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Mount Scopus' Student Magazine
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OPUS A Student Publication
©
Nov 11 $5.99 AUD
THE TAKEOVER THERE’S NOWHERE
TO HIDE
MORE OPINIONS MORE ARTICLES
MORE NONSENSE
I always love Rosh Hashanah. The apples, the honey, the family dinners... it’s always a treasure. But the downside to every Rosh Hashanah is bidding farewell to our Year Twelves. We had a bittersweet Captain’s Induction Ceremony a few months ago, where we thanked and appreciated the outgoing Captains; we were all flummoxed by seeing just how much work they have put into our school. Not just the Captains, but also every Year Twelve: bringing in their own spirit to Scopus, giving their own gifts to the school. From the countless, almost daily, fun initiatives, to the Scopus Movie, to the general spirit and enthusiasm that they bring to the school, the outgoing Year Twelves were, quite simply, awesome. But in saying goodbye to the Class of 2011, we welcome in the Class of 2012. And that, I feel, is the key: that although it’s sad that the Class of 2011’s sun is setting, a new day is beginning. We love the old Captains; but the new Captains are here and raring to get going. They’ve already started; they've already begun making their mark on the school; from ‘Hawaii Day’ to Sukkot activities, to simply being enthusiastic about Scopus. And this transition has also come to the Opus. As much as we loved Opus under Ryan’s, and then Rapha’s, pen, now new voices come to Opus’s microphone. Daniel and I have worked hard this past term to ensure that Opus is everything that it’s always been and more. This term, we’ve had a record number of people offering to contribute, with even more to come. With the right blend of new stuff and old stuff, past and present, traditions and inspirations, we bring you: Opus. Please ensure your seatbelts are done up low and tight: it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Love,
Charlie
EST 1960
The Timetable What’s on in this issue?
4
5
9
11
13
15
Get to Know Your Captains Who are these people? And what have they done with our school?
Smart Boards: Too Smart? Everyone claims they know how to use them, but do they really?
The Green Gazette ‘Go Green’ with Opus this summer
Holidays…Finally! Lucy Kennett gives the lowdown on what to do these holidays
Do You Have SSS? Zoe Diamond diagnoses the students of Scopus
Stumble Upon Surf the web with Opus’ own Charlie Fink
If you have made it this far, I assume that you actually
intend to read this magazine, so I will not bother telling
you about this publication's ridiculous good looks. Nor
will I attempt to prove to you that these pages provide
swagger with which no other news corporation can
compete, as I understand that all of you are more than
aware that each published word is considered to be
literary gold.
Over the past years, I believe Opus has been growing in
stature and is gaining support by the issue. Students and
past collegians have deemed that the magazine is more
popular than ever and evidently, there are no obstacles
hindering its rapid growth. More students are choosing to
write for the magazine, making sure their opinion is
heard and their observations are laughed at. No doubt,
Opus has a bright future, which will only be made
brighter with your help.
After a few bumps in the road, accompanied by the
proverbial hiccup, Opus is finally back up and running.
Over the past year, the school has been blessed with the
talents of R. Tamir (No, that's obvious too
obvious...uhhh, let's say Rapha T), who effortlessly
dedicated his time to making sure that the students of
Scopus would not go without something to read while
using the bathroom. Our predecessor has left behind him
a legacy, as did all of the editors before him. Now, Charlie
and I are faced with the large and ominous task of filling
the same void and ensuring that no page goes
unturned. We have big plans for the upcoming twelve
months, hoping that we can keep you entertained, evoke
emotions, arouse opinions and prevent the magazine
from being littered in an disorderly fashion around the
school.
This issue will be the first of many to sample new feature
articles, pushing the boundaries of student writing. This is
one news source that Rupert Murdoch couldn't infiltrate.
The voice of the student body lives on.
Devotedly,
DJF
Editors:
Charlie Fink Daniel Friedman
18
19
22
26
29
30
32
From the Archives Opus looks back at an interview with Mr McCartney
Look-a-Likes They’re deliciously irresistible
English is Dead Daniel Penso analyses the effects of social networking
Opinion Do you care what these people have to say?
The Perfect School Lunch Adam Grodeck invites you inside his lunchbox
As the Bell Rings Adi Cohney looks back at his time at Scopus
Scopus Bingo Are you feeling lucky?
Scopus students have been fortunate enough to have had the luxury
of smart-boards for several years, and now, they have no doubt
become integral parts of our daily lessons. These boards, however
intelligent they may be, seem to be utilised for the wrong
purposes. Sure, teachers and students alike use the magical
devices to take notes, watch videos and access the internet; the
whole computer interface is in the palms of our hands (walls of
our classrooms). However, for the extent of their daily use, it is
arguable that our smart-boards are not being fully utilised.
Most teachers, excluding a few technologically savvy individuals,
choose to remain in the shallow end of the swimming pool, using
the smart-board to carry out the role of a prehistoric blackboard.
Then there are those who feel they are still winning the battle of
man vs. machine, even though the projected screens have their
'masters' by the scruff of the neck.
In order to advance in this day and age, it is absolutely
essential that we take control of our smart-boards, using them for
every function that they possess. They think they are smarter than
us- are you going to stand for that? If we really want to make
the most of our boards, we should start using them for their real
purpose and show them who is boss.
Are Too Smart? s
REDEFINE
IMPOSSIBLE
So, what is the smart-board really capable of…?
No, seriously?
