The Power of Saying “NO”

by Sha Sha

NUH!

Lemme tell y’all straight “NO” is one of the most powerful words you can use. And guess what? You don’t need no long explanation after it. No is no. Done talk.

In school and outside, everybody’s quick to pressure you, “leh awe bun sumn, nah.” “Take a drink, nobody go know.” Stop put the alcohol in dem Epicurean water bottle like crack man and come a school !!

And all them unnecessary fighting FOR WHATTT?? “Fight dem, don’t let dem diss you so!” But hear nah, all them same people hyping you up? When you get suspended, when you end up sick, or when things get outta hand? They’re gone! It’s you, yourself and your shadow alone lef’ with the consequences.

Peer pressure real bad. Some so-called friends, we call them “runaway when you in problem friends”…they will push you into smoking, drinking, or doing stupidness just to see you mess up. A real friend is not supposed to force you, they’re supposed to respect your choices.

Bullying and fighting? Waste of time. People only gather ‘round for drama like it’s some movie. They nah care if you buss up yuh face or mash up yourself. Sometimes the strongest move is to walk away, keep yuh pride, and show them you bigger than them.

And we have to talk about another serious part too, rape and sexual pressure. “NO” means no. Point blank. PERIOD. If somebody nah listen when you say no, the problem is them, not you. Nobody owns your body but you. Don’t ever feel guilty for standing firm because you owe nobody nothing.

End of the day, saying “no” doesn’t make you soft. It makes you wise. It shows you respect yourself and your future. Remember: one lil’ “yes” to the wrong thing could change your whole life. But one strong “NO”? That could save it.

So, the next time somebody tries to push you into vibes you know ain’t good, look at ‘em straight and say: “NUH!” Personally I like to bawl out to a trusted adult, “MISS MISS LOOK WHAT THEY TELL ME MISS” or “YA DIFF MAH SEH NUHHHH??” That’s strength. That’s power. And if they don’t like you and stop talking to you, then SO WHAT??

All jokes aside, you are entitled and obligated to say no to any situation that makes you uncomfortable.

If something has happened already, do not be scared to open your mouth and TELL.

(The Princess Margaret School has two amazing Guidance Counselors.)

Feel free to check them if something has happened or has started to happen.

That’s all folks and remember the word of the day, is ‘NUH’.

Episode: Hallway Hype: Drama, Departures, and a Dash of Chaos!

— Gossip Gerty

Well, well, well…welcome back to a new year in the pride lands. It’s only the first week of school and the drama levels are already off the charts, and no, I’m not just talking about the cafeteria’s new lunch menu.

First up, let’s talk about the elephant in the front office: Where did Principal G go?! One minute he was leading assemblies and dancing like a champ, and the next, poof! gone without so much as a final announcement. No last jam. No assembly. Not even a “see ya later” over the media. Seriously, he deserved a farewell parade or at least a heartfelt meme slideshow.

Now, in his place, we have our brand-new principal, cue dramatic music.

Rumor has it she started her first week greeted with coffee and smiles, but also walked straight into chaos. Fights. Yes, plural. In just the first week and a half, there were not one, not two, but three fights. Hello 911, we need assistance.

Let’s be honest, it definitely wasn’t the peaceful welcome tour imagined. Instead…front-row seats to “Back to School: Battle Royale Edition.” 🥊

So what does all this mean? Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s the post-summer adjustment blues.

Welcome to the wildest back-to-school season yet. Buckle up, cubs, it’s going to be a bumpy term unless we all settle down.

Until next time, keep sipping that 😏.

Welcome Back, Princess Margaret School!

A brand-new academic year has dawned at Princess Margaret School, and with it comes both fresh opportunities and exciting changes. For more than twenty years, Dr. Colin Greene faithfully guided our halls with wisdom, dedication, and a true heart for students. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable era, and we thank him for shaping generations of champions.

This year, we are proud to welcome our new principal, Mrs. Rosa Roberts, who steps in with energy, vision, and commitment to the school’s continued excellence. Change may bring challenges, but it also opens doors for growth—and here at Princess Margaret, the spirit of champions continues to live on.

To every student: remember that success begins with effort, so work hard, stay determined, and apply yourself steadily. Whether your strengths lie in academics, sports, the arts, or leadership, your talents and ambitions will carry you far once you nurture them with discipline and perseverance.

As you step into new classrooms, meet new teachers, and take on new goals, know this—the old spirit still remains and champions are not made overnight. They are built, one choice and one chance at a time because at Princess Margaret School, we are not champions just because we say it, we are champions because we work for it.

Welcome back, and let’s put in the work!