SCIS Chronicle The Official Student Publication of St. Constantine’s International School, Arusha, Tanzania The Hellenic Society of Tanganyika V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3
N OVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013
SCIS Approved for BTEC As part of the school’s ongoing process of curriculum development, St. Constantine’s International School is pleased to announce that the school is now offering its current and future students BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business, Travel & Tourism and Sports. The school, which is fully accredited by Edexcel to deliver this internationallyrecognised course, received its accreditation on 20 November 2013 after a 2-day intensive training. Mr. Donald Cunado, Head of Sixth Form and overseer of the accreditation, said that the BTEC programme is a 2year course and offers rigorous learning and skills training that is totally different from the CIE A-Level syllabus. He said that because the qualification is course-work
based, students have a great control of their assessment outcomes as the course offers a hands-on and practical approach. He further commented that because it is hands-on and totally different from the Cambridge A-Level syllabus, he would like to see an expansion of the programme next year with an additional 3 or 4 subjects coming on board. Mr. Clement Nderitu, Head of Secondary, added that BTEC is not intended for academically weak students. Rather, it is for students who want to start their own trade using a standard route that will give them a qualification, should they decide to pursue university education, and life skills.
Ben Fainzilber (Year 12) and Abdunur Uwurukundo (Year 13) both agreed that the BTEC programme suits their ability and fulfill their future needs as it is like working in the real world. Abdunur, who is leaving for Canada next academic year, said that the university he is planning to enroll accepts BTEC as a form of entry into their Bachelor’s programme. Ben, who is eyeing Stellenbosch University in South Africa, said that the university has already confirmed that BTEC can be used as a form of entry for their undergraduate programme. They both stated that the course is actually a lot of hard work but added
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :
L ETTERS
2
C ONSTANTINE ’ S I NDIAN QUEEN
4
A MESSAGE T. I. C.
FROM
6
HORSIN ’ AROUND
8
FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
THE SCHOOL CONCERTS
10
MR DOMET: ARTIST, TEACHER, SOLDIER
14
A NEW APPEARANCE!
15
INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND CULTURE DAY
17
PRIMARY FUN PAGE
19
they both enjoy it. Mr. Wilf Stout, Headmaster, said that the accreditation is another milestone for the school after the British Council chose the school as its official Testing Centre in Arusha. For more information about the course, please email the Head of Sixth Form at
A Message from the Director of Development - Dr. Francois Taljaard Looking back this year, there were many things that happened at SCIS. The sport facilities, tennis courts, basketball courts, the beach volleyball court and new gym and PE office are only a few. During the July-August break, the general workers and maintenance team re-painted the entire school. The primary section is painted all different colors. In addition, we tiled the secondary classrooms, and during the Christmas break we are planning to tile the primary classrooms. We also have curtains in all the classrooms with new laptop and multimedia data projectors. The new state of the art kitchen and dining hall has been finished and outsourced - the students are now enjoying a variety of healthy food. We also built a new kitchen for the general workers and installed an irrigation system to water the entire campus. In the areas between gate number one and gate number two, we are planting grass to give the school a pleasant, green, environmental look.
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Messages from the Administration Primary Principal - Secondary Principal Mr Barry Kennedy Mr Clement Nderitu
2013 has been a productive year. We have seen progress and innovation in both facilities and teaching. The students are now experiencing an even better standard of education. That’s not to say we are resting on our laurels. 2014 will be equally progressive. The educational experience we are delivering is based more on learning through experience and being able to apply critical thinking to situations. The skill set our students receive prepares them for a variety of challenges which await them through their educational journey. Students engage in group tasks, discussions and hands on learning. Only by experiencing can our students use and apply the skills and knowledge they are gaining all the time.
had so many highlights. I could list trips and events (Sports Days, Camping, Swimming, Fun Days, Fund raising and Shows), but the real highlights are in the progress of each student. From when a Reception student begins recognising and decoding words for the first time, to when a Grade Five student is exploring the cosmos in Science and finding out about their place amongst the stars. These are the true highlights of every day in school, and are breakthroughs which the children feel proud of and are able to utilise to grow academically and personally. Take time to enjoy these moments with your child and share in the experience of making sense of the world around us.
ing a smooth transition from Primary to Secondary and by next term they will be better settled and used to Secondary School programmes and routines.
It has been a productive and enjoyable term, and encouraging to witness excellence in all aspects of the life of the school. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of staff at SCIS. The administrative, support and teaching staff have all worked together to create an environment that is safe and nurturing for the young people in our care. It is by no means without its challenges and often thankless, but the love and dedication that goes into every day is remarkable. I wish them all a well-deserved rest.
This has been a long and busy term filled with many We can all cherish each step interesting activities in class that our students make and out of class. In academthrough their educational ics, students have settled down, quickly grasping new journey at St. Constantine’s. skills and concepts in their new classes. The Year 7 stuThrough the year we have dents also seem to be mak-
In areas beyond the classroom, students took part in inter house and interschool athletics competition, football tournaments and cricket matches, among other sports. We had several trips for our students: Year 7 went to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, Year 8 to Kondoa and Year 11 to Tanga. There are more interesting trips planned for next term and you will receive information on these as we move forward with planning them A reminder that student reports will be coming home at the end of the term. Please take the time to sit down with your child and discuss this document with them. To all our families whose support we rely on, and to the teenagers who fill our days with laughter and some tears, enjoy the break and come back refreshed and ready to tackle a busy term 2.
