NARROW ESCAPE.

NARROW ESCAPE.

The day was a Tuesday, my games day . the whole afternoon , we usually have games. By the end of the day I was very tired, I went home , took a bath , ate my supper and to bed I went. Sleep took me almost immediately

…………….

I had just fallen into a deep asleep. When suddenly,  I heard shouts of “fire, fire!” when I looked through the window…I was surprised to see the fire had crept up to our house.

I was paralyzed with fear when I saw the fire burning our neighboring houses to ashes. The black smoke was everywhere. My room was, by then, full of smoke our house was on fire!

I trembled like a humming bird. I had an idea. I took a rope and tied it to the balcony railings.

I swung with the rope and flew meters away. The rope caught fire at the top end.

 “ oh! Dear what will I do next?”

 All sorts of questions raced through my mind. Unfortunately, I had no answers to them all!

It would be easier to jump off than to die in fire. So I jumped down and ended up injuring my right ankle and my right hand.

……………..I woke up , thank God it was just a dream……………….

Done by: TIFFANY NJERI

YEAR 6

THE HAUNTED BUILDING

THE HAUNTED BUILDING

There was a building next to a street owned by an old man who had passed away some years ago. No one dared to go inside the building because it was said that whoever went into the building would never come back ,out!

Was there a ghost or something dangerous? No one knew. So no one dared to step into the building. It was being called: the haunted building.

Days later, a family had just shifted to a house next to the building. They were from the united states of America. Every night they could hear weird sounds coming from the building.

As their children’s room was just next to the building, they could see moving figures from the windows. The next morning, they would tell their parents. At last all of them went there to investigate.

They went inside the building; there was a pin-drop silence. They could only hear muffled echoes of themselves talking, suddenly; they heard scary, frightening noises.

As they looked around, they saw nobody. Scary, the family did not come out of the haunted building.

I wonder what happened to them.

 Done by: ANSH PATEL

YEAR 5

THE RELAY RACE.

THE RELAY RACE.

It was mini-sports day and I was really excited. I was in the under 9 relay race along my friends  Alisaliwe, Navin, and Baraka. We were a team of four!

I was extremely sure that our house would win especially because we had the fastest runner in Junior School in our team: Alisaliwe

As other activities were going on, I was getting more anxious by the minute. Finally, the moment was upon us.

Navin was the first runner followed by Baraka on number two position, then me and finally Alisaliwe would finish the race.

The race started; Navin came 3^rd. Baraka also came 3^rd. I was 2^nd. As I handed the baton to Alisaliwe, tension began to rise.

Alisaliwe took off at an amazing speed, and finished in style. He was first!

Nile house was declared first in the under-9 relay race category and I was ecstatic.

God blessed our confidence.

 Always believe in yourself.

Done by: AASHIV VIJAY GUDKA

YEAR 6

TEXTING LANGUAGE

HOW TEENS ARE AFFECTED BY TEXTING LANGUAGE

What is texting language?

Is referred to as slang language and abbreviations usually used in phone text messaging.

Examples of texting language include: Ttyl, Idk, Omg, Owk, Ikr, Idk, Lol…

Well, can texting affect teens? Many people claim that texting language makes teen lazy because it doesn’t force them to use proper grammar and spelling. Teens usually text about 2272 times a month and make only 203 calls: 31% of teens send 100+ texts a day, 16% send 51-100 texts a day, 28% send 11-50 texts a day, 22% send 1-10 texts a day and 3% send no texts at all. Teens preferably send texts only to their friends. This has been proven by an online article interviewed a 13 year old girl who sent 14,528 texts in 1 month!!!! Her dad found that the online statement was 440 pages long!!!! Teens statistically have the highest number of sent texts and that number is increasing rapidly. The report by Pew research center’s internet found that 75% of teens now have phones. It was 40% in 2004.There are some effects of texting language on them. Sometimes they write the way they text because it becomes permanently stored in their brain. Sleep texting is another effect. Teens text others and stay online till midnight even if the lights are off in their bedroom. The next morning they are moody, very tired and may not concentrate in anything. English in school also becomes a problem for the texters. Teen texters use the texting language in English. A study by media effects Research laboratory at Pennsylvania state university revealed that teens who text more are poor in grammar and English writing schools. Texting affects your communication with other people. Texting is another problem when driving. According to the National Institutes of health website, 43% of U.S high school students text while driving. This engages them to be involved in automobile crash. Too much texting can actually lead to tendinitis.

