Peponi Post TRINITY TERM 2022 EDITION
Peponi Connect introduces the exciting prospect of work opportunity partnerships between Peponi parents and Peponi pupils. Do you have an opportunity to offer work experience for our senior pupils? Help them develop their workplace experience, their soft skills, and their confidence within a profession to which they aspire. As we foster the next generation of university undergraduates and successful young working men and women, help us to engage, excite and enrich the next generation of leaders. Please email: connect@peponischool.org
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“Confidence thrives on honesty, on honour, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them confidence cannot live.” Franklin D. Roosevelt www.peponischool.org | 03. The 32nd President of the United States
OP Kesha Davidson After completing her A levels at Peponi in 2015, Kesha Davidson moved to Australia for her university studies, graduating with a Masters in Theology in 2020. In 2021 Kesha moved to the outback of Australia to work as a school chaplain before being recruited by the Royal Australian Navy to be trained as an officer. She thrived during the five months of her NEOC training and quickly earned herself the nickname of the Battle Chaplain.
Kesha was awarded RAN’s Perpetual Cup for Individual Athletic Accomplishment and Endeavour at her Passing Out parade on June 16th this year. The Australian Navy is now sponsoring Kesha’s two years secondment with C3 Church in Sydney, so that she may be ordained and ready for deployment as a Ship’s Chaplain.
Mark Durston Headmaster www.peponischool.org | 04.
Cambridge Collection 2022 ‘I love inventing names, but I also collect unusual names, so that I can look through my notebook and choose one that suits a new character.’ - J. K. Rowling The presentations of the Cambridge Collections this year showed us all that there is a wide variety of interests amongst our Shell pupils ranging from vinyl records and solar powered equipment to different currencies from around the world and fishing flies. But the purpose of these collections is not limited to bringing in a bag full of random items; there is a great deal more involved. The pupils are judged on their written reports, presentation skills in displaying the collections and on their oral presentations to the judges, teachers and their peers.
‘It is perhaps a more fortunate destiny to have a taste for collecting shells than to be born a millionaire’. - Robert Louis Stevenson
In talking to many of the exhibitors at the presentations, I came to realise that, for many of the pupils, there is a pocket in their lives that these items fit into. Many collections had started with a spark from a grandmother who gave her granddaughter a traditional doll to give her courage or a grandson who is continuing a collection of stamps dating back to the 19th century. Collections can create a timeline in history and link generations. Memories are created by collecting and they become part of our characters as they reveal our interests and remind us of a time in our lives when we were at a certain place or time in our lives. I look forward to seeing what next year’s collections reveal about our new Shell pupils Claire Nightingale Head of Awards
www.peponischool.org | 05.
Music Nairobi Orchestra After a gap of several years, Nairobi Orchestra was delighted to be back at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Road on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June. The programme featured music by Copland, Rossini, Shostakovich, Brahms and Beethoven. Once again, we had a healthy contingent of participants from the Peponi Schools, namely Mr Wataka (Conductor), Ms Davies (Cello), Mr Laight (Piano & Violin), Mr Stephens (Trumpet), Milo Brown (Trumpet), Ruchi Raja (E) (Violin) & Samyak Raja (M) (Violin). We thoroughly expect this pattern to continue in future concerts!
Battle of the Bands As is customary in the Trinity term, all of our Shell pupils worked on a special project, the Battle of the Bands. This allowed a great deal of independence and collaborative work within the teaching groups. Ultimately, all pupils recorded their performance and the winners from each teaching group were as follows: 9A - Joy Kikuvi (E), Ria Jutley (J), Amara Pannu (J) & Keiya Sumaria (J) 9B - Saanvi Vora (E), Kavata Muindi (J), Faith Njoroge (J), Annemarie Wachira (E) & Njeri Kibuchi (J) 9C - Danielle Kavuma (E), Katanu Muindi (J) & Imani Slater (J) 9D - Kheya Shah (J), Ciru Kibuchi (J), Maya Kinuthia (E), Atona Matta (C) & Dominic Busingye (C) www.peponischool.org | 06.
Joint Peponi Concert On Monday 27th June, we were delighted to resume the Joint Peponi Concerts at Peponi House Prep School. Our soloists included Jaanvi Shah (E) (Piano), Samskara Shah (E) (Harp), Saiyana Pandya (E) (Voice), Ruchi Raja (E) (Violin), Anya Patel (E) (Drum-kit), Reeyan Gosrani (C) (Saxophone) and Pasha Haria (E) (Marimba).
