We have just finished packing up for tomorrow’s inter campus D1 “Pamoja” walk. This is an opportunity for the D1 students from both campuses to join together and walk through the countryside surrounding Mt Meru where they will spend the night camping and get to know each other better. This trip has many benefits, but two are that the students from both campuses get a real chance to get to know one another and some of the teachers that will join them. They also get an opportunity to learn more about the area and what it means to attend an outdoor pursuits trip.
At the other end of the school our PYP had a wonderful primary gathering led by the P4/5 class looking at the essential agreements that allow our students to learn together. Future gatherings will be led by other classes and the schedule of our gatherings is on the school calendar.
Among many articles below you will see information on the service projects, the 24-Hr Run, the Ujafamily program, PTA Bingo, the Hash and other events in our community. Please read on to learn more.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Upcoming Events
24-Hr Run
24h Run announcement: It’s time to Gather Your Team!
It’s time to bring your friends together for the 24-Hour Run and create teams. Whether your team aims to raise $1,000 or a smaller amount, every contribution helps us to reach our goal of $50,000 and provide a full scholarship to a boarding student next year. The best part is that Shelby Davis will match it with another scholarship. Remember, it’s not just about the goal; but your participation is what truly matters.
Ready to start?
Create or join a team, give a name, and agree on the team goal.
Pick up your pledge from the Accounts, Advancement, Reception, or even the Nursery office and start to fill it out. Let’s be mindful of the environment and avoid unnecessary printing. Keep your form safe!
You can also contribute by joining a FUNdraising activity during the event. Here’s who to contact for each initiative:
If you’re a parent, alumni, or friend of UWC EA currently outside Tanzania, you can still join the fun and support a team from anywhere in the world. Please reach out to fundraising@uwcea.org Let’s get ready for the first community FUNdraising event of the year!
The 24-Hour Run Team
Ben’s Corner
Meet this year’s Primary Student Voice. They come together every Wednesday with Ms. Natasha to think about ways to celebrate our community, promote and recognise our school Values and liaise between students and teachers. The group has representatives from P3-P6. They are already planning a Friendship Picnic and Spirit Days, so look out for more information soon. The Student Voice also collaborates with the Student Government to explore school wide initiatives. This week, they enjoyed a very productive meeting with Co-Presidents, Alina and Eugene.
In last week’s Whole School Welcome Assembly, the Student Government talked about adding value. They shared the countless committees, activities and events that enrich each and every day across our dynamic campus and beyond. Indeed, this enormous newsletter is compelling evidence of this plethora of happenings. The heart of any thriving school is its sense of community. A vibrant school community not only enhances the educational experience for students but it also fosters a sense of belonging and support that can have a lasting impact on everyone involved. As members of UWCEA, students, staff and parents, we all have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.
This goes way beyond the classroom. It involves actively engaging and finding ways to make the environment more enriching, inclusive and uplifting. In the last five days, we have been fortunate to have so many parents adding value across the community, as guest speakers in GloPo classes, coaching sports, volunteering as Uja Parents, running Primary Clubs, helping knit blankets for KCMC or getting involved with the monumental 24-Hour Run. The list is genuinely endless. When we all contribute, we create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
MYP News
I had a very interesting conversation with one of the M1s this week who shared the following: “Ms. Farah, what is all the fuss about? MYP is not scary. I think it is different from PYP, but it is “good different” and “nice!”. I think wisdom comes best from the youngest ones, because it is true! There is no fuss… MYP is not scary at all and it definitely “good different”. It is key to embrace the changes that the MYP brings. While different from the PYP and other school curricula, these differences make the MYP unique and enriching, fostering inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking. Our M1 students are already seeing the value in this “good different.” So, today’s entry starts with a big thank you to our M1 students for already making the best out of every MYP moment.
M5 Standard Maths The M5 Mathematics Standard Class have been looking at operations with surds (radicals). They practiced these by completing a snake with small cards with questions to match with answers. There was a lot of discussion between the pairs, and they were very happy when it all worked out. Thank you Ms. Brunt!
M4 Physics M4s spent quite some time this week exploring different “measurements” in Physics leading them to exploring the difference between accuracy and precision. Lots of action and very interesting results! Thank you Mr. Ramy!
M5 eAssessments This Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, parents/guardians of the current M5 students are invited to join Mr. Cofer and myself to discuss MYP eAssessments and answer any questions. The Zoom meeting link will be shared via email.