It is true that texting affects teens and this keeps on growing and growing. Texting is not a bad thing because it is useful for communicating faster for emergency and easier communication too. But if you overuse texting, it will become a problem and you will have trouble driving, sleeping and writing.                                                        

HEALTHY LIVING

TOP 8 FACTS ON A HEALTHY LIVING

1. Give up smoking

Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease. A year after giving up, your risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

2. Get active

Getting – and staying – active can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It can also be a great mood booster and stress buster. Do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. One way to achieve this target is by doing 30 minutes of activity on five days a week. Fit it in where you can, such as by cycling to work.

3. Manage your weight

Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and sugar, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity.

4. Eat more fibre

Eat plenty of fibre to help lower your risk of heart disease – aim for at least 30g a day. Eat fibre from a variety of sources, such as wholemeal bread, bran, oats and wholegrain cereals, potatoes with their skins on, and plenty of fruit and veg.

5. Cut down on saturated fat

Eating too many foods that are high in saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood. This increases your risk of heart disease. Choose leaner cuts of meat and lower-fat dairy products like 1% fat milk over full-fat (or whole) milk.

6. Get your 5 A DAY

Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day. They're a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. There are lots of tasty ways to get your 5 A DAY, like adding chopped fruit to cereal or including vegetables in your pasta sauces and curries.

7. Cut down on salt

To maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid using salt at the table and try adding less to your cooking. Once you get used to the taste of food without added salt, you can cut it out completely.

Watch out for high salt levels in ready-made foods. Most of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy. Check the food labels – a food is high in salt if it has more than 1.5g salt (or 0.6g sodium) per 100g. Adults should eat less than 6g of salt a day in total – that's about one teaspoon.

8. Drink less alcohol

Don't forget alcohol contains calories. Regularly drinking more than the NHS recommends can have a noticeable impact on your waistline. Try to keep to the recommended daily alcohol limits to reduce the risk of serious problems with your health, including risks to your heart health.

                                                                                                                                       by:ABHI .N PATEL

                                                                                                                                            FORM 3

Melvin Home

Melvin Home

Thirteen years ago, I started schooling at Melvin Jones Lions Academy. Thirteen years ago, that’s all it was to me, a school.

From being called a ‘tiny little seed’ to being referred to as ‘the school headgirl’, truly a lot has changed! This school has moulded into the person I am today; the journey was not easy, since Melvin has always challenged me academically, socially and mentally. However, it is through those challenges that I have grown from being a small girl in a checked skirt, a white shirt, a blue tie and tiny black shoes who would shudder at the thought of performing on stage or of doing anything new at all, to being a young woman who knows no limits. I have successfully overcome my stage fright by taking part in debates, elocution, talent shows and prize giving day, not forgetting the countless speeches I’ve given as the Head girl and as the President of the Leo Club of Nakuru, yet another opportunity this school has given me. Whenever I would speak at Lions events and they would appreciate my speeches, my mind would take me back to the hours my teachers would spend, training me for the same. Melvin truly develops you in every way possible, teaching you how to balance academics with other aspects that make you a complete student.

Like I said, this school has made me who I am today, so I briefly want to appreciate the wonderful people who have been part of my journey. Beginning with the headmaster and his deputies, you are people who work diligently to ensure the smooth running of this institution, taking care of all the nitty-gritties, hence you deserve a huge thank-you for ensuring that we always have all that we need. Next, the delightful teachers who have nurtured me and have worked tirelessly to guarantee that I excel, not just in academics but in other areas as well. Some of my teachers recently told me that my class should come back to Form 3 and start learning again!I really wish that was possible, there’s so much we still want to learn from you. To me, the biggest thank-you is reserved for the support staff, no words can describe your importance to our school. You play a major role in every thing we do, from having clean classrooms to study in every single day to finding beautiful venues for every school event and finally to arranging the hall as we leave this school doing our final exams. Your support has been invaluable. A HUGE THANK-YOU TO ALL OF YOU!

