End of Michaelmas 2021 Edition - December 2021

Peponi Post END OF MICHAELMAS TERM 2021

Venue: Peponi School P.O. Box 236, Ruiru 00232 Tel: 0722 287 248, 0733 615 193 020 235 6456, 020 258 5375 Email: hogcharge@peponischool.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINE TH 15 JANUARY 2022

The Hog Charge is a fund-raising event for the conservation of the Water Towers of Kenya. The conservation activities are implemented by Rhino Ark, a charitable trust that develops sustainable solutions to the challenges facing mountain forests’ ecosystems and threatened biodiversity areas, through public-private partnerships.

Detailed information can be found at: www.peponischool.org Register at: www.peponischool.org/hog-charge Our successes in conservation are thanks to your continual support

Message From The Headmaster During the last week of term, our Kindergarten and Junior years put on a traditional Nativity Play. This traditional Christian play is often the first opportunity that many children have to act in front of their parents. It is a play depicting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. This is followed by the visitations of the shepherd and ends with the arrival of the Wise Men. Those of us who went to schools that performed a Nativity Play will remember, with alarming accuracy, our parts in that play; mine was never a leading role but I do remember being a magnificent tree and followed this performance by taking the more lively part of a sheep.

This holiday period is important to many, including those who are not Christian. It is a time when the world gets together and celebrates our very humanity with kindness and joy. For those in the Northern Hemisphere it may be the cold winters that encourage this behaviour - certainly many Christian traditions are founded on many non-Christian activities. As with any period of celebration and holiday, the variety of experiences shared around the globe can be wide; some people look forward to celebrations and fun, perhaps waking up excited about the day and hopefully receiving a present that they like. Other people expect to experience sadness and grief; Christmas can be a stark reminder of the loved one who is no longer with them to join the celebrations.

Others may find it to be a stressful time when, at end of the day, they are often worn out after hosting many family members and friends. However, it is always important to reflect on why we have gathered together and the gathering of friends and family can only be good. It is a time to remember everybody and be more thoughtful about the needs of others. As Francis of Assisi wrote;

“For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”

In a world where people are increasingly seeking to receive more than they give, it is an important time to be a person who freely offers their love and support to those in need and to look for opportunities to give.

Christians have now entered, and are celebrating, the calendar period of Advent. This is a time of anticipation and expectation when they prepare their hearts for Jesus. For hundreds of years, God had spoken through the prophets to tell people to expect their Messiah, the one who would come to save them.

And when this Messiah was born, the angel said to the shepherds; “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Whatever we are expecting this holiday period and particularly this Christmas time and whatever uncertainty we might be in, we can be confident that for all, this can be a season of great joy; for Christians, Jesus, their Messiah, has been born, and for all peoples, we look forward to a new year.

I wish you all a very happy holiday, a wonderful Christmas and a fabulously positive new year.

Mark Durston Headmaster

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School Chapel Chapel Blessing and Innaugural Service November 2021 The opening of the Chapel took place on Friday, 26th November with a service of Benediction and we followed this on Sunday with the Christian celebration marking the beginning of the Church calendar and the first Sunday of Advent. Both of these services represented a very special and significant moment in the school’s history. The inaugural service led by Rev’d Tom Otieno saw the Chapel looking beautiful: a series of prayers, readings and blessings, involving a number of our boys and girls, were enjoyed by selected pupils, staff and guests. Similarly, on the Sunday, in front of a congregation largely consisting of boarding pupils and staff, Father Francis, together with Rev’d Tom and the Grace Collective, led us in worship and celebration.

Sunday services will be Christian based and follow the Church calendar. There will be four services a term; all of them will be morning prayer. Each one will be led by an individual House where pupils will chose the hymns, invite a speaker and help decide on the music for the service.

