Trinity Term 2026 Peponi Post

www.peponischool.org

PEPONI POST Trinity Term / July 2026

Top 3 2026-2027 ( Left - Right : Head of School - Baraka Kahugu (Magadi); Head Girl - Dorcas Kiundi (Jipe); Head Boy - Dhruv Sumaria (Chala) )

Headmaster’s Introduction As we reach the end of another term, it is impossible not to reflect on what has been a particularly challenging few months for our school community. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who suffered such devastating loss at the beginning of term.

Their grief has been felt by us all, and the events of those days have remained close to our hearts throughout the term.

Mark Durston

Headmaster

Yet, in the midst of adversity, the strength of the Peponi community has shone through.

The compassion, kindness and support shown by pupils, parents and staff alike have been deeply moving and a reminder of the extraordinary community of which we are all a part.

This term also marks the departure of several long-serving members of Common Room.

Their dedication, loyalty and service over many years have made an immeasurable contribution to the life of the school. They leave with our sincere thanks and every good wish for a happy retirement and future endeavours. They will always be remembered with great affection and gratitude by the Peponi community.

As always, this newsletter captures only a small part of a busy and eventful term, and I hope it serves as a reminder of all that has been achieved together, even during the most difficult of times.

Our examination candidates have continued with determination and resilience, and we wish them every success as they complete their examinations and, for many, prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives at university and beyond.

02.

Over a hundred years ago, Taita Taveta County was the epicentre of the First World War in East Africa

03.

Shell History Trip to Taita Hills:

Walking Through the “Forgotten Front” After months of planning, the Shell pupils embarked on an unforgettable journey to Taita Taveta, exploring the often-overlooked “Forgotten Front” of the First World War in East Africa.

The region witnessed the opening engagements of the war in August 1914 and became a major conflict zone between British forces in Kenya and German troops in Tanganyika. The campaign left a lasting legacy of sacrifice, hardship, and resilience—stories the pupils would uncover throughout their trip.

The Journey Begins The adventure began at Nairobi’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminal, where the group boarded the first-class coaches for a five-and-a-half-hour journey to Voi. On arrival, school buses were waiting to begin their exploration of Taita Taveta’s historic landscapes.

Voi War Memorial Cemetery: A Quiet Lesson in Sacrifice The first stop was Voi War Memorial Cemetery, where guide and caretaker Antony shared insights into the site’s significance. The cemetery honours soldiers from Britain, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand who served during the war.

Seeing the graves of young individuals, including one as young as seven years old, brought a powerful sense of reflection and highlighted the human cost of conflict.

Hills Resort & Spa. Through artefacts, displays, and fieldwork booklets, pupils engaged actively with the history of the East African campaign. The lodge’s beautiful surroundings provided the perfect setting for both learning and relaxation.

Day Two: Walking Through History Day two focused on exploring key wartime sites across Taita Taveta.

The group visited Salaita Hill, the site of a major 1916 battle where German forces temporarily gained strategic control of parts of Taveta. A short hike to the summit allowed pupils to connect the landscape with the events that unfolded there.

The journey continued to the legendary “Sniper’s Baobab”, where pupils explored wartime folklore surrounding a woman said to have used the hollow tree as a hiding place. The story added a personal dimension to the history of the conflict.

Further visits included Piquet Hill, the Indian War Cemetery in Maktau, and Mashoti Fort, where remnants of trenches and memorials to the King’s African Rifles remain. The day ended with pupils returning to the hotel enriched by the experience of “walking the battlefield”.

Taita Hills: Learning Beyond the Classroom The group travelled to Taita Hills Safari Lodge, their base for accommodation and learning activities. A presentation by guide Mr. Donart Mwakio introduced pupils to the “Forgotten Front”, followed by a treasure hunt at the World War I Museum at Taita

04.

Day Three: Nature, History, and Reflection The final day began with a game drive through Tsavo West National Park, where pupils observed elephants, giraffes, kudus, and diverse birdlife.

The final stops were the Shetani Lava Flows, where pupils witnessed the dramatic effects of volcanic activity and enjoyed their packed lunches before returning for dinner at Salt Lick Lodge.

