DISNEY’S HIGHSCHOOL MUSICAL

CHAIRMAN’SBURSARY

FIRE & ICECHARITY BALL

NEWSLETTERTHE ROM AN RIDGE SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS TERM 2014ISSUE 9

MESSAGE FROMTHE PRINCIPAL

It is hard to believe that the firstterm of the 2014/2015 AcademicYear has already come and gone -time really does fly when you'rehaving fun! Christmas Term 2014was packed full of exciting activi-ties, educational exhibitions andlots of special events, captured inthis beautiful publication com-piled by our growing NewsletterClub, led by Editor-In-Chief DaisySowah (Upper 6, Science). Spe-cial thanks to all teachers andparents who helped out with pho-tos and information, especiallyMrs. Alberta Hassan (Class 2Teacher), Mrs. Abenaa Asumang& Mr. Carl Sackey. We invite youto take a few minutes to flipthrough, enjoy and share withfriends & family. Many thanks toall for your continued support;together we continue to strive forexcellence for the benefit of ourchildren. On behalf of everyone atThe Roman Ridge School, wewish you a very Happy New Yearand look forward to continuedblessings in the year to come!

VALERIE MAINOO

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOLMUSICAL - LIVE ON STAGE

FOUNDED 2002

TOP

STORIES

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Theme: I Read Therefore I Am 2 Juniror School Science Exhibition 3 Junior School Reading Fair 4 Special Achievements 5 Yale Young African Scholars 6 African Regent Xmas Talent Show 6 Chairman’s Bursary 7 World Teachers Day 8 Cultural Spotlight: Diwali 8

INSIDE THIS ISSUE First Annual Global Summit 9-10 Disney’s High School Musical 11-12 Remembrance Day & Poppy Drive 13 Under 12 Soccer @ GIS 13

Activities Spotlight: Swimming 13 TRRS Wins Business Cup Challenge 14 Jingle Bell Rock Gallery 15-16 Charity Ball for Nicole’s Helpline 17-18 Sixth Form Trip to Dubai 19-20 Tribute—Mr. Ekow Awoonor 21

Our theme, I Read…Therefore I Am… was the inspiration for

various events and programmes held over the course of the

term. Each week in the Junior, Middle & Senior Schools, stu-

dents took charge of Morning Assembly, and dazzled us

with performances showcasing their talents in music, dance

and drama. Winning classes enjoyed an Ice Cream Prize!

BEST ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE

WINNERS!

CLASS 2ADA

FORM 1 EAST

L6 SCIENCE

CONGRATULATIONS!

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On 3 December 2014, the Junior School hosted a

colourful and interactive Science Exhibition, to show-

case pupils’ work over the course of the term. Thank

you to Ms. Gloria Awuku-Boateng (Junior School Sci-

ence Co-ordinator) for organising this event!

JUNIOR SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION

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On 7 November 2014 the Junior School hosted a

Reading Fair to celebrate our love of reading and ex-

hibit their work in Literacy. We were honoured to wel-

come renowned Ghanaian poet and author, Professor

Atukwei Okai, who graciously delivered the Keynote

Address and signed autographs for his very excited

fans, following their recitation of a selection of his

poetry.

JUNIOR SCHOOL READING FAIR

Nii Adjei Ala Lomo (Upper 6, Science) - Recognised by the MISE Founda-

tion for Maths, Science and Technology for his superior performance on

the International Mathematical Kangaroo contest, which is one of the

world’s most popular maths competitions with over 6 million participants.

Nii Adjei recently participated in the British Mathematical Olympiad in Abu-

ja, Nigeria (November 2014) and has been selected to represent Ghana in

the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) to be held from 4-16 July

2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which attracts the best Maths students from

over 100 countries.

Safoa Amadi (F5W) - After seeing a poster on one of our notice

boards, Safoa applied and successfully gained admission to the Ox-

ford Royale Academy Summer Programme, held at the University of

Oxford in the UK. After attending classes throughout July/August

2014, she successfully completed courses in Human Biology, Phys-

ics, Chemistry and Business, receiving A grades across board and

receiving a Special Award for Outstanding Effort.

Naa Achoi Ala Lomo (F5W) - Budding young poet

whose beautiful poem entitled, 'In Pursuit of Hap-

piness', was published in The Mirror (September

2014). She is hoping to work with a local publish-

ing company to have some of her work published

in a collection of poems & stories for children.

