Nice, France

The school, for a second straight year, provided Scott an international professional development opportunity. He attended the 41^st annual European Council for International Schools pre-conference institute and conference. There were over 450 delegates - 135 schools (academic and career counsellors) and almost 170 college/universities (admission representatives) from around the world.

There were two keynote speakers that related to a common theme of global awareness and supporting children around the world. Mark Cook was a solider in the Balkans a the Commander of the British UN contingent. He and his wife started the Hope and Homes for Children in 1994 to provide homes for orphans of war disaster. Their original idea was to repair or build orphanages to give these children security, but soon realized that what they needed more was a ‘home and loving family.’

Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street provided a very dynamic and interactive address to the audience. The Sesame Street Foundation has provided the show throughout the world and the content has focused on addressing social issues such as bullying, disabilities, death and HIV/Aids as examples. A very interesting aspect is that a group of puppeteers are traveling parts of the world where there are disasters such as an tsunami or in African and other developing parts of the world to discuss HIV/Aids and the grieving process (deaths of family members).

His Highness the Aga Khan Visists AKAM

His Highness visited the school campus on November 14, 2006 on his travel through East Africa. There were many security precautions and preparations for the visit. The school climate was absolutely a ‘buzz’ of excitement.

His Highness The Aga Khan had a small tour of the facility and address the faculty about his vision and the need of experienced and trained teachers, particularly in the developing areas of the world. (Sorry no pictures available).

Kenyan Cricket Team Visits AKAM

Students and faculty were very excited to have the Kenya Cricket team on campus. The team was playing friendly international matches between Bermuda and won the series 3-0. The players and team manager provided some insight into athletics and completing at an international level. Students were able to ask a few questions and the players signed a t-shirt that is displayed in the school.

Ugandan Artist

The school had a visitor from Uganda who provided some very traditional and expressive drum songs and dancing. He performed for both the Junior and Senior School students and faculty.

Life Straw

A new innovative product to assist countries such as Africa with respect to the drinking water is called the LifeStraw developed in the UK. The main purpose is to turn surface water into safe drinking water.

LifeStraw is based on the same principles as filtering water from a tap. It is made from a shell – a high impact polystyrene material. The filter has a three layer system – granulated active carbon, empty layer and then the iodine chamber. The product is to eliminate common waterborne bacteria and viruses such as Salmonella, Shigela and Enterococcus.

Germany versus Argentina

As part of extra-curricular activities, the PE department in the Junior School set-up a World Cup of Basketball with students from Year 3-6 being placed on a team. The round-robin tournament lasted over a month with the final two teams being Germany (Tait is a member of the team) and Argentina (Kyle is member of the team). The final game was a well played match won by Germany with a score of 24-21.

Coast Juniors Swimming Championship

Ty and Kyle were selected to represent AKA/M Swim Team at the Coast Juniors Swimming Championship.

Ty was involved in 1 race – the 25 metre free style and placed fourth. Kyle was involved in many events including the 8years 4x25 free style team relay (placing second) and the 8years 4x25 medley team relay (second position). Kyle performed very well and achieved 4^th overall in his age group, with a first place showing in Butterfly.

Understanding Other Cultures and Traditions - Muslim

This is an exert from an article in the Nation – Friday November 03, 2006 written by Thabit Mohammed

The sight of the new moon of the Islamic month of Shawaal marks the culmination of 30 days of fasting, the period known as Ramadhan. The first day of the new month is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world.

In conformity with the Islamic basic social concept of brotherhood (Ummah), Muslims are supposed to be one entity in that period. The other spiritual pre-requisite associated with the fasting and Idd Day is Zakat-ul-fitr, which is defined as charity at the end of fasting. This brings a sense of responsibility to the contributor and feeling of security and belonging to the Muslim community.The foods are given to the less fortunate members of the Muslim society so that during Idd, they to can have something to eat. Zakat-ul-fitr is given out by the head of the family on behalf of his wife, children and dependents.

Bascially, Idd, commences on the day the new moon of the 10^th Islamic month of Shawwall is sighted. The believers will chant in chorus the Takbir (God is Great) beginning with sunset prayers and ending just before the Idd prayers begin the following morning.

Idd starts in the morning prayers which should be held by a congregation preferable in an open central place in town. Prayers in a traditional mosque are to be used when it rains on that particular day. All Muslims, irrespective of gender differences or age attend thid important prayer. The wisdom behind praying together in a central place is to create a sense of solidarity.

It is strongly recommended that one slaughters an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow or even a camel. The meat should be divided into four equal parts – first portion for the owner; the second, third and fourth portions are to be shared among close relatives, neighbors, and the poor respectively.