At Mzima Springs, they explored the underwater viewing chamber while learning about the site’s wartime importance as a strategic water source.

The group then hiked Chaani volcanic cone, navigating challenging lava terrain before reaching the summit for breathtaking views.

The descent brought laughter and memorable moments as pupils slid down the slopes.

A Journey to Remember The trip demonstrated the power of learning beyond the classroom. Through history, nature, and exploration, pupils developed a deeper understanding of the past and the connections between culture, environment, and human experiences.

It was an unforgettable journey for both pupils and teachers.

Jimmy Ogodo

Dean of Studies, Teacher of History

05.

Geography Expedition to Mombasa "The best geography lessons are not always found in textbooks.

Sometimes they are found on a bustling city street, a coral reef beneath the waves, a restored quarry, or even in a queue for pancakes at 4 o'clock in the afternoon."

Geography Beyond the Classroom The Lower 5th (Year 10) Geography expedition to Mombasa provided pupils with an opportunity to experience geography beyond textbooks. Through fieldwork linked to Changing Ecosystems, Changing Towns and Cities, Changing Economies, and Changing Coastal Environments, pupils explored the relationship between people, places, and the environment.

From Nairobi to the Coast After months of planning, 47 pupils and five teachers travelled from Nairobi to Mombasa for a four-night experiential learning journey. Voyager Beach Resort provided a welcoming base as pupils prepared to investigate the coast through practical geographical enquiry.

Turning Mombasa into a Geography Classroom Pupils began their fieldwork in Mombasa’s Central Business District, carrying out environmental quality surveys, traffic and pedestrian counts, land-use mapping, and questionnaires with local residents and business owners. The experience developed confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of urban geography.

strengthened examination skills.

Exploring Marine Ecosystems A visit to Mombasa Marine Park allowed pupils to observe coral reefs and marine biodiversity first-hand. Through snorkelling and boat-based exploration, they discovered how coral reefs support ecosystems and protect coastlines by reducing wave energy and limiting erosion.

A Lesson in Environmental Restoration The final visit to Haller Park demonstrated the power of environmental restoration.

Pupils explored how a former limestone quarry had been transformed into a thriving ecosystem through careful management and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of sustainable environmental practices.

More Than Just Geography The expedition strengthened pupils’ fieldwork abilities, confidence, and understanding of geographical concepts.

Beyond academic learning, pupils developed friendships and memories that will last long after their fieldwork booklets are completed. Geography truly came to life along Kenya’s coastline.

Measuring Coastal Processes Pupils investigated coastal processes through practical fieldwork on the beaches near Voyager Beach Resort. Using equipment including clinometers, ranging poles, tape measures, stopwatches, and quadrats, they measured beach gradients, wave frequency, pebble characteristics, and longshore drift. These activities brought classroom concepts to life and

06.

History & Cultural Trip 2026

South Korea & Japan Pupils from across Peponi recently embarked on an unforgettable educational journey through South Korea and Japan, exploring some of East Asia’s most significant historical sites, cultural landmarks and modern achievements.

The trip provided pupils with the opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom, developing a deeper understanding of different cultures, traditions and global perspectives. From the divided Korean Peninsula to the ancient temples of Kyoto and the bustling streets of Tokyo, every stage of the journey offered new opportunities for learning and reflection.

Exploring Korea: Conflict, Culture and Heritage The adventure began in South Korea with a visit to the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders. Established following the Korean War, the DMZ remains a powerful symbol of division, conflict and the ongoing hope for peace.

Pupils visited the Peace Memorial area, explored the Third Tunnel, and viewed the border between North and South Korea from an observation point. The experience encouraged thoughtful reflection on modern history and the impact that political events can have on people and nations.

The group also explored Korea’s rich cultural heritage through a visit to a traditional Korean village, where pupils learned about historic architecture, family life and social structures.

The reconstructed buildings provided insight into how people lived across different periods of Korean history, from royal households to ordinary families.

