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TERM 1 NEWSLETTER

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 P R E M I E R A C A D E M Y

content:

Director of Studies Report

CEO'S foreword

Kindergarten

Primary

Secondary

We are happy to come to the end of one of the busiest and most critical terms in our calendar. It was punctuated with academics, clubs, sports, trips and other co-curricular activities which climaxed with the IGCSE, 'AS' and 'A'- level results. Here are some of the highlights of the term.


CEO'S forewordDear Parents and Guardians,

It gives me great pleasure to placebefore you the first Premier Academyterm end newsletter. While the contentof this newsletter has come in from theHeads of Sections, the newsletter hasbeen designed by our magazinecommittee and journalism club led bySamarth Sheth of Year 12(2) and Harshil Ved of Year 12(3).

It is now our endeavor to empower ourstudents and give them opportunities toexpose their creativity and enrich theirCVs for their University Admissions.This is in line with our core values ofPassion and Imagination/Innovation.

The student editors have also gracefully accepted to put succession plans in place so that their efforts are picked up by other students and that this trend continues. We believe that this endeavor of ours will encourage more students to come forward to design sports and career digests, blogs for our website and Facebook posts. Of course, all posts by students will be subject to rigorous vetting.

Thank you for your cooperation during the term. We do not take your support for granted. Many of our activities deviated from plans and we appreciate your patience throughout. We lookforward to the same support during the coming months too.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2018 in advance. We wish you Good Health, Peace of Mind and Happiness, in abundance!

Mr. CHINMOY BANERJEE

Don’t let what you

cannot do interfere

with what you can do.


CURRICULUM MATTERS

We are pleased to report full implementation of Kiswahili teaching and local History content in the curriculum. The use of e-learning platforms has enabled collaboration and sharing of resources. Learners can interact with teachers and peers beyond the classroom sessions. We realize the need to keep our students inspired and engaged. Use of Edmodo started in earnest and piloting another e-learning platform, Snapplify. Our hope is that students will take advantage of these initiatives to develop their skills in all areas of their interest. We aim at fostering curiosity and inquiry so as to prepare students for college, career and global citizenship. We provide an integrated curriculum that promotes deeper learning. Curriculum integration will take students beyond the classroom to better understand the world in which they live. With engaging technology lessons come to life like never before!

We have reviewed our assessments to inform and transform learning. Evaluation of learning provides us with critical data to inform instruction and improve student attainment. We have implemented learning progress tracking and interventions to enable all learners progress by increasing their engagement and proficiency.

Termly assessments are comprehensive and incorporate assignments, projects, Midterm and End term exams. Our focus is on raising achievements for all students to the next possible grade/level. Let us work together to support our learners to develop into individuals that will make a difference in the world.

George Macheneri Director of Studies.

you only fail when

you stop trying.

Director of Studies

Report


KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

These were held at the very beginning of thisnew term. Orientation days are open forums setaside by the kindergarten at the beginning of theyear with a purpose of shedding light on theCurriculum expectations and targets of a givenyear. Teachers from different class levels spearhead this event with short question answersessions at the end to clarify issues raised byparents.

THEMES /PROJECTS DONE THIS TERM.

Our playgroup started their schooling with the project “ All about me” where they got to learn about parts of their bodies, members of their families and talk about events that their family engages in while at home. The aim of this theme that is carried out at the beginning of every playgroup term is to allow a smoother home at school transaction for these young ones.

Start where you are.

Use what you have. Do

what you can.

NURSERY THEMES- "Wild Animals" Nursery classes got to learn about wild animals and their characteristics. Although their scheduled trip to Nairobi Safari Walk was cancelled, nursery children got to watch animated, as well as documentary videos of these animals and their habitants.

ENGLISH CLASSES We would like to encourage parents who would like to develop fluency in speaking and learning of English grammar to enrol in our ongoing program that is carried out each Wednesday from 2.00-3.00pm. Charges are free and there is no limit to the number of classes one needs to attend.


