Peponi Post - May 2021 Edition

Trinity Term - May 2021

Peponi School Top 3 (2021-2022)

From the Headmaster

Sedge House Progress

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Kayaking at Peponi School page... 10

Trinity Term - May 2021

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From the Headmaster “Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.”

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) In 2020, we made the announcement that Prize Giving would not be occurring as the country, and indeed the world, went into lock down and our concerns were focused on the developing pandemic of Coronavirus. It was not in our thoughts that for the following year we would be faced with a similar scenario. Covid has had a long lasting effect on the world and in May 2021, we remain under the influence of protocols, precautions and safety rules. The May 2021 Prize Giving ceremony has been reduced and divided into three smaller and shorter ceremonies for individual year groups without the presence of their parents and guests.

The academic year has remained a challenging one and students and pupils throughout the world have had a very different experience to their predecessors. Some of the year has been online and our newly and quickly learnt skills have continued in their development and both the Common Room members and our pupils have become expert at the use of Firefly and Zoom. Where we once encouraged a move away from a computer screen, we have spent the year glued to them. However, we have managed to enjoyr the pupils’ presence in school and a more “normal” life has been taking shape.

There has been much change and our routines have required deep examination.

As we emerge out of these challenging times, we aim to embrace the benefits, learn from our experiences and begin to develop a “new normal.” The absence of competitive sport, inter-house competitions, musical concerts, debates, and a full range of the activities we once enjoyed have clearly been missed and it is clear that a school demands a full range of cultural, physical and spiritual activity. We have managed to provide a different range of events and interests that we can continue to develop into the future. The access to Northlands Ranch has been a wonderful addition to what we offer and this will continue and supplement our more traditional activities.

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Trinity Term - May 2021

At the end of his address last year, the Headmaster used the Poem Good Timber” by Douglas Malloch.

The message was simple and pertinent; people, like trees, grow and reach their true potential by overcoming adversity. Our struggle with Covid has been adverse and testing but our ability to grow during these times has made us stronger. At the end of this year’s VI Form Prize Giving ceremony the Headmaster drew on the words of Edger Guest, from his poem “Have you Earned your Tomorrow.”

This pandemic has caused considerable pain for many but there have been positives and many questions have been asked about our life before Coronavirus.

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As a community we have not been isolated from the challenges of the disease and we have asked many of those questions. Edger Guest’s poem encourages all of us to ask a very simple question - Is anybody happier because you passed his way? What do we do to encourage others to appreciate our presence, our support or our friendship? How are we making the lives of others better? Guest’s poem asks us to ask questions that, not only in times of pandemic, can make our communities stronger - whether they be schools, congregations, universities or places of work.

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?

This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;

Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?

Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?

Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,

As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,

Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?

Edger Guest

Mark Durston Headmaster

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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Computer Science Introduction at Peponi School ‘‘I'm not a great programmer; I'm just a good programmer with great habits.’’

Kent Beck

The content taught at Key Stage 3 (Years Sedge and Shell) gives learners the knowledge foundation, skills and understanding that allow strong transition onto either ICT or Computer Science at Key Stage 4 (Lower V and Upper V).

In order to widen the academic spectrum available to our pupils, the school will be introducing IGCSE Computer Science at Lower V starting September 2021.

Technology has become the focal point from which everything revolves around in the world today. At Peponi School we firmly believe that high-quality education in computing technology to our pupils goes a long way in embedding lifelong skills needed to cope in the ever-changing digital world.

In the AS and A2 (Lower VI and Upper VI). pupils have an opportunity to extend their studies by taking A Level Computer Science or Advanced Information technology. Often this will always provide a stable platform for qualification to enable a successful career choice in not only computing in its own right but also as an enabler for other disciplines within the STEM category.

In our tailored curriculum, we strive to ensure that each pupil develops competency and confidence with the necessary technology.

This, we achieve through placing great emphasis on acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding of core computational concepts and experience. Our curriculum delivery entails provision of video tutorials, scaffolding, remedial lessons, coding and other varied learning activities that nurture computational thinking and problem solving minds.

Thomas Njuguna ICT Teacher

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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Peponi School Pupils visit Peponi House On Friday 21st May 2021, some of our Shell and Year 10 pupils paid a visit to Peponi House as ambassadors for Peponi School.

