THIS ISSUE

6th September, 2014

Issue No. 13- 1 2014– 2015

Term 1

Week 1

BASKETBALL CAMP

Day

Mr. John Eveson Headteacher 0786 888 890 John.eveson@hillcrest.ac.ke Mrs. Razwana Kimutai Deputy Headteacher 0710 540 079 razwana.kimutai@hillcrest.ac.ke

Ms. Tiffaney Algar Deputy Headteacher 0717 041 506 Tiffaney.algar@hillcrest.ac.ke

Mr. Kodeck Mose Deputy Headteacher Kodeck.mose@hillcrest.ac.ke

Mr. Maurice Otieno Head of Senior School 0722 740 795 Maurice.otieno@hillcrest.ac.ke

Ms. Jane Akelola Head of Middle School 0733 714 579 Jane.akelola@hillcrest.ac.ke

Mrs. Kira Channa Head of Junior School 0723 688 666 Kira.channa@hillcrest.ac.ke

4th October, 2019

Issue 18 – 3

Term 1

Week 5

THIS ISSUE IN THIS BULLETIN

3

Page 2 – Message from Headteacher; Art Competition Page 3 – Deputy head; Drama Charity; Ski Trip; Correction Page 4 – Junior School Page 5 – Middle School Trip Page 6 – NYMT Workshop Poster Page 7 – Sixth Form; Biology trip Page 8 – Biology Trip photos Page 9 – Inspiration from Learning Support Workshop details Page 10 – Cross Country Page 11 – Girls’ Basketball; Boys’ Football Page 12 – Boys’ Football; Calendar

Year 12 Marine Biology Trip to Tiwi

Inter-House Cross Country

2

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER

This half term has been like a sunrise: constantly evolving, amazing and exciting. We await official

confirmation of whether we have a holiday on 10th October or not. As soon as it has been gazetted, we

will email to let your know. The confirmation is likely to be two days before the Thursday. Therefore,

please check for last minute messages from the school concerning this matter.

It was exciting to meet so many of you last Friday evening, both seasoned and new parents, in a chance

to get to know parents of the same year groups. It was a privilege to share our achievements and plans looking forward, as well as features of how Hillcrest operates. Thank you for the positive feedback.

The grounds were buzzing on Saturday with our Annual Football and Basketball tournaments. Our

students excelled: a credit to Hillcrest in terms of their successes, but also in the manner in which they

behaved, being gracious both in winning and in losing. Our U17 Footballers won the plate competition

and our Basketball A side reached the semi-finals. This was another good opportunity to bond and grow together through team goals.

This will be the final Bulletin from the Secondary School for this Half Term. We have decided to alternate

the Prep and HEY Bulletin with ours.

At the start of Half Term you will be able to access via the ISAMS app your child/children’s reports. They

are a snapshot of effort, behaviour and achievement this time. Year 9 Parents will be able to discuss this with staff in the Parents’ Afternoon on Thursday 24th October.

Despite the possible National Holiday on Thursday 10th October, Hillcrest continues on Friday 11th as normal.

We break for the Half Term holiday as from Friday 11th October. So even though the date is early, let

me wish you all a very pleasant break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back at Hillcrest on Tuesday 22nd October following the Mashujaa holiday on Monday 21st October.

In the meantime, enjoy the beauty of sunrises and imagine with me what a unique pattern and beauty we will blend together through next half term!

John Eveson

Headteacher

John.eveson@hillcrest.ac.ke

ART COMPETITION

This year the theme of the Kenya Orchid show will be:-

“Vintage Collection Orchids” The aim is to encourage students of all ages to learn more about

Orchids, and show off their own artistic talent.

This competition is open to schools in Nairobi and the environs, in the

groups applicable to us;11– 13 years; 14 – 16 years; and 17 – 19 years.

For each age group there will be first, second and third prizes for the

individual winners, as well as prizes for the school with the most winning

entries. Submission of entries is Wednesday 9th October, 2019.

Hillcrest has won this competition many times. I hope there will be lots

of entries this year.

Stephanie Hooper

Head of Art

Stephanie.hooper@hillcrest.ac.ke

3

.

DRAMA CHARITY PROJECT

On Wednesday 9th October there will be the first Senior School Mufti Day (Non Uniform Day) of the year!

Please can each student bring in a suggested donation of ksh. 200.

