NEWS

BRAEBURN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - December 2006
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

From the Headmaster's Desk:

Dear Parents and Friends of Braeburn,
Another term draws to a close and as I reflect upon the last four months, I do so with satisfaction.

We have indeed enjoyed a most successful term.

Judging from the reports that I read and the many parents that I spoke to at our Parent-Teachers' Consultation Evenings, your children continue to work hard and make excellent progress. My thanks to the children for their efforts, you the parents for your support and of course, the teachers for their professionalism and dedication.

Our athletes, sportsmen and women have excelled this term. Despite inclement weather, your children have competed in over 100 competitive inter school-fixtures. They have taken part in a number of rounders and cricket tournaments, all with much success.

However, this term, our Athletics and Cross-Country teams enjoyed unprecedented success. This term in these disciplines, has been the most successful in the school's history. We are:

• St. Andrews Cross-Country - Champions
• Braeburn Athletics, Moi International Stadium Kasarani - Champions
• IAPS Athletics - Champions

The treble, a clean sweep. Well done children, well done coaches. It is not for me to steal the lime light here. I will allow Miss Martin, the super coach, to tell you how it was done, later in this newsletter.

On a domestic footing, our Inter-House Sports Days were once again tremendous fun. Fun, but with a competitive edge, the whole school was involved. It was fantastic to see so many parents throwing themselves into the spirit of things. We must have had dozens of parents, teachers and students races and everybody finished with a smile on their face.

At Braeburn, we do try to perpetuate the ethos of sport for all. We have had a few hiccups this term, we have made mistakes. However, once aware, I do think that we have tried to rectify matters and make everyone happy. Long may this continue, just remember, all you have to do is talk to us.

Music and drama continue to move forward at Braeburn.

I have been most impressed with the advances that have been made in our instrumental and orchestral music. The class assemblies, the Nativity plays get bigger and better. Next term, we will have not one but two major school productions. Watch this space for details.

Next term, will see a number of year groups engaging in residential trips. Our Year 6's had a fabulous, albeit rather damp, few days in Naro Moru in November.

Staff News
Congratulations to Patrick and Joanna Garner. Their son, Rafe William Garner, was born on Saturday 28th October. Mother and son are well. It would also be difficult to find a prouder Dad.

Friends at Braeburn - Fab
Fireworks night certainly went with a bang. Once again, this event was hugely popular. Can there be a better fireworks show in the city? I doubt it.

Thank you to the FaB Committee and the teachers for organizing and marshalling the event.

Thanks also to FaB for giving Sonia and I such a lovely send of.

And on that note, it is time to say Goodbye. Sonia and I have enjoyed 8½ wonderful years in Kenya, at Braeburn School. We are sad to be leaving, but very excited at the new challenge that awaits us. Braeburn is the most special place to us and we could not contemplate leaving, if it were not in the knowledge that initially, Rob Williams and then in September Scott Webber, would be our replacements.

They will do a fantastic job and the children, teachers and you, as parents, are lucky indeed.

Your children will always come first, and as we depart Braeburn, we do so with our heads held high. It was always children first.

Thank you for your kindness and support, both professionally and personally.

And if you are ever in China……..?

Warmest regards,

Nick Magnus (Mr.)
HEADMASTER.

Shangilia Fun Day at Braeburn-October 28th 2006

A huge thank you to Neil Page and the many teachers and parents who gave up their Saturday and worked so hard to create an unforgettable day of sport and art for over 100 children from the Kangemi based children's home - Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika.

Thanks to Mr. Magnus, these events have become a regular happening each term and are greatly anticipated and enjoyed by the Shangilia children. They live in very cramped conditions at the home and seem overjoyed to spend a day in the spacious environment offered at Braeburn.

Despite the hardships suffered in their pasts, these children are remarkable and each time they come, they manage to touch the hearts of those with whom they have shared the day - a win-win situation for all involved.

THANK YOU.

Friends At Braeburn

TURI ORCHESTRAL WEEKEND

This took place on the weekend of 27th - 29th October. 4 flute players, 4 violinists, 2 trombone players, 2 clarinetists, 1 saxophone player and I cornet player from Braeburn participated in this. An enlightening weekend was had by all, with surprise (from some) being displayed at their ability to learn so many songs to perform, in such a short time! Much was learnt and appreciated, a view which most orchestra members have held and practiced through the term.

Mrs. C. Odhiambo

U11 A Cricket

This season the U11A team played six matches, won four and lost two. The boys saved their best performance until the last game when they beat St. Andrews convincingly at home.