4
Get to Know Your Captains
Once more, we have come to the same time of the year, when exams are the focal point of our
days and everything else appears pointless and blunt. The new (Jewish) year signifies new
captains, as well as a new portfolio, which can only mean more activities and student-based
initiatives. The captains of yesteryear pushed boundaries, revolutionised assembly videos and
were able to induce an unprecedented sense of Scopus ruach. So now, as assumed, the lifelong
philosophical question is once again plaguing the minds of Scopus students...
Can the new captains bring it?
Full Name: Daniel Sinan Penso
Desired Nickname: Guru- For my dream team knowledge
Pet Peeves: Roni Froumine
Criminal Record at School: We do not speak of this.
Favourite Subject: Whatever is in the theatrette
Motti or Jared: Matti
Favourite Food at the Caf: Everything- It is all so healthy
Favourite Hebrew Word: פופיק – Belly Button (col.)
Favourite Jewish Festival: Rosh Hashanah – Tashlich at Gardiners Creek is
always a highlight of the year
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? I hear this year’s megillah reading is going to
be off the hook
Full Name: Roni Sonia Hannah Froumine
Desired Nickname: Froumaaa
Pet Peeves: People who walk slowly in
front of me.
Criminal Record at School: Don’t have one.
Favourite Subject: Viscom
Motti or Jared: Jarred ;)
Favourite Food at the Caf: Oversized pickles
Favourite Hebrew Word: פופיק – Belly Button (col.)
Favourite Jewish Festival: Lag BaOmer – the one with potatoes
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Define Puzza…
Full Name: Gilad Shabtai Cohen
Desired Nickname: Gilman
Pet Peeves: Germs
Criminal Record at School: Not enough room
Favourite Subject: Ms. Tan's Methods 1+2
Motti or Jared: Avi
Favourite Food at the Caf: Scalloped potatoes on Fridays and honey joys
Favourite Hebrew Word: ימפג
Favourite Jewish Festival: Simchat Torah
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? na na na na na na na na puzza, na na na na na
na na na puzza…
Full Name: Abbie Lee Debinski
Desired Nickname: AbooshDebin
Pet Peeves: taking the hair out of my hair brush
Criminal Record at School: in school suspension
at Yavneh for bludging minchah –
Favourite Subject: Hebrew
Motti or Jared: Motti
Favourite Food at the Caf: yoghurt with muesli
Favourite Hebrew Word: תבלינים -spices
Favourite Jewish Festival: Sukkot
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Who cares?
Full Name: Romy Sacks
Desired Nickname: Obey
Pet Peeves: People that don’t put lid on toothpaste so the next morning the
top bit is slightly dried out and when clothes hangers get tangled in each
other.
Criminal Record at School: Shaving Cream
Favourite Subject: Health, I think…
Motti or Jared: Mared
Favourite Food at the Caf: Sunnyboys
Favourite Hebrew Word: תלוי- Dependent
Favourite Jewish Festival: Rosh Hashanah
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Are you?
Full Name: Jesse Schnall
Desired Nickname: Me? You want me to have
a nickname?
Pet Peeves: People with poor grammar
Criminal Record at School: I am innocent
Favourite Subject: Any lesson taught by
Mrs Luszt
Motti or Jared: Avi
Favourite Food at the Caf: Nippy’s
Favourite Jewish Festival: Chol ha Moed
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Na.
Full Name: Ellie Rachel Kras
Desired Nickname: Elka
Pet Peeves: Huh?
Criminal Record at School: Sunday detention
Favourite Subject: Legal
Motti or Jared: Jotti
Favourite Food at the Caf: Egg roll
Favourite Hebrew Word: באופן חד משמעי- Unequivocally
Favourite Jewish Festival: Sukkot
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Is that a serious question?
Full Name: Daniel Adam Edelman
Desired Nickname: Edelman
Pet Peeves: Waiters getting my order wrong, fat free food,
coughing, the word “youse”
Criminal Record at School: I like to clean
Favourite Subject: Not English
Motti or Jared: Matti
Favourite Food at the Caf:
Mix of red and green slurpee
Favourite Hebrew Word: חלב - Milk
Favourite Jewish Festival: Yom Kippur
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? לא טוב
Full Name: Jaimie Paige Chapman
Desired Nickname: G-d
Pet Peeves: mean people and clothes
Criminal Record at School: Laughing
Favourite Subject: Drama
Motti or Jared: Matti
Favourite Food at the Caf: challah roll (must be extra soft)
Favourite Hebrew Word: סתם- Just
Favourite Jewish Festival: Yom Ha’atzmaut
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? What’s more social than puzza?
Full Name: Kyle Adam Miller
Desired Nickname: Kyle
Pet Peeves: People who walk slowly
Criminal Record at School: one
suspension for a crime too heinous to
speak of…
Favourite Subject: History
Motti or Jared: Jared
Favourite Food at the Caf: Veggie burger with pesto
Favourite Hebrew Word: קשר-connection
Favourite Jewish Festival: Purim
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Yeah…? CONTINUED NEXT PAGE… 6
Noam and Sophie, Silver and Gabi
Penso and Roni Article
Full Name: Sophie Davis
Desired Nickname: Soph/So-tree
Pet Peeves: Bad hygiene, winking
Criminal Record at School: 1:1:1
Favourite Subject: Drama
Motti or Jared: Who’s Motti?
Favourite Food at the Caf: Sushi!Tthere should be sushi more than once a week!