We also, once again, heard performances from our Brass Ensemble and String Ensemble. Our Orchestra, along with our staff and pupil choir, combined forces with the Peponi House Orchestra, Choir and other musicians in pieces by Beethoven, Bizet and Dvořák with the final item, Eric Wainaina’s ‘Daima Kenya’, featuring over 100 performers on stage. And to think that all these performances came from our Junior pupils!
James Laight Director of Music and Creative Arts www.peponischool.org | 07.
Chapel Evensong
Led by Forms I&II, Shell & LV We were delighted to hold an Evensong Service in the second half of term for all pupils and tutors of Forms I & II, Shell and Lower Vth. Officiated by the Headmaster, and assisted by the School’s Junior Chapter, the service consisted of readings and verses from a number of religions and scriptures. It offered both an important opportunity for reflection amidst a busy time, as well as a fitting celebration of the hard work that the junior years of Peponi School have put in over the Trinity term.
Karl Cook Deputy Head (Pastoral)
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Inter-House Junior Debate The Inter-House Junior debate competition came to an end on Thursday 23rd June in the evening with all teams giving their best to win the much coveted trophy. It was a neck to neck competition between Chala and Magadi. While both Houses were eloquent and persuasive, Magadi finally broke the dry spell and clinched the Debating Junior Cup beating Chala by just one mark.
The challenge started on Thursday 16th of June. The first round ended with Chala comfortably in the lead. Chala’s Ismail Kimani charmed the audience with his rhetoric and powerful presence. Equally formidable were: Elementaita’s Ruchi Raja, Jipe’s Ruby Wakaba, Chala’s Aarav Patel and Magadi’s Dev Gardi. They indeed mesmerized the audience with their confidence. There were no underdogs in this hotly contested competition and even the Shell debaters namely Danielle Kavuma (E), Reeyan Gosrani (C), Pinkey Mhajan (J) and Zachary Gardner-Hutchinson (M) were a force to reckon with. Accolades go to the following for being the best speakers from their Houses. Chala- Ismail Kimani Elementaita- Ruchi Raja Jipe- Ruby Wakaba Magadi- Dev Gardi. Lillian Ayatta Head of Debating
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The Expressive Arts
Theme: Minimalism
The year has ended on a positive note with some Lower VI pupils embracing their creative side. Marianne Kakongoro (E) and Gabriella Ejuku-Ejalu (E) were pleasantly surprised at their beautiful abstract paintings; it was an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. A day after, their classmates joined in for a fun Dance session with Sam, the instructor; the teachers tried it too! Beatrice Wakhu Teacher of Art
Shell History Trip The East Africa Campaign and ‘Forgotten Front’, Taita Taveta In a bid to establish and understand the role played by Kenyans and the East African Community in the Great War-World War 1 [WW1], our Shell Group (Year 9s) embarked on a History field trip to the County of Taita-Taveta on the Coastal plains of Kenya. The excitement and enthusiasm planted in the minds of the14 year-olds made them brave the morning cold for an early departure to catch the 8 o’clock Madaraka Train to Voi; itself, a major flagship project for the Jubilee Government aimed at improving connectivity between the Coastal city of Mombasa and the Administrative Capital-Nairobi. The warm and cool climate of Voi provided the perfect temperature to demystify and acknowledge the significant role and sacrifices made by young heroes and heroines from Kenya and Tanzania, who were forcefully conscripted into the King African Rifles as troops, or worked as porters as the Germans and the British brought the war in Europe to the region in what was known as the East Africa Campaign.
In Kenya, there are a number of memorial graves where some of the dead accounted for during the war, got buried. It is believed that at least 2 million Africans across East Africa were involved in this war which started in 1914 and ended in 1918. Under the guidance of our experienced battlefield tourism tour guide, Willy Mwadilo, a visit to the Voi Memorial war cemetery to pay our tribute and learn of the sacrifices made by determined men and women from as far as South Africa and Australia, introduced us to the atrocities of war. Some memorials have moving worded epitaphs on them, such one by British poet John Maxwell Edmonds, "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today". The advantages of Educational Field Trips were evident here for both teachers and pupils as the reality of the war sunk in through Willy’s narrations and his responses to a series of questions from the teachers and pupils.
