We have come to the end of yet another successful week. The week started off with BKIS hosting Geography teachers from the Kenya Association of International Schools. It was a great opportunity for professional development and sharing of good practice among peers.
Inter Braeburn Swimming Gala
The BKIS team took part in this annual Gala last week on Saturday at Braeside School Nairobi. This being an invitational Gala involving all Braeburn schools, the selection of the team was based on very strict criteria. It is encouraging to note that most of the team members came back with medals. The great performance posted this year has been due to the dedication and commitment of the students. The many training opportunities offered by Mr. Azenga and Ms. Faith resulted into admirable performance. Thank you to our parents who accompanied the swimmers to Nairobi. I am sure it was a great feeling to see BKIS team come back with medals and a trophy for 3rd place in the 14 and over category. 
This is a team to watch and I am sure it will have many more students joining in for the next Gala.
From the coach’s desk….
Over the weekend we took a team of 23 swimmers to Nairobi for the annual Braeburn Inter-school Swimming Gala held at Braeside School.
This has always been a very competitive event that pulls top swimmers from across all the 10 Braeburn campuses. Selection is done based on timings and due the few slots available just one boy and one girl are selected for each age group. The Kisumu team posted their best performance and scooped 22 medals in total with a number of gold and silver medals in the tally.
The boys 14 and Over category was able to swim away with the overall 3rd place trophy while the 8 and 9 girls’ category bagged gold and bronze for their freestyle and medley relays respectively.
Well done to the team of 7 girls and 16 boys with Shermain being the youngest but pulled the bronze medal in her backstroke.
ROBS Family Picnic
The last family picnic for this academic year is finally here with us! It is taking place tomorrow from 1pm. It will be a great time to have fun together as BKIS family. The attached poster gives more details of the exciting activities. Entry fee is only Ksh.50. There will be food stalls as well as a bake sale organised by the ROBS members. All are invited.
Music Certificates
Our two boys Deven and Arav did an exam organised by the London College of Music (LCM) last term. Their love for drums took them all the way to St. Andrew’s Turi which is the nearest LCM centre to BKIS. They did their best and posted results to be proud of. Congratulations to the boys!
The second week has come to a successful end with the students displaying great understanding of the term values of Respect and Thoughtfulness. This was emphasized by the year 2 students in their assembly presentation as well. It was amazing to have the young ones remind the audience of the need to:
- Show respect to everyone
- Always use the magic words of “Thank You and Welcome”.
- Be thoughtful of others feelings
Our seniors in year 10 also had a great assembly for the High School audience in which they discussed on how the aspects of Respect and Thoughtfulness lead to Happiness.
In general, there was a consensus on the need for consideration of the important values which define an individual. As a school, the annual target of Team Excellence can only be achieved when it is supported by the said values.
Swim Team
The annual Inter-Braeburn Swimming Gala is taking place tomorrow at Braeside School Nairobi. Our BKIS team comprising of 22 swimmers are looking forward to a great performance tomorrow. It is our hope that with the practice and lessons offered, they are going to compete fairly well with their peers in Nairobi. In our assembly today, we wished the team well and assured them of our support. A big thank you to the parents we have travelled all the way to offer the much needed support. It is another great opportunity for exposure to competitive gala.
Geography Inset
BKIS being part of the Kenya Association of International Schools is privileged to host a Geography Inset on Monday 6th from 8:30am. We are expecting over 15 teachers from other International School in Kenya. They shall be discussing matters Geography as part of the continuous professional development.
Year 9 IGCSE Syllabus
The year 9 have successfully started their IGCSE syllabus after completing their end of KS3 assessments. They have chosen the subjects they would like to study for the next two years as they get ready for the IGCSE of 2021.
School Photos
As scheduled, this will take place next week on Wednesday and Thursday. This is an important event as photographs play an important role in everyone's life – good opportunity to keep memories of this year. There shall be sessions for teams, class, whole school as well as siblings photos to be taken. Previously we have extended the offer to families and I am sure the photographers would not mind it this time.
Year 2 and 6 Parents’ Meeting
This term, the year 2 and 6 will be having end of Key stage assessments in Mathematics and English. To enable adequate preparation for this, there shall be a meeting on Wednesday 8th from 3:30pm in the respective classes. It will be a great opportunity to discuss the general expectations as we approach the tests.
ROBS MEETING
There shall be a ROBS meeting on Tuesday 7th from 3:30pm to discuss the Family Picnic on Saturday 11th as well as the planned event for this term. All parents are encouraged to attend.
It is exciting to welcome you back from the short Easter break. We are glad to have the students back looking well rested and ready for the final term of the academic year. It is always a pleasure to welcome new members of BKIS.
Term Values
As we continue with the Annual Target of Team Excellence, our term values are Respect and Thoughtfulness. In our opening assembly, we brainstormed on what it means to be respectful and agreed that:
- Respect starts with individual; we need to practice self-respect
- We have to acknowledge each person’s intrinsic value
- We have to always treat others the way we would like to be treated
- We have to listen to each other.
We also continue with the aspects of Growth Mind-set in our operations.
National Chess Championship
As was communicated earlier, two BKIS students participated in this tournament that was held over the Easter break in Nyeri County.
We must congratulate Deven and Dhara for the great results they posted in their respective categories given that it was their first time! 
Clubs and After School Activities
It is encouraging to note that majority of the club forms are back and Ms. Donia is getting ready to publish the lists in readiness for next week. As stated in the form, all unpaid clubs will be slotted to all students at “first come, first served” basis.
