TLT TIMES

THE
LEARNING
TREE
IN THIS ISSUE
SCHOOL EVENTS
ENTERTAINMENT
CREATIVE
WRITING
INTERVIEWS
TALENT

TLT NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

SCHOOL EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

CREATIVE WRITING

INTERVIEWS

TALENT

Page 01
NOVEMBER THE LEARNING
2022
TREE

OUR TEAM
Abdul Ahad Atif
Alizeh Shaikh
Diya Zindani
Eshal Khan
Janeeta Farhan
Maham Omar
Mariam Yusuf
Noor Imtiaz
Sameen Fatima Jaffri
Shanze Junaid Alam
Syed Rayyan Fahad Subhan
Youmna Jatoi
Zahra Askari Agha
Zara Batool Vasnani

Page 02

EDITOR'S
MESSAGE
“To every survivor, whether you carry your scars
in your flesh or in your soul, whether you’ve seen
the worst of humankind or fought the worst of
fates, you’re still here. This is for you.”
It is with great humility, anticipation and
pleasure that we celebrate the launch of the TLT
Times. We hope that each publication will be
more entertaining than its predecessor.
Leaves are found in many shapes and sizes,
never perfectly geometrical. Tear drops, pointy
needles, heart-shaped and so on. Similarly
every contribution in the following publication is
uniquely moulded by its writers, each piece of
writing equally as captivating as the next. This
newsletter celebrates diversity by putting the
school’s finest work on display. The need for our
journalism society goes beyond a compilation
of captivating writing; it acts as a fine thread,
weaving together the patches of the school
community as we reminisce about the events
throughout the school year.
Sameen Jaffri & Mariam Yusuf
MESSAGES
HEAD OF
SCHOOL
Dear Learning Tree Families and Students,
We are very excited to introduce our school
newspaper, TLT Times. It has been a
pleasure to see our students along with the
guidance of Ms. Azanat Mansoor
work with such enthusiasm and collaboration.
This has provided our young
editorial team with a great opportunity to build
connections between literacy,
creativity and communication skills. I look
forward to reading what our journalism
society has been able to put together through
this broad educational process. I
would like to say a special thank you to Ms.
Azanat Mansoor for initiating our first
edition of the school newspaper and supporting
such a worthy endeavor. I truly
hope that our students will continue to
appreciate the value of quality literacy
and communication skills through this process
and perhaps we will have some
future young journalists amongst us.
Naila Jamal
Page 03
 SCHOOL
EVENTS
Oath Ceremony
Sameen Fatima
On 23rd August 2022, the Student Council for the
year 2022-2023 was announced. This council
consists of grade levels 7-11 and has 36 current
members.
The chambers are made up of Head Girl, Anum
Shujat, Head Boy, Usman Salman, Cedar House
Captains, Mustafa Bawany and Zainab Askari
Agha, Oak House Captains, Ulaswiyar Chhajro
and Hafsa Asif, and Juniper House Captains,
Ayesha Jawad and Nirvaan Sher.
This assembly was led by former Head Boys And
Head Girls, including Fatima Kazi, Hassan Umer,
Sheezal Tehseen Feroze, Hassan Salman,
Anoushay Khurshid, Amena Agha and Hamza
Salman, who offered insight into their perception
of success and their tenure, as these key figures in
the council.
Soon after, the Oath Ceremony took place, led by
Ms Nausheen Kamran, which bound the students
by an oath of respect and responsibility
throughout their time as members of the Student
Council.
Big Buddy
Little Buddy
Abdul Ahad Atif
Sometimes, a helping hand is all you need to get up
on your feet and march towards success.
Keeping this in mind, Sir Jamshid and the Student
Council members curated a program beneficial for
senior and junior school students, getting it up and
running by the start of September.
I, myself, am a part of the program and it was a
huge blessing for me. Whether it be the stress of
school work or just generally a tough day, I knew I
always had my buddy to confide in.
This change was crucial because as kids who were
attuned to the IB system, the jump to IGCSE was a
rather big one, but we had our big buddies to hold
our hands every step of the way. Since they were in
our place a few years ago, they are the perfect
people to help us settle down. Currently, it is in full
swing and the responses are amazing – many say
that it is a great help. Even House Captain Ulaswiyar
Chhajro admits that he remembers being in
seventh grade and was very confused with the new
system. He adds that helping the 7th graders was a
great way to give back to the school community. My
fellow seventh graders are grateful for the support
they have received and I am sure all the coming
batches will be too.
Page 04
 SCHOOL
EVENTS

