the keeping you on the MaP 12.16 c mpass

MaP’s Form Five Class of 2016 unleashing havoc on Freaky Friday

FREAKY FRIDAY

Ruby Njonde, 5L In true Freaky Friday spirit, Form Fives closed their show swaying from side to side, while an emergency message On the 14th of October, was broadcast on the projector. As Form Fives amassed in the the curtains closed, the entire form fell walkway for their final assembly. to the floor in a heap of white masks. Wearing black shirts and white masks, Freaky Friday took a more exciting they stared ominously at students filing turn during break, when the group into Maitisong. Freaky Friday began unleashed havoc on the field. with a heart-breaking, candle-lit Within minutes, it was full of younger tribute to Fiona Nyathi, who passed students covered in spray paint, mud, away in 2013. Her memorial was mayonnaise and unidentifiable green followed by an intimidating martial arts substances. Shoes were collected and presentation from Yuhan Zhang (5K), a strung up on the football goalposts. comical rap piece, and a spicy salsa The bounty was auctioned away at performed by Samantha Moon (5K). the end of break. In between, hilarious impersonations “To sum it all up in one word, the field of Mr Schmidt, Mr Acheampong, and was colorful,” said Mpapi Moloi (5J). Mr Tshwene were staged. From the Form Five’s perspective, A group of boys danced to O.J by the field was a testimony of the Troyboi, eliciting frantic cheers from hard work poured into two weeks of the audience. They were matched rigorous rehearsals; the very efficient, in the assembly and their creativity out by a show-stopping hip-hop dance organized representatives, who on the field. recital led by Tyra Molosi (5L). planned Freaky Friday while studying “Everyone enjoyed this year’s limited Afterwards, Mwanje Tembo’s (5K) a for exams; a generally co-operative but exciting Freaky Friday,’’ said cappella band hushed the entire hall form class that didn’t waste time Nolwazi Waugh (5J). ‘’We went all-out with a medley of popular music. arguing; and the amazing, supportive to make sure it was the best anyone “Despite technical problems, we Ms Botha, who guided every decision, has ever seen. We even put clowns up ensured the show went on; the every step of the way. Freaky Friday on lockers and drew-up an extensive assembly was lit,” said Tiso Van was about the Form Five Class of 2016, hit list. It was awesome; the cleansing Ooteghem (5J). who had fun showing off their talents was glorious!” the compass Form 3 & 4 Drama Trip to New York Community Art

On Saturday, 22nd Oct, the Community Art service travelled to Old Naledi, where they spent the morning painting with and playing 12.16 with the members of Bona Naledi, end of term, term three a community program for children under sixteen. Brought to you by : We wanted to give back to the community through our passion for Morongoa Mosetlhi (editor) art. We raised funds to buy fabric Jithya Wijesinghe (3K) paints, brushes and white t-shirts for Yue Tong Zhang (3K) each child. We stationed ourselves Angu George (4K) at every table to watch and assist the Donna Simon (4M) children while they painted their shirts. Kopo Keaikitse (5K) We showed the children that art is a Ruby Njonde (5L) form of self-expression. Seeing the chil- Lame Tsamaase (LM6) dren smile made us proud of what we Dimpho Gosenyang (LM6) achieved. with very special thanks to ~ Donna Simon, 4M everyone who submitted additional content for this edition, or helped with fact-checking From the 18th - 28th August, MaP’s Drama Department organized a trip to New Setswana Week got a story? contact us! York for their F3 & F4 students. Fifty-five pupils and five staff members landed at JFK (John Fitzgerald Kennedy) International Airport and felt like they were in a We live in a day and age where we take www.maruapula.org whole new world. The city was crowded with tall buildings; the sidewalks were culture and tradition for granted, even though twitter : @maruapulaschool crowded with bustling New Yorkers either stopping at fast-food stands or rushing they are a fundamental part of our lives. The email : morongoa.mosetlhi@ to their next destination. aim of Setswana week (26th – 28th Sept) was to maruapula.org raise awareness about Botswana’s rich, diverse facebook : Maru-a-Pula School history, to promote patriotism and to celebrate tel: 391 2953 ext. 259 Botswana’s achievements since it gained inde- pendence in 1966. The organising committees demonstrated resilience and passion over the three weeks leading up to the main events. The History and Achievements committee was responsible for carrying out accurate, extensive research on the country’s antecedents and designing posters, informative videos and slide shows, while the People and Culture committee disseminated information about Botswana’s On our second day in New York, we ethnic groups, effectively uncovering the watched our first Broadway show, country’s heritage. They hosted a quiz on titled Wicked. It was an excellently