Shlesha Van (F5E) - Completing internship

with Noguchi Institute, based on her original re-

search ideas. In July/August 2014 she also com-

pleted a comprehensive summer programme at

the Noguchi Institute that involved everything

from field work with Buruli Ulcer patients to mos-

quito DNA extractions. She will complete her re-

search in the upcoming months and we are hoping

to enter her work into a variety of international

science contests and competitions.

Special Achievements

Naa Achoi & Shlesha

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The Yale Young African Scholars Programme is a high-intensity six-day program designed for African students, hosted by Yale Uni-

versity (USA). Following an extremely competitive selection process, our Head Girl Leiya Salis was selected and completed the pro-

gramme at the Institute of African Studies - University of Ghana (Legon) in August 2014.

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“Wow. What was that?”

Those were the first words I uttered as my dad`s red KIA rolled out of Yiri Lodge, hopping into the busy streets of Accra. The Yale

Young African Scholars (YYAS) programme was more than a rigorous summer programme. It was transformative. It was new and

fresh. It was revolutionary. Yes, I am a lover of fancy, dramatic words, but this time I am not exaggerating.

When I entered the doors of Yiri Lodge that blessed August morning, I was but a teenage girl, yearning for something to spice up my

summer. I was hungry for real food and brain food. When I left however, something in me had changed. YYAS kindled the passionate

African in me in a mere week. Whether it was through the seminars and project groups, or just the simple interactions I had in the

New Lounge, every single word I exchanged with anyone during the programme fueled my intellectual development.

The next round of YYAS is coming up! Summer 2015 will be in Zimbabwe and Kenya. I hope more students from TRRS will apply and

take part in next year’s programme. Please visit their website (http://globalscholars.yale.edu/africa) for more information.

On Saturday 6 December 2014, our budding

School Band performed at the “Afropolitan” Christ-

mas Musical Show, held at the African Regent Ho-

tel (Airport West). They dazzled the audience with

their funky Christmas medley and beautiful season-

al ballads. Congratulations to Oracking Reynolds

(L6 Science), JT Dakwa (L6 Science), Jesse Obeng

Asante (L6 Arts), Rose Andoh (L6, Science), Ar-

mand Zoobi (F4 W) and to Mr. Titus Adjei (TRRS

School Band Co-ordinator) for an outstanding per-

formance!

Yale Young

African

Scholars

Programme

TRRS School Band—African Regent Hotel’s Lighting of Xmas Tree

Leiya Salis

(centre)

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On 10 October 2014, we announced that Kwaku Addo (Lower 6, Arts) had been awarded Chairman's Bursary (Special

Award), in light of his outstanding contributions to the sport of Swimming, representing Ghana on the World Stage. The

award consists of a full scholarship for his entire Sixth Form education at TRRS and is valued at over GHC 36, 0000.00.

Some of his swimming achievements include:-

Swimming for TRRS at ISSAG tournaments over the past 2 years, receiving a total of 2 trophies for Overall Winner and 10 gold medals

Swimming for the Tesano Dolphins Swim Club he has competed internationally, travelling to Nigeria and Germany

and since 2011 has won staggering total of 27 gold medals, 3 silver medals and a bronze medal

Swimming for the Ghanaian National Team, he has won 5 gold medals, broken 2 national records and currently holds

two national records, for the 50 m freestyle and 50 m butterfly

Attending the World Championships in Barcelona in 2013, where he dropped his personal best

He’s attended the World Youth Championships in Dubai in 2013, where he set a new national record.

In July 2014 he represented Ghana at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, competing amongst some of

the finest athletes in the world, and dropping his personal best.

In August 2014, Kwaku competed in the Youth Olympic Games, held in Nanjing, China, where he placed 2nd in his

heat and again dropped his personal best.

We continue to watch in anticipation and cheer him on with excitement, as he works toward qualifying for the 2016 Olympic

Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Congratulations to Kwaku on his many amazing achievements!