All proceeds raised from the day will be going to Karen C Primary School to help purchase exercise

books, reading books and writing materials for the forthcoming school year.

During our Friday ECA time, Miss Birakos and a group of students across all years have been teaching

Drama games and activities to seventy Year 1 students from the local school. The impact that the

Hillcrest students are having on the younger ones has been incredible after such a short period of time!

We hope to continue this bonding throughout the year and will be providing further updates on how the

Drama project is going very soon.

Many thanks

Katarina Birakos

Head of Drama

Katarina.birakos@hillcrest.ac.ke

CORRECTION

In last week’s Bulletin Scott Webber was entitled Executive Head teacher. He is not in this position but is

GEMS Education and Merger Director.

Apologies for my mistake.

Jackie Guest

i/c Bulletin

jackie.guest@hillcrest.ac.ke

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY HEADTEACHER – CURRICULUM

I am writing to introduce myself as the new Deputy Head (Curriculum) at Hillcrest Secondary School.

I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed to this role in such a fantastic school and very much

look forward to supporting each and every student in achieving their full potential.

Over the past few days I have been greatly impressed by the high levels of hard work, determination

and respect that I have seen demonstrated by the children and staff here at Hillcrest.

I believe passionately that effective Secondary education works best when everybody works together

providing each other with as much relevant information and support as possible, maintaining open lines

of communication and respecting each other as in the Hillcrest community.

Prior to starting at Hillcrest, I was working at GEMS Cambridge International School, Nairobi as a

teacher and school leader. My passion is in ensuring that all children receive a high quality secondary

education that is in equal parts enjoyable, enriching, challenging and nurturing.

Looking forward to meeting and working with you all over the coming weeks as we continue to make

Hillcrest a school where each child achieves personal excellence, to become a valuable member of our

global community.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Kodeck Mose

Deputy Head Teacher (Curriculum)

Kodeck.mose@hillcrest.ac.ke

SKI TRIP NEXT FEBRUARY

If there is anyone else who is interested to join us for a week on the Hillcrest Ski trip in February Half

Term 2020, then please contact me on 0722865811 or email me on elizabeth.tout@hillcrest.ac.ke

Please note that the more people we get on the trip, the cheaper the price will be per person.

Hope to hear from you!

Elizabeth Tout

Ski Trip Organiser

Elizabeth.tout@hillcrest.ac.ke

4

JUNIOR SCHOOL

It was lovely meeting all the parents who attended the 'Meet the Parent' event last Friday. I hope you all

received my email on Monday with the attached powerpoint presentation for your future reference.

This week has been very busy in the Year 9 cohort, a mighty congratulations go to all the runners who

took part in their first Inter-House Cross Country yesterday during lessons three and four. The spread of

red (ODIN), blue (THOR) and yellow (ZEUS) was amazing to see; the results will follow in the Bulletin.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a thank you and congratulations to nine boys in Year 9 who

are under 14 but managed to play in the U15 Cricket match against Peponi School, albeit it was a lost

match; the experience gained is noteworthy. Their names are Amari Hayakawa, Joshua Denga, Dean

Richter, Matthias Grand, Tristan Boulanger, Patrick Musimba, Kilekyn Worden, Willow Roberts and Robbie

Shaw. Well done to all of you.

Tomorrow is the first swimming meet at Makini School, good luck to all the Year 9 students who are

participating.

This week, the Inter-House Debate heated up and I am proud to say that Suhani Kotecha did a marvellous

job being the only Year 9 debater for Zeus, well done! The other House did not have a Year 9 speaker and

consequently lost House points.

The Year 9 students have of course been having their end of topic assessments this week and I hope their

results reflect their effort levels accordingly. The CAT 4 grades for each subject should have been shared

with your children. It is imperative to remember that these are the minimum grades your child should be

aiming for. There are a set of 'if challenged' grades that will be made available soon which reflect a

student who puts in all their effort, does their homework and develops a good working relationship with

their teacher. Please note these are predicted grades for their IGCSE results which happen at the end of

Year 11. I also look forward to seeing the results of the Mathematics setting test which is next week;

again preparation for this assessment is vital.

Next week, you will all receive (through ISAMS) your child's first half term report which will be a set of

grades (baseline CAT 4 grade, teacher prediction and current attainment) and effort levels (homework,

classwork and behaviour) from each teacher as well as a form tutor comment.

It is vital that your ISAMS log in is working for this report to be accessed. Kindly contact me if it isn't.

