The Weekly Peponi Post 17 November 2020

17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

The Weekly Peponi School

Headmaster’s Address It was not long ago when I decided to invest in a form of Artificial Intelligence and the rather knowledgeable and apparently organised young lady called Alexa entered my home and my life.

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Former Peponi Pupil

Brij Shah

Hey everyone! My name is Brij, a 2019 graduate of Peponi.

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Recipe from Chef Silvester Roasted Pepper & Tomato Salad Page... 10

Bidii Hulipa Peponi School Orienteering Challenge Having completed their phased return to Peponi School, our first year pupils (Shell) and second year pupils (Lower V) undertook an Orienteering Challenge during week 10A.

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Tasha Ndonga

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Peponi School

Peponi School Information Webinar Saturday, 28th November 2020 10am (EAT) Peponi School is one of the leading international schools in Kenya that offers day, weekly and full boarding options. To learn more about Peponi, join us at the webinar by using the link below: www.peponischool.org/school/explore/informationwebinar

Mark Durston Headmaster

Sylvia Meruh Director of Teaching & Learning

Karl Cook Director of Boarding & Extra-Curricular

Marc-Antony Eysele Director of Sport

Tel: +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248 | Email: info@peponischool.org | Website: www.peponischool.org

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17 November 2020

Headmaster’s Address

It was not long ago when I decided to invest in a form of Artificial Intelligence and the rather knowledgeable and apparently organised young lady called Alexa entered my home and my life.

Alexa may be a relatively new addition to the widening selection of AI in our lives but, as becoming a product of an algorithmic targeted attention by an ever increasing number of companies, it is not as new. Every time we log onto a website, use our phones, buy something over the internet, our activity is logged – assessed – and from then our patterns of behaviour are watched and reacted to. We build up what can be termed an algorithmic pattern. Somebody interested in a certain music type, a particular product or a fashion style will begin to find that regular advertisements for their areas of interest and will soon be littering their computers and social media feeds. This intelligence – found as close to us as in our pockets - challenges our identities and sells us myths of beauty and perfection, often leaving us feeling defective and dejected as everyone else seems to be living their best life, without us. Even – I am told – when not accepting cookies - we feel we can mount little resistance to the march of technology’s eventual takeover.

http://www.peponischool.org In 1984, James Cameron’s film ‘The Terminator’ was released in the US. The film considered how a big data computer system called Skynet became sentient – gained perception, feeling and was responsive - in other wards it gained consciousness. Skynet then triggered a nuclear holocaust and destroyed the world leaving only a very small population of humans who collaboratively become a resistance. Over the decades that followed the nuclear war, the increasingly powerful Skynet’s A.I. system produced cyborgs called Terminators to battle this human resistance which had arisen to combat the digital threat. The science fiction story goes on and the attempt to kill the mother of one of the leaders of the resistance before he was born , the story line skips back to our time and the now famous Arnold Schwarzenegger character – the Terminator – takes on battle with another time traveling character – one protecting the mother the other trying to kill her. The film’s story line is perhaps implausible and it is very much science fiction but perhaps it does have a realistic message for us.

Today, algorithms and big data constantly target our personal attention, impact our lives and threaten our sense of identity and those we know.

The international interference of other countries’ elections is not science fiction and I don’t think that they are that fanciful. Our faces are being pictured in most major cities in the world, our movements tracked and our habits recorded.

Whilst these technologies have been designed to help us and possibly protect us, there is obvious concern regarding the miss use of the data gathered. Governments across the world are trying to safe guard us by developing laws to regulate the use of this data – which sounds great until the government itself begins to use it against its own population – or us.

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org There is a great deal that our development of technology can support and help us to improve the world in which we live, however, there is much that can encourage our concerns. My message is simple – whilst we cannot hide from these advances in technology and we should embrace them and use them to support a common good, it is important that we all take an independent and responsible view of what we are trying to achieve. Social media allows us to remain in contact with friends and family but if we use it for harm, to make others feel poor about themselves or to negatively influence others then surely we are getting it wrong and we should not need anybody to tell us that or have the need for somebody else to correct us. We should be using algorithms to enrich our identity and enable all members of our community to be treasured.

Technology should be used to connect ourselves together and to build a world where we live in harmony without fear or trepidation.

Prayers Lord, I am so often overtaken by machines, and I feel trapped by technology.

My older skills are waning: I telephone instead of writing letters, I use spotify or Amazon instead of opening the lid of the piano, I drive to the shops in a sealed box well out of reach of my neighbours. And sometimes I feel controlled by what I should be controlling.

Help me to find life again, enhanced and not eroded by these technical aids. Help me to take control, at least in my heart, and put them in their place. I do know that it is really a useful, impressive place: a place worthy of products of the highest human ingenuity. But I know too that it is a place where they are subordinate to human needs and human cares.

