For those new to Moshi, this week was probably a bit of surprise. The temperature kicked it up a notch and the sun was out and bright. I suppose we should enjoy this time as the rains are predicted to come in a few weeks. Yesterday we were treated to some live music by students and staff during the Farmers’ Market giving the afternoon a festive feel.
Congratulations go out to Ivan, one of the D1 students who while representing his country achieved a Silver medal in the Global Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Below you can see some pictures from the Water OP trip that was away last weekend complete with humorous commentary from one of our D2 students. Right now, we have a group of students climbing Kili and more trips throughout the upcoming month.
This week I was able to take many of our primary students on an initial tour through the construction site. This is the first of many as we plan to look at the construction through all it’s stages. You can see some photos below of this as well.
On Wednesday we have the Tanzanian elections, and the day has been declared a holiday. We will not have any facilities open on campus this day. On Thursday there is another public holiday Maulid, however on this day the facilities are planned to be open per normal holiday schedule.
Please also note some events from PTA including the picnic in two weeks.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Primary Halloween
Friday 30th October at 4pm 4:00. Meet in the PYP playground. You will need a bag for collecting treats. 5:00. Costume parade. 5:20. Halloween meal and cartoons. You must purchase your meal ticket by Tuesday afternoon. The cost is 4500 Tshillings. See Ms. Grace in the front office. 6:00 Finish
Please donate wrapped candy to be distributed at this event – there is a box in the front office.
Secondary Halloween
The celebration for the secondary students (and some brave and older primary kids and parents) will start at 6:40 pm. in front of Rafiki Hall. Transportation to the different locations will be provided by the school, this year there are no private cars. This time there will be a ticket system, without tickets it isn’t possible to visit the different locations. There is a limit of 156 tickets, so if you want to join, don’t wait with the registration as there are only a few slots left.
To apply for tickets:
You have to get a group together of exactly 13 people, including a group leader.
Day students need an adult/parent as a group leader
Sign up your group with all individual names (and the class they are in) on the forms in the breezeway
The group leader should also write down his or her phone number
The tickets can be collected in the days before Halloween from Mr. Coldwell, the drama teacher at UWCEA
Please donate wrapped candy to be distributed at this event – there is a box in the front office.
One hopeful outcome of the pandemic that has been widely publicised, is the positive impact on the natural world. We have all read stories of reductions in carbon emissions, improved air quality, cleaner rivers and oceans, the return of wildlife and so forth.
A recent article in The Independent in the UK talked about how Coronavirus is giving Mount Everest a much needed break from humanity as the climbing season was cancelled by regional authorities. The idea is that the absence of tourists has also meant an absence of excessive amounts of foot traffic, rubbish and human waste. Of course, at the same time, we must remember that a large number of people depend on tourism for their livelihood. Perhaps, globally, as this article suggests, the focus can now shift from a focus on profit to more sustainable management that can benefit the environment and local people.
However, any positive impacts may well be short lived, Inevitably, Mount Everest is about to reopen for the upcoming autumn climbing season.
Amongst mountaineers, there is something called “the summit position.” This is the sense that to truly appreciate a mountain, an individual must stand upon its highest point. As you read this, I will, hopefully, be somewhere on the slopes of Kilimanjaro with a group of intrepid students slowly and steadily making our way ever upwards.
However, if we do not make it to the summit, will we still be able to appreciate the beauty of the environment we are so privileged to be able to trek through? Will we still feel a sense of personal achievement or will we bring disappointment back down with us? Do we have to stand on the very top of a mountain in order to appreciate it?
…ask me next Wednesday!
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Diploma News
We have just come to the end of our first full week of the quarter, and it has been the usual intense week.
The D2 students have been coping with IA submissions and assessments along with college applications. They will have reports issued on Monday 2nd November. For D1 they are in the main now settled in and are now working hard to achieve their goals.
On Monday in mentor time a group of Tanzanian teachers talked to the students about the upcoming election, so they are now more aware of the parties involved and how they should behave in town.
On Friday we got news that one of our students, Ivan, achieved a Silver medal in the Global Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics. Congratulations to him.
Margaret Brunt – Diploma Coordinator
From the Counselor
Habari za wekindi?
It has been phenomenal to hear all of the languages spoken on campus, especially in the residence halls in the evenings when students are connecting with family and friends back home. This community is filled with so much to discover, and we are thoroughly enjoying every opportunity to engage and learn from each other in a multitude of ways. One of the most fascinating things we are learning relates to how others find time to relax and maintain balance in their lives. From siestas, to dancing, to artistic styles (a little tinga tinga?), to mountain climbing (Go Kili Climbers!), and holiday celebrations/traditions, we are surrounded by an array of ideas to help us understand more about each other while we enjoy the richness of life experiences we each bring to our school. We encourage parents/families to learn along with your children and embrace the fullness of the UWC community of cultures, and to explore how to enhance your journey through life.
