Last Friday was the climax of the many rehearsals and practice by our young actors and actress from EYFS and KS1 when they finally staged their production, “Are We Nearly There Yet” at Simba club. The mastery of both music and the lines was just amazing! It indeed confirmed how BKIS students are Confident Individuals who enjoy success in their learning. The fantastic musical was well executed by the young learners as sampled below:
Clubs’ Assembly
Our emphasis in nurturing talents was witnessed today during the assembly. BKIS runs many clubs which
in effect expose learners to different experiences for their holistic development. Through clubs, many life skills and values are imparted to the students which will eventually play a big role in ensuring that they are Responsible Citizens. This is well captured by the write up below from our club’s Coordinator; Ms. Donia:
“Learning is about so much more than just the academics. Here at BKIS, character matters and our total program is designed to inspire and encourage students to become their best selves. The development of good character lies at the heart of all that we do and this is more important than exam results. We strive to offer as many different clubs, sports and extra curriculum activities as possible and we try to accommodate the wishes and interests of our students. Becoming a confident individual, a responsible citizen, a good friend, a true leader and a cooperative and resilient team member is not something you can learn from books; it's the life skills you need to practise and experience on a day to bay basis. At BKIS, we care about what and who you become”.
World Scholar’s Cup
The World Scholars Cup club members participated in the exhilarating Tournament of Champions which was held in Yale University – USA last week. This was the meeting of the crème de la crème. It was without doubt a rigorous and invigorating competition. Debate topics included:
The UN should have more power to Veto national elections and - Black markets are now more important than ever- our students won the black market debate motion! Find out from them what they presented to convince the judge…Students also took part in Collaborative Writing Competitions, Scholars Bowl as well as Scholars Challenge. These sections do test your knowledge in the six subject’s studied. That was not all, they got a chance to interact with top students from all over the world and got to pick their brains on various subjects. Despite the extreme cold and sometimes snowing days, they got a chance to see Connecticut and a bit of Yale University. It was a life changing experience and they confess that they can’t wait to delve into next year’s theme – A world of Margins.
BKIS has Champions!
This has been a very exciting week with a lot of notable achievements. As calendared in our planner, BKIS set the pace in marking the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Wednesday 21st. A brief history of this celebration was given by one of our parents; Rachel Griffith as, “ Thanksgiving Day, is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. ... The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621”. She also reminded the BKIS community to always be thankful for the many experiences we have.
The climax of the day was of course the sharing of the meals brought to school by our supportive parents. It was also a great opportunity to reunite over a meal as BKIS family.
We also had the rear opportunity to see the talents in BKIS as was coordinated by the student council. Indeed BKIS has Talents ranging from dance moves, singing and creativity in puppet show!
A big thank you to all those who made the day a great success. Thank you too to our MD –Mr. Andy Hill who also graced the occasion.
KS1 & EYFS Production
After many weeks of rehearsals, our little ones are ready stage their production entitled, “Are we Nearly There Yet”. This week, they had the real experience of a stage at Simba club during their rehearsals. As such therefore, all roads lead to Simba club this evening. Come and support our actors.
Because of this wonderful show, school will end at 3:10pm today. The EYFS, KS1 and Back-up singers to be dropped at Simba club by 5:30 pm. We shall endeavour to keep time.
Christmas Boxes
As we approach the end of term, our Student Council students are appealing to BKIS community to support their charitable venture of supporting a children’s home this Christmas season. BKIS is known for extending a helping hand to the needy in our community. To this end, the students are urged to start bringing in their Christmas boxes with the theme colour being black from next week. The children will need to fill a shoe box, or similar sized box, with the following items:
- Toothpaste Sanitary items (secondary school girls)
- Soap Biscuits/sweets
- A small gift New underwear
- Toothbrush Pencil, Pens, Rulers, or Reading books
The Student Council will award a prize for the best wrapped boxes.
Acknowledgements
Congratulations to the following students for the various achievements.
As we come to the end of the term, our focus of Team Excellence continues to manifest itself in many ways. Last weekend we had the opportunity to celebrate Diwali in a BKIS style. This went further to confirm our commitment to appreciate our diversity as a community. The great teamwork was clearly expressed and championed by our parents’ body (ROBS) in close collaboration with students and teachers. A special mention of the following groups/persons who offered great entertainment during the event:
- Punjabi dance troupe led by Diya and Maaya
- Brief talk on Diwali by Eesha
- Solo dance by Dhara
- Song session by Choti Dhanjal (Diya’s mum).
- BKIS family dance led by Ms. Donia
It was a great evening; thank you all to those who made it!
Thanksgiving
It is finally here with us! Next week on the 21st November, BKIS will take the lead in marking this great day in the USA calendar. This is a “family style” luncheon with classes sitting together. Each pupil brings in a specific dish to help replicate a Thanksgiving meal. Parents and friends are welcome to attend this event - it is very popular and we encourage families and friends to join in!
The luncheon will be followed by a BKIS Has Got Talent presentation which parents are also encouraged to enter.
The event will start at 12:30pm and is expected to end by 2pm.
End of school Exit Procedure
For the sake of accountability and safety of the children, we have come up with a home time register for those not on the bus. We have had a chat with the students on this and are aware that they have to report to the teachers on duty before going home. This implies that the students will only be released to the known people to the school. As such therefore, all the students will be expected to wait for their parents or guardians under the tent.
…And sadly we say goodbye to Qamara and Jayden who are relocating to Canada. We wish them well.
Sports Desk
Last week BKIS team of 10 students took part in the Junior Kasarani Athletics. It was a good exposure to the team and excellent learning opportunities were availed. I am sure Mr.Azenga will continue to guide the athletes to their full potentials.