Help me, Lord, to rejoice at the machines, and to be hopeful about the future benefits they can bring.

May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you.

Mark Durston Headmaster

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Former Peponi Pupil Brij Shah Hey everyone! My name is Brij, a 2019 graduate of Peponi. During my time here I was quite involved with music as an extra-curricular activity. I’m now studying at the University of Warwick and I’m here to tell you a bit about my experiences there.

Since joining the university of Warwick, I have tried to take advantage of every opportunity available. Because music is a huge passion of mine, I simply had to get involved in the endless opportunities the University offers. Last year I joined the Warwick Big Band and the Warwick Wind Orchestra.

The Warwick Big Band is, believe it or not, literally a big band. We’re about 30 students of mostly percussion instruments and saxophones and play all sorts of music from jazz to modern. Some pieces you may recognise include Sir Duke, Birdland and Isn’t She Lovely. There is also a small section of the band dedicated to improvising and everyone is encouraged to take part to further improve their skills. The best part of the band is performing in gigs. Last year, before Coronavirus was a thing, we played at the University Open Day, several pubs, and even at a club!

It’s really fun and no one cares whether you’ve been playing since yesterday or for 10 years, as long as you’re enjoying and playing!

The Wind Orchestra is slightly different in that its much bigger (around 100 people), more formal, there’s a clear structure to the way we do things, only wind instruments are involved and we play classical pieces, namely Concertos and Symphonies. I like classical music, so this was a perfect place to engage with the classical music I developed an appreciation for whilst doing A Level music. Instead of gigs, we play at concerts and the Orchestra’s most notable achievement was being awarded a ‘Platinum Status’, the highest possible, at the National Concert Band Festival. This is a competition that wind and jazz bands across the UK compete in and is great fun!

It goes without saying, because of the virus many events have had to be cancelled. This term a musical was due to be held and more gigs had been lined up, including a tour to Prague. It’s extremely sad these couldn’t go on, and with a national lockdown in the UK, playing alone does eventually get boring! There has been encouraging news in the past week about a potential vaccine, but until then we’re waiting until we can play again in the newly refurbished University auditorium.

The photo beside this article was taken at the Young Musicians Competition. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the marvellous guidance from Mr. Laight, and I’d like to take this opportunity to show my gratitude.

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Peponi School Orienteering Challenge

Having completed their phased return to Peponi School, our first year pupils (Shell) and second year pupils (Lower V) undertook an Orienteering Challenge during week 10A. The challenge involved navigating through the school campus searching for various points and solving mind-boggling riddles within a limited time limit of 50 minutes.

The challenge was held to identify the level of navigation skills among the students and prepare them for their forthcoming Duke of Edinburgh expedition which we are hoping can be completed over the course of this academic year. The challenge, created and overseen by Eric Kanyiri, our Outdoor Pursuits specialist, provided the pupils with an opportunity to learn and improve on their map reading skills, teamwork, leadership and riddle solving competence. Of course, it also provided an opportunity for the pupils to get to know the layout and boundaries of our glorious grounds. I was an afternoon of fun and learning.

Challenge Examples of riddles.

Riddle: What has one eye, but can’t see?

Riddle: What has one head, one foot and four legs?

Riddle: What can you catch, but not throw?

Riddle: What building has the most stories?

Riddle: What tastes better than it smells?

Riddle: What has 13 hearts, but no other organs?

Karl Cook Director of Extra-Curricular & Boarding

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17 November 2020

Bidii Hulipa Tasha Ndonga

http://www.peponischool.org

Pupils Comments Regarding The Obstacle Course Experiencing these new activities enhanced my skills and broadened my interest in physical activities. The sessions helped our year group strengthen our bond and encouraged and motivated us to work hard and together. – Rayana (U6)

Juhudi alizaliwa katika familia maskini hohehahe wasiokuwa na lao. Hakuna siku isingepita hawajalalia mate. Mama yake alikuwa muuguzi katika zahanati fukaraka fukarike yaliyokuwa chafu sana hata panya wasingeingia huko. Pesa aliyopata ilikuwa chache sana hata isingelipa karo ya shule ya Juhudi na dada yake. Juhudi alifuuzwa shuleni mara kwa mara, ingawa alikuwa mwanagenzi aliyekuwa mwenye akili mwepesi.

Hata kama haikuwa sharti kusoma, Juhudi alikuwa na bidii za mchwa aliyajenga kichuguu na mate.