Favourite Hebrew Word: Puppy גור
Favourite Jewish Festival: Pesach. Love those Matzah pizzas
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Are you?
Full Name: No’am Geffen
Desired Nickname: Shao-Chui
Pet Peeves: Eating with your mouth open and breathing loudly
Criminal Record at School: Mr Dodd once e-mailed my parents,
does that count?
Favourite Subject: Maths
Motti or Jared: Uhhh…
Favourite Food at the Caf: Slurpee
Favourite Hebrew Word: מצפון - Conscience
Favourite Jewish Festival: Rosh Hashanah
Full Name: Joshua Harry Silver
Desired Nickname: Silver
Pet Peeves: People who ask me what my pet peeves are
Criminal Record at School: Next question please
Favourite Subject: Legal with Mrs. Collins
Motti or Jared: Matti
Favourite Food at the Caf: Pizza Subs
Favourite Hebrew Word: Don’t do Hebrew words.
Favourite Jewish Festival: Pesach- Matzah always does something interesting.
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Yep
Full Name: Gabriella Rosenfeld (smiley face included)
Desired Nickname: Gab/Gabz
Pet Peeves: people touching my shoulders; people chewing loudly
Criminal Record at School: umm….
Favourite Subject: Sport ;)
Motti or Jared: I can’t choose between them!
Favourite Food at the Caf: honey joy things
Favourite Hebrew Word: חיוך -smile, חתול - cat
Favourite Jewish Festival: Pesach
ARE YOU GOING TO PUZZA? Haha
“The 11-Weekers have already been able to experience Israeli life on the
kibbutz and are definitely making the most of their time away together.
Shortly, we will farewell the remaining Ulpaniks, before they depart for a
trip that they will never forget.”
Ulpan 2011-2012
8
“Harvesting the environmental leaders of the future...”
2011 is The International
Year of Forests!
The year 2011 was declared the International Year of Forests to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. More than 1.6 billion people depend on forests with some 300 million living in them. The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that every year 130,000 km² of the world's forests are lost due to deforestation. This year, governments, regional and international organisations are expected to make national committees to organize activities in support of the International Year of Forests.
A Letter from your Enviro
Captains
We can tell that the Green Gazette may
not be the funniest or most popular
section of Opus, but at Gazette HQ,
we’re here to keep you up to date with
important things that are happening on
earth today and to inform you on how
you can contribute to improving
problems. Doing your part will not only
help the environment but give you a
better piece of mind that you can grow
up in a safe and healthy world. So find a
nice place to sit on the grass, lounge
under a tree, appreciate what Mother
Earth has provided and learn what you
can do too!
Enjoy, Sophie and No’am
There’s no question that the Earth is getting hotter—and fast. The real questions are: How
much of the warming is our fault, and are we willing to slow the meltdown by restricting our
use of fossil fuels?
Global warming can seem too remote to worry about. On a winter day you might think that a few degrees
of warming wouldn't be such a bad thing anyway, which is true, but in small amounts. From Alaska to the
snowy peaks of the Andes the world is heating up right now, and fast. Globally, the temperature is up 5°C
over the past century, but some of the coldest, most remote spots have warmed much more. The results
aren't pretty. Ice is melting, rivers are running dry, and coasts are eroding, threatening communities. The
changes are happening largely out of sight, but they shouldn't be out of mind. For centuries we've been
clearing forests and burning coal, oil, and gas, pouring carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into
the atmosphere faster than plants and oceans can soak them up. Some experts fear today's temperature
rise could accelerate into a devastating climate lurch. Prevent the world from warming up at a fast rate by
doing your part, as small as it may be. Turn the heating down a few degrees, open windows, take public
transport or walk!!
ECO -FRIENDLY CELEB OF THE MONTH
Katy Perry is involved in some environmentally friendly
projects, such as:
Project Clean Water: Working to improve the quality
of life for millions of people, by helping to provide clean
water on a global scale.
Generosity Water: Dedicated to ending the clean
water crisis in developing countries, one community at
a time.
Music for Relief: Responds to natural disasters, as they
occur to help victims recover and rebuild, with an
emphasis on housing, education programs and
resources.
Green Recipe
French bread 1/2-inch slices
1 garlic clove, halved (more if you're warding off vampires)
1 carton of cherry or grape tomatoes
6 ounces of soft goat cheese
3 mint leaves, chopped
Olive oil
Pinch of salt
1. Slice and quarter the tomatoes. You can leave some whole and some halved. 2. Add the tomatoes to a large mixing bowl with just enough olive oil to lightly coat. 3. Add the garlic, salt and mint, lightly mix and chill. 4. Lightly toast the bread slices. Bruschetta with warm bread and chilled tomatoes is preferable, so toast as
needed, making just a few slices at a time. But if you are having a par-tay, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 325 degrees.
11
th of December: International
Mountain Day
16th
-22nd
of December: Gluten
Free Baking Week
5th
of January: National Bird Day
2nd
of February: World Wetlands
Day
Knowledge Bank Expansion Centre
http://www.fta.org.au/ Fair Trade Association
http://www.environment.gov.au/education/aussi/ Australian Sustainable Schools
Initiative
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/ Planet Green 10
The summer holidays are just around the corner and school is
preparing to close. Regardless of the date on the calendar, warning
signs are apparent and the students are itching to be released back
into the wild. The corridors are empty, the year twelves have left us
behind and it seems that Ulpan is at the forefront of everybody's
minds.
