05 May 2020
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The Weekly Peponi School
From the Head Boy
Virtual Teaching: Mathematics Faculty Experience The Mathematics department is enjoying every aspect of this new experience, Virtual Teaching! ... Continued in page 6
Virtual Learning is an extremely new thing to most of us and it has taken some time for me to get used to it. These first two weeks of staring at a laptop screen have been challenging. Playing football with your friends after school and screaming along the corridors of dorms are some of the things we can no longer do. It has been extremely weird to not sit in our tutorial classroom everyday with Mr Kimani giving his life lessons about anything and everything. Or having Mr Wachara briefly straying off topic to tell a funny story that explains what we are learning. However, all teachers have been very proactive in making this transition to online learning extremely easy, by remaining cheery and keeping lessons as normal as possible. Learning from home is not quite the same as learning in school, but something that will never change is the amount of work thrown at us by teachers, and the amount of complaints that they get in return. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEVnZlIZIPo Aman Vora
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One of the first Peponi pupils
Even in difficult times, you will learn something valuable. Continued in page 4
05 May 2020
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A Note from our School Counsellor Dear Pupils, Welcome to another edition of your school counsellor’s well-being series of articles. Today we are focusing on things to continue doing to keep well and healthy in this period of social distancing and isolation. Here are six tips to support your mental health and well-being: 1. Be Mindful: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn. Engage in mindfulness activities for a few minutes each day or week. Here are some super resources for that: https://leftbrainbuddha.com/mindfulness-for-teens/ https://kidshealth.org/Nemours/en/teens/mindful-exercises.html
Continued in next page...
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2. Reach Out: Asking for help may be a difficult task for many of us. You may not be aware of the supports and resources that are available in our school community. I encourage you to become further aware and develop your own personal support network. This can include your teachers, the school nurses, me your counsellor, your form tutor, your family (nuclear and extended) and of course your close friends who are possibly struggling with many similar things and just don’t know how to start talking about it. 3. Pray: Praying helps to improve our mental health by offering emotional comfort and reducing stress. I encourage you to engage in daily prayer or “conversations” with God. The assemblies from the headmaster provide beautiful prayers too and you may have your very own ‘go-to prayers’ within your religion and family. I know one that always puts me at ease no matter where I am and what’s happening. Ask and find out. 4. Get Enough Sleep: Engage in conversations about sleep routines. Discuss the important role that sleep plays on our emotional well-being. The school nurses wrote about this in last week’s Peponi Post and I am sure you have heard this before. From a mother who is currently nursing a seven month old baby, trust me, we underestimate how important sleep is! 5. Exercise and Eat Healthily: Exercising and eating healthy is another aspect of good mental health. Let’s talk about healthy choices when deciding on what to eat and engaging in physical exercise. Our Sports department have amazing routines lined up for you already. There are so many talented yoga instructors in Nairobi and beyond offering free live classes daily. So take advantage. Have you been stress baking? It doesn’t have to be all sugar and butter, check out some super creative and healthy recipes online. Check out Yoga na Amanda (she has a website) or Mani Mungai (youtube Mungai Mani). https://diyprojectsforteens.com/desserts-teens-to-make-at-home/ https://www.momjunction.com/articles/easy-dessert-recipes-for-teens_00388201/ 6. Get Creative - I know you may feel the last thing you have is time, given all the zoom classes, assignments and assessments, but trust me you need to unwind (far away from a screen preferably) start a daily doodle page, create a rock garden (I did this with my child today), get your paints out, make some slime (Riko Crafts is selling slime kits btw), just have fun, connect to your free creative child self and have fun. Make squishy soap or create a family photo collage, print out some mandala doodle art from pinterest. https://www.artbarblog.com/13-crafts-for-teens-and-tweens/ (lots of fun easy crafts) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406027722654778112/ (photo collage ideas) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxU62bUp_ks (how to make squishy soap) Wishing you a wonderful week.
Ms. Vaporidis School Counsellor
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05 May 2020
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Alumni One of the First Peponi Pupils Dear Pupils, I am one of the first Peponi pupils. I remember learning so much about life and school at Peponi, and most importantly of all, building life-long friendships there. The people I met there, including teachers, have now been my friends for over twenty years. The education that I received there paved the way for me to become an award-winning teacher here in the United States, and allowed me to get my doctorate in Educational Leadership. However, I also learned how to be a person with integrity and kindness, and who appreciates people who are different from me; I so appreciated the diversity of the student-body at Peponi and the wide range of experiences and perspectives of the staff. I encourage you to take in every moment at Peponi. Even in difficult times, you will learn something valuable. The positive memories will carry you through sad moments in the future, and the friendships you make will give you hope and joy when you most need them. If any of you would like a pen-pal, I'm happy to write to you! My email is fpearson@unomaha.edu. Hadi Upeoni!
