Welcome everyone to the start of the 2022 to 2023 school year. For some of you a big welcome back to another year. However, between our new PYP, MYP and D1 we have about 100 new students joining this month as well as the associated families. So, to all of you new to the campus a warm welcome from the rest of us and I hope you feel at home soon.
As you can see below, we have hit the ground running and the activities, sports, outdoor pursuits and arts programs are starting up. This is a great opportunity for students to continue developing in areas they already enjoy, but it is also an opportunity to try something new.
The service programs on Wednesday will be starting soon once we can confirm some outside partnerships so expect more information soon on those.
I thank all parents who have signed up for Toddle and UWCEA Life. We hope these programs help student learning but also our communications with you.
In the coming weeks we will have a few “Coffee Mornings” for parents. One will be a physical one on campus, the others will be virtual ones for parents wherever they may be.
My last note is that Tuesday the 23rd is a holiday for the census so there are no classes on that day. We will have normal classes on Monday and Wednesday.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Upcoming
Ben’s Corner
…and we are off! As always at this time of year, a huge thank you to all the people who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure school was ready for the start of the quarter. The first days of any school year are designed to allow returning students to reconnect with the community and, of course, to welcome new students and give them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with new faces and a new environment. Making these connections is so important and, going forward, it is paramount that we keep looking out for each other, being open, communicating and offering our support where needed. Also, a doff of the hat to the Student Orientation Committee who created a wonderful programme for our incoming D1 students and have lots planned for their MYP peers this weekend.
A school like UWCEA is a very complex place with lots of moving parts. In order to help you navigate this, please take note of the following infographic indicating which person might be the best first stop when you have a question about a particular aspect of school life.
Lastly, “congratulations” to our new teachers who have survived their first week! In fact, they have all been in-country for a few weeks now, involved in an orientation programme of their own. We hope you enjoyed meeting our students and are starting to feel part of the community. We feel very lucky to have you. “Mtu ni watu” as the Swahili saying goes. Together, we have much to look forward to.
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Residential News
This week’s Residential update is kindly written by Neza, one of our D2 students involved in our Orientation Committee who worked tirelessly with many others over the previous week to ensure our new arrivals had a smooth transition to their new home in Moshi, Tanzania.
“Coming back here this August for D1 orientation felt surreal in many ways. It officially marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. After getting used to the routine of residential and academic life on campus it was refreshing to see so many new faces from all over the world. Interestingly, it made me think about how quickly time passes by. I can still remember our orientation as clear as day; Jumping into the pool, getting lost, reciting your name, your home country, your subject combination and of course, seeing Kilimanjaro for the first time. How did a year just go by?
The highlight of the orientation was, at least for me, the cultural night. It was amazing to see how diverse our campus is and how talented everyone is. It felt like watching a mosaic coming together, piece by piece. I was looking at the faces of our D1s and I could tell that by then they all realized just how special this place is.
As an already tired and slightly stressed D2, I could not understand how our ‘firsties’ have so much energy and how their social batteries just do not run out. I suppose I now know and understand how our D2s felt when we got here.
Lastly, it made me think about how brave our D1s are, and how brave my fellow second years and I are. Moving here and for most of us, living alone for the first time can be very challenging at times. But that is why we have our wonderful community, our peers, residential students, teachers, staff and uja families- to make this place a home away from home, a second family.
I have a feeling this year is going to be even better than the last one.”
– Neza
From me, I would like to express my gratitude to our D2 students and Diploma staff for all they have done over the last week. In addition, I am excited about the weekend ahead which now focuses on our MYP orientation with many activities planned and led by our very own M5 students. Our PYP students have almost all arrived and for them, they have an exciting getaway away at Marangu waterfalls.
Karibu Sana to all and from all corners of the globe, from P4 to D2.
As always, should you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Simon Johnston – Head of Residential Life
The start of a new year of residential life
Diploma News
The first week is always an interesting one and this year has proved itself to be the same.