Being a Headgirl and the past President of the Leo Club of Nakuru, these two leadership roles have taught me one thing: the importance of work done behind-the-scenes. For any institution to be successful, for any event to run smoothly, for any endeavour to be fruitful, the importance of the people who work behind the curtains is immense. I leave this institution appreciating the people who work behind-the-scenes and being glad for learning how to doing so myself, when the need arises. 

Though this is the end, I know that this school has prepared me for a new beginning.

Thirteen years ago, I entered a school. Thirteen years later, I leave a family.

Nikita Lotiya

FAILURE

FAILURE

“The test of a man is the fight he makes,

The grit that he daily shows’;

The way he stands on his feet and takes

Fate’s numerous bumps and blows,

A coward can smile when there’s nought to fear.

When nothing his progress bears;

But it takes a man, a stand up, a cheer

While some others follow stars.

“It isn’t the victory, after all,

But the fight that a brother makes;

The man who, driven against the wall,

Still stands up erect and takes,

The blows of fate with his head held high:

Bleeding and bruised, and pale,

Is the man who’ll win in the by and by,

For he isn’t afraid to fail.

“It’s the bumps you get, and the jolts you get,

And the shocks that your courage stands,

The hours of sorrow and vain regret,

The prize that escapes your hands,

That tests your metal and proves your worth;

It isn’t the blows you deal with

But the blows you take on the good old Earth,

That show, if you are real!

Done by: ElsyWaga

Form 2

LOVE SENT FROM ABOVE

LOVE SENT FROM ABOVE

Love makes every man his brother’s keeper

Love, indeed, is light from heaven;

A spark of that immortal fire

With angels shared, God given,

To lift from Earth our low desire.

Devotion wafts the mind above,

But heaven itself descends in love;

A feeling from the Godhead caught,

To wean from self each sordid thought;

A ray of Him who formed the whole;

A glory circling round the soul.

BRAIN OF A GENIUS

BRAIN OF A GENIUS

Albert Einstein was a genius. So were Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart and Steve Jobs. That is inarguable. You can probably think of dozens more. Then consider the question: Why are they considered a genius? By what measure are we making the determination? Certainly each of them have contributed something significant to the society. But what makes a genius? The answer is in the brain.

In a normal brain there is a relatively equal split between the long and the short connections within the cerebral cortex(the part of the brain responsible for thinking and problem solving).Short connections are linked with our aptitude pertaining to something that interests us, while long connections pertain our capacity for things outside of these interests. For example, Mozart must have had a great deal of short connections, pertaining to his musical ability; whereby someone like Blaise Pascal most likely had larger amount of long connections as he was highly accomplished in every field from mathematics to computers to philosophy.

A brain area called the thalamus determines what ideas and interests filter through our subconscious mind to the conscious mind, the valuable ones are allowed to proceed whereby the others will never reach the conscious mind, much like a bottleneck. In geniuses, the ‘bottleneck’ tends to be wider, letting more thoughts to come through and get processed.

Brains of highly intelligent people have a higher density of gray matter(the tissue that literally waits to receive information) and also a larger amount of white matter(which send the information).Larger amount of both these tissues mean quicker and more efficient communication within the brain.

The term ‘genius’ has certainly been a way of classifying someone highly innovative or adept, but neuroscientists are still a long way from discovering what sets their brain apart from the average Joe. Although there are many physical characteristics in the brain, there is no sole identifying factor. Differences in the physical structure of the brain and the accompanying thought processes are only part of the mysterious puzzle.

Ambar Chakraborty

Form 3

Animal cruelty

Animal cruelty

I’m sure most of us have had their hair accidentally pulled out or caught on something before. We all know how much it hurts even though it’s usually only a few strands of hair. Now imagine, being forced to live your entire life in a small confined cage just so someone else can pull out your own hair to sell for personal profit.