Independence Day

Diya Zindani

On August 19th, 2022, we celebrated Pakistan’s

Independence Day in our school. We enjoyed
presentations by many children showing their
country’s spirit. We saw dances, poetry, plays,
speeches and enthusiasm for our beloved
country. Furthermore, we cheered, danced,
laughed, sang and remembered the day when
the country gained its independence. We heard
and saw the opinions of every class and what
they thought about Pakistan's Independence
Day. Each class had their own creative ideas to
showcase their knowledge and talent. It was a
fun, engaging day, where we not only got to
present our ideas but got to experience many
unique, interesting and appealing varieties of
opinions. It taught us that we should enjoy the Debate Competition
luxuries that our country has to offer and be
proud of who we are. Likewise, it is we who can
make our country's reputation stronger, if we are Sameen Jaffri
ready to accept our country's splendour and
Recently, The Learning Tree participated in
flaws.
its first interschool debate competition and it
was truly one for the books. Students from
grade 7, 8 and 9 made history, competing
with experienced students from Bay View
Academy, Haque Academy and The Cedar
School. The topics were versatile, ranging
from ‘Right To Asylum’ to ‘Foreign Aid’ and
‘Trade And Barter’. Every second counted as
our champions raced to form rebuttals and
arguments and attempted to find
examples to support their reasoning. Abdul
Ahad Atif of 7T describes the experience as
‘a fun and learning’ one and Diya Zindani of
7L claims that her experience in this
tournament was ‘worthwhile’. The event was
one which required intensive preparation
and TLT rose to the challenge, by proving
themselves and becoming the runners-up
in the grade 8 and 9 finals. It is with great
devotion and hard work that they have
received this honour and in turn made us
proud, and on behalf of the school
community, we wish the participants
nothing but the best and whole-heartedly
congratulate them on their achievements.
Page 05
 BREAKAWAY
GAMES
Sir Jamshid Minwalla
Head Of Senior School Quotes by students

“This activity encouraged us

to work together, drawing all
of us closer and giving us a
sense of belonging.” -
“A non threatening and fun way Aleena Aamir
for our XI and VII graders to come
together and break the ice that
was at times difficult for them at
morning line up or during break
where it was not always
“It was fun and it engaged the
possible.”
entire senior school, even the
students who did not
participate were keen to cheer
It is a small step to develop rapport
for their houses.” -
and trust without too much
Amna Ghias
"artificial interference" that is too
contrived and scripted.”

“Kids who are not naturally athletic “It gave me something to look
got some low impact low risk play forward to and be excited
in an environment that was both about.” -
competitive and enjoyable.” Zainab Ahmed

“Kids who are not naturally athletic

got some low impact low risk play
in an environment that was both
competitive and enjoyable.”

t all the
“As the Headboy, I felt tha
d were
houses came together an
ich a quote
unified for one goal for wh
mes to mind,
from Howard Schultz co
shared.’” -
‘Success is best when it’s
M Usman Salman

Page 06
 SCHOOL
EVENTS

WORD
PUZZLE

Milad

Diya Zindani

A Milad. A religious celebration, one frequently

attended and it is common knowledge that it
holds a lot of significance.

The event was held on the 25th of October. It

was a collaborative event, involving grades 7
till 10 and each grade had practised their part
diligently, coming up with innovative and
interactive ways to effectively hold the interest
of the viewers whilst getting their desired
message across. This event took place on
school grounds and there was a variety of
displays, ranging from quizzes and
presentations to naats and salams.

The atmosphere was surreal and magical.

There was surely beauty and power in the
whole school community coming together for
a special occasion such as this and we hope
more such events await us.