The D2 students have met up with old friends – their peers, teachers, support staff etc. It is lovely to see them back on campus and we look forward to seeing the last few soon. The break should have been a balance of work and relaxation. We met on Thursday to review what they need to do. There are IAs to work on; Extended Essays need research completed and writing started; CAS reflections need to be finalised; and gaps that need to be filled. They all seem to know what they have to do and hopefully have made plans. It is important they meet with teachers to discuss what they have done and have to do.
The D1 students have met their subject teachers and found out more about the subjects and this has inevitably led to some schedule changes. Until the end of August this is a simple process. On Wednesday we started some work on time management with students given a chance to rate their own skills. For the next two Wednesdays we will work with them at an appropriate level. The D2s who talked about their own time management journey at the start emphasised how different DP might be to previous experiences but also the importance of balance with sleep, exercise and enjoying the environment.
On Thursday the D1 students experienced their first assessment with a prior knowledge check In Mathematics. This is just to inform the teachers and students about whether they are in the appropriate class and what areas they need to focus on. They will also be asked to write in the languages to inform us of their base line levels. As we move ahead, we will work with students who are identified as needing additional support.
Margaret Brunt – DP Coordinator
Math Olympiad
Our school never really stops, even during the summer holiday. On July 28th was the 3rd and last round of SAMO (South Africa Math Olympiad). We were really proud to have 4 students across both campuses qualify, 3 of which were from Moshi. This is quite an achievement, as only about 100 students remained in each category (senior and junior) from all the students in 1000+ schools within South Africa and the wider region. Round 3 happened during the holiday because of the Southern hemisphere calendar. As a result, Johannes could not make it, being some remote place in the Alps. Jonatan (senior) and Malo (junior) represented our campus, they are now awaiting their results.
As we start a new academic year, all students interested in taking part should approach their math teacher. Below is one of the questions found in round 3 junior paper.
From the Counselors
Socio-Emotional Counselor
Welcome back from a well-deserved summer break! I hope the start of the new school year finds you rested and energized. It has been wonderful meeting both old and new students on campus this first week and I believe we are off to a fantastic school year.
To new members of our growing community, my name is Frida and I am working as a socio-emotional counselor on Moshi campus. I am available to students for support through individual sessions, group sessions, and/or family sessions and I am seeing PYP-DP students weekly in our Lifeskills program. This year I will also be a residential mentor to MYP girls.
This semester my working hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 am-5 pm and my room is located in the heart of campus, room 18 (opposite the staff lounge). I love pop-ins, please come by to say hi!
If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below.
Karibuni to all parents and students. My name is Dr. Kitomary and I serve as the University Counselor. I work with M4-D2 students to varying degrees. My role is to help your student explore and prepare for career and college readiness. Many topics will be shared through our Life Skills curriculum, Career Symposium, external college fairs, and whole-grade group sessions. Additionally, upper secondary students will meet with me regularly one-to-one to discuss their intended career path or college preparation plans. I am here to help all students with planning beyond high school even if their plan is not to attend college.
My office hours are Monday to Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm, Friday 7:30 am-12:30 pm, and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm. I have an open-door policy for students and parents meaning you are welcome anytime.
This year I will offer parent meetings to help you understand the tools, strategies, and processes that students are going through in the upper secondary to prepare for career and college readiness. Please keep watch to read these newsletters as information will first be advertised here for upcoming parent events and ways that parents and alumni can become involved in helping students learn about the vast quantity of career and college options that are available to them.
Returning this year after a two-year hiatus are in-person college visits. We have several universities that are scheduled to visit our Moshi campus to share information about their college/university and provide college preparation tips.
I anticipate a fantastic year working with your students. Encourage them to talk with you about their plans and come visit with me. Let them know we all can work together to help them create a plan for after high school.