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3
P AGE 3
Head of Sixth Form – Mr Donald Cunado As we close the first term of the year, I am writing to express my gratitude for your usual support this term and to flag up some vital information for you. Firstly, I want to thank all the Year 13 parents who attended the first University Information Day for Parents last Thursday 28 November 2013. The parental comments I received were very positive. I hope the event provided you with enough information to be able to decide the next appropriate step for your children once they leave SCIS to continue with their further education. The Parents’ Information Sheet you filled in during the event should allow us to continue communicating to make sure that your child goes to the right country and university. I am also pleased to announce that the school is now offering the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. The programme is a 2-year course and is equivalent to an A-Level qualification. It is similar to the A-Level programme and the only difference is that BTEC is more practically orientated and coursework-based. Also, BTEC students do not need to sit exams as it is internally assessed. I would like to take this opportunity to stress that BTEC is not an easy route as everyone assumes. It needs a lot of organisation, paper trail evi-
dence, commitment and dedication as the learning hours for BTEC are parallel to that of the A-Level programme. This year, we are starting with three subjects, Travel & Tourism, Sports and Business Studies. We are planning to introduce three more subjects in the next academic school year, 2014-2015. At the start of next term, I am hopeful that the school will be able to organise another University Fair. Information will be announced as soon as I receive confirmation. I am hopeful that parents of the A-Level students will be able to attend such an event. On another note, I would like to inform all parents that all Years 12 and 13 students will be encouraged to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) from the British Council in preparation for their University application. As you might be aware, the school has been chosen by the British Council to be its Official Testing Centre in Arusha. I am sure that their presence will give our students advantage when it comes to sitting their IELTS. As I close this letter, I would like to focus on the work ethics and behavior of the ALevel students. Whilst the majority of the A-Level students are responsible, there are a few who lack the work ethics that are required for
the A-Level programme. As a parent, I would like to encourage you to speak to your child very often and stress that A-Level is totally different from IGCSE. The demand of the subjects is greater, the content is much deeper and the teacher’s expectations are higher. Therefore, it is essential that you keep on reminding your child to stay focused, robust and have a sense of accountability. As a school, we do our very best to ensure they are provided with great learning atmosphere and experiences. However, learning and study habits need to be reinforced at home if we wish to have a holistic child. There are a lot of things that I would like to share with you as we move forward as there are many changes in the pipeline. For now, I wish you a long and fruitful term break. Remember, we learn to educate and we educate to learn. It is a matter of choice which one we would like to do first.
S CIS C HRONICLE St. Constantine’s International School P.O. Box 221 Dodoma Road, Burka Estate Phone: +255 27 250 3696 Fax: +255 27 250 8581
Co-Editors Mr Stanley Dutki Mr Michael Murray
Printer and Advisor Mr Donald Cunado
Additional Proofreading Mrs Margaret Wayua
SCIS Chronicle Staff Karl Mbugua (Year 8) Nasha Cunningham (Year 8) Angel Roussous (Year 10) Yohan Jeon (Year 10) Asma Mohammed (Year11) Neah Maganga (Year11) Louise Hans (Year11) Ineza Greta (Year 11) Khamis Salum (Year11) Schallin Takis (Year 12) Nadine Kanyange (Year 12) Happy Mbaleni (Year 12) Simaloi Sikar (Year 12) Nancy Soka (Year 12) Jessy Petit (Year 12) Hermione Mars (Year 12) Nickson James (Year 13) Lulu Aysha Lipumba (Year13)
If you would like an article to be published in the January edition of the SCIS Chrionicle, please send to stanleydutki@scis.sc.tz or michaelmurray@scis.sc.tz by Wednesday 22nd January 2014.
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Constantine’s Indian Queen On 24
th
October 2013, Mrs Sheila Jasuja quietly marked 26 years of continuous service as a teacher at St. Constantine’s. Described as “history” by one Headmaster, Mrs Jasuja has excelled as a primary class teacher since 1987 when she first took charge of a Year 3 class of 39 students. I was privileged to catch up and chat with this remarkable lady, who I’m sure knows more about the school than any other member of the teaching faculty…. Mrs Jasuja lives with her son, Rahoul, in a 2 bedroom house within the St. Constantine’s compound and has done since 2011 when her husband, the charismatic and profoundly unforgettable Mr Jasuja, passed away. She remembers him fondly, recalling that he was always ready to help her with school work by sourcing her requirements from friends locally and abroad. He bought her a colour printer
long before they were widely available; something which really helped her in preparing beautiful classroom displays. But most of all he was a great husband, supporting his wife through all manner of challenging situations and always being there as a friend. Listening to her recalling her early life in Jhansi in India and then her first few years in Tanzania, it is clear that I am talking to a bold, fearless woman (she once spent two months living alone in Momella Game Lodge when Mr Jasuja had travelled overseas) who thought nothing of jogging out into the bush on a typical morning with her faithful dog Toffee Vandals. She speaks with such passion about the education she received at St. Francis Convent, a school which gave her the particular opportunity to get involved in sports and drama, but most importantly developed in her the steely selfdiscipline that she still possesses today. She talks with
Mrs Jasuja stands next to the trophy she donated at the final of the 2003 Soccer and Netball tournament, which was won by Braeburn (picture from the Arusha Times).