Further exploration of Korea’s past continued at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the principal royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Pupils experienced the beauty of traditional Korean design, witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony and gained a greater appreciation for Korea’s royal traditions.

The group also visited a former prison site connected to the Japanese occupation of Korea. This moving visit highlighted the experiences of independence activists and political prisoners, encouraging pupils to consider themes of resilience, identity and the human impact of historical events.

Japan: A Journey Through History and Innovation

recreation during an intensive educational programme.

After travelling to Japan aboard the famous Shinkansen bullet train, pupils experienced one of the world’s most efficient transport systems while travelling through Japan’s varied landscapes, from densely populated cities to peaceful rural communities.

Kyoto: Spirituality, Tradition and Reflection In Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart, pupils explored some of the country’s most important religious and historical sites.

The group visited Osaka Castle, learning about the life and legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Japan’s journey towards unification. Through historical artefacts, armour and exhibitions, pupils gained insight into Japan’s political and military history.

The trip also included a visit to Universal Studios Japan, where pupils enjoyed a day of shared experiences, teamwork and adventure. The visit provided a welcome balance between cultural learning and

Visits to Nishi Hongan-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji introduced pupils to Buddhist traditions, architecture and the importance of spirituality in Japanese culture. The scale, craftsmanship and tranquillity of these historic temples provided a memorable insight into Japan’s artistic and religious heritage.

At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, pupils explored Japan’s Imperial history and discovered how tradition and continuity have shaped the country over centuries.

Hiroshima: Learning from the Past One of the most significant experiences of the trip was the visit to Hiroshima. Pupils visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, reflecting on the events of 6 August 1945 and the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.

Through personal stories, photographs and preserved artefacts, pupils gained a deeper understanding of the human experiences behind historical events. The visit provided an important opportunity to reflect on the value of peace, reconciliation and learning from the past.

The group also visited Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, experiencing Japan’s Shinto traditions while exploring one of the country’s most beautiful locations.

Experiencing Modern Japan The final stages of the journey took pupils to Tokyo, where they discovered the fascinating contrast between Japan’s ancient traditions and modern achievements.

At Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, pupils experienced traditional customs and explored one of the city’s most historic districts.

The group also visited the Edo-Tokyo Museum, learning how Tokyo developed from a small fishing village into one of the world’s largest cities. Through interactive displays and historical models, pupils explored Japan’s transformation through centuries of social, political and technological change.

The journey concluded with a visit to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic natural landmark. From the Fifth Station, pupils enjoyed breathtaking views across the surrounding landscape and gained an appreciation of the mountain’s cultural and spiritual significance.

An Experience to Remember Throughout the trip, pupils demonstrated curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm. They embraced unfamiliar experiences, engaged respectfully with different cultures and represented Peponi with pride.

The success of the trip was made possible through the dedication of staff, guides and organisers who ensured pupils gained the greatest possible value from every opportunity.

From ancient temples and royal palaces to modern cities and important historical sites, the journey provided lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. The memories created in South Korea and Japan will remain with pupils for years to come, reinforcing the importance of curiosity, cultural understanding and experiencing the wider world.

Jimmy Ogodo

Dean of Studies, Teacher of History

Shell Religious Studies Trip On Wednesday, the 3rd of June, Shell pupils took their Religious Studies learning out of the classroom and into the real world. First on the day's agenda was a visit to the Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. This visit consolidated Shell's fourth and final topic of the year, a study of the development of the Christian Church and an introduction to the major Christian denominations. For most of the pupils, this was their first experience of an Orthodox Church. Pupils asked some insightful questions where they made links with the previous topic on the ethics of war and peace.

After a snack, we proceeded to South C where we visited two Gurdwaras, one modern and then the second, Siri Gurdwara Ramgarhia Railway. Built from 1901 and opened in 1903,

this is the oldest Gurdwara in Africa. Here, pupils were able to hear the Akhand Paath (a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) and have a Q and A session. This reinforced their learning and understanding of Sikhi, which was their first topic in September. Pupils experienced a simple, but delicious meal at the Gurdwara langar which gave them a first-hand experience of the Sewa (service) which is at the heart of Sikhi. In line with values of giving back, many pupils gifted rice or cash to the langar to support their work.