RECEPTION THEMEReception classes started off their academicyear with the theme “Space”. This theme wascentered around asteroids, stars, solar system,galaxy and other features found in the outerspace. Children displayed their understanding ofspace through their discussions, exploration ofbooks and carrying out a space project withtheir families at home.

ARRIVAL OF PLAYGROUP At the beginning of this academic year we welcomed two and half year old children into our playgroup classes. Some of these little ones were very unhappy with the fact that they had to part ways with their mothers/care givers for the better part of the morning. Interesting enough, even caregivers were very emotional about this reality. Tears flowed freely from both parents/caregivers and children but at the end of it all, it all turned out well. Children settled in quickly into their new environment and parents adapted quickly to this new change in their daily routine.

its okay to be scared,

being scared means

you're about to do

something really

brave.

LEARNING OUTDOORS At the kindergarten, we have a lot of learning that takes place outdoors with children taking nature walks to familiarize themselves with their immediate environments, storytelling sessions, play, clean-up activities, visiting and feeding our school rabbits, watering flowers and bike riding that aids in developing body balance and toning body muscles. One aspect of outdoor learning that was not carried out this term was our scheduled trips. This was due to the political scenario in the country. Nevertheless children enjoyed participating in these activities mentioned.


KINDERGARTENMUSICALPRESENTATIONThis term our Kindergarten put together amusical event themed around festivities aroundthe world as well as their class projects. We hope you enjoyed watching what ourchildren showcased on stage.

COMMUNITY SERVICE This term, we carried out a successful toy/book drive activity that went on for two weeks. We also scheduled clean-up activities that were carried out by children under the guidance of their teachers. Children had lots of fun participating in these activities and had their learning moments too. We plan to engage them in community service throughout this academic year.

Mrs. Margaret Maina Head of kindergarten

there is always

something to be

thankful for


Primary Section ASSEMBLIES Held every Friday morning at 8.am, theseassemblies are both entertaining and educative.Many parents attend when their childrenperform. This term, the assembly presentationsevolved around the Theme: ROYALS, looking atgreat KINGS from the past.

The presentations were as follows: Week 1: WELCOME Week 2: King Midas I – Year 6.1 Week 3: King Midas II – Year 6.2 Week 4: King Midas III – Year 6.3 Week 5: King Midas IV – Year 6.4 Week 6: King Solomon I – Year 5.1 Week 7: King Solomon II – Year 5.2 Week 8: King Solomon III – Year 5.3 Week 9: King Solomon IV – Year 5.4 Week 10: Nabongo I – Year 4.1 Week 11: Nabongo II – Year 4.2 Week 12: Nabongo III – Year 4.3 Week 13: Nabongo IV – Year 4.4

CLUBS AND ACTIVITES Friday afternoons are designated for Clubs. These activities range from projects, games, presentations and role plays among others. Kindly take your time to go through our clubs handbook to familiarize yourself with what your children do in the clubs. Parents are welcome to volunteer in these clubs.

TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS The value of school outing can never be overstated. Children learn academic and life skills away from the confines of the classrooms.

Either you run the

day or the day runs

you.


The excursions undertaken this term include:

Year 1: Bomas of Kenya Year 2: Festive Bakery, Gurudwara & Mosque Year 3: Thika Blue post Year 4: Chandaria Industries & Evergreen Park Year 6: Story Moja Book fair

FANCY DRESS

This was held on 9th November 2017. Each student donated at least Kshs 100. A total of Kshs 40,100/- was realized from the event. The proceeds will be donated to a chosen home next term. The theme this year was ‘Book character’. It was a very entertaining event and all those who participated in this event deserve to be lauded. We also express our gratitude to the parents for this event would not have been a success without their effort- Keep it up!

NATIVITY PLAY It’s never too early to showcase your talent and this term, it was time for our young ones from Year 2 to star in their own Christmas production “Lost Christmas”.

