Caplora STEM International School December, 2023 Newsletter

CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD TEACHER: Dear Students, Parents, and Teachers, As we wrap up another enriching term and the year , I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together. This term has been a testament to our collective dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence.

To our remarkable students: Your passion for learning, creativity, and determination have illuminated our school throughout this term. Your achievements, big and small, reflect your commitment to growth, and I'm immensely proud of each and every one of you.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our exceptional educators and staff. Your unwavering dedication, innovation in teaching, and unwavering support for our students continue to elevate our school community. Your efforts truly make a difference in shaping our students' futures.

To the parents and guardians: Your continuous support and partnership are invaluable. Your involvement in your child's education greatly contributes to their success, and we're grateful for your trust in us.

As we conclude this term, let's carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the accomplishments achieved. Let's use this time to recharge and return with renewed enthusiasm and fresh perspectives for the upcoming term.

I wish you all a restful and joyful break. May it be filled with moments of relaxation, reflection, and cherished time spent with loved ones.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community. Let's return ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the next term holds.

I wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ALSO INSIDE:

Page 1:

-Message from the head teacher.

-Table of contents.

Page 2:-5 Yearly events: -Family fun day & This year’s day trip.

-Kid’s hack day.

-Science boot camp.

-Summer Camp.

-Sports.

Page 6: Student Spotlight: -Jaiden Mwangi of Year 2 Page 7-9: Our clubs: -Gaming Club.

-YouTube Club.

-Drama and Film.

-Young-Entrepreneurs Club.

-UN- Model Club.

Sports Club- Swimming, Football &Tennis.

Page 10-17: Our Alumni-Riaan.

-Zion.

Page 19-22: - Messages from Deans of Academics.

Page 23: Thank you for 2023!!!

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Page 18: The parent referral program: Refer and earn with Caplora!!!

CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

FAMILY FUN DAY & DAY TRIP.

In the last academic year, 2022/2023, we had a family fun day and a day trip in the city(Nairobi).

The family fun day took place on the 18th of February, 2023 at La Fontana International School.

The day was quite eventful. Parents, students and teachers all had a wonderful time interacting and socializing outside the school and classroom setting.

On 16th October 2022, our students accompanied by some of the teachers took a day trip to the Karura Forest for a nature trail walk and cycling.

We always want our students to decompress by socializing with each other and doing activities together, and this day gave us exactly that.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

KID’S HACK DAY (HACKATHON) & SCIENCE BOOTCAMP. -From 13th to 15th of April, our students had a hack day/hackathon. This is an event where they engage in rapid and collaborative learning on certain subjects.

The hack day was on Electronics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and STEM projects.

Being a STEM based School, such events polish our students’ abilities in the Technology and Engineering principals.

From 17th to 21st April, our years 7 to 11 had a science boot camp. Science is one of our main focus at Capora STEM International School and being a homeschool, we have to make sure that our students not only master the theoretic bit of the sciences, but also, the practical bit as well.

We thank our teachers who made the days it took for the boot camp a success, and for the parents who made sure their children were there and on time.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

SUMMER CAMP.

From 7th to 11th August, our students accompanied by some of our teachers went for this years’ summer camp to Diani and stayed at Tausi villas throughout their stay.

Parents who were able to accompany their children did so.

They had the whole trip planned out, from visiting Wasini Island, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park to Shimoni Caves, Kongo River and Kaole homestead.

They had other events planned out, such as yoga and swimming, beach games, talent show and a prom night.

This was definitely a memorable trip for our students, and we hope that the next one will also have the same wow factor if not more.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

CAPLORA SPORTS.

From late October, Our students have been going for sports day every Friday.

This was as a result of parents requesting for more time for socialization amongst the students.

After carrying out a survey from a range of sports, we noticed that our students were interested in football, swimming and tennis majorly.

To make this enjoyable and also make them skilled in their sport of choice, we made sure that they have coaches during every session to make them learn the rules of the sports, and with more practice, they will eventually become professionals.

Besides the three sporting activities the students are interested in, we decided to introduce chess and other board games for those who are willing to learn.

We are grateful to the parents who enrolled their children for the sports program, both in Nairobi and Nanyuki and their environs.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT.

On this issue, our student spotlight is on Jayden Mwangi of year 2, who is also one of our Caplora ambassadors.

In collaboration with GTN TV and Mini Hands Tree Foundation, Jayden plants trees every year around his birthday and has dubbed his initiative #GrowWithGreenBirthadys.

In 2022. his theme was: “To mitigate climate change” and this year’s theme is, “Fostering a sense of environmental responsibility in children”.

We really applaud Jayden for being such a role model to his peers and also challenging adults with his tree planting initiative. We also applaud his mom who is also a big support to her child in his passions at such a young age.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR CLUBS.

