to  persevere” ~ K.Poonye    “  Very  happy  indeed…  very  proud  of  my  results…just  the  sweet  fruits  of  five  years’ hardwork.”~ G. Chutterdharry    “Pa ti pe tro atane mem.. mais mo hardwork fine payer.. but my next aim is  the H.S.C final exams……… pa enkor fini..ena buku pou vini” ~ V. Aukhojee    “  Simply  unbelievable  at  first….  Didn’t  imagine  that  I  will  get  such    nice  results”~ D. Soobhug    “(lols)  ..I  was  so  happy…Good  experience..  it  is  not  the  end…Got  to  achieve  more”~ I. Chummun    “(lols)..!I  was  rather  surprised  because  I  wasn’t  expecting  it,  though  deep  inside, I really hoped for the best results”~ P. Venkatasawmy      Intercollege Debate Contest’s winners( RTSS v/s MGI central)    “A real honour to win against the competent MGI opponents”    K. Poonye    “Proud to represent the school…. A real challenge for me…. The victory against  our MGI friends was the icing on the cake. My message: Sweet is the victory  but get ready to sweat in its struggle”    C. Jugoo            109 Quelques perles des étudiants. . . à mourir de rire ! Louis XVI a complètement perdu la tête. Jules César est une marque de pâté pour chien. Le Pape vient de mourir pour la 264e fois. Le Pape meurt pour renaître. Le Pape se succède à lui-même. Rafael Benitez est le successeur de Jean Paul II. Les momies étaient embobinées dans du papier toilette. Les papyrus sont des surnoms que l'on donne aux vieillards en Russie. Une fois par an toutes les femmes se réunissent pour la journée de l'infâme . Molière était médecin malgré lui. Le descendant d'Adam et Eve était Jésus Christ. Jésus Christ est né il y a plusieurs milliards d'années. Les accords d'Evian avaient pour but de commercialiser la marque d'eaux en Algé . Noël Mamère a célébré le premier mariage gai en France (il ne manquerait plus que ça des mariages tristes !) Mai 68 s'est produit pendant la seconde guerre mondiale. Les condamnés à mort étaient décapités à la bombe hache. Les américains ont lancé deux bombes gastronomiques sur Hiroshima et Nagasaki . Il existe trois types de catégories d'handicapés mentaux le simple somique, le double somique et le tri somique. Jeanne d'Arc a été une des victimes affreusement brûlées par Landru. Amstrong est le premier homme à avoir fait du cyclisme sur la lune. 110 Sa dame Hussein était le président de l'Irak Le passé simple est un passé composé du présent, du futur et de l'imparfait Les professeurs de dictées sont appelés les dictateurs La comtesse de Ségur a fait beaucoup de malheurs à Sophie Un triangle est un appareil qui sert à faire le triage des angles. Une racine carrée est une racine en forme de carrée voilà tout Les catholiques sont des protestants pour le christianisme Une reflexion sur le travail… Voici les règles pour ceux qui n'ont rien à faire. Ne pas l'avouer. Attendre sans impatience un ordre de travail, ne pas le provoquer. Ne pas emm... ceux qui travaillent effectivement, ne pas les jalouser surtout. Adopter une position de repos donnant a s'y méprendre une impression de travail. Rester décontracté et supporter sans fatigue apparente toute inactivité, aussi longue soit elle. Aimer le travail bien fait et pour cela ne pas hésiter à le laisser faire par des camarades plus qualifiés. On peut aimer le travail et lui préférer le repos : si certains ne savent pas travailler, d'autres ne savent pas rester sans rien faire. Ne souffrir d'aucun complexe pour se présenter au trésorier après un mois sans travail. Il y a beaucoup plus d'accidents de travail que d'accidents de repos. Le travail use, le repos rarement : économisons-nous. CONCLUSION Le travail est une belle invention, ne sois pas égoïste : LAISSE LE A TES COPAINS. 111                                                                     112