Holiday/Travel Plans/Attendance This is a kind reminder that M4 and M5 students are now required to have 90% attendance. Students have approached us asking about possible travel dates during holidays. I kindly request that parents/guardians check the calendar vigilantly and plan accordingly. Students are expected to be in school until the last day of classes and return to school the first day after a holiday ends. This is exceptionally important for our M4 and M5 students. I thank you in advance for being mindful of this.
MYP Dates to Remember:
September 3rd – M5 Parents/Guardians Zoom Meeting about eAssessments
September 14th – M1 Camp-craft with New M2 and M3 Students (details to follow soon)
September 20th – September 21st – 24 Hr Run
September 21st – UWC Day
September 30th- October 4th – M1, M2, M3 MAP Tests
Have a great week ahead, Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator
UjaFamily Meeting
On Thursday evening, we had a meeting with current and prospective Ujafamilies, current Ujachildren and the UWCEA Moshi, Ujafamily Team. The evening was designed to enable current Uja children and parents to share their experiences of the Uja programme but to also provide an opportunity for prospective Ujaparents to ask questions and gain more information about the programme.
The concept of an Ujafamily derives from the Swahili word “Ujamaa” which, in this context, means ‘family-hood’. Ujafamilies are families from the local community who volunteer their time to provide a student(s) with an opportunity to experience something of the local community, away from their usual school environment – “a sense of homelife, away from home!” The testimonials from current Ujachildren on Thursday ranged from playing games of chess, sharing a meal at someone’s home to more adventurous ventures, camping in the ‘wilds of Tanzania’. Whatever experience you feel you may be able to offer, it is always greatly appreciated by our students. If being an Ujaparent is of interest to you, please click on the links below.
Please note that all questionnaires should be submitted by Monday 2nd of September, 9pm!
Many Thanks,
The Ujafamily Team
DP News
One of the most interesting things about attending a UWC school is studying with people from all different walks of life. Our students and staff are changing and growing as we listen to perspectives different from our own. This can be challenging at times but generally our students have reported that they are enjoying their classes. The IB requires students to think critically and evaluate the world while asking questions about both society and themselves.
Students are expected to take a subject from each of the subject groups as set by the Diploma Programme. This has limited some students in terms of subject choice but the goal of the IB programme is to provide a well-rounded education where students are exposed to each of the subject areas. This is well recognised as one of the DP’s greatest strengths.
We will begin registering our D2 students with the IB next month so subject changes will no longer be allowed. For D2 students this is a season for drafts. It is an opportunity for students to receive feedback and make changes before final submission. Feedback is an essential part of our learning and students have been encouraged to make sure that even drafts are done to the best of their ability.
This week, D2s will also present their mock Individual Orals for English A and Swahili A. These will be held in Rafiki and we ask for quiet around the venue if you are on campus.
Catherine Dowie – DP Coordinator
D1 History
The D1 History class went on a field trip last weekend. The trip included a visit to the Nubi Caves in Kibosho and the Mangi Meli Museum in Old Moshi. Students deepened their understanding of Mangi Sina’s resistance to German imperialism, the cultural importance of Mbege, and the execution of Mangi Meli in 1900.
Hash
On August 12th, we had our first Hash walk of the year, and it was a fantastic success! We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so enjoyable. The beautiful night walk at TPC was the perfect setting for this event, and your participation truly made it special.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the next hash walks organized by UWCEA students. Mark your calendars for September 8th and be sure to join us during the 24-hour run for more opportunities to get out, take a break from studying and have fun.
Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!
Beat regards,
Mina, on behalf of Hash Team
PYP News
After school clubs have got off to a very good start. Thank you to everyone who supports our after school programme, especially parents and Diploma students.
Swimming starts next week for the P2 – 6 classes. Coach Sabini does not ask children to stay in the pool if they find the water too cold but we do expect all children to join in with the start of the lesson. Please send the children with their swim kits next week. If your child cannot swim for medical reasons, please send in a note.
Please remind your children that they should not share their morning snacks with other children. We realise that this sharing is motivated by generosity but it is simpler if parents provide food for their own children as that way they know what their child is eating. On the subject of snacks, please can you speak to whoever prepares your child’s snack and remind them not to send in junk food.
Mr. Samuel, Ms. Jamie and the production team, are busy finalising the different roles in the production of The Tin Bucket Drum. All of the children in P2 and above will have the opportunity to participate in the chorus.
Well done to all of our P5 and P6 risk takers who stood as candidates in the house captain election. Our house captains for this school year are as follows: Anne and Raphael (Mawenzi), Thomas and Luna (Meru) and Louise and Jack (Kibo). Next week we will vote for class eco reps.