equal enthusiasm about their time at Momella and also about the 14 years she spent living at Tanzanite hotel in Usa River. Buffalos, giraffes and elephants eating avocadoes outside her window were all perfectly normal and there was little electricity, being fully powered by generator. Mr Jasuja had been recruited directly A recent photograph of Mrs Jasuja taken at St. Constantine’s. from India to manage Tanzanite in 1979 teachers in those days were (the same year in which they mostly Tanzanians, with a were married) where he besprinkling of Asians and Eurogan the foray into the Tanzapeans. nian hospitality industry that would eventually result in Mrs Jasuja never planned to him owning the Big Bite res- stay at St. Constantine’s for taurant in Arusha. But almost 26 years and beyond – it just from the moment they ar- kind of happened! But she rived, the Headmaster of St. says she is still delighted to be Constantine’s, Christos Sta- working here and that she still voropolous, was keen to have learns new things every single Mrs Jasuja come to teach in day. There is never a dull day in the classroom! When I ask the school. her about her current class, She finally agreed in 1987, 5J, who have a reputation as joining the faculty at a time one of the most organised when the school only went up classes in the primary school to Year 7 and had a huge this year, her face visibly boarding contingent. She relights up. It is clear that she members the annual graduaenjoys every moment with tion ceremony, where all the those children as she elaboYear 7 students dressed up in rates on her philosophy that formal dress for their big day the students should see her as before heading off to schools a role model. “I lead from the all over the world. And she front and practise what I remembers her first class as if preach” she declares. “Even it were yesterday. 39 stuwhen I am in pain I can never dents, all well dressed and visibly relax in front of the extremely obedient. The students. Old fashioned val-
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3 ues are important: presentation, tidiness, posture, general order when in the vicinity of the classroom.” She goes on to note the changing dynamics in the student-teacher relationship which she has welcomed over the last 26 years, expressing particular joy that the “barrier” between the two groups has largely come down. She is able to enjoy her interactions with students much more in the modern day. At this point I decide to shoot for a big question: Did she ever have ambitions to join the school administration? She chuckles mildly and considers the question for a moment. “I would have probably accepted one if the right offer had come along,” she says “but I’m very happy with where I am right now. The children’s smiles in my classroom – they make my day!” A question that gets a more vigorous response is about the most interesting characters she has worked with over the years, and there are many! She recalls Steve and Helen Winchester and their resurrection of school plays after the stage had been burnt down. She remembers Mrs de Jersey and her work on handwriting; Mrs Aitken, the former Head of Primary, who was always calm in a crisis; Kelli Bee who has been a pillar of strength during difficult times; Lisa Talley and how she matured into such a fine person during her time at St. Constantine’s. And she saves the final word for Mr Kennedy, the current Primary Principal: “He’s a very pleasant
P AGE 5
man, always friendly. Remember I’ve watched him grow from a fresh-faced class teacher into an excellent principal. He always does what he says he will do!” When asked about how many administrators, or even Head Teachers, she has seen come and go, we begin to list them but lose count. We get lost in fascinating tales and remarkable stories. If the school’s history is scintillating then Mrs Jasuja’s is no less so. I realise that I have written nothing for the past 30 minutes – I’ve just been sitting and listening to this remarkable lady telling her remarkable tales. And therein lies the stunning nature of this still unfinished story. Where it will go from here nobody knows. Her son, Rahoul, is currently running the Big Bite, having revolutionised the brand in recent years. Mrs Jasuja herself is as energetic and lively as ever and talks of working at St. Constantine’s for many years to come, but there is a farm in India with her name on it and I get the impression that, sooner or later, she will end up there. This extraordinary Tanzanian adventure will not last forever, but it may just have a few years in it yet! For Mrs Jasuja it will complete the circle. Back to where it all started after the most astonishing life far from home. There are many teachers in this school who have served for many years, but Mrs Jasuja can rightly be described as “history”. Michael Murray
A Modern Batik Course Organised by Ms Brooke Vogel and featuring professional artist David Kubuuka, November’s Modern Batik Course was the place to be for many of our young artists. Barbara Stout tells the story... What a fascinating experience this was! I loved the opportunity to do this course – lucky me to have the time available – and it was truly worthwhile. Into the unknown! My only Art experiences previously consisted of some lessons in Water Colour painting at least a dozen years ago, and some pottery classes years before that.
tional Batik methods, but has refined them. Professional artist David Kubuuka (Ugandan / Canadian) was an inspiring teacher for the two days of the course, leading and encouraging us. That is Abdunur (Yr. 13), Kevin (Yr. 12), Aisha (Yr. 11), Pavandeep and Nasheesha (Yr. 10), Romana (Yr. 8) and me.
He guided us through the complexities of painting on material, and coating in hot wax as our designs took shape with, always, an element of unpredictability. Each person’s picture evolved, colours blending and patterns emerging, with striking results – a most satisfying and rewarding Modern Batik uses the tradi- experience for, I think, all of us!
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T. I. C.—Town Infants Campus Another term has passed here at the SCIS Town Campus. Lots of learning has taken place and we are all ready for a holiday. At times we need to remind ourselves of our purpose and ask ourselves what we are really here for. The answer is always simply…. The children!! Here is what the Town Campus children have to say about the last term….
Facebook users can and get updates from the Town Campus’ page by visiting the following web address: https://www.facebook.com/ stconstantines.towncampus (Or by searching on Facebook.)
I loved following a procedure to make a honey sandwich. I learnt how to conserve, recycle and renew.
My
favourite
day was Discovery
I loved reading the
Day
with Grade 2
sight
from the Main
words with Ms
Campus.
Beatrice. I enjoyed playing in the kitchen corner. I
liked
playing
with the animals.
I enjoyed swimming.
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3
P AGE 7
I enjoyed playing football with Mr Kevin.
Many
people
class
loved
in
our
Harmony
Day especially when we got to hold the torch. I enjoyed being in groups, doing activities and trying to be the best group.
I
enjoyed
learning
about
doubles and telling the time.
It was great to come to school and see the new playground.
Playing in the water is my favourite thing to do. I like writing.
I like to paint
I love to sing with Ms Phillips.
Further information about the Town Infant Campus can also be obtained from the Deputy Head of Primary and T. I. C. Coordinator Ms Loretta Rapa at lorettarapa@scis.sc.tz
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P AGE 8
Horsin’ Around Across 2. a colour of a horse which has irregular but large splotches of different colour
Down 1. the ‘belt’ around the horses belly which keeps the saddle on!
3. the knee on the back legs only
4. An orangish colored horse as well as hard skin-patch on inside of each leg
6. the hair on the neck 8. the gentle rise where neck meets back (donkey’s don’t have it) 10. the piece of rubber or metal in a horses mouth
5. the connection from mouth to riders hand 7. the joint just above the hoof
11. a head marking where a small 9. where the rider sits white bit is on their forehead 10. a head marking 12. A colour of a white horse where a large white with many small red spots stripe goes from fore14. the piece of equipment where head to nose the riders feet go 13. the whole area of 15. the bangs (hair on ‘forehead’) the chest, back and abdomen
Answers on Page 9
My favorite horse is named Paprika. She is gentle but it’s tricky to start trotting! -Yohan (3C) Here’s a clue for 11 Across it’s also something you can see in the sky at night!