We are very grateful to the leaders of all these places of worship who have once again opened their doors to Shell pupils.

Linda Gray

Teacher of Religious Studies

11.

Forging Leaders

Empowering the Prefects of Tomorrow On 19th June 2026, the pupil leaders travelled to Limuru for a day of intensive growth titled Forging Leaders. Facilitated by Yazua Afrika, this training was a foundational experience designed to shift our prefects' perspective from seeing leadership as a "rank" to understanding it as a purposeful role.

Leadership is not a performance or a mere title; it is a formation of character. For our prefects to effectively serve the school community, they must move beyond simply holding a position and embrace leadership as a calling. This training provided the tools to ensure that when they lead, they do so with intentionality and integrity, preparing them for the responsibilities they carry within our school and in their future lives.

At the heart of the day’s learning was the BUILD Leadership Model, a framework that redefines what it means to be a leader.

A highlight of the day was the Clarity4D profiling, where pupils identified their dominant personality types using four colors. By identifying their own strengths and shadows, the prefects learned how to better collaborate in diverse teams. This self-awareness is crucial for a leadership body that must support a wide variety of pupil needs.

The day concluded with a powerful moment of accountability where they wrote "Letters to Self," which will be returned at the end of the school year to remind them of the promises they made to themselves.

Through this experience, our prefects have not just learned how to lead - they have begun the journey of becoming the kind of leaders the world truly needs.

Michelle Wanjiku School Counsellor

13.

Sports Awards Dinner 2026

Sports Report Boys’ Rugby Boys’ 15s KAISSO Rugby 7s League at Peponi School – Saturday 6th June 2026 At our home Rugby 7s tournament, the boys played BGR twice in the group stage after several teams withdrew late. Despite slow starts in both matches, we showed composure and stuck to our game plan, securing convincing victories in both games to progress to the semi-finals against St Christopher’s.

The semi-final was a challenging encounter, with Peponi trailing 7–0 at halftime. However, the boys produced an outstanding second-half performance, demonstrating determination and belief to overturn the deficit.

Strong support play, disciplined defence, and clinical finishing saw Peponi score five tries while limiting St Christopher’s to just one, earning our place in the final for the fifth consecutive year.

In the final, Peponi faced a well-organised Hillcrest side. The boys battled hard throughout the match but were unable to find a way

through Hillcrest’s defence and curb their snappy attacks through the midfield. Although the game ended in defeat, the team can be proud of an excellent tournament campaign and a well-deserved set of silver medals.

Special mentions to Jason, who was named Peponi’s MVP for his outstanding performance as top try-scorer throughout the tournament. Saveer also deserves recognition for the way he progressed his play from training to competition, showing clear personal growth in his game. Paul made a significant impact with a series of powerful carries that consistently gained valuable ground for the team.

Jonathan and Daniel also contributed greatly, working tirelessly throughout the tournament and playing important roles in earning and retaining the team’s success through the stages.

Written by 15s Rugby Captain, Tyler Van Aswegen (C)

Boys’ 15s KAISSO Rugby 7s League at Braeburn Garden Estate – Saturday 13th June 2026 The U15 boys travelled to BGE for another Rugby 7s tournament on the Saturday following the Peponi 7s, eager to build on the positive momentum.

15.

Our opening match against BGE was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing attacking intent and determination. Peponi competed well throughout and earned a 14–14 draw after BGE – whilst in possession - opted for the draw rather than the win.

The boys then faced Crawford and delivered one of their strongest performances of the season so far. Playing with confidence, intensity, and excellent cohesion, they controlled the match and secured an impressive victory by five tries.

Their attacking play was particularly effective, with playmakers creating and executing space good and backing-up the line breaks throughout the game.

In our final fixture against Turi, the boys were unable to maintain the same level of energy and momentum due to a string of injuries and loss of momentum. Despite moments of genuinely strong play, we struggled to impose our game plan on the opposition and ultimately suffered close defeat at 21-24.

