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?

OPUS@LIVE.COM.AU

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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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:

opus@live.com.au

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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