The Weekly Peponi Post 23rd June 2020

23 June 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

The Weekly Peponi School

The Great Wall of China

History and Cultural International Trips

Former Pupil Kush Parmar ... Page 3

China 2019 ... Page 7

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Classic Margherita Pizza ... Page 13

23 June 2020

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Thank You For The Music Throughout this term, and without the opportunity to come together in the Music Block and rehearse as we would normally do, I’m delighted to see the number of pupils that have been musically active in their own homes.

For a start, a good number of our pupils have contributed to the Musicbeatscovid initiative organised

by Rhea and Neha Shah (mentioned in a previous issue of Peponi Post) and there is no doubt that many pupils are taking up their instruments and voices (or new ones!) with great passion and motivation. Some have done it for the joy of playing, others have done it for the joy of sharing. Similarly, all of the Shell pupils have worked together in groups as part of their music project this term.

We would like to thank all those who have uploaded recordings and videos or have sent us their performances. Some pupils have been particularly creative with the various websites, software and apps that are available. We are also hoping that we can put together a number of these performances onto our Youtube channel – the nearest thing to an End of Year Concert we might get!

From my point of view, I would like to thank the following who have been sending in their recordings for various projects that the Music Department has been running throughout this term:

Maya Oluoch-Olunya

Neha Shah

Natalya Mburia

Rani Sumaria

Pranav Sumaria

Niah Shah

Rhea Shah

Ria Patel

Dia Khimasia

Rahul Shah

Ronav Vora

Sioni Doshi

Aarna Malde

Savannah Tawk

Simran Raikundalia

Mr. Laight - Director of Music

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Don't Stop Believing Under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot meet as a choir. What we decided to do is try out singing in our individual corners and then put a song together. As these are 'new waters', we tried singing with a small group of five independent, motivated and inspired singers: Kisakye Kajubi, Maya Oluoch-Olunya, Rayana Oyando, Mercy Kimani and Natalya Mburia. It took the girls about two months to finally come up with a complete product of the song, Don't Stop Believing. What an appropriate title during these uncertain times. Indeed, each of us should not stop believing that things will get better; that we can still love, laugh and enjoy the gift of life.

Well done girls for your hard work and producing such a beautiful song!

Ms. Wambugu

23 June 2020

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Former Pupil - Kush Parmar If anyone had told me at the back end of 2019, that 2020 would pan out the way that it has – I would have laughed and disregarded such a suggestion or thought. Turns out the nonsensical and almost ludicrous thought that a pandemic could cripple the globe is indeed a reality and nothing could have ever prepared us for the impact the current situation has had on us in so many ways. Whilst we have been spending the last couple of months adapting to changes in all manners of life from the way we conduct our businesses to sitting back and reflecting on family life during curfew hours, one thing is certain – we won’t be able to go back to the way that we used to do things. Is this a positive outcome? Definitely. Has it/will it be easy?

No. The curfew, the lock down and the opportunity to stand still has taken me back to life when it was much simpler. It also makes me think back to my time at Peponi. Although cliché to say or refer to them as the “good old days” or the “simpler life” – it rings true. I was younger, liberated and care free, just like a young boy should be - no threat of coronavirus and oblivious to some of the more sinister perils of life. I was able to take the time to enjoy education, sports and other extracurricular activities offered by Peponi and appreciate the hands on and personal pastoral care. It does make you stop and realise how precious those moments were and remain when we now live in a world where detachment and technology are key and remote and electronic learning via Zoom, Google hangouts and Microsoft Teams are the buzzwords. The interactions with our teachers, mentors which most of whom I am still in touch with today are priceless and unforgettable.

I look back at my time at Peponi with nothing but fond memories that I treasure and which will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Hearing today that many students are having to go to great extremes to complete their education including, skipping terms, exams and having to reapply for collages is worrying. I am hoping that whatever the new norm turns out to be when this is all over, that my children and future children to come bask in the same experiences and create the same fond memories and lifelong friendships that I was so lucky to forge during my time at Peponi.

