A few weeks into school and things are settling into the normal routine. This week we had the start of year assembly, PYP Meet the Teacher evening, the Service and Club fair for secondary students and yesterday was the first Farmers’ Market of the year. Thank you to those that attended our events this week. Looking ahead, we have the first Cultural Night tomorrow and an Ujaparent (host families for our Diploma Students who are a long way from home)information session on Thursday.
At the moment our students are all in different stages of their education and time in school. For a D2 student they are just picking up where they left off in D1 and settling in quickly to the normal flow. For some of our new D1 and MYP students they may be getting used to living in a residential setting and a new curriculum. For M1 students there is the excitement and challenge of starting secondary school. For our PYP, particularly the younger PYP, it is getting back into a routine or even learning a new one. The start of a new school year is a settling in period at most levels, and so far it looks like the teamwork between students, parents and staff is working well together to make this as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
As we continue into the year, please keep up with our many events on campus through the newsletter and calendar so that you can enjoy everything the school has to offer.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Upcoming Events
The school year has just started, and as you get used to school again, activities are also happening along the way!
On behalf of the Culture and Campus Committee, I am delighted to introduce to you the FIRST Culture Night of the school year—“Across the Strait” Culture Night, featuring China and Taiwan.
It will take place in RAFIKI HALL, at 7 PM on August 25th, 2024.
For the new D1s, this is your first time attending a UWCEA Moshi Culture Night, so we are expecting a lot of you guys!
Mark your calendars, and enjoy the night!
Thank you, Culture and Campus Committee
From the PTA
Welcome back from the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)!
Everyone is invited to join us for Bingo night on 6 Sept to welcome the new teachers and families. Details are being shared through various channels.
Below is the Moshi PTA framework that guides our activities.
The PTA is not a small group of individuals. All parents/guardians of students enrolled at UWCEA are members of the PTA and its success will rely on each and every one of you! We encourage all to participate in upcoming meetings and to provide leadership and guidance to any of the pillars you may have interest in. If you are interested to join the PTA whats app group, please contact Tara at +255 755 162 677 (whats app)
The PTA committee includes Cassandra (chair), Remmy (co-chair), Tara (parent rep to the board) and Ms Linda (teacher rep). Treasurer and secretary positions are open. We have some nominations but welcome others to express interest. Elections will be done at the AGM (details to be announced soon).
‘Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.’- Henry Ford
Ben’s Corner
At UWCEA, we aim to develop the ‘whole person’ and inspire every student to be global citizens who help meet the challenges of the world. In order to give young people the opportunity to interact with the community, we encourage activities within the curriculum, through school trips and through our weekly co-curricular activities. Service and Community Engagement are an integral part of this.
Weekly Service starts again next Wednesday with Secondary students organised across numerous initiatives, working in tandem with local partners and, together, planning how to have a positive impact going forward. Through this engagement across the community, we hope to develop:
● a sensitivity to the needs of the community and society in general ● an awareness of the role of the individual within the community ● a willingness and the skills to respond to the needs of others ● an altruistic attitude which enriches the lives of students through enhanced insight into different social patterns and ways of life.
Of course, with guidance and support, we also encourage students to show initiative and take action themselves. Over the recent holiday, a core group of students took this to heart, delivering a cart full of freshly prepared meals to patients at KCMC every week…and returning to collect the empty dishes. Kudos to everyone involved for going above and beyond. Let’s hope this inspires more of the same in the coming months.
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Diploma News
We have had a successful second week in diploma. The D1s seem to be settling into their classes well and teachers have commented on their enthusiasm and engagement. There have been fewer and fewer subject changes but we also understand there may still be some shifts in the coming weeks. The D1s also had their first DSS class (Diploma Success Skills) which focuses specifically on the skills necessary to get through diploma. These include academic writing, referencing and organization. Many of the D1s have expressed how difficult it is to study everything in English, especially with some very complex or philosophical topics. However, we want to assure them that most students adjust very quickly and within 6 months, they will likely feel comfortable with the language of instruction.
The D2s have begun submitting work for Internal Assessments (IA). There is usually an element of personal learning in the IA where students are encouraged to explore an area of interest. The wonderful thing about the IB programme is the focus on inquiry and student-choice. While the grades carry importance, we must always remember that the learning and growing is the real prize.