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A drive to the hotel created the environment to reflect and connect the classroom presented theories on the causes of WW1 with real-life and authentic experiences. Most importantly, it inspired, stimulated and aroused interest in pupils, to focus on the next phase of the learning enquiry and to understand the world that exists beyond the school curriculum. This became evident with a formal conference room presentation later in the evening that featured a documentary on the ‘Forgotten Front’. From pupils and teachers’ non-verbal cues, there is no doubt that learning that when World War I broke out, Voi in Taita Taveta became the overnight headquarters of the High Command of the conflict that happened between 1914 and 1918. African men sat in sullen clusters in dozens of market centres across British East Africa (then comprising Kenya, Uganda and Somaliland) as European recruiting officers recorded their names were eventually sent to Voi by train.
Due to coercion and blackmail, they had joined the King's African Rifles to fight an enemy they did not quite know and for a King (George VI) they had never seen much, less heard of. In their hundreds of thousands, they marched to defend the land against German aggression from right across the border in Tanganyika (now Tanzania). The squalor of their camps and the wretched conditions of the military establishment claimed African lives by the tens of thousands, many falling without seeing actual war action and more dying from diseases, exhaustion and starvation. And what did the British do? They decided that the dead Africans could be buried in unmarked mass graves and, worse, never bothered to inform their families on the fate of their loved ones. Today, one such mass grave in Voi is overgrown with thorny scrub and lies right next to the neat, orderly rows of headstones of the European dead. A mini-WW1 museum packed with artefacts of war at the Taita Hills Safari Resort, marked an end to Uncle Willy’s presentation for the day.
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The comfort of Saltlick Safari Lodge and a one-on-one proximity to elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras as they came to quench their thirst within magnetic water ponds courtesy of the hotel, eased the sombre mood created from the afternoon’s historical discoveries and the exhaustion that weighed down on the group.
The Headmaster, Mr. Mark Durston joined Ms. Claire Nightingale, Ms. Mary Mukule, Mr. Seoras Strain, Mr. Eric Kanyiri and myself in accompanying the pupils in unearthing the mission of the Forgotten Front. The professional presence of ‘Uncle’ Willy, allowed teachers to take a worthwhile break giving pupils a new lease of life in understanding the impacts of war.
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Traveling is wonderful in many ways. As we travel we meet more new people, cultures, and lifestyles. With all the newness in our life, we are also opened to new insights, outlook, perception of the world and living, which often gives us a new purpose for our lives. This narrative captures our experiences on the 2nd day. With the first stop at the Snipers Baobab tree where myth has it that a bitter German widow seeking to avenge the death of her husband killed during the war, killed hundreds of British soldiers while hiding at a hollow part of the tree and the Salaita hill which was a hideout for German troops. Unfortunately, a hike to Salaita Hill, the last battlefield before the Germans withdrew and retreated to Tanzania was not possible having been fenced off by a private developer. A hike to the British command centre, the Picket Hill, displayed the advantages the British had over their Germans enemies. The 360-degrees panoramic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the East, Rhodesian Hills to the north west and Taita Hills to the North east provided a breath-taking scenic beauty easing the tension from the tedious climb. Memorably, Shayan Dewany was ushered into the annuls of History perhaps, as an accidental archaeologist as he stumbled upon a button from a definite military uniform of a British military soldier. He humbly presented this historical token to Uncle Willy, evidence of the East Africa Campaign to be showcased at the Taita Hills Game Lodge History Museum. A visit at Mwashoti along the Voi-Taveta highway, overlooking Taita Hills to the East and Kilimanjaro mountains to the West, marked the end of our study where trenches which are traces of what was a once British hideout post are still visible almost 100 years since the war ended. A green plague standing nearby which was set up from a spirited campaign of Mr. Willy Mwandilo in memory of African soldiers who lost their lives during the war acts as a reminder of the gunshots that once characterized the area. In echoing Augustine, the world is a great book, of which they who never stir from home read only a page. While travelling we have first-hand knowledge about the place we are travelling. We actually see the place with our own eyes, and its memory stays with us throughout our life. We find our general outlook on life; we realize that this vast world is our home and we become more conscious of how we can harmoniously live and support one another.
Jimmy Carter Ogodo Dean of Study
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LVth Geography Field Trip Coastal Processes and the Resultant Landforms, Mombasa. How would you feel if there were no trips and visits to fun and exciting places from school with your friends? How would it feel to spend an entire year just studying in the classroom?! Might School be more boring… Unlike subjects in the scientific field - Physics and Chemistry, where the practical application of the specified theoretical content is restricted within the confines of the four classroom walls geographers have the pleasure and advantage to travel and explore the wonders that Mother Nature has to offer. The physical environment is transformed into a laboratory for measuring and mapping, experimenting and recording of a myriad of natural processes.