Page 07
 SPORTS DAY

Zara Batool Vasani

The TLT sports day was a blast! The

competition was tight until the last
moment. Everyone gave their one
hundred percent in their races.
Getting medals was an exciting
moment for the winners and the
house captains, increasing their
chances of winning. Also cheering for
our houses made us feel a part of
something greater.

Having an event after such a long

time made it more dramatic and fun
for the judges as well as the students.
Each second felt like an hour of
waiting in the enclosure for the results
and it was nerve-racking with each
second building on to the tension and
mystery.

Page 08
 SPORTS DAY

Sameen Fatima

Laughter lingered in the air along with

the faint taste of victory. The spike of
adrenaline and the vibrant colours
reflected the high spirits and hopes of
our students in the SKBZ Park on
Saturday, 19th November 2022. This
event could arguably be the most
anticipated event of the year
especially after the unforeseen
pandemic that struck and led to the
discontinuation of any such activities.

Cedar, Juniper and Oak houses, led

by their respective captains,
competed fiercely and
wholeheartedly for the trophy. They
competed in events such as flat
races, hurdle races, shot put, long
jump, javelin throw and many
more. There were undoubtedly
tears involved, of joy and of
disappointment, as Juniper
emerged victorious by a slight
margin. Regardless, all houses did
extremely well, and the faculty and
staff are to be thanked for such a
splendid day.

Page 09
 ART
EXHIBITION
By Janeeta Farhan & Zahra Askari
After so long, due to the pandemic, TLT
finally resumed all the events students had
been impatiently waiting for. And just like
that, students and faculty were working as
hard as ever to put together the TLT’s first
ever art competition & exhibition.

Earth For All

Zara Askari Iman Gadar Rameen Atif

Zoya Omar

Rameen Atif
Fatemah Hasnain Rahma Abdus Salam

The competition consisted of five categories in

total. Grade 7 and 8 competed in the category
‘Earth for all’ and grades 9, 10 and 11 were
assigned the category ‘Natural disasters’.
The art pieces were judged by external jurors who
are well-known artists and curators: Sameera Zara Askari
Iman Gadar
Raja, Muhammed Zeeshan and Muzzumil Ruheel.

The competitors really showcased their

artistic abilities throughout the competition
and it was definitely an experience to
remember for our participants, parents and
Natural Disaster teachers.

Zoya Omar Rahma Fatemah

Page 10
 FEATURE

Master Chef
Mariam Yusuf
Drama, carping and intense competition. Each
episode of MasterChef is packed with these
qualities, leaving you hooked to keep bingeing.
The show is formulated to gather the finest
culinary experts from across the globe to
compete in a series of tough challenges, each
challenge a more daunting task than the last.
My three favourite judges are Gordon Ramsay,
Joe Bastianich and Aaron Sánchez. The three do
not spare even the slightest of mishaps and are
also critical about dishes embodying perfection.
The judge’s criticisms are ruthless enough, but the
icing on the cake is that the contestants give each
Genshin Impact
other a tough time by uncompromisingly arguing
and getting on each other’s nerves. Abdul Ahad Atif
The show can be quite emotional at times too,
Genshin Impact is a free to play action roleplay
with the competitors watching their allies taste
game. It is well-known for its smooth graphics and
defeat and working gallantly but losing in team
complex storyline that causes many to gravitate
challenges.
towards it.
Rooting for contestants and embarking on a
Recognised for its replayability, Genshin is the
whirlwind of emotion with them is what I feel is
perfect game for those who want a great story
peak television and the ultimate viewing
along with brilliant action. It follows the story of two
experience – embracing their wins and bearing
siblings who are divided by fate, one favoured by
their losses with them.
the good side of it and the other who lives with evil.
The map covers a magical world called Tevyat
Teeming, brimming with life and magic. You get to
explore 7 regions controlled by gods and their
rivals all while building up a perfect team of
characters to use in the battle. I feel the game is a
solid 9 out of 10 as it delivers an amazing
experience, leaving you clinging on to your seats
as you embark on a rollercoaster of adventure.
However, the game does unfortunately take a lot
of storage.
Overall I feel that this game is worthwhile for those
who want to enjoy and have a great time.