Several players deserve special recognition for their contributions. Jonathan led by example throughout the tournament, setting high standards through his work rate, commitment, and

attitude on the field. Faisal showed excellent game management, making smart (in)decisions in keeping the team moving forward in key moments. Tapi and Kelsey also stood out for the confidence they displayed against Turi, backing themselves in both attack and defence and making positive contributions whenever they were called upon.

Written by 15s Rugby Captain, Tyler Van Aswegen (C)

Boys’ 15s KAISSO Rugby 7s League Finals at Hillcrest – Saturday 20th June 2026 On 20th June, the boys' U15 rugby team travelled to Hillcrest for the third and final leg of the KAISSO 7s League. The boys entered the competition sitting in second place to Hillcrest on the overall table.

In the opening match, Peponi faced BGR – a team they had already defeated twice at the first leg of the KAISSO 7s series and this meeting was to be no exception where the boys produced another strong performance and secured a comfortable victory to open our campaign.

The second match was against BGE, and for the second time this season, we could not be separated and the game ended a 14-all draw.

Peponi then went on to face Brookhouse in a tense and closely contested match, but the boys showed great composure and determination to come away with the win despite a controversially disallowed try and a sequence of events that put Peponi on the back-foot.

After winning two of our three pool matches, the draw against BGE and less points-scored meant that Peponi narrowly missed out on the Gold Finals, where there was a straight 1st & 2nd and 3rd & 4th Final. The team then played Crawford in the 3rd & 4th playoff and although we genuinely fought hard, we were unable to muster enough spirit to overcome the team that we’ve overcome twice this season, and we finished fourth in the Hillcrest Tournament.

Overall, Peponi end their season in third place in the KAISSO 7s League with 210 points, behind BGE on 240pts and Hillcrest on 300pts. We are genuinely proud of our efforts, and look forward to what will be a strong U17 season for the majority of the squad next year!

Written by 15s Rugby Captain, Tyler Van Aswegen (C)

16.

Girls’ Rugby Girls’ U15s Rugby vs Hillcrest School (A) – Saturday 9th May 2026 Our U15 girls’ rugby team played two quarters of touch and two quarters of semi-contact, marking only Peponi’s second ever girls’ rugby competitive fixture. Although we were unfortunately unable to progress to full contact in the time that we had, the team showed great strength and courage throughout the weeks’ preparation and into the game, giving their best in every match.

It was a fantastic effort from everyone involved, and a special mention goes to Kristianne and Eliana for their excellent performances and for scoring our tries. Overall, it was a strong start and a great achievement for the team.

Written by U15 Captain, Vivian Mukisa (J) Girls’ U15s KAISSO Rugby 7s at Hillcrest School – Saturday 6th June 2026 Our U15 girls’ rugby team participated in a tournament on Saturday, 6th June, where we played five matches and showed great determination and improvement throughout the day.

We started the tournament against Crawford, which we won. The team played well, and Eliana scored an excellent try to help secure the victory.

Our second match was against Premier

17.

Academy where we won thanks to our strong and affronting defence, especially Svetlana’s amazing tackles, which prevented the opposition from scoring. We also managed to score one try and worked well together as a team.

The third match was against Braeside Thika where we unfortunately came just short on the scoreboard, but the team gave their best effort and continued to play with determination. Our fourth match was against Hillcrest – the eventual tournament winners. At this point in the tournament, we were all pretty tired, but continued to work hard and support each other.

Despite our best effort, we lost that match.

The final pool match was against Braeside Lavington. It was a very close game, and we came close to scoring several times – as the game progressed, it was becoming clear that the winner would come down to chance. Though, unfortunately, we were unable to take our chances and would finish our first rugby tournament 4th in the pool!

There were many positives to take from the tournament; as a team, we have greatly improved our tackling, passing, teamwork, and overall cooperation. A special thank you goes to Coach Paul, who trains us and helps us improve every week, and Coach Dun, who accompanied us to the tournament and supported us throughout the day!

