Junior School
Alas, the year 9s have already been through their first academic year at Hillcrest! Not only has it been a superb transition for most students, but an immense pleasure in getting to meet and know each of them in my classes and even on the school corridors. September 2016 saw the first of its kind‘ Bonding trip’ to Malewa for these completely new fresh faces. It was a superb experience; I have to say I was very impressed with everyone’ s zeal to get along. The fashion show and river tubing in particular were my highlights. Getting back to the rigour of 14 subjects over the two-week timetable in year 9 wasn’ t a walk in the park. These students took some time to get used to the demands of secondary school life, a homework timetable and the numerous choices of extracurricular options available. And they took to everything with uncharacteristic excitement. I have been so amazed at the talent in the year group from the swimming pool to the playing pitches and athletics. Each player has taken the pride of playing for their school very seriously and their enthusiasm will not be forgotten.
The family barbeque brought together teachers, parents and students in year 9 and it really was such a relaxed affair. All the families brought in something to throw onto the‘ jiko’ and the weather did not disappoint even through our mini rounders tournament. A parents’ evening was on the schedule in November and the year 9 students accompanying their parents to this event was a novel experience. Term two was a busy term with all the year 9 students training hard for hockey tournaments. Mouth guards, shin guards and hockey sticks were the accessories for the season. We welcomed four new students into the cohort: Anthony Mathenge, Ria Shah, Lexxiey Schaffer and Anezka Marwa. All of them have managed to settle in seamlessly and have taken up various sports and activities in the two terms they have been at Hillcrest. Come term three, we were all a bit anxious about the year 9 end of year examinations, but everyone took these in their stride. We had the opportunity to welcome in three new students; Jessica Okelo, Eesha Thakkar and Melissa Mwangi, who have
not only gelled with the group but have participated in school events already! Before the examination week, we had a very successful‘ Options Evening’. I am looking forward to the business entrepreneurs in year 9 to show their flair in Business Studies! Just before half term, we had our year 9 Social Night; an evening of games, running around, oreos all over the school hall and our faces, pizza, chips, personalised cupcakes and a lovely video rendition of our bonding trip‘ fashionistas’ and various photos. I am quite sad to say good bye to this very dynamic and energetic year group. Together we have been on a learning curve and I will definitely be seeing you all in year 10!
By Kira Channa
www. hillcrest. ac. ke 13