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23 June 2020

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Peponi Mathematics Challenge Champion This term, I have been posing a weekly mathematics challenges that are aimed at the gifted and talented in Shell and the Lower V. None of the problems have required knowledge beyond the IGCSE syllabus but all needed imagination, perseverance and lateral thinking. I have been enormously encouraged by the enthusiasm and ability shown by those that have entered the competition and would urge all those that have shied away from it to reconsider. Problem solving skills need to be nurtured and once developed, are invaluable.

This term’s clear winner was Ryan Gontier. He saw off several older rivals from the Lower V with a series of impressive submissions to a variety of unusual problems and he is a well-deserved Trinity 2020 Champion. I am expecting his competitors to stage a strong fight back next term.

To whet the appetite of the interested and as a measure of Ryan’s achievement, the final challenge of the term and its solution are reproduced below. No complicated mathematics is needed; just some thought, creativity and, as Ryan did, some research.

Pizza Problem No. 1 Shay had been looking forward to settling down in front of the cricket with his extra hot, pepperoni pizza. Foolishly though, he had left it out on the kitchen work surface and Jalapeno, the dog, had taken some bites out of it. After thoroughly inspecting the damage, Shay decided that if he cut away a couple of pieces from the side as shown above, what was left (shaded red), would be safe to eat. As he cut, he became suspicious.

He had ordered a 12” pizza from Pizzageddon and this one looked a bit smaller than that. Was Shay correct, had he been short-changed and what, exactly, was the diameter of the pizza that had been delivered?

Solution: The easiest way to solve this starts with drawing in some lines. Extend BF to D on the circumference and likewise CF down to E. Then draw in the perpendicular from A to CE so that ABFG forms a rectangle. Lastly, add in AD.

FG = BA = 5in and, by symmetry, GE = 3in Using the intersecting chord theorem, FD × BF = CF × FE

FD × 6 = 3 × 8 FD = 4in ABD is a right-angled triangle and, if AD is subtending a right-angle at the circumference, AD must be a diameter of the circle.

Using Pythagoras’ Theorem, AD 2 = AB 2 + BD 2 = 52 + 102 = 125 AD = 125 = 5 5 Thus, the exact diameter of the pizza is and Shay had indeed been short-changed by Pizzageddon.

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Mr. Pallister - Mathematics

23 June 2020

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Headache A headache is a painful sensation in any part of the head. It ranges from a sharp pain which can at times be described as pounding and throbbing to a dull ache in the head. It is one of the most common medical ailment experienced by people of all ages. The W.H.O reports that almost half of all adults worldwide will experience headache in any given year.

Causes or Triggers Most headaches are triggered by lifestyle or environmental factors e.g. Stress, lack of sleep, alcohol induced hangover, poor posture, skipped meals, dehydration, vaping especially with nicotine etc. This type of headache is referred to as Primary Headache.

Other headaches can be caused by underlying medical conditions e.g. migraine, colds, sinusitis, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, brain tumors, bleeding in or around the brain etc. This type of headache is referred as secondary headache.

Types of headaches Tension headaches (Stress Headache) This is the most common cause of primary headache. It begins slowly and progressively intensifies. Some patients may describe it as a constant dull ache on both side of the head or a feeling of a tight band around the head. Others can describe it as a pain that starts at the back of the head or neck and spreads to the whole head. This type of headache can be either episodic or chronic. This headache results from a demanding situation which could be physical or psychological or a combination of both.

Migraine Headache This is a headache of varying intensity often accompanied by nausea and vomiting with sensitivity to light and sound. Other signs and symptoms include blurred vision, light headedness and sensory disturbances known as auras. Some patients report seeing dots or flushing lights just before the headache kicks in. Pain from a migraine headache is often described as throbbing and pulsating. Migraine can last from a few hours to 3 or sometimes 5 days. Migraine attacks may run in families and women are more prone.