After working hard all term to learn some of their favourite songs and lines, they took centre stage to perform in front of the whole school and their parents. They children took great pride in their performance and showed their parents what they have learnt. The little ones gave a fantastic performance!

success is small

efforts repeated

until it becomes a

habit.


It has been a tight term in the sporting arena for the Prep Athletes. The girls werefully engaged in soccer and rounders being the term sport, whereas the boys kicked the leather with their studs and cricket as the main sport for the term. The term was characterized by many inter- school matches and tournaments in all the three sports mentioned above with the results being as follows.

UNDER 7 SOCCER

Premier vs Oshwal; lost 3-0 Premier vs S.O.N; drew 0-0 Premier vs Oshwal; lost 1-0 Premier vs Potterhouse; won 1-0 Premier vs Aga Khan drew; 0-0 Premier vs French School; drew 1-1 UNDER 9 BOYS SOCCER Premier ‘B’ vs Oshwal; won 1-0 Premier ‘A’ VS Oshwal ‘A’; won 3-1 Premier vs St. Austins; won 4-0 Premier vs Aga Khan; won 3-0 Premier vs S.O.N; won 3-0 Premier vs Potterhouse; drew 1-1 Premier vs Oshwal; won 3-0

UNDER 9 CRICKET Premier vs St.Christophers; won by 55 runs Premier vs Nairobi Academy; won by 20 runs Premier vs Braeburn Garden Estate; won by 38 runs Premier vs Oshwal; lost by 36 runs

UNDER 11 SOCCER Premier vs Oshwal; won 3-0 Premier vs St.Austins; won 2-0 Premier vs Oshwal; won 1-0 Premier vs Potterhouse; won 3-1 Premier VS Braeburn Imani: lost 2-0 Premier ‘B’ vs Rusinga; won 2-0 Premier ‘A’ vs Rusinga; won 5-0 Premier vs Nairobi Waldorf; won 3-0

UNDER 11 CRICKET Premier vs St. Christophers; won by 12 runs Premier vs Oshwal; lost by 16 runs Premier vs Nairobi Academy; won by 43 runs

UNDER 9 ROUNDERS Premier vs St. Christophers; lost by 41/2 Rounders Premier vs Rusinga; won by 1 rounder Premier vs Braeburn Imani; lost by 11/2 Rounders

UNDER 9 GIRLS SOCCER Premier vs Oshwal; lost 2-0 Premier vs Rusinga; drew 0-0 Premier vs Nairobi Academy; lost 1-0

winners are not

people who never

fail, but people who

never quit

Sports


PIPSSA CYCLING Over 20 students took part in the PIPSSA inter-school cycling championship in Karura Forest. The following students excelled in their races.

BRONZE MEDALISTS 1. Lakshya Vanam 2. Jiya Rangani SILVER MEDALISTS 1. Kaylee Mwiti 2. Sam Shujaa 3. Tyrone Gitahi 4. Aisha Laving GOLD MEDALISTS 1. Anna-Lexxy Mbucho 2. Jairaj Jutley 3. Daksha Vanam 4. Lanelle Muiyoro

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The school also took part in NASA galas, PIPSSA galas as PIPSSA grading tournament where the students bagged medals and were ranked highly. Congratulations to all the winners.

SPORTS DAY

The students participated in the annual Inter- House Sports Day where they showcased their strengths in different disciplines. Yellow House was the winner, Blue house were the 1st runners-up, Red House were the 2nd runners-up as Green House emerged fourth. The parents were not left out as they were challenged to a tag of war contest by the teachers. It was a fun filled day.

dream big, work hard


KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE GIVING DAY

Held on Friday 10th November 2017, the Key Stage 2 prize giving ceremony was a grand success. This is an event that we all look forward to as we celebrate and reward the efforts of our students. This year the event centered on the theme “Judge Me Not”. There was an impressive turnout of parents. I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our parents for their continued support and encouragement.

HOUSE POINTS Yellow house- 435- 1st position Red House- 385- 2nd position Blue house- 374- 3rd position Green House- 351- 4th position

STAFF MATTERS It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Mrs Grace Ogalo, who has been a teaching assistant in Year 1 and 2.