D2s met with the college counselor this week and they are well on their way with University applications. This is a very exciting time for our students as they look towards their life beyond high school. We also started talking about service opportunities and these will start next week. Service is an important part of our school and who we are.
We are aware that the DP programme is very demanding and so we have made some adjustments for the class of 2025. They are listed below:
The D2s do not have a Life Skills class anymore. This time has been given back to students to give them more time to meet the academic demands of the course.
Students will have no classes during the week of Nov 4th. This will be an opportunity for D2s to catch up and get ahead of their deadlines. The rest of the school (M1-D1) will be on Week-without-walls or Project Week.
Our reporting timelines have changed for D2 only: Semester 1 will end after the week of Oct 28th and Semester 2 will start the week of Nov 11th. This lengthens semester 2, when many of the Internal Assessments (IA) are due. This shift gives teachers enough time to assess students while also helping them prepare for several IA submissions.
These have been communicated to the students and we hope they will use these opportunities to get ahead of their work and look after themselves.
Catherine Dowie – DP Coordinator
Residential Life
Dear UWCEA Community,
This week we start off our Culture Nights, please join us this Sunday at Rafiki Hall for a presentation by our Chinese and Taiwanese students.
Our Wellbeing Committee is organising a Movie Night today, Saturday, for all of our students, day and residential, so feel free to join us. This starts at 4pm and runs through midnight.
And next week, we are organising an Uja Family (Host Family) information session for anyone who might be interested in joining the program and hosting our students. Please join us at Rafiki Hall on Thursday, the 29th, at 6:30 pm.
As you can see, the school year is in full swing with events and activities. Thank you all for contributing to them and helping run a variety of activities for our community.
Adnan Mackovic – Head of Residential Life and Pastoral Care
MYP News
It’s been a very active week in the MYP, with each day bringing fresh challenges and exciting opportunities. There is never a dull moment in the MYP classrooms as our students are truly embracing the dynamic energy of the new school year, and it is an absolute joy to witness their enthusiasm and creativity in action. Our M1 students and newcomers are settling in very well to the extent that one would think they have always been part of MYP! Lots of smiles this week, and very little complaining! I’m telling you the students are on a roll!
M1 Visual Arts M1 students began their exploration of their first unit in Visual Arts and started with investigating their first inquiry question: what are the elements of Arts? There were shapes, colors, shading and lots more involved! Great job M1!
M2 Language and Literature English Mr. Ben and the M2s are having a blast exploring their first unit: The Hero’s Journey. They explored what the qualities of a villain are this week by drawing their own version of villains and looking for common physical attributes, choice of color and powers.
On another note, M2s seem to be Reading Heroes themselves! they are embarking on a reading adventure to read as many books as they can! Good Luck M2s!
M4 French Capable En M4, un groupe d’étudiants a débuté son unité “Mes Meilleurs Souvenirs”. Les étudiants ont exploré une affiche et ont commencé à raconter leurs souvenirs de voyage! Merci M4!
M5 Personal Project M5 students have definitely set new standards for the MYP Personal Project as the majority came back from their summer break with wonderful process journals and some extensive research for their projects! This is exciting and is actually my favorite part of MYP! Students officially began writing Criterion A: Planning, this week! In this part of their reports, they will:
State a learning goal for the project and explain how a personal interest led to that goal.
State an intended product and develop appropriate success criteria for the product.
Present a clear, detailed plan for achieving the product and its associated success criteria.
They have also reached out to their chosen supervisors and are right on track! Good Luck M5s!
MYP Dates to Remember:
August 26th – Secondary Clubs Start
August 28th – Service Starts
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
Outdoor Pursuits
The very first outdoor pursuit of the year, Mount Hanang, was a 4-day Exploration level trip. The trip started off with a smooth ride in the large yellow lorry, once arrived, we set up camp and made a delightful dinner, making sure we’ve got enough energy for the next day, where we hiked up to Getak campsite at 3100 meters above sea level. The amazing view from the campsite was stunning, and I couldn’t resist taking a photo every 5 minutes. Although there was 4G service available in the campsite, most of us disconnected from it, enjoying the mountain breeze and taking naps. The following day, we had an intense 11-hour hike, waking up early at 5:00, to see the sunrise on our way up. Once again, we were stunned by the beauty of the mountains and absolutely enjoyed it. Reaching the very top at 3423 meters above sea level, we experienced fulfilment and stood with pride, being on the 4th highest peak in Tanzania. Going back down destroyed most of our knees, but at the end of the trip, it was so worth it! I would absolutely do it again!
