Long long lonnggg ago, around twenty-five years before any of us were born, the first edition of the Bayleaf newspaper came out in 1985. The newspaper can be seen in the images below. Although overseen by a teacher (Mr Richmond helped cover some of the very first editions), it was entirely student written, and majorly student read. The newspaper would cover formal, clubs, sports events, travel and include an ask forum called Dear Aunt Gerty, horoscopes and music reveiws. Sadly it didnt last long enough to reach our time, but luckily for you we’re bringing it back. We introduce to you: The Bayleaf 2.0. smaller but better (trust).
The Cures sixth studio LP, The Head on The Door (1985) is what I am inclined to (almost) call a perfect Cure album. It blends the dark, atmospheric sound the band were known for with brighter, more poppy elements making the album more radio friendly. The opening track “Inbetween Days” is one of their most popular songs, and a standout track for me. It showcases an array of instruments that blend soooo well together! I personally really love the jangle pop and lively synths, they contrast the somewhat depressing lyrics really well! (LOL) #yesterday I got so old I felt like I could die….Other than the second single, and fan favourite from the album “Close To Me”, another track I adore is “A Night Like This.” A totally underappreciated Cure song, where Robert Smiths vocals cut through passionately like a knife as he describes the breaking point of a relationship. Aghhh its so good I could literally inject it into my veins. My only critique of this album is the song “Screw”….. it is weirdly funky and just doesn’t match the vibe of the rest of the album, and lyrically isn’t anywhere near as strong. Sounds like a cheese grater imo. But overall, the album is brilliant!! 8.5/10 from me xxxxx
I am really happy to have introduced alex to the cure. And if youre sad def give this a listen.
I hadn’t heard any of The Cure’s stuf until Grace sent me the album, which she picked because it was released around the same time the very frst Bayleaf was printed. Even to this day, The Cure has a devoted following, and sits at around 300th in the world on the Spotify charts. It is possible that more slightly depressed bayfelders are listening to The Cure today than at the time of the album’s release, as The Cure has only grown in popularity over the years. The album itself is not nearly as depressing as I expected however, and is apparently one of the band’s more pop-focussed records, which shows on tracks like Close to Me or Inbetween Days, both of which are some of the most commercially successful from the band and have a unique simple yet catchy production. Overall I enjoyed the feel of the album, and some tracks like Push and A NIght Like This stood out, and the quick spanish guitar on The Blood felt new and interesting as did the lyrics. Kyoto Song features some gloomy vocals of the sort I had imagined when I frst played the album, along with a looping plucking guitar melody, which grew very repetitive, making it my least favourite on the album (Sorry Grace) There is a lot to like about the album, and as an intro to The Cure I wasn't put of, but I have a feeling that the band has more to ofer than what was displayed on this LP.
School: Focus your energy on one task, you’ll likely get positive feedback.
Friends: You’re leading the group; a message from a friend reminds you you’re appreciated.
Love: Be direct, an honest conversation keeps things simple.
Challenge: Finish one task you’ve been avoiding. `
School: Trust your judgement when making a decision about priorities.
Friends: Speak your opinion, your voice matters.
Love: A kind message or invite could shift things positively.
Challenge: Make one clear decision and stick to it.
School: Pair your creativity with structure to stay on track.
Friends: A message or conversation reminds you you’re valued.
Love: Small, meaningful gestures say a lot.
Challenge: Write your weekly tasks and tick them off.
School: Trying a new approach could make learning more engaging.
Friends: An unexpected invite or new connection comes your way.
Love: Let things grow naturally, no need to rush.
Challenge: Start a new habit and keep it for two weeks.
School: Share your ideas, you could be recognised for them.
Friends: Your perspective adds something valuable to your group.
Love: Connections grow through shared interests and conversation.
Challenge: Speak up once in class or a group.
School: Your attention to detail helps you understand things deeply.
Friends: Someone may open up to you unexpectedly.
Love: Honest conversation strengthens your connection.
Challenge: Have the conversation you’ve been avoiding.
School: You work best when your environment feels calm and organised. Creating a space where you can concentrate will make your workload feel more manageable.
Friends: You’re supportive and intuitive, often noticing when others need help. Remember to check in with yourself too.
Love: Emotional honesty matters to you. Expressing how you feel will strengthen your connections. (move on?)
Challenge: Schedule one regular block of time each week that is just for your own wellbeing.
School: Your motivation is strong, focus it on one priority so you actually see results. You may get
you’re on the right track.
Friends: You’re dependable and grounded but remember to make time for social connections as well, someone may reach out wanting to catch up.
Love: Stability and trust are your priorities, focus on what feels secure and respectful.
Challenge: Schedule a genuine break and take it without multitasking or guilt.
School: You’re organized, prepared, and ahead of schedule in many areas. Be careful not to let
Friends: You’re the one people turn to for advice and practical support. A quick message from a friend could remind you how much they value you.
Love: Things feel direct and uncomplicated, say what you mean. A simple, honest chat goes a long way.
Challenge: Submit or complete one task at “good enough” instead of overworking it.
School: Your effort is being recognised. You may get on the right track. Stay consistent and keep putting in the work behind the scenes.
Friends: group, but it’s important to share attention and appreciation with others.
Love: authentic and grounded. A small compliment could turn into a meaningful moment.
Challenge: Publicly acknowledge someone else’s contribution or success this week.
School: Routine is working in your favour. Consistent effort is helping you stay organised, but introducing one small change (ike a new study method) could improve your results even further.
Friends: A friend will be dealing with family problems, its your chance to show your caring side and show how much you appreciate them.
Love: Let things develop naturally, a relaxed conversation or shared moment could bring you closer to someone.
Challenge: Try one new study environment or method this month and evaluate how it works for you.
School: Friends: Love:
Challenge:
Freja Thatcher
Over the summer, I was lucky enough to embark on an incredible trip to Japan experiencing the amazing skiing. In my opinion the most incredible thing was skiing in and between the trees – but luckily not at. This aspect led to some pretty fun adventures and good trekking for skis that were lost in the powder after some stunning crashes and although trekking uphill in the snow was not my favourite activity, it was worth it after getting to watch the fam wipe out. Although the most surprising thing was seeing George pop out of nowhere but at least I did not have to see him skiing, that would have been scary. I think by the end of it, I could have eaten my weight in noodles or this large potato thing that we had, which was nearly as tall as me - and I'll never forget the crepes that I somehow kept eating. Altogether a pretty banging trip - Lucy McDermott :)
Wassgood, bayfielders. These summer holidays, I was lucky enough to experience Japan’s amazing food (7-Eleven), culture (7-Eleven), and, most importantly, snow (second only to 7-Eleven). On my trip, I cut up pow, bashed Jerrys, and ducked ropes in Nagano and Iwate prefectures. As well as ripping through Tokyos best climbing gym and crushing all the routes (better than Tomoa Narasaki trust) we then looked around at some pretty boring 1000 year old temples in Kyoto. During the trip, we found abandoned “guesto parking” - where we were the only 4 skiers on the whole mountain. I experienced cerazy 2 second long face shots before coming face to face with a tree while my dad was constantly getting lost, crashing or even once falling into a mini crevasse. The only taint on the trip was running into Lucy McDermott at nozawa which was a real stinker but thankfully I didn’t have to ski (or try to avoid skiing) with her. All in all great trip but now here I am back at school