Botswana’s history and culture, shedding light performed, intriguing story, with great on the vast depth of Botswana’s background, acting and extraordinary singing. The and increasing the MaP community’s ardour sets were magnificent; the theatre was for ethnic identity and knowledge. huge and full. It was a life-changing Traditional food such as magwinya (fat cakes) experience! and serobe (tripe) was sold in the walkway. It The morning of our third day, we how things are done on Broadway; was pleasantly surprising to see the food fly off went to a Stage Combat workshop, most importantly, that theatre is a busi- the tables, as hordes of curious students waited where we met theatre experts from ness, and everything is done profes- to get a taste of the delectable Setswana Broadway Classroom. We learnt sionally. It was a great insight for us to cuisine. In addition to the sale, the Setswana on-stage fighting techniques and see what it takes to get to that level. week team hosted a discussion based on created a whole fight scene for On our last day, we had a Musical to street, and emptying every shop we current affairs in Botswana and the controver- ourselves! We also learnt to control our Theatre workshop, which taught us laid our hands on. After all, everyone is sial marriage between Botswana’s first presi- mind and use it to do amazing things various acting skills, including vocal allowed up to 45kg of luggage! dent, Sir Seretse Khama, and Lady Ruth Khama. with our bodies. They taught us how to warm-ups. We also created pictures One of the best parts of the trip was Students and staff were encouraged to repre- use our fingers to lift someone off the using words, working together to make meeting Mr Jack Golub and Mr Bruce sent their tribes by dressing up in traditional ground! In the afternoon, we watched the letters with our bodies. Nkala! Mr Nkala had driven a long attire. In an hour-long assembly, various aspects Aladdin. The set was beyond anything Outside of the plays and workshops way to meet us; we were more than of Botswana’s culture were showcased through we have ever seen! They recreated we attended, we had time to see happy to see both of them again. We a fashion show, traditional dance, and theatre, the Disney classic superbly and even New York. We visited many places: spent a couple of hours catching up which touched on the concepts of coloni- included a flying carpet! The songs the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, and took a dozen pictures together. It alism, nationalism and the attainment of racial were fun to listen to and the acting Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, the was most definitely a happy reunion! harmony in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. A was wonderful! Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Over all, the trip was a success. We great deal of diligence was displayed by the We met performers from both shows. Chinatown, Washington Square Park thank Mr Ndlovu for organizing it. It technical support team, augmented by the The first was a dancer from Aladdin, and even Wall Street. A highlight of was one of the best experiences we school’s Maintenance department and staff. who informed us that he performs the sightseeing was visiting the Juilliard have ever had. We would also like to In the end, the commitment and meticulous twelve different dances in the show, School of Performing Arts. It is an thank Ms Sutherland, Ms Merafe, Ms work of the team hosting the events, and the and each one has its own costume! In amazing university with excellent facili- Bowe and Ms Ndlovu for looking after support from the school, created an excellent a question and answer session, he also ties! We all want to study performing us. We have learned so much and are production, proving that the MaP community explained how life is for a Broadway arts at Juilliard! We were given a grateful for this incredible opportunity. mirrors what Botswana hopes to have become: actor. The performer from Wicked told shopping day, where we went crazy! a diverse, united and proud nation that remains us that the show has been on-going for There were shoes galore, clothes and peaceful, holding fast to the dream of a bright eighteen years. She also told us that enough souvenirs to last a lifetime. ~ Jithya Wijesinghe & future. the script and cast have changed It was heaven to go shopping with over time. It was fascinating to know friends, having fun running from street Yue Tong Zhang, 3K ~ Dimpho Gosenyang, LM6 Verbal Emancipation donates P5,000 to Camphill School in Otse. ‘‘It is good to start your life’s journey by giving to the less privileged,’’ said Camphill Community Coordinator On the 17th Oct, MaP hosted a Women in Sports Forum with professional basketball player Ms Julia Kasongo Baker. ‘’What you do for us is worth noting. You continually visit on and coach Asma Elbadawi. ‘’The forum addressed issues that affect women and girls Saturdays, with the spirit of interacting with our learners by playing games and sharing in sports. Some of these issues are present in our day-to-day lives and society seems to MaP Alumna Dr Dithapelo Medupe (left), who has invented Temalo Code and De-code, meals with them. We are forever grateful for all the gestures of compassion you give to a board game based on Ditaola (divination bones) turn a blind eye,’’ said Mr Solomon Basele, Sports Coordinator at MaP. ‘’As the Maru-a- the learners of our school.’’ Pula sports community, we strive to empower all our athletes regardless of their gender.’’ ~ www.maruapula.org/news ~ Facebook: Maru-a-Pula