For the paid clubs, students are not allowed to join without a signed club form by a parent/guardian.
The payments for paid clubs should be done at the beginning of the term or at the time of registration. This will allow prompt payment to the peripatetic teachers in charge of these clubs.
The schedule for the after school sports is out. This term we have, Health and Fitness, Swimming, Netball, Football and Dancing on offer. All children are expected to come properly kitted for the activities.
End of KS3 tests
The year 9 students are sitting for their end of Ks3 tests which should end next week Tuesday. Already they have made choices of the subject options for the IGCSE syllabus. From next week Thursday they will officially start the IGCSE syllabus. We wish them well in their studies as they start this important phase of their learning.
Inter Braeburn Swimming Gala
Our swimming team is getting ready for the annual inter Braeburn swimming gala to be held next week on 4th May in Nairobi. Mr. Azenga has already had a meeting with the team and will keep them updated as we approach the date. The team will travel to Nairobi next week Friday to be back on Sunday 5th May.
Mater Heart Run 2019
This will take place on the 25th May 2019. As usual BKIS will be taking part in this great venture to give back to the community. Sponsorship forms will be given to students to help raise funds from well-wishers. Every year, any student raising above Ksh.5,000 receives a special token of appreciation from the Mater Hospital.
Finally, I take this opportunity to wish you a great term ahead!
We have come to the end of another busy but successful week. A lot of revision work has been going in preparation for the End of Term Tests next week. Students from Primary and High school will be having an opportunity to sit for some written tests as a way of assessing the learning that has been going on over the term. Time tables for the said tests have been issued. It is our hope that all students will be in next week to avoid rescheduling of tests.
Parents’ Forum
As calendared, this important meeting will be taking place tomorrow from 10.00am. This is a forum where you have the opportunity to draw the attention of the Senior Management Team to any concerns, suggestions or general comments relating to the school terms of facilities, security, resources and any other non –academic aspects of our school. A big thank you to all those who sent in the agenda items.
Educational Trip
On Monday 18th March, an educational trip was arranged for KS3 & KS4 students to visit Pendeza 
Weaving Project Centre, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi Museum, all in 
Bondo County and Kicomi (1983) Ltd, in Kisumu City. Students were exposed to a variety of constructed textiles techniques such as embroidery, weaving and appliqué, and use of 
appropriate industry technology. In History the students learnt the challenges facing industry and eventual collapse of 
industries in Kenya (a case study of KICOMI). They got to experience and learn the struggle and contribution of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga toward Kenyan independence.
Assembly Acknowledgements
Musical Presentations
Swimming
Last week Saturday, our seniors took part in the Nyanza Secondary Schools swimming team selection that was held at Aga Khan Primary School. It is encouraging to report that BKIS is likely to have two swimmers represent the region in the Nationals to be held in Mombasa next Month. Congratulations to Cindy and Don. 
ABRSM Theory Exams
The much awaited certificates for the above exams finally arrived. It was once again a great opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful performance of the two students (Dhara and Maaya) who both got DISTINCTION grade.
It has been a great week with great news to BKIS family. Toyota Kenya unveiled the Kenyan winners of the 13th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art contest on 13th March 2018. We are proud to announce that out of the 368 entries submitted from participants all over the country, 2 students from Braeburn Kisumu International School emerged among the best 9 in the contest. Both of the students' artworks revolved around the same theme; how to deal with the hyacinth menace in Lake Victoria. Dhara Shah's 'Hyacinth Recycler' emerged 2nd in the 8-11 years category while Arav Patel's 'Hyacinth Harvester' was 3rd in the Under 8 years category. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to Mr. Oketch for the guidance offered.
Mathletics
For the last two weeks BKIS students from Year 1 to Year 10 have been competing in Mathletics. It was a fun as well as a learning opportunity. Many pupils managed to get certificates which will be issued next week.
World Maths Day is the world’s largest online maths competition hosted on the Live Mathletics game engine, part of the award-winning resource, Mathletics, which is used by 4 million students worldwide. The event is open to schools with students aged 5-18 all around the world, to register for and participate in. Participating students earn points by answering as many correct questions as possible alongside other competing students of the same age and ability level. Each game on Live Mathletics runs for 60 seconds and students strike out of a game early if they answer 3 questions incorrectly. If the daily points total is high enough, one can appear on the Hall of Fame leader board that day!
This competition is now in Cool Down phase until Monday 18 March, students can continue to challenge other students around the world in Live Mathletics.
School Production
BKIS is gearing up to present Man of Steel an all-time popular school musical.
Get your seatbelts ready as this is an action-packed musical spoof, a parody of the most famous comic book Superman and a spectacular show of heroically super proportions! A comic musical that centres on the entertaining battle of our Super Hero Ken (and his Heroine Linda) triumphing over the evil Countess Olga and her motley Henchmen. If only he could get it right occasionally….why are tights so hard to wear... If only Rita and her fellow gossip ladies had super powers to fiercely protect and hide his human traits…….We can’t wait to stage it!
Rehearsals are on-going as we tirelessly work on our flight mode manoeuvres. We will step up rehearsal sessions next week as we polish our acts and singing prowess. Look out for more news on this.
Science Fair 2019
As a way of show casing our passion for Science, BKIS students have been working on various amazing projects. The confidence and mastery of the concepts were displayed during the event. 
Assembly Acknowledgements
Devane Tocho performed an excellent piece on the piano during our assembly in preparation for the Tea time concert next term.
Braeburn Kisumu International School