As you look through the newsletter you may see that this weekend had three different student led events as well as an OP trip. First off congratulations to all the students that put their hard work into this weekend, the results were really impressive.
More importantly than the activity itself, I think we should also look at these a little deeper. While we all enjoy the Farmers’ Market, the money generated through this student led event is used in other service projects to fund activities and events. In a similar vein the Night Under the Stars concert on Friday was to raise money and awareness for the coral reef project.
Today we had our big campus UWC Day event. This was students looking at the world, raising awareness about chosen issues and thinking about what they might do to make the world a better place. This was followed by some specific projects to make our corner of the world a little better.
I think this highlights that not all learning happens in classrooms, and that a holistic approach that allows students to get involved that serves their needs best.
Please see some of what is happening below and note some of what is coming up soon. For parents of M1 to M3 students please note they have the MAP testing this week.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Some of the different student led activities today.
The students looked at what challenges curently exist and how we move forward.
‘Stay Cosy’ Primary Movie Night
Simba’s Footprints would like to invite all PYP students to a pajama movie night on Friday October 1st from 4:00-6:00 pm in Rafiki Hall. Entrance tickets will be 5000TSH and will include snacks and juice. Tickets can be purchased from Miss Elisha and Mr Morley beginning Monday 27th September. All the money raised will be donated to the Simba’s Footprint Foundation.
Simba’s Footprints Foundation is engaged in after-school, skill-building activities with marginalized children in the neighborhood of Majengo. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we are unable to meet with the children at the moment. Therefore, we are doing all we can to help them from afar.
The movie that was suggested by the Primary Student Voice is… The Croods- A New Age!
Wear your pajamas, bring a pillow and get ready to be cosy!!!
The Simba’s Footprint Foundation Team
Moshi PTA Annual Meeting
On Wednesday October 6th at 5pm we will have our Annual PTA General Meeting. This will include elections for offices and a presentation by Anna Marden and Bob Cofer looking back over the last year and forward at this one. We look forward to seeing you there.
Halloween – Save the Date
Halloween! Friday, October 29th
Primary – late afternoon
Secondary – Later!
Plan your costume now!
We will collect wrapped candy after the October break.
Details to follow.
Ben’s Corner
In the blink of an eye, we are coming to the end of Week 7. As you will doubtless read in this newsletter, there are multiple big-ticket events at every turn, all the time, and we are all feeling it. “I’m tired” seems to be the first thing out of everyone’s mouth at the moment. There never seem to be enough hours in the day.
Worryingly, there is a growing body of research highlighting the negative effects later in life caused by a lack of sleep today. Indeed, the evidence is mounting that sleep in adolescence is important for current and future mental health. In a study published in 2020, Faith Orchard, a psychologist at the University of Sussex, examined the data from a large group of teenagers followed from the age of 15 to 24.
Those who reported sleeping badly at the age of 15, but did not have depression or anxiety at the time, were more likely than their peers to be experiencing anxiety or depression when they reached 17, 21 or 24 years of age. Of course, not everyone with insomnia is going to develop depression later on and most people will not. However, it does seem that a deficit of sleep has negative effects on us and might exacerbate difficulties. After all, we all know the negative impact just one night of sleep deprivation has on our mood and thinking.
It makes sense that, no matter how tired you feel, if you lie in bed with deadlines, doubts and anxieties running through your mind, you are probably going to find it more difficult to fall asleep. So, what can we do to calm our excessive nighttime ruminations? Many of us also adopt habits that further hinder the quality of our sleep as well but there are countless techniques out there to help us…making sure we get enough light during the day, not napping for longer than 20 minutes (straight after classes end!), not eating or exercising or drinking caffeine late in the evening, avoiding reading emails or discussing stressful issues in bed, keeping our bedroom cool, quiet and dark and trying to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. As a parent of adolescents myself, my wife and I often debate whether or not to wake up a sleeping child late on a Saturday morning. Maybe we should.
What’s more, as my wife often reminds me, we cannot offset the negative impact of lost sleep by sleeping more when we are older. So, I task you all with getting “enough” sleep. After all, “happiness consists of getting enough sleep. Just that. Nothing more” (Heinlein).
*Disclaimer-No students were really asleep in the making of this newsletter item…I think!
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Diploma News
The D2 students who had a deadline on Tuesday were all able to meet it and many have already met the deadline for next Tuesday. Congratulations to all involved. On the 5th October all D2 diploma students have the Extended Essay draft deadline. The Extended Essay is the third part of the core along with TOK and CAS. The Extended Essay is a 4000 word essay based on research on a topic chosen by the student. Students started the process in April and were expected to do research over the break and then start writing the draft when they came back. Students are supported by a supervisor. It is important they meet their supervisor regularly and vital they have a check in next week.
This week the D2 students have also checked their exam entries. A soft copy will be shared with students and parents soon for a final check. Entries will be submitted on November 15th and after that, changes may attract a financial penalty.
Next week D1 students will have their first CAS interview. This is a chance to clarify the CAS requirements and help students plan their experiences. More information will be shared over the weekend.