“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” I think it is fair to say that this was the spirit during our first week of school in the MYP division. It was great to see all our learners back on campus, and it was even more great to see them leave at the end of the week with smiling faces and positive vibes with a few reminders/takeaways:
There are lots of teachers
Students are increasingly responsible for their own learning
MYP classrooms are often noisy, busy places
Asking questions is as important as learning the answers
As learners progress through the MYP, they develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success in challenging qualifications.
MYP Journals Part of our MYP goals is ensuring our learners develop self-management and organizational skills that they can transfer into their real-life experiences. The school has developed personalized student planners that have been handed out to our M1 and M2 cohort. This is a great way to keep track of homework, dates and deadlines, to-do lists and simply develop a habit of good practices. The MYP team appreciates your support in encouraging the students to use their journals diligently and mindfully.
Save the Date: MYP Parent Information Workshop Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Rafiki Hall This first parent induction session is meant to reiterate the essentials of MYP, highlight some changes and above all explore ways in which parents can support students’ learning from an MYP perspective to ensure successful collaboration and a prosperous learning journey.
Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator
Outdoor Pursuits
We are excited for our OP program this year. We are so proud of the program development, every year we have watched it grow from strength to strength. As every trip is reviewed, we seek to improve operations, logistics and procedures to be more efficient. This year we welcome back our Experiential Learning team:
The Experiential Learning & Outdoor Pursuits program will continue to explore the beautiful country of Tanzania, by hiking its mountains, its peaks, savannah lands & plains, swimming in its ocean and reefs, and visiting the local communities of Tanzania. Within our Peaks, Plains, Reefs and Rides program categories we offer a 5-tier level system that ensures safety, provides adventure, fun and challenge to every student. No matter what their experience, fitness or skill level there is an adventure for everyone.
What we have planned for semester one is amazing. You can visit the OP Trips calendar beside. This week we had very excited students preparing for their Reefs Level 1 trip- by completing their swim test. And as the week comes to a close, we are preparing for Level 4 Meru Mountain hike and MYP Meru forest campcraft weekend. We look forward to adventure ahead.
Baden Dowie – Experiential Learning Coordinator
Music Lessons
Sports Update
Dear Families,
Welcome back to a new and exciting year of sports and activities. My name is Mostafa Rihan; I am the new Sports & Activities Coordinator as well as an MYP Physical Education and Lifeskills teacher.
Primary School
In our first week, we sent out the after-school sports and activities form for PYP students to select the clubs they are interested in exploring. Clubs will be every Monday – Thursday after school from 2:00 – 3:00. Students will be assigned to their clubs next week and schedules will be sent along with them home.
UWCEA is delighted to announce that Saturday morning, the PYP Football club will start again this weekend (20/08/2022) and every Saturday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. on the pitch.
Secondary
UWCEA has a variety of Secondary after school sports and activities that will start on the third week of this quarter from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday. Electronic surveys will be sent to students to select their desired clubs. We encourage all students to choose several clubs to have a more dynamic learning experience.
We would be delighted to have parents help with any club they are interested in. For more information on helping with clubs, please send me an email at mostafarihan@uwcea.org.
We look forward to an exciting after-school program with many stories to build, trophies to win and memories to share.
Mustafa Rihan – Sports & Activites Coordinator
PYP News
We have had a busy and happy first week back at school. We enjoyed Mr. Morley’s Primary Gathering on Friday. He read a story that taught us the importance of being friendly and including everyone. Two of the new Diploma students performed dances which the children enjoyed. Parents are very welcome to attend Primary Gatherings which take place in Rafiki Hall at 7:40am.
Future primary gathering dates are:
2nd September – P6
16th September – P4/5
30th September – P2/3
Thinking of the week ahead, please note:
Tuesday, 23rd August, is a public holiday.
The link for after school club sign ups was emailed out by Agnes Elias on Friday afternoon. Club sign ups will close Wednesday 24th August, 7pm. Your child will bring home their assigned clubs slip on Friday. Clubs start on Monday 29th August.
