The Link

issue 14, volume 4

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

S C H O O L

O F

K E N Y A

O F F I C I A L

N E W S L E T T E R

ISK SCIENTISTS Aim for the Flame FUTURE STARS SUMMER CAMP

CONTENTS 3. From the Director

As we near the end of our fifth year at

ISK, Charlene and I are looking ahead.

(Read more) 4. From the Board of Directors

Two new Board Members, Child Protection Policy, Emergency Reserve Fund…

(Read more) 6. From the Elementary School

Principal’s letter, Co-curricular Activities Update, Summer Reading Challenge, ISK Scientists… (Read more) 12. From the MIddle School

Principal’s letter, Grade 6 Science, MS

Chorus, Kibera Dancers… (Read more) 15. From the High School

IB Exam Schedule, Opportunities for

Dialogue: Keeping children safe in Nairobi… (Read more) 22. Future Stars

Summer camp coming to ISK… (Read more) 24. Karura Service Learning

Hiking to waterfalls, planting and water-

ing trees, packing soil, collecting trash…

(Read more) 27. From the PTO

Staff Appreciation Lunch, Successful

FOTA Art Exhibition, Painting the Hoarding… (Read more)

30. From the Advancement Office

Happy at ISK, Alumni Reunion in Washington, DC this summer at the Kenyan Embassy… (Read more)

2 | International School of Kenya

EDITORIAL TEAM Lynn Wells Pamela Pappas DESIGN & PRODUCTION Janet Muasya - ISK Mario Zamfir - SchoolBrand.com Copyright © 2014 The Link

FROM THE DIRECTOR

MY FINAL TWO YEARS AS DIRECTOR

By John Roberts ISK DIR E CTOR As we near the end of our fifth year at ISK, Charlene and I are looking ahead. Part of that envisioning process includes our professional lives, and part, our personal lives. The two intersect because we will be moving back to Canada when we leave ISK in June, 2016. Three of our four grandchildren have started school and we feel that after our current contracts at ISK end in two years, we want to be closer to them. We both have many projects lined up for after that big move—after 28 years overseas, including 17 in Africa!—but we are determined to remain connected with international education one way or another. ISK has been an amazing professional experience: to work with such dedicated professionals in all parts of the school; to work with Board members so committed to creating and fulfilling a meaningful vision for our students; to witness the development of so many children with so much to offer the world; and to be part of such a diverse yet engaged community. It will be hard to leave!

But there is much to do in the next two years, so you can expect me to continue to give 100% of my effort and enthusiasm to ISK until my last day in 2016!

Director Search The Board of Directors is responsible for the search for selecting and hiring of a new Director. Because

that selection is such an important decision for the school, the Board is interested in stakeholder input into selected phases of the process. The Board will, therefore, be convening a Director Search Committee consisting of members of both Boards as well as parent, staff and student representatives.

The Director Search Committee will not be making decisions around the selection of the next Director, but will manage and coordinate several key aspects of the search process. The value of such a committee lies in its potential to enhance community engagement in the school. It will provide transparency to a critical governance decision process, and provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have input into the ideal candidate

profile—the qualities, skills and experience that will best meet the school’s needs for the five to ten years following an appointment.

The search process, and the transition to a new Director in July 2016, will be designed to ensure ISK’s continued path to excellence. The school’s vision, strategic plan, long-term financial plan, and facilities master plan will continue to guide the work of both the administration team and the Boards.

Watch the Board Corner space of upcoming issues of The Link for more information on the Director Search process.

Good luck to our seniors in their exams!

The Link | 3

Board Meeting Report

29th April 2014

Suddenly we are in the last few weeks of the school year! The Board held its penultimate meeting on 29th April.

In community news, we were very pleased to welcome the incoming president of ASB, Shea Orth-Moore, who told us that the election process had gone well, and that elections for class reps are now taking place.

In the light of recent distressing media stories, and following the visit of Lois Engelbrecht, the Child Protection specialist, Mr. Roberts gave us a quick review of the school’s current status in this area. He also presented some preliminary results of the Parent Survey responses – these will be more widely available soon.

4 | International School of Kenya

Other Board business included some proposals to present the budget earlier, and arrangements for the Emergency Reserve fund.

After our elections at the Board AGM last week, we are very happy to welcome Rene Berger as a new parent-elected rep, Tim Smyth who was reelected and Daniel Martimbeault who has been appointed to the Board by the Canadian High Commission. We would also like to thank Rafael Jabba for standing for election.

