Monthly Peponi Post - February 2021 Edition

Hilary Term - February 2021

From the Director of Teaching & Learning This was the year to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

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Inter-House Music 2021 There was a time when we were unsure if it would happen at all, if we would have House choirs and how it would all work.

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The Hilary Term Highlights The Hilary term sports choices have been on offer in a slightly modified capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, but all pupils have been very enthusiastic in their respective Games afternoons.

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BOARDING AT

Sedge House Welcome to Sedge House, our dedicated Junior House for Boarders from Years 7 to 9. +254(0)794 586733 | r egistrar@peponischool.org

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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From the Director of Teaching and Learning

As we look back to almost a year ago, it is amazing to see how those of us in education have adapted to teaching in a new world with Covid. This was the year to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. There have been ups and downs, steep learning curves, tears, but also joy in seeing the impact we have had on our children’s learning and the strides we have made. As is said, every dark cloud has a silver lining. There is no doubt that there are some positives that have emerged from this season and the very obvious one is how we have embraced technology in teaching and learning. In addition, now more than ever, the communities around us appreciate the role of teachers. We have been very lucky to have all our children back in school from January, even if riddled with anxieties and caution. However, we are back to what school should always be; a place not only where children learn but also where they hone their social skills while cementing life-long friendships and exploring out of class adventures.

I am pleased to say that, despite all the unknowns out there, there is one thing that we have done well and of which I am proud of- the fact that teaching and learning did not stop. We picked up the challenge of virtual teaching and then moved on to blended teaching before going back to our first love, which is the physical teaching we are doing now.

At the centre of all this, is the joy that we see on our pupils’ faces when they are together. And now, as our candidates sit for their Mock examinations we can only hope that they have learnt from this phase and become even more resilient. We are confident that they will succeed in, not only the current exams, but in the final exams as well.

Lastly, to our Upper VI, this is the time to really put your best foot forward. Do not rest on your laurels. And though the world may look very uncertain to you right now, it is the hidden opportunities that you should strive to unleash.

Good luck to you all!

Sylvia Meruh

Director of Teaching and Learning

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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Inter-House Music 2021

I am delighted that we were able to put on our Inter-house music competition, observing Covid-19 protocols. As a result, we were treated to around two hours of pure entertainment that involved around 100 pupils.

There was a time when we were unsure if it would happen at all, if we would have House choirs and how it would all work. I therefore commend the Houses for liaising with the Music Department to organise their rehearsals, seeking advice and suggestions and for being patient with preparations for the event.

This year, there were a number of changes, notably the introduction of new categories. Instrumental and Vocal solos now had Junior (Shell & Lower 5th) and Senior (Upper 5th and 6th form) categories. As a result, we ended up watching some compelling debut performances from our Shell pupils (including a harpist!), amongst others.

With sanitising of pianos and microphones in between each item, we thankfully moved swiftly enough from one piece to the next and I applaud the organisation of the Houses with their participants. When it came to the music itself it was difficult not to be moved by the tunes and grooves from the 1980s!

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Congratulations to everyone who took part or who made this occasion. The category winners were as follows: • Junior Instrumental Solo - Ruchi Raja • Senior Instrumental Solo - Rhea Shah • Junior Vocal Solo - Maansi Ruparel • Senior Vocal Solo - Triza Stokes • Instrumental Ensemble – Jipe • House Choir – Jipe The overall winners were Jipe, with Elementaita in 2nd place, Chala in 3rd and Magadi in 4th.

Finally, another change this year was to have three judges (rather than two) and this will hopefully continue from now on. Our thanks go to Judith Njuguna, Peter Nyabuto and Elizabeth Gachie for giving up time in their busy schedules.

James Laight Director of Music

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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Gosrani optimistic ahead of World Youth and Cadets Chess Championship

By Washington Onyango - The Standard Sport (www.standardmedia.co.ke)

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Naiya Gosrani is confident of finishing in the medal bracket when she represents Kenya at the 2020 World Cadets and Youth Rapid Chess Championships.

While Kenya had fielded a girl and a boy from the Under-10 to Under-16 categories, only Gosrani who plays for Nairobi Chess Club qualified.

Gosrani, 15, became the only Kenyan who qualified for the online world championships, after finishing third out of 15 contestants in the Under-16 category of the Africa qualifiers that ended on November 30th 2020.

