NEW SLIDESHOW from KENYA FIELD TRIP

Dear all Yet another video......... this time 'WILDLIFE' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyCcxa3a7fw

If any parents, guardians or students want a copy of all the pictures that I took let me know...... will work out how many CD's are needed

Martyn

PS Will upload yet another video/slideshow of the 'BEST OF' in the next day or so.

ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE + Links

I have been informed today that accommodation in Nakuru both on the journey to Marich and on the return from Marich will be at Lake Elementaita Lodge.

This TREAT has kindly been provided by the travel company who are organising the major part of the Field Trip - UK Connection

This is a beautiful, historic lodge with panoramic views across Lake Elementaita to the northwest.

Links to the lodge can be found in the links at the foot of this BLOG or have been reproduced here for ease of access.

LAKE ELEMENTAITA LODGE

- A website offered by a safari company with pictures of both the interior and exterior of the Lodge. 8 different Videos are also available using links at the bottom of this web page. These show film of both the interior and exterior of the Lodge as well as panoramic views of the area surrounding the Lodge.

WIKIMAPIA - This shows a satellite map of the lake, the position of the Lodge in relation to it and the location of Lake Nakuru to the northwest.

FLICKR

Have just established a FLICKR Account............... just CLICK on the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/west_pokot_kenya/

I will hopefully add more photos to this and by the looks of it will be able to upload pictures to here when we are in Kenya.

For somebody else's slant on the area to be visited in May/June, why not search for either Marich Pass or Pokot under photos on Flickr. There are some outstanding photos from other people who have visited this beautiful area of Kenya............ or if searching is too time consuming, just click on the links, for Marich Pass and Pokot respectively, below.....

http://www.flickr.com/search/?ss=2&w=all&q=marich+pass&m=text

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pokot

MySpace - ELLIOT MINOR

I know that this has little to do, if anything, with the trip to Kenya but since the school's community has supported the various appeals to raise funds for the school in Marich, it is the least I can do to support their appeal.

It works like this............

If you are a member of MySpace then click on this link http://www.myspace.com/schoolinvasions and sign in to your account and then VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL.

If you are not a member of MySpace then click on this link http://www.myspace.com/schoolinvasions and register with MySpace and then VOTE, VOTE, VOTE for STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL.

WE NEED ALL OF YOUR VOTES! EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

So, if you read this, wherever you may live, please VOTE for STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL.

IT IS AS SIMPLE AS THAT!

IF WE RECEIVE THE MOST VOTES THEN the BAND ELLIOT MINOR WILL PLAY AT THE SCHOOL!

Fortunately I live 32 miles from the school and if we win, I will be out of earshot! Only Joking!

13+ Weeks to go and SO MUCH TO DO!

I now realise what people meant when they said (and continue to do so!!) that I must be mad to organise this trip.................. and that was when I was proposing just the one trip!

Now that I have two on the go, does that make me madder or even more mad or just INSANE!

What do you think?

Personally I'll let you know at the end of July when I return from the Year 11 Field Trip!.................. that's if I'm not sectioned before then!

On a more positive note.............. coach transport for the May/June Trip has been organised!

............ and the deposit for the Year 11 Field Trip (HOLIDAY!) has been paid!

BLISS WOMEN and CHILDREN PROJECT

Today I received an interesting E-mail from Janet Ilott. She works for a charitable organization in Nakuru called The Bliss Women and Children Project. She has invited us to visit the project when we are in Nakuru.

Subject to the time available, on our return to Nakuru from Marich, I think that a visit will be most beneficial.

Here is a copy of Janet's E-mail...........

Hi Martyn,
This morning I came across your blog about your school's upcoming visit to Kenya, and, well, thought I would drop you an email. I saw that you are planning to come to Nakuru to visit the national park - and I'd like to invite your class to come and visit the charity I work for. It's called the Bliss Women and Children Project (www.blisswomenandchildrenproject.org). We are located in Keptembwo, an area of Nakuru, and we work with women and children who are living in extreme poverty, infected/affected by HIV/AIDS, orphaned, widowed etc. Having said that, it's a very happy place, where we are working to improve the lives of over a hundred women and 80 children. We would be thrilled to receive you - and I think it might be a good opportunity for your students as well.

Anyways, please let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Janet Ilott
Bliss Women and Children Project
www.blisswomenandchildrenproject.org



The link to their group is as follows:

The Bliss Women and Children Project

AFRICA WEEK @ STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL - VIDEO

I have just uploaded the video of the Marich Early Childhood Development and Primary School in West Pokot, Kenya. This video was shown at Stalham High School's Assemblies during Africa Week (see below).

This is the link to the video on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTFn5IJe6hQ

This is the video...............

Fundraising Events

Africa Week, which will stretch into a second week (me thinks it should have been called Africa FORTNIGHT!!), was very successful.

The update as to what has happened in Marich over the last year was well received by each year group at the respective assemblies. The video is to follow.............. apologies for the poor sound quality, dire editing and squeaky tripod........... it's clear that Spielberg has nothing to lose sleep over and Oscar/BAFTA Nominations are nothing more than a pipedream!