The last Board meeting of the school year will take place on Tuesday May 20th, at 4pm, in the Commons MPR. Vicky Cole Board Secretary

The Link | 5

Dear Parents, Each year the Elementary School looks at placing students in an environment that is most conducive to student learning. The following information is intended to give you an overview of our process.

1. As soon as the Elementary School Office has a list of returning students, grade level teams in conjunction with the Student Support Services Department, the counsellor and the principal begin to look at selecting groups of students that would work well together.

2. At this point in the process no teacher names are put with initial lists. These initial lists are compiled looking at the following areas: • Boy/girl ratio • Nationality • LRC/ESOL students • New/returning students • Effective learning groups • Balanced social groups • Strengths of individual children for balanced achievement groups • Optional parental input to teacher/principal on what learning style parents think best matches their child’s learning 3. By June draft lists have been identified. Please note that teachers are not yet assigned to these groups.

4. Over the summer and in early August we continue to accept and place new students. At this point, we may have to revisit our draft June lists to ensure a continued student balance is in place. Teachers are assigned to classes approximately a week before school starts and class lists are published three days before school begins.

5. In doubtful cases (academic, social, emotional or age), a student may be admitted on probation or may later be placed on a probationary status.

6. It is important to note the following when it comes to placement: • All classes are generally constructed in a heterogeneous fashion • The school determines the final placement and parental requests for specific teachers and/or classes are not accepted.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself should you have any queries or need additional clarification.

Patricia Salleh Matta Elementary School Principal 6 | International School of Kenya

by FRANCIS ATEMO / ES Activities Coordinator

Co-curricular Activities Update

Please note that the Elementary Quarter four co-curricular activities will end on Friday, May 9. However, the following week beginning Monday, May 12 will be a make - up week for activities taking place on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays only. These activities missed some sessions due to the Student-Led Conferences, Easter holiday or Labor Day.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Kindly note that Tuesday activities will not have a make - up session as they did all their sessions.

Thank you very much for all your support this year.

Francis Atemo ES Activities Coordinator

ES EXPRESS

by BARBARA JONES / ES Librarian

Summer Reading Challenge Coming soon At the end of every school year, the library distributes a summer reading challenge to all Elementary students.

Its purpose is to encourage children to read over the holiday. We know that children who don’t read during this time are more likely to experience a decline in their reading levels between May and August. The reading challenge also encourages children to try reading different types of books and to use some of the vocabulary terms they learned in the library.

So, look out for the sheet and help your child complete it. It does not require the use of the ISK library, although if you are in Nairobi you will find it open and our assistants will help you find what you need.

If you are leaving school early, make sure you don’t leave without the summer reading challenge sheet (or, look for it on our website – it will be there in June).

The Link | 7

by AMANDA FINE

ISK Scientists AIM for the Flame

“Where did all these little scientists come from?” Grade 2 students, decked out in safety goggles and toting lab books furiously scribble notes while listening intently to Grade 9 students as they explain how to do an experiment in the High School lab.

This is the second time this year that Elementary students have ventured up to the very impressive “real” science lab.

renewable energy. The flame test “Technicolor Atoms” lab is an opportunity for the second graders to practice their (scientific method) skills: forming a hypothesis, keeping track of materials, analyzing data, following a procedure, and drawing conclusions.

Safety is also one of the most important parts of conducting an experiment. Bunsen burners can reach temperatures up to 1200°C. Students wore safety goggles, pulled back long loose hair, and made sure not to have any dangling jewelry or clothing. Adults were present at all times and students moved carefully around the lab.

In second Grade, the scientific method is explicitly introduced and practiced through a variety of experiments focusing on animal adaptations and different sources of

Earlier this semester, the second grade learned how to use microscopes and make observations of human cheek cells, elodea plant cells, and onion skin cells. The ninth

8 | International School of Kenya

graders taught them how to make a slide, adjust the microscope, take notes and draw pictures.

This collaboration between HS and ES benefits everyone involved.

The ES students experience a real laboratory setting and get to do experiments that would otherwise be impossible to do at such a young age. The HS students take on a role model scientist position, responsible for leading and explaining the intricacies of lab procedure as well as modifying the concepts in a way younger children would understand.

A huge thank you Mr. Amirouche, Ms. Nefdt, and the ninth graders for facilitating this incredible learning experience for all the aspiring scientists in Grade 2!

The Link | 9

PRIDE ROARS

by BETSY LAFONTANT

PRIDE completed its Annual Candygram Fundraiser This year PRIDE sold ROARs (Really Outstanding Awesome Rafiki). PRIDE spent one week taking orders and two weeks making the ROARs. All ROARs were delivered on April 17 to various recipients at ISK, the bulk in the Elementary School. In the end, PRIDE sold almost 1,000 ROARs and raised $300.