The end is unimaginably near. Close enough that you can taste the
sand and salty salty sea water. Close enough that you can hear the
voice of multiple slurpees, yearning to be inhaled at the rick of
brain-freezes. We just need to hold on a lil' longer.
Now is the time to plan how you are going to spend, or not spend,
your time. Are you heading off to Byron to learn social etiquette?
Travelling elsewhere to mingle with the locals and develop a tan?
Or maybe you would prefer to stay in Melbournia and make friends
with the cooks at Nandos?
Whatever your plans may be, make sure to make the most of your
time out of captivity. Because before you know it, the upcoming
school year will be knocking at your door, and even though you
don't want to let it in, it will force its way into your house with an
axe.
WHAT TIME IS IT? Lucy Kennett rambling
Aussies love their sport and bloody oath, they are sure proud about it. We love to flaunt it in the
face of others, even if they happen to support the same team. Yet, it seems as though every
Australian is a die-hard fan of every national sport and coincidentally, they suddenly decide to
announce their ruthless passion when their team starts to succeed.
This can most clearly be seen on a more local level- in both football leagues (you can decide
which is Aussie Rules and which is soccer). Besides true believers, nobody displays that they
barrack for a team when they are slumped at the bottom of the ladder. But, as they begin to
climb, on the road to the Holy Grail, those who appear to be oblivious to the state of sport in the
world instantly begin to support the winning team. Bandwagons must be pretty heavy these
days.
Australia loves to back the underdog, cheer on the 'no name' and spend millions of dollars every
year to ensure that our teams prosper. I can guarantee you that you do not know the name of
every national sports team but, when that team (or individual) is on a high, their nickname
suddenly appears shaved into the back of your head and tattooed across you heart.
Instant Sports Fans Just Add Water
JILLAROOS
SHARKS
JACKAROOS
DINGOES
CYCLONES
Answers: Jillaroos - Women's Rugby, Cyclones – Cycling, Sharks - Men's Water polo, Jackaroos - Men's Bowls,
Dingoes - Ultimate Frisbee 12
Do You Have SSS?
Zoe Diamond shares her unique view on what to do now that the AFL season is over
For years Australians have suffered from SSS. What is this horrifying disease you might ask…
Well, it is worse than the measles and it makes chicken pox seem friendly. Yes, that’s right it’s
SUMMER SPORT SYNDROME (cue dramatic music). Summer sport syndrome (previously
known as post AFL syndrome) is the tragic suffering during the “off season” of the AFL
calendar. When that final siren sounds, fans and maniacs alike immediately go into
depression. From the point of view of a diehard AFL fan, there is no need to start throwing
your lamps into a wall, there is a much simpler solution. Summer sport: so under-rated. There
are endless opportunities, especially in Australia, and plenty of ways to forget about the AFL
season. Here are some awesome (overused adjective derived from the word awe) ways to get
sunburnt and enjoy the wonders of summer sport…
Imagine that nice fresh summer breeze
flowing across your face whilst enjoying
the wonders of Brighton Beach. I can't
think of any better way to spend a
summer day than a nice bike ride along
the beach or the Yarra. Either by
yourself or with friends, I recommend
everyone to get on a bike track this
summer (and always wear a helmet).
Tanning with your friends with one foot in
the water may not really be counted as
'sport' but for all you sports maniacs out
there, competition can always be arranged.
'Stationary' is always a party favourite or
alternatively, for your daily sports fix try get
down to a local pool for some alone time
and swim some laps in your boardies.
FUTSAL: This is me thinking about the rangas. If you don't want to be outside soaking up the sun, there are plenty of Futsal competitions over the summer. Have a quick fun game, and chill out at a mate's for a BBQ after, in order to put that Australian touch on it
Do You Have SSS?
Zoe Diamond shares her unique view on what to do now that the AFL season is over
Noun:
The oldest yet a personal favourite. Hear me out, this is no joke.Playing Frisbee in the park with friends is an awesome (overused adjective derived from the word awe) way to relax and tan with the thrill of some light competitive sport. I personally recommend the front
(Hawthorn Rd side) of Princes Park for this, but for you North Caulfielders Caulfield Park will do and Toorakians can just play in their back yard.
Though some may just see it as men rubbing a ball
ferociously against their pants, cricket has a very
deep Australian history and can be very enjoyable.
Either try get out to the local park and play with your
mates (which includes screaming howzatttttttt), or
get down to the G and watch Australia Vs India on
Boxing Day.
TENNIS: When the Australian open comes around we
all turn in to mini Rodger Federers .But what better
way to get a typical Australian shorts tan than to
engage in some tennis?
Alternatively, we could spend the entire summer stalking our football idols on twitter, or
meticulously planning our dream team for the season to come, but what’s Australian about that?
Cure your summer sport syndrome today.
For further information, contact your local GP
A form of suffering during the off season of the AFL
calendar - also known as ‘Post AFL Syndrome’. Can and will
affect prominent dream team addicts and football fans
(excluding Richmond supporters)
Define: Summer Sport Syndrome
14
.