MaP Blood Donation. ‘’The blood donation project was successful. In total, 25 units MaP hosted the CIS College Fair, featuring representatives from top universitities (pints) were collected. This translates to saving 25 individuals’ lives,’’ said Ms Joyce around the globe Tamocha, MaP School Nurse. ‘‘I would like to thank donors on behalf of the nation for ~ Facebook: Maru-a-Pula this precious contribution. There were some individuals who wanted to donate, but did not meet the criteria, and those who came specifically to support donors. I appreciate all the support. The plan is to conduct this project on a yearly basis in September, around Independence Day. Re a leboga.’ MaP students uplift community through Naledi Feeding service ~ Facebook: Maru-a-Pula ~ www.maruapula.org/news

Members of the Bundles of Brightness team pose with South African actor Terry Pheto at the Botswana premiere of ‘A United Kingdom’ at New Capitol Cinemas in Riverwalk. Ms Eaton with actor and MaP alumnus Donald Molosi, who spoke to F3 English students MaP RAds (Maru-a-Pula Refugee Advocates) enrich student lives in Dukwi Ms Pheto plays Naledi Khama, sister of Sir Seretse Khama, in the film earlier this term about ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and how it relates to his play about Sir Seretse ~ www.maruapula.org/news ~ Facebook: Maru-a-Pula Khama and Ruth Khama, ‘Blue, Black & White MaP RAds & Childline Movie Night: Insidious International Library Month During the month of October, the MaP On the 28th of October, the Maru-a-Pula Refugee Advocates (MaP RAds) community celebrated International and Childline services collaborated to host a screening of Insidious, a horror Library Month. Each week was full of about a couple whose son becomes a vessel for ghosts. activities organized by the library staff As the sun descended, there was an air of nervousness amongst us about in recognition of the importance of how the night would unfold. It was our first outdoor event but it turned out to libraries in society, and to encourage be a great success. The movie began at 7pm and proceeded through the students to read more. night without difficulties. Some people had already seenInsidious , while a few As part of the festivities, visitors were were still scared and cried; others hid under blankets. Nonetheless, it was a challenged to answer trivia questions hugely entertaining evening for many, as they got to be with their friends, correctly to win lollipops. Boarders helping us raise funds for our service projects. If it was not for Mr Ndlovu, and were invited to study by candlelight in the Maintenance and Security departments, the movie night would not have pyjamas, while enjoying snacks served been possible. by the library staff. Battle of the Sexes is a board game ~ Angu George, 4K that pits men against women in a gender-specific, general knowledge Lebopo Sebusang (4M) won first prizes (1J), Ibrahim Ahmed (1M), Anna challenge across five categories: of Exclusive Books P100 vouchers. Malan (1J), Eliza Anderson (1L) and F1 Class of 2017 Open Morning facts, pictures, stuff, moves and lives. The Book Trailer & Book Mark Michelle Thebe (1K). They won P100 MaP students enjoyed trying out the Competitions gave students the vouchers to Exclusive Books and bars game to prove their understanding of opportunity to be creative. Through of Cadbury’s Marvelous Creations. the opposite sex. Ms Morwadi Moilwa, Head Librarian, In the General Knowledge Quiz, six this activity, students designed trailers & book marks based on library books. said, ‘‘Library Month served its teams went head-to-head in a bid purpose, which was celebrating The winning trailer was designed by to prove their intellectual acuity. libraries, revealing what MaP’s library Cheered on by their peers, students Lucas Ho Foster (2K), inspired by Carlos has to offer and engaging pupils in were asked questions about geog- Luiz Zafron’s The Shadow of the Wind. the activities held. The most attended raphy, science, entertainment, and He won a bag of Quality Street sweets activities were Battle of the Sexes, the Botswana’s history. Iwani Siwawa and Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett General Knowledge Quiz and the (4L), Kelvin Samusodza (4K), Ahsante and Dave Evans. The winning book Pyjama Reading by Candlelight. We Puso (4K), Obvious Mbambo (4J) and marks were designed by Andile Bekker believe that MaP students had fun!’’