There will be no supervision provided for children after classes end at 1:10pm next week so please collect your children promptly at that time. Children who do not have an adult on campus will be taken to the front office.
Monday, 29th August is the PYP Meet the Teacher Evening (please note the date change from the originally advertised 25th August). This will begin at 6pm and end at 7pm. Class teachers will give two presentations about the year ahead to enable parents with more than one child to attend presentations in two classes.
I would like to draw your attention to Mr. Samuel’s information about the private music lessons on offer and also to the fact that Coach T will be running Saturday morning soccer sessions. If you have any PYP related questions please contact your child’s teacher or email me.
Thank you to all who have connected to Toddle and checked their accounts on “UWCEA Life”. I have shared the weekly pictures with you and you can take time to go through them with your child.
This coming week, we will begin to explore our first unit of the school year. All details will be shared on Toddle. We will be exploring the first line of inquiry by focusing on our class and school culture.
This week, we made our ‘Essential Agreements’ all together as a class. They have been broken down to three main ones:
Be Kind
Be Safe
Be Helpful.
We took each of the above and worked on them each day.
This coming week, we will focus on one: Be Kind. Please ask the children how they have been kind when they get home or how they can be kind to those around them.
Mboka Mwasongwe – EC/P1 Teacher
P2/3 Class
The kick-off to the school year in P 2/3 was a success! Mr. Emmanuel, Ms. Catherine and I are so pleased with the class and we are looking forward to lots of learning. With 5 new students, we had a focus on getting to know each other and settling into routines this week.
Our first unit of the year will be FRIENDSHIP!
Central Idea: Friendships enrich our lives and require nurturing in order to develop.
Lines of Inquiry:
How friends are made and kept
Why friends are needed
Characteristics that develop healthy friendships
I hope that all parents can come on Monday evening the 29th to Meet the Teacher Night! We will gather in front of the P 4/5 and 6 classrooms for tea and chatting at 6:00. At 6:15 and 6:35, you can come to hear about the plans for P 2/3 this year.
Reminders:
Monday- Home Learning will be sent home (to be returned on Friday)
Tuesday- No School! An unexpected day of rest due to the census
Thursday- PE shoes and return Library books
Friday- return Home Learning folder
Kacey Buckley – P2/3 Teacher
P4/5 Class
The children have settled well into the P4/5 class. The photo shows them carrying out a design challenge: make a free standing name sign that can hold a pencil. Next week the children will bring home reading books for nightly reading at home. You should have received a copy of our schedule, showing when the specialist lessons will take place. Please ensure your child has appropriate footwear for running in school every day as we often play running around games. Next week we will start our unit of inquiry:
Central Idea:
We harness a variety of forces to make things move
Lines of inquiry:
How simple machines transfer force and energy to make work easier.
Why forces can cause a change in motion.
How people have overcome challenges by harnessing forces.
I look forward to seeing you at the Meet the Teachers evening on Monday, 29th August, at 6pm.
Deborah Mills – P4/5 Teacher
P6 Class
What a great first week! A special mention to our five new starters: Declan, Ida, Jane, Laila and Leon have blended in very well and added a lot to our class. To keep in touch with your child’s progress, please ensure you have signed up for both Toddle and Life. Also, watch out for an afterschool clubs email from Ms. Agnes so that the children can sign up for the week beginning 29/08/22 and read Mr. Samuel’s information about private music lessons in this newsletter. Next week, we will be starting our first Unit of Inquiry: Plants are a life sustaining resource for all living things. We’ll create our lines of inquiry together, so feel free to discuss this over the weekend. Last reminder: no school Tuesday due to census.
Hywel Davies – P6 Teacher
Safeguarding on Campus
UWC East Africa is committed to providing a safe, collaborative and caring environment for all. Our highest priority is protecting the physical and mental health of all students in our care and this responsibility is shared by everybody on campus. We have an active Safeguarding team of 7 members, who are working to support, guide, and protect our students and liaise with our teachers to ensure students are feeling safe, included and supported.