Many diploma students have also been busy planning the weekend events. The farmers’ market on Friday afternoon, the Night Under the Stars on Friday evening and UWC Day on Saturday. All of these help the students develop planning and collaborative skills.
Margaret Brunt – DP Coordinator
Residential Life
In Residential Life we had a wonderful weekend with all our MYP students embracing the opportunity to go off campus and explore a secret gem of our surrounding area – Maji Moto. This experience is best described by Dhurva who explained that “it was an amazing way to experience some of the country. As this was my first trip out of the town, it was not just an opportunity to see the remarkable “hot” springs, but it was also a way to see what Tanzania is all about. To be with my friends outside of school and to have a day where it was just us, was special, unique and helped me establish more connections with my peers.”
Our Diploma students had a unique tour of Tanzania’s largest shoe factory and Sunday of course, was dominated with the ever-successful TEDx event. I thank all our residential students involved for making this such a successful, seamless and inspiring event. It has been just over a year’s worth of planning.
Following on from this accomplishment, we embrace a weekend of activities kicked off with a fundraiser for the coral reef project and a concert under the stars with Arusha campus joining us. Saturday is a very special day for not just our residential students, but all our day and community members as we host our students’ celebration of UWC Day and “Re-Imagining Tomorrow.” Whilst this is entirely student led, I am left in awe of their inclusiveness, organisation and realm of activities. The day entailed an official assembly introducing the concept of UWC from a variety of PYP, MYP and DP students, common ground, thematic presentations, and service – All of which encompass diversity and encourage unity, tolerance and peace.
On other matters, we are now looking ahead to the October break and will be closing Kimbilio, Kivuli and Kiongozi. For any Diploma students remaining in the holiday, we need to have these plans communicated with me before Friday 1 October. Our Diploma houses will remain open, but only for those that cannot return home. In addition to this, if it is not possible for your MYP child to return home, please do let me know very soon.
Simon Johnston – Head of Residential Life
Uja Families
A brief update regarding our Uja Families.
You should by now, received an official invite to be connected to your Uja Child via Orah. This allows us as Residential Parents to have access to all contacts via one system. If you have not received this, please let me know.
For parents, please continue to send through your consent and permissions for your child to go off-school grounds with our extended community to myself and their residential parents. We are asking that you clarify the specifics of your consent and are happy if you would like to know the details of each leave on a case-by-case basis.
Thank you again to our Uja community, it was incredible to see so much leave in the weekend and I have heard nothing but positive comments from our students regarding their experiences.
MYP News
“A picture is worth a thousand words!” Growth Mindset Episode #3
Learning is happening beautifully in the MYP. This week, we decided to share snapshots of learning. We hope they make you smile! We are having a blast in our learning journey!
The process of narrative writing… stay tuned for our stories!
Earthquakes?! Don’t worry! We are on it… designing earthquake resistant buildings
Do you want to learn more about MYP? Our M1 class is ready to tell you all about it from their Life-skills class!
What? Summative Assessment?! We love those!
We are what we are made of… and we are destined to do great things! Thank you, Mr. Dean, for that wonderful assembly!
Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator
The M1s are currently learning about the Elements and Principles of Art. We have explored ‘line’ varieties, such as: continuous, contour/cross-contour and tonal ladders using different line and mark making techniques.
Students were tasked to draw a shoe and portray tonal and textural variety using different line techniques. Here are some wonderful examples.
Sports Update
Last week, our students participated in friendly football matches with Hope International School. It was an exciting afternoon of activity. Our MYP boys and girls represented our school with pride and passion. There were lots of close games, and although our students won a majority of the games, it was the team spirit, fair play and conduct exhibited by all students that gives us hope for the future.
October promises to be a busy month for our student athletes. We have a fully packed sports and activities schedule. Our swim team will host a mini-swim meet on the 1st of October, before the primary and secondary athletics events on the 5th and 6th of October. We hope you will come and cheer on our students.
Upcoming sports events:
Monday 27th of September (3 – 5pm): Under 15 Boys and Girls Football friendly with Rafiki School at UWCEA Moshi
Friday 1st October 2021 (2 – 4pm): UWCEA Moshi Swim Team Mini-Swim Meet at UWCEA Moshi
Tuesday 5th of October: UWCEA Moshi Secondary Athletics Day
Wednesday 6th of October: UWCEA Moshi PYP Athletics Day
Saturday 23rd of October: Under 19 Boys and Girls Football friendly with UWCEA Arusha at UWCEA Moshi
Friday October 29th: NTSAA Primary Swimming Gala at St. Constantine’s International School Saturday October 30th: NTSAA Secondary Swimming Gala at St. Constantine’s International School
Friday 5th of November: NTSAA Primary Athletics at UWCEA Arusha
Saturday 6th of November: NTSAA Secondary Athletics at UWCEA Arusha
Saturday 13th November at 10.30am: U15 Boys and U15 Girls Basketball Friendly Matches at UWCEA Arusha
Friday November 19th to Sunday November: UWCEA Sports Weekend at UWCEA Moshi
Gilbert Kaburu – Sports and Activities Coordinator
Outdoor Pursuits
The level 2 Reefs trip had a fantastic time on the Tanga coast last weekend taking part in several service opportunities such as beach cleaning, artificial reef ball moving and a surprise service helping to make tables for the local school in the village close to Fish Eagle Point. Students also tried their best to catch waves on the school’s paddleboards, had a dhow trip to a sand island where they snorkelled and completed a 500m open water swim. They also went on a forest hike and did a mammoth 8km kayak in the mangroves.