There is no doubting, it is important to go on Educational Field Trips, School Trips and Visits to different places as they come up with a variety of benefits for pupils and teachers. Different things are learnt about the identified destination that includes; geographical location, economic growth, culture, the functions of that place among many others! It is with this hindsight that it has been a tradition to showcase the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa to our Lower Vth Geographers. Visiting Mombasa from School has not only been fun, but a worthwhile educational experience, helping pupils to prepare for the Alternative to Course Paper, component 4 of the Geography IGCSE syllabus. This papers tests and requires pupils to apply skills harnessed from a field work experience in the theoretical space.
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In addition to the educational purpose, the trip gives pupils the opportunity to learn about the weather, traditions, food and culture of the coastal people. Our stay at Voyager Beach Hotel is glamorous, too: despite our hectic itinerary and educational objectives to be met, the beach front ambience provided by the facility has been a welcoming relief from the tailored academic aims. From conference rooms under the watchful eyes of Ms. Emily Litoro, Mrs. Lillian Ayatta, Mr. Fredrick Matu and myself, the beach, swimming pools and snack bars have witnessed a beehive of activities from our active teenagers, providing the much needed relief after a successful structured day. The teachers are able to teach with the help of various advantages: good weather helps to bring up the mood and keep pupils interested; teachers can coin different instructional skills that allow pupils to learn practically and on the spot rather than imagining how it would be. For the pupils, it has helps widen their horizons of knowledge, understanding and seeing the processes of geographical landforms from a practical perspective, helping them to appreciate the need to conserve and protect nature, as well as relating real-life examples with true experience. Pupils also build upon their relationships with others and not-so-familiar members of the group. They experience four nights of living away from their families making them become responsible for their own safety and resources. Fun activities at the Wild Waters Park have helped them to establish respectable bonds and memories forever to be cherished.
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The trip has been a one stop shop in covering the following CIE prescribed topics. Units 1.6 & 1.7 - Urban settlements and 3.4 - Tourism The Mombasa CBD has provided a secure environment enabling pupils to roam freely along Moi Avenue, Nkrumah Road, Haile Selaise Street and Digo Road to survey the quality of environment, carry out traffic and pedestrian counts and tally their data as they seek to find out the causes and effects of traffic congestion in the CBD, mapping identified transects with an aim to compare the structure and functions of the CBD with similar cities worldwide, and conducting interviews and presenting questionnaires in finding out the cities tourist attractions. Unit 2.4 - Coastal Processes and their Resultant Landforms The gentrification of Mama Ngina Water front and the hotel’s beach front have provided perfect venues for pupils to identify Coastal Erosional Landforms-Headlands, Bays, Caves, Arches, Wave-cut notches and platforms, Stacks and Stumps, and conduct experiments aimed at establishing the direction and effects of the Longshore Drift along the coastal stretch, and measuring angle of slope as they count waves and samples pebbles. Unit 2.6 - Climate and Natural environment; Vegetation and Conservation A visit to the Marine park and Haller park has enabled pupils to understand the complex nature of ecosystems, their beauty and the need to conserve the fragile environment. In addition, swimming and snorkelling within the Marine ecosystem has not only been fun, but helped to them to appreciate the importance of Coral Reefs planting a long lasting memorable learning experience.
Jimmy Carter Ogodo Dean of Study
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'President’s Award Scheme - 2022 This Trinity Term, the Shell and the Lower V Pupils embarked on the Presidents’ Award, Bronze Expedition and Silver Expeditions respectively. This outdoor program involved pupils navigating in groups using maps and compasses, through rugged and unfamiliar terrain and utilizing their survival skills to navigate, cook their meals and complete the challenging journey. The Silver Expedition took place first on the 23rd – 25th May 2022.
This was the largest group of students the school has taken on a Silver Award expedition journey with over 90% attendance from the year group. The Bronze Expedition took place thereafter, on the 26th – 27th May 2022. All members of the Shell year group undertook the 2 day challenging expedition and all managed to complete the 25 km distance requirement despite hot, dry weather conditions and rugged terrain. All Pupils came through the experience gloriously and well done to all who braved the tough terrain and complete the journey. Peponi Secondary School is keen on developing the whole pupil and providing a holistic education. The President Award scheme is inculcated into the school system and all pupils are engaged throughout their school term in the pursuit of formidable, challenging but worthwhile goals. www.peponischool.org | 23.
