Reading down through the newsletter you can see the events on campus at all ages. In the PYP they just had the yearly Gathering of Gratitude and from the comments I overheard in the crowd it was well received by parents and visitors alike. In the MYP the M5 students spent time in specialized learning and next week will be out in the community, the M4 students will have their first experience with end of year exams as we start getting them ready for M5 and Diploma. The D1 students have had to say goodbye to housemates, but also at the same time retain focus for their own exams next week.
At this time of year we have what may appear to be a choppy schedule with exams, group 4 projects, TOK Exhibitions, service projects and other aspects, but it is all part of the learning. These all either have specific IB program links, are preparation for the future, or are part of our holistic learning that is part of our mission. We ask therefore that as long as students are well, they attend each day.
As is mentioned more below, on Thursday and Friday we had a long planned UWC monitoring visit. This was an opportunity for them to see the campus and talk with staff, but mostly students and hear about their experiences. We can share more about the visit after we receive any feedback from them.
For parents of students in P4 to M3, you should have received the results of the recent MAP testing this week. If you have questions, please contact the teacher or relevant coordinator.
To parents of M5 students, I look forward to seeing you at their ceremony on Friday.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Upcoming
PYP Movie Night
Ben’s Corner
On Thursday and Friday, we welcomed the UWC Monitoring Team to our campus. Laurence Nodder (Rektor UWCRBC), Gabriel Abad Fernandez, (Head UWC Dilijan) and Musimbi Kanyoro (Chair UWC International Board) are spending this week visiting Arusha and Moshi campuses as part of the UWC monitoring cycle that all schools and colleges are involved in.
I am sure that one of the (many!) highlights of their visit was being in the audience for our Primary “Gathering of Gratitude” on Friday morning. This annual celebration is an opportunity for us all to think about some of the people who work so hard to have a positive impact on our daily lives at UWCEA…and to let them know we are grateful.
Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. On Friday, the Primary students creatively and confidently expressed their heartfelt thanks to our cleaners, kitchen staff, askaris, fundis, the nurse, EAs, teachers and, of course, each other. It was a truly heart-warming and joyful occasion.
At times, we understandably become consumed by our own trials and tribulations, pending deadlines and commitments, our current workload or upcoming events. However, I challenge all of us to foster and promote an “attitude of gratitude.” For us all to try and focus on the positives, what we have and what is going well, rather than allow ourselves to be dragged down into a negative space, focusing on what we do not have, what is lacking or what is missing. Our visiting team found so, so much that we should be proud of and celebrate and I for one am grateful for that reminder. Sometimes it takes an outside voice to remind us that we are all in this together and we have an awful lot to be thankful for.
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Diploma News
It is certainly quieter on campus now the D2 students have now finished. They don’t seem to have left as they keep appearing on campus. It is good to see them around and we wish them all the best.
For D1 the focus is now on the end of year exams. We spoke to them about these on Thursday and explained they are formative and are not included on their transcripts but are listed as a separate grade on the semester 2 report. They give students and staff a chance to know what they know. It is also about the revision and study techniques and seeing what works. However, an important part is the formality of examinations. We follow as many of the procedures for the final examinations as possible. Waiting outside Rafiki, following the seating plan, listening to instructions etc are all structures students need to become familiar with. Yes, it is stressful, but the plan is by May next year the students are used to these and so that stress is removed.
On Thursday the M5 drama group performed their final assessment piece. It was good to see so many D1 students there to support them.
On Monday and Tuesday, I met with the M5 students who are returning to UWCEA and discussed their subject choices and feedback from their teachers. These were enjoyable and informative, some students have follow-up questions and some need to do some research before they make their final choices.
Margaret Brunt – Diploma Coordinator
Sustainability
In slightly more than a week, we will be more than honoured to participate in events and activities on the occasion of World Environment Day in Dar es Salaam on 5 June. UWC East Africa, in collaboration with UNEP Tanzania and partner-schools, will be hosting an official activity as part of this year’s campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution. We will participate in a beach clean up in Masaki, which will be followed by the construction of EcoBricks and other recycling practices.
After our morning activity on this World Environment Day, we will end the day at the Residence of the Ambassador of the European Union for the Official Launching Ceremony of the first-ever national students coalition on climate. This coalition which started at our school will be a historic milestone in uplifting the voice of the youth in climate action across the country. We are proud to be a part of this project which aims at making a positive impact on our host-country.