Page 11
 FEATURE
EL-Classico 2022
Maham Omar & Zahra Askari
Agha
Football fans globally were united in nostalgia,
witnessing the return of the iconic league. It
consists of all the greatest teams in the world.
Fan favourites such as Villareal and Atletico
Madrid also participated. LaLiga also included
the long anticipated El-Clasico, a grand
showdown, a legendary rivalry between teams
Real Madrid and Barcelona that share a long
history.
The fierce rivalry was set ablaze on the field. Both playing in the Asia Cup earlier in the year, one of
teams intensively ended the first half with a
score of 2-0.
This was a crucial match for Real Madrid; an
opportunity to be titled as the conqueror of El-
Clasico as both Barcelona and Real Madrid had Pakistan ended up losing its first match against
the same amount of points prior to it. After
tasting defeat, Barcelona was 3 points behind
Real Madrid.
The following day, the Ballon d’Or was
deservingly awarded to Karim Benzema of Real tasted defeat against Zimbabwe. That hope
Madrid, due to his astounding performance
throughout the year.
El-Clasico fans will now have to wait until the
next match to witness the return of the rivalry
which will take place on the 19th of March, 2023. This incident was so bizarre that Pakistan’s
T20 Worldcup
Maham Omar
After the exciting final between Australia and
New Zealand in 2021, the T20 cricket world cup
made a return this year in England. Due to not
Pakistan’s best bowlers Shaheen Afridi
surprised Pakistani fans by being included in
the T20 squad.
However, fans were quickly disappointed after
their fiercest rival, India. People from all over the
world observed some dishonesty by the
umpires after they unfairly judged a no-ball,
resulting in India claiming the victory. Hope
crossed a point of no return when Pakistan
was regained after Pakistan miraculously
defeated South Africa, Netherlands, and
Bangladesh, securing themselves a spot in the
semi-finals.
head coach Saqlain Mushtaq called it “Qudrat
ka Nizam” as it was extremely unlikely for
Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals. Facing
New Zealand in the semi-final, Pakistan’s
opening duo Captain Babar Azam and
Muhammad Rizwan demolished the New
Zealand bowlers with their outstanding
performance and Shaheen Afridi succeeded in
sending the opposition batsmen back to the
pavilion. Eventually, Pakistan emerged
victorious.
Pakistan faced England in the finals just as it did
30 years ago in the 1992 world cup where
Pakistan made a clean sweep. Globally, fans
had high hopes, but to their disappointment,
the Pakistani team failed to lift the trophy. At the
end of the day, England prevailed.
Page 12
 INTERVIEWS
HEADBOY & HEAD GIRL
ALIZEH SHAIKH
Hi! Please introduce yourselves to our readers:
Usman: My name is Usman Salman and I am your
elected Head boy for this year. II am a TLT legacy
student and have been a part of this school since the
beginning
Anum: My name is Anum Shujaat and I am the Head
girl for the academic year of 2022-23. I joined in
middle-school and it's been more than 6 years since
I joined TLT.
How equipped do you feel to handle the duties as
the Head Boy and Head Girl?
Usman: TLT has been my home for over 14 years,
and through the years, I have learnt what the
school’s values are and how the school system
works - experiencing it all these years as a student.
Did you feel any pressure or expectations after
becoming the Head Boy?
Usman: No, I don't feel any kind of pressure but I
would say It was a personal aim and not one
influenced by any pressure I felt or expectations
others had of me.
What are the new initiatives taken this year and
what's different from last year?
Anum: This year there are a lot of new initiatives
taken and activities introduced such as the Big
Buddy and Little Buddy Program, the Goodwill and
Breakaway Games and mentorship programs.
Is there anything you feel is crucial when you hold
these positions?
Anum: One thing we both agreed on is how
maintaining balance is the most important aspect –
not only for us right now, but also for the entire school
community. Balancing your academics, your social
life and co-curricular activities is very important.
Your advice to the students in maintaining that
balance?
Anum: Our advice for students is to have everything
done on time and do not procrastinate or stress out.
SIR MIAN SAAD
ALIZEH SHAIKH
Please state your Full name and how long you
have been teaching at TLT?
My name is Mian Saad Ahmed and I have
been teaching Pakistan History for 5 years.
Why motivated or inspired you to become a
teacher?
Teaching is not something everyone can do as
it’s something that needs great commitment
and dedication. I am a teacher by choice and I
enjoy my job beyond words. Teaching is not a
profession to pick up because you can’t figure
out where your interests lie. One can excel in it if
they have genuine interest in it, no matter how
society may portray it.
Do you have any teaching techniques or a
teaching philosophy?
Students do find my powerpoint presentations
interactive and helpful so that can be one.
How do you spend your free time? What are
your leisure activities or hobbies?
II love baking; it’s one of my hobbies. It’s an
activity that helps me cope when I feel
overwhelmed. I’d just leave everything aside
and go into the kitchen.
To conclude, is there anything you want to
say to the students?
I wish everyone, especially the students
appearing for their CIES, all the best and I am
here whenever you need me. Love you all.
Page 13
 INTERVIEWS TURKEY TRIP