Comments from pupils on the Bronze Expedition As the group leader my role was to make sure that everyone does their part in the best way they know how, I had to make sure everyone was putting their best foot forward and never giving up even when it seemed the walk was never ending on both days. Thandie Muya (Shell)
The trip was a lot of fun and I am glad I got to do it with the people I did it with. Anaida Mohammed (Shell) My role as a navigator was to aid and lead my team to each checkpoint under the estimated time. Thankfully we made it most of the time, as at times I helped our team check in and out. I’m so happy with how well my team did. Faith Njoroge (Shell) The PA trip was completely out of everyone’s comfort zone, but that did not stop us. We all pushed to the best of our abilities, and encouraged each other to the finish line. Even though I was the motivator, everyone played a part in keeping each other going, by singing songs and making sure everyone was alright to keep moving. Kavata Muindi (Shell) The Bronze Expedition was physically, mentally, and psychologically challenging and exhausting. As a team, we faced many challenges en-route. From sunburns, blisters and rashes to exhaustion, fatigue and very heavy bags. Personally, I found the experience rewarding, I also learnt a lot from it, not just how to pack a bag or how to put up a tent, but also how to overcome challenges, and break mental barriers. Zachary Gardner-Hutchinson (Shell)
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Comments from pupils on the Silver Expedition The Presidents’ Award Silver Expedition was a fun, enjoyable yet challenging experience. Trekking through bushes and long grass, getting lost and having to cut through rough terrain to follow a bearing was an entertaining yet tough adventure. My favorite part of P.A was in the morning, where some of us had to make breakfast. Brianna Muwaga (LV)
The second day was a lot harder for us all. We all felt tired and but we pushed each other on. My experience of this trip was overall amazing and it really taught me a lot. Dev Gardi (LV)
Starting of this expedition, we each had different expectations, perspectives and different motives. But by the end of this, I can wholeheartedly say that our group, had one goal and aspect of achievement, which each and every single one of us, successfully reached. I am extremely proud of how far everyone was able to come Samuel Kavuma (LV)
Eric Kanyiri Extra-Curricular
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Post-CE Camping Overnight Report Once again, we enjoyed the company of Peponi House Year 8’s here at Peponi School as part of their post-Common Entrance programme. Approximately 35-40 pupils arrived at the Kahawa Dam on Northlands Ranch for a picnic and relaxing lunch under the late June sun. This was shortly followed by a range of activities taking place on the dam itself or around the Ranch. Overseen by our Outdoor Pursuits team, and the Northlands staff, pupils got a chance to kayak, raft build and mountain bike. This was clearly enjoyed by all and gave them a taste of the extra-curricular activities on offer for them here next year. Back at School, tents were then pitched on Peponi grounds before a BarBQ at the School’s Rotunda took place. A fine spread organised by Chef Sylvester was loved by all; pupils and staff. After supper, and as the darkness gently fell, the pupils relished the excitement of stories around the campfire and the toasting of marshmallows.
Pupils eventually crawled into their tents around 9.00pm and slept soundly after the day’s activities. After a hearty breakfast the following morning, Mr Eric Kanyiri arranged, once again, a fine Orienteering Challenge around Northlands, with riddles and clues at every turn. Navigational skills were put to the test before all pupils arrived at Nichol Dam safe and sound, and winning groups were duly rewarded. After returning to School, bags were packed, lunch was devoured and buses were loaded. Tired and happy, Peponi House pupils (and staff!) went on their way to the next experience…
Karl Cook Deputy Head (Pastoral) www.peponischool.org | 26.
Rest
From the School Counsellor Poem “If the mountain seems too big today then climb a hill instead. If the morning brings you sadness, it’s okay to stay in bed. If the day ahead weighs heavy and your plans feel like a curse, There’s no shame in rearranging; don’t make yourself feel worse. If a shower stings like needles and a bath feels like you’ll drown, If you haven’t washed your hair for days don’t throw away your crown. A day is not a lifetime, a rest is not defeat. Don’t think of it as failure, just a quiet, kind retreat. It’s okay to take a moment from an anxious, fractured mind. The world will not stop turning while you get realigned. The mountain will still be there when you want to try again. You can climb it in your own time. Just love yourself till then.” - Laura Ding-Edwards When is the last time you took a break? When is the last time you unplugged from the world and allowed yourself to think or do nothing? Our day to day lives are filled with a lot of activity. Even when we are doing nothing actively, our minds are churning with reflections of the past, worries of the day or plans for the future. Our digital world consistently keeps us engaged mentally and emotionally.