Peponi Schools were created to be communities that honour, celebrate and worship God as the centre of life. Peponi School’s worship embodies the conviction that a spiritual life is lived out and practised in our community. The opening of a purpose-built Chapel aims to provide the space for all pupils to take time to reflect, pray or meditate. As a community we have always celebrated our diversity and we have children and families from many religions. The Chapel is designed so that all members of our community are welcome. It will be a place of quiet reflection and of peace where we can all worship and celebrate God.

The following dates have been included in the schools calendar. There is an error in the calendar and all services will be at 11.00am.

An apology will be sent by the Headmaster at the beginning of term.

Throughout the week, the Chapel Chapter will support the Headmaster in devising services that will celebrate our humanity, our peace and our community. Prayers and readings will be taken from all faiths. We will hopefully invite clerics and other faith leaders to come and lead us in our thoughts. It will enable us to learn from and about each other and guide us in becoming a stronger community.

Parents and family are always very cordially invited to all services.

Sunday, 16th January - Jipe Sunday, 6th February - Chala Sunday, 6th March - Elementaita Sunday, 20th March - Magadi

Members of the House should make themselves available to be involved and support other members of their Houses.

All full boarders will attend.

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Young Vocalist’s Competition 2021 Finals We were delighted and proud to host the Finals of the Young Vocalist’s Competition on Sunday 10th October in the School Hall. This is a new competition loosely modelled on the successful Young Musician’s Competition.

Competitors from a variety of Prep and Secondary schools took part, ranging from 12 to 17 years old. The Junior Solo category is for 15 years and younger and the Senior Solo category for 16-19 year olds. The audience heard songs from a wide variety of genres, including Traditional, Jazz standards, Popular songs, Musical Theatre and Film soundtracks.

I would like to congratulate Maansi Ruparel (El) for winning the Junior Solo category and Nyakio Koome (Ji) for coming 2nd in the Senior Solo category.

For the 2022 edition, we are determined to broaden the scope to the Kenyan schools and beyond. We also hope – and expect, the number of entries to surpass 50 as news of this competition spreads!

James Laight Director of Music & Creative Arts

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Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends. ― Alphonse de Lamartine

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End of Term Concert

I was delighted that we could put together a very eclectic End of Term Concert, despite school exams finishing only the day before and the spectre of Inter-house Dance looming!

Ultimately, we ended up with more than 50 performers on stage including a sequence from the Dance activity group.

We were treated to performances from the youngest year group to the oldest. Forms I & II made their debut in a rendition of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes and, as I mentioned at the concert, I am very keen to get every pupil in the school on stage and taking part in at least one concert by the time they leave us. We also had a memorable debut from Yara Mballe (El) who performed one of her own compositions whilst Mr Henry is now very much a regular performer!

In the sixth form, we had varied solos from Ariana Mehta (Ji) (Voice), Maya Oluoch-Olunya (Ji) (Violin), Ronav Vora (Ch) (Drum-kit) and Miranda Kansiime (Ji) (Voice). Further down the academic ladder, we heard notable performances from Pasha Haria (El)(Marimba) and Maansi Ruparel (El)(Voice). It is worth reminding readers that Maansi won the Young Vocalist’s Competition back in October!

The school ensembles, namely the School Orchestra, Choir and String Ensemble have had limited rehearsal time this term, all things considered, but we were gratified that they could still present an interesting range of repertoire from George Gershwin to John Williams.

James Laight Director of Music & Creative Arts

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This year, it was refreshing to return to physical displays of pupils' Artwork. They all worked individually as well as in collaboration to produce some excellent work in various media and techniques. The workmanship of the house pieces was impressive and it was clear that a lot of thought and hard work went into the entire process from conception to completion. Kudos to all the four Heads of House for their guidance and supervision and, Congratulations to Chala House for their winning display!

Beatrice Wakhu Teacher of Art

INTER-HOUSE

Inter-House Art Competition 2021

Chala House

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The Inner Voice Have you ever paid attention to that small voice inside your head? What does it say? Who does it sound like?

As we discussed ways to help teens manage anxiety and build resilience during the Counsellor-Parent online talks, we appreciated the fact that parents have a key role in shaping children’s perception of themselves.