We at Caplora STEM International School have always advocated to balance school work and extra-curricular activities.

Clubs are part of these activities that our students take part in after school, to nurture their talents or to learn new hobbies that they may be interested in.

So far, these are the clubs offered at the school; 1. Gaming Club- This club provides students with the chance to experience a fun and relaxing time. Whether through board games, game consoles and others, they are able to develop and strengthen relationships.

2. YouTube Club- YouTube is a creator’s dream.

From learning how to create videos, editing them, posting them and promoting them, it enables students tap into their creativeness by coming up with ways to always improve their craft. The club can help our students distribute important information, recruit new students and even help other students with assignments.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR CLUBS.

3. Drama and Film Club- Drama is designed for students interested in learning more about the aspects of theater. This includes learning stage terminology, working on acting skills, set building and costumes/makeup design.

Film is centered on watching quality films and having discussions following the movie.

4. Young Entrepreneurs’ Club- This club’s mission is to inspire the spirit of entrepreneurship through education, knowledge transfer and community servics.

5. Model United Nations Club- Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts- including the UN itself- participated in Model UN as students.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR CLUBS.

6. Sports Club- Our Caplora sports club consists of three sports: swimming, football and tennis, Our swimming sports students in all the three sports are coached by professionals in the field, helping them to become the best in their sports of choice.

Our main aim of having this club is to have our students be the best and have them participate in tournaments and galas.

We also aim to have a Caplora Football Academy, tennis and swimming teams that will represent the school both locally and internationally.

We are hopeful that in the new year, more students will join the sports club.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR ALUMNI -KAITLYN ZION 1. How was your experience at the school, and what are you currently doing?

-My experience at the school was invaluable, providing a solid foundation for both my academic and personal development. The supportive environment and dedicated educators left a lasting impact on me. Currently, I am working to hone my artistic and creative skills by working with the school’s design team as a way to gain work experience, leveraging the skills and knowledge I gained during my time at the school.

2. Could you share a bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to since graduating from the school?

-I am an individual who, initially lacking motivation for learning, underwent a transformative journey at Caplora where the supportive environment and dedicated teachers helped me discover the enjoyment in learning.

I joined the school in my final year of high school, around the beginning of my year 11. Despite the relatively short time, the impact on my education and learning adaptability has been profound.

Since graduating, I’ve ventured into freelance design and various jobs to gain valuable work experience. The school played a crucial role in shaping this path by providing opportunities for work experience, contributing significantly to my professional development.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

-KAITLYN ZION 3. What years did you attend the school, and do you have any favorite memories or standout experiences you’d like to mention?

I attended the school in mid-2021 and completed my exams in late 2022. Although my time at the school was relatively short, I didn’t have the chance to fully partake in the festivities. Nevertheless, I cherished the learning experiences shared with both the teachers and students.

The school provided a great learning environment, fostering memorable interactions that contributed significantly to my educational journey. While I may not have many traditional festive memories, the academic and personal growth I experienced during my time at the school are truly cherished.

4. How has the education and community at the school influenced your journey after graduation?

The education and community at the school have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey after graduation. The rigorous academic curriculum and dedicated educators instilled in me a strong foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills. Beyond academics, the supportive and inclusive community fostered a sense of belonging, encouraging me to explore my interests and passions.

This positive influence extends post-graduation, influencing my decision-making, work ethic, and approach to challenges. The values and skills cultivated during my time at the school continue to guide me in my professional and personal endeavours. I am grateful for the lasting impact that the education and community at the school have had on my ongoing journey.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

-KAITLYN ZION 5. Are there specific subjects or teachers from the school that left a lasting impact on you?

-I faced challenges with subjects like math and French during my time at the school. The commitment and dedication of the teachers in helping me understand these specific topics left a lasting impact on me. Despite my struggles, they never gave up on me, and their unwavering support taught me the importance of perseverance.

This experience not only improved my academic skills but also instilled in me a belief in myself because of the belief others had in me. The encouragement and guidance from these teachers have become a valuable lesson that extends beyond the classroom, influencing my approach to challenges and fostering a sense of selfconfidence.

6. Can you describe your current career or educational path and how your time in the school played a role in shaping it?

-My current path is deeply rooted in my passion for art, a passion that was nurtured and encouraged during my time at the school. The school played a pivotal role in shaping my career trajectory by actively connecting me with various art colleges. These connections provided me with opportunities to further my skills in the creative industry. The support and encouragement I received from the school were instrumental in fostering my love for art and guiding me towards a fulfilling educational and career path. The foundation laid during my time at the school has been a driving force in pursuing my creative endeavour and continues to influence my journey in the artistic field.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

-KAITLYN ZION 7. Do you have any advice for current students as they navigate their education and prepare for the future?