This could be why some of us go to bed tired but still wake up tired. Our bodies rested but our minds did not. Our society has taught us to associate busyness with progress, activity with productivity. We confuse rest with laziness. We celebrate the busy and shame the lazy. Many of us attach our sense of worth to our productivity and success. www.peponischool.org | 27.
Rest is part of the natural cycle of all living things. It involves doing things that calm and soothe the soul. When we are rested, we are more enthusiastic and effective. We have more energy and clarity that allows us to be creative and solve problems more effectively. Rest promotes well-being, improves mood and strengthens relationships. We are more tolerant, happy and peaceful when we are rested. Rest also plays a critical role in reducing stress which has been known to suppress our immune system and increase the risk of disease. Rest cannot be rushed. Our society loves shortcuts. We seek for 15-minute abs, 2 day diets, 1 week courses.
Unfortunately, rest can never be rushed. We must engage in it deliberately and allow it to complete its cycle in due time. Rest requires patience and a cleared schedule. As we close for the summer break, be intentional about taking a break. Give yourself permission to sleep for a few more hours, silence notifications on your phone, take a leisure walk, pursue that childhood hobby, meet a friend to laugh or take that holiday.
Michelle Wanjiku School Counsellor www.peponischool.org | 28.
Sports Report Swimming Report It was indeed a very busy time of the term for all of us as the team worked really hard to compete at different swim meets. Our young athletes participated in all major swimming events including international school swims leagues, county swim meets and National swimming championships. The competitors emerged with flying colours and have made us extremely proud. Our times at the swim meet round ranked us with a number of eets records and new School records. A special well done must go to Carlo Blunsum (M), Kario Karani (J), Ayaan Jessa (M), Diva Shah (J), Darsh Shah (M), Harnek Singh (M), Katanu Muindi (J), Kavata Muindi (J), Thandie Muya (J), Julian Colville (M), Maisha Done (J), Rianna Shah (E) who all competed at the same events and found themselves on multiple podiums at one point or another.
Netball Report From week one of the Trinity term, the girls were keen to get involved in netball training and competitions. Almost three quarters of the Shell and LV took part in netball and were all determined to progress their skills and understanding of the game. In addition to the organised inter-school fixtures against other schools that were played during the weekdays, the girls were able to take part in a number of tournaments, into which they all put their maximum effort and gained a lot from their experiences. Some season highlights include the BGR Invitational tournament where the Shell girls put on an outstanding show by winning 8 of the 11 matches they played. They played some very close, but ultimately great games that may not have secured them any silverware, but memories that will hopefully last a lifetime as tournament underdogs. www.peponischool.org | 30.
This performance played a key role in motivating and preparing the girls as the season unfolded, and subsequently, it wasn’t all that surprising when they finished third in the KAIISSO U15 Division One tournament, a year younger than many of their opposition. LV also secured their share of success with a number of great games in their weekday fixtures schedules in addition to their weekend tournaments. In the KAISSO U15 Premiership, they secured a fifth place finish out of 12 other schools as the highlight of what was a season of undoubted ups and downs following the COVID trends, especially considering the lack of two full years of netball development. We look forward to Michaelmas term, where netball will be a permanent feature for the coming years.
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Rugby Report
From the word “Go!” the boys were heavily invested in developing their skills and understanding of the nuances of the game. The team were blessed with some talented players from the outset and the season was looking very promising for Peponi. We opened our schedule with a mid-week fixture against BGE. We secured a shaky, but convincing lead and managed to hold on to a 15-10 victory. This fixture would prove to be a costly one however, with three players contracting significant injuries and hindering their involvement in the forthcoming fixtures.