Ferial Pearson - Alumni
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05 May 2020
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Physical Exercises To Improve Circulation During this period of COVID 19 pandemic, our movement is restricted to in and around the house. As we continue with our virtual learning most of our time is spent in front of the computer for an hour at a time. Staying at home for prolonged periods of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Why physical exercise? It improves blood circulation by getting the blood pumping in your body. Helps strengthen your muscles and improve your mobility. It improves bone flexibility and fitness. It improves mental health and improve overall feelings of well-being. It helps you sleep better. Eases tightness in your shoulders and neck, which often come with stress and anxiety. What to do: Walk. Try walking briskly around the house or up and down the stairs. Stand up- aim to interrupt sitting by standing up whenever possible. Meditating and taking deep breaths severally can help you remain calm and improve circulation. Other limb exercises include stretching, bending, neck and shoulder exercises. Alternatively, you could dig out that old skipping rope. Create a daily exercise routine that works best for you.
From the Nurses’ desk
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05 May 2020
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Virtual Teaching Mathematics Faculty Experience The Mathematics department is enjoying every aspect of this new experience, Virtual Teaching! The department has embarked on using the following Video Conferencing facilities: Zoom video, Firefly communication software, MyiMaths step by step home schooling teacher and online homework setter. The faculty has delivered quite effectively its content to the pupils at home. The teachers in the department liaised with the IT department and have been able to interact and utilise the Specktron SMARTSCREENS which are installed in the classrooms and other electronic gadgets to explain and demonstrate to the learners, the steps involved in problem solving. In the second week of teaching and learning, the teachers are enjoying their interactions with the pupils and have made this experience as enjoyable and memorable to their esteemed pupils.
Mr. Njoroge - Mathematicss Faculty
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05 May 2020
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Virtual Learning in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic at Peponi School If anyone had told me when I entered the teaching profession there will come a time when I would teach pupils remotely, I would have considered other options. What makes teaching a noble profession is the social interaction with pupils and from this, relationships and bonds are formed that last forever. Inculcating virtues such as honesty, generosity and courage requires face-to-face interactions with teachers at the forefront in emulating these. Most of the pupils that I have talked to agree with me that they would not want future schooling to be as we are currently practising. The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown us a curve ball. However, a lot of good will come from the current experiences. Teaching and learning will not only get better as we go into the future but also create new frontiers as far as learning is concerned. Globally, the education sector has shown immense creativity, teamwork and resilience. Here at Peponi, we have taken the challenge with optimism. Of utmost importance to us is ensuring and maintaining the quality that we are renowned for and that which Peponi School has established itself as the best in East and Central Africa. Using Firefly and Zoom as delivery platforms, we have ensured that the quality of teaching and learning is maintained. Pupils have shown enthusiasm and are taking the lessons with the seriousness they deserve. The teachers are working tirelessly to provide a safe, supportive, flexible and effective online experience for our pupils. At the end of the first two weeks, I could not be prouder of the whole team, who have typified our values and exemplified all of what is great about Peponi School. Hadi Upeoni! Ms. Meruh - Director of Teaching and Learning
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How to Maintain a Positive Learning Environment at Home Tips on how to create and sustain a positive leaving environment Follow the set timetable. Make sure that your child is ready for their virtual lesson
10 minutes before the due start time. This allows for any problem with connection to be resolved. It also allows your child to check their emails and the class content before the virtual lessons giving them a head start. Be open and talk about the world pandemic. Your children are old enough to understand what Covid-19 is. Discussing the pandemic regularly and discussing importance of following rules set by the government is imperative. Designate a place in your home solely for schoolwork. To keep your child focused, designate a space in the house where they can work with minimal distraction somewhere that they do not need to tidy away at the end of each day. If this in in their bedroom, that is ok, but keep the door open so that you can keep track of their progress and activities without disturbing them. Monitor mobile phone use. During the school day (at school) pupils are not allowed to use mobile phones in lessons. Keep to this rule so that they are not distracted by their devices. Participate in physical activity. Taking part in physical activity releases hormones that are feel good hormones. Uncertainty can lead to stress, and by taking part in some physical activity is not only good for the body but good for the mind too. Make sure your children keep active too. Follow and check on the marked pieces of work through Firefly. You can check the marking of your child's work easily through firefly. This will allow you to see feedback and will give your child help and suggestions for future pieces of work. Reflecting on work is a crucial part to any learning experience. Take care of yourself. Please take time to look after yourself as a parent. Make sure you are keeping physically well by, eating healthy, exercising and get enough sleep. Find ways to decompress and take breaks. If more than one parent is home, take turns in helping your child, and checking their progress. Talk about non-school related activities. To ease stress and tension, talk about non-school activities to your children. Something you enjoy doing, sports you enjoy, holidays etc. Allocate your child some time to ring, Facetime, Skype or Zoom their friends.
