Day BASKETBALL CAMP THIS ISSUE

6th September, 2014

Issue No. 13- 1 2014– 2015

Term 1 Week 1

Head of school with her two deputies

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IN THIS BULLETIN THIS ISSUE Page 2 – Message from Headteacher; Alumni News th Page 3 – Middle School; Music Notices; Ski Trip 13 September, 2019 Page 4 – IJSO Page 5 – Sixth Form; Exam Results; Food Trip Page 6 – Zanzibar Photos Issue 18 – 1 Page 7 – Hospice Walk info Page 8 – MSMUN; Debating Term 1 Page 9 – Inspiration from Learning Support Page 10 – Sports Notices Page 11 – Swimming Week 2 Page 12 – Boys Football; Hockey Page 13 – Girls Basketball; Gym Timings; Calendar

Kenya Girls’ Swimming team Mr. John Eveson Headteacher 0786 888 890 [email protected] Mrs. Razwana Kimutai Deputy Headteacher 0710 540 079 [email protected] Ms. Tiffaney Algar Deputy Headteacher 0717 041 506 [email protected] Mr. Maurice Otieno Head of Senior School 0722 740 795 [email protected] Ms. Jane Akelola Head of Middle School 0733 714 579 [email protected] Mrs. Kira Channa Head of Junior School 0723 688 666 [email protected]

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER

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This academic year should be an even more vibrant and dynamic one! We have a large number of new staff (see the list in my letter issued last week) and many more students from GEMS and elsewhere. Team building, which is ongoing, began with team building challenges for the staff on Wednesday 28th August. Some highlights are in the images below. Last Saturday the Sixth Form Bonding event opened a series of these for students too. Theirs was adjusted a little by the downpour, but it was nevertheless, a success. Year 9 depart today for their Bonding Trip and Year 10 the following week; both in Naivasha.

Our Teaching and Learning will be enhanced too by the many new resources from the CIN site on Magadi Road, ranging from new furniture, library books, PE and music equipment are beginning to refresh our teaching and learning. Incorporating them into this year’s curriculum is well underway as well as commissioning the Interactive Whiteboards installed now in many of our classrooms.

Communications may be new too. For those of you who are not aware, we communicate mainly with you using iSams (the school database). This relies upon all of you having the up-to-date parent app installed on your phones. Please come and see the IT department or reach them through the [email protected] if you need assistance with downloading and activation

Last Saturday, Hillcrest hosted a Basketball and Football camp which enabled us to assess the wealth of new talent that we now have to build even stronger and more successful teams. Not the least of which are the swimming teams. These range from improvers, to those who will be possibly competing for at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. There are a wider range of swimming options now; do contact Mr Matthew Cross for further details if this is of interest.

This week the EA and MS MUN training starts in earnest. We have a team of six leaders to help train our ambassadors for this ever popular club in the school. As usual Mr Huma is leading this, so please contact him for further information.

If there are concerns, then I am always available at the school and Maria Kimata will make an appointment for you to discuss them with me. All that remains is to wish you all a most pleasant and relaxing weekend.

John Eveson Head Teacher [email protected]

ALUMNI NEWS One afternoon this week I had some visitors from way back in the early 90’s! It was lovely to see Paola and Francesca Carlucci who were in Kenya visiting the Raguz sisters, Paulina and Nathalie. It was really lovely to see the girls (now ladies) again. All are married with children. The Carlucci girls are based with their families in Rome. It is our pleasure to host former students, so if you are in please pop in.

Jackie Guest Alumni Coordinator [email protected]

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Dear Parents The Year 10 Bonding Trip leaves on Friday 20th September and returns on Sunday 22nd September to Hell's Gate, Naivasha. Please check the kit list and ensure that your child has all the equipment needed. Any payments made after Monday will have to be either Mpesa or cash. All details have been forwarded. Kindly sign and return indemnity forms. Kind Regards

Jane Akelola Head of Middle School [email protected]

MUSIC NOTICES

The Music Department has emailed home a form for all students interested in learning musical instruments. The department can put you in touch with private tutors for a variety of instruments including: violin, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, french horn, oboe, flute, saxophone, clarinet, recorder, drums, guitar, bass guitar, piano, voice and music theory.