Chairman’s Bursary (Special Award) — Kwaku Addo

(L-R: Dr. Frank B. Adu, Jnr—Chairman of Board of Directors,

Valerie Mainoo (Principal), Nana Otua Owusuaa (Kwaku’s

Mother) & Kwaku Addo

Mr. Chris Essilfie (Chef de Mis-

sion, Commonwealth Games

Mr. Gordon Gopaldas

(Executive Director) & Kwaku

Addo during Special Assembly

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On Monday 6 October 2014 we held a very special Morning Assembly to receognise and celebrate our Teachers and their impact

on our children. Our PTA Chairman, Mr. Carl Sackey, thanked all members of the TRRS Teaching Staff for their hard work and

Mrs. Ekuba Quayenortey (PTA Executive Member) delivered a heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of all parents of TRRS. Stu-

dent representatives from the Junior, Middle & Senior Schools delivered messages of gratitude, thanking Teachers of TRRS for

believing in them. Noor Moolchandani (Form 3 West) sang a beautiful musical tribute, accompanied by Leon Lewis-Nicol (U6,

Arts) and Junior School pupils then distributed homemade cards with poems and messages of thanks, to all Teachers of TRRS.

Thank you very much to Mrs. Abigail Duah-Antwi & Ms. Antoinette Gyadua-Adu for organising this! In the afternoon, Teachers

gathered for a celebration of cake and drinks, hosted by the TRRS PTA. Many thanks also to Mr & Mrs Siriboe (TRRS Parents)

for sending a special cake to our staff to commemorate this event!

Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival held every au-

tumn, that spiritually signifies the victory of light

over darkness. Diwali is an auspicious occasion for

many Indians all over the world. It is commonly

known as The Festival of Lights. Many diyas (oil

lamps) are lit in order to welcome Lakshmi (the

Goddess of wealth). This year’s Diwali was cele-

brated in late October 2014 and was full of happi-

ness and joy. Many Indians take Diwali as an oppor-

tunity to celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy cele-

bration as a community which is the main essence

of Diwali. This auspicious day brings wealth and

happiness, a new year, a new start of togetherness.

By Nidhi Bahtia (F1 W)

CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT DIWALI

The Festival Of Lights

International World Teachers Day—5 October 2014

L-R: Nidhi Bhatia (F1W) & Nikita Ahuja (Form 3 E)

Teacher See the good inside me Take my hand and guide me Your way Teacher When you see me giving up Teach me how to stand up Again Thank you for all that you have done Thank you for all you

do I've been molded by your hands So, thank you Thank you Teacher We are still the young ones But, we won't be the young ones For long Teacher Take me and define me When you are beside

me I'm strong When I'm old and wiser I'll remem-ber you Promise I'll grow stronger At the thought of you Thank you for all that you have done Thank you for all you do I've been

molded by your hands

So, thank you Thank you I've been molded by your hands So, thank you Thank you

~ As sung by Noor (F3 W), Author Unknown

L-R: Mrs. Mabel Dadson Addo (Teacher of the

Year 2013/2014), Mr. Carl Sackey (PTA Chair),

Mrs. Viviane Sowah (Principal Teacher)

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The First Annual TRRS Global Summit focused on Sub-Saharan Africa and pertinent regional issues, including: the outbreak of thedeadly Ebola virus, an ugly shoot up of terrorism in Nigeria, severe currency crisis in Ghana and NATO operations in Libya. F rom 22-24 October 2014, TRRS students conferred to discuss and try to find solutions to these real life crises situations. They role playedleaders from nation states and international interest groups , representing Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Libya, Guinea, Sierra Leone, IMF,World Bank, USA, China, EU, UN (the Security Council), WHO, Doctors Without Borders and ECOWAS. During the Opening Cere-monies, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe delivered an informative Keynote Address that focused on the Ebola Crisis in West Africa. Dr.Asiedu-Bekoe is Public Health Physician with a specialisation in Epidemiology, who is currently a Member of the Technical Co-ordination Committee for the National Response to Ebola Outbreak in Ghana.

TRRS Global Summit : A Region in Turmoil

L-R: Ore Akindele (F5) MC of OpeningCeremony & Leiya Salis (L6 Science)Director of Global Summit Conference

During the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe delivered an in-formative Keynote Address that focused on the Ebola Crisis in West Africa.

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe is Public Health Physician with a specialisation in Epidemiology. Hehas worked at the international, national, regional and district levels, consulting for theWorld Health Organization and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on theGlobal Programme for the Eradication of Polio in Afghanistan in 2010. Dr. Asiedu-Bekoeis currently a Member of the Technical Co-ordination Committee for the National Re-sponse to Ebola Outbreak in Ghana.