Rebound Headache/medication overuse headache It is caused by an overuse of pain medication to treat the headache symptoms and is the most common type of secondary headache. Symptoms experienced by the patient include neck pain, restlessness, a feeling of nasal congestion and reduced sleep quality.

Cluster Headaches This headache usually lasts from a few minutes to 3 hours. It can occur suddenly and reoccur several times in a day on and off for several weeks and sometimes months. The pain caused by cluster headache is one sided, severe and often described as sharp or burning. It is typically located in or around the eye. The affected side may become red and swollen, the eyelid may droop and the nasal passage on the affected side may become stuffy and swollen.

Thunderclap Headaches This is often secondary to life threatening conditions such as intracerebral hemorrhage. People who experience this sudden severe headache should seek medical evaluation immediately.

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23 June 2020

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Treatment Management and treatment of headache depends on the diagnoses, symptoms and the type of headache. Most headaches do not require medication.

Always keep a headache diary noting when the headache occurs, symptoms experienced and potential triggers e.g. foods, stress or lack of sleep.

Take Control Almost everyone gets a headache and most are nothing to worry about. However, if the headache is disrupting your activities, work or personal life then it is time to see the doctor.

Headaches cannot always be prevented but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms.

What to do • Drink plenty of water.

• Get plenty of rest if you have a cold or flu.

• Try to relax. Stress can make headaches worse.

• Exercise regularly if not daily.

Don’ts • Do not drink alcohol.

• Do not skip meals even if you don’t feel like eating anything.

• Do not strain your eyes for long e.g. looking at a screen for a long time.

When to see a doctor Recognise the following emergency symptoms and seek medical attention Immediately.

• A headache that is severe and comes on suddenly.

• A headache after head injury or following a fall.

• If you have a fever, stiff neck, feels confused, is drowsy, experiences weakness, have difficulty speaking or has double vision, has trouble walking, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body.

• A headache that gets worse despite treatment.

From the Nurses Desk

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23 June 2020

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History and Cultural International Trips China 2019 The last two editions of the Peponi Posts featured some of our nostalgic experiences across international borders to European destinations all in the quest to discover, learn and appreciate some of the peculiar and important historical events that have dawn the world in the recent and the past centuries.

As in the previous trips, China as our 2019 Chosen destination was equally amazing and resoundingly successful. Despite teething difficulties in getting visas from the Chinese chancery offices during our planning and preparation stages, the aim of this trip was encrypted on the idea of demystifying communist ideology as a crude system of governance perhaps, by unearthing the silver linings of it. Taking out teaching and learning from the normal classroom walls, the world of communist ideology enabled our pupils to interact and enrich their historical knowledge from a diverse group of people through site visits to some of the UNESCO’s World Heritage locations in the China.

On our third day, a visit to Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City did not disappoint. The City so named because access to the area was barred to most of the subjects of the realm. Government functionaries and even the imperial family were permitted only limited access while, the emperor alone could enter any section at will. The 178-acre (72-hectare) compound was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 in recognition of its importance as the centre of Chinese power for five centuries, as well as for its unparalleled architecture and its current role as the Palace Museum of dynastic art and history.

Our next pit stop took us to Shaanxi province in the north central China to the greatest archaeological findings of the 20th century. Countless number of shattered life-size terracotta figures buried five metres below the surface and stumbled upon by a farmer was a sight to reckon with. The army of life-size terra cotta soldiers, archers, horses and chariots was stationed in military formation near Emperor Qin’s tomb in order to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The painstaking restoration of the figures - many of which were apparently vandalized soon after the emperor’s death revealed that they were created using molds and an early assembly-line-type construction. Though most of their hands are identical, and only eight molds were used to shape their heads, distinctive surface features were added with clay after assembly. As a result, each terra cotta soldier appears to be unique in its facial features, revealing a high level of craftsmanship and artistry fascinated the group.