Another way we encourage learning is on the University side, where we continue to have tremendous access to virtual visits and presentations coming our way. This weekend is the huge British International School in Cairo’s Virtual Fair with over 20 country specific presentations. Please visit this link for more information and to see the site for registration.
In addition, parents of students in M5-D2 (M4 is coming soon), are welcome to join their child on their career and college planning exploration via the platform called Maia Learning. Parents can sign up for a Parent Access account so that you can see what your child is doing in preparation for life after UWCEA. You can learn more about Maia Learning in this brief family introduction video. Also, if you would like a parent access account, please email Ms. Ford at Counselor_moshi@uwcea.org.
Lastly, the list of upcoming virtual presentations will start dwindling down for a while as institutions begin to receive applications from graduating students. This means we are in the final weeks of abundance, and hope that you will make the most of these informative sessions. Some of the presentations have had very low turnout, which has led to participants receiving very personalized attention as they explore their options. Please make note of what is coming our way, especially with UWC Davis Partner Institutions, and remember that families are encouraged to participate as well. Here are your options for the week ahead and more.
We have been busy planning events for next quarter so here are a few dates for the diary:
1) Welcome picnic to welcome new teachers and new families – Friday 6th November from 4-6pm at Kishari house.
All are welcome. Food and fun will be provided but we ask families to please bring either a side dish or dessert. Please RSVP to adiele@me.com this weekend so we have an idea of numbers.
2) Our PTA AGM will be on – Wednesday 11th November at 6pm
3) International Day – Planned for this term with more information to come
MYP News
MYP had a great start of the second quarter. Although I was unable to be with the staff and students I have heard that everyone is well rested and eager to get to work. Due to Covid -19 restrictions in the United States I was unable to return as planned but am ready and eager to be back on Monday.
This week we will be off on Wednesday and Thursday but the learning doesn’t stop. Make sure your student is checking managebac and Google classroom so they do not fall behind. In addition to their usual work please stress taking time to read a book, practice makes perfect.
Have a great week; I look forward to seeing you around campus.
Jeanne Aman – MYP Coordinator
Outdoor Pursuits – Water L2
Once upon a time, during the past weekend, a group of brave and fearless gladiators joined an adventure to the mysterious beach of Fish Eagle Point. Challenged by barbarous winds and temerous currents, the so-called heroes of this trip successfully defeated the threats encountered. Despite the blisters, the thorns deeply embedded in their sunburnt, hurting skin, and the painful chafing thighs, no bad vibes contaminated the determined spirit of these courageous people.
The founded settlements were brutally destroyed by the highest tide seen in the last 20 years, which resulted in the early morning rescue of flooded tents and Mr Marsh almost being taken by the merciless deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Moreover, a group of divers had the fortune to witness both the marvelous and the disgraceful condition of “our seas”. The full of life prospering coral reefs, and their fragmented structures sank in the seabed. On top of the harm caused by tourists’ invasive behaviour, dynamite fishing results in the death of sea life, including the coral reefs. Furthermore, the use of plastic and its improper disposal and recycling clearly concerned the trash pickers of Fish Eagle beach.
Bravery, adventurous readers, has little to do with the risky walks through the mangroves or the giant jellyfish which aggressively kissed Virag’s neck. It has to do with having the strength of character to face disappointing scenarios, and act upon it. That includes building artificial coral reefs, picking trash or making Water OP trips an opportunity to expand our understanding of the (sea) world. And, sincerely, I hope we are brave enough to do so.
Lastly, a special thank you to the Regeneration of Coral reefs project group responsible for the initiation of an inspiring project to be carried out throughout the next trips.
Sofia, D2
Cultural Events
This is a new section of the newsletter where we inform you of cultural events that celebrate the diverse nature of our school.
This week we have celebrated the festival of Navaratri. Every day we have worn different colours and it has been lovely to see the whole school from EC to D2 and the staff involved.
On Sunday we have the next cultural night about Norway and the Netherlands. Residential students will get to try food from the countries and then move to Rafiki for a presentation about them.
Next week we will celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Day) a Mexican tradition. An altar will be set up where people can place photos or memories of their loved ones. We are also hoping to make some traditional food.
Community Activities
Ujafamilies
Ujamaa means family life, and this is what you might miss every now and then. Families in the wider school community have been hosting Diploma students who like to get out of the school environment from time to time. These families are called Ujafamilies, and their Ujadaughters and Ujasons are all over the school! From other UWC’s we know that such students and their ‘link families’ may remain in touch for life. This link is a loose principle where some will want to come for a dinner or just hang out for a bit, others get rides to a camping trip, a church picnic or join a hash on a Sunday afternoon. Some Ujafamilies hosted their Ujachildren for a number of weeks when the school had to close earlier on this year and we remain very grateful to them.