There are about twenty- five Year 9 students who have signed up for the MSMUN programme. The training

and preparations for this conference, which will be held in term two, are well underway and happen during

a Friday lesson five (ECA slot). This programme of course links very well with global issues and the whole

notion of effective public speaking.

Have a lovely weekend ahead!

Kira Channa

Head of Junior School

Kira.channa@hillcrest.ac.ke

5

MIDDLE SCHOOL BONDING TRIP

The Year 10 bonding trip was interesting right from

the beginning, with parents not willing to send

their children to Naivasha because of the accident

at the gorge. However, after a successful trip to

the same place with the Year 9 students, sixty-

three Year 10 students were able to come.

A visit to Longonot Farm revealed the importance

of organic farming and the ability to produce

plenty of good food on small farms.

On Saturday, the hike in Hell's gate was a great

excitement. It was lovely to see all students desire

to do the rock climbing and cycling.

Sunday involved garbage collection and recycling

at a centre for the disabled which was a rewarding

experience.

Many thanks to the parents for their support.

Jane Akelola

Head of Middle School

Jane.akelola@hilcrest.ac.ke

6

7

SIXTH FORM

This Half Term has been busy with all the syllabus coverage, debates, sports, charities/INTERACT,

university visits/applications and the ongoing October external exams for some. I have to congratulate all

the seniors for giving their very best to overcome the challenges. Please use the Half Term break well to

recharge your batteries for the second half of the term.

The Half Term reports will be available next Friday. Please analyse your child’s performance in all subject

areas and look for discussion where you feel sufficient progress has not been made and praise where it has

been. You can make an appointment, through the form tutors, to see the subject teachers in case there is

a need.

External examinations: Please note that there will be no school transport or school lunch during Half

Term. Students are encouraged to use own transport but any Year 13 student using private transport

may only be driven by a parent, guardian or driver. The school policy remains clear: no student

is allowed to drive a car to or from school, even if he/she has a valid driving licence.

To the students taking October/November examinations, we continue to wish you the very best.

Year 13 students should be working on their UCAS applications, especially their personal statements. Note

that UCAS is compulsory, especially the personal statement, even if a student is planning to have a year

out, before heading to university.

On behalf of the senior school, we wish you a very good weekend and Half Term break when it comes next

week.

Maurice Otieno

Head of Sixth Form

Maurice.otieno@hillcrest.ac.ke

Year12 Marine Biology and Conservation Fieldtrip to Watamu

Last weekend, the Year12 Biology students, accompanied by their teachers, flew to Watamu to take part

in an intensive four-day Marine Biology and Conservation fieldtrip. Activities included releasing a Green

turtle back into the sea, exploring the mangroves by water (whilst doing “The Mida Creek Float”) and also

on foot, investigating the trees’ amazing adaptations, observing fiddler crab behaviour and the uncanny

ability of mud to stick to the human body when applied by each other! A better understanding of the coral

reefs was gleaned by carrying out a transect on the inter-tidal zone and by snorkelling in the Marine Park

at low tide.

The first two nights found us frantically running up and down the beach, torches in hand, trying to catch,

mark and release the ghost crabs, thereby establishing their population size, whilst on the penultimate

day the students designed and carried out their own scientific projects. All ten students were a real

pleasure to be with, and special congratulations to Mary, Christine and Anshi, whose group obtained top

marks for their experimental write-ups.

Simon Greenwell

Head of Biology and Science

Simon.greenwell@hillcrest.ac.ke

8

9

INSPIRATION FROM LEARNING SUPPORT

LEARNING SUPPORT PARENTS WORKSHOP

‘‘Parenting a child with Learning Difficulty’’

The emotional impact of raising a child with learning difficulties is a vast task on any

parent and can weigh one down. It calls for inner drive, love and lots of sacrifice.

Do you have strategies, ideas or tricks you have discovered?

Would you like to network with other parents?

Join us on the 31st October from 9.45am -1:00 pm for an interactive session. When we join hands, we can achieve great things!

Please confirm your attendance via email to; josephat.otondi@hillcrest.ac.ke.

Kindly confirm your attendance by the 23rd October 2019 to help us plan.

