It was fabulous to see so many parents join us for the recent Speech Day & Prize Giving. I warmly congratulate all the prize winners and the musicians who performed on the day. It was a gloriously sunny day, appropriate for celebrating the school year and our students’ achievements. It was a real delight to be joined by our guest speaker, Ms Yvonne Darcq, a Greensteds alumnus and now very successful performing artist both internationally and within Kenya, and to hear some of her very positive memories and some lessons for life, in particular for the class of 2018, on their graduation day.

We congratulate all of our Year 13 students on their graduation from Greensteds. I have absolutely no doubt that we are, again, releasing a fine group of young men and women out into the wider world, where they will not only thrive but also make a difference in the lives of those around them. This group again underline our vision of developing young citizens of integrity ready to become global leaders. We wish them all well!

As well as congratulating our graduates, we also congratulated our year group and subject prize-winners, thus recognizing their outstanding performances in both academic and co-curricular activities.

As we move towards the conclusion of another successful and fulfilling school year, we reflect on all that has been achieved. As well as great academic achievements and some stunning sporting performances including champions at KAIIS, IAPS and regional levels, our performing arts continue to rise to higher and higher levels. Our musicians performed at the Junction Mall in Nairobi, last weekend, drawing a multitude of compliments for the outstanding quality of music on display. I congratulate all staff and students involved. I am sure we will be back for a repeat performance, next term.

The end of a school year is not only a time for reflection but also for farewells. I confirm that the following members of the teaching staff will be moving on from Greensteds at the end of this term: Mr Evans & Miss Burr, Mrs Wairimu, Ms Rukenya, Mr Nyolei, Mr Schampier, Ms Asaala, Mr Bosire, Mr & Mrs Onyango, Miss Thrika, Mr Omengo and Mr Musau.

The Headmaster’s Word...

May 2018 Issue No. 51

Greensteds Newsletter

It is admirable to do the right thing

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2018!

>> The Twice - Termly Greensteds Newsletter

(continued next page...)

We thank them all warmly for their fantastic contribution to Greensteds school life, not just in the classroom, but also across the many other areas of school activity. I commend them all on their service to the School and we wish them all well as they look to start a new chapter in their careers.

At the same time, I am pleased to announce the following appointments to the Greensteds staff team, as from the start of next term. As ever, our interview process has been extensive, interviewing teachers in the UK, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, China, Malaysia and Italy, as we continue to strive to recruit the very best teachers available.

Name Role Joining fromNigel Bevan Director of P.E. Guanghua College, Shanghai, ChinaJuliet Mutua Early Years Coordinator Brookhouse School, NairobiNathalie Elmore Mathematics Teacher International School of EgyptDavid Wasilwa Head of Learning Support Brookhouse School, NairobiPhilippa Toley Head of Geography The Netherhall School, Cambridge, UKDavid Green Physics Teacher Chew Valley School, Bristol, UKKatie Dean English & Art Teacher Ryedale Sec. School, Yorkshire, UK, via Kitale, KenyaBoniface Tsove Spanish Teacher Premier Academy, NairobiEverlyn Githiga Head of History Aga Khan High School, NairobiJackline Matu Science & Learning Support Mount Kenya Academy, KenyaDoris Kwambo Junior School Class Teacher Peponi House Prep School, NairobiMatilda Bartholomew Gap Student Teacher Edinburgh University, Scotland, UK.Ulta Omwega Gap Student Teacher Kisii University, Kenya

I am sure their substantial experience and diverse skillsets will very quickly make a hugely positive impression on the School and students alike.

I wish all of our students and teachers a well-earned break, over half-term. For those still in the midst of exams, I encourage them all to mix some rest with well-planned revision, so as to be ready for when their next exam comes around.

I very much look forward to seeing parents again at our next Parents’ Visiting Weekend over the weekend of June 16th & 17th.

Mr. Murray-Walker

Headmaster’s Word continued...

Solai Dam DisasterA team of our school staff are currently evaluating the best way in which we can respond to the recent tragedy when a dam burst its banks in Solai, near Nakuru. We will contact all members of our community soon with more information, should people wish to join in.

School PhotosJust in case you missed it, our school photo provider has sent an email link to all parents, which enables you to order individual, sibling, class and school photos should you so wish. The email would have come from our provider Jonathan Cooke. Should you not be able to find it, the school office will be able to help you with the same.

UniformAs you send your son or daughter back to school, we would like to remind you that they should have 3 sets of the school uniform. Kindly check that they do, as this helps them manage their daily requirements whilst uniform is washed and returned to them.

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS AND NOTICES

Parents’ Weekend – 16th - 17th June 2018

End of Trinity Term (Lessons End) – Fri, 6th July 2018

End of Trinity Term (Boarders depart) – Sat, 7th July 2018

The current academic year seems to be speeding towards its conclusion but we still have some important events

to come. Year 6 pupils have their induction programme for the Senior School - Chicken Wire! The Reception class

will be looking forward to their graduation to the Junior School Year 1. It

is important to make transition as smooth as possible and the Early Years

and Junior staff will be making sure all the relevant academic and pastoral

information about each child is transferred to their new teachers. The children shall be well

prepared for this next stage of their education. Also, each year group in the Junior School will

be going on their annual residential trip and I hope to visit as many as possible this year. It is

great seeing the children outside their usual school environment.

We recently had our termly Key Stage coffee mornings which many parents attended as

well as a very successful event at Gilani’s restaurant in Nakuru where parents listened to a

presentation from Mr Winstanley about pathways in the Senior School.

Towards the end of term, the children will be participating in Rugby and Netball tournaments

and festivals and if you are able to come and support your child, it would be highly appreciated.