Goodbyes Mr Alastair Hagger, Head of Chemistry teacher Ms Sabitha Simon came Communications: ‘‘I am sad to be leaving to Maru-a-Pula three years ago, having spent Botswana and MaP after almost seven fourteen years lecturing at the University years, but excited about seeing more of of Botswana. In her time at MaP, she has ‘‘I hope my experience here at MaP is full of ‘‘I found the Open Morning amazing and full of fun, from the tour, to Africa and finally having the time to focus truly made an impact on her students, who fun and adventure! I hope to grow socially and the games and exploring the library. I look forward to being a MaP on my writing projects. My favourite memo- describe her as caring, patient, approach- academically to become the best version of student.’’ ries of MaP and Maitisong are coaching the able and inspiring. Ms Simon’s advice to myself!’’ ~ Eng Moonwa (Hillcrest International) Girls Football team for two years, teaching a students interested in teaching as a career is ~ Mosa Nthebolan (Broadhurst Primary) to be passionate about the profession, and both a friend and ‘‘I like that we are free to wear any black shoes / pants. I love the number of wonderful novels, poems and plays to different year groups, directing a production of The Merchant of a parent to students, so that they can confide in and respect ‘‘It feels like a new world made up of fresh, kind sports that are played. I like the people here; they seem kind.’’ Venice at Maitisong with Steve Jobson, and working with you. In a heart-warming note, Tshepo Yane (L6J) wrote: faces, beautiful gardens, and different cultures. ~ Nsyhsn Dryhsthe (Baobab) MaP and government school students on the Shakespeare ‘‘Ms Simon exemplifies the characteristics of a phenomenal So much to remember, so much to enjoy; I can’t Lives project. I also have a very fond memory of visiting teacher. She has the capacity to empathise with us and wait!’’ ‘‘I hope that my experience at MaP is memorable, fun, lit and the Good Hope school in Southern Botswana, where I was remodel any aspect of the syllabus into easily understand- ~ Wezi Mtonga (Thornhill Primary) educational.’’ moved by the patience and fortitude of young people able concepts. She will be dearly missed.’’ Lefika Otsile (U6) ~ Rorisang Segage (Broadhurst Primary) who have grown up in unimaginably tough conditions. I noted: ‘‘Ms Simon is definitely a cut above the rest because ‘‘I hope that my experience at MaP will be she is more than just a teacher. She became our mother too. ‘‘I hope my MaP experience will be an educational and exciting am very happy to have been given the opportunity to start amazing!’’ She constantly kept us motivated to do our best in everything journey filled with positivity. I know to expect kindess and respect.’’ a new department, the Communications Office, and am ~ Ogone Mpotokwane (Tlokweng Dayspring) delighted to be leaving it in the very capable hands of Ms we did.’’ ~ Lemohang Mariana (Phakalane Primary) Mosetlhi. Thank you to all the staff and students here for sharing the magic of MaP with me. I wish everyone here nothing but continued joy and success. Pula!’’ Young Yale African Scholars Program In August, Katlego Paakanyo (L6J), Ruby Noble (4K) and I had the marvelous opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe, attending the Young Yale African Scholars program. Through various lectures, semi- Amnesty International: Human Rights Discussion nars and group discussions, we experienced what weighed the economic impact of a contemplation. Throughout the talk, college life may be like. One of the most mean- On the 31st October, MaP’s Amnesty prison sentence on the government, however, it was interesting that the ingful lectures was given by Rachel Adams, who International service held a peace talk in comparison with an execution; the focus of the participants’ answers talked about respecting your gift. She discussed based on the Universal Declaration eye-for-an-eye principle surfaced on kept turning towards the law and how doing what is right for you and not what society of Human Rights Article 3: The Right a number of occasions. As expected, it viewed the issues at hand. expects. She explained that putting effort into to Life, Liberty and Security. It was In essence, the Human Rights Talk your strengths can guide you to your gift. Every split into four principle topics: the