If your child has an interest in learning any of these instruments they can return the form filled in to the senior school reception or emailed to: [email protected]

Lessons are organised on a rotating schedule, last approximately 35 minutes and cost Kshs.1500 per lesson.

Please also note, choir and orchestra rehearsals will begin next week, so any students interested in joining can come to orchestra on Monday or choir on Wednesday after school in the Music Room. Both ensembles will perform throughout the year at various concerts and is a great way to improve your musicianship. All instruments welcome at this time.

Scott Hughes Head of Music [email protected]

HILLCREST SCHOOL SKI TRIP

During the February Half Term in 2020 we will again be running the annual Hillcrest Ski Trip. We will be away for one week and it will be fun filled with skiing/ snowboarding, ice skating, night skiing, quiz evenings and plenty of very good food. We also go for an amazing fondue meal - worth the trip, just for that! We hope to go back to the same resort in Italy - this will be confirmed when we have final numbers.

No previous experience is necessary. After one day everyone should be coming down the slopes. We will also have groups for the intermediate and experienced skiers.

If you are interested in finding out more details please contact me by email, [email protected] or telephone me on 0722865811. Hope to see many of you on the slopes.

Elizabeth Tout Ski Trip Coordinator [email protected]

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The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) competition in Doha, Qatar, 3rd to 12th December 2019

This is the 16th year that Hillcrest will be sending a team of students to represent Kenya in this prestigious international science competition. Teams of six students from countries all over the World will take part.

It gives Hillcrest students a wonderful opportunity to mix with students of many different nationalities, who all have a passion for science, and the itinerary will include a wide range of trips to scientific and cultural sites. In addition, previous Hillcrest students who have taken part in the IJSO have found that University admissions tutors look extremely positively on their participation in this competition and it certainly strengthens their university applications.

Years 9, 10 and 11 students are eligible to take part, providing they are studying all three sciences and if they were born in 2004 or later.

If your son/daughter would like to be considered to join the Kenyan IJSO team, they should give their name to Mr. Greenwell as soon as possible. Training for the competition will take place during the co- curricular session and after school.

Further information can be obtained from the following two websites: https://ijso2019.edu.gov.qa/ and www.ijsoweb.org

You are welcome to contact me if you have any queries regarding the competition ([email protected]).

Simon Greenwell Head of Science [email protected]

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SIXTH FORM Welcome back to a new school year to our old students and teachers and a very warm welcome to all our newcomers. It is pleasing to see how well our new students have settled into Hillcrest and the Sixth Form. I am pleased with the smart appearance of the students in general. We hope that the students will find their time stimulating, rewarding and enjoyable, and that, over the course of the year, they lay strong foundations for success in their future life, both at University and beyond.

Each student has been allocated a Form Tutor with whom they will register and liaise on a daily basis. The Form Tutor provides on-going support and guidance throughout the Sixth form/Senior School and acts as the first port of call for general or personal issues that may have an impact on academic progress. Tutors work closely with students, not only to improve understanding, but to help students build confidence and develop as socially responsible young people. Congratulations go to the students who the Bonding session for the senior students last Saturday. All went well and I can see a lot of groups and group dynamic developing as students get to know one another better especially the new ones. A big “thank you” goes to the prefect team who worked tirelessly in creating the programme and making sure that the day was successful even with all the weather challenges. Well done!

The Years 12 and 13 students attended the UK University Fair at Nairobi Academy yesterday. The experience and knowledge gained from the Fair is important in that it will help our Year 13 students firm up on their University and course selections. For the Year 12 students, it will go a long way in helping them with their personal statements and planning the road ahead. The Year 13 students should be working on finalising their UCAS applications, especially their personal statements. Note that the UCAS application process is compulsory to all the Year 13s.

All senior students should have a locker by now. This must be kept padlocked at all times to secure their personal belongings. The spare key should be kept with the Form Tutor, a trusted friend or Head of Year.

Please remember that a key element in a successful Senior School career is openness and honesty. If you are experiencing pastoral or academic difficulties, or are behind with work deadlines, do not ‘suffer in silence’; come and talk to us. I look forward to working with you all.