Imagine, watching your friends skinned alive and then left to die while you sit back and wait for your turn to come. It’s obvious that no one would ever want to be put in a position like that, but sadly, this is the life that millions of animals live every single day just because of the fur on their backs.

Before any expensive fur clothing is made, animals like rabbits, foxes, coyotes, and so many more live in tiny cages with barely enough room to breathe or they suffer from excruciating pain after being trapped in the wild. If you have a pet dog or cat, then you know how innocent and precious they are.

Well, in China, there are no laws against protecting animals so the suppliers can do whatever they want to them. On their way to the slaughterhouse, cats and dogs are put in cages stacked on top of each other in trucks. Some of them even still have collars on, which shows that they were taken away from their owners. This happens when they are found alone on the street and they are stolen to be made into a fur coat.

When they reach the slaughterhouse, they are kicked and thrown around like dirt. They are beaten and stomped on until they are hung from their hind legs or tails to be skinned alive without any painkillers or other medication. To allow a clean cut, when the animals squirm, the workers stomp on their heads and necks. Once all the fur is peeled off, the hairless body is thrown into a pile of those who have gone before them. Some are still alive, gasping for air. Once the clothing is made, it is mislabeled as fur from other species and sold to unsuspecting customers.

You may like the clothing brand Lululemon, but some of their products are made from down, which come from goose feathers. Down is a layer of soft feathers underneath the tougher exterior ones. The geese are kept in small metal wire cages until they are pulled out and hung up by their necks. The workers violently pluck out their feathers in fists from their sensitive skin while they’re still fully conscious.

Sometimes, they pull so hard that they rip open their skin and sew it back together with just needle and thread. The down industry supports workers ramming tubes down the throats innocent geese to force feed them. This causes their livers to painfully swell up to 10 times their size. Even though Lululemon uses the down industry, and knows exactly what it supports, they still refuse to change the way they make their products. On the other hand, forever 21 is a vegan store that only sells fake fur and leather

   By: Halima abdulkarim

with kind permission to reproduce.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I.            Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?

II.            Why doesn’t Tarzan have bread with meat?

III.            If it is true that we are here to help others, what are the others doing here?

IV.            Did you ever stop and wonder… can blind peoplesee their dreams?

V.            If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetable, then what is baby oil made from?

VI.            Why do the alphabet song and twinkle, twinkle little star have the same tune?

-          ARHAM RAZA

“BEING SMART”

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “BEING SMART” AND “A GENIUS”

In my opinion, there is not much of a difference between the two because both have the same brain size and are intelligent. So what’s the real difference? The difference is anchored in how they use their knowledge. Smart people are intelligent people, not recognized and do not accomplish much.  Geniuses are smart people who are recognized by the world because of what they have done. Some smart people are even more intelligent than geniuses. Use your intelligence well and soon you will transform from being  smart to being a genius.

                                                             

BY RISHABH SINGH

     FORM 3

EID-UL-FITR

RAMADAN AND EID-UL-FITR

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is regarded as a holy month. This sacred period is devoted to prayers, fasting and charity. It’s a time of the year to renew one’s spiritual commitment to the religion.

This time is usually very important for Muslims all over the world. During this period, Muhammad, the prophet of Allah, received the message during Ramadan.  Allah revealed the Quran, to Prophet Muhammad during the holy month of Ramadan. Most Muslims renew their spiritual strength by fasting and praying. It is believed that the gates to Heaven are opened during Ramadan.

Moreover, the good deeds are richly rewarded and it is easier to enter paradise than other times of the year. Simultaneously the gates to hell are closed and all devils chained up behind them.True believers pray more than usual during Ramadan. According to Islam teaching, prayer is a spiritual nourishment, just like food, water and exercise fulfill the needs of the body.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a festival called “Eid-Ul-Fitr” festival of the “Breaking of the Fast” which ends Ramadan annually.  Before the Eid festival, everyone gives money to charity and there are special prayers held at the mosque. Muslim families gather and give each other gifts, a special fair is held for the community.