Proceeds will go to fund TASCIK, the PRIDE Service Learning Project and various other PRIDE projects.

10 | International School of Kenya

Miles of Styles Come see and hear how the arts connect us to the past, present and future.

SAVE THE DATE

From The ES Creative Arts Department

DATES TO REMEMBER IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

19 MAY

20 MAY

21 MAY

ES Art Show May 19 - 23

Grades 1-2 Concert

Grades PK-K Concert

Time: all day

Time: 2:15 PM

Time: 11:30 AM

22 MAY

23 MAY

Grades 3-4 Concert

Grades 5 Band/Chorus Concert

Time: 2:15 PM

Time: 2:15 PM

24 MAY

The Link | 11

Excitement Ruled at the Assembly

This past Wednesday we were treated to a dance performance from some of our Middle School students along with students from Kibera, one of our Middle School’s Service Learning projects for the semester. We were then amazed by a performance from Choreo Inc., a hip-hop group from the Nairobi YMCA. These hip-hop artists will be offering an after school activity next year during first semester. Our assembly also featured some entertaining videos of newscasts from some of our French students.

MS Concert Our Middle School Beginning Band, Advanced band, and choir will be performing next Thursday, May 8, at 6:00 p.m. This is our final concert of the year, and we will also have our Middle School Art Show in the Arts Center foyer at this time.

MS Social Our final Middle School social will be a grand affair on Friday, May 16, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The venue is at Roslyn Ridge, and tickets are KES 1500. More information will be forthcoming from our Middle School Student Council.

Parents in Pajamas As a part of our ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, the ISK Counseling Department has scheduled an online forum with Freedom from Chemical Dependency, a non-profit substance abuse prevention program located in the US. This is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the HS MPR. This virtual session will also provide parents an opportunity to ask questions. Although pajamas are optional for parents, the facilitator in the US would be more likely to wear such attire during the presentation, as it will be early morning there.

Eighth Grade End of the Year Party Our eighth Grade recognition assembly is less than a month away, and we are already in the planning stages. As per ISK tradition, parents organize a party for the eighth Grade students after the assembly. This year Meg Connor, mother of Lilly Clurman, has volunteered to host the party at her home. If you would like to help Meg with the planning, food, beverages, and/or activities for this event, please contact her at connorclurman@ yahoo.com or 070 201 6842.

Craig Baker Middle School Principal

12 | International School of Kenya

Grade 6 Science

Students Share Their Research Findings

by CATHERINE CORUM / School Librarian

Mr. Cussans’ sixth grade science students have been working on their independent research articles and are sharing their findings with classmates. Each student decides to research a subject of interest to him or her, and begins the investigation

with a Mind Map which is also a plan for the final written work. They take Research Notes for each “branch” during several sessions in the library, and, finally, as they write from their notes, each branch of the Mind Map becomes a paragraph.

The Mind Maps are so beautiful, and the notes and final work are so exemplary, that we have mounted an exhibit of Mind Maps, Notes, and final articles in the Library Reference area for the next two weeks.

The Link | 13

ISK MS Chorus

by DANIEL LIGON / MS Music Director

ISK MS Chorus participated again in the Middle Inter-School Music Festival held at IST in Dar es Salaam.

Joining us were IST, ISK, Lusaka school and Aga Khan. Leading these 95 talented young musicians was Dr. Judy Bowers from Florida State University, who has a doctorate in Middle School Music.

The students had roughly 6 hours of rehearsal time with Dr. Bowers.

When they weren’t singing they took part in art, drumming and dance workshops. It was fun to see some of the students out of their comfort zones and trying something new.

They gave their best effort. We are proud to say that Gony Sobol, Selah Piper and Emily Langlois auditioned and received solos. Adam Macharia

14 | International School of Kenya

also tried out, and while he didn’t make the cut, the festival encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones—we are so proud of him and all our students! The Mighty Lions represented ISK and their families well.

The result was a fantastic concert on Saturday afternoon. They were so professional and focused throughout the duration of the presentation.

They sang 5 songs as a large choir and each school sang one to two songs. Oh and they all looked wonderful in their shirts.

What makes all this so impressive is that the students pulled it off after two and a half days. They endured long rehearsals and the heat of Dar es Salaam to be successful in this

venture. The learning curve for many of the students was steep and excellence was the only thing accepted.