The internet’s solution to the question: ‘what sites do I like on the internet?’. Stumbleupon is self-described as a ‘discovery engine’; a kind of search engine that finds websites that you like. It’s as easy as that. When you sign up (naturally, it’s free), you tick boxes of what interests you. Options range from practically everything to practically everything else; chances are, your interests are covered. Then, click the ‘stumble’ button. Stumbleupon will find you a random website, which you can ‘like’ or thumb down. If you like it, Stumbleupon will give you more of the same, and if you don’t, it will find you new sites. This hones the website’s precision, until almost everything you stumble is something you like. Recently, a new feature was introduced: you can type in an interest — say, cupcakes — into the engine and it will find you any websites it can find related to cupcakes, from recipes to comics to bizarre stories of cupcake-related homicides. The simplicity and extensive nature of Stumbleupon (with it, you literally surf the entire net at once) are its strengths; it is a marvel of the web. As of May 2010, Stumbleupon has over 10 million members (including yours truly). Why does Stumbleupon attract? What needs/wants does it fulfill?
.COM
This article is rated PD for Procrastination Danger. This material is not suitable for people in Years 11 and 12.
Stumbleupon supplies a ready supply of novelty. New, interesting things intrigue us as humans. From a video of a cat standing on its hind legs to photos of funny exam answers to an article on two people in 1903 who had the same face, measurements and name (see right); we are interested in odd, wacky things. Stumbleupon isn’t the only thing that fulfills this want for weird: the popular OddSpot in The Age has provided memorable stories from around the globe for years. Without theOddSpot, how would we know about the Swiss motorcyclist who was fined for speeding after being photographed going 105 km/h; while sliding along the ground? Or about the police in Lake Huron, Canada, who searched for nine years for a murder suspects after finding a human skull; only to discover that the skull is 900 years old?
Will West, arrived at Leavenworth Prison in 1903. William West, arrived at Leavenworth Prison in 1901
SP
OT TH
E DIFFER
ENCE?
These priceless stories, facts, anecdotes, events provide easy, bite-sized portions of novelty and humour. We soak them up, like a sponge absorbing water, and squirt them out at parties or randomly in the middle of class. Why do we love them? I don’t know. Maybe we find them cathartic after growing sick of our everyday lives. Maybe they help us see the absurdity, the novelty, in what’s normal. Or maybe we just like a little bit of schadenfreude. In any case, whatever your reason, go forth and stumble, and please, report what you find.
Some websites that I have found on StumbleUpon that I subsequently fell in love with:
www.donothingfor2minutes.com
dearblankpleaseblank.com
www.xkcd.com
www.snotr.com
16
Over 30 years ago, Opus interviewed Mr McCartney, when he first arrived at Mount Scopus as a young and
upcoming teacher… We thought it would only be fair if we asked him the same questions, today.
From the Archives “MSMC has a new face on its premises. At first, the person
involved was mistaken by many as a student and by others as a
cleaner. Both were wrong. The new face is that of Tony
McCartney, maths teacher who OPUS sought for this exclusive
interview. “
Can you tell us a bit about yourself Tony?
I’m 28. I was born in Brisbane and have lived nearly half of my life in Armidale, NSW. There I completed my
Bachelor of Science. When I came to Melbourne, I went to Monash University to do a PHD in Physics. After three
years, I decided to take a year off and then do teaching. That was six years ago. I’ve never looked back since.
You haven’t been here long, but since that time have you formed any sound opinions on the student body?
Compared to the other schools I’ve mainly taught at, I’ve found that the kids are far more articulate and therefore
seem much brighter than at other schools. I’ve also found it easy here to have a productive mutual relationship
with the kids.
What was the main thing you were looking for when you applied for the job?
I was eager to get back to teaching, particularly in upper school levels. I couldn’t get a matric class at my previous
school due to staffing complications.
What are the most interesting things you have noticed since you came here?
On an organisational level, the form convenor system seems quite efficient, but I think the vertical system does
more for the kids as people- but it’s harder to organise and in a school this size it could be impossible to do. As far
as the kids are concerned, I’ve found them to be concerned about what I think of the place to a far greater extent
than kids at other schools.
What do you do apart from teaching?
I read a lot- textbooks, novels, comic books, newspapers, Rolling Stone etc. I play guitar and write songs, listen to
a fair bit of music. I’ve got some weird friends who live some distance away so I drive a lot. I get occasional bursts
on bush walking and skin diving and squash. And I am a Richmond freak. But my whole existence is fairly
disorganised except for eating and sleeping and watching British soccer on TV.
17
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 65 and fairly fit and very happy. Still with the same partner and my kids are now in their 30s. I have 2 grandkids
currently living in London. Stil living in the same house in the hills outside Melbourne. Still at Scopus and probably
“glued on” to it. Scopus has been very good to me and I hope the reverse has also been true. I’m a lot more
domesticated than I thought I would be.
After your time here at the school, have you formed any sound opinions on the student body?
The thing that first impressed me about Scopus students was their friendliness and tremendous spirit. This is still true,
the difference now is that the school can not only accommodate it but encourages it – when I first came here there was
little life outside class and I believe that the school did not provide a positive outlet for student energy.
In preparation for something (like a performance or competition) they can drive you crazy but they know how to deliver
“on the day”. Scopus students will also tell you “how it is” so if you like “direct” and accurate feedback this is the place
you!
Scopus students seem to become great parents with great kids and I have been fortunate to teach more than 1
generation in lots of families
What was the main thing you looked for when applying for the job at Scopus?
I was looking for 2 things; An opportunity to teach Senior Mathematics to responsive students AND a school close to my
home.
Over the years at Scopus I have filled a lot of positions but I was not looking for this when I first came here. I grew into
things and Scopus has allowed me to constantly challenge myself. I feel like I have “grown-up” at Scopus.
What are the most interesting things you have noticed since you came here?
The most interesting thing was that Scopus is a Jewish school – I had no idea when I applied for the job.