Our first activity was a hike to the Great Wall of China. Apart from student’s getting mesmerised by ancient series of walls and fortifications built around 500 years ago, the experience of ascending through the 3-hour hike for 4-6 kilometers, approximately 5,000 steps to the highest peak of the wall proved to be a daunting task to many. Despite the draining climb, it was emotional to find out that the majestic Great Wall was built with not only wisdom and dedication, but also blood, sweat, and tears.

Families were separated, many workers died and their remains interred as part of the Great Wall itself.

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23 June 2020

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At the peak of our tour, a one on one encounter with Pandas at the Chengdu Conservation and Research Centre planted long lasting memories in our minds. The Base was created on behalf of six sick and hungry giant pandas that were rescued in the 1980s. A visit to the nursery and learning about a highly successful breeding program, in addition to a stroll through the bamboo groves in shady walkways, did not only leave us in awe, but also broaden our knowledge on the benefits of science and technology in environmental and wildlife conservation.

To cement our students’ experience, four days of navigational tour along the Yangtze River through some of the preserved Chinese historical treasures such as the White Emperor City and the Shi Baozhai Pagoda was more than enough to make them yearn for more similar tours.

Apart from its impressive site, it is a fantastic accomplishment by the Chinese government with the sophisticated ship lock mechanism that allows ships to travel through the dam giving visitors an inside look at how the dam works, making it a miraculous craftsmanship of Chinese engineering.

Interestingly, the Yangtze cruise ended with a detailed tour and sleep over in Wuhan, today’s world epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thanks to our tour guide, we came to know that the White Emperor City gained its name from an official who saw vapor in the shape of a dragon rising from a well. He took this as a good omen and declared himself as the White Emperor and this to be his city. The city is a favored shore excursion site for Yangtze River cruises. Located in Fengjie, Chongqing, it has a series of outstanding cultural and historical relics including a mysterious practise of hanging coffins on steep cliff slopes. In addition to history, we were privileged to learn that many celebrities have paid visits to the White Emperor City and left a large number of praised poems. Therefore, this place is also reputed as “City of Poems”.

It is our hope that, when the old normal returns to the global village, Ms. Nightingale and I (Mr. Ogodo) as historians with a harden nudge that it is our prerogative to expose our students into the international world, engraved in rich historical accounts, we will manage to execute the 4th History and Cultural trip to the south east of Asia. Our preferred destinations being Vietnam and Cambodia in line with our students request from our classroom interactions.

Vietnam was embroiled in a long, costly and divisive conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam with its principal ally USA. The conflict was intensified by the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Opposition to the war in the United States bitterly divided Americans, even after President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973. Communist forces ended the war by seizing control of South Vietnam in 1975, and the country was unified as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam the following year.

As a tradition, the trip wouldn’t be complete without an amazing shopping spree in addition to some adrenalin rush roller coaster rides at the Ocean Park grounds in Hong Kong.

The culmination of the Yangtze River cruise came with a visit to the world marveled geographical engineering-The Three Gorges Dam. Standing at the height of 607 feet above sea level and stretching for 7,661 feet (2,335 miles) long, the construction of the dam begun in 1991. It is made out of concrete and steel.

Mr. Ogodo - Head of Humanities Faculty

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23 June 2020

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Photo Gallery

The Great Wall of China

Pagoda-China

White Emperor City

Shi Baozhai Pagoda

Early morning exercise the Chinese Way Mr. Ogodo - Head of Humanities Faculty

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23 June 2020

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President’s Award - Bronze Congratulations to:

Aarna Malde Adikinyi Oluoch-Olunya Anika Nanda Deron Kajubi Inaaya Khawaja Prisha Haria-Shah Ria Patel Niah Shah Shania Van Sandijk

Ms. Coleman - Director of Activities

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23 June 2020

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Getting Ahead This Holiday Holiday is just around the corner and sure enough everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break. Covid-19 brought a new twist to learning - virtual learning.

Even as learners look forward to the end of another academic year, many are wondering what to do with all the time left in their hands. Travel still remains cancelled so no holidays, no more entertainment/ social places to visit.