Maurice Otieno Head of Sixth Form [email protected]

EXAMINATION Deadline for Enquiries About Results RESULTS Results Qualification Priority Review Other Date IGCSE (CIE) 13/08/19 N/A 17/09/19 AS & A-Level (CIE) 13/08/19 N/A 17/09/19 GCE (EdExcel) 15/08/19 21/08/19 17/09/19

Peter Wairi Examinations Officer [email protected]

Food and Nutrition and Business Trip to Zanzibar A group of nine Year 10 students left for Zanzibar on the closing day of last term. During the four day trip they learned about the King of Spices – Clove and the Queen of Spices – Cinnamon. They also learned about eating habits and factors which influence the choice of foods on the island. It was a relaxing and interesting way to end the school year.

Joy Muthigani Head of Food Studies [email protected]

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Year 10 Food and Nutrition Trip to Zanzibar

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MODEL UNITED NATIONS (EAMUN & MSMUN) Training for both junior and senior delegates of MUN began today Friday 13th September during co- curricular activities. Students are encouraged to register if they wish to participate. Year 9 and Year 10 students (14 years and under) are eligible for MSMUN, and Years 11 & 12 students (15 years and over) for EAMUN.

MUN is a simulation of the United Nations Organisation and students are trained in diplomacy, General Assembly debating procedures, research and presentation methods and formulation of solutions to world problems. Students will be assigned countries led by Ambassadors and they will be put into committees e.g. Human Rights, Ecology & Environment, Technology, Security Council, Economic and Political. They will be taught how to write position papers and resolutions in the UN style.

Those interested in being Ambassadors will be allowed to present to the delegates and will be voted in accordingly. The culmination of this event will be a week-long conference at the UN headquarters at , Nairobi, where they will debate the resolutions in front of over 1000 peers from different schools.

MSMUN conference will be from 21st -24th January 2020.The EAMUN is from 24th - 28th February 2020.

WORLD SCHOLARS’ CUP We are preparing our team for the Tournament of Champions that will be held at Yale University in November. This is the team that qualified at the top of the Global round championship that was held in Beijing China in June.

World Scholars’ cup puts together teams of three and assigns them 6 topics/subjects for independent research. They are expected to compete against other age-mates from around the world in Debate, Scholars’ Challenge and collaborative writing in all the six areas.

It starts from the Regional Round where the best in the region qualify for the Global round and the best in Global round qualify for the Tournament of Champions that is held in November each year at Yale University.

This year Hillcrest will run the World Scholars’ Cup as an activity all year round. Those who have registered for it will be trained every Friday in preparation for the next round of the Regional Championship early next year. This group will have an advantage of training together with the current African Champions, Beijing round.

WSC has two categories - Junior division (under 14 years) and Senior division over 14 years)

Erick Huma Head of Faculty [email protected]

INTER HOUSE DEBATING The first debate will take place at lunch time on Wednesday 18th September, between Thor and Zeus. We will need one student each from the Junior, Middle and Senior school on each team.

The motion next Wednesday will be that 'peer pressure is a good thing'

The debating teachers will meet with students on Monday during break time in H6 to go through their plans for the debate.

Hilary Benson Debating Coordinator [email protected]

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INSPIRATION FROM LEARNING SUPPORT GREAT REASONS TO READ

"Show me a family of readers and I will show you who moves the world." -Napoleon Bonaparte-

Wendy Akinyi Learning Support [email protected] 9

SPORTS NOTICES Dear parents/guardians, First of all, I would like to introduce myself as the new Director of Sports here at Hillcrest and I'd like to take this opportunity to express how happy I am to join the Hillcrest team. Although I am based in the Secondary School my role is across the whole school which, means I will be meeting regularly with the Head of Prep Sport, David Lowe and with the Director of Aquatics, Matthew Cross and the Head of Boys’ and Girls’ Games. This is to ensure we are all aligned with our teaching and learning policies and that there is a smooth continuum with school sport. Thank you very much for your support with school sport and I am looking forward to a successful and progressive year. Sports Announcements We have now completed the comprehensive and busy sports training schedule, please take a look so you are aware of all the training days. Please also note that you can access the full fixtures calendar via iSAMS. In terms of communication, we will try our very best to ensure that the coaches of the sports teams communicate to you via iSAMS at least 72 hours before. Thanks for your patience with this thus far. Weekend fixtures This weekend our Under19 teams are in tournaments at RVA. We have teams competing in Boys’ Football, Girls’ Rounders and Girls’ Basketball. All teams will be arriving by 8:30am ready for a 9:00am start. We hope to see you there as your support is always appreciated. Once again, thank you very much for your support.