Dr. Bowers’ wealth of knowledge really pushed them and made them all better singers. There were many musical and singing terms and ideas that she was constantly teaching, encouraging and implementing. Ms. Fleming and myself learned much from watching her style, expectations and commitment to excellence.

Overall it was a great trip for our middle school students representing ISK in this way.

Enjoy the concert for yourself when it comes out on youtube. If you want to see a day to day synopsis of the trip, please go to: http://www.getjealous. com/tanzaniachoralfestival

This week we held the last week of classes for our seniors, with their final exams/assessments set to begin. You will find the examination schedules for seniors (and juniors taking IB exams) again in this week’s Link.

SENIORS: International Baccalaureate Exams & Final Assessments for Seniors take place from May 2-23. See the examination schedules included in this Link to confirm the days of your senior’s exams.

The last day of classes for all seniors was April 30. Starting May 2 transportation to and from school for seniors is the responsibility of parents. The school will release seniors from school immediately after they have finished their exams for the day, regardless of the time.

Any parent who does not want the school to release their child before 3:20 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on Wednesday) should contact the High School Office. Buses will run at normal times, and seniors who are signed up to ride the bus are welcome to use the bus.

JUNIORS: Some juniors are ready to sit IB exams this May 5-23 (in which case you would have registered for such exams earlier in the year), though many of our juniors will not sit any IB exams until their senior year. See the IB examination schedules included in this Link to confirm the days of your junior’s exam(s).

The rules for Grade 11 attendance at ISK during the exam session is as follows: Regular classes for all Grade 11 students including those taking an IB exam during the IB exam period, except that an IB student is not required to attend other High School classes the day before or the day of an IB Exam (allowing time to study for and sit the exam) - a junior who has an exam on a Monday is NOT allowed the previous Friday off of school.

During exams, the school will release juniors from school immediately after they have finished an IB exam for the day, regardless of the time.

Any parent who does not want the school to release their child before 3:20 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on Wednesday) should contact the High School Office. Buses will run at normal times, and seniors who are signed up to ride the bus are welcome to use the bus.

Rob Blanchard High School Principal

The Link | 15

Senior & IB Exam Schedule SEN IOR EXA M SC HE DU LE

START TIME

16 | International School of Kenya

DATE / COURSE

LOCATION

DURATION

2

M AY

DATES FOR DIARIES: PTO-sponsored Grade 10 Social at ISK pool.

Date: May 2 from Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM

IB EXAM SCHEDULE 2014 (MAY 5 - MAY 23) START TIME

DATE / COURSE

PAPER

DURATION

START TIME

DATE / COURSE

PAPER

DURATION

The Link | 17

Recently ISK hosted a Grade 11/12 Parent Forum, entitled ‘Opportunity for dialogue: Keeping children safe in Nairobi and beyond’.

Find below a summary of the group’s discussion, including some top tips from the parents who attended for those who could not join in.

Opportunity for Dialogue: Keeping children safe in Nairobi and beyond.

18 | International School of Kenya

Q1

Safe and ethical use of electronic devices

CHALLENGES:

• Students who don’t want to let

parents see what is going on online

• Shift in homework to online • Online transition happens when the students go from grade 5-6

• Effectively managing time for students

PARENT TIPS:

• Older children helping to talk with

high school aged siblings in regards to internet safety

• Parents popping in on children, “unlocked door” policy in some homes

• (Students) downloading an app onto their computers called Self Control app, which can help students disable the internet for set amounts of time to allow them to better manage time on task

• (School) Less judgmental advisory

session, allowing for students to sort through issues such as how to help peers make smart choices online and for students to come up with solutions and ideas rather than be lectured with the “scary facts” of cyber safety

continued on page 18

The Link | 19

Q2

Supporting social development and well being in Nairobi

CHALLENGES: • Not many alternate activities especially in nighttime. Some mention spending a lot of time online playing games etc.

• Supervision of children depends on the culture and values of each family • No safety net in the Kenyan society (ie. not always feeling safe with police) • Not driving until 18 is a good thing but some students are still seen driving in town • Challenge in regards to nightclubs, casinos and bars that allow underage children in with or without fake IDs • Fake ID’s are prevalent in Nairobi and within our student community • Sports

20 | International School of Kenya

PARENT TIPS: • School parties • Organized Sleepovers • Movie nights (although cinemas are now more of a challenge with recent mall terrorism and shooting at Sarit) • Inter-school parties with other area schools • Quiz nights etc. but must be student initiated to take off • Parent safety net existing for children to feel they can call a friend’s parent to pick them up if they are not feeling safe somewhere • Movies on campus in front of operations building or in the amphitheater?

