Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of Braeside School

Welcome Back!

It is a delight to have Braestars back after the four-week long break. A special welcome to the new families that have joined us this term. Karibuni sana!

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

Braestars are excitedly forging ahead with the Implementation of The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Habit 3 will receive special focus in the first half of this term. During the Friday’s assembly, we discussed what is required for one to successfully put first things first and summarised them as; Say no, plan, choice, prioritise, dare to be unique and sacrifice.

Safety

A few pointers to ensure Braestars remain healthy & safe this term.

Sun Hats: Purchase Braeside branded sun hat/cap that are available in the uniform stores.

Water bottles: Ensure your child packs a labelled water bottle for refilling from the various water points.

Hockey equipment Yr. 1-6: A mouth guard and shin guard are mandatory for participation during lessons.

Wishing you a happy and safe 2019!

Gladys Wahinya

Head teacher Braeside Primary

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Early in any new term is a great opportunity to encourage your child apply improved habits for learning through having good study routines, being organised, being positive about potential for success and then being prepared to put in the effort. Our core business of providing a quality education in a caring, supportive environment remains the same. Our guiding statements; Erudition, Equality,  Internationalism and Respect will continue to be drivers of our practice.

When asking your child how they are doing at school, don’t forget to ask where they were and how much they have improved. In other words, “What do you now know that you didn’t know before?” This is where we should be directing the highest praise and then working collaboratively to determine what the next jump will be.

Mock Examinations

This provides an excellent opportunity for students to sit examinations very similar to the ones they will be sitting in May/June 2019 and it is therefore essential that the students prepare carefully and are extensively assessed at the same time. As the year elevens’ complete their mocks on Monday, this exercise will have prepared them well for their IGCSE exams. The year twelves’ and thirteens’ will sit for their mock in early February. 

Target Setting

On assembly last week, students in Years 7 to 13 were encouraged to reflect on their end of term one reports as a guide to set targets of improvement. All students have the potential to do better and strive for excellence.

Year 9 Subject Options

This term is a very important time for the Year 9 students. They will embark on the path of selecting for option subjects which will subsequently inform their future paths in education and career. The school will provide subject information and  career paths, later in the term invite professionals to speak with the students.

PURE’s Mentorship Programme

We took a group of 16 students to State House Nairobi, on Thursday, 17^th January 2019 for the PUREs event. This is a ‘Pupils Reward Scheme’ initiated by The President to motivate pupils to work hard in their studies and instil in them a sense of discipline, direction and patriotism. We hope the pioneer cohort from Braeside will live up to the ideals of this noble cause.

Sports

The Braeside High School Games Department’s aim is to develop the complete   student-athlete. We envision students who embrace sportsmanship, teamwork and dedicated work ethic. Our ultimate goal is to produce responsible, productive,   employable citizens who recognize the value and enjoyment of sport. The school’s staff is dedicated to these goals as we prepare each competitive team to represent our school. This term we will take part in competitions in basketball, football,  hockey and swimming. Let us praise the efforts of our teams and reap the reward of their gratitude.

Wishing you a good weekend.                        

Regards,

Mr. Joel Ndung’u

Deputy Headteacher - Pastoral

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year ! I hope you had an enjoyable festive season. I take this opportunity to welcome you to the start of term 2. Most students are back and already busy with exciting school activities and events planned for the term.

New Families

A particular warm welcome to the new families who joined the Braeside family this term. The new students are settling in school well. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us incase your child has any challenges in settling in.

Year 11 Mocks

The Year 11 Mock Examinations have been ongoing since we opened school on Tuesday, 8^th January 2019. The exams will be on until Monday, 21^st January 2019. Students are expected to be in school everyday even on days they don’t have an exam. Join me in wishing our Year 11’s good luck in their exams. Results will be ready to be handed to parents on Tuesday, 29^th January 2019 where individual   parents and subject  teachers will discuss the performance.

Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards

Once again, our BTEC students from last year’s class have made us very proud. The following students will be awarded the above prestigious award from Pearson for attaining Distinctions in all the BTEC units they studied.

Chrissie N.                 Frank K.          Mukami M.

Mukaz K.                    Suhail W.

Join me in congratulating the students and teachers for these wonderful results. We are proud of them!

Academic Concerns Meetings

At the end of last term, some of you received letters inviting you for the meetings. Thank you to those who have responded and I request that those who have not, please make an appointment through secretaryhigh@braeside.ac.ke. It is important that we follow up on the academic performance of the concerned children.

After School

I request parents to pick your child(ren) at 3:30pm unless they are doing an after school activity. For those using school transport, your child(ren) will not be allowed to use late bus unless they were involved in after school  activities.

New Teacher

Join me in welcoming a new staff member who joined this term. Mr. Erick Salano will be teaching Chemistry and Physics.

This term, we will be celebrating 25 years of Braeside’s existence as we join the Braeburn family in celebrating 40 years of existence. Thank you for your continued support.

Once again welcome and looking forward for a good and busy term ahead.

Wishing you a good weekend.