The school day can be very hectic (in a good way because there is so much going on) and the school’s curricular and co-
curricular program means that every student should be able to find something that they are interested in.
My hair has become a different colour and much shorter and my beard has gone. I still wear jeans but no longer to
school!!!!
Scopus has always been a “family friendly school”. Although it is stressful to work here – all teaching is stressful and
expectations here can be high – I have always found administration to be very understanding if you need to cope with
problems outside school.
What do you do apart from teaching?
Play music, build, maintain and repair things – including houses, look after a big garden, cook a lot, read a lot (especially
around my teaching interests)
Travel fairly frequently – lately mostly to London to see my grandkids. In Victoria I will often take my bike when I travel.
Edna E. Mode (The Incredibles) Ms Rosenberg
Mr Bergstrom
Ittay
Shelli Kuperman Emma Kaye
Brad Bufanda Adam Den
19
Rachel Wolman Rebecca Judowski
Gabi Rosenfeld Jarred Slomoi
WANT TO
SUBMIT A
LOOK-A-LIKE?
Mr Icko
wicz
The English Teacher felt odd
after being fired: it was post-
grammatic stress disorder.
Allistair Clarkson Greg Dorfman
Dragon Born
WE DID IT, WE KILLED ENGLISH, WELL DONE (lol jk, not yet)
Yo, wassup, nm n u, brb, bak, lol, rofl, g2g, cya… If
you read this with ease you are probably part of the
reason why our native tongue, the fine English
language is under siege and at the threat of being
changed forever.
As you probably could gather from that first line, I’m
referring to instant messaging. The very tool that is
the norm of our day-to-day lives is also killing
English. It all started back when most of us created
our first MSN instant messenger account. We had
usernames such as jay_rox_94 or jamesrules_carlton,
my own was and still is pensoonfire6234. Maybe it
was because we were young and illiterate at the time,
or possibly it was because we didn’t feel the need to
take caution of our spelling and grammar without a
teacher correcting us. Either way our poor use of
English during our MSN conversations was the start
of the downfall of the English language.
Almost ten years later and what has changed? We are
older, hairier, and possibly a bit smarter and yet we
are still so similar to our pre-pubescent selves; MSN
has become Facebook, the iPod mini is now the
iPhone and we’ve moved on from our Gameboys to
Xbox(s). We still write to each other on Facebook and
other instant messaging programs with the same
poor English. Year 10 and 11 students are still
refusing to take note of the careless mistakes they
make that would make Shakespeare rollover in his
grave.
We are all currently studying the English language
and meticulously trying to perfect our use of it
through speech and writing. However, at night we
turn a blind eye and become unmindful monsters,
(both because we are unaware but also because of
the lack of thought) taking backwards steps away
from our day work. All of our hard work to improve
our English skills are reversed by ourselves when we
write full conversations where we either skip letters
or place letters into words that shouldn’t even be
there.
However, to every issue there are two sides to the
story and I will not finish without acknowledging the
idea that our current use of “MSN language” is seen
by some as a good thing. Our world is constantly
evolving; we want faster, shorter and more direct
information to be shot at us. We read Romeo and
Juliet in Year 10, wondering if it was in another
language and in a couple hundred years from now
people surely will write and speak differently. The
Twilight series may be seen as out-dated and
absolute rubbish (if it even survives till then, LONG
LIVE HP). For all we know this is how people will
speak, read and write in the future. The very MSN
Language that I condemn could be tomorrow’s norm.
Luke Herring a prolific tweeter and Year 12 English
teacher, is not threatened by this development in our
language. Rather, he sees it as another “link in the
long chain of this ever evolving language, which once
took the best of languages from around the world,”
and now takes on the latest in what he sees as the
natural progression of how we communicate in the
digital age.
So in my own conclusion of all this I will stick by my
original statements and finish of by saying that the lol
g2g have got to come to an end. Many of us nearing
our own VCE examinations, in particularly our English
3/4 final exams can’t go on like this. We must come to
appreciate that the least we can do is use the likes of
Facebook, Skype and email to our own advantage.
Rather, when using these programs continue your
good class work and be literate online
communicators. If not you may end up
subconsciously doing gr8 in your exams. This does
happen, ask your English teacher and beware.
”My name was David, but that sounded old
fashioned, so I changed it to DVD”
Daniel Penso, Self-Proclaimed Linguist
22
PUTTING THE JENNA
BACK IN SPUNGIN
Many know her as the sister of Daniel Spungin, but it’s about
time everybody realises there’s a lot more to Jenna than her
biological family. If you don’t know her through Daniel then
this may jog your mind: She is the short-ish, dark-ish, hyper-
ish South African girl in Year 11. This is a typical Jenna
Spungin snapshot. However, as we all know, ‘don’t judge a
person by their facebook,’ because there’s a lot more to find
out.
Mr. X reporting
She usually has a nice healthy salad (byza bod) for lunch
but as we all know, a girl’s gotta eat so the salad is often
followed up by a sandwich bought from the caff. Away
from school Jenna will indulge herself with her favourite
food that is pesto pasta.
Boys, in case you didn’t know, Jenna loves socks and I
mean LOVES socks. She has a sort of obsession with socks
and now you do know that she will check out what colour,
material, brand, design and type of sock you are wearing.
All in the space of 30 seconds of seeing your socks she will
determine if you have met her sock expectations.
