MS SHAMABOBO’S TERM ONE SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Swimming Gala
Results: Overall 2nd place
Best U14 Boys: Andile Bekker (2J), Patrick Walsh (2J), Alexander Jamu (2L),
Nilber Nshoya (3M)
Best U14 Girl: Summer Thompson (2J)
Best U19 Boys: Zinhle Bekker (4J), Christopher Kurian (4L), Ayaan Chand
(3M), Tokelo Makepe (3K)
c mpass
keeping you on the MaP
04.17
World Cancer
Day at MaP
American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Basketball Tournament
Results: U16 girls, 4th place
U16 boys and U19 girls, 5th place
U19 boys, 8th place
Inter-house Athletics
Results: 1st K - 738 points, 2nd J – 672
points, 3rd L – 670 points, 4th M – 549
points
Inter-house Swimming Gala
Results: 1st J – 400 points, 2nd L – 314
points, 3rd M – 292 points, 4th K – 286
points
African Leadership Academy, Lebone
and MaP Derby
Results: 1st ALA – 25 points, 2nd MaP –
16 points and 3rd Lebone – 11 points.
Inter-Schools Cricket (ISSSA)
Results: Overall 2nd place
Inter-Schools Athletics (ISSSA)
Results: Overall 4th place
New Records:
Field Events: Reinhardt Herholdt (4K).
Track Events: Nancy Lui (5J), Wame
Mabua (2J), Chedu Mpholoka (4K)
and Tlotlo Hlabano (3L)
Inter-Schools Swimming Gala (ISSSA)
Results: Overall 1st place
New Records:
Mixed Medley Relay: Andile Bekker (2J), Yuanguan Hu (1L), Summer
Thompson (2J), Lilli-Sage Bayes (2L)
50m Backstroke, Butterfly & Freestyle:
Patrick Walsh (2J)
50m Breastroke: Ethan Fischer (2J)
50m Freestyle & Backstroke: Andile
Bekker (2J)
Photos: From top left, MaP-ALA-Lebone Derby, Interhouse Athletics Selection, Handball, ISSA Athletics, AISJ Basketball
Tournament, Ms Moorad at the AISJ Swimming Gala, Interhouse Swimming Gala and Ms Hirschfield, Ms George and Ms
Ditsele at the MaP-ALA-Lebone Derby
IF WE CAN, I CAN
Katlego Paakanyo. U6
Maru-a-Pula played host
to the Cancer Association of Botswana for the World
Cancer Day held on February 4th. This
worldwide effort to sensitize individuals and groups on the fight against
cancer was held under the theme We
can, I Can.
Serenity reigned in the green-patch,
and before settling down, guests
wrote messages of hope and hung
them up on the popular MaP baobab
tree. The messages would later represent glorious leaves and were quite a
sight. Many used this opportunity to
pour their hearts out in remembrance
of all of the warriors lost to cancer.
Gold, blue and red ribbons adorned
attendees, representing childhood,
male and female cancers respectively.
Our very own Maru-a-Pula acapella
group, Nteta, sang melodies and passionate poets took to the stage, each
one leaving the audience encouraged and believing that, ‘We can
show support to those diagnosed with
cancer’. Dr. Boitumelo Kitchin from
Bongaka Health gave an overview of
the current cancer prevalence statistics in Botswana, further encouraging
all those present to make simple lifestyle changes to reduce their chances of a cancer diagnosis.
Maya Angelou once famously said,
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s
cloud.” One such rainbow, Ms Lebani Mazhani, who was the highlight of
the evening, gave her moving account of surviving cancer of the salivary glands. She pointed out that as a
result of the medical procedures, she
lives without saliva and carries a bottle
of water with her most of the time. Despite her heart-wrenching battle, she
concluded by pointing out, “My life is
honestly better than it was before my
diagnosis”.
In an emotional conclusion of the proceedings, Journey of Hope Botswana
led the attendants in a candle lighting gesture to show unity. The candles
were placed on the round bench by
the cafeteria, representing warmth
and concord, further echoing that, If
We Can, I Can.