African Food Day on Wednesday went down well. Everything was sold and thoroughly enjoyed by those who got to taste some of the fare on offer.

Takings from the African Market were down on last year but the event was enthusiastically supported by many students.

MUFTI Day on Friday 6th February was, as expected, the high point of the week with all students wholeheartedly enjoying the opportunity to wear what they wanted without fear of recrimination!

The RAFFLE sales were poor but sanction has been given to sell through until the end of Half Term............... not only does this provide time to sell more tickets but also for Amazon to get the prizes to me!

Finally, the Quiz Night, organized by Angie and Will Johnson and held at Catfield Primary School, saw almost 50 people enjoy 10 closely fought topic rounds. The top 4 places were separated by only 8 points. I had a fantastic evening just realizing how little I did know and meeting others who had come out on a freezing damp night to support the Stalham High School Field Trip to Kenya. Wine and other beverages flowed, fish and chips were downed, raffle tickets purchased, good humored rivalry developed and some barracking ensued........................ however everything was good spirited and everyone, I think, had a good time supporting this very worthwhile cause.

The total raised is yet to be finalized but will include over £40 from Raffle Ticket Sales and the African Market.

Thanks Angie & Will for organizing the event and to everyone that came along.

The Total, to date, from the Stalham High School Event is over £600............... watch this space for the final total.

AFRICA WEEK @ STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Stalham High School is proud to announce AFRICA WEEK 2009.

During the week, commencing 2nd February 2009, a number of events have been organized to raise awareness of the focus of the school's fundraising efforts over the last 18 months.

At daily assemblies each year group will be updated as to how the funds, raised to date, are being put to good use. In addition there will be the opportunity of seeing video footage of the Marich Early Childhood Development and Primary School (MECDPS), its students and the surrounding area, filmed in July 2008.

There will also be an African Market held daily in the school hall. From the market students will be able to purchase small items of jewellery, handmade soap, batiks and other handcrafts imported from Kenya. All proceeds from the market will go directly to benefit the students of the MEDCPS.

A raffle will be run with prizes of DVD's, Books and other items selected from the African Market.

On Wednesday there is an African themed food day. Students will be offered the opportunity to sample some traditional African foods in addition to the Refectory's regular fare. There will be MANDAZIS (doughnuts) on offer at breaktime and African KUKU STEW (Chicken Stew) served with WALI WA NAZI (Coconut Rice) on the menu at lunchtime.

Some students will also, on Wednesday, have a timetable change with SWAHILI being taught instead of French.

The event will culminate with a MUFTI DAY (Non-uniform Day) being held on Friday 6th February.

It would be nice to think that we can do better than the £1,100 that was raised in a similar event in 2007/08!

Oh yes........... almost forgot there is also the QUIZ NIGHT on Saturday 7th Feb in aid of those traveling to Kenya. See the details below.

Please support this worthwhile event, dig deep and give generously.

THE WALK TO MARICH 2009

More great news................ following the unanimous backing of the Stalham High School Student Council, the new Headteacher, Ms Derry, has rubber stamped a repeat of last year's Sponsored Walk.

The 2nd Walk to Marich will be held on Friday 26th June 2009.

It is hoped that the combined distance of all walkers will equal the distance, as the crow flies, from Stalham to Marich in West Pokot, Kenya - a distance of a little over 4000 miles.

Marich has been the focus of Stalham High School's fundraising efforts over the last 18 months. During this period we have been supporting the construction of the Marich Early Development and Primary School. We will also be visiting Marich during two field trips to Kenya during 2009.

Details of the Walk are to follow.................. watch this space or should that be BLOG!?!?!?

QUIZ NIGHT

A quiz fundraiser, in aid of the Stalham High School Trip to Kenya, has been organised by Mrs Johnson - a parent of one of the students going on the Field Trip.

Details are as follows................



Please come and support this event.

THANK YOU

Great News

Firstly.......... it is not too late to apply for financial support.

On Saturday 13th December 2008, I listed 2 organizations that may, subject to making application and status, assist with the funding of the trip to Kenya.

Application to the Norfolk Youth Fund is made direct by the applicant but that to SPRET has to have a letter of support from the Headteacher at Stalham High School. If you decide to apply for funding from SPRET, please request a letter in support of your application from Ms. M. Derry at the school.

In addition, I can see no reason why anyone, from either of the trips cannot apply.

The links to both organisations on the original post can be foundfound by clicking here NYF and SPRETT

If you don't apply, you don't get! It's as simple as that! What have you got to lose?

Secondly we have just had confirmation of flights for the second trip and these are being held subject to the completion of a booking form and the payment of a deposit.

HOFN - House of Fun Nursery

We are most grateful to the House of Fun Nursery for donating almost 200 sweatshirts and T-shirts to the people of Marich Pass. We shall be taking these with us to Kenya in May and distributing them when we arrive in Marich Pass.