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We were very pleased to welcome Mr. Jean-Marc Lepain (International Monetary Fund - IMF) to The Roman Ridge School on the evening of Thursday 6 November 2014 to deliver a Special Lecture, entitled: Ghana’s Economic Development: Lessons for Africa. This event was a follow-on to our First Annual Global Summit. We were very pleased to welcome a student delegation from SOS-HG College who travelled from Tema to join us for this in-formative and interesting event. Many thanks to Mr. Le-pain for obliging our invitation and taking time from his busy schedule to spend the evening with us! Jean-Marc Lepain is a career Economist, specializing in banking,

Public Finance Management (PFM) consultancy, cash manage-

ment and treasury systems, macro-fiscal modelling and budget

formulation. He has served as a consultant for the World Bank,

DfID, ADB, USAID, GIZ, and the EU, in Europe, Asia and Africa. In

January 2014 he joined IMF Regional Technical Assistance Cen-

tre AFRITAC West 2 as Resident Regional PFM Advisor and is

now based in Accra.

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On 7 December 2014, students of TRRS

performed Disney’s beloved ‘High School

Musical’ to a sold-out crowd at the Interna-

tional Conference Centre, live on stage for

the very first time in Ghana! We applaud

our students, teachers, coaches and par-

ent volunteers, who worked tirelessly for

months to bring this spectacular pro-

gramme to fruition. We are immensely

grateful to all of our sponsors, whose gen-

erosity has helped make this show a reali-

ty, and extend a special message thanks to

the Executive Production Team - Mrs. Jo-

anna Sam, Mrs. Laila Owusu, Mrs. Debbie

Boaitey & Ms. Sandra Don-Arthur.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

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Further to their lessons in History, Class 2

led a whole school Red Poppy Drive that

raised GhC 1329.00 for the Veterans As-

sociation of Ghana. This culminated on

Monday 11 November 2014, with an offi-

cial commemoration of Remembrance

Day, consisting of the Laying of Wreaths,

dramatizations and poetry recitals. Many

thanks to Mrs. Alberta Hassan and Mrs.

Abigail Duah-Antwi for organising this

event!

Last term, our Under-12

Boys & Girls Soccer teams

participated in a tourna-

ment at GIS placing 2nd &

3rd respectively. Congrats

to all players and their

coaches Mr. Danso & Mr.

Brown on a great perfor-

mance! Way to go!

Every Saturday morning, TRRS pupils

gather at Lizzy Sports Complex (East

Legon) for swimming lessons with Felix

Fitness. Lessons are administered ac-

cording to ability level (Beginner, Interme-

diate & Advanced). Aside from being

great exercise, swimming skills and water

safety can save lives. For more infor-

mation on lessons please visit our Main

Office.

Remembrance Day

Under-12 Soccer Tournament

ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT TRRS SWIMMING LESSONS

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On 15 November 2014 TRRS won First Prize at this year's Business Cup Challenge, a competition hosted by Lancaster University-Ghana that seeks to develop entrepreneurial/business skills in young people. Out of over 71 entries from across West Africa, TRRS had two teams in the Top 10. After 6 weeks of elimination rounds through written submissions, our finalists took to the stage to pre-sent their business proposals for a Wearable Technology product of their own design to a panel of judges, comprised of reps from Stanbic Bank, The British High Commission and Lancaster University. Our Form 5 Team (The Think Tank) took the top prize of GHC 5000.00 and a 50% scholarship for each team member for 3 years. Congratulations to The Think Tank, all TRRS participants and their Coach, Mr. Noble Nazzah, on this amazing achievement!

TRRS Wins Business Cup Challenge 2014

L-R: Rep. from British High Commission, Kuukua Boohene (5E), Jochebed Azar (F5E), Abrema Quarm (F5E), Delali Cofie

(F5W), Belinda Afriyie-Ankrah (F5W), Dr. John Grainger (Provost, Lancaster University), Rep. from Stanbic Bank

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Junior & Middle School Xmas

Production:

Jingle Bell Rock

Class RVB—Rockin’ This Christmas

Masters of Ceremony: (L-R) Russell Snowden, Malaika

Benneh & Nana Kwame Appafram & Nicole Opeku

(Not Pictured)

Class 2ADA—I Win! Class 2AH—Rockin Around the Xmas Tree

Class REA— A Rockin Royal Xmas with the King

Class 1FOA—I’m the Happiest Christmas Tree

Class 1VS—The Little Drummer Boy

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Class 5 E—Jingle Bells—A Hip Hop Carol Class 6 E - Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Class 5 W - Under the Mistletoe

Class 4GAB - I Wish it Could be Xmas Everyday Class 4 GK - Jingle Bell Rock

Class 3BA - Let it Snow! Class 3PO - All I Want for Xmas is You!