A special thank you to Ms Brown and
Ms Jawodeen for orchestrating the
event, the Medical Corps service for
volunteering their time and our entertainers Nteta, together with the poets:
Jithya Wijesinghe (4K), Moitse Moatshe (L6L), Ruby Njonde (L6L) and Kaone Chere (U6).
the compass
April, 2017
end of term one
Katlego Paakanyo. U6
Brought to you by:
Morongoa Mosetlhi (editor)
Anubhav Awasthi (U6)
Adrian Cornet (2M)
Anjana Madangarli (L6M)
Kemelo Moatshe (L6L)
Ruby Njonde (L6L)
Katlego Paakanyo (U6)
with very special thanks to
everyone who submitted additional content for this edition or
helped with fact checking
got a story? contact us!
www.maruapula.org
twitter: @marupulaschool
email: morongoa.mosetlhi@
maruapula.org
facebook: Maru-a-Pula School
tel: 391 2953 ext. 259
A LETTER FROM THE MODEL UNITED NATIONS
SECRETARY GENERAL
Dear MaP Community,
This moment calls for a larger-than-life
pair of scissors to aid in the symbolic
ribbon-cutting. It marks the establishment of the first-ever MaP Model
United Nations (MUN) club, which is
centered on preparing future leaders
who are committed to international
cooperation. At MaP MUN, we expect
delegates to assume the roles of international bodies and cabinets to learn,
as well as address some of the world’s
most pressing challenges.
Despite only being in its early days, the
club casts a piercing light on issues affecting youth in Botswana, Africa and
the world, challenging delegates to
propose viable solutions through simulations of United Nations Conferences.
It is important to note that the success
of MaP MUN is owed to the commitment of its members, who work tirelessly to research burning issues, ensuring that they are in touch with current
affairs.
The school has been supportive of
MaP MUN by sending a delegation
of ten students to the African Leadership Academy Model African Union
(ALAMAU) from March 15 to March
19 in Johannesburg. MaP MUN representatives were awarded the chance
to experience how an actual African
Union Conference works. Maru-a-Pula School scooped three Honorable
Mentions (Moitse Moatshe (L6L),
Oratile Mosuagae (L6M), and Colenso Holder (5J)) one Best Position Paper
award (Anubhav Awasthi (U6), and
the ultimate Best Delegate award
(Muskaan Sethi (5L)). It was a wonderful experience for all the delegates.
A very big thank you to Mr Jantsan
and Mr Magate, whose passion and
wisdom inspired delegates to make
meaningful contributions to discussions.
It has been a successful term. Thank
you for all the hard-work delegates.
See you next term!
Born in Kenya, Mr Migosi
moved to Botswana in
2001 after being recruited by the government as
a teacher. Being a “seasoned educator”, his areas of expertise are Accounting, Economics and
Business Studies. He states that it has
been a pleasure engaging with the
MaP community. Above all he intends
to make an invaluable contribution to
all his students’ academic endeavors,
and would like to say “Asante sana”,
thank you very much, to MaP for welcoming him so warmly.
Maru-a-Pula’s winds of diversity blew
towards the United States of America
this term and brought Stella McKew
with them. She doubles as a guest
Teacher Aide in the Sports Office and
marimba enthusiast. Stella was drawn
to Maru-a-Pula by the school Marimba
Band, which performed at her school
during their tour of New York City and
New England last year. It was love at
first sight when Stella first learnt about
the wooden musical instrument. She
distinctly recalls telling her friends, “This
is my calling; I need to learn how to
play the marimba.’’
HELLOS AND GOODBYES
An enthusiastic History
teacher,
Mr
Magate
thrives on challenging his
students to harness their
intellectual capital. Having
taught A-Level History for 24 years,
there is no doubt that he is a valuable
addition to the Maru-a-Pula community. His area of strength is interpreting
questions. He affirms the importance
of reinventing oneself to keep in tune
with conversations and discussions, as
they are the norm with History.
Ms Afeefa Amir joined the
Maru-a-Pula community
as a Chemistry teacher in
2015. She has been in Botswana for sixteen years and
started her teaching career in September 2006. Her inspiration comes
from toddlers. She believes that lessons about moving forward can be
learned from observing their perseverance when learning to sit, crawl and
stand. “They keep falling but choose
to get back up” she says.
Sports TA Stella McKew and Brooks students Caroline O’Shea and Ethan
Gabert -Doyon, who visited MaP as Form Six students from the 7th March - 3rd
April
Best,
Katlego Paakanyo (U6)
Maru-a-Pula Model United Nations
Secretary General
University Prep (UPrep) students Meher Seera, Ben Douglass, Saymir Cornelius-McClam, Anton Shenk, Mike Baldwin
and Gabe Greening with their teachers Karen Sherwood and Tim Blok, who are currently visiting MaP as Form Six students.
INTERHOUSE SWIMMING GALA
Ruby Njonde (L6L)
On the 24th of March, the
swimming gala took place
amid tumultuous cheering
and competitive tension. The sky was
clear and sunny, which was a relief
since the gala had been postponed
the week before.
The day started with the girls’ medley.
The butterfly races were the most intense, with swimmers finishing seconds
apart, as the crowd watched with
bated breath.
J house splashed into first place with
400 points, L house followed swiftly with
314 points, M house came in third with
292 points while K house was merely
six points behind with 286 points.