Thank you

Wendy Akinyi

Learning Support

Wendy.akinyi@hillcrest.ac.ke

10

INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

The academic year began with so much trepidation, but Inter House Cross Country was here to allow us

to bond in more ways than one. There was no early morning sun to welcome the 2019 Inter House Cross

Country Championship but at least there were many an enthusiastic participants who were ready to brave

the day, but as the day progressed, the sun came out blazing and rehydration became imminent for all

and sundry. Hillcrest has always been proud of such activities as they are part of our long standing

traditions and culture that make us……… Hillcrest School.

The 4.8km route for the cross country race passed through a variety of terrain including open fields,

grass and marsh areas in the Prep School, cemented and tarmacked areas along Hillcrest Road and rocky

terrain within the parking area in the Secondary School section.

The House Chiefs and House Captains were busy counting the number of participants for their Houses just

to ensure that they have good numbers for the race. The teachers were all running around to ensure that

they were at the right place at the right time before the race marshal started the clapper to signal the

kick off of the races.

As for the students, let us just say that they were the centre of attention and the reason why we were all

gathered here. It was clear that they were all raring to go, some doing it for the first time like the Year 9

students with their crisp clean house T-shirts and others doing it for their last time at Hillcrest School –

the variety at the races just stamped the fact that life indeed has such sharp contrasts.

All in all, everyone was ready to represent their House, if only to learn some lessons outside of a

classroom setting and hopefully account for a deed well done at the end of the day. Somebody once said

that “Talent isn’t everything. The most important aspect of any competition is working hard. Having the

right effort and work ethic is worth a lot more than talent, and it will take you places that talent can’t get

you.”

As a school, we do not look for winners but rather for participants with the right attitude and the right

school and House spirit. We are looking for students with the correct approach and mental resilience to

scale the most uncomfortable of situations and still come out acknowledging the greater lessons learnt

through serving their House; wearing their sporting and House spirit on their sleeves with pride.

The motto of the day was “Run hard or run fast whatever you do just keep moving”. We witnessed a

variety of ways in which participants opted to take part in the cross country even that were unmatched

but all were a spice of life that is characteristic of Hillcrest students. The students did indeed approach the

race with an aim of increasing their participation in physical activities and competitive sports. It can be

rightfully and confidently said that they all came out surprised at their overall efforts and their

performance in the race.

As we ushered in the display of House spirit, the student gave it their best shot and everyone came out a

winner at the end of it all. We would like to thank all the competitors who made this a worthwhile event

and for ensuring that their House got that extra point that would count towards the results of the Inter

House competitions.

Thank you too, to all the parents who turned up to support the competitors and show solidarity for this

whole school event and for Lesley (Mama Maya) for taking all the memorable photos which we will wallow

over for years to come.

Congratulations are in order to all participants but especially to Zeus house for reclaiming the much

coveted trophy.

Dorcie Agundah-Oyaro

Head of Girls’ Games

Dorcie.agundah@hillcrest.ac.ke

2019 INTER HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

1300 ZEUS 1st

1444 THOR 2nd

1493 ODIN 3rd

11

HILLCREST U15 GIRLS’ BASKET BALL TOURNAMENT

This year's Hillcrest U15 Girls’ Basketball tournament was attended by twelve teams namely Hillcrest 'A',

Hillcrest 'B', St. Christopher’s, Braeburn Gitanga Road, Greensteds, Aga Khan, Rusinga, Brookhouse,

Peponi, R.V.A., Rosslyn 'A' and Rosslyn 'B'.

Our Hillcrest 'A' team started the tournament with a win over St. Christopher’s’ 7-0, then we went ahead

to beat Braeburn Gitanga Road 4-2, beat Aga Khan, 14-2, lost to Rosslyn 'A' 6-10 and beat Greensteds

10-4 to come out second in the pool and qualified to the semis.

The 'A' team lost to Brookhouse 6-14 in the tournament semi-finals to bow out of the competition.

The Hillcrest 'B' team surprised everyone by their intense effort and they played their hearts out, but

unfortunately lost their first match to Rosslyn 'B' 2-4 in triple overtime. They lost to Brookhouse 10-2, but

won against Peponi 4-0 in their first ever win of the season, then lost to Rusinga 4-12 and to R.V.A. 2-10.

The tournament was won by R.V.A who beat Brookhouse 8-4 to be crowned winners of the tournament.

Many thanks go to the organizers of the event, the coaches, the refs, parents, the Hillcrest students who

helped in running the tournament and lastly but not least, all the invited teams who turned up to grace

the occasion.