Regards,

Mr. Wallen Nyamota

Headteacher

Dear Parent/Guardian,

On behalf of the Student Council, I can't thank you enough for your overwhelming support for our charity mission this year. Your donations in cash, foodstuffs and clothing have made a remarkable difference to the less privileged in our society. The campaign closes on Wednesday, 5^th December 2018 and we appeal for more food stuffs and clothes.

Non Uniform Day

This was held on Tuesday, 27^th November 2018. The students were really excited and we thank you for supporting this initiative. This is what some of the students had to say.

‘‘We all got to dress up which I believe is amazing because you get to express your individuality through clothes and colours. The money you pay goes towards charity which was our second virtue of the term, so as Braestars we got the job done’’. Selam M. 7K

‘‘My first non uniform day in High School was fun . I’m glad I got to    participate and best of all is that I will bring a smile to a child because of the donations we have given’’. Tumi M. 7K 

Braeburn Athletics

The Braeburn Athletics was held on Friday, 23^rd November 2018 at Kasarani. There was a good performance by the team where the U15 Girls emerged 3^rd overall. Individual athletes also displayed excellent performance winning  medals in their various categories.

Andrea N.                            2^nd in 800 meters               

Estime G.                            3^rd in hurdles

Nadia N.                              2^nd in 1500 meters            

Tunu L.                                2^nd in Discuss

Nthemba L.                         1^st in Javelin        

Amanuel L.                          1^st in High Jump

Malcolm O.                          2^nd in Shot Put/3^rd in Discuss     

Calvin O.                               3^rd in 800 metres             

Mustafa G.                           3^rd in 1500m

Nina D. Vallery A. Tutaya S. and Danielle N. (2^nd position 4x400m Relay).

Well done to all the participants.

Car Boot Sale

We welcome you to this year’s Annual Car Boot Sale. There are a variety of items that  will be on sale ranging from house hold items, clothes, books, jewellery, snacks, grocery and many more interesting surprises. Please hurry come and buy while stocks last. 

Some Important Reminders

Christmas Concert

The High School Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, 6^th December 2018 in the school theatre from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. You are all welcome to come and watch our students perform.

Closing Day

School closes on Friday, 7^th December 2018 at 12:00pm. Make arrangements to pick your chid (ren) at that time. Learning goes on until the last day.

After School Activities and Late Bus

There will be no after school activities next week. Therefore, there will be no late bus. Those using private transport,  please adjust accordingly.

Thank you for your continued support for the last 14 weeks.

Have a good weekend.

Regards,

Ms. Catherine Macharia                                              Mr. Wallen Nyamota

HOD - CTV Department                                               Headteacher

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We have successfully come to the end of Week 13. Our students have been busy doing their end of term examinations and I thank you for the continued support.

IGCSE Art Mock Examination

The year 11 Art and Design examination ended successfully last week after two eight hour sessions of exploration of ideas and forms leading to a final outcome. The overall aesthetic in this particular examination showed that the students had a clear understanding of how to organize the visual elements required in the set assessment objectives.  We wish them well as they prepare for the final IGCSE examination in January 2019.

School Production 

With the ticking of the clock, euphoria built as our talented thespians prepared to walk us through 'A Wonderful Vacation'. We were very delighted to open theatre doors from Thursday for students, invited schools, parents and family as we    showcased the magnificent and terrific talent that lies in our children. All  stakeholders and drama enthusiasts are still welcome for the Saturday show which starts at 5.00pm. It is extremely captivating to see what our passionate and talented ‘Braestars’ are behind the curtains, so much has gone on: rehearsals, the costumes, the make-up and teamwork. You can literally see the sense of good citizenship written in the cast’s face; relishing the privilege to belong. This is not the event you want to miss! Please lend us an hour this weekend and we promise to add value along, as we all show solidarity in supporting our elated actors.  While at it, enjoy the trip to Hawaii and have ‘A  Wonderful Vacation’.

Year 10 Fathers’ Breakfast

The Year 10 Fathers’ Breakfast was held on Tuesday 20^th November 2018 at 6.30am. The speaker, shared some insights and strategies on how fathers can support their children as they face the various challenges in this day and age. He especially dealt on the issue of stress as a key inhibitor to successful fatherhood. He elaborated on the fact that men need to exercise regularly, eat and sleep well,  meditate, solve the cause of stress avoid stressful situations, accept things you can't change, don't take on more than you can handle and trying a “glass half full”  attitude.

Fill A Bucket

The festive season is here with us, a moment to celebrate with friends and relatives reflecting on how the year has been. We however, notice that around us are people who may not have any reason to celebrate. They lack the most basic things that many times we hardly think of as important. Our students are doing a campaign to collect dry foods, cooking fat/oil, clothes, shoes, toiletries, sanitary pads, diapers, toys, books and other basic accessories to share with the less fortunate. By supporting your child, you can be part of this campaign. Cause a smile this festive season.

Wishing you a good weekend ahead.

Regards,

Ms. Irene Ngahu

Year 9 Group Coordinator