What YOU can do:
On this year’s World Environment Day, to #BeatPlasticPollution, YOU can add your signature to a global petition by WWF to advocate for a treaty which will end plastic in nature. Sign here.
Residential Life
Well, I am lost for words. This is a rare occasion for me, but it seems strange to be writing my farewell to our class of 2023. Much has been said in the previous newsletter about how well they have done, but perhaps many do not know the hurdles they have overcome to get to that stage. Academic hurdles, social hurdles, transitional hurdles, pastoral hurdles and more. Every student, whether residential or not, has made us as residential parents and our community so proud. It has been an honour to be a part of our graduating students’ lives in some form, and I know I speak on behalf of all our residential staff and mentors saying they will be missed – for the mark they are leaving has been transformative of our community and I know, our D1’s and younger generations will continue to build on their high standards.
In Swahili we say “Kupoteza njia ndio kujua njia.” To get lost is to know the way. This might seem like an odd expression to use in my final update for our graduating class, but in many forms our students have indeed been lost in their journey. Curiously, being lost is part of the journey, and it is our role as de-facto parents to help them find themselves, their pathway and set the foundation for the exciting journey that awaits them. I feel confident that they are in good stead for the years to come, and I am blessed to have had them make an impact on me and my family.
Congratulations, D2 – fly high – you have earnt this. Whilst our D2’s may be graduating; life continues in residence, and I am always in awe of what happens within the parameters of our extended family. Whether it be volleyball on Friday, chess, basketball competitions and Eurovision on Saturday or the mentoring and student-led meetings on Sunday – there is as always, “never a dull moment”.
Last week was dedicated to our D2’s and now, our attention shifts towards our soon departing M5 students and upcoming m4/D1 final examinations. To this regard, parents, if you have not already done so, do send me through your child’s departure plans and I will organise the logistics from our end.
In New Zealand we say, “Kia Kaha” – be strong, be united and remember your roots – for your time here will be forever remembered and the legacy you have written will not be forgotten.
Simon Johnston – Head of Residential Life
A special note from a special student, Clara, to our D2’s: It’s extremely late for me to send a message here but it’s a one-time thing that deserves to be said now. I have lived the best year of my life with these people. I didn’t grow up with siblings, so I have never shared my space with anyone. These people taught me so much that I can’t even count. Kiongozi might not have the best furniture or kitchen, but no place will ever give me that feeling of warmth. The school promised me and my family before I came that this place will be “home away from home” and Kiongozi made it a reality. Thank you so much everyone for making me grow into who I am now. Thanks to all house parents and mentors and anyone who gave their time and care to us over this year. It was not easy at all, we cried a lot, we laughed a lot, and we became one big family.
Thank you again and good night.
MYP News
M5 This Week
M5’s Drama group’s adaptation of Lamb to the Slaughter. The students went through investigating, developing, performing and evaluating to come up with a wonderful performance. Well done M5!
Do we really know how to edit our documents and make sure they match requirements for submission? Well, our M5s know it all now, so they are our “go to experts”!
Mr. Cofer’s workshop on personal finance and money management left me wondering and reflecting about my own financial decisions, but left the kids with jobs, geographical locations, bank account balances and detailed monthly statements! The students did a great job!
M5 Community Service Days Our M5 students will be going off campus for community service as a head start for their service portfolio to move forward.
They will be leaving campus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:00 am and returning at 14:30 pm. They will go to three local schools and will spend these days working with the schools on projects that were initiated a few years ago.
Note: Day students will be required to have their snacks, water and packed lunch with them.
M4 Drama
M4 students performed the class play Us and Them about two groups of wanderers looking for a place to settle. The performance was the result of students’ work after learning the fundamentals of drama and the needed concepts to put on a show! Thank you for making us laugh M4!
M4 End of Year Assessments Learning is a process in the MYP. Our M4 students’ end of year assessments begin on Monday, May 29th, 2023 and end on Thursday, June 1st, 2023. The students will return to their normal classes after they finish writing their assessments. We do not teach for a test in MYP, so even though the students will finish the process of assessing what needs to be assessed, they will continue learning and taking part in activities and experiences in order to make the move up journey smoother. Moreover, this does not mean that the students no longer have anything to do after this week. They will take part in a week of community service during which they will experience great opportunities to “give back” to the community and practice being principled, caring and balanced citizens of this world.