GIRLS 'A' team players;

Grace Mbuthia

Kiah Patel

Kiana Patel

Marvel Nwabufo

Tanisha Wathika

Nisha Patel

Julia Nora

Makena Kirimi

Kimberly Nakweri

Wairimu Kariuki

Matipa Tapela

Risper Okello

GIRLS 'B' Team Players;

Joanne Wainaina

Sara Weru

Saskia Lootsma

Ruwaiydha Abdulahi

Imani Cherutich

Shiru Maina

Neema Chekoko

Gakenia Kaguchia

Catherine Matu

Sanelle Mdletshe

Igandu Kibuchi

Alicia Entonu

Patrick Kariuki

Basketball Coach

Patrick.kariuki@hillcrest.ac.ke

UNDER 17 FOOTBALL

The U17 Football team have been training hard this term and played magnificently during the Hillcrest

Football Tournament. They are a very strong side who play attractive and free flowing football. They

managed to cruise through the group stages but met a very determined, St. Andrew’s Turi side in the

quarter final which, and unfortunately they lost 1-0 in a very close encounter.

After the quarter final defeat, they proceeded to the plate competition which they dominated winning both

the semi final and final comfortably. I am very proud and privileged to be working with this group of

players and I am sure they will be successful in the upcoming tournaments.

Well done and good luck for the rest of the season.

Sean Connolly

Coach Connolly

Sean.connolly@hillcrest.ac.ke

12

ONE FORMER HILLCREST STUDENT IS PART OF THIS SQUAD

IMPORTANT EVENTS AND SPORTS FIXTURES

Monday 7th October U19 Boys’ Cricket v Oshwal (H)

U19 Girls’ Rounders v Oshwal (H)

U19 Girls’ Basketball v Oshwal (H)

Tuesday 8th October U15 Boys Cricket v Premier Academy (A)

Year 11 Sixth Form Information Evening

Wednesday 9th October Inter House Debate in School Hall 1.45pm Thor v Odin

U17 Boys’ Football v Strathmore (H)

U15 Boys’ Football v Strathmore (H)

U13 Boys’ Cricket v Peponi

Thursday 10th October Moi Day – maybe a Public Holiday

U19 Boys’ Football v Rosslyn (H)

U17 Boys’ Football v Rosslyn (H)

U19 Girls’ Basketball v Rosslyn (H)

Friday 11th October English Department Coast Culture Trip

St Andrew’s Turi Cross Country Meet

EAMUN / MSMUN Inter Schools Training 5 – 6pm

Reports distributed to parents

Saturday 12th October Boys’ Football & Basketball Coast Tour

U15 Girls’ Basketball Tournament at French School

U17 Girls’ Basketball Tournament at French School

Nairobi Age Group Swimming Championships (Level 1)

EAMUN / MSMUN Ambassadors Workshop Nairobi 9am – 12noon

Sunday 13th October Nairobi Age Group Swimming Championships (Level 1)

HILLCREST SCHOOL U15/U17 BOYS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2019

Last Saturday, Hillcrest Secondary School hosted its annual U15 and U17 Boys’ Football tournaments.

This year’s event had 29 teams, with U17 tournament having 15 teams and U15 tournament having 14

teams. Both Hillcrest U15 and U17 teams finished second in their respective pools but were eliminated in

the quarter finals stages of the event. Both teams therefore played in the plate semi-finals with the U17

team finishing fifth overall. Once again Hillcrest produced the most valuable player (MVP) of the U15

tournament and that is the more than capable captain, Alvin Muthi.

I would therefore like to thank everyone who participated and ensured that this event was successful.

Particularly, I would like to appreciate two Year 12 girls who volunteered and did a brilliant job by helping

me to run this event. These girls are Tiffany Nzimbi from my form group (12 JOW) and Mona Njuguna.

They were useful particularly with keeping the scores, records and timing the whole event which indeed

run smoothly and was once again appreciated by other schools. For instance, this is a comment from the

Rift Valley Academy (RVA) which is one of the schools that supports Hillcrest tournaments and

participated in this year’s event, “My coaches said they had a great time at the tournament on Saturday.

Thank you for that”. The U15 team will be participating in the annual

Braeburn Imani International School (BIIS)

Football tournament that will be held on Saturday

5th October and I do wish them the best of luck.

Thank you so much for your support.

Joseph Otieno

Head of Boys’ Games

Joseph.otieno@hillcrest.ac.ke