Fast forward 7 weeks and the A team squad is primed and prepared for their debut KAISSO competition at BGE. Whilst unfortunately hit by a COVID outbreak and several injuries in the preceding weeks, the players pulled together under the skipper’s leadership and produced an admirable performance. However, this year was not meant to be ours, where we just missed out on the knock-out stages of the competition. The B team also had their fair share of outings this season, accumulating mid-week game-time against the likes of Oshwal, BIIS, St. Christopher’s and Nairobi Academy. They too, measured up on the circuit well through multiple competitions including our own two Peponi Invitational 7s tournaments
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Sports Awards Report On Friday 20th May, we celebrated the successes of our young sportspeople in our Sports Awards Ceremony of academic year 2021/22. All young sportspeople and staff enjoyed a two-course meal before kicking off the awards evening with the Colours awards. After which, speeches and Q&As ensued with our guests of honour, including Old Peponian and professional golfer, Mohit Mediratta and Kenya’s most successful Rugby 7s Captain, Andrew Amonde, who both passionately dedicated their time to the celebration of success and shared their advice and wisdom. Before the night closed, we celebrated the Annual Sports Awards, where some fierce competition was also met with fierce celebration of each other’s successes.
Sports Colours All of the following individuals below were recognised for their individual successes in their particular sports by receiving their Colours from their coach.
Swimming
Junior Colours
Half Colours
Kario Karani (J)
Anaya Jessa (E)
Maisha Done (J)
Carlo Blunsum (M)
Rianna Shah (E)
Junior Colours Girls’ Football
Half Colours
Carla Rusagara (J)
Palvi Shah (J)
Rianna Shah (E)
Isabella Tilstone-Davis (E)
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Boys’ Basketball
Junior Colours
Half Colours
Colours
Bono Mujuni (B)
Jason Cierra (E)
Peter Marshall(C)
Thilasoni Musuku (M)
Javier Marshall(C)
Asad Ahmad (M)
Boys’ Hockey
Junior Colours
Half Colours
Prinay Galiya (C)
Thilasoni Musuku (M)
Schlok Saini (M)
Heeray Shah (M)
Yuvraj Suri (C)
Julian Colville (M)
Junior Colours Girls’ Hockey
Half Colours
Natania Mawura (E)
Niah Shah (E)
Kario Karani (J)
Dia Khimasia (J)
Rianna Shah (E)
Ria Patel (E)
Colours Nyakio Koome (J)
For excellence in sport outside of the Peponi School Sports programme, the following individuals are recognised for their endeavour and achievement in their respective sports through representation at either regional or international level.
External Sporting Excellence (boys)
External Sporting Excellence (girls)
Il-Yaseen Nimji (Squash) (C)
Rianna Shah (Swimming) (E)
Carlo Blunsum (Swimming) (M)
Kario Karani (Swimming) (J)
Heeray Shah (Table Tennis) (M)
Aarna Malde (Squash) (E)
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Annual Sports Awards The awards below represent all that makes Peponi Sport great. Congratulations to all awardees as well as those nominated for each award by their coaches for outstanding performances. Best Individual Performance (boys)
Best Individual Performance (Girls)
Thila Musuku (M)
Kario Karani (J)
Most Improved Performer (boys)
Most Improved Performer (girls)
Jason Ciera (M)
Tara Vora (J)
Junior Sportsperson (boys)
Junior Sportsperson (girls)
Joshua Lomax (C)
Rianna Shah (E)
Senior Contribution to Sport (boys)
Senior Contribution to Sport (girls)
Joel Ouya (C)
Palvi Shah (J)
Best Team Performance (boys)
Best Team Performance (girls)
Basketball U15
Football U15 Team of the Year Basketball U19 (boys)
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Senior Sportsperson of the Year (boy) Senior Sportsperson of the Year (girl) Mathew Namisano (M)
Nyakio Koome (J)
Sports Captain (boys)
Sports Captain (girls)
Thilasoni Musuku (M)
Dia Khimasia (J)
Junior Sports Captain (boys)
Junior Sports Captain (girls)
Aarav Dodhia (C)
Yzera Sebunya (J)
Dayne Massey Director of Sport
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Angella Okutoyi (KEN) and Rose Marie Nijkamp (NED) celebrate their Grand Slam title at the Girls’ Juniors Wimbledon event.
Angella Okutoyi We are glad to have Angella Okutoyi training at Peponi School ahead of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Women tournament in Tunisia slated for July 25-31. Angella Okutoyi is a Kenyan professional tennis player. She became the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title at the girls’ juniors Wimbledon event partnering Rose Marie Nijkamp. At the 2022 Australian Open, Okutoyi became the first representative of Kenya to win a girls’ junior singles Grand Slam match. We wish Angella all the best in the upcoming events.