Words have a lasting impact in our lives. Human beings tend to remember unpleasant emotions and negative information more than positive ones. What parents think of their children (expressed through words or nonverbal cues) influences how the young ones think of themselves.

Children seek approval from their parents. If they feel their parents approve of them, they will approve of themselves. The tone of voice, gentle and warm or harsh and critical, will inform the voice the child develops in themselves. We teach our children how to treat themselves.

We can learn to be conscious of the voice in our head.

How is it guiding us? Does it uplift or disempower us?

You can develop a positive internal voice by exposing yourself to words that are inspiring, affirming and validating. This could be through engaging with positive role models, listening to inspiring content, speaking to encouraging friends and learning to affirm yourself.

Michelle Wanjiku School Counsellor

The quality of life is determined by its activities.

- Aristotle

Peponi School's extra-curricular programme offers all pupils something that will interest them from sport to Book Club or Stress Busters to musical performance.

This term the Drama Society has started rehearsals for the School Production of 'The Crucible' to be performed next term. MUN continues to be a very popular activity with both Juniors and Seniors beginning their preparations for an in-school conference next term. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the usual schools' conference at the United Nations due to Covid restrictions but we will be holding our own conference here at Peponi.

Next term, we are introducing some very exciting new Clubs and Societies including Beginners' Mandarin, Tech Camp and our new Conservation Club, A Life on our Planet. The pupils have shown special interest in our new Northlands activity beginning next term. The members of this Junior club will be able to take part in different outdoor activities on the Northlands Ranch such as kayaking, shooting, archery, mountain bike riding and conquering the assault course.

Here at Peponi School we like to encourage all pupils to try something new. You never know that interest could become a passion.

Claire Nightingale Head of Awards, Teacher of English

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Bon Appétit

The tolls of a 15-week term were forgotten when the Peponi community came together on the last day of term for the Formal Dinner.

With considerable efforts from Chef Sylvester and his team, together with crucial work from our Works and IT teams, we were able to host the Formal Dinner on Headmaster’s Lawn. The weather remained kind and all School and Common Room were able to enjoy company and conviviality in a beautifully decorated open-sided marquee.

In best dress, the pupils (and staff) were able to relax and reflect upon the term’s highs and lows, pose for the camera in our little boutique studio, as well as discuss their plans for the Christmas break: it was a most civil and enjoyable end to our longest term.

A full three-course meal was (self) served centred around a choice of some excellent turkey, salmon or spare ribs. Head of School, Joel Ouya (Ch), led us through prayers and thank you’s before we all departed for the eagerly anticipated House Dance spectacle.

Karl Cook Deputy Head (Pastoral)

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FORMAL DINNER 2021

Formal Dinner 2021

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House Dance is alive and kicking...

After a break of two years, the long-awaited Inter House Dance Competition took place on the evening of the final day of the Michaelmas Term. With the whole School seated in a well ventilated Main Hall, the excitement was tangible as the Dance floor was plunged into darkness and the four Houses delivered their interpretation of SURVIVAL - this year’s not-so-irrelevant theme.

INTER-HOUSE DANCE

Inter-House Dance Competition 2021

Pupils from all age groups used every inch of the 80 square meters to perform. A rich variety of music and moves thrilled those in attendance and, in particular, gave Kavi Pratt (Old Peponian), Paul Damiano and Michelle Wanjiku, our adjudicators, the unenviable task of picking winners. The Heads of Houses and House Captains must be congratulated on a fine competition with some real choreographed quality in all four Houses’ performances. In the end, Elementaita won the girls competition and Chala won the boys. Overall winner by the slimmest of margins was Elementaita.

Karl Cook Deputy Head (Pastoral)

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By Nesa Kochhar

DESCRIPTIVE PIECES DESCRIPTIVE PIECES

Dream World

All around me, the subtle smell of frangipani lingers, accompanied by the sweet aroma of jasmine. The island is surrounded by crystal clear water. In some places it laps gently onto the pearly white sand, in others, it crashes mightily onto the shore. However in all places, the sea glitters like a million little fairies are dancing on it.