Class 6 E—Feliz Navidad

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On the 12th of December 2014, The Roman Ridge School hosted the

Fire & Ice Charity Ball to support the Nicole’s Helpline Foundation,

a charity founded in the memory of Nicole Lomo-Mainoo (TRRS

Class 2012). The event was organised and coordinated by the

Class of 2015, dubbed The Nicole’s Helpers. We wanted to raise

funds to benefit this amazing organization and the work they do, in

a way kids could have fun whilst raising awareness and giving

back to the community. Fire & Ice was a huge success! The T-

Block was transformed into a glamorous, lantern ballroom, com-

plete with a red carpet! It was a night of dancing and feasting, with

all students decked out in the theme colors of red, white, black and

blue. Special thanks to Alvaro, Malta and Bel Aqua for their gener-

ous sponsorship. Many thanks to Mr & Mrs Lomo Mainoo (Nicole’s

beloved parents), the founders of Nicole’s Helpline, for their amaz-

ing support and help to make this night a reality.

Fire & Ice Charity Ball

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Mr & Mrs Lomo-Mainoo

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Sixth Form Trip to UAE

We took an action-packed Desert

tour, filled with adventure and

excitement. We got the chance to

drive quad bikes, went ‘Dune

Bashing‘ across the sand dunes

and had an authentic Arabian

dinner, complete with traditional

performances by belly dancers,

puppets and comedians.

Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis—The Palm Resort was

just one of the many fun activities we enjoyed.

Dubai Autodrome—Go-Kart Racing—Amazing!

We attended the International Innovations in Engineering & Research (IIER) as

observers, where researchers from around the world presented papers on social issues,

engineering, health and technology.

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Our tour of NYU—Abu Dhabi

This trip was such an amazing experience and I loved every moment of it! It was especially great to have the

opportunity to travel with my classmates and do all these wonderful activities. I particularly enjoyed the Desert

quad drive, which was crazy fun, and also the Go-Kart racing at the Autodrome. Our visit to the beautiful city of

Abu-Dhabi and new campus of NYU was unforgettable! Overall, I enjoyed the whole trip to the core and it really

made me realise how inactive I am— shopping in Dubai Mall is serious work! I would definitely encourage

anyone who has the opportunity to attend a trip like this, definitely give it a shot, you won‘t regret it!

By: Nadia Berchtenbreiter (L6, Arts)

Shopping, shopping and more shopping!!

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The Burj Khalifa (Dubai)—124 floors up!

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi) - the largest mosque in the UAE—stunningly beautiful!

GET STOCKED UP !

SCHOOL ESSENTIALSOPEN MON-FRI MORNINGS & EVENINGS

050 433 3440Conveniently located at Middle School Forecourt

TRIBUTE: MR.EKOW AWOONOR(1949—2014)

This publication is dedicated to the memory of thelate Mr. Ekow Awoonor, Esq., whose invaluable role

in the establishment and growth of The RomanRidge School will always remain part of his legacy.

Through all the changing scenes of life,In trouble and in joy,

The praises of my God shall stillMy hear and tongue employ.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,With me exalt His name;

When in distress to Him I called,He to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp aroundThe dwellings of the just;

Deliverance He affords to allWho on His succor trust.

Oh, make but trial of His love,Experience will decide

How blest they are, and only they,Who in His truth confide.

Fear Him, ye saints, and you will thenHave nothing else to fear;

Make you His service your delight,Your wants shall be His care.

CONTACT USTHE ROMAN RIDGE

SCHOOLNo. 8 Onyasia Crescent, Roman Ridge Accra

PO Box GP 21057, Accra—Ghana

Tel: +233 302 780 456/ 780457

Fax: +233 302 780 458

Websitewww.theromanridgeschool.com

Enquiriesenquiries@theromanridgeschool.com

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