Deborah Mills – PYP Coordinator
EC/P1 Class
One of the learner profiles we have been working to achieve is being a risk-taker. During this week’s primary gathering, Eijaz, Tilly, Yara, and Rowan received a leaf each for being risk-takers. They have all tried their best to engage with new situations/surroundings and people. In the next coming weeks, we will be learning how to be more principled in our daily activities.
We talked about our amazing bodies using the head, shoulders, knees, and toes song. We worked on naming as many body parts as possible and exploring our 5 senses. This was just as quick exploration as we move on to one of our main lines of inquiry: Exploring our thoughts and feelings. As we move on to this, please begin to speak about emotions and thoughts around them at home.
The picture shared is of our snack time. There are some quite interesting conversations shared around the tables during this time. One of their favourite topics this week was what they liked eating and why.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2/3 Class
P2/3 has been inspired! After reading a book called “Kindness is Cooler” which describes a class who needs to make changes to improve behavior, we decided that we want to follow their lead and take our own Kindness Challenge! Details will follow in our Home Learning on Monday. Students will have the chance to look for extra ways to be kind at home and at school.
A highlight of next week will be the start of PE Swim on Tuesday! Please send children in with a swimsuit and towel. Swim caps and goggles are optional. We will continue with the Athletics focus during our PE sessions on Fridays. Please be sure that children have proper running shoes.
We enjoyed celebrating Asahi’s birthday together. It was quite a surprise when the birthday girl handed out a present to each classmate- sticker books with Japanese foods! The photo shows the birthday buddies- Asahi and Mr. Ben.
Kacey Buckley
P4/5 Class
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the P4/5 primary gathering on Friday. The children enjoyed presenting their Essential Agreements and poem to you. Our Unit of Inquiry has been lots of fun this week. The children have learned about air resistance and made parachutes to investigate whether a small parachute would fall more quickly than a big one. We also played with air pucks to investigate how a “cushion” of air reduced friction and allowed the puck to skim across the floor. Next week we will focus on magnetism and will then turn our attention to simple machines.
The student kitchen has now been restocked and I would like the P4/5 children to take advantage of this resource. Is anyone able to help run a cooking activity with P4/5? Ideally I would like someone to help us once a week but if you are not able to make a long term commitment even a one off session would be helpful. I would like to send a group of 4 or 5 children once a week to learn how to cook a recipe. Over a 4 week cycle all of the children would have the opportunity to cook. I know that we all lead busy lives but please email me if you think you would like to be involved with this. A reminder that our class will start swimming lessons on Thursday. Thank you for all of your support with reading at home – all of the children are doing a super job.
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
How was glass discovered? What games did the early civilizations play? How was water filtered? Which ancient culture began bookbinding? What were the first Olympic Games like, and how have they changed over time? These were some of P6’s wonderings as we started our new Unit of Inquiry this week. Next week, the children will select an ancient invention to research, focusing on how it has evolved over time and is used today.
In IT, P6 worked on using Word document features, including bold, color, paragraphs, and line spacing. They also received their email addresses (exciting news!) and sent a formal email to family members. In Maths, we explored algebra and continued practicing our times tables.
Clubs also began this week with great excitement, offering P6 a chance to develop new skills, make new friends, and have a lot of fun.
Natasha Berri
Service
We started our service program this week. Service is so important to us here at UWCEA that we devote one afternoon a week to developing within our students an attitude and willingness to serve and engage with our community. We do this, first by building relationships with the internal UWCEA community to strengthen bonds and align our mission and values. We also engage with external partners, and we endeavor to fill needs that are identified. Our unique position allows our students from all over the world to connect and build relationships with businesses, NGOs and care facilities. Below is a brief description of what UWCEA’s service offers on a weekly basis. If you are reading this and have any idea to support us or projects we can get involved in, please get in touch with me at badendowie@uwcea.org.
Baden Dowie Community Engagement & Service Coordinator
CAS
On Tuesday D1 students were introduced to CAS. CAS or creativity, activity and service is at the heart of the diploma and is one of the parts that is important to universities. Over the next 18 months students will participate in experiences that meet at least one of the three strands.
Creativity—exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance
Activity—physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle
Service—collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need
Some are school planned and others are student led. I have had many conversations about what students want to do. The variety of clubs they are offering for other students is impressive. It is important that students reflect on what they are doing throughout their time. They will have 3 CAS interviews where they discuss what they have done.
As well as CAS we introduced them to Project Week. This will take place in November and is a chance for students to go out to other parts of Tanzania and get involved in something different. This is student led and they must come up with the ideas. They will have a supervisor to help in the planning and some of the D2s are helping them write their proposals. More information will be shared later.