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3
P AGE 9
The Horse-Riding Club
This term, Miss Kelli Bee has been taking students to Arlene Simonson’s ranch to enjoy some horse-riding sessions. Here are a selection of photos and quotes from the term.
One of the scariest things was getting on a horse for the first time. But over time, we got better. It took us a couple weeks to get better at trotting.
I really liked walking in the forest and riding by myself. One of the hardest things we did was called ‘around the world’. Our horse stood still while we spun all the way around in the saddle.
- Stella (6N)
–Rahima (3C)
I learned how to make the horse move by kicking. If I didn’t, I’d be sitting on the horse without moving!
I learned you always need short reins! We learned the parts and markings of a horse, like forelock and blaze. The trickiest part was learning the foot markings – Aurora (5J)
One of the hardest things was making your horse stop! I love a horse named Empire. He is dapple grey in colour! - Sanita (5J)
-Aryana (2B) The thing I liked most was trotting. One day, maybe I will learn to gallop! - Ellie (3A)
There were 8 members of the horse riding club. We learned the markings of the face and legs. -Dimitrina (5L)
ANSWERS: DOWN: (1)Girth (4)chestnut (5)Reins (7) fetlock (9)fetlock (10)blaze (13)barrel ANSWERS: ACROSS: (2)paint (3)hock (6)mane (8)withers (10)bit (11)star (12)fleabitten (14)stirrup (15)forelock
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Secondary Concert :“The Circle of Life” For the first time in many years, all high school students were featured in SCIS’s recent Secondary Concert, held at SCIS on Thursday, November 21st. Director and this year’s new secondary music teacher, Kevin Allen-Schmid, had a goal when he arrived: to include all students in singing and/or dancing productions. He has succeeded, and tonight the jampacked stage held hundreds of students, all singing in unison and harmony. The evening began with 3 inspiring songs sung by all Year 7-9s, “Hine Matov “– a Hebrew Peace song, “Ave Maria” and “The Circle of Life” from the movie The Lion King. Year 7 - 9 boys then sang “Rest Not” by Laura Farnell. At this point, each grade level got a chance to sing. This was started by the Year 7 girls, who sang an emotional rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from the movie Pocahontas. Year 8 girls then sang with accuracy and sweet voices, “Part of your World” from the movie, The Little Mermaid. Year 9 girls, who had been patiently standing on stage throughout the earlier numbers, sang a heart-felt “May it Be” from The Lord of the Rings. The audience was then treated to an excerpt from SCIS’s up-coming musical/theatrical performance of Sarafina & Nelson. If the excerpt is any
Kevin Allen-Schmidt directs proceedings from the piano as the senior students sing
indication, we are in for a wonderful evening of entertainment on December 3rd. The dancing is startling and the singing, exciting! The Year 11s then led a sing-along of two songs in Kiswahili, “Tazama Ramani”, and “Tanzania Nakupenda Kwa moyo Wote”, with many audience members singing along. Year 10s followed with a unique arrangement of the American folk tune “Wayfarin’ Stranger”. The boys’ part beautifully echoed the girls’. This group, which meets only once per week, sounded like an experienced choir. They then sang “I Will” by the Beatles, leaving most of us swaying and singing along in our seats. Mr. Allen-Schmid then introduced The West Side Choir, an adult singing group he directs on Tuesdays at 5:30, who sang in 4 part harmony, two South African songs of praise and “Erev Shel Shoshanim”, a hauntingly lovely Israeli folksong.
Adult singing group, The West Side Choir, perform Erev Shel Shoshanim
The evening ended with ALL high school students gathering on stage to sing some of “Wavin Flag”by K’naan, followed by
the St. Constantine’s School Song and “Mungu Ibariki” with everyone standing and singing along with enthusiasm. Organising concerts with students who’ve never performed, and involving the cooperation of teachers and parents takes multi-tasking to a whole new level. As a colleague of Kevin, and member of the West Side Choir, I vouch for his gift for music, directing and organising. Another choir member describes him as “thinking outside of the box”. I suspect that there are many students, parents and audience members who would agree, and who will cherish memories of this evening for a long time to come. Susan Phillips
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3
P AGE 11
Primary Concert:“A Mosaic of Africa in Song and Dance” The jam-packed hall was buzzing with excitement, even before the first act hit the stage. Then the 5D class came on to sing a welcome to the audience with the lively ‘Karibu Wageni Wetu’. The entire program continued along this same theme - offering a sampling of traditional African folk songs and dances. The highlight was definitely the South African Gumboot dancing. It is a type of percussive line dance that is performed wearing rubber boots so that the combination of stomping and slapping the boots creates a variety of rhythms. This dance originated as a way for diamond minors of South Africa to secretly communicate with each other as they worked. It was first performed by all grade 3 and grade 4 students, and later by all grade 5 and grade 6 students.
Even though the stage is large and it was nicely arranged in tiers, there was still not enough room there for all of these students. During both of the Gumboot Dance performances, the dancers filled the stage and surrounded the audience on the floor as well. The silver lining of this difficulty was that the audience was treated to an upclose view of the dance as well as the show on stage. Year 3T perform their song at the Primary Concert The rest of the evening consisted of choral singing with highlights of short solos. Most acts also featured some dancing or other movement, which added a visual element that is often missing in musical concerts. This made the
whole experience more entertaining. For me, the most striking piece was the slow, quiet Kothbiro. All of the other songs were lively and fun, which kept the audience captivated, but the contrast of this slow piece was very effective. The dancers needed discipline to keep their movements so slow throughout the song and the haunting chant had the onlookers mesmerized. Much of the credit for this successful evening needs to go, of course, to Ms. Phillips for her dedicated work as the music teacher, but it was also evident that many other teachers were involved behind the scenes to make sure the show went smoothly. Getting hundreds of excited children on and off stage on time and in order is not an easy task, and yet these transitions were seamless. So, congratulations to all those involved – especially the performers. Your hard work paid off and you gave your parents, siblings and friends a night to remember.