At school you may find Jenna on the quad during lunchtime
hanging out with her friends. Close friend Romy Sacks gives you
an inside description of Jenna describing her as rather “easy
going.” Long-time admirer first time commenter Yoni Saltzman
was heard saying “Jenna is in the top 3” of Year 11. Not sure what
criteria that was but whatever it is that’s pretty good.
Be sure to give Jenna’s hair a whiff after Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night – that’s
when she washes her hair.
For those of you wondering what her secret to her face being so acne free is, she revealed
in an Opus exclusive that she uses ‘Young Solution’ Pimple Cream.
If this hasn’t been enough for you and you’re still trying to work out who Jenna Spungin
is, she always wears a colourful watch.
Next Opus we will be focusing on….
Jenna, also known as Jen, works very hard for school over the weekend. She completed
Health VCE units 3/4 not too long ago and looks forward to next year. Although she loves
her work, everyone needs some time away from the books. Jen loves to spend her free
time with her “girls getting some dinner” at her favourites such as Sandwich Bar 55 on
Kooyong Road.
At home Jenna spends a lot of time
with her family. She will often
watch Gossip Girl with Daniel and
her youngest sister, Kira, feels left
out on this sibling bonding time.
YOU! 24
everyone is entitled to
MY OPINION I had never been pro-OPUS, but after
reading the latest issue, I am hooked!
Jacob Silver
Finally, a magazine that tells it how it is.
Last issue provided a refreshing insight
into the minds of some of the school’s
greatest personalities.
Gaby Davis
Letter to the VCE Headquarters
I can’t believe Rapha is leaving Scopus. What is going to happen
to Opus? Who is going to wear such outlandish kippot?
R. Tamir
How did Harry Potter 3 receive such poor reviews in the last
issue? Opus must be associated with too many muggles. It is the
only reasonable explanation.
Lucy Kennett
Dear Mr VCE,
I, on behalf of the student body, would like to thank you for controlling our
lives over the past two years. There is no other way we would prefer to live,
constantly under the immense mental strain of your oh so wonderful exams. We
have loved staying up late at night, dedicating our hearts and souls in an
attempt to succeed and ultimately, to please you. There is nothing more we
enjoy than learning about mark allocations and what we are/are not permitted
to do during your gruelling 3 hour exams. At the end of this year, once we
complete our sentence, or at least are granted parole, we promise to yearn for
your guidance and unforgiving hand. At this stage, we are in the process of
organising our SAC schedule for the next semester, so we do not become subject
to boredom and listlessness. However will we survive without you constantly
judging and ranking us?
With love, Class of 2011
Another thing that grinds my gears at school is the recently increased rate of exits from the library due to students using the library as a ‘bludging’ safe-haven. Now, it seems that if there is a group of four talking quietly around a table, they are immediately forced out. In this situation, some students may rush to the back of the library in the safe corner of the reading section, but even then, the library teachers will find you… I really hate looking at my timetable and realising that I have to walk all the way to the other side of the school, all the way down the 900s corridor, then realising that the next class that I have is also in the 900s corridor, but I didn’t bring the books, so I have to run a marathon all the way to my locker and back again. I’m sorry but the school needs a teleportation system or at least a horizontal escalator.
What grinds my gears the most is cleaning
duties, which have given teachers the
opportunity to hand us baffling yellow slips
for the most ridiculous of reasons. I don’t
know about you, but spending 30 minutes of
lunchtime picking up apple cores as
punishment for not bringing a book to class is
far beyond reasonable.
BEN CHAMRAVI
26
So, what’s going on in the
world? Well, the Libyan dictator
Gaddafi is dead, Gilad Shalit
was released, Thailand is
flooding, a minor was arrested
for drugs in Bali, and, most
importantly, Kim Kardashian got
divorced after 72 whole days of
marriage. This is what’s going
on around the world; but right
here in Melbourne, we are making
our own news.
Occupy Melbourne is a fledgling
movement that has been formed in
the streets of the CBD, in
solidarity with the Occupy Wall
Street movement in New York and
the thousands of sister
movements that have been
springing up in cities around
the globe. They set up tents in
City Square on October 15, a
small patch of land in the city,
and protested. After a week, the
Mayor and the City Council gave
them a notice of eviction,
telling them to leave peacefully
by 9 AM. When they did not, over
100 police came in and forcibly
removed them, using batons and
riot shields. 95 people were
But what do they actually stand
for? The ‘Unofficial Mission
Statement’ on the Occupy
Melbourne website says: “This
occupation is a proclamation of
solidarity with the millions of
people occupying cities around
the world right now.
They and we seek economic,
political and social change
that will lead to a more just
and equitable society.
We are the 99%.” Criticisms of
the movement ask what their
demands really are. What
changes do they want? What
makes a just and equitable
society? What do they mean by
‘the 99%’?
They say that the richest 1% of
the world’s population
currently controls 50% of its
wealth, and that they are the
99%, demanding more equality.
arrested and 1 hospitalised.
The Premier Ted Baillieu and
the Mayor Robert Doyle have
both derided the Occupy
movement, calling them “a self-
righteous, narcissistic, self-
indulgent rabble”.
Right now, as of the 14th of
November, the movement is
camping in the Treasury
Gardens, and holding General
Assemblies in the City Square.
Charlie Fink Red-Haired Correspondent
And That Was the News in Brief
Other issues that they are
protesting include social
injustice, corruption in the
financial sector, corporate
greed, and the influence of
corporations on the
government.