After a whistle stop tour of the impressive new buildings our pupils together with Year 7 were given an introduction to Science and Nature at P2 from Mr. Backhouse ably assisted by Mr. Odundo and P1 staff. This culminated in the impressive Giants Toothpaste Experiment; to cries of ‘again’.

Afterwards P2 pupils held Q and A session with Year 7 pupils, very ably answering all manner of questions from “How hard do you have to work?” to “Can we really do Kayaking on the Ranch?!” or “What is the best thing about the food?”

Hopefully our eloquent pupil team enjoyed the trip down memory lane.

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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English Faculty ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.’

This academic year was indeed a stage for the English faculty as it navigated the uncharted waters of virtual teaching and blended learning quite successfully.

Undeterred, the faculty has accomplished a lot and is looking forward to a set of excellent results again. Having said goodbye to one of the longest serving members of the faculty, Mrs Di Davidson, the faculty welcomed two new members Mr. Karl Cook and Ms Amy Mackay who reenergised the team and brought new insights into the faculty.

From Shell to U6, pupils have been exposed to a range of Literature genres including Drama, poetry, short stories and the novel. The Shell group started with, ‘The Watsons go to Birmingham’ before analysing poetry and finally working on Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. The LVth started the year studying short stories before exploring poetry and are currently reading Chimamanda’s Purple Hibiscus. Our Candidate classes completed close reading and detailed analysis of the examination texts in the Hilary term and have spent the remaining time honing their examination skills. We do wish them the very best of luck.

Debate Apart from academics, the senior Inter-House Debating competition also started on a high note and saw topics such as: Is it ethical to carry firearms? Is social media responsible for the rising cases of depression to a motion on feminism causing more harm than good being debated with passion and confidence.

There was powerful use of debating rhetoric and floor command with some speakers literally holding the audience spellbound.

Sadly, due to the unusual start to the Trinity term with examinations starting as early as Week 1, the final round of Senior Inter-House debate failed to take place. However, we do look forward to the Juniors taking the stage and show casing their debating skills. The faculty endeavours to give each learner a unique learning experience so that in the words of John Knowles, “Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him.”

Lillian Ayatta Head of Faculty

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Carlo Blunsum has been outstanding in the pool. He represented Kenya in CANA ZONE III swimming championships.

Carlo won three medals; 1 bronze in 100m Backstroke, 1 bronze in medley relay and 1 silver in freestyle relay.

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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The Book Evolution: From Scrolls, Codex, Books to E-Books From news articles to Instagram captions, school emails to text messages – we flip through tons of writing in our daily lives without even realizing it. We read to consume information. But how did this start?

The Scroll

The Codex

The Scroll was the first form of editable record keeping material, used in ancient civilizations. It was a long piece of paperlike material with text written in a series of columns on the inside of the roll.

The Codex was an early form of what we now know as a book. It was handwritten and replaced the scroll as soon as it was invented.

The Book

The E-Book

The invention of printing and publishing saw the birth of the book .

One of humanity’s most important technologies.

Improved technology has brought about the digital book or the e-book. Many people can now read books from the comfort of their gadgets wherever they are.

Whether you prefer a physical book or an e-book, please keep reading!

Hellen Kanyiri Librarian

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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Sedge House Progress Work continues a pace with our boarding house refurbishment and extension. Foundations are in and now we can see the full scope of the new extension.

The old washrooms are stripped bare ready for a full revamp and new furniture is on order.

We can’t wait to welcome Year 7-9 Boarders into Sedge House for the Michaelmas Term.

School Chapel Progress Our stunning new chapel is now almost complete. The beautiful, original, stained glass windows are in and the intricate, wooden parquet floor almost down.

We look forward to welcoming our community to Christian and non-denominational services from next term. The school chapel will provide a place where we can come together to find solace, to think, to reflect and give thanks.

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Ruth Cook Marketing

Trinity Term - May 2021

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Kayaking at Peponi School "Only the ones loving adventure, will understand the world!"

During this Trinity term, the Shell and Lower V pupils have had the opportunity to engage in flat water kayaking at the newly built dam in Northlands Ranch. For most pupils,this has been a totally new experience but one that has been enthralling and exciting nonetheless.