“The gala was amazing. All the students performed to the best of their
ability and I encourage more students
to compete for their house next year,”
said Wei Dong, Teacher Aide.
“I think we did really well, and I hope L
house wins next year,” said Shivali Ittan
(L6L).
The gala was a success and the students enjoyed face painting from the
Medical Corps service, who used the
opportunity to raise money for their
blood donation project while the BSPCA, the animal orphanage in Gaborone, sold ice pops to raise money for
supplies. Their presence enhanced
the jovial atmosphere.
“The 2017 Inter House Gala was the
best ever! The pool deck was filled to
capacity, a number of parents came
to support their children and each
house cheered its team on till the end.
The atmosphere was great. Hats off to
all the House masters, captains, swimmers and the supporters,” said Ms
Shamabobo.
I really enjoyed Konka because it
allowed me to make new friends
and encouraged me to be out doors
exercising, instead of lying on the
couch because I am bored.
Tutula Lekalake (1K)
I cherised every moment with enjoyable activities and delectable
food. My favorite time was free time
because my friends and I would play
football and have meriment.
Umphilo Phiri (1M)
One of my favorite activities was
ziplining. I was very scared but after
I went the first time, I wanted to go
again. Altogether, the experience
was spectacular and I made great
new friends.
Aliyah Ebrahim (1M)
Konka was a great experience for me
- full of liveliness and recreation. The
activities were interactive and fun.
The counselors were also kind and
helpful and the food was amazing. I
loved Konka!
Emma Bartlett (1M)
Konka helped me interact with
other students because I am usually
quiet. I got the chance to meet and
work with people I never talk to. This
showed me that in order to succeed,
you need team work.
Kao Reetsang (1K)
Konka was lovely. It had luscious,
green grass and bright colours. It
looked peaceful. The nightime activiies were fun, especially the disco.
The experience was really good and I
am happy I got closer to people.
Marang Kgatlwane (1J)
When I first got to Konka, I had very
high expectations because of what
I had been told about it. I must say it
definitely lived up to them.
Wada Bonyongo (1L)
I enjoyed Camp Konka because the
facilitors were very amusing. There
was a lot of green grass, a soccer
field and a river. The food was delicious and the activities we did were
fun but exhausting.
Gape Makuku (1J)
My favourite day was the day we
went to Sun City. We went to the
arcade and we got to go on the new
slides such as The Aqua Loop and The
Boomerang.
Batho Sento (1K)
Konka was an enjoyable experience.
We did many different, unforgettable
activities such as canoeing.
Advait Panicker (1L)
KONKA
AFRICAN LEADERSHIP
ACADEMY MODEL
AFRICAN UNION
(ALAMAU) DIARY
Kemelo Moatshe (L6L)
15 March
Despite Madagascar being
difficult to research, I am confident that I am prepared, I gathered
as much information as I could on the
topic that my committee is going to
discuss: Designing Futuristic Education
Systems for Africa’s Emerging Economy.
16 March
I met my committee members for the
first time and things went very well.
The big debate amongst us was how
technology is going to be incorporated into the education system. Besides making speeches in moderated
caucuses and furthering my ideas in
unmoderated caucuses, I danced to
Ghanaian and Nigerian music with
my new West African friends.
17 March
I am so elated; my bloc’s resolution
was passed and will be presented
at the general assembly! We met
with diplomats today. We engaged
in a meaningful discussion with them
about issues that affect the African
continent and it’s diaspora.
18 March
It is the last day of committee sessions
today. We came up with our action
plans, which will be presented tomorrow. Today is also explore Joburg day!
We visited the Cradle of Humankind,
where we learnt about the evolution
of human being.
19 March
I have gained immense knowledge
that I believe has furthered my intellectual ability. I can now proudly call
myself an African leader in the making. I am truly thankful and I would
never exchange this entire experience for the world!
FORM FIVE DRAMA TRIP
Kemelo Moatshe (L6L)
The relationship between
the Maru-a-Pula and Waterford Kamhlaba Drama Departments has been in existence for
several years, and as per the norm,
the Form 5 Drama students attended
workshops at Waterford Kamhlaba
from the 9th to the 13th of February.
The main purpose of the conference
was to enable the students to synergize ideas, learn from one another
and improve their drama skills.