Important MYP Dates to Keep in Mind:
May 29th – June 1st – M4 End of Year Assessments
June 2nd – M5 Ceremony – Photos at 3:30/ Ceremony at 4:00
June 8th – P6 Move up – Day Spent with M1
June 9th – P6 Parent Meet and Greet
June 12th – 14th – Week of Giving Back
June 15th – Sports Day
June 15th – Reports issued
June 16th – Last Day of School
Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator
Sports Update
Tuesday UWCEA Moshi hosted the NTSAA U9/U11 Touch Rugby tournament. Our young athletes put on an outstanding performance, showcasing their hard work both in the classroom and on the field.
We are thrilled to announce that our U11 Touch Rugby team emerged victorious, taking home the Touch Rugby Shield. Our U9 team also put up an amazing effort, securing third place in the tournament.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Thadeus and Mr. Hywel for their tireless effort in coaching and training our young athletes to reach their full potential. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of our teams’ achievements.
As part of this quarter’s calendar, we have our last NTSAA tournaments of the semester coming up on June 10th, U11, U13 Netball at Kennedy House
Stay tuned for more updates on exciting events and achievements happening throughout the quarter.
Mostafa Rihan – Sports & Activities Coordinator
PYP News
Many thanks to all of those who attended the Gathering of Gratitude on Friday. The children were very proud to share their performance with you. Tuesday’s NTSAA Touch Rugby Tournament was a big success. Our U9s achieved a very respectable 3rd place. Our U11s won their tournament – you can see the team photo in the P6 section of this letter. Many thanks to Mr. Hywel and Coach T plus everyone on the PE team who made this possible. MAP test scores were sent home to P4-6 parents on Friday. If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher. End of semester reports will be shared on Toddle during the last week of the semester.
The Brownies went camping at Kahawa Shamba on Friday and enjoyed a lovely hike to Materuni Waterfalls. Ms. Durriyah proved herself to be the camping queen and worked hard to ensure the girls had a wonderful time. You will see elsewhere in this newsletter that the Student Voice have organized a sing along movie for the afternoon of June 9th. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Morley, Ms. Zitha and the Student Voice for providing the PYP children with so many entertaining activities during the year. You have helped to make the primary school the joyful place that it is.
Upcoming Events
1st to 2nd June – P2/3 camp
7th June – Fun sports day
8th June – Primary Move Up day (P6 to spend a full school day with M1)
9th June – P6 leaving ceremony
Sing-along-a-movie 4:30-6:00pm
10th June – Netball at Kennedy House – letters have been sent home
12th June – 10:30 Whole School Assembly (parents are welcome to attend)
16th June – last day of school (regular Friday 12:30 finish)
Deborah Mills – PYP Coordinator
EC/P1 Class
Thank you to all who came to the gathering of gratitude. We are proud of the children, especially EC1s and 2s who shared their gratitude from their own hearts.
This week, we started the Julia Donaldson marathon. Stickman and The Scarecrow’s Wedding were our first books. Next week, we will read and watch The Gruffalo as well as The Gruffalo’s Child. We will be working on creating little skits from these stories. The children will choose their favourite story to work on.
P1s have begun to read more fluently and we have seen an increase in their confidence to try to read harder words. As you read library books with them, please let them try and read on their own with less and less help. They are feeling quite proud of themselves and their progress.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2/3 Class
How well did you do in our class guessing game at the Gratitude Gathering? I bet you did a great job because our clues and motions were terrific! The kids had lots of fun preparing and I do think the experience made them more aware of the workers who make our school such a special place.
We’re getting closer to being back to a full roster in class and we’re hoping that everyone will be feeling well in the week ahead. The highlight of the Quarter is this coming Thursday, our field trip/ campout! We’re looking forward to our Tinga Tinga art lesson and then sleeping out at the Kishari House. Tuesday is the day for checking out any needed equipment from the OP store. I will resend letters on Monday to any children who did not send in forms 2 weeks ago. Please be in touch if you have any questions.
Kacey Buckley
P4/5 Class
Many of our projects are drawing to a close as the end of the school year approaches. Clay pots have been painted, reflections written, cultural presentations are being prepared. We have transitioned from inquiring about migration to looking at human rights – our understanding of the challenges faced by refugees has made a clear link between these two units of inquiry as refugees often do not enjoy all of their rights. A special thank you to Pavz Dhani for leading our “paper quilt” project on human rights and putting together the slideshow that was shared in Friday’s gathering. Next week our writing focus will be to use paragraphs in fiction writing and our maths focus will be using decimals.