GIRLS Team Training Days Timings Staff Year 11 Rounders Monday 3:45pm -5:15pm DA Year 12/13 Girls Basketball Monday 3:45pm -5:15pm Coach Patrick Year 9 Rounders Tuesday 3:45pm -5:15pm DA & AO Year 10 Girls Basketball Tuesday 3:45pm -5:15pm Coach Patrick Year 12&13 Rounders Wednesday 3:45pm -5:15pm AO Year 11 Girls Basketball Wednesday 3:45pm -5:15pm Patrick Year 10 Rounders Thursday 3:45pm -5:15pm Patrick & SC Year 9 Girls Basketball Thursday 3:45pm – 5:15pm Coach Patrick Tennis Team Monday – Thursday Lunch Time 12:45 – 1:15 pm DA Cross Country Tuesday & Thursday 6:30am – 7:20am SC Athletics Monday & Thursday 3:45 – 5:15pm Coach Seroney

BOYS Team Training days Timings Staff U14 Boys Football Tuesday & Thursday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM JO U15 Boys football Tuesday & Thursday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM JO U15 Boys Cricket Wednesday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM Coach Nicholas U17 Boys football Tuesday & Wednesday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM SC U19 Boys Football Monday & Wednesday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM JO +1 U19 Boys Cricket Monday 3: 45 – 5:00 PM JO +1 Cross-country Tuesday & Thursday 6: 30 – 7: 20AM SC Tennis team Lunch Time 12: 45- 1: 15 PM DA Athletics team Mondays & Thursdays 3: 45 – 5:00 PM SB

Kindly note that your child will be required to sign up for these activities and for the late bus if needed.

Sean Connolly Director of Sports [email protected]

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SWIMMING INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S GAMES 2019 UFA RUSSIA The International Children’s Games, established in 1968 and sanctioned by the IOC regularly bring together 12-15 year olds from cities around the World for games and a cultural festival. Its mission is to promote peace and goodwill through children and their participation in sports. The ICG and cultural festival is today the world’s largest multi-sport youth games and concentrates on four areas of excellence namely; sports, education, cultural exchange & economics.The Games not only offer these young people an excellent competition but also break down cultural barriers through the many exchanges. The fifty third International Children’s Games was this year hosted by the City of UFA – Russian Federation from 9th to 14th July 2019. In total, 1,192 athletes (669 boys and 523 girls) from 84 Cities around the World competed in this championship. ICG Kenya entered participants in Swimming and Basketball, however, there are those from other countries who competed in Beach Volleyball, Judo, Athletics, Football, Climbing, Greco Roman, Wrestling and Fencing. Marcel Cullens was part of the Basketball squad, while Jessy Onyach and Favour Ochieng competed in Swimming. Our three students performed exceptionally well, with the swimmers making personal best times in their events. Next year’s Children’s Olympics will be held in Hungary; we are looking forward to having many of Hillcrest students in the delegation. EAST AFRICAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS GAMES 2019 After the Kenya Secondary Schools Games held in last April, Kenya selected thirty swimmers; fifteen boys and fifeen girls to represent the country at the East African Secondary Schools Games hosted in Arusha . We are proud to report that out of the thirty qualifiers from all over Kenya, three were from Hillcrest/GEMS and they performed as follows; Leyla Verleysen won Gold in 50 m backstroke and in Medley relay, Silver in 100 m backstroke and in 50 m Butterfly. Makena Tirima won Gold in Freestyle relays, Silver in three events; 50 m and 100 m Butterfly and in 50 m Freestyle. Aliyah Cherogony won Silver in Mixed Medley relay, Bronze in 50 m and 100 m Backstroke. The Kenya swimming team won overall in both boys and girls categories.