Vitabu vyake vilianza kuwa rafiki wake kwa kuwa alikuwa na ndoto ya kuwa daktari katika hospitali kubwa na kupata fedheha angetumia kusaidia familia yake. Kwa sababu ya hio, Juhudi aliendelea kusoma na kufanya marudio na marafiki wake, vitabu. Wakati mama alipopata fedheha ya kutosha ya kulipa karo, Juhudi alifanya kazi ya ziada aliyopea walimu wake na wakati wa darasa, aliuliza pahali hakuwa ameelewa. Miezi ilipita na mtihani wa KCPE ukafika. Watu waliokuwa wamesoma kwa jitihada, walikaa starehe wasipo na wasiwasi wa mwasi; lakini waliocheza na masomo walikuwa wakilia kwikwikwi na kupiga dua kwa Mungu waliosahau wakati wa darasa la nane. Matokeo ya mtihani yalipofika, Juhudi aliongoza na alama ya kugugumia mate na ya kuhisi wivu. Ndoto yake ya kuwa daktari ilikuwa karibu; lakini kikwazo kingine kilionekana,…karo ya shule ya upili. Ilikuwa kama Mungu alikuwa anamsikiliza, Juhudi na alama zake maridadi, kwani alipata mfadhili aliyeweza kumlipia karo.

Furaha ilikuwa hisia ya kawaida na Juhudi hakuwa na fikira ya kupumzika shuleni ya upili. Kwa kweli, achanikaye kwenya mpini hafi njaa.

The obstacle course and cycling being introduced as a new activity was very enjoyable for me as it gave me a chance to do something exciting off the sports field. – Ashley I really enjoyed the team work aspect of the course as my partner and I had to motivate each other and it helped our bond to grow – Tim Coming back to school and taking part in the obstacle course has helped me and my Year to bond and come closer during this harsh COVID-19 period whilst also showing me that in terms of my fitness, I have a long way to go before I get back to the level of fitness that I was before the pandemic.

The biking was so amazing, looking forward to doing it again – Grace (Shell) I really enjoyed a good challenge with friends after being inactive for quite some time – Netania (Shell) It challenged me in a positive and fun way. I would definitely continue given an opportunity in the future. – Diya (U6) Experiencing the obstacle course was an enjoyable experience. However, it also taught me that my physical fitness needs to be improved after such a challenging yet enjoyable experience – Kiaran (U6) We all had so much fun bonding as a Year group – Izzy (L6)

Eric Kanyiri

Extra-Curricular

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

WILD PEPONI

Scarlet-chested sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) The scarlet-chested sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.

Robin Backhouse Teacher of Biology

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Shay Shah

Message from the Head Boy Shay Shah Dear Peponi family, Let me welcome you all back! As challenging as the return may feel for all of us, it is heartwarming to see first-hand the measures and precautions in place at School to ensure the safety of staff and pupils alike, from Shell to UVIth: our vibrant atmosphere within the community has been restored! The ‘new normal’ it may be but with physical learning, sport and exercise, and Boarding House activity all taking place, the Peponi spirit resonates bringing us all together once again. Hadi Upeoni.

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17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Recipe from Chef Silvester

Roasted Pepper & Tomato Salad A lovely, colourful dish that is designed to be eaten at room temperature. It is delicious with salamis and savoury flans

Ingredients (Serves Four) 3 red (bell) peppers 6 large plum tomatoes 2.5ml/ ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes 1 red onion, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped Grated(shredded) rind and juice of 1 lemon

Method Preheat the oven to 2200C/4250F/Gas 7. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until the skins are almost blackened. Add the tomatoes to the baking sheet and bake for a further 5 minutes.

Place the peppers in a strong polythene bag, close the top loosely, trapping in the steam. Set aside, with the tomatoes, until cool enough to handle.

Carefully remove the skins from the peppers. Remove the core and seeds, then chop the peppers and tomatoes roughly and place in a mixing bowl.

45ml/3 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Add the chilli flakes, onion, garlic and lemon rind and juice.

Sprinkle over the parsley. Mix and transfer to a serving dish.

30ml/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper, drizzle over the olive oil and scatter the olives and extra parsley over the top.

Serve at room temperature.

Salt and ground black pepper Black and green olives and extra chopped flat leaf parsley, to garnish

Chef Silvester

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Peponi School Scholarships Peponi School welcomes applications for scholarships and exhibitions at 13+ entry. There are a number of awards available in a wide range of pupil activity. The aim is to reward and encourage pupils to excel and to strive for the very best in their endeavours.

Award Categories Academic Specialist All-Rounder Awards.

To apply, visit our website www.peponischool.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE

11th December 2020 For more information, contact our Registrar Hannah Winstanley Tel: +254 (0) 794 586733 | Email: registrar@peponischool.org

Please return to registrar@peponischool.org Deadline – Friday 11th December 2020 Please note – a full Peponi School application form is required before applying for the Peponi School Scholarships.

17 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

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

Peponi School PO Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248