1. Which is your funniest class lesson?

Naturally, my funniest class lesson is the free

lesson - I am just kidding.

2. Do you think that nowadays students and

students in the past have the same

characters and behave in the same way?

Why?

Of course there is a difference between the

students now and before, such as we were.

The character is a character, despite the times

we live in. The question is related to

the education, the threshold of

the acceptable, to the general public example

and so on. There are always “ good” and

“ bad” guys, those, who observe the

rules, and those, who are rebelling against

everything.

The difference between us, as students, and

the generation now is that we had inhibitions

and felt respect, and now, these things have

disappeared.

3. What led you to the place/ position where

you are now?

After my graduation, with diploma in hand, I

went looking for a job. By chance, there was a

free work place in my school as a teacher of

IT. I had told myself that if I became a

teacher, I would work that profession only in

my school Hristo Botev Secondary School. So

I started working as a teacher of IT in 2000

and now I am still doing the same.

4. Is there a person, who has had a great

influence on your life?

Yes, that is my family, mostly my two

children, who I really love.

5. What were your ambitions when you were a

student?

I wanted to become a student at university.

Because I had heard so many wonderful things

about students’ life, I really wanted to

become a part of that. But in order for my

dream to come true, I needed to be very

studious and persistent. My wish was to study

Maths and to work with computers. For that

reason, I started doing these subjects despite

the fact that I had graduated from a Biology

class.

At the same time, I wanted to be a part of

students’ life, to perform on stage and so on.

Because of that, I participated in

“ Shkoleto” - a very famous students’

show, and others- humorous Maths sketches,

linked with Maths in general.

6. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’ t have much free time. I am looking

after my children, because they are very

young and need more care. So, my time is

scheduled.

But, generally I love travelling to unknown and

unfamiliar destinations/places.

7. Do you think that the teachers’ profession

is still rewarding and respected?

I don’ t know anything about consideration,

even I believe in exactly the opposite. But

about “ gratitude” , I should think over

that. For one teacher, who loves his job, it is

enough to see the satisfaction with

the achievements in the students’ eyes, to

see their recognition and the smiles in their

eyes. Because of that, you give them pleasure,

even when you don’ t give them a good mark.

The memories are unforgettable, when on 24

May, when students graduate, they tell you

“ Thank you!”

Fortunately, still there are students, who you

can rely on. Students, in whose eyes you can

find this spark, which I mentioned before, this

dose of gratitude.

Students, who appreciate the role of their

teachers, like a part of their life.

Because of that I believe that still we can talk

about gratitude.

I hope that I will leave good memories in my

students’ minds.

T E E N S P I R I T School

Hristo Botev

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and simply "Santa", is a figure with legendary, historical and folkloric aspects who, in many western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve. Santa Claus is generally depicted

as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots (images of him rarely have a beard with no moustache). This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century. According to a tradition which can be traced to the 1820s, SantaClaus lives at the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves, and nine (originally eight) flying reindeer. Since the 20th century, in an idea popularized by the 1934 song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior ("naughty" or "nice") and to deliver presents, including toys, and candy to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves that make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer that pull his sleigh. Santa Claus in different folklore tales

Saint Nicholas of peace is the primary inspiration for the Christian figure of Sinterklaas. He was a 4th century Greek Christian bishop of peace. Nicholaswas famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three

impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity. In continental Europe; he is still portrayed as a bearded bishop in canonical robes. Dutch revival The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, when the veneration of Catholic saints was suppressed in many regions of Europe, saw a drop in the popularity of St. Nicholas. Only in The Netherlands was the celebration of St. Nicholas kept alive in the form of Sinterklaas, a kindly figure who traveled from house to house on the evening of Dec. 5, leaving treats or presents in children's shoes in exchange for a snack for his horses, according to folklore. In the Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas wore red bishop's robes, had elves in assistance, and rode his horses over roof tops before slipping down the chimney to deliver the gifts.

Scandinavian folklore In the 1840s, an elf in Nordic folklore called "Tomte" or "Nisse" started to deliver the Christmas presents in Denmark.

TheTomtewas portrayed as a short, bearded man dressed in gray clothes and a red hat. This new version of the age-old

folkloric creature was obviously inspired by the Santa Claus traditions that were now spreading to Scandinavia. By the end of the 19th century this tradition had also spread to Norway and Sweden, replacing the Yule Goat. The same thing happened in Finland, but there the more human figure retained the Yule Goat name. But even though the tradition of the Yule Goat as a bringer of presents is now all but extinct, a straw go at is still a common Christmas decoration in all of Scandinavia.

A retired Croatian man decided to create a true home Christmas fairy to bring happiness to the children of his neighbourhood. Brought up in poverty, for several years he has adorned his estate for Christmas to the joy of his neighbours. This year's decorations were brightened by a million and 200,000 lights.

Zlatko Sallai`s estate is located 60 kilometres from the capital Zagreb. The idea came to him nine years ago and now his home attracts not only neighbours and friends, but also tourists. „In front of my house there were two big silver firs which I always used to decorate. One day I thought to myself, “Why should I climb them when I have nearly 700 small burs and bushes. It will be much easier to decorate them.” he says.

His childhood was spent in poverty. When he was four his mother died and he was raised by his father. So when he retired, he decided to deliver a little joy to his neighbourhood children.