Keeping your children talking with friends is a good way for them to unwind. Keeping an environment similar to what they have at school is good for routine and a productive working environment. Remember everyone needs breaks. The brain does not work efficiently if you do not have breaks. Take time so that you can relax and unwind. For your children, set alarms like those they would encounter at school and encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day. Mrs. Winstanley - Registrar
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05 May 2020
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Commendation
This is to certify that
Maria Blunsum has been awarded a commendation in
GEOGRAPHY
Trinity Term 2020 for a very insightful essay on the Impact of Covid-19
Headmaster
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05 May 2020
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Recommended book
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
This book is a powerful approach to learning. It demonstrates how great companies become successful because they are certain of their WHY. They remain committed to their course. They are inspired by a sense of purpose. The current global situation is a good starting point in asking WHY we have been forced to change and make some quick adjustments in our daily lives. To our dear pupils, starting with why encourages you to think expansively and imaginatively about what learning could do for you. This is a perfect model for all of us! What is your WHY?
Mrs. Kanyiri - School Librarian
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05 May 2020
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Recipe from Chef Silvester Sweet potato & lentil soup This soup is packed with goodness and contains three of your 5-a-day, plus its low in fat-an all-round winner. Perfect for a Saturday lunch with friends.
Ingredients 2 tsp medium curry powder 3 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, grated 1 eating apple, peeled, cored and grated 3 garlic cloves, crushed 20g pack coriander, stalks chopped, leaves left whole to garnish thumb-size piece fresh root ginger, grated 800g/1lb 12oz sweet potatoes 1.2l/2 pints vegetable stock 100g/4oz red lentils 300ml/ ½ pint milk Juice of 1 lime
Method Put the curry powder into a large saucepan, then toast over a medium heat for 2 mins. Add the olive oil, stirring as the spice sizzles in the pan. Tip in the onions, apple, garlic, coriander stalks and ginger, season, then gently cook for 5 mins, stirring every so often. Meanwhile, peel, then grate the sweet potatoes. Tip into the pan with the stock, lentils, milk and seasoning, then simmer, covered, for 20 mins. Blend until smooth using a stick blender. Stir in the lime juice, check the seasoning and serve, topped with roughly-chopped coriander leaves.
PER SERVING 287 kcals, protein 9g, carbs 49g, fat 8g, sat fat 2g, fibre 6g, sugar 17g, salt 0.71g
Chef Silvester
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05 May 2020
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Cooking Club Recipe of the Week - Tacos
Recipe
Method:
12 Corn taco shells or soft taco shells
Dice the onion and crush the garlic. Add these to a medium heated pan with a splash of cooking oil. Keep moving the onion and garlic around so that it doesn’t brown.
500 grams of lean beef mince (halal) For a vegetarian option use Beans, Carrots and Peppers chopped up instead of mince. Two red onions Two cloves of garlic One red chilli One teaspoon of chilli flakes One teaspoon of coriander powder Three teaspoons of paprika Two teaspoons of cumin powder One teaspoon of cayenne pepper 4 whole tomatoes One bunch of fresh coriander Cooking Oil and Salt and pepper to taste. For the toppings you can add any of the following: Lettuce Grated cheese Sour cream Guacamole Salsa
Add all of the spices to the pan with the onions and mix well, if it looks dry add a splash of water. Once the spices have cooked off then add the beef to brown, you will need to turn up the heat for this. Whist the beef is cooking chop the tomatoes into small squares and finely chop the coriander. Add these both to the pan. Taste the dish once the beef is definitely cooked and add seasoning to your preference. Lower the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce is reduced and not watery. Whilst this is happening you can begin sorting out your toppings: Grating cheese Seasoning the sour cream Making the guacamole: This is smashed avocado with chilli, tomato, onion and coriander Making the salsa: Chopped tomato, onions, chili and seasoning cooked r down until it makes a sauce (or buy it) Heat up your corn tacos in an oven on low heat (100 degrees C) for 5 minutes (if using soft tacos then pop in the microwave for 30 seconds)
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05 May 2020
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This Week’s Winners
Winner - Prisha Haria-Shah
Winner - Naiya Gosrani
Winner - Jiya Rughani
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05 May 2020
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Quotes of the day
“ Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning. ”
“ The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. ” Charles Dickens
Eleanor Roosevelt.
“ There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. ” Graham Greene
“ In honorable dealing you should consider what you intended, not what you said or thought. ” Cicero
“ Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. ”
Walt Whitman
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05 May 2020
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Keeping Your Brain Active 5 Minute Peponi Crossword
Mental fitness means keeping your brain and emotional health in tip-top shape. Keeping your brain active can help you to: Slow down Decompress Boost a flagging memory Do you have 5 minutes? Challenge your brain and see if you can complete the crossword in 5 minutes 1
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11 12 13
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Across
Down
3. What year did Peponi School open 19_?(6,4) 5. The bird that is the symbol of Peponi School (7,5) 8. Who is the Humanities block named after? (7,7) 9. What are the four Houses named after? (5) 13. Name of the Learning Support department (5) 14. Name the ranch that Peponi is located (10) 15. What is Mr. Durston’s teaching subject? (7)
1. What building is currently being built at Peponi School? (6) 2. The country where Ms. Drew was born (5) 4. Where is Registration located? (11,4) 6. A language taught at Peponi School (7) 7. Name the House that is represented by Green (7) 10. Director of Studies surname (10) 11. Name one of the instruments Mr. Laight plays (5) 12.Name the Maths block (5)
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Peponi School PO Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248