There are no strings attached for family or students in terms of frequency or programme. Some will choose not to go because of homework, others end up with friends visiting other students’ families. This should be fine as long as everyone communicates what is happening. This was really successful last year and we hope to continue
If you are willing to be an Ujafamily or indeed you already are please fill in this questionnaire to give us some more information and to help us make the best matches. Please fill it in by Wednesday 28th October.
Athletics day is nearly upon us now, PYP Tuesday the 3rd November and MYP/DP Wednesday the 4th November. PYP and MYP will be showcasing the skills they have been working on in their PE athletics unit in quarter 1. Please come along to support our students.
Tennis with Coach Charles Tennis with Coach Charles continues with him offering private and/or group lessons Wednesdays at 3:30pm to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 11.30am. Please contact Coach Charles at the courts at the above-mentioned times or call/message on 0710606766.
PYP Saturday Soccer Saturday Soccer this Saturday with Mr T and several of our skilled M5, D1 & D2 students helping to run the club. It kicks off at 9am and finishes at 10.30am just in time for the PYP swim squad to get their laps in.
Go Leopards Robin Marsh
PYP News
Please remember to send your child with a hat and a reusable water bottle. The weather. is very hot now and it is important that the children stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Wednesday and Thursday are non school days. On Friday we have our Halloween celebration starting at 4pm. This is an optional event. The last day for buying a meal ticket will be Tuesday. They are available in the front office for 4500Tshillings. There will be no Halloween meal tickets available on the day.
A date for your diaries: Tuesday 3rd November will be Primary Athletics Day. More details to follow.
This coming week is a short one but we have quite a bit planned. We will visit two houses this week, to meet pets and animals that live with us. Mrs. Morley and Ms. Marsden will share their pets with us and we will learn how they take care of them. We will also talk about animals that live around school and walk up to the stables to look at the horses. If you have a pet at home who is calm around children, we would be more than happy for you to bring him/her to class in the morning. Please let us know so we can pick a date.
On Monday, some P1s will be coming home with sight words to practice reading at home. Please help them build a routine of looking at/reading them a bit every day. We have also been adding numbers under ten. Help us practice adding toys, carrot sticks, peas and so on as the children play at home.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2/3 Class
This week brought about the first swim of the year. It was awesome seeing the big smiles and determination exhibited by every single person in the pool! I was so proud of each of them. I think this class is going to be full of amazing swimmers! I cannot wait!
We have been delving deeper into our new unit of inquiry this week. We’ve observed similarities and differences in our celebrations, eating habits, and lifestyles. We’ve talked about why for instance some students enjoy eating seafood and why some do not. We talked about why some students speak more than one language, and why some do not. In doing so, we’ve learned that we’re all different, and that that’s actually pretty cool, which makes us pretty cool! As a class we cannot wait to delve into topics such as differences in learning, technology and water access from the past to the present.
Please let me know if you’d like to come in and cook some traditional cultural foods with us!
Elisha Jaffer
P4 Class
We had another busy week in P4. We did several investigations concerning properties of matter and used this knowledge when we went to the building site. The class is eager to learn new vocabulary and put their science words to use. These investigations are the lead-up to experiments. In Maths, we have been measuring and studying the concept of multiplication. The students have also been writing imaginative stories. We are looking forward to the Halloween events on Friday – so please be sure to buy dinner tickets before Tuesday if you plan to attend. It almost seems a shame to miss school on Wednesday and Thursday as we’ve had so much to do but I think we’ll all manage to find ways to relax on the days off! Reading is always a great option.
Talking points with kids: transparent vs translucent vs opaque
Kacey Buckley
P5 Class
The children gave a splendid presentation in Friday’s primary gathering. I was very proud of their clear and confident performance. We already have hats, sunglasses and stationery in our donations boxes outside Room 16. Our new Unit of Inquiry is, “Human migration is a response to challenges, risks and opportunities.”
The lines of inquiry are:
The history and geography of migration
The reasons why people migrate
The effects of migration on communities, cultures and individuals
Next week the children will be using atlases to look at physical and political maps and to consider scale. In maths we will continue with our work on angles. Please note that there will be no school on Wednesday and Thursday. The photo shows the class visiting the building site (carefully supervised by Bob Cofer) to see how the new science and art block is progressing.)
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
The first set of seeds have been planted in delicious soil that was donated from the Mtuy Farm. We are very grateful for them to have such a good nutrient rich start. This week was focused around how flowers make seeds, parts of the flower, and the different types of seeds. They enjoyed a flower dissection where parts of the flower were discussed and how they make seeds. During art they practiced scientific illustration where they chose a plant to draw in detail.
Next week we will begin some experiments about what plants need to grow. In order to do this, please send in small boxes that are about the size of a shoebox. For another activity we will be needing one lonely sock per child. Please send in a sock that does not have a match or has holes and is no longer needed. Have a great weekend!