The Gumboot Dance was one of the highlights of the performance
Barry Durward
SCIS C HRONICLE
P AGE 1
Mr Domet: Artist, Teacher, Soldier The huge python slithered through the dense undergrowth, forcing the small group of Tanzanian soldiers, on a reconnaissance exercise from Kaboya military camp near Bukoba, to stop in their tracks. Theo Domet, the group’s leader, could only admire the beauty of the creature as it crossed their path. This was 1979 and Tanzania was preparing for war with Idi Amin’s Uganda. The solidiers continued scouting out potential locations for trenches, which would be used during the forthcoming hostilities, before returning back to camp for the night. On arrival, Mr Domet’s colleagues were keen to know if he had seen the head of the snake, or just the body. As he revealed that he had missed the head, silence fell on the group. This was very bad luck. Bad things were sure to follow. And so it came to pass that just a few weeks later, Mr Domet was fighting for his life in the back of a mudstuck Land Rover, somewhere on the Tanzania-Uganda border. But we are getting ahead of ourselves... Theo Domet was born in Pangani, Tanga Region, and spent his early life there on the coast. He joined his grandfather in Dodoma when he was ready for primary school and completed his education there. After completing his teacher training at Butimba College of National Education, he had his first experience of the army when he signed on for his six months compulsory national service in 1973, at the Makutubora camp in Dodoma Region. A male Tanzanian was not allowed to work at that time unless they had first completed the national service. Expecting this to be his first and last experience of army life, the young Mr Domet then took to primary school teaching in the Dodoma area like a fish to water. Quickly rising to become Headmaster of Makole Primary School, the sky seemed to be the limit for the young professional until, one day, out of
the blue, the District Education Officer paid him a visit that was to change his life forever. Again, this was 1979, and all able-bodied male teachers (even Headmasters) were being conscripted to fight in the war with Uganda. The medical examination was passed and Mr Domet was posted to the Monduli barracks (very near to Arusha) for three months of training. There followed stints in different cities around Tanzania, mainly to keep security as the threat from Uganda grew stronger. Finally, he was posted to Bukoba, the nearest Tanzanian city of note to the Ugandan border, where he had his first experience of Kaboya. The snake incident occurred, and then one day, a few weeks later, his unit were simply driven into Uganda in a tank, dropped off with guns and lots of ammunition and told which direction to walk to find the war. By this time, Amin was already pushed back well into Uganda and the Tanzanian army were really following him just to finish the job. But Ugandan soldiers were still present in certain areas and Mr Domet remembers the moment when he first realised that bullets were whistling past his head. “We had no choice but to fight back” he notes with a wry smile. It was literally a few days after this first contact that he was shot in the waist, and he remembers in great detail how the man next to him also took a bullet to the shoulder. So began a torturous ordeal in which Mr Domet was forced to stagger back towards the nearest camp. It was raining, the ground was boggy and marshy and blood flowed freely from the wound (he could still feel the bullet inside). They had been facing the enemy head on and were unaware that two other Tanzanian regiments had outflanked the Ugandans on both sides. Hence many fellow soldiers were retreating, fearing the worst and, not realising that victory was so close, ignoring the limping Mr
Domet for fear of slowing down and falling victim to a guerrilla-style attack from the dense undergrowth. On reaching the camp, he recalls that the wound was no longer bleeding, but that there seemed to be water coming out of it. In this relatively safe area, some fellow soldiers attempted to construct a makeshift stretcher from wooden branches and old clothing, but the idea was essentially a disaster as it repeatedly failed to take the weight of a person. This left him no choice but to walk another 10 kilometres to a point where he joined the ill-fated Land Rover which would get stuck in the mud on the border, forcing him to spend an agonising night in the car, wondering if he would even see another day. All of the hospitals on the border had been bombed to destruction, so Mr Domet was first taken to Bunazi hospital for a check-up and then on to Bukoba hospital once his condition was certified as serious. He describes the care he received in Bukoba as excellent, noting that he was completely healed within two weeks, before heading back to Kaboya for a further two weeks of rest and recuperation. Following this, he was
V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3 unceremoniously sent back into Uganda, where he served without major incident for another four months until the end of the war. It is important to mention, however, that the Libyans were fighting alongside the Ugandans by this time, and Mr Domet, with his fairly North African appearance, was advised to stay in amongst his regiment at all times for fear of being mistaken for an enemy. He remembers reaching Amin’s home in the extreme north of Uganda, before returning to Jinja and crossing Lake Victoria to Mwanza, where he kissed the ground in delight. Arriving back in Dodoma by train, he was a hero. But his family had feared that he had died months earlier. They had received the news of the shooting, but it had been presented to them as a fatality not an injury. It may not be possible, therefore, to imagine the joy they experienced when they saw him again. Life returned to normal fairly quickly for Mr Domet. He resumed work as a Headmaster, albeit at a different school in Dodoma Region, and seemed to be comfortable in the role. But a year later, in 1980, he fancied a change and so he returned to Butimba for a further two years of training. After passing the course, he joined Mpwapwa Teacher Training College as a primary teacher trainer, staying there for eight years until 1990. Now another former Headmaster, and old friend of Mr Domet’s, from the Dodoma circuit had become the Head of Mpwapwa and he was interested in taxidermy (the art of stuffing dead animals for display). As an artist himself, Mr Domet agreed to join TAWICO in Arusha in 1991, with the intention of getting a posting to either Italy or the USA to study this interesting form of art. Sadly, this did not work out for either man, and Mr. Domet parted company with TAWICO just a year later. Having a wife and three children at home already (another would be born in 1993) Mr Domet needed to find work quickly, and it so happened that Christos Stavor-
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opolous, then Headmaster of St. Constantine’s, was able to offer just that. So it was in October 1992, 21 years ago, that Mr Domet joined the school as a primary Art teacher. At the time, St. Constantine’s went up to Year 7 and had about half of the numbers it has now, and this encouraged Mr Domet to communicate his love of art to the students. As he says: “I have a natural talent and I want to share it with everyone, including the students. Art can relax you, it can help you to work out your problems.” When asked about interesting teachers he has worked with over the years he remembers Mr Lema (a primary teacher), Ms Ruga as a fellow long-server and of course Mr. Stavoropolous. He recalls that in those days the teachers walked around with whistles to call attention, there were cows, chickens and pigs plus a garden, so the school was self-sufficient in meat, milk and vegetables – they even made cheese – selling the excess to the community. He also remembers veterinary students coming to learn their trade here at the school. I am curious to know how he has taken to life as an ordinary teacher, having been a Headmaster all those years ago, before this writer was even born in fact! “It’s no problem for me,” he says. “I’m a simple person who just gets on with his work. I don’t miss being a part of the administration.” It’s a humbling exchange for me and one that fills me with an even greater respect for this fascinating man. He smiles and gives me his parting shot: “My grandfather told me one thing about being a teacher: You’ll die poor!” Well I have no idea about Mr Domet’s financial situation, but if we’re measuring wealth by family, experiences and passion, then he will die a very wealthy man indeed. The next time you say your ‘Shikamoo’ to Mr Domet, you can rest assured, he has earned it in full! Michael Murray
Food, Water, Shelter On Thursday 21st November, Year 4M went to a not-for-profit organisation called Food, Water, Shelter past Sinoni village. Food, Water, Shelter was started by five Australian volunteers who wanted to build an eco-friendly environment to help vulnerable women and children. In Social Studies, we have been studying about water, how it is used, collected and saved.