People will still remain indoors during holiday, and staying at home will take a little longer. Learners will have to be creative with how they spend their long holiday.

Here are some creative ways of making the best out of a very different holiday

“Vacations mean a change of pace, a gentleness with ourselves, a time of rest and renewal, and a time to stretch ourselves and encounter new people, new lands, new ways, and new options.”

Anne Wilson Schaef

Reflect on the term gone by and plan for the next term Please don’t forget that learning is central to your life!

Take out a sheet of paper and answer these three questions: • What did I do well in the past term?

• What did I not do so well in the past term?

• What will I do differently in the coming term?

This is a good way to help you plan ahead.

Watch educational YouTube videos and documentaries Keep your mind engaged with new ideas.

“A vacation helps to relieve stress and boredom, gives us a change of scenery, provides us with adventure, and helps to bring us closer to the people in our lives.”

Learn a new skill You could learn skills like: • Public speaking • Cooking • Drawing • Self-defense • Negotiation • Listening

E. S. Woods

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• Positive thinking

23 June 2020

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Learn about a country or place you don’t know much about.

The world is a fascinating place filled with fascinating countries and cities.

This school holiday, take some time to learn about the history and culture of a country or place you aren’t familiar with.

Develop healthy habits.

Nathaniel Emmons once said, “Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.”

These are possible habits to develop this school holiday: • Daily reflection • Reading for 15 minutes before bed • Keeping a gratitude journal • Getting on a regular sleep schedule Talk to as many adults as possible about career options.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your future career. Reach out to your relatives, family friends, teachers, and neighbors.

Ask them if they’d be willing to share their experiences and insights.

Hiking and biking at safe parks.

Health experts around the world agree that outside exercise is generally safe during the pandemic if we take steps to protect ourselves and others. Many state and national parks have reopened, at least on a partial basis. If you plan to go for a hike or exploring, go with a small group, stay six feet apart whenever possible, and avoid large crowds.

Enjoy your holiday and take care

Mrs. Kanyiri - School Librarian

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23 June 2020

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Recipe from Chef Silvester Classic Margherita Pizza Serves 2 Bought pizza base mixes are a great store cupboard stand-by.

A Margherita Pizza makes a lovely simple supper, but of course you can add any extra toppings you like. Prosciutto and rocket (arugula) make a great addition – just add them to the pizza after it is cooked.

Ingredients Half a 300g/ 11oz packet pizza base mix 45ml/ 3 tbsp ready-made tomato and basil sauce 150g/ 5oz mozzarella, sliced From the Storecupboard 15ml/ 1 tbsp herb-infused olive oil Salt and ground black pepper

Method

1

Make the pizza base mix according to the instructions on the packet. Brush the base with a little of the olive oil and spread over the tomato and basil sauce, not quite to the edges.

2

Arrange the slices of mozzarella on top of the pizza and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.

Chef Silvester

3

Drizzle the remaining oil on top of the pizza, season with salt and black pepper and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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Peponi School provides an outstanding education for its pupils" – School Inspection Service #HadiUpeoni ...

23 June 2020

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Peponi School Puzzle Sudoku Puzzle - Medium and Hard Difficulty Level Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.

1 8

6

3 6

4

7

5

7 1

8 2

Medium Difficulty Level

2

8 9

7

3

1

7 1

7 1 2

8 4

8

2 3

8

3

4 5

9 8

7 9

Fill in the grid with digitsSudoku in such aPuzzle manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box Medium difficulty accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.

5

2

1

8 9

3 7

Hard Difficulty Level

2

8 1 3 5

6

2

4 3 2

7

4 5 8 4

3 7 5

8 1

4

3

7 Mrs. Winstanley - Registrar

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23 June 2020

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Quotes of the day

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

“Environment is no one’s property to destroy; it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect.”

Mohith Agadi Kobe Bryant

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself.

Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.”

Sri Chinmoy

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23 June 2020

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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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