Spending time outdoors whilst interacting with nature for the pupils, has been an enriched experience of bonding and exploring new interests as well as developing new skills.

As we continue to adapt and manage with the new lifestyles following the pandemic, we hope that adventure,discovery and exploration,may once more be part of our lives.

Eric Kanyiri

Extra-Curricular

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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Art and Design Shell Photography By: Beatrice Wakhu - Head of Art

The last few weeks, the Shell pupils have been displaying their amazing photography skills, demonstrating an obvious flair and attention to detail. They were able to apply the Rule of Thirds learnt to capture beautiful images of natural forms and objects.

REEYAN SHAH

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JOSHUA LOMAX 11

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AARYAN KHIMASIA

GRACE MUEMA

Trinity Term - May 2021

DIVA SHAH 12

Trinity Term - May 2021

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Upper Sixth Pupils 2021

For many of you, high school graduation is just the next step in your education. You’re headed to a university, or to a college to the daunting task of preparing for the career you want to pursue.

The Certificate you receive today is your insurance policy with the premium paid in full by your hard work over the past 13+ years.

Today is a great day. It’s a day to celebrate.

A day you’ve been waiting for since you entered kindergarten those 13+ long years ago.

For some of you, it’s waiting to get out of school and get on with your life. It’s a time when the old childhood rhyme, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks” describes just how you feel.

The value of that policy depends on how much effort you put into your education and what you do with it as you go on. Use it. Take advantage of what it offers. Statistics show that your high school certificate is your passport to higher earnings and protection against tough economic times. It’s not a guarantee, but it will always be a help.

It also represents a public education system that insures that all young people across our nation, even the neediest, have access to the same experiences that have shaped you and me: a first rate education; an exposure to the diverse beliefs and traditions that drive an ever more interdependent and complex world, and a chance to experience the joy of learning.

Take those experiences with you. Keep close to the student and teacher friends you’ve made here at Peponi School. And do well wherever you go and in whatever you do. You’ve earned your passport. Use it well.

You have honestly left a great impact in our community during these difficult times. Congratulations again to each of you and may you all succeed in the years ahead.

David Kimani

Head of Sixth Form

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Trinity Term - May 2021

Top 3 (2021-2022) Head of School - Joel Ouya Head Boy - Kian Patel Head Girl -Niah Shah

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Trinity Term - May 2021

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Senior School Council Appointments The Headmaster would like to congratulate the following on their appointment to the School Council.

Heads of Houses

Senior Council

Magadi

Matthew Namisano

Javier Marshall

Elementaita

Tendhai Kamahoro

Ria Patel

Chala

Arnav Channa

Niah Shah

Jipe

Maya Oluoch-Olunya

Shrey Haria Joel Ouya

House Captains

Anaay Vora

Magadi

Alvin Katirima

Kian Patel

Elementaita

Isabella Tilstone - Davies

Ariana Mehta

Chala

Peter Marshall

Mika Anderson

Jipe

Nyakio Koome

Bernard Odadi Pascha Hulsmann Alex Karanja

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Recipe from Chef Silvester

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Beetroot With Fresh Mint For adding a splash of colour to a cold spread, this ruby red salad is hard to beat. The simple mint and balsamic dressing really brings out the earthly flavour of beetroot.

Ingredients (Serves Four) 4-6 raw beetroot (beets) 5-10ml/1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Juice of ½ lemon 30ml/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 bunch fresh mint, leaves stripped and thinly sliced salt

Method Trim off the tops of the leafy stalks down to about 2.5cm/1in of the beetroot. Wash the beetroot but do not peel. Cook in boiling water for 1-2 hours, depending on the size: small ones will be tender after about 1 hour.

Drain the beetroot, then cool and peel. Slice or cut into even dice with a sharp knife.

Put the cooked beetroot in a bowl. Add the sugar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt and toss together to combine.

Add half the thinly sliced fresh mint to the salad and toss lightly until well combined.

Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour. Serve garnished with the remaining thinly sliced mint leaves.

Trinity Term - May 2021

Upper VI Prize Giving Day Gallery

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Trinity Term - May 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 P.O. Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 193; +(254) 0722 287 248