Grace has served Premier with dedication from the time she joined the school almost 20 years ago. She will be missed by the whole Premier Academy community, not only in his professional capacity but also as a charming and congenial person. We wish her well in her future endeavours.

discipline is the best

bridge between goals

and accomplishment.


We also welcome a new crop of highly talented and passionate teachers to our teaching team:

Judith Aluochier – Year 2 HRT Anthony Osiema – Year 4 HRT Teresia Maina - Year 5.2 HRT / Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator Andrew Tumbo - Music / Drama

LOST PROPERTIES Parents, kindly check the lost property table located in the Prep Lunchroom if your child has lost any item /school uniform. There are a number of items with no names!

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR 8/1/18 School opens 9/2/18 to 12/2/18 Mid-Term 23/2/18 Swimming Gala 29/3/2018 School closes

FINALLY

As we take a break for the festive season, the Prep School staff would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We wish you a pleasant and relaxing time with your families during this festive season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Mr. Clifford Chianga Oluoch Head of Prep School

push yourself

because, no one is

going to do it for you.


Annual Awards Afternoon Along with extra-curricular activities, Premier Academy continues to dominate the academic scene with a huge percentage of passing grades at all levels, truly making our students ‘Wired for Success’.

Our high-quality academic programs, excellent facilities and outstanding educating team continue to attract a diverse and engaged student body.

IGCSE This year, standard 11 students sat for the extremely crucial IGCSE O level examinations. The success rate was impressive, with 21 students scoring 6A*s and above. The best results were achieved by Shiv Shah, who attained 9A*s and 2As, with Harshil Ved receiving a scholarship of 1.2 million shillings to sponsor his secondary education.

AS Level Standard 12 students were not too far behind, as they sat their comparatively tougher AS level exams, which are absolutely vital for university applications. At least 14 students got 3A’s and above-with a minimum of 4 subjects. The top achiever, Akhil Nadigatla scored 5A’s, joining 3 other students who attained the same grades.

doubt kills more

dreams than failure

ever will

SECONDARY SECTION


A Level This is the final school year that our students will sail through before they leave for their higher education. It is one of the most important periods of their lives, during which, they will zero in on their careers. The results received this year were quite commendable. The top performer, Sidharth Kandadi, performed exceptionally well with 4A*, and 1A.

The high academic standards that Premier Academy takes immense pride in were highlighted at this year’s annual speech day. It was an electrifying event, with our esteemed guest speaker, Eng. Naresh Mehta, the Managing Director of Power Technics, inspiring us with his personal tales of hardship, and dedication. Several students-from year 7, to year 13-reaped the benefits of a year of hard work, as they walked up to the stage and received their awards. The pride and happiness of parents, students, and teachers alike, filled the room with a hugely positive atmosphere.

Trips Year 11 Geography trip to Karura Forest

On the 29th of September 2017, the Year 11’s of Premier Academy went to the Karura Forest for an educational as well as a recreational trip. The primary objective of this trip was to allow students to engage in a non-conventional method of grasping knowledge and making education more enjoyable for the students. During the trip, the students explored through the vast and tranquil forest and examined the species of trees and various animals that inhabit the forest. They conducted a study on the river, calculating its velocity, depth and other measures, enabling them to apply what they learnt in school into the real world.

People Who Are Crazy

Enough To Think They

Can Change The

World, Are The Ones

Who Do.

Annual Awards

Afternoon


MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE POETRY CONTEST On Saturday 18/11/2017, Ruhi Patel(9.4), Manali Kotecha (9.2) and Jasmine Mbale (13.1) represented our school in the Nairobi Academy MFL Poetry Contest that was held at Tangaza college- Karen. In the under 14 category Ruhi emerged as the 1st runners-up with the poem “Racines”. Manali scooped the First position in this category with the Poem “Toujours Sans toi”. Jasmine Mbale was 4th in the under 18 category with the poem “Illusions”. Well done girls, for flying the Premier flag high once more!