Year 4 students learn about sustainable farming on their trip. Food Water Shelter has some award winning designs in the way its structures have been built and how they use water carefully after it is collected. Food Water Shelter provides education and health care to the women and children that live there and the surrounding community. We learned about composting toilet systems, pond use, biogas collection a nd usa ge, “moneymakers” for pumping water and “chicken tractors” for composting the soil for farming. All Year 4 classes had the opportunity to visit this fascinating place and learn more about using sustainable farming practices and saving water. Jane Marandu
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Getting to know you, getting Prefect’s BBQ is a hot Success to know all about you! We would love to call ourselves lucky for being able to interview one of the most charming people one could ever meet. Michael Murray’s bubbly personality made the interview a fun experience from the start. Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, his first experience in teaching was in Newcastle. At 18 he had always wanted to teach and at 22 he got his first job. SCIS had to bring the best ones back we definitely had a sense of déjà vu when we heard his name. Mr Murray first came to St. Constantine’s at the age of 24, taught Primary Physical Education and Year 7, 8 and 9 Geography and History. In his second year, he taught IGCSE Geography, but left after that. Portugal might seem fun and enticing but after one year teaching there Michael didn’t quite like it: “I wanted to come back to East Africa,” he concluded. Back in Kenya he taught in The Banda School, where he stayed for five years and worked as Head of Geography. There he finally married the love of his life, the beautiful Pauline Murray on August 15th 2008 and with utter joy and pride on his face he talks about his family. Just over two years ago, they had a gorgeous son together on the 24th of
September 2011, who he describes as being fun and loving. Getting the one time opportunity to be a senior manager, Mr. Murray moved yet again to the plains of Shinyanga, Tanzania. Unfortunately, a year after that the school closed down “Not because of bad management, may I add” he added with humour. “I’ve always had a passion for farming” he shyly said. After his teaching career he sees himself in agriculture. Though in five years time he still sees himself teaching, or he would like to get back into administration of education as a senior manager or possibly a deputy head. Since he got back he has noticed good changes that have been implemented to the school. As he taught physical education previously he can to relate to the changes made, for instance the basketball courts and the tennis courts were not there before as well as the volleyball court. The old changing rooms and office have been renovated. He has also noticed that they have added new teachers’ houses. He feels that he achieves every year in education when he sends a class up to the next level and he feels that he has achieved because he has impacted every student’s life that he has taught. “ I hope that its an on going achievement” are his exact words that shows how much passion he feels about teaching.
This year’s annual prefects’ barbecue took place on Saturday 16th November 2013. The event occurred on the same day as the inter-school athletics tournament and the Arusha Christmas fair, but nevertheless plenty of people showed up. The entrance fee was 12,000/= for adults and 7,000/= for children.
Guests to the event purchased game tickets that enabled them to play a variety of games that ranged from miniature golf to pin the donkey’s tail. The victors were awarded with small prizes like sweets and such to keep them motivated. The trampoline and the bouncy castle acted like a magnet, and attracted a great number of the younger children. There was Indian food available in addition to the scrumptious barbecue; also on sale was soda, water and ice cream. The event concluded on a high note, with some of the students walking hand in hand down the runway during the Indian themed fashion show intended to celebrate Diwali. At the end of the day, a sum of 1.5 million shillings was collected by Mr. Samuel and Ms. Shah, the teachers who made the event possible. The money, like every year was collected to help our community in one way or another. This year, the chosen recipients were the Mount Meru Mental Health Clinic. Overall, the day was very successful and everyone had a blast. Lisa Matay (Yr 11)
Having over 12 years experience in teaching, he exudes knowledge. He is a great addition to the St. Constantine’s community and he will greatly impact the lives of many students here. Michael Murray is an amazing person. Jessy and Nadine (Yr 12) The Mount Meru Mental Health Clinic, which benefitted from the event
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A NewAppearance! The inspiration for the design came from
Another new addition to the school’s exterior upgrade has gradually been revealing itself, one bright paint color at a time. As you enter the campus, you may have been caught off guard by the two large, multi-colored zebras being painted on the east end of the secondary school’s building. This welcome surprise is due to the talented efforts of the Year 11 Art students: Koen Van de Ven, Aisha Khalid, Caroline Mbasha, Peter Metili, Josephine Bekunda, Aliasgar Tapya, and Anitha Timothy.
the Secondary School’s Art teacher, Ms. Vogel, whose love for bright, splashy colors is a passion. After returning to Arusha following the summer break and seeing the school’s freshly painted white walls, Ms. Vogel thought that they seemed to look just like a huge white canvas needing a colorful focus.