Rated 1331 in the world, she overcame the stiff challenge from her opponents to advance to the next level.

Hilary Term - February 2021

“I played very well during the qualifiers where I learnt a few tricks ahead of the global stage. I have played numerous online chess championships and I believe I am at a better position to win a medal for Kenya,” she said.

Out of the seven rounds of matches of the qualifiers, Gorsani won five and lost two to emerge third in the Under-16 category with five points.

Woman Fide Master (WFM) Makhlouf Ahlam from Morocco emerged top with six points, followed by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Gabatshwarwe Refilwe from Botswana who had 5.5 points.

Africa joins America among the two continents that have completed their qualifiers, with Europe and Asia yet to complete their qualifiers.

The online global competition will kick off from December 19 to 23.

Antony Kionga, who captained the Kenyan team in the competition, tipped Gorsani to perform well at the global round of the competition.

“I am positive she is going to perform better at the finals given that the time control will be better than the one used at the selection stage,” he said.

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She won the National Chess Champion in her category; Under 12 Girls in 2017 and Under 14 Girls in 2019.

She has represented Kenya in numerous international championships including African Schools Chess Championship in 2015 and 2016 in Zambia, African Youth Chess Championship in 2017 in Zimbabwe among others.

In 2018, when Kenya hosted the African Youth Chess Championship in Kisumu, she won bronze for the country after coming in third in the U14 category.

She has also participated in the senior Kenya National Chess Championship (Ladies) both in 2018 and 2019 and has been the best under 20 Junior for two years in a row.

In 2018 at the age of 12, she took part in the Mombasa Open Chess Championship and played in the under 16 categories. She came in 2nd winning silver.

She currently plays for Nairobi Chess Club and helped the club win 2nd Best Private Club in 2019.

She also represented the country in the first FIDE Online Olympiad held in August 2020.

Gosrani started playing chess when she was 10 years after being inspired by her younger brother Reeyan Gosrani.

Naiya Gosrani UV recently took part in the continental edition of FIDE Online World Youth Cadets Rapid Championships 2020 against world class chess players of her age from around the world.

She played seven games of chess on-line from 28th November 2020 to 30th November 2020. The top three from each continent progress to the main event and Naiya finished third in Africa in the U16 category. She will therefore move on to the final phase to be held in December, being the only chess player to represent Kenya. The next round is played according to Armageddon rules which is a quick-fire round – a little like a penalty shoot out – and will require a lots of focus and skill. Good luck Naiya!

Congratulations Naiya on your great success.

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The Hilary Term Highlights

The Hilary term has always been a very exciting and busy one for Peponi sportsmen and sportswomen.

This term our pitches and courts come alive with pupils taking part in the major and minor sports of the term: boys and girls hockey, girls football, boys basketball, gym, swimming and tennis.

The Hilary term sports choices have been on offer in a slightly modified capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, but all pupils have been very enthusiastic in their respective games afternoons.

Sport revolves around the drama of competition and with inter-school competition still not permitted, Peponi sport has tailored various challenges and Inter-House matches, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, to keep the fiery House spirit alive!

We hope for some better news next term where pupils can return to playing fixtures against other schools.

Marc-Antony Eysele Director of Sport

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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Innovation In Our Library 2020 will remain a year when the world was pushed out of its comfort zone. With the pandemic, we were thrown off balance. All that we knew and were used to became less useful courtesy of Covid-19 containment measures. But there in a lay a chance to unlearn and relearn - to push the rest button, embrace change and the new opportunities.

We too have welcomed innovation and have purposed to apply ideas that are both fresh and useful to readers.

We are pleased to inform you that now you can read your favourite book (in school/off school) from the comfort of your gadget either iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet at no cost.

We have an e-platform that enables you to do that through the link provided below: https://peponischool.eplatform.co/account/logon (kindly use your school’s login details).

For e-magazines we have subscribed to a collection of educational e-magazines as well namely; Aesthetica, Positive News, New Internationalist, Music Teacher, BBC History, and BBC Science Focus. To read them, please use the details given below.

On Campus Access details are: https: /login.exacteditions.com/login.do Off Campus Access details are: 1. https://login.exacteditions.com/login.do 2. Select the “library card” option in the top right-hand corner.