Vitalis Otwoma Head of Swimming (Secondary) [email protected]

Some of the Kenya girls’ swimming team, proud of their success

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HILLCREST BOYS FOOTBALL CAMP I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players who participated in last weekend’s Boys’ Football camp. The camp went on well and the players learnt new skills as well as enjoying themselves. This can be supported by the following comment from a parent from Banda School: “Dear Mr. Otieno, I would like to say a big thank you for allowing our son; Makau to play today at Hillcrest. He enjoyed playing football which he loves.”

I would therefore like to also thank all the parents who have been very supportive. We now look forward to training much more and playing more matches and tournaments. This Saturday, the U19 Boys’ Football team will represent Hillcrest in the annual Rift Valley Academy (RVA) tournament and I wish them the best of luck in our first tournament.

The following is a summary of how the boys’ teams performed in some of the tournaments last year: TOURNAMENT POSITION MVP Hillcrest U15 Boys 8’s Football Winners Gil Harel Braeburn Imani U15 Football 7’s Semi Finalists KAIISSO U17 Football League Winners Mike Kimani Greensteds U15 Boys 8’s Football Semi Finalists Alvaro Anton and Gil Harel (3 Goals Each) KAIISSO U15 Basketball League Runners Up Thilasoni Musuku Hillcrest U15 Hockey 7’s 2nd Runners Up Ryan Anthony Nairobi Regional Hockey Semi Finalists Gisa Tunbridge Langata Sub County U16 Football 2nd Runners Up Peponi School U14 Hockey 7’s Winners Alvin Muthi Hillcrest U15 Rugby 10’s Runners Up Gil Harel St Andrews School U15 Rugby 7’s Runners Up Alvaro Anton

Thank you so much for your support and we look forward to an even better academic year 2019/2020.

Joseph Otieno Head of Boys’ Games [email protected]

HOCKEY Miracle has been playing with Sliders Hockey Club. Here she is, playing against a University team.

Dorcie Agundah-Oyaro Head of Girls’ Games [email protected]

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ONE FORMER HILLCREST STUDENT IS PART OF THIS SQUAD

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAMPS The Hillcrest boys’ and girls’ Basketball camp was held at the Secondary school’s Basketball courts last Saturday 7th September. The camp was attended by 32 girls and boys who braved the morning drizzle to learn the Basketball skills. The camp was conducted by 11 players and coaches of the Eagle Wings Ladies Basketball Club. The players went through stages that included good defence, ball handling skills, proper shooting and other skills. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved, especially for the new students who were playing Basketball for the first time. I am confident that the skills learnt will help and motivate the girls to prepare for the season. Many thanks go to all the students who turned up, the parents for facilitating, the coaches for their work, and the school administration for working with the Sports department for the success of the camp.

Patrick Kariuki Basketball Coach [email protected]

GYM TIMETABLE - OPENING HOURS; Monday – Friday 8:00am - 8:30am- cleaning time. 8:30am -12:20pm- students only. 1:25pm - 2:10pm - staff. 2:20pm - 3:30pm students only 3:30pm -5:30pm staff and students. (students have first priority)

George Opiyo Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor [email protected]

IMPORTANT EVENTS AND SPORTS FIXTURES Monday 16th September U19 Girls’ Rounders v Premier Academy (H) U19 Boys’ Cricket v Premier Academy (H) Tuesday 17th September U15 Girls’ Basketball v Aga Khan (H) U15 Boys’ Football v Aga Khan (H) Wednesday 18th September Inter House Debate 1 in School Hall at 1. 20pm U19 Girls’ Basketball v RVA (tbc) U19 Boys’ Football v RVA (tbc) Thursday 19th September U14 Girls’ Basketball v Rosslyn Academy (A) U14 Boys’ Football v Rosslyn Academy (A) Friday 20th September Year 10 Bonding Trip Departs 9am U19 Girls Rounders v Braeburn Gitanga Road (H) U17 Girls Rounders v Braeburn Gitanga Road (H) EAMUN / MSMUN Inter Schools Training 5 – 6pm Saturday 21st September Nairobi Hospice Walk U19 Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Rosslyn U19 Boys’ Football Tournament at Rosslyn Co – Ed Tennis Tournament at Rosslyn U14 Girls’ Rounders Tournament at Peponi 13 U15 Boys’ Cricket Tournament at Peponi