 By: Halima Abdulkarim

PRICELESS VIRTUE

BEING WELL BEHAVED IS A PRICELESS VIRTUE

A man is judged not so much by the company he keeps; but by the manners he or she has. Which is why good manners are valuable qualities? A polished, clean and sober person is always respected and admired by others. The ill-mannered and uncouth people create a bad name not only for themselves, but also for their families. On the other hand, well-behaved individuals are appreciated and loved by everyone.

Courtesy, sympathy and modesty are the essence of good manners. Courtesy demands that we should not hurt others’ feelings and that we should be good listeners and avoid unnecessary arguments. Sneezing using a handkerchief and helping the old or needy is a reflection of a cultured personality. Using words such as

“PLEASE “

”SORRY”,

”WELCOME” or

“THANK YOU “

at the right moment reflects politeness. If we manage to follow these simple acts or mannerisms, we can make the world a better place for me and you.

By Purva Patel

Form 1

STOP POLLUTION!!

STOP POLLUTION!!

The term ‘pollution’ has gained a wider significance in recent years. It refers to the release of chemical or substances into the environment that is injurious for human, animal and plant life.

Water Pollution

It refers to the contamination of water bodies such as water, sea, lakes, ocean, etc. It occurs when pollutants are discharged into water without proper treatment. The organic sources of water pollution are food-processing wastes, tree debris, etc. The inorganic sources are acidic industrial discharge, silt, etc.

Proper treatment of pollutants before their introduction to the water bodies is of utmost importance to mitigate the growing water pollution.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is when poisonous gases are released to the atmosphere. It damages environmental balance and causes several diseases.  The major causes include massive deforestation, atomic explosions, industrial fumes, etc.

Massive deforestation should be immediately stopped since it has altered the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

Since we all know the causes of these hazards, we should behave responsibly towards the environment as an attempt to curb pollution

                                                                                                                                                By: ABHI PATEL

                                                                                                                                                      Form 3

LIVING HEALTHY

 LIVING HEALTHY

1. Get active

Getting – and staying – active can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It can also be a great mood booster and stress buster. Do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.

2. Manage your weight

Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and sugar, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity.

3. Eat more fiber

Eat plenty of fiber to help lower your risk of heart disease – aim for at least 30g a day. Eat fiber from a variety of sources, such as whole meal bread, bran, oats and wholegrain cereals, potatoes with their skins on, and plenty of fruit and veg.

                                                                                                                                       By

ABHI .N PATEL

                                                                                                                                            FORM 3

BRAIN OF A GENIUS

BRAIN OF A GENIUS

Albert Einstein was a genius.So were Leonardo Da Vinci,Mozart and Steve Jobs.That is inarguable. You can probably think of dozens more. Then consider the question: Why are they considered a genius? By what measure are we making the determination? Certainly each of them have contributed something significant to the society. But what makes a genius? The answer is in the brain.

In a normal brain there is a relatively equal split between the long and the short connections within the cerebral cortex(the part of the brain responsible for thinking and problem solving).Short connections are linked with our aptitude pertaining to something that interests us, while long connections pertain our capacity for things outside of these interests. For example, Mozart must have had a great deal of short connections, pertaining to his musical ability; whereby someone like Blaise Pascal most likely had larger amount of long connections as he was highly accomplished in every field from mathematics to computers to philosophy.

A brain area called the thalamus determines what ideas and interests filter through our subconscious mind to the conscious mind, the valuable ones are allowed to proceed whereby the others will never reach the conscious mind, much like a bottleneck. In geniuses, the ‘bottleneck’ tends to be wider, letting more thoughts to come through and get processed.

Brains of highly intelligent people have a higher density of gray matter(the tissue that literally waits to receive information) and also a larger amount of white matter(which send the information).Larger amount of both these tissues mean quicker and more efficient communication within the brain.

The term ‘genius’ has certainly been a way of classifying someone highly innovative or adept, but neuroscientists are still a long way from discovering what sets their brain apart from the average Joe. Although there are many physical characteristics in the brain, there is no sole identifying factor. Differences in the physical structure of the brain and the accompanying thought processes are only part of the mysterious puzzle.

