‘The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.’

This quote from Marcus Aurelius introduces the first issue of the CIS St Petersburg school magazine, and sets the tone for the entire issue: quality thinking among students leads to quality student life at CIS St Petersburg.

Mr Graham:

After I voiced my desire to create a student magazine, and asked for volunteers to undertake such a project, the year 12 students immediately, and eagerly, came forward.

At a rapid pace, and without prevarication, they created, and published, their own magazine: ‘The Insider’.

It gave a panoramic view of the breadth of CIS St Petersburg school life: charity work, school events, social life, and a showcase of academic and creative life in the form of student artwork, and short stories.

In a word: it was a way for the students to showcase their talents and interests, and in the process, develop soft skills such as digital literacy, collaboration, and working to deadlines.

The finished product was far beyond what I had expected, and the reception from the school community was overwhelmingly positive, provoking smiles, laughter, and levity among students – some of whom immediately wanted to be part of the next issue (soon to be published, as I write this).

So it is that I have the honour of giving these students the opportunity to share their stories of creating a magazine which truly reflected their community, in the space of a few short weeks.

Diana:

Hello everyone) My name is Diana. I’m a Year 12 student and founding member of “The Insider”.

In our team, I had the opportunity to write an article about the upcoming “Science conference”, and interview our physics teacher.

For me, this magazine is the great opportunity not only to improve my university application by showing an interest in extracurricular life, and the school community, but also improve my skills, and find out more about my school, teachers and friends.

The work, and the process of creating the magazine, are unusual, and interesting for all of us: we are trying hard, helping each other, and step-by-step creating something new, interesting and useful for our school.

Mariza:

I joined the paper as a writer to broaden my university application, but also because I wanted to be part of an initiative that I think is valuable to the school.

I enjoyed reading the paper at my previous school, although I was not involved in it, so I hope that ours continues to grow even after I’ve graduated.

Pragyan:

I got involved in the magazine because it’ll help my university application, and I was very interested in the idea of editing something which truly reflected our interests, and experiences as students.

I edited the interview with Mr Jenkins, and I am currently working on a piece about the summer concert.

I’ve enjoyed the vibe of being part of a team of like-minded, motivated, and passionate individuals.

I’ve found the experience something new which has opened my eyes to new possibilities, and interests, for my future.

The biggest success I’ve had is that I felt like I’d started on a path which can see me accomplishing much in terms of publications, and writing, in the future.

Kate:

I’m Kate, and I edited, and designed, the layout of the magazine.

I wanted to be involved because I thought it’d be fun, and I like showing off my design skills: I’m very creative, and enjoy this kind of project.

For me, seeing the finished product come to life was an amazing reward for all of the effort I put in, and I’m looking forward to doing it again (we’re currently creating the 2nd edition of the magazine).

Svetlana:

I got involved in the magazine because I’m very passionate about writing, and reviewing – especially when it comes to interviews, and the places I visit. I wrote about my favourite restaurants, and places to go to have fun in the winter here in St Petersburg.

I’m looking forward to surprising people with more and more engaging work in future issues.

Polina:

I joined the school magazine to put my editing, and creative writing, skills to good use – and to make the magazine easier to read.

I really think it’s important that our magazine is very entertaining to our audience – the school community - and I think we accomplished that.

I am very proud of the fact that I got to see my word printed, and spread throughout the whole school community, and am looking forward to doing so again.

Alisa:

I wrote about the summer concert – the end-of-year celebration of the school, where the whole school community, from primary all the way to Year 13, and the parents of all of the students, come together to celebrate another great year at CIS St Petersburg.

I wanted to be part of the magazine because I’m passionate about writing, and it’s great to share my passion for events such as this with everybody.

I enjoy the opportunity to grow, and develop, by working on the student magazine: it’s challenging because of time management, and we need to create schedules to meet strict deadlines – which we have always managed to meet…although it’s never been easy!

Seeing my written words published was amazing, and made me feel very proud of all of my efforts, and hard work – so I’m looking forward to doing it again.