Important updates
Dear Parents,
We thought it would be easier to update you on a number of areas in a single email rather than fill your inboxes. Please do take the time to read this letter and of course if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call.
SECURITY
The Somalia situation and recent insecurities in Nairobi are something that we are taking very seriously. We have always had a full security and emergency plan for the school, and we met again as a management team today to review this in full. We have tried to forsee all possible eventualities and have put plans in place for many possible scenarios:
In school: Having recently had both British High Commission and British Army Security Audits we know that we have put in place the required actions to maximise security. Our Askari and G4S teams have been drilled repeatedly about the need for vigilance at this time – please bear with us if it takes a little longer to go through gate security. We are also well networked into the community, Army and Police in Gilgil should we ever need support. I would also highlight that the British High Commission rates Pembroke as a ‘Designated Safe-Zone’.
Travel: We will be minimising unnecessary travel at this time. You may also like to know that all our buses have full satellite tracking systems installed, emergency buttons and even the ability for us to listen in on the bus remotely. All our drivers are also fully first aid trained and have designated safe areas to go to in the event of a problem. We will of course be continuing to have adult escorts accompanying buses and drivers at all times.
SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER – CRICKET AND BONFIRE NIGHT
During the day: we will be hosting the IAPS U11 6-a-side cricket tournament. We will have tea, coffee and juices running all morning. We are also hosting our visiting schools for lunch and extend this invitation to our parents and other visitors. This will be at a cost of 700/- per person for the lunch otherwise you are most welcome to bring a picnic. Unfortunately because of the alcohol laws we will not be able to run a bar so please do bring your own beverages. During this time we are being visited by the Vintage car rally – they will come down to the games fields with their wonderful cars to join us for a coffee before they go off to Gilgil Club.
Bonfire night: We will be going ahead with our bonfire night, though as many of you will know, the Kenya Government have put a blanket ban in place regarding fireworks for the time being. Please may we appeal to you to NOT bring and let off any fireworks. We will have our bonfire down on the fields as normal and will be feeding the school children at 6.00pm . This will be followed by supper for parents and the community at a charge of 500/- per person. Again we will not be able to run a bar so please do bring your own drinks. Gilgil club will open for anyone wanting to continue their evening there.
SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER – TRIATHLON AND BUS SERVICE
Triathlon: On Sunday we have our Foundation Triathlon which will start at school at 8.00am and will have its finishing line at the Gilgil Club where there will be the usual delicious lunch. All Pembroke children will be joining us for lunch at the club. Don’t forget to sign up or just come along. Please sign up here to take part in the Triathlon or simply reply this email.
Regular bus service: Having communicated a maximum of 13 places previously, we will now be using the 27 seater and so if you still need a place, please contact Chiru immediately on +254 (0) 720476633.
SKI TRIP 11-18th FEB 2012 – PLEASE URGENTLY SIGN UP
February is not far away and we need to make sure everything is booked. If you are interested in coming, please simply reply directly to this email. If you would like to read more about it all, you can download a summary of the resort and accommodation here.
DO YOU KNOW ANY CELEBRITIES?!
As part of our activities over the next year we would like to get some (ideally internationally) famous people to come and talk to children and parents at Pembroke. We will organise travel (even from abroad) and accommodation. If you have contacts to anyone famous in the world of academia, sports, music, drama, expeditions or any other area we would be very grateful if you could just let us know in a quick email.
We very much hope to see you at the weekend,
With warm regards,
MJ and Rob
Pembroke House School
+254 (0) 20 231 2323