CLUBS Below are reports on just a handful of the clubs at Premier

The Premier Outreach Club P.O.C. is one of our flagship clubs that is enriched by the common goal to give back to the community in whatever way possible. This term, the club conducted various events such as bake sales where they sold homemade savories and sweets such as cakes, doughnuts and various types for candy. Pizzas, pies and milkshakes was also bought and resold for lunch and this activity was very successful and profited by upwards of Ksh 18000/=. This amount was handed over to the school to provide for the various charities they support and for charity events to take place during the year. Moreover, the club members visited the Girls Dagoretti Rehabilitation centre, comforting the mentally challenged there. Interacting with them for a whole day really helped their cognitive skills vastly and gave our students a renewed perspective of life; to be much more grateful with what we have. All in all, this term showcased the club’s student driven legitimacy and dedication towards serving those in need.

The Debate Club: At Premier, MUN is one of the most prestigious clubs. Premier has excelled in this club for many years with this year being Premier’s golden year in particular. Khilen Patel of Year 13 was appointed the Deputy Secretary General , Akhil Nadigatlia, the Co-Chairperson of the First General Assembly and Aida Muthoni and Kush Patel hold the position of Senior Chairs at the EAMUN and MSMUN conferences. This year Bilan Warsame of year 12, Shikha Sanghrajkha and Shana Patel of Year 11 worked very hard in order to become Head Securitaries following their cumbersome trainings. During conference there are various committees in which delegates debate issues affecting the world. For the EAMUN Conference, the committees featured include Political, Global Health Council, Economic, Human Rights and Ecology, For MSMUN the committees are Ecology, Human Rights, Health and Technology. We look forward to Premier Academy’s bright future in this program.

Creativity Is

Intelligence Having

Fun.

trips


Rhino Debate This term students from year 11 to 13 attended a renowned competition called ‘The Rhino Debate’. Our students were all set for the debate guided by Mr.Pintoh and Mrs.Hope, for the debate which brings together numerous international schools from all over Kenya, to find the best debating team. The first two rounds were a walk through for our team represented by Harshil Ved (12.3), Srinjay (13.1), Diya Soni (11.2) and Divyesh Ved (11.1) as Premier easily recorded significant victories over both St.Andrews Turi and Rusinga. This led to our team reaching the finals against Brookhouse. The three speakers for the final debate (Harshil, Divyesh and Srinjay) knew that there was a challenging task ahead of them. Although the result was not in our favour, the team learnt several invaluable skills, which will surely help improve the quality of debate in Premier for the years to come.

Charity Event The Guardians of the Galaxy "drive-in" event - a major success, hosting 400 people- was createdby the prefects’ body of Premier Academy, and sponsored by the Thika Road Mall. This particular occasion was open to students of all schools and all ages and therefore, raised over Kshs 260,000/= for the Autism Support Center in Kenya. The event was held on 4th November 2017 in the Gita Hall.

The Autism Support Center is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving the social and economic lives of those living with autism in Kenya. The money raised will be used to help those affected by autism with education access, job opportunities, therapy and assessment and mentoring for families impacted by autism. But the utmost thanks must be given to the prefects who organised the function, and contributed greatly to its success and helped a fantastic cause.

Inter House Quiz The annual inter-house quiz this year was unquestionably one of the most enthralling event this term. The event was as captivating as it was educative. Each house fiercely competed to outsmart the other houses and secure the title. There were five categories this year, namely; general knowledge, current affairs, sports, entertainment, and the house to house category which introduced audience interaction. For the first four categories, four different members were chosen from each house to play each category. The house to house category proved to be the most engaging. At the end of it all, the judge-Mr. Shem Agunga- announced his verdict. Yellow house emerged the winners of the quiz, partially because of Ahmed Jama, the yellow house spinner who kept scoring bonus points. Blue house followed closely taking second place. Red house and Green house proceeded to win 3rd and 4th place respectively.

great things never came

from comfort zones

Events and Activities


VOLLEYBALL Over 60 students have been taking part in this Sport during PE lessons this term. Being the second year since its introduction, Volleyball interest and skill levels have significantly improved with remarkable performances coming from the Year 10 Girls who in one of the Friday Games time matches managed to beat a competetive Year 13 Boys’side. Students with remarkable skill improvements include Nikita Dhawan (yr10) & Maitri Chokshi (yr12) in the girls category and Anmol Garg (yr13) & Brian Kinyua (yr12) in the boys category.