My opinion? I think that we
need to accept that there are
currently many things wrong
with our society, including
economic inequality and the
political power of
corporations (mining tax,
anybody?)
and that we should begin fixing
these problems. I agree with
the ideas of Occupy Melbourne,
but I don’t feel like they’ve
suggested anything to fix the
problems that they see in
society.
28
Having a tasteless, boring old lunch is one of the many fears ever present in the minds of school students, and I’m no exception. I dread those days when I have absolutely nothing good in the house to make my lunch and have to settle for whatever food I can dig out of the back of the pantry. But this got me thinking: if I could put anything I wanted into my school lunch, what would I put? Many things spring to mind; the chicken schnitzel sandwich must be at the top of many lists, or if you’re like me, anything from Baker’s Delight and an assortment of chocolate bars. Another food that sticks out for me are those potassium packed, full of mushy goodness, yummy yummy in your tummy, bananas. Whether it’s a newfound respect for them, or because lately they have been selling for prices like they are browny yellow diamonds, I reckon it’s worth running the risk of finding a smushed banana at the bottom of my bag 3 months later just to chuck one of these bad boys into my lunch.
I can also just skip this dilemma and buy my food from the caf or other means (*cough* Subway *cough*), but very soon I’d be broke.
I could waffle on and on about this for pages, but it’s making me hungry and I think I heard the bell for the end of period 5. I wonder what I packed to eat today…
SCHOOL LUNCH: THE BIGGEST DILEMMA OF ALL?
Adam Grodeck
As I walked out of my final methods exam, out into the light of the old primary quad, I heard,
almost for the last time, the familiar toll of the school bell. That comforting chime that dictates
our lives: telling us what to do, and when. Having the last few weeks completely free in the lead
up to exams has been an eye-opener to life without school. While it is undoubtedly a million
times better to have that freedom to choose the details of my own day, there is something
lacking-something fundamental and sorely missed.
AS THE BELL RINGS Adi Cohney
Students of Mount Scopus, as I sadly bid you
adieu, my message to you is this. While the bell
is an important part of any school day, the
melodic tone that demarcates lessons and
lunches, there is something even more integral.
Too many times have I sat in class and
reluctantly held in my anger. Too many times
have I fought the urge to tell whichever teacher
to be quiet. I WANT TO HEAR THE
ANNOUNCEMENTS! I simply don’t understand
why no one else does. Am I weird for wanting
to know, even getting excited, that I have to
visit the secondary office? Is it against the
status quo to yearn for Silka’s comforting voice
and the grains of information it contains?
.
Sure, that extra half a minute of learning is important, but what about the stage crew
meeting in room 320? And how are any of the hadracha kids gonna make it to the merkaz?
Too many times have I seen the devastating consequences of aural cavities that just won’t
open and oral ones that just won’t shut. The PA system is set up to deliver integral
messages to receptors in your ears so please just listen, and to any teachers reading this, is
33 seconds off trigonometry really too much to ask?
As I trudged past the war memorial I caught that familiar voice in my head whispering,
“Maybe this one’s for me,” only to be shut down a new one telling him his time was up.
Never again will I have to report to the bus park, Ms. Stocker or that classroom used for
detentions (you know the one). Please, for me, don’t waste your announcements. Before
you know it you won’t have so many left.
30
They have been dubbed as the next Chris Lilley(s), giving the term
'mockumentary' a whole new meaning. Scopus' own dynamic duo
realised that the students of MSMC were in need of their own source of
humour; a comedic release blatantly making fun of life at Scopus. They
were able to cheekily highlight the different personalities of Scopus,
leaving their mark on a successful year of captain-student orientated
activities. After Summer Heights High and Angry Boys, Dan and Ash
were inspired to create a production of their own, no doubt looking
towards the upcoming Jewish Film Festival.
The movie proved to be a real success, captivating audiences all across
the school yard, from the quad all the way to the PAC. Some mesmerised
students even started to believe that the characters portrayed in the film
actually existed. But not me. It wasn't like I became best friends with
Godwin and added him on Facebook, after I created his account out of
my own free will and talked to him in the corridor..
“WATCH OUT CHRIS LILLEY”
“GET ME THAT KOMMA KID’S NUMBER”
“TRULY INSPIRATIONAL”
“I WISH I WENT TO SCOPUS”
How to Play ‘Scopus Bingo’
As you come across one of the items on the board, cross it off.
A player can achieve ‘bingo’ only when he obtains a line of three spaces in a row.
There are no cash prizes, only the bountiful glory of victory.
black
runners
substituted
for school
shoes
opus
magazine
littered on
the floor
people
talking in
the silent
room
an empty
merkaz
person
skipping the
caf line
computer
without a
keyboard or
mouse
a mixture of
two school
uniforms
A beep test
in progress
Low-riding
sport
tracksuit
pants
iPhone in
class
headphones
hanging out
horse on the
quad
unattended
calculator
someone
wearing a
school tie
32
TA
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HR
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DECEMBER
We’ll Be
Back
Opus is on the lookout
for some cartoonists,
doodlers and just plain
scribblers. If you want to
submit artwork to Opus,
please send it to:
Dylan
Klein
OVERHEARD
"We believe in an omniscient, omnipient God”
"Can I go dancing in the rain?" "No, because it's hail”
"Wait, so can you eat water?"
"What's superficial?"
"She is Severus Snape's first cousin”
"Is that a subterfuge?"
"We have values like Honesty, Integrity, Honesty, Respect."
"Psychology has ruined randomly sucking on things."
34
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