"The first year I did decorate with 70,000 lights. People loved the decoration, especially children, and all that they ask is: how many lights will be there next year?" he says.

Next year Zlatko put another 30,000 lights and so on until he reached the number of a million and 200,000 lights. Last winter the man paid € 6,800 for electricity, so he decided to charge a € 3 entrance fee. For children, of course, it is free.

Research

This year we have done research for the best teacher in some categories. In the investigation took part students from eighth to twelfth grade. And these are the results from it.

We have 5 categories: The first is for the

funniest teacher. This category is for the teacher whose classes are not boring and pass fast. The third place is taken by the PE teacher Ivailo Gochev. The second place is for biology teacher Luben Iovchev. And the winner is Mitio Mrinov – an art teacher.

The second category is for the most easy-going teacher. The third place is again for Mitio Marinov. The second place is for the chemistry teacher Iveta Saramova. And Maria Peneva is chosen for the most easy-going teacher.

The third category is

for the most respectable teacher. Pupils put Iveta Saramova on the third place. The physics teacher Velichka Kolcheva is second in this category. And the biology teacher Sonia Stefanova takes the first place.

The fourth category is for the kindest teacher. Again Iveta Saramova is third. The second place is taken by Stela Stefanova- an English teacher. And the German teacher Lena Lapkova is chosen for the kindest in our school.

And teacher of the year is the English teacher Kremena Todorova.

01/23/2012 - 02/09/2013 (Water)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal signs. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone! In Sung Dynasty (a Chinese imperial dynasty lasting from AD 960 - 1279) texts, the dragon

is described as having the head of an ox, muzzle of a donkey, eyes of a shrimp, horns of a deer, body of a serpent covered with fish scales, and feet of a phoenix. The dragon usually clutches a pearl symbolic of its super-natural powers. Invariably accompanied by thunder and rain, dragons

move like lightning and whirlwinds - - all powerful yet totally unpredictable. The Sign of the Dragon People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics: Innovative, enterprising, self-assured, brave, passionate, conceited, and quick-tempered. The Dragons are the free spirits of the Chinese Zodiac. Restrictions blow out their creative spark that is ready to flame into life. So, they must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colourful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas and extreme ambitions. However, this behaviour is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. People born in the Year of the Dragon usually make it to the top. But, they must be aware of that too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. They find pleasure in helping others, and you can always count on their help. Even though they are willing to assist when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Their generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. Their self-sufficiency can mean that they have no need for close bonds with other people. Dragon people tend to take thrilling risks, and burn the candle at both ends so they are

fortunate to be blessed with good health. However, they can suffer bad health as a result of excess stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. They can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and practice meditation, Tai Chi or Yoga that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body. The Dragon is not the most domesticated of the Animal signs. So, people born in the Year of the Dragon prefer enjoying outdoor activities rather than staying at home. They are extroverts who have a deep love for nature. Their homes should be as large and majestic as their personalities, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character. They have true and sincere love, which comes from the depths of their hearts. Dragon people are quite imaginative, always able to see new paths and will take a radical approach. They have innate explorative spirit and try to succeed at one stroke. They are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow them to take the limelight. They work hard, but would rather ive orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset. People born in the Year of the Dragon like spending money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. Many Dragon people will take big chances with their finances. It is very rare that they remain poor for long. They will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

Dragon Years: 02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905 (Wood), 02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917 (Fire), 01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929 (Earth), 02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941 (Metal), 01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953 (Water), 02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965 (Wood), 01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977 (Fire), 02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989 (Earth), 02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001 (Metal), 01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013 (Water).

Are you naughty or nice? Be honest and you will find out what present you will find from Santa Claus underneath the Christmas tree.

1. Have you ever sneaked a peek at your Christmas presents?

A) No! That’s naughty and it ruins the surprise! B) Only once, when I was a kid. C) Yes. Every year. 2. When someone gift you something that you don’t like, what do you do?

A) I keep it. I appreciate it after all. B) I give it for charity. C) I gift it to someone else. 3. If you have bought a present to someone but he/she doesn’t what do you do?

A) I’ll give it and I won’t demand a present back. B) I’ll gift it but I will feel neglected. C) I’ll keep the present for me. 4. When someone is arguing with you, what do you do?

A) I smile and don’t argue, because I think it’s pointless. B) I scream and argue with others when I’m sure I’m right. C) I beat the people who are not in my opinion. Most Answers: A) Well done! You are very nice! You deserve the biggest and the best present like an Iphone or a car. Most Answers B) Well, you are pretty good but can be more. Your present should be a pullover or a book maybe. Most Answers C) You are such a naughty kid! You deserve only a pair of socks. P.S. The biggest present is to be with your family on Christmas, isn’t it?

The floating Christmas tree

A month before Christmas, people around the world are trying to create a holiday spirit, despite the global crisis. The largest floating Christmas tree in the world appears in Rio de Janeiro. It is located in Lake Rodrido De Freytas, and the lights were lit a month ago. That officially opened the Christmas season in Brazil.

An artificial tree, which is built now for the fifth year, has officially entered into the Guinness world record books. This year it stands at 85 meters. The total weight of the steel structure is 542 tons. On it are mounted 3.3 million lights. The lights are controlled by a computer that turns on the illumination show. According to the creators of the tree it can be seen from space.

The newspaper was made by:

Kamelia Malakova Stanimir Grozev Luchezar Serdarski Maria Stoianova