The team was captained by William Pyle at first and latterly by Dhruv Sangar. William continued to toss-up even in Dhruv's reign as captain due to an uncanny knack of predicting the toss so well.

The boys beat Cavina, Peponi, Nairobi Academy and St. Andrews and lost to Banda and Pembroke.

In the first game we played Cavina away. We put them into bat having won the toss (thanks Will) and after one and a half hours Cavina had managed to score 48 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, William and Dhruv getting five wickets between them. This total was surpassed with contributions from Dhruv, William, Micky and Rohan.

Next up was our toughest contest. The Banda away in a 20: 20 contest. After 5 byes had slipped through and none off the bat, we suddenly penetrated with two wickets in the first two deliveries from William and then one for Dhruv in his second over. Banda were 5 for 3 wickets after 3 overs, with no runs scored off the bat! But then batsmen number four and five arrived and scored 14 and 50 not out respectively, resulting in an innings total of 90 runs for 5 wickets. In our twenty overs we managed to score 79 for 6 wickets. We just couldn't find the gaps.

We won the toss again against Peponi and put them in. They duly scored 77 runs for 6 wickets in their time, with Rohan doing the most damage with 3 wickets for 14 runs. With four wickets down with no-one in double figures, Braeburn needed a hero from lower down the order. Cometh the hour cometh the man. A debut start for Aimal who had impressed in the B team fixture against the Banda, and had been picked for his bowling rather than his batting, Aimal entered the fray batting at number six and won the game with three fours and a six to score 20 not out.

Our next match was away at Pembroke, where once more we won the toss, put them into bat and at one point had them 24 for 6, but at the close of the innings Pembroke were all out for 94, with 39 from their number three batsman. Unfortunately we were unable to match them with the bat and scored 42 all out.

Nairobi Academy were little competition scoring 68 for 7 off 20 overs, which we passed for the loss of only one wicket; Dhruv scoring an impressive 26 not out.

Last game of the season was at home against St. Andrews. We lost the toss, were put into bat and scored 93 all out. The heroes with the bat were Aimal (15), Micky (23) and Simon (18). Our bowling hero was definitely Rohan who came on as third bowler and took 3 wickets in 4 balls. Jazz also got 2 wickets and no runs scored off him in his 8 deliveries. They were all out for 61, and we'd won our first and only home match of the season.

A good season with many positives, especially in terms of bowling and fielding. Where we struggled this season was scoring runs. We found it difficult all year to keep our top order batsmen in and scoring runs, which will always put you under pressure as a team. The boys need to drive straighter and learn how to change the face of the bat to use the off side, especially against the better teams who bowl there. Too often wickets were given up cheaply by trying to slog a good delivery, and not waiting for the bad ball.

Well done boys.

1st Boys Cricket - 2006 Season Overview

The Braeburn 1st team were inconsistent performers this season. I believe we were as talented as any other team and had greater depth, with good cricketers all the way to 11. We played brilliant and intelligent cricket at times, especially against Peponi. Against Kenton and Pembroke we dropped 8 catches in each game to lose matches we should have won. Cricket is a game that requires some good fortune and at times we suffered some bad luck playing on pitches that were uneven. Sometimes this worked in our favour as well.

Overall we bowled quite well, with most bowlers improving their technique and accuracy. Glen Richmond was the pick of our bowlers, taking 15 wickets at a cost of 7 runs each. In the dramatic tie against St Andrews Glen took 5 wickets for 6 runs and against Peponi he took 4 wickets for 5 runs. He learnt to swing the ball in the air and was a consistent performer the whole season. At St Andrews Dean Muraya collected a double hat-trick, which means 4 wickets in a row! Other bowlers developed as the season progressed, with Nathan Prior, Philemon Huising and George Pius making amazing improvements. Alykhan Fazal, Khalil Ebrahim, Mark Williams, and Matti McGeochie were steady bowlers throughout the season.

Our batting ultimately was not as successful as the talent in the nets promised. Matthew Kamau (average 28.17, top score 58 not out) and Glen (average 25.14) were the only batsmen to average more than 17 runs. Alykhan, Mark and Khalil had some courageous and disciplined innings but were unlucky at times too. All batsmen improved their technique and had a great range of strokes they could play.