As I walk on the sand, the tingling sensation makes me giggle. I feel like I am walking on fluffy clouds. As the waves come crashing, it sprays a salty, foamy sprinkle over my toes. Soon after, a bigger wave comes thundering towards me eagerly and as it showers upon me I taste the sweet and salty delight from the droplets that descend peacefully on my tongue. Birds chirp cheerfully overhead, singing symphonies to the bristling bushes as the trees sway lazily to the rhythm. Here, I know I am at peace.

Further inland, my cabin is surrounded by magnificent lakes and flowing rivers. The rivers lead to incredibly scenic waterfalls. As you look down, you see ribbons of gold streaming and cascading down into a turquoise lake. To the side, the sun’s majestic rays peek out of the two mountains, warming everything up. The mountains are tall and snowy. A perfect plce to go to escape the loneliness of the lakes. As I climb higher and higher, the winter wonderland gets more vivid. The trees are baby pink and the floor is a lush carpet of cotton. The blue sky turns to pink, then purple, as the sun sets gently into the horizon, making room for a spectacle.

At night, Aurora Borealis takes to the sky to put on a breath-taking performance. I lay among the flowers, gaze up at the phenomenon and my heart races. Up above me, vibrant coloured lights rays dance playfully, illuminating my utopia. Green fire flames my world as it shines down playfully on the lulled lakes. Its iridescent aura made everything around me feel rejuvenated. I felt enlightened. I had never before felt so tranquil. As the show and all its splendour comes to an end, dolphins leap out of the water and dive back in as if trying to applaud. Deep down, whales sing their soulful tunes, putting the rest of the world to sleep like a lullaby. Peaceful silence descends upon us again, kissing us good night.

Dystopia

By Etienne Keshavjee The tattered wind, gently blew across the disintegrated tiled roof. The haunting shadows of the trees heckled and taunted me as their shadow swarmed around me like a nest of bees.

As I walked, I could feel each and every tile rhythmically creak beneath my feet, with every step the tiles were getting looser by the counting second.

The walls of the building had a strange inconspicuous odor that slightly lingered through the halls as you walked. The green moss that was scattered throughout the area collected it and as you walked by, shed it upon you.

Looking around, the walls were high yet had a claustrophobic feel. The house was big yet you still felt trapped.

Paintings had hung on the walls for centuries and created the shivering aura of each room that grew more and more present with every step forward. Even the doors of this abode did nothing but let in the cold presence of the wind.

Every time my foot lifted off the ground, a new element to this torturous death trap was uncovered, each one, seeming more fatal than the one before.

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Sedge House Experience Boarding school life can be quite intense for everyone. However, having an environment, that feels safe and comfortable makes school life more enjoyable, and the transitioning form prep to high school a more memorable experience. Together with the modern facilities and equipment, firm but friendly staff give Sedge House a heart-warming experience.

The pupils in Sedge House settled quite well.

Some pupils came in confident and ready, while others came in anxious and unsure. In Michaelmas Term, we have seen pupils grow in being more conscientious, confident, and compassionate. Mathew Desmond a professor of Sociology at Princeton University said

“Home is where children find safety and security, where we find our identities, where citizenship starts. It usually starts with believing you are part of a community, and that is essential to having a stable home.”

When someone feels safe and comfortable enough to express their opinions, knowing they will not be judged, but rather listened to and assisted, they develop good citizenship. Sedge House is a home away from home, where the pupils continue to experience a lot of training in various facets of their life, as they learn to be more independent and responsible in making the right choices.

Mary Mukule Housemistress of Sedge House

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Sedge House Experience Comments From Sedge Pupils

Sedge House has a nice atmosphere with luxurious facilities. It is a place where I can bond with people my age and share things I love.

Danielle Kavuma - 09SRK Sedge House has helped me get new friends and interact with new people. It has also boosted my confidence in a way that I can express my feelings and emotions and also given me the courage to talk to ne people. It has also helped me to know more of my responsibilities. People here make us feel at home.

