15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
The Weekly Peponi School
Headmaster’s Assembly One of the huge benefits of the long holiday is that it presents plenty of opportunity to read. Over this holiday I managed to get through plenty of novels – some new, some classics, some good and some dreadful. One of them stood out slightly; it did so because it was different. Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse sold over one million copies in the UK and USA. It was a book full of illustrations and very little writing. I was recommended it by a friend and when I picked it up, I did so with some condescension. It looked like a book written for children. To my surprise I found myself tearing up and felt some considerable emotion as I turned the pages. The story is easy - First there is a boy. He is alone. He comes upon a mole, whom it seems loves cake more than anything else. The mole becomes the boy’s friend and companion, his coach and confidante. The boy shares his fears, the mole shares advice and his love of cake. When they meet the fox, it is caught in a snare. Instinctively both the fox and the mole know if the mole frees the fox, the fox should then kill it, but if the mole leaves the fox in the snare, it will die. Sometimes you can override your instincts, and the fox becomes a (mostly silent) companion on their wanderings. Then they meet the horse, who has hidden some of its special abilities for far too long. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse isn’t as much a story as it is a book of advice, encouragement, and lessons accompanied by whimsical hand-drawn illustrations. The advice and lessons are beautiful and meaningful, and the entire book is a genuinely heartfelt experience. Not only was it a publishing sensation, it turned out to be a remarkably prophetic book. For in his simple pen-and-ink drawings about finding compassion in companionship, Charlie Mackesy unknowingly predicted the emotions which would be felt by so many during the pandemic of 2020. Phrases like: “this storm will pass”, “life is difficult, but you are loved” and “Everyone is a bit scared, but we are less scared together,” are just some of the gentle musings that have resonated for so many, over recent months.
1.
15 September 2020 In St Paul’s letter to the Christians at Colossae, Chapter 3 he writes, “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” – what he is saying is to ‘put on’ those beautiful qualities which reflect the love of Christ. Paul doesn’t pretend that showing this sort of love will be easy, but he teaches that as we clothe ourselves in Christ’s mercy and grace, we will be transformed by his love and we will find the capacity to show that same love to others. The message is not just for Christians and it is not just practised by Christians. It is a basic necessity of all of our communities. Over the past months we have witnessed this love and action for others in many ways: Carers putting themselves in danger, to help those most in need; Neighbours providing food and friendship, when their family haven’t been able to; People stepping up to give leadership and direction. What we need to ask ourselves is what have we done, how have we helped and, for Christians, how have we clothed ourselves in Christ’s mercy and grace. The storm has not yet fully passed: we remain at home and not at school, many in our communities have had life changing events, like losing their jobs, their purpose and at its extreme, their hope. For us we continue to travel through this COVID storm together, and as we do so let us remember that we are loved and let us ask for grace to share that love with any who are still a bit scared. I highly recommend Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. A wonderful and heart-warming picture book, with incredible and uplifting messages!
http://www.peponischool.org
Prayers Dear Lord, teach me to love others the way you first loved me. As I build relationships with others, let them see you in the extent of my generosity, the authenticity of my kindness, and the depths of my love. All of those things are only possible through you, the God who abides with me and calls me friend. Amen. Heavenly Father, we recognise that You are a shelter in a time of storm. You are our strength when we are weak. You are the one who lifts us up and makes us soar on wings like eagles. Trusting Your promises, God, I ask that You would grant that strength to my friends who are going through a tough time in their lives. Give them the means to overcome these obstacles. Let them look to You in this time of trouble. May You also protect their hearts from worry; instead, enable them to rely on You. Be their comfort in this trying time. As my friends undergo this challenge, allow them to gracefully endure each and every step. Guide their way, God, that they may always walk the right path. Would you also grant them Your wisdom so that every decision they make is a sound one. All these I pray in Your Name, Amen.
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a way as gives us breath; Such a truth as ends all strife; Such a life as killeth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a light as shows a feast; Such a feast as mends in length; Such a strength as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a joy as none can move; Such a love as none can part; Such a heart as joys in love.
St. Paul writing his Epistles by Valentin de Boulogne
2.
Mark Durston Headmaster
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
We would like to welcome our new Members of the Common Room September 2020
This academic year, we are delighted to welcome five new members of the Common Room joining various departments within the school.
Mr. Karl Cook
“I am looking forward enormously to being part of the Peponi family. The welcome I have received both on screen and in person has been second to none and I will relish my part in developing and championing the all-round education of each individual boy and girl.”
Director of Boarding and Extra-Curricular, Teacher of English
As Director of Boarding and Extra-Curricular, Mr Karl Cook joins us this term. Karl is an experienced Director of Sport and former Senior Boarding Housemaster; he has much experience both in the UK and in New Zealand. As senior Boarding Housemaster at Cheltenham College - including a two year spell at Scots College, in Wellington - he oversaw the growth of boarding numbers and an increase in prep school feeders and liaison at Cheltenham. More recently, as Director of Sport at the College, in addition to leading and maintaining a strong sporting programme, he spearheaded the growth of girls sport, and community sporting outreach within the extra-curricular. He also chaired the National Schools at Queen’s Club, London for many years in rackets and tennis, and teaches English through to Oxbridge.
3.
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
"I am already in love with the green surroundings of Peponi and with Kenya. I couldn't imagine a more inspiring place to teach young people about the natural world and to enthuse the next generation of conservationists."
Mr. Robin Backhouse Teacher of Biology
Mr. Robin Backhouse joins the Science Faculty as a Teacher of Biology. He comes to Kenya after teaching in Bali, Indonesia. Prior to that, he taught at schools in Malaysia and Nepal, and before making the move to international teaching, he taught at Sherborne School in the UK. As a Mountain Leader and trainer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Robin is looking forward to taking Peponi pupils on expeditions and Biology field trips.