In our assembly today, we also had the opportunity to thank all the students who took part in the recently held BKIS cross country. A special mention went to Sunshine of year 1 for being the only U6 who took part in this. Well done Sunshine!
Upcoming Events:
- Soca Afrique Tournament tomorrow at Moi Stadium: Our U15 and U10 team will be taking part from 9-1pm. Best wishes to the team.
- EYFS & KS1 production: This will be taking place next week on the 23rd November at Simba club from 6pm. All are invited.
- Exams week: Week 14 will be exams week for Year1 to 10. Revision booklets have been given to Year 1-6.
- Christmas Cantata: This will take place on the 6th of December here at school from 4pm.
The last two weeks have been extremely busy in BKIS. We had the opportunity to display the term value of Cooperation to support our annual target of Team Excellence to produce admirable results.
BKIS ICT Day
Last week Thursday was a special day in BKIS calendar. This was the day students were allowed to bring in their own devices to enhance learning through the ICT. The day's activities started after break. All key stages had a briefing. QR Codes with questions for Scavenger Hunt were placed all over the compound. Pupils from Year 1 to Year 10 were put into various groups according to their Key Stage. They enjoyed scanning the codes and answering questions that appeared on their devices. High school also had an internet scavenger hunt. This involved answering general questions by researching the internet. Presentations from each Year group were good and students enjoyed seeing what other students had to showcase. The final event was an inter-house Kahoot competition. The quiz was very interesting and at the end Tilapia emerged the winner. It is encouraging to report that all the gadgets were used responsibly and safely and great learning took place.
BKIS Cross Country
Last Saturday, we held another successful cross country involving three schools with amazing talents in different categories of U9, U12 and U16. A big thank you to BKIS team for showing determination throughout the event.
A special mention of Safiya, Amina, Jamie and Zawadi for winning medals in their categories.
Maaya’s resilience was acknowledged during the event and this led to her being awarded a medal. Well done Maaya.
Art Certificates
The Orchid Art Competition’s certificates finally arrived! As had been mentioned earlier, BKIS emerged the overall winner in 7-10 years category. As a result, the school earned a gift voucher worth ksh.20,000 to be redeemed at Text book Centre. Dhara S. (the overall winner in 7-10 category) also received her gift voucher during the assembly. Once again, congratulations to BKIS team.
WORL SCHOLARS CUP
It is exciting to announce that our team that qualified for the Tournament of 
Champions in the last global round which was held in Barcelona is ready once again to fly the BKIS flag at Yale University. We wish them well even as they plan to battle it out with other scholars. It is already a great achievement to make it to the Tournament of Champions and we are proud of Vanessa, Cindy and Samantha. The 2018 Tournament of Champions is scheduled for November 16-21.
BKIS DIWALI
As has been the tradition, BKIS will be celebrating Diwali tomorrow. Our parents have been very helpful in setting up the event. At BKIS, the students are exposed to major religions of the world through time tabled Religious Education subject in Primary school. This is in line with our great vision of having students who are broad minded individuals; an aspect of Internationalism. Exciting activities are lined up for us. The event will run from 6pm to 8pm.
Welcome back from the mid-term break. The students look well rested and ready for the second half of the term. Over the short break, some great achievements were realized by our boys and girls as listed below:
Tae Kwondo Tournament
On the 13th of October, there was a tournament that took place at the Goan Hall. BKIS was represented by Deven, Dhara, Krit and Malaika. It involved Sparring, Breakings, Speed Kicking and Poomsae. Well done to the team for earning various medals in different categories.
Orchid Art Competition
BKIS participated in the recently concluded Kenya Orchid Society Art Competition. The school emerged 1st position in the 7-10 years category. We congratulate Dhara for being 1st position in 7-10 years category, Arav and Deven for being Highly Commended in the 7-10 years category, Rowland and Pamela also for being Highly Commended in 11-13 years category and 6 years and below respectively.
A big thank you to Mr. Oketch for the guidance and training offered to the students that enabled them produce excellent pieces.
High School Educational Trip
Over the mid-term break, our seniors had a great time learning practical application of Biology and Geography in Njoro, Nakuru County.
Year 4 Assembly Presentation
Year Fours have been learning the Descant Recorder since the beginning of this term alongside their other Musical Activities. In our assembly today, were treated to a well synchronized medley of 3 tunes of Mary had a little Lamb, Hot Cross Buns and Rain go away.
Going forward, we shall endeavour to have more musical presentations in our assemblies. This will also be a great opportunity for students to show case their skills .Ms.Buluma is currently working on a schedule.
BKIS ICT DAY
On Thursday, 1st of November, we will celebrate the second BKIS I.C.T. Day! This year’s theme is “Secure Technology”. For this special event, all students will be allowed to bring their electronic devices (phone, Ipad, laptop, etc.) to school. A temporary internet connection will be provided in every class. Apart from this, the day will be packed with great learning activities for all groups from Year 1 up to Year 10! Kindly note that;
- The student is responsible for maintaining a 100% working device at all times. The student shall use reasonable care to ensure that the device is not damaged. Refer to the planners for the ICT Usage Agreement. Examples of damage include, but are not limited to:
- Damage or loss resulting from an unattended Device while at or away from school.
- Damage when others use the device
- Using device in an unsafe environment and/or in an unsafe manner.
School Accountant and Administrator
BKIS has a new Accountant and Administrator by the name of Ms. Hope Eve. She takes over from Ms. 
Beatrice who has moved to our sister school in Mombasa (Braeburn Mombasa). It is my hope that Hope will easily settle into the BKIS family through our usual great support.
Braeburn Kisumu International School