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
Thank you to those who came to our Gathering of Gratitude on Friday. I hope you enjoyed the poems about Kilimanjaro that the children wrote and arranged themselves. The poems are on display outside our class now. We’re grateful to Kilimanjaro for the fresh air and water it provides. Also, when we look and see the snow topped peak or hear about the shrinking glaciers, it’s a daily reminder that these glaciers and benefits won’t last unless we change our ways. Sustainable living can help the mountain that helps us. Talking of change, we started our last unit on adolescence and the PYP-MYP transition this week. Next week, the class will learn about the physical changes for both genders: they’re showing a positive curiosity. We extended our calculating angle work in maths and analysed a Picasso painting in art: we’ll move onto trying out some cubist art of our own. This week our U11 team won the NTSA touch rugby competition: building on the good work Caleb S, Coach T and Mr Emmanuel have put into touch rugby club this year, well done all.
Hywel Davies
Student Government
Last week we had the screening of the ‘Grande’ Finale of Eurovision 2023! The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organized annually featuring entries from primarily European countries. More than 40 people participated in the ‘’Eurovision Party’’ by not only watching and providing good energy throughout the night, but also setting up the area with fairy lights, pizzas, and waffles!
We were amazed by how many people came together to help, watch, and share this cultural event together! It was very fun to see our own countries being represented and sharing that piece of ourselves with each other.
It was an amazing opportunity for D1’s and D2’s to have one of the last moments together. Thank you!
And BIG BIG thank you to fantastic Ms. Val who supervised us throughout the evening and Mr. Simon for all the guidance provided.
Nojus, Cultural and Campus Committee
24 Hr Run
Hello everybody! As this academic year is about to end we would like to remind you that we will be holding the “UWCEA 24 Hour Run 2023” in Moshi campus, next semester, on September 29th! The sign-up is available and waiting for you to sign up with your friends and create a team-maximum 24 people. Please remember that teams should include members from across the school and wider community…and don’t forget to leave some spaces for incoming students! The sheets are posted on the 24 Hour Run notice board, outside Mr. Johnston’s office!
This summer you can plan your costumes and materials that you will need for our fun laps like: Super Hero lap, 80s lap, and more! Don’t forget to spread the word to our wider community and incoming students as well during the holiday! The more people the better! This is our major fundraising event and we need everyone’s help.
You can also sign-up to be a DJ on the 24 Hour Run and entertain the crowd! The spreadsheet to sign-up will be sent out soon.
To donate to the “UWCEA 24 Hour Run” fundraising event for the scholarships for our students, you can visit the official donation page at cafdonate.cafonline.org/15721 and M PESA 5656408 (I.S.M)
Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions or would like to become one of our lovely sponsors!
The 24 Hour Run Team
Outdoor Pursuits
I cannot believe we count the remaining weeks of school on one hand.
I will use this week’s entry to share some important updates about OP next year.
We’re very excited to share these upgrades with you, you’ll be happy to know that the 23-24 calendar and costs, updated OP policies and FAQs, the OP trip details, programme catalogues and packing lists are now available on the school website under Learning | Outdoor pursuits. Whether you are a student, a parent, guardian, colleague, or friend I encourage all of you to go over to our school website www.uwcea.org and have a look at the Outdoor Pursuits tab. It looks awesome. We want to say a big thank you to Mr Keiron for supporting us on this.
What you will find on the school website is our “Trip Progression” structure changes. Under Learning | Outdoor pursuits you’ll find OP Catalogue, inside this you’ll see the four category structures of Discovery, Exploration, Adventure and Challenge and the “fitness requirements” for every trip. We have progressed from a level structure to category structure for the reason to accommodate the growth of students signing up for OP trips, also to offer age specific trips to our lower secondary students M1’s to M4’s and to our upper secondary students, the M5’s to D2’s. These changes will increase our inclusivity, safeguarding, safety, scheduling, trip quality, supervision, and outdoor education progression. Changes are never easy, however, we believe it will improve the OP operations and the quality of trips. Have a look at the OP Programmes Matrix for you to better understand our goals.
Also on the website you will find a summary of the trip, the itinerary, the fitness requirements and the minimal outdoor experience requirement for trips, OP 2023/2024 Calendar and packing lists are there. (adapted from Mr Oli’s email: Wed, May 24)
A big thank you to Mr Oli Emond from Arusha campus for all your efforts. Thanks Oli
We hope you’ll be happy with these exciting updates as we are- Please get in touch if you have any questions, concerns and comments.
Quarter 1 trips signups will be available in June. Look out for the sign-up email.