• PTO/ASB mandate to sponsor activities at school; for example a Father/Daughter dance or other activity for both children and parents

Q3

Supporting healthy choices (including but not limited to substance abuse)

CHALLENGES: • Lack of sleep due to Facebook, other online activities, too much homework, time management, binge sleeping on weekends, “all of my friends are up” is a common excuse • Diet • Sex and making healthy choices • Exploring issues in an open society • Peer pressure in regards to a high standard for academic performance and marks; academic pressure • Stress • Time management skills • Early action on university application process - parents proactive

PARENT TIPS: • Encouraging “mental health” timeouts or days off from doing work • Enforced family dinnertime daily, whether it is only 10 minutes and not always needing to talk. If talking, can be about non-academic topics • Going out to dinner on occasion with one child to discuss, check in and show appreciation • Brunch as a family and including friends • Disconnect to connect, which forces all to put phones, iPads, computers away so that the family can play a board game or enjoy each others’ company • Being realistic with your child • (School) to provide facts about sleeping, making healthy choices and time management • Student led health fair idea from another International School • Encouraging confidential conversations with your child in regards to healthy living choices of peers and child • (School) to allow scheduling to facilitate sports and theater/creativity for example limiting sports to M, W, F after school and then having creativity take place on Tu, Th. Students are not able to meet the CAS requirement in school only, most need to do an additional activity outside of school

The Link | 21

Future Stars Summer Camp ISK 2014 Future Stars Summer Camp Registration is now open! Sign up now to book your space and become a Star!

This is the 7th year of Future Stars Summer Camps at ISK, and they just keep getting better. Every camp offers excellent instruction led by our knowledgeable ISK Coaches, Teachers and enthusiastic Camp Counselors.

Future Stars Camps are designed to build confidence and improve fundamentals through creative games and cooperative challenges. Our camps are a fantastic place to play, learn and have fun. Each camp offers a variety of activities designed to keep campers engaged and active, balancing competition with inclusive activities that build sportsmanship, develop friendships and make lasting memories.

Every camper receives a Future Stars T-shirt and certificate of participation. Future Stars campers enjoy a snack in the middle of each session with fruit, biscuits and juice.

Online Registration Go to the ISK Website – Quick Links – Summer Camps. Once you have done so, please make payment to the ISK Cashier’s Office to secure your place.

DATES Week 1 = June 9 – 13, 2014 Week 2 = June 16 – 20, 2014 COST PER SESSION: KES 7000 Each session of Future Stars Camp is one week long.

Monday to Friday.

TIMES Session 1: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

22 | International School of Kenya

SIGN UP NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED. www.isk.ac.ke-quicklinks

ISK Future Stars 2014 Summer Camp Schedule: WEEK 1 and WEEK 2 ACTIVITY

PLAY GROUP

FOOTBALL

TENNIS

BASKETBALL

FIELD HOCKEY

DRAMA

GYMNASTICS & CIRCUS

GOLF

LEADER

Yuanita Owour ISK

Sagar Muga ISK

George Muga ISK

Maurice Omondi ISK

Nixon Nyangaga ISK

Keith PEarson Theatre Company

James Njunge Sarakasi Trust

Ajay Shah Green Park Golf Pro

SESSION 1 9AM-1PM Age Group

5-9 years

6-9 years

8-10 years

10-14 years

No Field Hockey

7-14 years

6-14 years

8-14 years

SESSION 2 1PM-5PM Age Group

5-9 years

10-14 years

11-14 years

6-9 years

8-14 years

7-14 years

6-14 years

No Golf

LOCATION

Multicourt

Lower Field

Tennis Court

Gym

Upper Field

Theatre

HS MPR (1&2)

Upper Field

by EDWARD OTIENO / ISK Summer Camp Director

Camp Descriptions Play Group ISK’s crew of fantastic Elementary PE teachers and High School Counselors lead a fun-filled week of games, art, creativity, action and enjoyment. Campers will engage with projects, cooperative challenges and fun group games. Campers will also have time to relax, talk, listen to music and make new friends.

Football, Basketball, Field Hockey, Tennis, Golf Campers will go through a daily routine of warm-ups, skill stations, mini-games and contests. Every camper will learn new fundamentals

in a supportive, caring environment that focuses not only on sports but also developing relationships, good sportsmanship, and having fun.

Tennis Camp is limited to 20 campers per session. Space is reserved upon online registration and receipt of payment to the ISK’s Cashier’s Office.