Glen started the season as captain but handed this responsibility to Matthew. Both boys learnt a lot and were very hard-working team leaders. Khalil also offered lots of assistance with equipment, as did Dean and Philemon. We played 9 matches, won 4, drew 2, tied 1 and lost 2, but could really have won them all. In the 6-a-side tournament at Banda we reached the semi-final and, despite playing well, couldn't overcome the eventual winners, The Banda.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed working with this group of boys and they were very keen to learn and well behaved. I hope they have enjoyed improving their cricket and maintain an interest in this great game for the rest of their lives.

Mr A. Findlay
Teacher in Charge

Under 9 Rounders season match report

The season started with plenty of fixtures and the girls were raring to go. However, the rainy season disappointed our budding sports girls because the first match against Nairobi Academy was cancelled. This did not dampen our souls as we embarked upon serious training and it paid off a week later with a convincing win against Braeside.
The sad loss to Peponi School made us learn very important lessons in fielding. Miss Watkins and I had to make changes to the team in terms of who bowled and new fielding positions. Consequently, fielding became our forte and once again, we trounced Braeside with perfect fielding which put four Braeside batters out! Well done fielders.
The girls were now ready to confront Kenton College, nevertheless, the heavens opened once again and the match had to be cancelled. The following week, saw us travel to Hillcrest and this time we displayed another good effort and we beat Hillcrest. With Zain's leadership, the players enjoyed themselves to beat a team that had a patriotic home ground support.
The following week, we faced The Banda School and needless to say, our fielding was amazing with our visitors' batters dismayed by the way they were put out by Sarah, Rhea and company! We lost the match at the end because our batting let us down. I was pleased with the girls' efforts.
The prestigious Kenton Tournament followed that same weekend. We were very enthusiastic about the matches and were looking forward to them. But the weather caused the tournament to start late. We had to play only one innings per match and this made it very difficult for the girls to make amends for any misfortune in the first innings. This led to us losing two matches to Banda and Kenton but avenging our loss to Peponi earlier in the season by convincingly beating them this time round! The match witnessed our joker, Sasha, coolly put out Peponi's 'big batter'. The match against Greensteds was abandoned due to the weather.
Miss Watkins and I wish to offer our heartfelt good luck to some of the girls who will be conscripted into the under 11 Rounders team next year. Work hard on your batting, girls!
The team: Zain (captain), Sarah, Kuda, Rhea, Kawal, Monicah, Dorothy, Delphine, Tamara, Natasha, Tasneim, Sasha

Mr. J. Macharia

U13C team rounders
In terms of commitment and enthusiasm, the U13 team have to be commended. They were fully prepared for their fixtures and it was only due to poor weather conditions that they were unable to demonstrate their talents against other schools.

All members of the team developed their batting and fielding skills enormously, but Eden Tshering and Sajni Shah stood out with some outstanding bowling and Meredith Wooding with excellent field work.

A great season. Mrs. Dr. Wood would like to thank all members of the team for their efforts.

1st Girls Season's Report

It been another great start to the academic year for the U13 Girls, and as I seat down to write this report, the season is not yet done for them as they are to play in a triangular tournament against the Teachers and Braeburn mums.
In the seasons' games, the girls lost the first game of the season by ½ rounder to St. Andrews and didn't lose another game until they met the seasons' unbeaten side, Kenton College. (This is a team they 'squarely' beat in the tournament.)
Victories against Greensteads, Peponi House, Cavina, Pembroke (draw), Banda, Hillcrest and Braeside, was the motivation that the team needed to train even harder for the Grand Finale', The Hillcrest Tournament.
The discipline, determination, teamwork and maturity displayed by the girls throughout the season have enabled them realise this tremendous success.
In the seasons' Grand Finale, though the girls were pooled with two of the top teams in the Tournament, they played brilliantly to finish runners up in the group, only losing to eventual winners of the tournament by one rounder. Wins over Kenton, Braeburn Mombasa, Greensteads and a walk-over against Imani saw the girls in a semi-final tie against Pembroke House. This was a highly competitive game, viewed as 'a final before the final'. Excellent support from the sidelines by mums, dads, 2nd team girls, Mr. Otiato, Miss. Bradshaw and Miss. Martin, saw the girls pull through to the finals.
The final was a repeat of last years final, and though the girls played with great team spirit and determination, superb bowling from Banda's player of the tournament denied the girls a hand at the trophy, but nonetheless, they got the runners-up medals, for the third year in a row.
Ivy Melly and Wendy Chen were selected to play for the Nairobi schools' Representative side and also received the schools' Rounders Colours together with Sarah Malle. Savanna Stephenson and Nikki Mutahi, both year seven students, and Laila Kituyi (year 8), also received the Schools' Certificate of Sporting Excellence. Well done to these girls. Other members of the team were Patience, Glory, Tiva, Sharon, Mutinta and Riya.
It's been a pleasure to have been the girls coach and I hope they have enjoyed the season as much as I have.