Written by U15 captain, Vivian Mukisa (J)

Colours TEAM

AWARDEES Junior Colours

BOYS’ RUGBY

-

Paul Richards

-

Daniel Nalima

-

Jonathan Mutesesira

-

Jason Kahugu

-

Tyler Van Aswegen

-

Faisal Noor

Commendations -

Marc Lomax – performance in rugby

-

Javan Tutu – performance in rugby

-

Saveer Bij – progress in rugby

-

Maks Povey – progress in rugby

Junior Colours -

Vivian Mukisa

Commendations GIRLS’ RUGBY

-

Chanel McKenzie

-

Gianna Ochieng

-

Amanda Manduku

-

Eliana Otieno

-

Kristianne Oganga

Junior Colours -

Eden Temesgen

Commendations GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

-

Maimouna Gamby

-

Petra Mwaura

-

Jasmine Babirye

-

Natamba Kiiza

-

Sophie Wetangula

18.

The Diploma Cambridge Presentations 2026

The Cambridge Presentations are an exciting opportunity each year for Shell pupils to share their personal interests, hobbies, and collections with other members of their year group and their teachers.

As part of the process, each pupil prepares a written section and delivers an oral presentation, helping to develop valuable skills in research, organisation, writing, and public speaking.

The range of topics presented is always impressive and reflects the diverse interests of our pupils.

From the interests of sports to 19.

robotics and collections of items from far away places to stamps and perfumes, the children have the chance to explore subjects they are passionate about and teach others something new.

Presenting to an audience helps build confidence and encourages clear and effective communication.

Every pupil has the chance to shine and share what matters most to them and also to earn points towards their Shell Diploma Award.

Claire Nightingale

Head of Awards, Teacher of English

House Drama Festival 2026 A Moment in Time

This year's House Drama competition transported audiences through some of history's most fascinating and influential moments, as each House took on the challenge of bringing a different period or event to life on stage.

demonstrated impressive creativity and commitment. Strong ensemble work was evident throughout the performances, complemented by memorable lead performances that brought historical figures and events vividly to life.

The theme, A Moment in Time, encouraged pupils to explore key events and figures from history through the medium of drama. The result was an evening of creativity, energy, and outstanding theatrical talent.

The quality of the costumes, props, and artwork featured in the programmes further enhanced each production, reflecting the dedication and teamwork of students both on and off the stage. The competition showcased not only acting ability but also the many creative and technical skills that contribute to successful theatre-making.

Each House selected a unique historical focus.

Elementaita immersed the audience in the vibrant culture and artistic expression of the Harlem Renaissance, while Magadi brought the political intrigue and betrayal of Julius Caesar to the stage. Chala explored the life and legacy of Dedan Kimathi, highlighting his role in Kenya's struggle for independence. Jipe captivated the audience with a dramatic retelling of the Salem Witch Trials, examining fear, suspicion, and injustice. Manyara investigated the mystery surrounding the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., while Kivu reached for the stars with their portrayal of the historic Moon Landing.

Drawing on the drama skills developed through lessons, productions, and co-curricular opportunities over the years, every House

Overall, House Drama 2026 was a fantastic celebration of the strength of drama at Peponi School. The standard of performance was exceptionally high, making the judges' task a difficult one. Congratulations to all pupils who participated and contributed to such an entertaining and thought-provoking evening.

A special congratulations goes to Jipe House, whose powerful production of The Salem Witch Trials earned them the title of House Drama Champions 2026.

Kimberley Buckley Teacher of Drama

20.

A Fond Farewell to Our Shell Pupils Onwards to Lower Vth As we celebrate our outgoing Shell pupils, we reflect with pride on a year marked by growth, resilience, friendship, and achievement. Many joined us as shy and uncertain individuals, but through determination, hard work, and support from those around them, they have grown into confident young people who contribute positively to school life.

Throughout the year, they faced challenges with courage and perseverance, earning recognition in academics, co-curricular activities, leadership, and personal development. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and the supportive spirit that defines Sedge House.

Several pupils have earned the trust and respect of their peers by being elected to the Student Council, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.

The girls have shown remarkable growth in compassion, empathy, and kindness, embodying our school's values and demonstrating what it means to be well-rounded young leaders.

up and then reminds you about it for the rest of the year!"