morality was a paramount principle in was a success. Approximately 30 day, we had workshops on how to write univer- death penalty, abortion, suicide and many of the participant’s arguments, MaP students and teachers left the sity application essays and the dos and don’ts euthanasia. making their input more interesting. AV Center having been exposed of interviews. Our evenings consisted of SAT The talk lasted nearly two hours, Eventually, the participants were led and ACT preparation, and socializing with other despite only being planned for 45 away from the topic of the death to alternate views on human rights. African students, with whom we made friends minutes. The majority of the time was penalty to open the floor for other Furthermore, they had a clearer and exchanged cultures. A range of successful spent discussing the death penalty, subjects. understanding of why the topics are Africans, like the CEO of Buddies, which founded where participants had wildly Discussions on abortion, suicide controversial and how they affect our Mascom, came to talk to us. This motivated us different, yet equally intriguing views. and euthanasia were very similar in society. Amnesty International will be to dream big, achieve greatness and not let the Different concepts, like the ability to that participants had parallel lines organizing more forums on human world’s expectation of Africans bring us down. forfeit one’s human rights and the of thought. Riveting questions were rights to meet the greater interest and effectiveness of rehabilitation centers, posed; some of which had immediate demand of the MaP community. ~ Kopo Keaikitse, 5K were discussed in depth. Participants answers, while others required further ~ Lame Tsamaase, LM6 Ms Shamabobo’s Term 3 Sports Round-up Term Three was really a cool- Botswana. MaP came 4th out of 8 Top Goal Scorer, Sebaga Rabashwa down period for sports, but it schools, winning the Wheels Trophy (3K); Sports Co-ordinator, Mr Tsimako still had a few activities to keep us after seven years of trying. and Coach Mbikiwa. busy. Subsequently, MaP hosted the ISSSA Softball Basketball tournament, in which our young What dedicated and focused teams This term kicked-off with Maru-a-Pula team was unable to defend its they have been! Through the tough hosting the 3rd annual Debswana-MaP championship title, coming 4th. coaching style of Ms Ditsele, Coach Re Ba Bona Ha Basketball Invitational A special thanks to the team’s two Motsuma and our super-supporter Tournament, which brought together coaches, Mr Manyoni and Mr Schmidt, mom Ms Desai, the teams excelled a number of government and private for continuously encouraging the on the field during the league games schools from around Gaborone. Our players. and at the ISSSA tournament, where boys put up a good fight, scooping Girls’ Football the boys’ and grils’ teams won 1st the gold medals, while the girls came This team was a force to be reckoned and 2nd place respectively. 5th. with from the outset! They did not A motivating factor for our teams’ A week later, four of our U14 and concede a single goal in any of the success was a significant donation of U16 teams went to the ISSA Junior league games or even at the ISSSA four sets of kits worth P17,000 by an Basketball Invitational Tournament tournament. Some of the results in the anonymous sponsor. in South Africa. This year’s event had league included beating Gaborone In conclusion, hats off to everyone thirty two teams. Our U14 boys’ team, who has made 2016 a memorable coached by our very own Mr Dambe, International School by an outstanding 17 goals! With such a record, the year. Remember: ‘If you want to walk managed to get second position. fast, walk alone, but if you want to go Cricket girls deserve their Champions of ISSSA title, which they’ve had since further, walk with others’. Let us hope This team participated in an 2017 will bring as much joy, success U16 International Pro-10 Cricket the introduction of the sport three years ago. The following people’s and satisfaction as we have had this Tournament at John Mackenzie year! School in Francistown, with teams contribution cannot be overlooked: from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Team Captain, Donna Simon (4M);

top right, top left : ISSSA Girls Softball Tournament; bottom left: Form 1 Swimming Gala; bottom right: ISSSA Cricket Tournament