RAYAN ALI RASHID

SAMEEN FATIMA
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Rayan Ali Rashid. I'm doing A levels
right now at Cedar College and I just gave my O
Level exams

What was your work ethic like in TLT?

I I always had my priorities right as Ms. Naila said.
In my classes, I’d pay attention. I’d take notes, and
then at home, I’d be able to relax and do what I INTERVIEWER : MARIAM YUSUF
wanted mostly. I believe being consistent got me INTERVIEWEE :SAMEER SHAHZAD
where I am, setting a routine and following Places visited?
through with it. Hippodrome Princess Island
Blue Mosque Takism Square
How did your expectations of the CIEs differ
from what the CIEs actually were like? Hagia Sophia Dinner Cruise
It was really different. I wasn't expecting them to Topkapi Palace. Mall Of Istanbul
be what they were. It was definitely a high activity did you enjoy the
pressure environment. I was expecting a few As most and why?
and A*s but not that much. I enjoyed touring Princess Island the most as we
had the opportunity to rent bikes and explore
How did you prepare for your CIEs? the whole island with our friends, which was a
Like I said, I mostly paid attention in class and
blast and a once in a lifetime experience.
made sure my concepts were clear so when I
went home, I only had to do a bit of studying What was most memorable

because I can't keep my focus for a very long
time.
How do you feel after achieving such a great
feat?
I don't think I can ever put that in words honestly, I
just feel great.
Did you expect to receive a distinction?
Definitely not.
Do you have any words of encouragement for
about the trip for you?
The most memorable thing was the bus rides
with our class, as everyday we would all get in
the bus and have the ability to spend time with
our classmates and close friends, while enjoying
the view and music together.
Did you feel any change in your
relationship with your classmates? If
so, how?
Yes I felt a change in relationship with classmates. The

anyone who wants to excel in their external changes I felt were mainly with the classmates who I
examinations?
was not very close with, as I got the chance to know
Just work hard. When I took biology in my first
term, I got a D and look where I am now. Effort is them better and create memories with them.
all that matters, at least this is what I believe.

Why or why do you not feel it is

important for classes to take these
trips together?
I do, for multiple reasons. The tourism aspect is
enjoyable, however, these trips give you a chance to
create new friendships as well as memories which will
stick with you forever. These memories and
experiences are irreplaceable and are most definitely
important for students.
Page 14
ACHIEVEMENTS

TLT BOYS DEBATE TEAM

TLT Boys Debate Team ( Grade 10 & 11)

secured runner up position at the
Reflection Inter School Debate.

TLT GIRLS FOOTBALL

TEAM
The TLT Girls Futsal Team secured 2nd
place in the DWFC Inter School Girls
U-17 Futsal Tournament. Amna Ghias
was awarded Best Striker and Mariam
Yusuf, Best Midfielder.

TLT ROWING TEAM

TLT Rowing Team participated in

National KBC inter-school regatta
2022. Ali Mazahir came in third place
in 500 meter race.