Drama Express yourself through drama as you travel through activities filled with emotion. Be aware of your space, learn through feelings and motivations. This is Children’s Theatre at it’s best as you step into character and open a whole new exciting world.

Golf Camp will take place in the mornings only. Campers will be divided into age skill level groups. All Golf equipment will be provided.

Field Hockey Camp will take place in the afternoons only. Campers will be divided into age / skill level groups.

Please note that shin and mouth guards are highly recommended.

Hockey Sticks provided.

Gymnastics and Circus Come develop and promote strength, flexibility, agility, coordination and body control through the use of functional movement. Learn to juggle, walk on stilts and perform circus activities. Participants will be divided into skill level groups.

The Link | 23

Karura Service Learning Program

by IRIS AMBOGO / ISK Service Learning Advisor

Karura Service Learning Program did a fantastic job this semester. 23 students who enrolled for Karura represented ISK well at the forest society. Their attendance and behavior was great as was their hard work and positive response to all assigned duties. They maintained the reputation of ISK and I enjoyed working with them as their advisor and wish them all the best in their other projects.

Some of the activities that we engaged in during the semester are: • Introduction to Karura forest i.e. watching a video on how the entire forest was established • Walking to the waterfalls and caves in the forest • Planting of trees • Packing of soil in planting seedlings bags (packed an average of 400 bags)

24 | International School of Kenya

• Slashing off unwanted plants in the forest • Watering the young trees • Weeding of flowerbeds around the buildings • Collecting trash around the compound • Pruning of weeds from the seedlings

The students committed themselves to their duties and worked within the allocated time with the outcome of their work being easily recognized.

Many a time we would finish our work before time and students were then allowed to play various games like soccer which they found fun and later got drinks from the Karura shop to quench their thirst.

Challenges are often inevitable and the Karura Program was no exception. We had a few challenges

like slippery grounds to work on during the rainy season, some students’ lack of knowledge on how to handle tools (of which they learned fast after being taught) and not having enough tools for working. Our program will end on April 30.

On behalf of the students and my assistants, John Munyoki and Debby Bloomstein, I wish to extend my gratitude to the MS and HS teachers who took their time to accompany us during the semester. We enjoyed working with you and it portrayed a sense of belonging to the students.

Thank you Ms. Redler and Ms. Laura for your great support and cooperation that made us succeed in our project.

GIN Club

Our 2014 aGINda has been busy! Members of the High School Global Issues Network club have been busy in 2013/14! The club has tackled some key issues and partnerships, including: FIRST SEMESTER: Water Campaign, which included:

• Learning about water issues in our world • Inviting representatives from ‘Me To We’ to attend a GIN meeting and teach further about water issues

• Partnering with ‘Me To We’ to raise money for a water project in Kenya ($240 was raised at the PTO Picnic in September through the Water Walk activity we organized and executed; this activity allowed people to walk approximately 400 metres carrying a 20-litre water jerry can, accompanied by Maasai women who typically walk 5 Km a day carrying water)

• Creating and posting information and tips about water conservation around campus

• Creating an informative bulletin board in the HS to raise awareness about water issues

• Free hugs day (to build community spirit after the Westgate Tragedy)

• First GINtalks with Emmanuel Jal (Jal, a former

child soldier from South Sudan and author of War Child, spoke to the HS and MS student body in late September)

• Golden Hearts Day: In early November we invited

the 17 Golden Hearts students who attended GISS 2013 to come back to ISK for a day of learning and leadership. Tito Kuria from the Jump! Foundation facilitated sessions for the day, and our GIN students led 2 workshops (one about poaching, one about gender and education issues). This is part of our GIN Club’s ongoing commitment to help the Golden Hearts youth leaders to continue creating positive change in communities in Kenya.

SECOND SEMESTER: Anti-Poaching Campaign, which included:

• A meeting with Stand Up, Shout Out representatives to brainstorm ways to raise awareness about the poaching crisis

• Creating posters that were put up in the High School section

• Organizing a workshop about poaching (this included a simulation and a Prezi presentation aimed to raise awareness about the severity of the issue: this workshop was presented to our Golden Hearts

The Link | 25

partners at ISK and also at AISAGISS 2014)

• 2nd GINtalks with Peter Moll,

Kenyan youth activist and leader of Stand Up, Shout Out: Peter spoke about the poaching crisis in East Africa and 10,000 Ksh was raised to support the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

• AISA-GISS 2014: 13 students and

2 teachers attended the 3-day Global Issues Service Summit in Accra, Ghana. Keynote speakers, changemaker panelists and workshops were inspiring. The team came back passionate about engaging in even deeper ways with global issues.

