Peponi Post - March 2021 Edition

Hilary Term - March 2021

International Women’s Day 2021 We are very fortunate to have the staff that we have, their strength as individuals, their cooperation as colleagues and their contributions to our society

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The Virtual End of Term Concert!

As a result of the early (physical) closure of the school, we presented our first ever virtual concert on Wednesday 24th March.

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EAMUN Report Model united nations is a platform in which young people are able to come forward and speak their mind, contributing their opinions to debates about current world problems and finding solutions to the issues presented.

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INTRODUCING BOARDING IN YEARS 7 TO 9 Welcome to Sedge House, our dedicated Junior House for Boarders from Years 7 to 9. +254(0)794 586733 | r egistrar@peponischool.org

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Hilary Term - March 2021

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International Women’s Day 2021 Earlier in March, we celebrated International Women’s Day. I am sure we have all thought about the importance, perhaps relevance, and the challenges we face as a society. I would like to add my little bit - and pay tribute to the ladies in our community. We are very fortunate to have the staff that we have, their strength as individuals, their cooperation as colleagues and their contributions to our society - and today we think about those of us who are women. To you all, thank you and to our ladies, on this day, our thoughts.

The original and developing reason for celebrating women started in 1909 and aimed to bring together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion, and country and ultimately to create a gender equal world. Ideals that we continue to strive towards.

This brings to mind the following poem by the quite amazing, and possibly one of the best poets, Emily Dickinson. She was American and, I think, she stemmed the proliferation of a wide variety of powerful women writers, particularly in the latter part of the nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century.

I Dwell in Possibility (1862) I dwell in Possibility– A fairer House than Prose– More numerous of Windows– Superior– for Doors– Of Chambers as the Cedars– Impregnable of Eye– And for an Everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky– Of Visitors– the fairest– For Occupation– This– The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise–

Mark Durston Headmaster

Is anything possible, doors open for everybody, no ceilings for anybody, and an embrace for us all.

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Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.

– Robert G. Ingersoll

Hilary Term - March 2021

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The Virtual End of Term Concert!

Wednesday 24th March 2021

As a result of the early (physical) closure of the school, we presented our first ever virtual concert on Wednesday 24th March. I was delighted with the number of pupils from across the school who submitted their video recordings. We were therefore able to put together a programme of around 45 minutes of top-notch musical performances, alongside some selected clips from the Inter-house music competition held before half-term.

It is very encouraging to see the number of Shell pupils who have taken the opportunity to perform to the school. We heard Saiyana Pandya (voice) and Ruchi Raja (piano) perform Someone Like You by Adele, Aarav Patel (on saxophone) played Beat it

by Michael Jackson (accompanied by Ronav Vora on the drum-kit), Ruchi Raja returned to present Allegro moderato by Haydn on the piano and Samskara Shah entertained us on the harp with Lady in Red by Chris De Burgh.

Mr Laight also decided to get in on the action and premièred one of his own compositions on guitar entitled Running Amok and we heard a beautiful performance on the cello from our former pupil (and gap pupil), Imani Ager, of Debussy’s Beau Soir.

The Upper Sixth are a very talented group of pupils and musicians, with a sizeable number of them reaching the highest music grades and diploma level examinations. We were fortunate to watch performances of Lucky by Jason Marz from Rhea Shah (saxophone) & Simran Raikundalia (flute), When she loved me by Sarah McLachlan from Natalya Mburia (voice), Just the two of us from Hakeem Mohamed (voice), Billie Jean by Michael Jackson from Reyan Vora (piano) and Part of your world by Jodi Benson from Kisakye Kajubi (voice).

Having a virtual concert presents quite a few challenges when it comes to ensemble performances. Nevertheless, some pupils are very adept at getting around this! I would therefore like to thank Maya Oluoch-Olunya for compiling and editing the final two pieces of the programme, the second movement from J.S. Bach’s concerto for two violins (where she played violin alongside Mr Laight) and Fall in line by Christine Aguilera & Demi Lovato which featured Rayana Oyando & Nyakio Koome on vocals, Maya Oluoch-Olunya on piano and Rhea Shah on drums.

Ultimately, this was an experiment, but we were delighted with the number of people attending, be they pupils, parents or staff with some wonderfully encouraging comments after the event. In my opinion, we have only just scratched the surface of the possibilities of virtual music events!

James Laight

Director of Music

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Hilary Term - March 2021

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Instruments From Around the World

Theremin The theremin is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the thereminist. It is alleged to be the only instrument in the world not to use physical contact! It is named after its inventor, Leon Theremin, who invented it in 1920.

Ocarina The ocarina is an ancient wind musical instrument—a type of vessel flute.

Variations exist, but a typical ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body.

Gamelan Gamelan is the traditional ensemble music of the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese peoples of Indonesia, made up predominantly of percussive instruments.

The most common instruments used are metallophones played by mallets and a set of hand-played drums called kendhang which register the beat.