Mark S. D2
It was a cold morning and we all looked more than ready to sleep again, yet a long way to Mount Hanang awaited us. Somewhere between complaining about the D2 workload and falling asleep wherever possible, we arrived.
For all of us, climbing Hanang marked the beginning of a new academic year. Seeing so many of our friends both from Moshi and Arusha so early on was amazing. It reminded me that, regardless of how long we’ve been apart, our bonds last.
As we ascended the steep pathways of Hanang my mind quietened, focused only on putting one leg before the other, observing the beautiful nature, which was gradually changing as we were getting higher. I felt thankful – thankful, to experience and see places I would’ve never dreamed of. And let me tell you, when we got to the summit the next day and I saw my classmates hugging and teachers high fiving each other, I knew I am back where I belong.
On our way down, we were much faster, boosted by the idea of taking a shower, and the newfound confidence from beating the Tanzania’s fourth-highest mountain.
Anna P, D2
Sports Update
Leopards on the Move!
Next week the action starts with clubs and sports. The primary has chosen from the 15 different clubs being offered this quarter. Their clubs start at 2pm and go till 3pm and are offered Monday – Thursday. Most clubs are full, but if you still need a spot send us an email.
Secondary had a useful Club, Sport and Service Fair last Wednesday. The students were able to talk with coaches and ask questions about practices and anything else. It seemed like students are excited and ready to get on the practice fields.
This is the proposed club and sports schedule for this semester. It is a very busy quarter with all the teams getting ready for sports weekend on Nov. 22. After sports weekend practice times could change in relation to the NTSAA Seasons. Students can use this to find practice times and then are welcome to just join.
Team and Club
This year we have made a division between clubs and teams to better suit the needs of all students on campus. I will have an information meeting for diploma students and parents in Rafiki Hall on Wednesday, August 28 at 4pm to share more information about this and answer any questions. Basically, Teams will be for students wanting to represent UWCEA in competitions and Clubs will be for all students searching to be active and enjoy sport.
Looking towards the coming months in NTSAA
In November there will be a primary and Secondary Athletics meet and a Swim meet. The U19 and U13 Football teams and U16 Basketball teams will be having their seasons in NTSAA. Practice hard teams!
Coach Pickell
PYP News
Thank you to everyone who attended the Meet the Teacher event. I hope you found the information shared on the evening useful. If you were unable to attend, your child should have brought home a handout, covering the main information points shared by the class teacher.
After school clubs will start on Monday. Not all children who applied to participate in Minecraft were allocated spots. Coach Pickell has kept a record of these names and those children will be given priority for the next quarter.
Supervision is provided whilst the children eat their lunch, but after 2pm primary children (with the exception of residential children) must leave campus unless they are attending a club or have their own adult supervision (parent or dada).
Several P5 and P6 children auctioned for roles in the school production, The Tin Bucket Drum, this week. Well done to those children for being risk takers. The final cast has not yet been announced. PYP children P2 – 6 will have the opportunity to participate in the chorus.
The P4/5 class will present in the primary gathering on Friday, 30th August, at 7:40am in Rafiki Hall. You are warmly invited to attend.
Useful dates
These dates are taken from the school calendar and are subject to change. Please check the online calendar regularly for updated information.
Make sure that you look at both the UWCEA and the Moshi Community tabs.
Friday, 6th September, PTA Bingo (see article higher up in this newsletter)
Friday, 20th September 24 Hour Run (more details to follow)
Saturday, 21st September – UWC Day (more details to follow)
Monday, 23rd September – P4 – 6 MAP assessments
Wednesday, 2nd October – 3 way goal setting conferences this is a change of date
Friday, 4th October – last day of the quarter
Wednesday, 16th October – classes restart
Friday, 1st November – Halloween (optional after school event)
Thursday, 7th November – Primary Athletics Day
Friday, 29th November – PYP Sharing Assembly
Wednesday, 11th December – Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, 13th December – Classes end
Deborah Mills – PYP Coordinator
EC/P1 Class
We continued to build our class culture this week. Our essential agreement focus of the week was walking indoors and not running to be safe. We also spoke about using kind words, especially please and thank you.