“We, the People, recognise that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals.” Barack Obama
LVI Community Service Project 2022 By Samar Ahmed(E) In the second last week of term, Lower VI travelled to Gilgil to complete our community service project and put the resources we had acquired throughout the year to use. We appreciate the generosity and kindness of those who donated funds, food items, sanitary items and more. These items helped us enhance the impact left by classes before us as well as contribute to the successful projects we hope to see in years to come. This experience has been unlike any other. I have learned to appreciate the value of something I would have previously perceived to be a small gesture. A packet of biscuits. A bottle of juice. A high-five. It was moving to see how much joy can be created from something seemingly small. Further I have learned that the act of giving time through simple interactions from person to person cannot be understated. On the first day, I met a four-year-old girl named Sandra. Initially she was extremely shy and could barely meet my eyes but eventually she turned to look at me and we smiled at each other. It is difficult to put into words how incredible it was to watch her slowly open up and talk to me; from just telling me her name to telling me her favorite places to play with her friends.
After meeting her I became immersed in the experience on a new level and began to face the reality and importance of this project at its core. There were moments that brought me an irreplaceable sense of joy. This was very prominent at the primary school we spent time cooking, painting and teaching in. The children in the year 7 class I worked with were so eager to learn and participated wholly in anything they were presented with. When we left the school for the last time on this particular project, I was somewhat surprised at how overcome with emotion I was. There were also stories and observations that were difficult to hear and see due to the harsh realities that many children face in our community. However, I am also grateful for these instances because they have encouraged me to continue thinking about how I can help to positively influence our community going forward. www.peponischool.org | 39.
In trying to make a change for the better in our community, I also experienced a change in perspective. Nothing is too small to give when given with a kind heart. This is a lesson I learned from Wanjiku – in the youngest class - who had played every game on the playground with such enthusiasm. On our final day at the primary school (during this trip), she gave me a small wildflower and I was truly touched by her thoughtfulness. I am thankful to have been a part of such a meaningful project and hope to always strive to help make a positive impact on the community around me.
Community Service Project Activities On day 1 we visited a Saidia project; Bondeni Nursery School and the Saidia Children’s Home that provides home for children who do not have a safe place to live. At Bondeni we interacted with the children and distributed juice, crisps and biscuits. At the orphanage, we listened to a talk and learned some of the tragedies that have faced children much younger than us - including a baby, just 6 months old. The Saidia organization really aims to give these children a better life as it sees the child move through different life stages, even hopefully up to university. Following this talk, we distributed sweets and played football and playground games with the children.
On days 2 and 3 we were split into 2 groups, each going to either Thome Primary School or Ndogo Primary School. Here, we painted, blackboards, window panes and poles. We also taught classes 6 and 7 a variety of subjects such as Maths, Science, Agriculture and Music. Further, we also cooked a hot meal to serve for lunch - something that is not a given on a daily basis. During break time and lunch time we played different games like Nyama Nyama Nyama and Simone says with children of all ages. In the afternoons, we distributed both reusable and non-reusable sanitary products to the girls and explained how they are used. At the end of the day, we distributed crisps, juice and biscuits on the first day there and soap, pens and books on the second day there.
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On day 4, we all visited Kikopey Primary School following a smaller group of individuals who had visited earlier to start seeing the building of washrooms. Here we taught classes and distributed bread, sweets and juice. Many of the boys and younger girls then went to play football and games while with the older girls we distributed and explained sanitary products. We then chatted with the girls and eventually all danced together. Following this we returned to Bondeni Nursery School to fit and give out new school shoes for all the children as well as to prepare a hot meal. Each evening we had a period of discussion and reflection on what we had learned during the day. This helped us to begin to fully understand and immerse ourselves in the experience.
On the fifth and final day, we returned to Saidia Children’s home to give out our final donations before heading back home. Thank you to all the teachers who gave up their time to visit us –Mr Cook and Mr Durston as well as to Vincent who captured some amazing moments. To those who came with us, we are so grateful for your time – Mr Njoroge, Ms Michelle, Mr Kanyiri, Ms Kakkar and finally to Mr Kimani; throughout the year his guidance and support for our Community Service Committee really helped us make the most of our trip. We hope this incredible initiative can continue to run successfully for coming years.
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LVI Community Service Gallery
House Photos
Sedge House
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Chala House
Jipe House
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Magadi House
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Peponi School on Social Media The Official Peponi School Social Media Accounts
Facebook www.facebook.com/peponischool Twitter www.twitter.com/peponi_school Instagram www.instagram.com/peponi_school
Youtube https://bit.ly/2YUrnl8
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Peponi School P.O. Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 193; +(254) 0722 287 248