Bansuri A bansuri is a side blown flute originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is an aerophone produced from bamboo, used in Hindustani classical music. It is referred to as nadi and tunava in the Rigveda and other Vedic texts of Hinduism. Its importance and operation is discussed in the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra.

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Talking Drum The talking drum is an hourglass-shaped drum from West Africa, whose pitch can be regulated to mimic the tone of human speech. It has two drumheads connected by leather tension cords, which allow the player to change the pitch of the drum by squeezing the cords between their arm and body.

When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.

– Malala Yousafzai

Hilary Term - March 2021

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EAMUN Report By: Ngina Kenyatta (Upper V)

Model United Nations is a platform in which young people are able to come forward and speak their mind, contributing their opinions to debates about current world problems and finding solutions to the issues presented. Peponi has for the past years annually attended a large conference of participants from all over east Africa at the United Nations Nairobi office. This year however with the pandemic changing circumstances, we were not able to attend and instead held our first ever School conference.

The event consisted of both Junior and Senior members of the school MUN team, with the year 10’s acting as an audience and delegates who could not physically attend taking part online. In the beginning many seemed shy to hold up their placard and be chosen to speak; but as we progressed through the resolutions and debate continued, many began to gain confidence and motivation. By the end of the day multiple placards were being raised to speak for and against the different topics.

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Delegates were assigned countries to represent in certain committees. These committees included Health, Ecology, Economics, Human Rights, Technology and Politics. Resolutions ranged from “ensuring safety of civilians and refugees in Ethiopia” to “combating the extinctions of the Sunda tiger in the Sumatran Islands”. The debate was very interesting as the different committees allowed for a variety of discussion on diverse subjects.

All delegates were well spoken and passionate about each topic that they spoke about.

Welcome to Sedge House INTRODUCING BOARDING IN YEARS 7 TO 9

Among other highlights at Peponi School, this term has seen the initial development of Sedge House. From September this year, we will be accepting Year 7 and 8 boarders at our Peponi School site, This will allow pupils to access the Peponi education at a younger age, from both further afield in Kenya and from other East African countries.

One of our Junior Houses is being completely refurbished and modernised between now and September. We have already furnished two show rooms and a Common Room area but still to come are extensions, new washroom facilities and a total facelift for the House.

Year 7 and 8 will have their own wing of accommodation. This will consist of twin bedrooms, complete with study beds, wifi access and comfortable seating. New washrooms and welcoming common rooms with sofas, a kitchenette, televisions and games will make for a real home from home. Boys will be on the ground floor and girls on the first floor with resident House staff and Sisters on hand to make sure all pupils are happy, healthy and well supervised.

On the other wing will be the Year 9 accommodation. This will have single rooms for full or weekly boarders and double or triple rooms for our day pupils. Refurnished to a similar high standard, this will ensure Sedge House offers unrivalled accommodation within Kenyan Schools.

All boarders will have access to a full and varied evening and weekend programme of activities.

From archery to assault courses, shooting to kayaking; our location on Northlands Ranch ensures our boarders will have a truly first class and fully-rounded education at Peponi.

The full Sedge House prospectus is on our website but when possible do enquire at reception and we will be delighted to show you round.

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Hilary Term - March 2021

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Shell Bronze Expedition Report Location:- Northlands Ranch On Tuesday 2nd March and Thursday 4th March 2021, a group of 47 Peponi pupils and 8 Peponi teachers left Peponi school during early morning hours for Northlands Ranch to undertake the Shell Bronze Adventurous Journey. A lot of preparation had taken place prior to the expedition, where the pupils learnt various life skills which included, map reading and navigation, menu planning, camp craft which refers to the selection and management of a great campsite.

The pupils had also undertaken a 10 week-long First Aid course, in-order that they may be able to handle any medical emergency whilst on the expedition; all this observing full COVID-19 safety measures and precautions.

The Shell pupils were in 5 groups: they worked with energy and teamwork, completing the challenging adventurous journey.

The groups were as follows.

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Hilary Term - March 2021

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The groups were as follows.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Group 5

Diva Shah Heema Shah Leonora Vujonovic

Shlok Saini Piers Batuka Aarav Patel

Pasha Haria Samskara Shah Amrit Singh Phull

Kario Karani Prinay Galaiya Joshua Lomax

Bono Mujuni Iyaseen Nimji Carla Rusagara

Grace Muema Jeet Khetia Colin Ndungu Joe Oliech Julian Smith

Saloni Rane Abhay Mohan Rianna Shah Reeyan Shah Deelan Gudka Aaryan Khimasia

Ruchi Raja Hritik Choudhrey Harsh Choudhrey Simarveeer Sagoo Saiyana Pandya Ehren Dhariwal

Mara Storalow Ilan Doyen Rayhan Mohamed Tiarra Ngumi Maisha Done Nigel Van Sandijk

Katy Anderson Aveer Chaana Joy Kinyua Dev Gardi Ruby Wakaba Netania Mwaura

Yuvraj Suri

Brianna Muwaga Ayush Masrani

Justin Niyukuri

The journey to the start of the expedition was uneventful on both days and the groups faced the sweltering heat and rough terrain to complete the 25km journey over the duration of two days. Each member of their respective group, had a duty and responsibility to carry out. They all cooperated together to submit well written reports regarding the 2-day expedition.