-While it may not be “traditional” advice, I would like to encourage current students to have fun learning. Education can be challenging, but trusting the people and the environment around you can make the learning experience enjoyable.

Understanding the importance of encouragement can go a long way in making the educational journey not only enriching but also fulfilling.

So, my advice is to embrace the process, find joy in learning, and appreciate the support systems that contribute to your educational growth.

8. Are you still in touch with any classmates, and do you have fond memories of any school events or traditions?

Given the relatively short duration of my time at the school, I didn’t have the opportunity to develop deep personal connections with my classmates. However, I cherish the brief moments we shared in class together. Although I may not be in regular touch with them, those interactions hold a special place in my memories.

As for school events or traditions, my time at the school unfortunately, did not coincide with many festivities. Nevertheless, the positive atmosphere and camaraderie during those brief class moments created fond memories that I carry with me.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR ALUMNI -RIAAN MAKUMBI 1. How was your experience at the school, and what you are currently doing?

-My time at Caplora STEM International School was enriching and flexible due to the online learning environment. The dedicated teachers, comprehensive curriculum, and engaging resources provided a strong academic foundation. The skills and knowledge gained have been invaluable for my ongoing academic and personal pursuits. I fondly appreciate the quality education received at the school.

I am particularly pleased with the active role the school played in my transition to Strathmore University. This seamless transition was made possible by the excellent preparation and guidance received during my time at Caplora. The skills and knowledge acquired there continue to serve me well in my university studies and beyond.

2. Could you share a bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to since graduating from the school?

-Since leaving Caplora International School, I embarked on my postgraduation journey, currently enrolled at Strathmore University in my 1st year, 2nd semester pursuing a Bachelor in Business Information Technology (BBIT). My academic pursuits align with my passion for business, and I’ve actively engaged in various university competitions within this domain.

Notably, I participated in the Strathmore Ideas Festival, where I secured the 7th position among nearly 50 participants. Additionally, I took part in the Hultz Prize, an international competition, and achieved the 2nd position overall within a pool of nearly 25 university teams.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

OUR ALUMNI -RIAAN MAKUMBI Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to receive continued support from Mr. Paul, the head of Caplora and my former business studies teacher. Mr. Paul has graciously taken on the role of mentor and guide, offering valuable guidance and advice whenever needed. I am extremely grateful for his ongoing support, which has played a significant role in shaping my academic and personal growth.

3. What years did you attend the school, and do you have any favorite memories or standout experiences you'd like to mention?

-During my years at Caplora International School, spanning from 2020 to 2023 until my graduation in May, there’s a particular memory that holds a special place in my heart. I had the privilege of heading the Caplora Gaming and YouTube clubs, where I took on the roles of instructor, coach, and friend to the students involved.

One of the most enjoyable aspects for me was fostering a sense of community within the club. As students explored and shared their opinions on video games, discussed their favorite worldrenowned content creators, and experimented with various video creation styles, I had the opportunity to get to know each student on a personal level. This experience, marked by camaraderie and shared interests, created a monitored social setting where meaningful connections were formed. It remains a cherished memory, showcasing the vibrant and diverse community within the school.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

-RIAAN MAKUMBI 4. How has the education and community at the school influenced your journey after graduation?

-The impact of the school’s education and community on my journey after graduation has been profound. The school and its community served as a constant source of inspiration propelling me to strive for excellence in pursuing my goals. The guidance and words of encouragement offered by my teachers played a pivotal role, instilling in me the confidence and determination needed to navigate the challenges post graduation. This foundation of support has been instrumental in shaping my ongoing journey, encouraging me to put forth my best effort in the pursuit of my aspirations.

5. Do you have any advice for current students as they navigate their education and prepare for the future?

-Recognize that your education is a personal journey. While teachers provide guidance, the onus is on you to take initiative and work hard to accomplish your goals. Take ownership of your learning experience and be proactive in pursuing knowledge and skills. Do not be afraid of your teachers or peers. Embrace a mindset that encourages asking questions seeking clarification, and engaging in discussions.

Remember, there are no dumb questions or answers. This is a crucial time to learn fundamental principles for success, as in the future, such opportunities may be less available. In university and beyond, teachers often present information and move on, leaving you to take the initiative in seeking further understanding. Though it might be embarrassing, asking questions is not only necessary but also beneficial for your personal growth and academic success.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

-RIAAN MAKUMBI

6. Are you still in touch with any classmates, and do you have fond memories of any school events or traditions?

-Maintaining connections has been a unique aspect of my experience at the school. Given that I joined early on and during my senior years, the student population at this level was sparse.

Consequently, I did not interact much with other students. However, this isolation was of no consequence to me, as I am comfortable both alone and in groups.

Unfortunately, due to my residence at the time, I could not attend any school functions or activities. I am grateful for the understanding of the school community regarding the situation I found myself in.

