PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, VOL. 2 No. 1, January 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A Happy New Year to one and all. I trust that you had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas. It is certainly good to see the children back at school and all looking so eager and enthusiastic at the start of a new term. As an experienced Secondary Headteacher, the first few days of this term have been a real eye-opener. I am thoroughly enjoying being with the younger children who constantly surprise me with their frankness.

Over the Christmas break, I met with Mr. Webber and we have begun planning for next September. He too is looking forward to the challenge ahead and wished us all the best of luck for the term.

To assist me during the next two terms, we have restructured the Senior Management team and we now have five staff members with deputy status. Miss Bradshaw for Early Years and Key Stage One, Miss Martin for Key Stage Two, Dr. (Mrs) Wood for Key Stage Three, Mrs. Garner for Curriculum and Mrs. Edalia for Learning Support. I am sure with this strong team we can further develop the school and I hope you will join me in wishing them well in their promoted positions.

Another very busy term awaits us and we have much to look forward to.

In week three the photographers are visiting the school. On Tuesday 23rd January, we shall take class photographs, on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th January, we will have individual photographs and sibling photographs. Sports team photographs have already been taken.

Sports
On the subject of Sport, another busy term awaits us. This term, the major sports are swimming, hockey squash and football. There are a large number of Inter-School Sports fixtures to look forward to.
We have three hockey tournaments, eight swimming galas, two squash tournaments and not forgetting of course, our own girls football tournament. The Sailing club will also continue throughout the term in its enthusiastic manner.

Talking of clubs, we again have an extensive array of extra-curricular clubs. I include a summary of these in the insert with this newsletter. They will start next week (from Monday 15th January and letters are available in the school office for those clubs which require payment.

Off the sports fields, we have something for everyone.

Music and much more….
On the 7th March, the top private schools in Kenya will descend upon Braeburn for our annual Music Festival. This is always a fantastic afternoon and a musical extravaganza not to be missed.

In week Eight is our Science Fayre. Once again, the top schools from all over Kenya will come to Braeburn for the event. I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of our students. This is the occasion when our scientists of the future can really show us what they are made of.

Other events taking place are the Nairobi Academy Verse Speaking Contest and the preliminary rounds of 'young musician of the year'
I think you will agree, a term where there is something for everyone to look forward to.
Our drama club were busy at the end of last term rehearsing their own production 'The Mandazi King'. The play with music and dance was written by our own Mr. Braddan and I eagerly look forward to the shows being performed in the small theatre in week four. More details will be sent out at a later date but we hope all of our performers 'break a leg'!

Trips
One of the most exciting things that you can enjoy at school are the opportunities for residential field trips. Years 4, 5, and 7 are up, up and away this term. Our Year 4 once again return to the William Holden Centre near Nanyuki, Year 5 are off to study the history, geography and ecology of the Coast and our Year 7's travel to Sagana to engage in a series of team building, outdoor and adventurous activities.
These trips are not just an excuse for a "Jolly". They are great fun, but they are also educational and of tremendous importance in developing your child's social skills and independence.

Fund Raising
We will of course have the usual discos for the children to enjoy and Mr. Page has organised a team of Year 7 and 8 students to compete in the Hog Charge at Peponi Secondary School. This is a child's version of the Rhino Charge. The children navigate a grueling cross-country course on mountain bikes and not 4x4 cars.
Talking of fund raising, this term, we shall also host our P.T.A. Annual General Meeting and our Gala Ball. Watch this space for further details.

And finally…..

The crowning glory of the term will take place in the penultimate week. Braeburn School once again will return to the stage, this time, with the musical extravaganza of "Alice, the musical." This is an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Auditions and rehearsals have already begun. Can we better last year's production "Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat"? I've been promised by our production team that we can and I don't for one second doubt them. I eagerly await to see just how good we can make it. More later on the show…….

Car Park Congestion
An old favourite but still the source of much anguish and high blood pressure, I am afraid that there is no other way to describe it. The car park between 3.30pm and 3.40pm is heavily congested. Please remember that the children can be collected after 3.40pm. At 3.45pm they will be supervised in the library. Pick them up from here at about 4.00pm. And you will have a congestion free trip and find more space in the car park.

Lost Property
Another source of much angst. Please ensure that all your child's property is labeled. (This includes shoes).

Communication
At Braeburn, we pride ourselves on the effective communication that exists between home and school. Newsletters, circulars, homework diaries and calendars are all used to good effect. Please take advantage of the systems in place and make every effort to keep in contact.

Congratulations
To Victoria Speight for the birth of Emily, a lovely Christmas present if ever there was one and to Taryn Bebbington for their new year gift, Robin Donald. Best of luck to you new parents from the Braeburn Community

So to conclude, another busy but exciting term awaits us. I for one cannot wait. I can assure you that I will continue with the good work of Mr. and Mrs. Magnus, will try to continue developing good practice and share the enjoyment of being involved with ensuring your children are happy and succeeding with whatever talents they have. I look forward to meeting with you in the course of the next 12 weeks and sharing in the success of your child.

If at any time you have any concerns, questions or queries, my door will always be open.

Yours sincerely,
Rob Williams
HEADTEACHER

HOG CHARGE

Referring to Mr. Williams, the Hog Charge is a fund-raiser for the Rhino Ark Project to fence the Aberadres.

It is a mountain bike challenge for boys and girls in groups of four, either as a team of under 14 or Under 12.

Night camping at Sukari Ranch, Peponi Secondary School.

Last year, we raised around Ksh. 100,000/- with three teams. Can we better that this year? For details see Mr. Page

If you would also like to receive this newsletter by email, please send an email request to heamaster@braeburn.ac.ke

Lunchtime and After-School Activities: Please note that paying activities are indicated by a 'P'.

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