Finally, please consider flexible boarding options for your child from September. There are many advantages for your child in boarding

for a few nights each week and I would be happy to discuss options on an individual basis with parents.

Have a restful half term break.

Mr. Freeman

From the Head of Junior School

During our recent prize-giving day

We are now in the middle of the exam season, with students in Years 11, 12 and 13 sitting very important exams for iGCSE and A level

subjects. It is important that revision continues over the half term break and students return ready to tackle their remaining exams.

All parents of students in Years 11, 12 and 13 will have received an email about return to school dates and final leaving dates; please

refer to this or contact me if you have any questions.

As we continue to develop our academic curriculum, we introduce a new string to our

bow for Year 9 starting in September 2018. The Greensteds Baccalaureate or GreenBac as

it will be known, is a program of study for the Year 9 students focusing on developing

transferable skills through adventure and enquiry education which can be used to improve

performance at Key Stage 4. For one afternoon a week, students will undertake a series of

tasks, working in groups to achieve their own GreenBac certificate at either distinction,

merit or pass. We are the only school in Kenya to offer such as program and look forward to our Year 9s completing the GreenBac

next year.

Mr. Winstanley

WORD FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTER

BRIGHT LIGHTS

This term is a very serious one for the Sixth Form; all of them have final exams to sit. It is natural that they feel the pressure to do well

as a stepping stone to the next phase of their lives, be it work experience or tertiary education.

Despite this, we found time to let our hair down. They enjoyed a night of red carpet glamour, fine dining and dancing the evening

away, to celebrate all the hard work they have put in. It was a great evening focused solely on this group of wonderful young people.

We also launched the Sixth Form Stars dinner; We hosted 12 remarkable students whose achievements in different areas of the

school were outstanding. This will be a termly endeavour to encourage and reward the pursuit of excellence within the Sixth Form.

Another special day was our Speech Day, during which we celebrated achievements as well as contributions to the Greensteds

Community of each student in the Sixth Form.

We wish each student all the best in their exams, and for our Year 13 cohort, all the best in their pursuits post Greensteds. Our school

will always be home to them and I welcome them back to share their experiences and celebrate further developments with us.

Cheers to another great year!

Ms. Sangoro

Head of Sixth Form

Year 13 Leavers & Sixth Form Dinner

While Kipchoge was busy doing his bit in London, an elite team of over 80

Greensteds students embarked on a gargantuan 100km running relay, which

would test teamwork and stamina. As the sun rose on Sunday 22nd April

2018, Tomy, Paul, Charles and James picked their batons and started running

the first leg of the Run-a-Ton relay. Due to adverse weather, our usual route

from Narok town to Greensteds School had to be changed in order to include

circuits around the local rural areas of Greenview, Soy Sambu, Elementaita and

Machini. The pace was exceptional throughout the day as more runners than

ever before took up the challenge, ranging from Year 7 students, to Year 13

students, to teachers.

Our student leaders comprising Cindy O., Simran and Felicia were remarkably organised in ensuring that the teams were ready to run

and provided encouragement throughout the day to our intrepid athletes. The whole Run-a-Ton team completed the last kilometre

together as they entered Greensteds through the back gate and through Coronation Avenue, to finish a gruelling 100km in front of the

assembly hall at exactly 5:17pm. I would like to congratulate all the runners that took part and extend my heartfelt gratitude to staff,

drivers and the catering team, as we look forward to continuing this active and challenging tradition next year.

Mr. Pearce

Greensteps Coordinator

RUN-A-TON 2018

TRINITY TERM HIGHLIGHTS (PART 1)

FROM THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Mental Health Awareness Month has taken place annually during the month of

May since 1949. This year’s theme focused on the connection between mental and

physical health. It is very important to be aware of the link between our physical

and mental health.

There are many ways in which physical health can support the mind. A few examples

of healthy habits that can boost mental health include:

• Sleep: Did you know that sleep recharges the mind and body and allows new neural pathways to form and may contribute

to resilience? Next time you think of missing your sleep be informed that lack of sleep can raise cortisol (the stress hormone)

levels and heighten the fight or flight response.

• Nutrition: Food not only fuels your body but also impacts which hormones the body produces. Eating certain foods helps

boost serotonin levels, which can improve moods.

• Exercise: Studies show that regular exercise can help relieve stress and improve moods. It has also been shown to reduce

anxiety and depression.

• Talking about feelings.

• Taking time to relax and reflect.

• Talking to friends.

• Taking part in something that makes you happy.

• Learning how to solve problems effectively.

To mark this year’s mental awareness month, our Psychology students took a trip to Mathari Mental Hospital in Nairobi. The

counsellors, the psychiatrist nurses and the mental specialists were very welcoming; the patients were enthusiastic and the students

enjoyed talking to them and listening to their touching stories.

The trip was an eye opener as the students gained immense experience and were able to put into context what they have learnt

in the Psychology class. They met people living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and those recovering from drug

addiction.

One effective way of keeping students mentally healthy and safe is by teaching them about mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In Greensteds, we do so through our PSHE curriculum. During the PSHE lessons, students are taught healthy coping strategies and

how to understand their emotions as well as those of other people. Additionally, these lessons serve as a vehicle for providing

students who do develop difficulties with strategies to keep themselves healthy and safe, as well as empowering them to support

any of their friends who are facing challenges. As we marked the mental awareness month, it was enriching to see students make

posters, write poems and songs related to mental health. We equally held group discussions on substance abuse, family issues and

anger management. As we raise awareness about mental health, let us bear in mind that nurturing the body through self-care can

provide more energy for other activities that boost mental health.

Mrs. Maina

Head of Psychology

www.greenstedsschool.com

Have a restful

half-term!