Page 15
 THE CIRCUS
Mariam Yusuf
As my head swooped lower,
my eyes were shot by the
blinding rupture of
unsightly, brightly lit lights
and signs. My head spun
but seemed to lay still
within the confusion of
stopped time. The great
tent looked as if it were
curtains drooping from the
sky with lavish strokes of
red and yellow; it stood in
contrast to the seemingly
bland and bleak mood of
the night. Cheery clowns
and miserable animals
poured out of the tent like
inmates breaking free from
a prison. Buttery and sweet
scents lured and tempted
those who passed by,
making them stop to see
where the warm chill-
melting butter and
ecstatically rejuvenating
pops of sugar were coming
from. And with this, I felt a
stream of drool hurriedly
escaping my shivering
mouth.
CREATIVE
WRITING
Fatemah Hasnain
Oh soothsayer, wise man, where's my old
smile?
My lover was the world, who's off to war
My chin is quivering, it's been awhile.
You left without a goodbye, but what for?
Invading my mind day and through the night
Part of me was lost, when you weren't mine,
If luck says so, one day we may unite.
I'm scared, I'm in pain, and Mother says I whine.
Those noises aren't close to what I've known
The guns flashing fire, bombs burning the air.
Thinking about the madness war has thrown,
Still smelling flames and scorches some
couldn't bear.
Remember my good words while we're apart
You must know, you'll always be in my heart.
Life of Remorse
Abyaan Ali Chhajro
A loving life full of grace; no happiness
as I think about the good times in the day,
making my wounds suffer while I lay. So guess
I can say, eventually we all pay.
Thoughts of you emerge when in pain; I
move on without you here – you vanished,
but I stayed. A tragic loss of a life,
just a cue, oh how my feelings were banished.
With no escape just like a prison,
stuck I am – still in one place, with no
thoughts, moving on in this life. Driven
with my heart’s guilt eventually, so –
so the journey ends here with no remorse.
And finally, the guilt ends on this course.
Page 16
 TLT Talent
RAHMA ABDUS SALAM

Rahma Abdus Salam is

undoubtedly one of the most
imaginative students at this
institution; her work reflects her
enthusiasm and love for arts.
Rahma believes that her passion
for art has been a part of her life
since she left Houston, Texas, and
went to Pakistan in 2015. So,
regardless of when she dabbled
in creation, her desire and dream
remained constant. Rahma
mentioned, “My biggest
inspiration has been my art
teachers in school as they have
always been extremely
supportive.” Except for shading
pencils, she enjoys working with
all different kinds of media.
Despite being one of the most
enthusiastic art students, she
claims that she has not yet made
up her mind about what she
wants to pursue as a career.
By Youmna Jatoi

Page 17
 Minal Zehra Zaidi

Minal is an inspired young girl whose

work is nothing short of perfection. She
actively displays how art can be used
in so many different ways to express
ourselves and our feelings. It is a
source of enjoyment and relief for her
after a long day and a great
therapeutic exercise. Recently, she
designed a card for the culturally rich
and well-known festival ‘Diwali’ or ‘The
Festival Of Lights’ and told us that she
had “a lot of fun making it”. Minal
enjoys using markers to create her
artworks and we wish her all the best
in her future endeavours!

By Youmna Jatoi

Page 18
 FANCY DRESS
PARTY

ar
Maham, Ismat & Asfandy
Fatima

Manahil,
SHanze &
Aleena

Abdul
Ahad

Arif
Ahsan

yan,
, Ray am &
a izana, Arh
m al, F , Razllah
Ai yaanAbdu
Al
Page 19
 Flood Donation Drive

BY ZARA ASKARI AGHA

As we are all aware Pakistan has been

facing massive losses, whether
economic, geographic or social, in light of
the recent floods affecting parts of
Balochistan and Sindh. The number of
IDPs (internally displaced peoples) has
increased significantly and the school
community has taken numerous steps to
help out and show their support. Our
school community arranged a flood
donation drive and students were asked
to bring a variety of essentials such as
food and daily household items. This
WORD PUZZLE ANSWERS
drive took place at our preschool campus
and junior/senior campus, and it was a
massive success. The prayers of The
Learning Tree community are with those
affected.

www.instagram.com/tlt.times
journalism@tlt.edu.pk
Page 20
TLT NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2022