3. Enter your 6 digit code into the “card number” bar and login.

Your 6 digit card number is 209679. This number can be used by all users.

In case of any questions/concerns on these platforms please free to contact the library.

Hellen Kanyiri School Librarian

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Discover more about life at Peponi School We are a boarding and day school for ages 11 to 18 on a stunning site just north of Nairobi with excellent airport access.

Peponi School offers a dynamic academic and vibrant extra-curricular programme.

Come in and see how we can help your son or daughter thrive and move on to their university of choice.

Our Headmaster, and our Director of Teaching and Learning will be pleased to talk to you at

KAMPALA SERENA HOTEL, BAMBARA LOUNGE on

Thursday, 18th March 2021 from 3pm to 6pm Friday, 19th March 2021 from 10am to 6pm Saturday, 20th March 2021 from 9am to 11am To book an appointment please email: registrar@peponischool.org

+254 (0) 794 586733 | registrar@peponischool.org | www.peponischool.org @peponischool

@peponi_school

Peponi School

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Hilary Term - February 2021

WILD PEPONI Owls of Peponi So far, I have personally observed two different species of owl at Peponi, though there are likely to be more.

The first was a barn owl (Tyto alba) that I (almost literally) bumped into in my garden on one occasion.

This is a fascinating species with a large distribution - I have also seen them in countries as far away as the UK and Malaysia.

The second species is one that I have seen numerous times at school. In fact, one spent over a week roosting in the same tree and I have also regularly seen it in trees outside of the dining area. This species is the one photographed here - the spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus). I am reasonably confident to say that this individual is resident on site and as such we have given it a name - ‘Owlberta’!

Owls can be difficult to observe due to their secretive and nocturnal nature. However, if you listen carefully at night their characteristic calls can often be heard. They are also sometimes harassed during the day by other birds, so it can be worth investigating if you hear an unusual amount of squawking coming from a tree!

By Robin Backhouse - Teacher of Biology

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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From the Learning Support Department

With the increasing challenges faced by learners as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Learning Support Department at Peponi School remains grateful for the collaboration from parents and guardians of pupils who require our support.

We offer a variety of interventions aimed at supporting our pupils through their learning journey. This support ranges from 1:1 physical or online sessions, to support with Exam Access Arrangements. It is a time when we have seen an increasing need for pupils to be supported with the everyday stresses caused by the uncertainty of the pandemic. The well-being of our pupils’ mental health is paramount during this time and that is why we work closely with other professionals for example the school counsellor, school nurse and the other support personnel to ensure that our pupils are adequately supported.

Our support structure begins with a formal assessment in order to determine the pupil’s needs followed. This then guides us on the kind of intervention needed for the pupils. The intervention is then regularly reviewed in order to determine its effectiveness. All this is done in consultation with the pupil, parent and the child’s teachers.

Should you feel that your child requires additional support in their learning journey, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Matu who is the Head of the Learning Support Department. fmatu@peponischool.org

Fredrick Matu

Head of Faculty (Crane), SEND

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Hilary Term - February 2021

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Recipe from Chef Silvester Beef & Mushroom Curry Ingredients (Serves Four) 700g/1 ½ lb rump steak

1 ½ tbsp. medium curry paste

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp ground coriander

2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced into rings

350g/ 12oz long-grain rice

2 garlic cloves, crushed

225g/ 8oz button mushrooms, wiped and sliced

2.5cm/1 inch piece ginger root, chopped 2 fresh green chillies, deseeded and chopped

60g/ 2oz butter

900ml/ 1 ½ pints stock 3 tomatoes, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chef Silvester

Method Beat the steak until very thin, then trim off and discard the fat and cut into thin strips. Heat the oil in a saucepan, and the beef and fry until sealed, stirring frequently. Remove the beef and place to one side.

Fry the onions, garlic, ginger, chillies, curry paste and coriander for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, stock and tomatoes and season to taste.

Return the beef to the pan. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours or until the beef is tender.

Place the rice in a saucepan of boiling salted water, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender or according to the package directions. Drain the rice then return to the saucepan, add the butter, cover and keep warm.

Stir the creamed coconut and ground almonds into the curry, cover the pan and cook gently for 3 minutes.

Serve with the rice.

Hilary Term - February 2021

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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 PO Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 193; +(254) 0722 287 248