FOOTBALL: The Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 and Under 19 boys took part in the KAIIS Football league and had a very good season. The overall results for the season was, Played 23 matches, Won 7, Lost 9 and drew 7.

RUGBY There has been growing interest in the Touch Version of this sport especially amongst the year 9 boys who have been taking part in early morning trainings on Wednesdays and Fridays. The touch version of the sport was introduced as a skill and interest build up for rugby

We aim above the mark to

hit the mark.

Sports


:

TENNIS The Kotecha family has continued to make Premier Academy proud by representing the country in this beautiful game

Shana Patel of Year 10 recently represented Kenya in the Egypt Junior International Badminton Championships held in Cairo City. Though she did not scoop the trophy, she put a spirited fight against her Egyptian opponent, Hania Mohammed. The scores were 21-12, 12-7, for Hania and Shana, respectively. Congratulations to Shana for being our Ambassador!

Theertha Vanemreddy, Yr.8 has made the Premier Fraternity proud by winning the National Championship held in July 2017 in Nyeri. She later represented the country in the East African Championship in August 2017.

it never gets easier, you

just get better.

Sports

BADMINTON: Nirek Pabbaraju, Yr.8 had a very good season this term. He participated in the Eldoret Junior Badminton Championship and won 1st Place in Doubles and Singles Category.

What many students look forward for during each sports day is the competition of ultimate strength. Yes, tug of war. This years competition saw Red house sail to the finals without a hitch putting them against an equally strong Yellow house side. At the end of what was a fearsome competition Red house decimated their opponents. At the end of the day the school recognized the best athletes in their respective year-group categories and blue house was crowned as the winners of the competition .

HEAD OF SECONDARY CONCLUDING REMARKS.

As you are all aware, this term has been the most hectic especially with the frequent interruptions of our academic calendar due to erratic elections. It is actually amazing that we finally pulled through. I must take this opportunity to thank all our parents for being patient and understanding during this difficult time.

Next term is an extremely busy one. We shall have mock examinations for all our candidate classes right from year 11 to year 13. Similarly, the junior classes will also be doing examinations. We intend to work more efficiently hoping that we shall have very little external interference with our school calendar. We shall also be taking both junior and senior MUN students in January and February respectively for final conference at Gigiri.

Discipline remains our core value and I would like to appeal to parents to ensure that our students behave well whether in school or outside school. We shall ensure that the same is maintained throughout the term.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas and New year. We hope to begin the next academic term with renewed energy

Mr. Humphrey Luseno Head of Secondary

Sports Day On the 29th of November we had our inter-house sports day. The level of competition augments every year and this year was no exception. Results were truly amazing. One of the highlights of the field events was when, in high jump, Mbugua Kamau broke the school record when he jumped a mammoth 1.7 meters. The field events were competitive but the running events were on a whole new level. One of the most exhilarating races were the relay races which saw the fastest runners in each house competing together.

Sports teaches you

character, it teaches you

to play by the rules, it

teaches you to know

what it feels like to win

and lose-it teaches you

about life.

Sports day


As the student chief editors, creating this newsletter was not an easy task for us, and could not have been

possible without the help of the, Magazine Committee, especially:

Poojan Patel (12.2): Graphic designer

Jaini Shah (12.2): Sub-editor Anand Guruzada (12.3): Sub-editor Michelle Salins (12.3): Sub-editor

The Student Editors, Samarth Sheth and Harshil Ved

Happy Holidays!


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