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There have been several key contributors to this whole project. First, the energetic approval of the school’s new Headmaster, Mr. Stout, was instrumental in getting this off the ground. The students
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also got an assist from the school’s operation manager, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, who made sure that they had sturdy scaffolding to stand on while they worked. Another vital contributor to the painting was Year 12 student, Happy Mbaleni. Happy put in many long hours working on the mural, often after daylight, since that was the only time that the design image could be seen and traced while projecting it onto the wall. A huge ‘thank you’ to all involved in participating in this wonderful mural project that enhances the appearance of our school and campus! Brooke Vogel
Motivation in the Primary School
At SCIS, student motivation is an important factor in both the learning process and student achievement. We motivate our students by recognising progress, effort, hard work and success as well as other positive behaviors. We do this through beautifullycrafted Student Awards and colourful House Point Certificates. This helps us create and sustain interest in them, until the learning goals are met. Therefore, SCIS teachers encourage all students to engage in appropriate activities and to lead and maintain desirable attitudes and conduct in order to become role model students in-and-out of the school campus. Catherine Adiang
3A Students proudly show off their awards
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Year 11 Tanga Trip: Fun in the Sun
The eagerly awaited annual Year 11 trip to Tanga took off on the remarkably sunny Sunday morning of the 17th of November 2013. We all gathered in great enthusiasm around the two buses that would be our means of transport. There was an initial commotion when people could not make up their minds about which bus to take. After finally settling in, at about 9am, we set off for four days of complete fun and relaxation. The bus ride itself was quite exciting as we played some interesting games and hummed to the tunes of different songs from the speakers. We made our first stop at a supermarket in Moshi, where we bought some extra snacks to be take n o n t h e w a y . Upon reaching the outskirts of Tanga region, the intensity of the heat increased greatly. It was then that people started arguing about who had drunk whose water. The shades and sunglasses were now removed from the bags and the jackets of all kinds were removed. We made a stop at about 2 pm for lunch and other refreshments, which were g r e a t l y n e e d e d . We arrived in Tanga Town at around 5:30 pm. The looks on everybody’s
faces lit up. The long 8 hour strenuous journey was about to come to an end. We headed straight for our hotel. Overlooking the magnificent beach, set on a remarkable cliff, was Mkonge Hotel which was going to be home for the next three days. After we all settled into our rooms with our room partners, we were instructed to meet up at the reception, from where we would head for dinner. The restaurant where we had dinner was across from our main hotel. Everybody devoured amazing wood fire pizzas and the night ended after some funfilled evening activities.
the best parts of our trip as the swim was really enjoyable. The next day we were all excited to visit the spectacular beaches of Pangani. Our first stop, however, was to learn all the incredible facts of cement making in the enormous Tanga Cement factory. We spent the entire morning learning about the production and uses of cement. At about 12:30, we headed back to town for lunch, and then straight to Pangani. The sandy shores of the beautiful Pangani were a treat. The slightly arrogant waves made peaceful sounds that almost put the city ruckus to shame. The sand was soft, and a perfect mix for some amazing photographs. Students enjoyed themselves as they swam and played water sports such as Kayaking.
The next day, we were up by 7am. After a nutritious breakfast, we headed for the ancient Amboni Caves. The site was remarkable; it was like a totally different world. The naturally carved, dark and narrow caves taught us a lot about history and other geographical facts. Following the visit to the caves, we were off to the sulphur springs. BeSea Kayaking was a fun activity on offer fore that we had a little stop to have some refreshing coconut water that was indeed necessary in that outrageous heat. The disappointing end came the next The sulphur springs themselves could day, when we had to bid farewell to the only be accessed after a long, tiring walk. quiet yet amazing town of Tanga. We left We learnt all the properties of sulphur Tanga at about 9am and reached Arusha at about 6 pm. We took long sighs as we and its benefits to man. came to the realisation that our minds We were all thoroughly exhausted after were still on the magnificent beaches of that long walk under the scorching sun Pangani. and all everybody could think of was to have a nice swim. After a delicious ReshmaVenugopal (Yr 11) lunch, we headed to the hotel for an afternoon swim. That was definitely one
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V OLUME 7, I SSUE 3 English accent. The Dutch were serving their traditional dishes – recipes created by their ancestors that are still used in today’s Dutch kitchen.
Is there anything more fun than to celebrate culture with so many different people from so many different parts of the world? International school, international crowd, International Fun. St. Constantine's! The International Food & Culture day in the beautiful school grounds of St. Constantine’s showed the power of unity of so many different cultures gathered. Culture was represented through a great variety of food, traditional clothing, dance & games, all presented with great pride and joy. England was loudly represented through the microphone, by our ‘mc’ Paul Woolnough with his beautiful strong
The traditional games that brought us straight back to the roots of our youth, Zimbabwe gave us a good glimpse of how they were playing their games back in the days.
The SCIS Parents' Association (PA) organised an International Food and Cultural Day on Saturday 30th November, at the school. It was one of the successful events to have been held at the school. You want to know why it was successful? Ok, a number of reasons: first, parents, children and teachers really came out, not just by being there but also by bringing lots of delicious food from their countries. The food ranged from corn bread from USA and caterpillars from Zambia... Wow! By the time people finished sampling the food, they were almost begging the boarders to lend them mattresses to lay down on.