Ms. Miriam Kinyua
Assistant Learning Support Teacher
“I am honoured and humbled to join the Peponi Family. Peponi School has a very special climate; a positive and nurturing climate. That is the greatest thing I have discovered about this school. I love the way all members of this community enthusiastically work together to create a productive and rewarding atmosphere in which our pupils learn and grow irrespective of their individual differences and abilities. I look forward to working hard to create lasting memories through quality learning experiences.”
Miriam joins the Crane Faculty and brings with her many years of experience in Special Education Needs. As a Science teacher, she will be helping pupils fulfil their full potential in the Sciences. We are very happy to have her join the Peponi community.
4.
15 September 2020
Ms. Amy Mackay
http://www.peponischool.org
"I am thrilled to be joining Peponi. Current staff and pupils speak so highly of their experiences here. It is so reassuring to hear such positive discussions. The warmth from staff, pupils and parents has already shone through and I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team."
Head of Drama, Teacher of English
Amy Mackay is the new Head of Drama. She comes with many years of experience and joins us from her last international posting in Hong Kong. We can already feel the enthusiasm and passion Amy has for her subject. She is looking forward to having the pupils back and embarking on her first production. We, at Peponi are looking forward to what we know will be a thrilling ride!
Mr. George Kimani
Assistant Learning Support Teacher
“It is a great pleasure to be joining the Peponi family, albeit during these unprecedented times. The warm welcome I received from the staff has helped me settle right in. I do hope to bring in new energy and enthusiasm to the school. I may be new, but my commitment to providing support to all pupils, and the Peponi family at large, remains as strong as ever. I hope that we shall be able to meet in the traditional classroom setting as soon as possible.�
George Kimani also joins the Crane Faculty. George is a specialised Special Educational Needs teacher and his enthusiasm for helping pupils with learning disabilities comes through very clearly. His specialty is in English. We are very excited to have George with us and look forward to seeing his support for the pupils bear fruit.
Ms. Sylvia Meruh
Director of Teaching and Learning
5.
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
2020
School Prefects And Ministers
The Headmaster would like to congratulate the following on their appointment to the School Council. School Prefects School Ministers
House Prefects Chala Head of House House Captain
Dilan Shah Mwai Githinji
Magadi Head of House House Captain
Dean Bayebe Aaeed Fazal
Jipe
Nyamu Karani Reyan Vora Rhea Shah Njeri Wachira Sohail Ahmed Natalya Mburia Savan Thakkar Riani Shah Kisakye Kajubi
Head of House Savannah Tawk House Captain Rayana Oyondo
Elementaita Head of House Ashley Kogo House Captain Jahzara Mulira
6.
Top Three 2020/21 Head of School Sean Koome Head Girl Carla Byarugaba Head Boy Shay Shah
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
Maya Olouch-Olunya
I would like to congratulate Maya Olouch-Olunya on her achievement of a distinction in the Vth Form Charter last year. This is a real accomplishment as only pupils who achieve highly in all three sections of The Charter and prove themselves valuable, dedicated and talented members of the School attain this highest honour. Maya was awarded 1394 points out of a possible 1625. While a strong academic, receiving top marks in her Mandela Essay and 91% effort in her Collections, Maya excelled in her contributions to the extra-curricular activities of the School. As a talented musician Maya has completed both her Grade 8 in Piano and been awarded a merit in her Grade 7 violin. She is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Kenya and in March 2020 she was a winner in the Young Musician’s competition as part of a Peponi ensemble. Maya is also a very talented actress and her performance as the Drama teacher Ms. Mavis in the School play ‘’ Living with Lady Macbeth’’ last term was both funny and accomplished. Congratulations Maya on a fantastic Charter performance. Maya’s talents are broad and varied and she fully deserves this distinction in the first Charter awards. Well done Maya!
Claire Nightingale Head of Year 10 & 11
7.
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
Recipe from Chef Silvester Beef & Mushroom Curry Ingredients 700g/1 ½ lb rump steak
1 ½ tbsp. medium curry paste
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp ground coriander
2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced into rings
350g/ 12oz long-grain rice
2 garlic cloves, crushed 2.5cm/1 inch piece ginger root, chopped 2 fresh green chillies, deseeded and chopped
60g/ 2oz butter 225g/ 8oz button mushrooms, wiped and sliced 900ml/ 1 ½ pints stock 3 tomatoes, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method Beat the steak until very thin, then trim off and discard the fat and cut into thin strips. Heat the oil in a saucepan, and the beef and fry until sealed, stirring frequently. Remove the beef and place to one side. Fry the onions, garlic, ginger, chillies, curry paste and coriander for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, stock and tomatoes and season to taste. Return the beef to the pan. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours or until the beef is tender. Place the rice in a saucepan of boiling salted water, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender or according to the package directions. Drain the rice then return to the saucepan, add the butter, cover and keep warm.
Chef Silvester
8.
Stir the creamed coconut and ground almonds into the curry, cover the pan and cook gently for 3 minutes. Serve with the rice.
WILD PEPONI
The superb starling The superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) is a member of the starling family of birds. It was formerly known as Spreo superbus. The superb starling lives in savanna, in thornbush and acacia arid areas, open woodland, lakeshore woodlands, gardens and cultivated fields, at an elevation of 0–2,650 metres (0–8,694 ft) above sea level.
Photo credits: Mr. Robin Backhouse
Photo taken at Peponi School
15 September 2020
http://www.peponischool.org
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
Peponi School PO Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248