Happy Holidays all.
J. Waithaka
Girls Games

Under 11B Rounders Team
This was an excellent season for the girls. As the season progressed, the girls improved in skill and technique. Consequently, some of the girls, Siana, Natasha, Naomi, moving up to play in the Under 11A Rounders Team.

Miss McNabb and Miss Kioko are extremely pleased with the effort and commitment the girls put in. Well done girls!

The girls won all the matches against Banda, Cavina, Kenton and drew with Peponi. The team was made up of Siana, Sala, Irma, Sonia, Mimi, Joy, Maxine, Angela, Sona, Tawasul, Megan, Naomi and Natasha.

Coach R. McNabb
E. Kioko

Athletics Season 2006

As the term draws to a close Braeburn Athletics team can look back with satisfaction (and a big grin!) at what they have achieved this term.
It began with the Banda Athletics warm up event, this highlighted the areas that we needed to really work at. This we did and by the time we set off to Moi International Stadium for the inter school athletics event hosted by Braeburn we felt a little more prepared, although we knew the competition would be tough.
The first few track events highlighted just how tough and a worried frown began to appear on more than one face! Our field athletes began to trickle back from competing with medals around their necks which boosted the team spirit and slowly we built a slight gap between our opponents. We finished the day taking the overall team trophy and the girls team trophy. A very well deserved win for the 4th year running.
A stormy night, an early start and a few forced last minute changes did not seem like a recipe for a winning team as we travelled up to Pembroke School for the IAPS Athletics.
However, as the sun forced its way through the clouds our team dug their heels in on a very challenging track, with a gruelling uphill back straight. Our Field athletes had again already done a superb job accumulating an array of medals which left us battling the lead with Pembroke.
Some great relay performances secured a Braeburn clean sweep of the trophies. Overall winners and both boys and girls team winners. A fantastic effort from all competitors throughout the season… an enormous
WELL DONE and thank you for your hard work and training commitment.

Miss Martin would also like to thank all the staff that helped with coaching the children throughout the term; your efforts are very much appreciated.

Miss Martin

U11 Rounders

A superb term was had by the under 11 rounder's team! They were dedicated, worked hard and their results proved this!! During the season they lost only once by half a rounder to Pembroke, a great result with some key players missing. The team went into the Hillcrest Rounders Tournament brimming with confidence. A very nervous start saw them lose their opening game to The Banda. The team learnt some valuable lessons, composed themselves and won all of their remaining group games to get into the semi-final. A tense semi saw the girls beat Kenton by a half a rounder to meet The Banda in the final. The girls fought bravely but were beaten by a very good Banda side. All of the girls were superb throughout the tournament, but Annie Wood shone with some awesome bowling especially in the tight semi against Kenton, taking player of the Tournament. A great season girls, it was a pleasure to work with such a talented bunch of young girls.

Miss. C. Crutch

Under 9 Cricket

It was pleasing to see so many keen cricketers at under 9 level, who were committed to attending training regularly to develop their skills. Mr. Ochieng and I were able to select a range of players from Year 1 up to Year 4 to represent Braeburn in A and B fixtures. Christopher (Year 1) and Gian (Year 2) are evidence of the talent that can be developed at a young age, with both boys having an extremely bright future in the game.

The A team had a successful season under the experienced leadership of Ade. We played 5 fixtures, winning 4 and only losing narrowly to Banda in our toughest fixture of the season. We were on course to meet Banda in the final of the Kenton Tournament, but sadly rain forced the competition to be abandoned. The B team proved themselves as competitive opponents, winning both their matches against Peponi and Banda. All the boys should be commended for their efforts, but three players in particular deserve special mention for their achievements.

Ade must be credited with the 'Kevin Pietersen' award, scoring an unbeaten 33 in 4 overs against Hillcrest, a strike rate most of the Under 13 batsman would struggle to match. Njenga wins the 'Freddie Flintoff' all-rounder award, as in three matches he was able to crucially gain two wickets from the two overs he bowled. Finally Aishwarya deserves the 'Monty Panesar' award for the most improved bowler of the team. Given that four Year 3 boys and Gian in Year 2 represented the A team this season, the future of Braeburn's Under 9 team is undoubtedly a lot brighter than that of England's cricketers.

Richard Lee

Diary Dates

Week 13 (DECEMBER 1ST) - House Points

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