In this year’s trip, the pupils spent three
days dissecting, analysing and studying the play titled Pressure by David
Haig. This is the script that the students
will be required to analyse in their May
IGCSE Drama examinations. The script
is based on the events of World War
II, where a Scottish man saved lives
by predicting the weather well in advance. The students had the opportunity to get together, break their scripts
into smaller units and pay attention to
how to stage the play. To help the students in their analysis of the script and
to also mentor them, a former Waterford scholar, who is now an established
actor in the United Kingdom, was invited to the workshop. He was able to impart valuable lessons, knowledge and
skills with the students. ‘‘One of his four
theatre rules was maintain generosity
amongst you and your fellow actors/
actresses, which I found very different
and interesting,” said Chazha Seboni
(5M). “He spoke of how we should be
generous and listen to other people’s
ideas, I will try to incorporate this rule in
our current group work.”
Mr Ndlovu expressed how pleased
he was with the way this year’s trip
went. He thinks that this workshop has
helped the Drama department reflect
on what the students have learnt. It
gives them the opportunity to find and
rectify any weaknesses the students
may have. “Our students have gained
confidence in terms of understanding
and familiarizing themselves with the
drama language” he said. “This workshop has helped endorse what we are
currently teaching the students.”
Apart from gaining insight and developing their drama skills, the students
also had the opportunity to learn
about the Swathi culture. They visited
the Mantenga Cultural Village and
viewed the different tourist attractions
in the area. In addition to this, they visited the Ngwenya Glass Factory, where
they learnt about glass recycling.
The two drama departments would
like to continue with this fruitful partnership. Next year, the two departments
have decided to have the workshop
at a campsite in South Africa.
FORM FIVE GEOGRAPHY TRIP
Anjana Mandagarli (L6M) of the information needed through a
On the 22nd of February,,
the Form Five Geography students set off to the
Jwaneng Diamond mine as part of
their IGCSE coursework research.
The objective of this annual excursion
is to guide the students on how to answer their coursework question on the
effects of the diamond mine on the
residents of Jwaneng.
When the students arrived in Jwaneng,
they were given safety gear before
going to see the pit, where the diamonds are mined. However, they
weren’t able to venture into the pit
due to a scheduling conflict. They
were also shown a video about the
diamond pipeline and were given the
opportunity to ask a geologist any of
their questions.
The Form Fives get a large proportion
survey that they conduct on the locals. Other than that, students also do
individual surveys on the transformation of the Jwaneng environment by
humans.
The former IGSCE Geography students
claim that their coursework improved
significantly after the visit to the mines.
‘‘The trip is beneficial for the form fives.
You can really see the difference in
their work after they’ve been on the
trip.” confirmed Mr Abu, who supervised the trip this year.
Debswana encourages and welcomes these visits and all in all, the trip
went smoothly. The Form Fives were
given the chance to see the worlds
second largest diamond exporter in
action and Emonae Brown (5M) said
she was “In awe” when she learned
about the role diamonds play in Botswana’s economy.
On the 31st of March 2017, the TEDxGaborone: Transcendence conference was
held at Maitisong. 100 Maru-a-Pula students attended the event, which included talks from MaP alumni Donald Molosi and Alice Mogwe.
The Handball Association of Botswana visited MaP to teach our students about Handball.
‘‘It was great to see members of every part of the school community donating
blood last week; it was really appreciated by the National Blood Transfusion
Service,’’ said Mr Jonathan Laverick, ‘Just under 50 pints of blood were collected, nearly doubling last years effort.’’
www.maruapula.org
Local aviation consultant Ms Tammi McAllister spoke to MaP’s AS students
about her career and the importance of life choices. She told students about
the challenges she has faced, offering advice on choosing a career.
Dumisani Ncube, who is an editor for Mmegi Newspaper, visited Maru-a-Pula
to share his experiences with and inspire students who participate in the MaP
Journalists service
MaP Alumnus Hani Thusi (‘15) hosted the first annual Southern African Young Entrepreneurs Society (SAYES) conference in Maitisong. SAYES is a Botswana-based, youth-driven,
non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and business collaboration across Africa. The conference featured prominent members of the local business
community including Ms Regina Vaka (Bona Life founder & CEO) and Dr Tiro Mampane
(Boitekanelo Group founder)
Local poet and author Mr Barolong Seboni shared his poetry with Maru-a-Pula’s Form Four and Five students during the 2017 Maitisong Festival.
From the 21st - 31st March 2017, the Avenues School (Manhattan, New York City), visited the
Maru-a-Pula campus in commemoration of the on-going collaboration between the two
schools. During their visit, the students performed for children at St Ambrose, a school for Autistic children in Mogoditshane, Thornhill and Northside. Their visit culminated in a two-hour
long, non-stop music concert with MaP’s world-renowned Marimba Band in Maitisong on the
29th of March.
MaP Refugee Advocates hosted ten students and three teachers from Dukwi
Refugee Camp from the 2nd - 7th April. During their stay, the students were
attended Form One lessons, participated in a scavenger hunt, played board
games and visited the Mokolodi Game Reserve.