Precious Ng’ang’a - 09PMA I think Sedge House is very nice and modern. I enjoy my free time in Sedge House.

Arthur Rousseau - 09SAO It is a fun experience and I have had fun as I also met and became friends with many people.

Ascanio Tuccillo - 09SAO My favourite thing about Sedge House is the amazing facilities and how well and hard the staff have tried to keep them perfect.

Aga Mlima - 09SRK Sedge House has been a really good experience for me and I love having a house with just my friends and I love the happy environment.

Happy Holiday!

Yzeera Sebunya - 09ACM I found Sedge House comforting, as it was my first time at the school and getting welcomed into it.

Mark Namisano - 09CGK I liked that we got to do new experiences on the weekends with my friend. I also made new friends and learnt new things about boarders.

Thandi Rwego - 09ACM Sedge House is my home away from home. I love the environment and energy inside Sedge House. I also love the fact that Sedge House is a warm and friendly place, that I can enjoy with my friends.

Kavata Muindi - 09CGK

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I am a full boarder, my experience during Michaelmas as a boarder is good because I got to spend time with my friends.

Jeffery Anyak - 09SAO Sedge House has made me realise that I have to be responsible and mature of my everyday life, not just prep education. I like how I have my own room meaning that I have my own personal space and that the place is modern.

Mwema Mutinda - 09JKO Sedge House has made me feel like home and showed me a truthful boarding experience.

Rodney Katusiime - 09ACM

My experience in Peponi has been great and in Sedge House. Being a full boarder is a great experience, having trips out with your friends and watching movies with them.

Natasha Keshoney - 09ACM Being at Sedge House as just Shell pupils has made it easier transitioning and I love the rooms and space!!

Katanu Muindi - 09SAO I have enjoyed my experience in Sedge House as full boarder. It is nice to be in a space that feels home-like and comfortable.

Amelie Busingye - 09PMA Being in Sedge House has been lots of fun. I really enjoyed being so close to all my friends, male and female while still having lots of privacy in my own room.

Imani Slater - 09SRK My experience in Sedge House has been incredible. It feels like a home away from home. I love that there is a lot of space and I have made many new friends.

Talitha Rwego - Form II (Year 8) MGK My experience in Sedge House has been amazing because I did not expect the older children to be nice. Their like my second siblings!

Gabriella Musau. - Form I (Year 7) MGK I love Sedge House, everyone is so kind and I love the common room and I also like the work space.

Saitaka Wamatu - Form I (Year 7) MGK Hello my name is Alem Mballa, My experience at Peponi has been enjoyable. I socialised a lot and was given good care in Michaelmas Term.

Thank you Peponi!

Alem Mballa - Form II (Year 8) MGK

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Recipe from Chef Sylvester

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Spicy Aubergine Salad

Ingredients (Serves Eight) 2 large aubergines, thickly sliced

1 teaspoon ground allspice

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

100ml olive oil

2 tablespoons sultanas

2 large onions, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh coriander

8 tomatoes, chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Method Salt the aubergines before cooking them by placing them in a colander and tossing them in the 2 teaspoons of salt.

Place over a bowl or in the sink, then leave for 30 minutes. Wash the slices under the tap and pat dry.

Meanwhile, heat half the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the onion and garlic until brown. Add the tomato and the spices and cook over a medium heat for 8 minutes before mixing in the sultanas.

In a large frying pan, warm the remainder of the oil over a high heat then cook the aubergine on both sides till tender and golden. Stir in the onion mixture, season and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. To serve, pour away any excess liquid and mix in the fresh herbs.

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Peponi School on Social Media The Official Peponi School Social Media Accounts

Facebook www.facebook.com/peponischool Twitter www.twitter.com/peponi_school Instagram www.instagram.com/peponi_school

Youtube https://bit.ly/2YUrnl8

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Peponi School P.O. Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 193; +(254) 0722 287 248