Despite the limited interaction with classmates and the inability to participate in events, I appreciate the supportive and understanding environment at the school.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

CAPLORA REFERRAL PROGRAM REFER AND EARN WITH CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. With Caplora Parents Referral Program, both you and your friend(the person you have referred and has enrolled their child/children) get Ksh 5,000 per referral.

The program is eligible for all Caplora Family Members -Parents, Students, and Teachers.

To apply and find out more about the program, contact our our Admissions Officer Cindy Angela on + 254 757 279 330 or visit our website, https://caplora.co.ke/parents-referral-program/ ‎

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

END OF YEAR MESSAGES: DEAN OF ACADEMICS PREPARATORY As we come to the end of another year, I am filled with gratitude for the Journey we have shared together. This has been a year of growth, learning and challenges, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you for your hard work. Looking back on the year that has been, we have faced many obstacles and overcome numerous challenges. We have had to adapt to new ways of learning especially after the syllabus changed in the middle of the year: and living when we adjusted the timetable to accommodate sports. We have shown incredible resilience in the face of uncertainty. I want to acknowledge the strength and perseverance you have all displayed, and the unwavering support you have shown each other.

In the face of adversity, we have proven that we are capable of so much more than we ever imagined. We have demonstrated our ability to adapt, to innovate, and to rise above the challenges that have been thrown our way. We have learned the value of flexibility especially in the last year, the importance of adaptability and the power of community.

These are lessons that will serve us well in the years to come, and I have no doubt that we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements. We have seen outstanding academic accomplishments, impressive artistic performances in different areas and remarkable sporting achievements.

We have celebrated diversity, embraced inclusion and fostered a spirit of unity and belonging within our school community. Each and every one of you has contributed to making this year a success, and I want to thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and your commitment to excellence.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

DEAN OF ACADEMICS: PREPARATORY As we look to the future, I am filled with hope and optimism. I am excited to see how each one of us will continue to grow and thrive in the coming year.

I have every confidence that you will go on to achieve great things, I can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will have on the world.

As we say goodbye to this year and look ahead to the next, I want to encourage you to continue to embrace curiosity, to seek knowledge, to challenge yourselves and to never stop learning and growing. I want you to remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, and that you have the power to shape the world in extraordinary ways.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for making this year fun and memorable. I am honored to be a part of this incredible community, and I am so proud of all that we have achieved together. As we leave behind the challenges of the past year and look forward to a future Filled with endless possibilities. I am filled with excitement and anticipation for all that is to come.

I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating break and I look forward to seeing you all back here next year, ready to embark on new adventures and create even more amazing memories together.

Thank you and congratulations on another fantastic year.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Patience M. Njogu Dean of Academics Preparatory School.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

DEAN OF ACADEMICS: HIGH SCHOOL Dear Caplora Families, As 2023 comes to a close, I would like to express how grateful I am to lead such an amazing community of students, parents, and staff. It has been an amazing year! I am so proud of all of the achievements and accomplishments of our students here at Caplora. These would not be possible without your support and dedication to Caplora.

Reflecting on 2023, we have had so many great memories and exciting events to look back on. We continued many successful traditions, such as our annual school trip, prize-giving day, and the Annual Kids Hack Day. We also added many new experiences, such as our Friday Health & Fitness Day which our students enjoyed.

Looking ahead, we have many exciting new initiatives that we are bringing to Caplora in 2024. We are always focused on the improvement of our school in all aspects. We not only focus on the child’s academic achievements , but also on the whole child. In this upcoming year, we will emphasise the social and emotional learning of all of our students. We believe that the social and emotional learning of a child significantly impacts their academic achievements.

A special thanks to you, the teachers and parents, who have contributed in ways small, large, and unimaginable! Thank you for the partnership between home and school, which is so important. We appreciate all that you do every day for our school and our children!

Together, we’ve learned much and shared experiences that will remain in our hearts for years to come. The passion and strength within our community make our school truly a special place for our children and a place that I am not only extremely proud to lead but also one that I can call home.

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

DEAN OF ACADEMICS: HIGH SCHOOL With that, I would like to wish teachers, students, parents, and caregivers, a restful and rewarding holiday. Hopefully, we will all get the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and come back to school with a sense of rejuvenation in January.

With Gratitude, Prudence Kasoha Head of Academics-High School

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CAPLORA STEM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL- ISSUE 01/ DECEMBER 2023

THANK YOU FOR 2023!!

We have come to another amazing year with you.

We would like to thank each and everyone of you for the different roles you have played in the Caplora STEM International School, Caplora would not have done it without your dedication and team playing.

Thank you all for 2023, let us do it bigger and better in 2024!!

Happy New Year Caplora Family!!

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