Scotland was repreSecond, lots of sented by our woninteresting games derful Headmaster were organised Mr Kennedy, in full for the children to traditional Scottish play. What was costume, on stage! more interesting Nico P and his band about some of the jammin’ under the games? Parents tree and parents, also joined in and teachers & children ran around, playdancing under African skies. What a The Gumboot dance proved ever popular ing alongside the children. What beautiful event. an awesome day it was. Zimbabwe, Uganda, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Fiji, Eng- Ok, enough about the games and the land, Kenya, Scotland, Tanzania, Cen- food...third reason: the band, which featral Asia, Lebanon, tured, amongst others, our one and only Zambia, Australia, Mr. Barry Kenndedy! Aside from the Philippines, Nigeria, music, his kilt outfit was amazing! So, the Liberia, USA, Cana- music was also fantastic! We danced and da ,India ,South Africa danced! and many more countries were all repre- As the event was about to close, the PA sented. announced the winners of the various interesting raffle prices. People walked Teachers, students, away happily after having eaten the good siblings, parents, food, played interesting games, danced friends and visitors, to good music, and won good raffle prizthank you all for par- es! All in all, it was a good day, right? Oh ticipating, we had a you weren't there? You missed! Well, great day! next time :)
Nicko P and his band, which included Mr. Kennedy on bass, caused quite a stir with their lively performance.
Mama Olivia
Thembile Segoete
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Year 5 Fun Day On
Tuesday 5th November, Year 5
held their Fun Day. The theme was ‘instructions’ and they made the most of it by instructing us in how to play some games, make some things and prepare some delicious food and drink. Photos are courtesy of Mrs Jasuja and the writing is courtesy of 5L... The Year 5 fun day was at St. Constantine’s School on Tuesday, November 5th, 2013 in the shelter where the Primary School has assembly. There were three classes and they were each doing sports, cooking and making planes, boats, windmills and chatterboxes.
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November, 2013 the Year 5s had a great and huge fun day with the Year 6s. Class 5L did some origami, class 5J had some recipes and snacks and 5D had some games, which included prizes. 5L, in origami, had some paper jets, wind mills, chatter boxes and paper boats. We had games with 5D such as cricket, frisbee, tennis and badminton, which included a small prize for everyone. 5J had some recipes for carrot cakes, bhajiyas, milkshakes and other stuff.
The Year 6s had a great time there and so did we and also some of the year 5s did some fun activities too. All of us had a great time over there but what I liked We had invited the Year 6 classes and most was the children’s discipline. All in their teachers. When they came, we all it was great. started showing them instructions and Jerald and Lavanya (5L) they thought it was interesting. They even got to take part in a funny hat competition! When they made planes, chatterboxes, boats and windmills, they got house points. But for sports, they got a lollypop, and for cooking they got food. Everyone really enjoyed the fun day. Aime, McAlvin, Mohammed and Wundeh (5L)
The photos on this page show a variety of images from the Year 5 fun day, including activities ranging from Frisbee throwing and food tasting to preparing and wearing funny hats.
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Primary Fun Page Primary Staffroom Word Search ADIANG BURKE BURNETT CINDY CLAUD DOMET DURWARD JASUJA JOSHUA KAGIRI KELLI KEVIN KIMEI LUGHUYU
Simple Sudoku
MARANDU MARY MBALENI MOSHY MUGANDA
MURRAY NYASANI PHILLIPS RUGA SAMA SANDRA STEFAN TYSON
Ex-SCIS Student Signs For Atlas Club
Titans Place 3rd @ ISM Inter-School Athletics Carnival
8:30am with both the track and field events for every age group, and our athletes participated in most events, all giving their best.
With the athletics season
The SCIS Titans comprised 50 athletes, three coaches and two managers, with about half of the team members representing the primary school. Apart from the team, we were also accompanied and supported by the Headmaster, the Secondary Principal, some of the teaching staff that included Mr Nyagwaya, Mr Dutki, Mr Cunado, Mr Stefan, Mrs Samsure, Mrs Mbugua, some parents and the whole boarding house.
coming to an end, and after a series of intense yet fun training sessions, we participated in the annual Interschool athletics carnival. This year’s carnival was very competitive and our athletes, together with the coaches, tried and did their best in representing the school. Just like previous years, the carnival was held at the ISM Arusha campus, falling on the 16th of November, 2013 this time around. This year’s showdown involved six different schools, which included the hosts ISM Arusha, the favourites and feared SCIS, ISM Moshi campus, Braeburn, Orkeeswa and St. Jude’s. All the teams were expected to arrive at the ISM campus before 8am for registration of their athletes. The carnival commenced at Some of the students in action at ISM Arusha
After a wonderful and energetic day, the moment of truth arrived. For the first time in four years we did not achieve victory, but we managed to arrive third. This proves how challenging the competition was, but everyone tried their best. Guillaume Samusure and Nickson James
Junior Abdulhamid is a former school rounders and football assistant, captain of the Tanzanian Under 17 rugby team and was Head Boy of St. Constantine’s for the 2012-13 academic year. He is one of the all time golden boys of St. Constantine’s and has continued to shine since leaving us, going ahead to find his “FEET” using his “FIT”. During the winter holiday, Junior’s application to join university in the United States went through and when he came for a consultation, Mr. Kevin made him realise that he had huge potential in football. This was despite his ‘allrounder’ tag, and the remainder of the winter was spent working on football drills and techniques. He would only get sponsorship if he could pass the fitness test in any of the games, namely soccer, rugby baseball and basketball. Five weeks later, he headed to the city of Houston in the United States for the fitness trials, which he successfully passed and joined the University Club on a full sponsorship. Since then, his marvelous skills and strength have attracted many fans to
watch him keenly on the field. At the beginning of October, Junior signed a contract worth an undisclosed amount with Atlas Club, one of the clubs in the first soccer division in Texas State. He is now playing a permanent role as a midfielder at this club and he is not only the first African to join this club, but also the only Tanzanian student to make it to such sporting heights. He also managed to score one of the two goals that helped the team reach the finals, scooping the trophy. He has continued to perform well in the league and a vote of thanks goes to Mr. Kevin, his football coach, who prepared him for this destination in his sporting career and showed him the way to this focused, competitive sport. Mr. Nderitu also kept track of each step taken, encouraging and advising him throughout. Finally, his mum is rendered speechless by his performance, but shows great joy and says that he remains a “HERO” in her heart. It is our prayer that he keeps the school flag flying and we pray for him in his future sports career. Kevin Kaweesi