Comments about the Expedition from our pupils: “My role as group leader was to keep the team working together and are coordinated. I found the trekking very fun and interesting. I might even go for the Silver Expedition next year.” (Kario Karani) “I enjoyed lunch whilst on the expedition.

There was enough food and water for everyone throughout the day. We all had a little bit of everything which gave us energy and kept us well hydrated and fed.” (Joshua Lomax) “I found the hike fun and interesting. It was nice to get away from civilisation and walk into the nature of the ranch. It felt like an endless walk but we all made it through teamwork.” (Maisha Done)

“As Team leader, I had to make sure everyone was doing their bit and was playing their role.

I made sure that we were all hydrated, and that we were keeping safe and following Covid-19 protocols.

The weather throughout the expedition was very good as we didn’t experience rain.” (Diva Shah) “Julian Smith was the assistant first aider for my group and he helped me with sanitising the whole group at every check point and tending to injuries, as well as carrying the first aid kit. I really enjoyed my role as the first aider and I am glad to have completed the expedition.” (Leonora Vujnovic) ‘My job was to take photographs of any interesting plants or animals that we came across during the hike.I learnt alot during the expedition and I got to know my peers better.’ (Netania Mwaura)

This was a fun packed adventure trip and many pupils got to make new friends and make unforgettable memories. They all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we hope to see them undertake their Silver expeditions when the time comes.

Eric Kanyiri

Extra-Curricular 11

Hilary Term - March 2021

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The President’s International Award for Young People Background The Award program was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The program was designed with great care by HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip; Dr. Kurt Kahn (German educationalist and founder of Outward bound and the United World colleges), and Sir John Hunt (Leader of the team to conquer Mt. Everest.)

The Award program is to help young people with worthwhile leisure activities and provide voluntary service. Whilst challenging to the individual, it helps the participants to discover the satisfaction of achievement. Taking part in the program helps individuals find an added purpose to their lives and helps young people discover their hidden talents and learn how to cope with challenges.

It encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community.

An Award is gained through individual improvement; through persistence and achievement and without any element of competition between the participants. Participation is voluntary and there is no discrimination against participation.

The President’s International Award at Peponi - (Bronze, Silver and Gold) Peponi Secondary school offers an ideal opportunity for pupils to achieve the International Award for young people. The lunch-time and after school activities are ideal, to enable the pupils to fulfill the requirements of the skills and Physical recreation sections and to a lesser extent the service section.

The Award Scheme is global and any pupil who starts the Award at Peponi Secondary school can continue in another country if they leave the school and still want to continue with the Award Program.

Currently at Peponi Secondary school, we have over 150 pupils involved in the Award scheme across all year groups.

Participants keep a record of all their activities and courses that they attend using the Online Record book platform. They input their logs on a weekly basis to keep their achievements timely and on track. On completion of their sections in the respective Award Levels, they should present their records, for authorisation by the National Award Authority- President’s Award Scheme Kenya.

Key principles Service - One learns how to give useful service to others Adventurous Journey - To encourage a spirit of adventure whilst undertaking a journey in a group.

Skills - To encourage the development of personal interest, creativity or practical skills.

Physical recreation - To encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement of performance.

Level

Skills

Service

Bronze

Physical recreation 6 months

6 months

6 months

Adventurous Journey 2 days/1 night

Silver

12 months

12 months

12 months

3 days/2 nights

Gold

18 months

18 months

18 months

4 days/3 nights

Eric Kanyiri

Extra-Curricular

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Recipe from Chef Silvester

Eggs Mimosa Mimosa describes the fine yellow and white grated eggs in this dish, which looks very similar to the flower of the same name. The eggs taste delicious when garnished with black pepper and basil leaves.

Grated egg yolk can also be used as a garnish for a variety of other savoury dishes, such as sauces, soups and rice dishes.

Ingredients (Makes Twenty)

12 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled 2 ripe avocados, halved and stoned (pitted) 1 garlic clove, crushed From the store-cupboard 15ml/1 tbsp olive oil

Method Reserve two of the hard-boiled eggs and halve the remainder. Carefully remove the yolks with a teaspoon and blend them with the avocados, garlic and oil, adding freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Spoon or pipe the mixture into the halved egg whites using a piping (pastry) bag with a 1cm ½in or pipe star nozzle Serve the remaining egg whites and sprinkle over the filled eggs.

Sieve the yolks and arrange on top. Arrange the filled egg halves on a serving platter.

Chef Silvester

Hilary Term - March 2021

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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