• ISK’s Plastic Policy: Shea Orth-

Moore and LeeAnne Lavender met with the canteen committee in March 2014 to review the school’s plastic policy (adopted in the spring of 2011). This policy

26 | International School of Kenya

was created by GIN students and adopted by the leadership team. The canteen committee has agreed to abide by the policy and eliminate single-use plastics by August 2014. The club presented ideas for eliminating all singleuse containers (of any sort) and for implementing recycling and composting centres throughout the campus.

• Awareness: a bulletin board about poverty was created in the high school to raise awareness and bring attention to key statistics and issues

• 3rd GINtalks: Doug Cress

from the Great Apes Survival Partnership came to ISK in April, 2014, to introduce Chimpanzee (a Disney movie connected to the work of Dr. Jane Goodall), facilitate a screening of the film, and conduct a Q&A session. Over

50 people attended the GINtalks and it was a huge success.

• In preparation for the third

GINtalks, GIN students spent one club meeting and reading articles about Dr. Jane Goodall and her conservation work, as well as watching a short overview video by National Geographic.

Club members created a list of questions that could be used at the GINtalks event.

• End-of-year celebration: club

members spent a final session reflecting on the year (what went well and what could have been improved), as well as celebrating the work of GIN seniors; sessions in May will allow executive members and upcoming leaders to brainstorm ideas and vision for 2014/15.

Greetings !

O T P e h t from ISK’s Annual Staff Appreciation Lunch will be held Friday, May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to say “Thank You” to all of the teachers and staff who work tirelessly throughout the school year to help your children grow.

The PTO needs volunteers for set up, serving and clean up, as well as parents to monitor ES and MS lunch recesses so that the teachers can enjoy a nice break. Please sign up at the PTO Shop to volunteer your time or send an e-mail to buffboyer@hotmail.com. The PTO funds the main dish from money collected from other events in the school. We are also asking every family to donate food to make the event a success.

Even numbered grades and KG are asked to bring a dessert and odd numbered grades and PreK are asked to bring a side dish only, one dish per family is necessary. Food can

be dropped off Friday morning and dishes can be picked up after school. Thank you for helping to make this event a success!

There is plenty for us to appreciate from the commitment ISK staff give to our children and to the school community as a whole. From the PTO’s perspective, it would be difficult for us to organize all the events we do and be of service to our community without the help we get from the operations staff.

They do so much in the background that allows us to get on with our work–especially in setting up for the events as well as cleaning up after us.

A special appreciation from the PTO this year also goes to the Music Department, led by Daniel Ligon. The ambiance created by the music played at most of our events this year has just added so much to the attraction and entertainment during the events and showed

off what talent we have within our community.

Talking about ambiance, have you noticed the murals surrounding the new Elementary School construction site? The Arts Department and PTO’s FOTA arm have been busy on this project, funded by the PTO and a very generous donation from Basco Paints, that helps connect local artists with ISK students. What a pleasure it brings to the eye instead of plain construction boarding!

Finally, the PTO Shop would like to announce that we will be closing for the year on May 29.

Please make sure to do all of your year-end shopping before then, as we have to take inventory and return stock back to the vendors. We will have normal hours until then.

Geoff Boyer & Wanji Gichigi-Hansson PTO Co-Chairs

The Link | 27

Photo Fun

28 | International School of Kenya 28 | International School of Kenya

< AUTUMN TREND > Quisque eu porta magna. Integer purus justo, auctor eu sagittis cursus, imperdiet vel ipsum.

Fusce nibh lacus, faucibus non ullamcorper at, porta vel dui. In hac habitasse platea dictumst.

PARTY TREND > Quisque eu porta magna. Integer purus justo, auctor eu sagittis cursus, imperdiet vel ipsum.

Fusce nibh lacus, faucibus non ullamcorper at, porta vel dui. In hac habitasse platea dictumst.

< ALUMNI TREND > Quisque eu porta magna. Integer purus justo, auctor eu sagittis cursus, imperdiet vel ipsum.

Fusce nibh lacus, faucibus non ullamcorper at, porta vel dui. In hac habitasse platea dictumst.

The Link | 29 The Link | 29

By Lynn Wells Director of Advancement

The Admission Office reports that only 12% of our students have reported that they are not returning next year! This is a very low figure for international schools are we are thrilled so many families will be returning next year!