As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This cohort has shown that with courage, commitment, and perseverance, great things can be achieved.

As they move on to Lower V, we encourage them to continue striving for excellence, embracing new opportunities, supporting one another, and leading with kindness and confidence.

We are immensely proud of the Shell Class of 2026 and look forward to seeing them flourish in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Shell 2026, and best wishes for the exciting journey ahead.

Mary Mukule & Simon Odundo

Housemistress and Housemaster, Sedge House

The boys have also displayed tremendous maturity. One quality that stands out is their willingness to support one another during difficult times. Equally inspiring is the enthusiasm with which they celebrate each other's successes, however small. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through personal achievements, they have fostered a strong culture of friendship and mutual respect. As the saying goes, "A true friend helps you up when you fall; a best friend helps you

22.

2026

Sedge House Award Winners

The Sedge House Cup: Honouring Exemplary Pupils This year, Sedge House is delighted to recognise the achievements of six Shell pupils whose conduct, commitment, and contribution to school life have stood out in meaningful ways.

Natamba Kiiza and Wamaitha Waithaka are commended for their initiative, uplifting presence, and the constructive influence they bring to their peers and the wider House community.

At the forefront are Eliana Otieno and Kelsey Kiptoo, recipients of the Outstanding Girl and Boy Awards respectively, and joint winners of the Sedge House Cup.

Together, this group reflects the depth of character and progress within this year’s Shell cohort. They have approached their responsibilities with purpose, supported others with sincerity, and contributed to a culture that values both personal growth and collective success.

Both pupils have distinguished themselves through their all-round excellence, pairing strong academic engagement with maturity, leadership, and a genuine respect for those around them. Their steady example and positive outlook have had a lasting impact on the ethos of the house.

We are also pleased to honour four additional pupils with Excellence Awards. Jacob Njogu and Leonce Nkunzimana are recognised for their consistent effort, resilience, and determination to achieve their best across different areas of school life.

These awards celebrate not only accomplishment, but also the attitudes and values that define Sedge House. The 2026 recipients have exemplified these qualities throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop and inspire.

Warm congratulations to all our awardees on their well-deserved recognition."

Mary Mukule & Simon Odundo

Housemistress and Housemaster, Sedge House

24.

Lower VI Community Service

By Baraka Kahugu(M) and Dorcas Kiundi(J) Our annual Community Service Trip to Naromoru was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

This year, we supported three schools, Riacho School, Furaha School and Mwigyo School, with the aim of making a lasting difference to the pupils and their learning environments.

Preparation began several weeks in advance, with the year group divided into six teams led by members of the Charity Committee. Coordinated by Baraka Kahugu and Dorcas Kiundi under the guidance of Mr Kimani, the project brought together the entire Peponi community.

Donations of food, clothing, shoes, sanitary products, construction materials and other essential supplies were collected, while generous supporters also funded new classrooms, a kitchen and

25.

bathroom facilities across the three schools.

Our first day at Riacho School was both humbling and inspiring.

Seeing the challenges the school faced, including classrooms without windows, reminded us of the importance of the work we were doing. Despite these conditions, the pupils' enthusiasm and resilience left a lasting impression on us.

Over the following two days, we divided ourselves into three groups and worked at each of the schools. We taught English, Mathematics and Science, prepared and served meals, distributed snacks, played football with the children and spent time getting to know them. Although the days were demanding, every smile and conversation made the experience worthwhile.

The trip also strengthened our own friendships as we worked together, solved problems and shared unforgettable experiences. The bonds we formed with the children made saying goodbye particularly difficult, but we left knowing that the relationships we had built were just as valuable as the donations we had delivered.

The Naromoru Community Service Trip reminded us of the importance of gratitude, teamwork and service. It gave us the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution while learning valuable life lessons that we will carry with us long after the journey home. We are already looking forward to returning next year.

Honours Dinner 2026 27.

Prize Giving 2026

Congratulations Class of 2026

info@peponischool.org P.O. Box 236, Northlands, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248 www.peponischool.org