A Roof over our Heads

The new classroom block has now got a roof, almost. We were warned that we might not have been given quite enough corrugated iron sheets, and in the event we were 6 short. But, thanks to an injection of cash from Eltham College, we are significantly nearer having another much-needed classroom. Work will continue in the New Year.

School's Out!

The school year finally ended on Thursday 8th December. Pupils enjoyed some outdoor activities before the final assembly. Then the whole school gathered for the presentation of prizes to those who had excelled in the academic field, in attitude and in sport. Next term starts on January 9th 2012.

Blood Donation

Last Wednesday the Tanzanian Blood Transfusion service came to school. The team spoke at morning assembly about the need for a guaranteed supply of blood for hospitals; to help people who are injured, or ill, or who have been in an accident. They then set up their mobile blood transfusion unit and 50 pupils and 2 teachers donated blood and were given a biscuit and a soda afterwards to replenish their energy supplies.

Art attack

Following on from the work they did with the Eltham College visitors there has been an outpouring of creativity amongst Kisasa pupils. Innocent Yohanna of Form IA presented Headmaster Mbilinyi with a superb scale model of the school complete with miniature flagpole and flag. The staff room is rapidly filling up with works of art and an exhibition may be held soon to which parents and the local community will be invited. Watch this space!

Rocket Launch

We are proud to announce the successful launch of two rockets - KSS 1 and KSS 2 - at 6.40 (Swahili time) Thursday 17th November. Form IIA have been studying Newton's Third Law and the Conservation of Momentum. They applied this to Rocket Science, using air pressure to force water downwards from a plastic water bottle which was then propelled upwards. The bicycle pump used to increase the air pressure was rather small and the "rocket engineers" got very tired. They also got quite wet.  Next time we intend to get hold of a stirrup pump. We will also try to make the design more aerodynamic. So look out for an unidentified flying object in the skies above Dodoma.

Graduation

Congratulations to two of our teachers who have graduated from St John's University. Fortunata Kimati who teaches English and Kiswahili gained a BA in Education.  Hussein Ngomaitala who teaches Maths and Physics has a BSc, also in Education. Their degrees were conferred on Saturday 5th November at a ceremony at St John's, the Prime Minister Peter Pinda being the Guest of Honour.

Goodbye for now Eltham College

We were all sad to say goodbye to the visiting Eltham College pupils and their teachers. The farewell assembly of speeches, presentations, singing and dancing was a great occasion and we could see that their dancing had improved during their time with us. They all said they wanted to come back and we hope they do.

Sports Day

Pupils competed in the 100m and the long jump. There was a bit of barging in some of the 100m heats so we need to get the lanes properly marked out. The newly completed long jump run up and pit worked fine. Chacha Mwita of Form II was the overall champion, setting new school records of 12.50 seconds for the 100m and 4.74m in the long jump.

The athletics were followed by a netball match: Kisasa girls against the Eltham College boys. They got their revenge for the football defeat by winning 5-2.

KSS from the Air

Five of the Eltham College team were lucky enough to go up for a flight in a small plane from Dodoma airfield. They had a great bird's-eye view of Kisasa and some of the Kisasa pupils stood in formation spelling out KSS.

Eltham College Visit

The Eltham College team (16 students and 3 teachers) finally arrived on Tuesday, a day late but none the worse for their delayed travel plans . At the very warm welcome assembly, our Headteacher Mr Joseph Mblinyi addressed all present expressing his and the school's appreciation for their return visit. The team brought greetings from Eltham College and their Head Mr Paul.

Kisasa pupils entertained the group with some wonderful singing and dancing. and the English boys joined in enthusiastically if not very stylishly.

One week into the visit and Kisasa FC have proved their superiority on the football field (2-1).

Students from both schools have worked hard to build a long jump pit at the back of the school. One of the Eltham College boys (Chris) tested the pit before the new sand had been delivered.

An afternoon of debating has taken place with Eltham and Kisasa arguing motions relevant to Dodoma. All forms have enjoyed lessons taught by the English boys and their teachers. Plans for the second week include a sports day, art sessions and more musical offerings.