To those who will not be returning we wish you the very best and hope you stay in touch with ISK through our Alumni Association.

Remember, once an ISK Lion…always an ISK Lion.

Speaking of our Alumni Association, if you know of former students who will be in the Washington, DC area this summer, be sure to tell them about our first ISK Alumni Reunion to be held in the USA. The Kenyan Embassy is host to this event, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, July 24.

For more details or to RSVP email the Alumni Association at alumni@isk.ac.ke.

30 | International School of Kenya

Happy at ISK. Our video has been extremely popular on YouTube with an outstanding 9,000+ hits.

Alumni near and far have said Thank You to our current students, staff and administrators for making this a very Happy Video!

One student was quoted, as saying “I’m loving my school right now”! Go Lions!

If you haven’t watched the video click here: https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=A3lt94FqF7g

The New Link – We hope you enjoy the new look and design of The Link.

We’ve taken feedback from parents, students, faculty and staff to make it more readable and user friendly and celebrate all the great things that happen on the ISK campus.

If you have feedback for us, please send an email to communications@isk.ac.ke.

The Link | 31

The Nairobi Nomads Cricket Club The Nairobi Nomads Cricket Club would like to invite any interested young cricketers or persons interested in learning, to join us on Friday evenings from 4:30 p.m. at the ISK nets (upper field).

We have a small but dedicated group who usually practice on Fridays and play games usually once every two weeks, on weekends.

Parents in Pajamas Join us for an online Parent Meeting with FCD Educational Services Parents of students in Grades 5 – 12 Date: May 15 at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Venue: HS MPR Dear ISK Parents and Caregivers: As part of our ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, we have arranged an Online Meeting with a prevention specialist from Freedom From Chemical Dependency (FCD) Educational Services. FCD is a non-profit organization that provides substance abuse prevention services for schools.

In this live 60-minute session, the FCD prevention specialist will discuss: • Effective ways to communicate with your child about alcohol, other drugs, and substance use • Up-to-date facts about current student use trends • What to say about your own experiences with alcohol and/or other drug useHow to spot early warning signs of trouble and effective ways to respond.

• There will be plenty of time for questions.

The young men can just show up or contact us directly at 0706 693 423 or nbinomadscc@ yahoo.co.uk to confirm that they will be playing. We have all the equipment needed.

Looking forward to seeing bright young prospects!

Derrick Quinet Athletic Director

opportunity to prepare for family discussions about alcohol and other drugrelated issues with your children. Parental involvement is crucial to our efforts to reduce the risks teenagers face. We want our students to hear from both school and home that the adults who care about them are committed to keeping them safe and supporting them in making positive, healthy choices.

Organized by the ISK Counseling Department

This program presents a perfect

DATES TO REMEMBER EVENT MS Art Show/Concert

DATE

TIME

April 28 - May 2

6:00 P.M.

IB Exams

May 5 - 23

ES Reading/Math Assessments

May 5 - 9

CAS Interviews

May 5 - 9

VENUE Art Center Commons MPR

PTO Open Meeting

May 6

8:30 A.M.

HS MPR

MS Concert

May 8

6:00 P.M.

Auditorium

PTO Staff Appreciation Lunch

May 9

ISK

ISK U17 Rugby Festival

ISK

ES Musical Rehearsals

May 12-16

Departing Parent Coffee

May 16

6:00 P.M.

HS MPR

MS End of Year Social

May 16

6:00 P.M.

Rosslyn Ridge

32 | International School of Kenya

Art Center

b y

I N T E R NATIONAL

SC HOOL

OF

K E N YA

@ ISK UPPER FIELD

1 TABLE = KHS 2,000

Please sign up at the Business Office before May 16, 2014

TABLES ARE RESERVED ONLY FOR THE ISK COMMUNITY

The Link | 33

JULY 2014

Reunions are a wonderful opportunity for alumni to get together, reminisce about shared experiences, exchange latest news and reconnect with their alma mater. With this in mind, we are happy to announce that we are hosting our first overseas Alumni Reunion in Washington D.C. on July 24, 2014. We have been communicating with over 1,300 former students, teachers and parents and have invited them to the reunion.

The event will be held at the Kenyan Embassy in Washington D.C.; we are honored that the Kenyan Government representatives in the US are hosting this very special occasion. Please share this news with ISK alumni that you are in contact with. They can sign up for all Alumni-related communication by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting Connectedâ&#x20AC;? through the ISK website: www.isk.ac.ke

PO Box 14103 - 00800 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 720 639 363 www.isk.ac.ke

34 | International School of Kenya