Ambar Chakraborty

Form 3

NB: By kind permission of different authors .

REFLECTIONS

 REFLECTIONS

It is quite enthralling to look back and summon up all the figments of the past; all its beauty and atrocity. All its victories and defeats –such is the thrill of high school.  Such zeal to reminisce only comes when one feels that they are about to complete a chapter in their life; and it is almost timefor me toclose my book.

However, I would not be at peace with myself had I not concluded my school year with a piece of writing where I could pour out my most heartfelt sentiments about Melvin Jones. Basically a tale of its undying need for discipline and its capability to mould and shape a course, unrefined student to a polished, confident individual!

As I think of the past, a nostalgic cloud covers my head and it fogs all of my once clear thoughts.it is such that makes me wish I could go back in time,parade myself in one of those grey plaid skirts and reconnect with my  faded navy blue sweater ,both of which I wore with an untold pride. My class was one of consistent racket but this noise bound us together, we became family; a dysfunctional one at that! We built,broke,treasured and brawled but I have a reason to be grateful for the scholarly advice that can only be provided by our teachers and elders.

Melvin has equipped me with the most effective methods ofexpressing myself whether it’s splashing paint on a creamy canvas or coordinating a comical skit. I believe that I have achieved! I have become the person that I wanted to be 7 years ago; a confident, motivated and focused lady. The institution taught me that I should never settle for less but always exert myself beyond all barriers and obstacles. I overcame all my fears and sky-rocketed past all my woes

Looking into the mirror, I see a future that is not ready for me.  But I am prepared for its hustle and all of its hurls because my journey is anchored on the simple foundations laid in MJLA. I am certain, that life beyond that black gate will be what I allow it to be. My future is so bright it outshines all cosmic forces. My reflections are therefore no longer remorseful or nostalgic,instead they have become memories of hopeful moments and delightful cheer. I stand tall and anxiously awaitmy IGCSE’s

DONNA MORARA-FORM  4

Life as teenager!!

Life as teenager!!

    We Teens truly have lots of problems that we have either gone through or are currently going through, isn’t it?  Every teen reading this knows what kind of  problems I am referring to!

                Problems like Mood Swings; which are very common, relationships with parents, siblings and especially with friends. Fights with your so called “BFF” e.g. if they talk and try to act friendly towards other people and mistakenly forget you even for a minute, the jealousy that you feel can bring up a fight, which might probably be because of you not used to him or her talking to others quite rottenly.

                Love and relationships enter teen’s lives for the very first time, which may lead to wrong decision making. This decision might have been the first ever decision to be made without consultation. 

                                                 BY: RIA RAMCHANDANI

                                                                     (YR 10)

FAMILY

FAMILY

With failure comes regret, with sadness comes pain

With friends comes family and with family comes love

Sometimes family goes to far and revenge takes over, love fades away

But it is upon you to choose what you want, because God is with us all

Through day and night, thick and thin, surrounded by defeat and failure, sorrows and pains

The people who stay by your side are family and better know it!

People will pretend and make you suffer, just because of jealousy in their black hearts

Who will pull you down with them, stepped and spat on, if you do not stand strong

As you suffer for their own mistakes, crying and giving up is what they feed on

But when they pull you down to one percent of death, we shall come back with 100% of life

Say what you have to say and not what you want to say, karma is on its way

Do what you must do, sit down and be humble, their time will come

Life is not a competition but a journey, though some people make life seem like a game

Everyone has their own cards to play and at the end of the day, one shall win and one will win

Since you started the game, we shall finish it, rule or no rule

But it really doesn’t matter who wins, it is how they won

In the beginning, we all made a fire wasting a lot of food and nature

Producing harmful gases, filled with anger and revenge, accompanied by cruelty flames

But at the end we all lose leaving grey particles behind, as a blessing or curse

Forgetting, forgiving and rehealing, leaving scars and memories in ones mind and heart

Done by Elsa Olander