We had two playdates this week. Thank you P2/3 and P6 for spending time with us, playing, and getting to know us. Each child has a P6 buddy they got to know and we will regularly meet for various activities throughout the school year.
Next week, we will continue to build on our kind words list. We will also start speaking about our bodies, and how we use them. Home learning will be sent on Monday concerning this.
Thank you to all the parents who attended Meet the Teacher Night. We appreciate the time you took to meet with us.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2/3 Class
It was wonderful to be with class parents at Meet the Teacher night. I hope the message came through, it’s going to be a terrific year in P2/3! We kicked off our reading groups with everyone grouped at an instructional level. We continued on with our look at place value with the goal of being able to name a 2-digit number and count on by 1. (P3s will also be able to count back as well as counting on and back by tens.) We enjoyed using our Magic Playdough from the first week of school to make Playdough Pals who were used in role play to simulate ways that friends can work together when they need to share. I think our class collage turned out very well!
The highlight of next week will be the start of clubs! Please do be mindful of bedtimes. Many students have been tired during the transition back to school and will need the extra rest.
Kacey Buckley
P4/5 Class
It was lovely to meet so many of you on Thursday evening at the meet the teacher event. If you were unable to attend, you will find a handout from the evening in your child’s home folder. If you have any questions about daily routines or the coming year please email me.
This week, Ms. Keziah, one of our social and emotional counsellors, came into class to launch the Zones of Regulation programme, which is designed to help the children understand their emotions and how to deal with them. In our Unit of Inquiry sessions we started our inquiry into forces. The children had an introduction to gravity and friction, and made “straw rockets” and played with parachutes to see these forces in action. We will carry out further practical investigations next week. In maths we will focus on rounding numbers. We had our first birthday celebration this week. Thank you to Luna and Ms. Frida for the lovely cake.
On Friday, 30th August, the P4/5 class will present in the primary gathering. The children will bring home some lines to practice this week. We look forward to seeing many of you at 7:40am in Rafiki Hall.
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
P6 are all in together! Whether it’s learning new things, helping each other, or making new friends with our EC/P1 buddies, we make a great team. This week, we continued our theme of being ‘kindful,’ focusing on encouraging one another and showing kindness in everything we do.
We also enjoyed solving a fun Maths investigation with ‘The Case of the Greedy Gnome’ and began our new unit of inquiry under the Transdisciplinary Theme of Where We Are in Place and Time.
Central Idea: Early civilizations have shaped how the world is today Lines of Inquiry:
Aspects of past civilizations that have survived.
Reasons these systems and technologies developed.
Why modern societies continue to use adaptations of these systems and technologies.
Implications for the future.
Thank you for attending Thursday night’s ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening. Next week, we’re excited for the start of Clubs!
Natasha Berri
From the Counselors
Mr. Musa Khalidi, the Executive Director of International Admissions at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York is visiting both campuses this week.
Upcoming University Visits – Next week starts our first university visits of the school year! These visits are a wonderful opportunity for our D1 and D2 students to learn about particular universities as well as about what they are looking for after they graduate from UWCEA. For specific times of visits, see the calendar that is posted on our UWCEA Careers and Universities website. Here is who is currently confirmed:
Service Kickoff
This week we reinstated our UWCEA’s MYP and Diploma Service Fair. The Fair included afternoon activity clubs and Sports exhibitors. This was a great opportunity to share with students all the new and existing 24+ service programs and multitude of sports and clubs that UWCEA, Moshi has to offer. Students spent the afternoon engaging with the various service, clubs and sports exhibition stands presented by staff and external partners, students asked questions and gained clarity into which service, club and sport they will engage and commit to for the semester and the year.
Students please ensure you have completed the Service sign-up form before the weekend, so that we can make the necessary provisions and help you get into the program of choice. I also want to say a special thank you to Coach Pickell, service supervisors and external partners for making the Fair a successful event.