More can be read about the House of Fun Nursery (HOFN) which provides childcare in Gt. Yarmouth, on their website.

Latest from Marich Pass

The following is the E-mail that was just received from Kenya................

Dear Martyn, Maureen, Imani & Tuni,

Thanks for the Christmas greetings. We'll definately be thinking of you too.

And two trips! That's just great. When is first one due?

Thanks for transfering the funds Martyn. I shall send you some pix and a summary of the expenses made so far. We have roofed the building, the windows and doors are in, one class is floored and plastered, and a blackboard painted on. So am so pleased to say that because of your support we will be able to accommodate the std 5 class on 5th Jan 09. Phew! :-)

Wishing you all a Merry Christsmas as we slaughter the ritual goat in Marich.

Warmest regards,

Paul

Fundraising UPDATE!

Today I had a meeting with Tesco in Stalham. Due to the fact that this coming Saturday will be extremely busy and packed to the gills they feel that it would NOT be convenient for us to carry out fundraising activities on that day..................... although they could do with the help.

However, they have suggested that the bagging exercise could be conducted on the two Saturdays prior to Easter. It is therefore proposed that we do our fundraising on Saturday 28th March and Saturday 4th April 2009. As such please put these dates in your diaries, keep them free and volunteer to help on those two days.

Don't forget, all those that DO participate WILL benefit from any funds raised................... and those that DON'T, WON'T!!!

Things to do...........

The field trip participants have, for weeks, been asked to provide a valid E-mail address so that we can communicate information and updates to parents. There are still a rather sizable majority that have still not responded to this request. This could result in vital information failing to reach those that need it!

Please can E-mail addresses of parents, if they have one, be passed to Mr. H no later than the end of term i.e. Friday 19th December.

Finally............. students have also been asked to put forward their own designs for the T-shirt which is to be sponsored by Meteor Parking. On this score there has been ZERO response. I feel it would be nice for the students to have a hand in what it says on the shirt. Come on all you budding artists............... go ahead and make Mr. Bissel's day! Again, entries before Christmas please as artwork needs to be submitted to the T-shirt company in good time before our departure.

Sorry to moan but..............................

Tesco Packing - UPDATE

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the session of packing bags in Tesco on Saturday 13th December 2008 has been cancelled!

This may be rearranged for Saturday 20th December but if not, Tesco have assured me that a bag packing session will be arranged before we travel to Kenya at the end of May.

Apologies to those who had made time in their busy schedules and to all............ watch this space for a new date.

REMEMBER................. those who DO NOT participate, DO NOT benefit! As such, please help out, it is you who will benefit. Therefore be the first to volunteer next time!

Norfolk County Council Insurance Policy Summary

The link to the insurance policy is below............ click on it.

INSURANCE POLICY

A Traditional Pokot Welcome

This is what we can expect when we are in Marich...................... a traditional Pokot welcome.

This can also be found on YouTube by clicking HERE.

This video of the Pokot was shot in the Amaya Valley which is on the borders of  Baringo District in East Pokot. 

Today....................2 MEETINGS and....................2 TRIPS

Today there were two meeting held at school.

The first was to see if there was continuing support from the Year 11's for a trip to Kenya in July. Although the numbers who originally showed interest had dropped there is still sufficient enthusiasm for a trip to go ahead.

It is proposed that this trip will depart on 18th July or thereabouts, subject to availability of flights, follow the same itinerary, as detailed below, subject to a bit of tweaking, and cost £1,499 per person exclusive of jabs and spending money. 

If there are any more students, in addition to the 9 who have signed up, who are interested, please see Mr. H.

The second meeting was held for those participants of the May/June Field Trip. It was somewhat disappointing that NOT all students attended although some had not been informed of the meeting!

The agenda was as follows:-

1 Attendance at meetings.

2 Payments and receipts

3 T-Shirt design.

4 E-mail addresses.

5 Fundraising - Tesco packing.

Meetings have been poorly attended and it was stressed that attendance was imperative as these meetings were arranged to pass on vital information.

Payments need to be up to date and receipts for payments made could be collected from Mr.H.

Students were reminded to submit designs for the front of the T-shirts to be sponsored by Meteor Parking. These should be submitted ASAP otherwise we will utilise the services of the school's Art teacher.

E-mail addresses are needed in order to convey urgent information to parents both prior to and during the field trip. However, after numerous requests, less than half the students have provided a valid E-mail address. These need to be in before Christmas.

It is proposed to ask the local Tesco Store to allow us to fundraise within the store on Saturday 13th December. The fundraising will be by means of a packing service provided for Tesco customers. As such, volunteers are needed for that day. The students were reminded that unless they participated in the fundraising events, they wouldn't benefit from the proceeds.

The issue of inoculations/immunizations was also raised and it cannot be overly stressed about the importance of getting these done at the earliest opportunity in order for them to be fully effective during the trip.

Watch this space for more details.

Provisional booking will be made on Monday 8th December.