This weekend the Kilomeni Level 1 Peaks trip will head out to the Pare Mountains to take on the challenge of summiting this steep but rewarding mountain.
Note: the dates for the Uhuru trip have been moved forward by 2 days starting on the 6th October and finishing on the 11th.
Robin Marsh – Experiential Learning Coordinator
PYP News
We passed a calm and quiet week with MAP tests for P4 – 6.
Many thanks to the Student Goverment for organising some activities for the PYP children who attended UWC Day. Well done to the PYP and MYP children who carried out service in the garden at Kimbilio in the afternoon.
We are now moving into the second to last week of the quarter. You will receive an email from the school inviting you to sign up for goal setting conferences. Sign up early to receive your preferred slot. Please do note that you will need to come with your child/ren as it is a three way conference.
Please note that next Friday there will be a movie night for PYP children, with all money raised going to the Simba Foundation. See above for more details.
Dates for your diaries
PYP Movie Night – October 1st
P2 Primary gathering – October 2nd
P6 Exhibition retreat – October 2nd – 3rd
PYP athletics day – October 6th
Goal setting 3 way conferences – October 7th
Last day of the quarter (12:30 finish) – October 8th
Halloween (optional after school event) – October 29th
P1s have been learning how to read, write and order ordinal numbers. They enjoyed playing games and using these numbers to label positions. This coming week, we will be learning how to make and read simple block graphs. We will create our own and share with ECs, asking the three questions- Which item has the most/least or same as. ECs will be learning how to read them.
A survey will be sent home on Monday. Please help us to fill it out and return it to school as quickly as possible, (preferably Tuesday) so that we can use the information collected to make a block graph in class.
ECs have completed looking at numbers 1 to 3. Next week they will be making their number books.
We have one more week before goal setting conferences. Please look out for an email from the school which will allow you to book your conference time.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2 Class
Phew. What a lot of work we’ve gotten done this week. We’ve reminded ourselves of the needs of animals, humans, plants and animals, using the information to create a Venn diagram. We’ve thought about all the reasons we should be clean, and then written excellent letters informing our parents of why we shouldn’t have to shower everyday. These should have come home on Friday, so parents, please take a look and give yourself a giggle! Persuasive writing…done! We have discussed how guided reading, organizing information and communicating through letters relates to the various Approaches to Learning. The students are also doing well with their Primary Gathering practice. A reminder to parents that we’ll be hosting the Primary Gathering on Friday 1st Oct. See you then!
Elisha Jaffer
P3/4 Class
Wow! The Hero presentations this week were remarkable. We had such a range of interests on display- Simone Biles, Nelson Mandela, David Attenborough, and 2 grandpas! As we wrap up on this unit, I think it is clear that it was a unit we all enjoyed and we learned skills that will help us throughout the year. The class is already excited about our next unit. Here’s the Central Idea:
Making observations and drawing conclusions allows us to explore scientific principles.
The only question the kids have so far is- does this mean we get to do experiments? The answer is YES! We will be doing experiments and focusing on the Scientific Method. So please let me know if you have a favorite experiment or demonstration that you’d be willing to help us with over the next 6 weeks of school!
Next week is a normal week:
Monday- library
Tuesday- swimming
Thursday- PE
Kacey Buckley
P5 Class
Many thanks to Mr. Samuel for leading the P5 class in a musical performance at Friday’s Farmers’ Market. The children did a great job. This week the class completed MAP online assessments. The results of these assessments will be shared with you soon. We finished our unit on rights and responsibilities and have painted pictures and written stories to share with the P4 class. Next week we will start our new Unit of Inquiry:
Central Idea: Human migration is a response to challenges, risks and opportunities.
Lines of inquiry:
The history and geography of migration
The reasons why people migrate
The effects of migration on communities, cultures and individuals.
If you would like to visit the class to share your own migration journey, or if you know of a community member that has an interesting story to share, please email me.
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
Creative minds are in motion in the P6 classroom. Everyone is busy creating their product packaging for the media unit. There is an assortment of goods being advertised including cookies, cereal, and drinks. Next week they will start making the packaging at home, and work on their advertisements both in class and at home. Roald Dahl is coming to life in the room with book clubs reading some of his best books. Everyone is enjoying reading in small groups, and working on their fluency and accuracy while reading.
Next Thursday and Friday is our PYPx retreat. Thank you to those who were able to get your money and forms returned. The class and I discussed doing a tie dye activity as one of the retreat activities, so everyone will need to bring in something that is cotton and white to dye. It does not have to be a shirt. They are sharing some great ideas for what they want to explore during their exhibition unit.
