Sandford
Legends
Sandford International
June 2022 School Secondary Newsletter
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the class of 2022 who graduated from the
school in June. We wish them all happy and rewarding lives.
The Class of 2022
at Sandford!
It was wonderful to see Year 13 all back together for one last time at Sandford. It has not been an easy
two years so to see them excited to see each other and for what the future holds was heart-warming.
Congratulations Year 13 on your achievements. Good luck as you set out on your next journey. Let us
know where you go! Many thanks too to the students who helped make the day so special - the ushers,
the M.C's and the student-performers. Special thanks to Henock Alemayehu, founding member of the
Ethiopia Rotary Club, for his speech. Remember his words, Y13. You have a wonderful platform from
which to be of service to others - make sure to use it!
The Class of 2022
at Sandford!
The Class of 2022
at Sandford!
The Class of 2022
at Sandford!
Counselling News
Here’s to the class of 2022 – ‘The Covid Kids’
When the world was turned upside down in January of 2020 as the Coronavirus pandemic began to spread,
no one could anticipate the amount of disruption it would cause across all levels of education. While all
students were affected, in some ways, the experience of the Class of 2022 was arguably altered more than
any other. I sometimes call them the covid kids. The pandemic spanned across the three most important
years of high school for this class. During these essential academic years, they endured the constant change
of on campus to online and back, an inconsistent and always changing academic lifestyle. Now they are
experiencing life after a pandemic, the “new normal.”
I could not write this article without sharing the feelings I experienced the first few times I met with the
class of 2022. It was the week of September 7th 2021. After obtaining information from them all and placing
them in manageable, smaller cohorts, I began to meet with each group, and they quickly learned that I was
very passionate
about university counseling. I could see that they had much to learn and were eager for the knowledge. I
knew we were in for a special journey, and that is exactly what the class of 2022 delivered.
During the countless meetings we had during lunch, the informal sessions during morning breaks in the
university counseling center, the impromptu meetings throughout the day, during class time, and after
school, we got to know each other. Soon it was time to begin applications to colleges. They sent their mate-
rials to colleges and universities all over the world, from the US to Canada, to the UK and beyond. However,
no matter the student or where the applications were submitted, there was a universal underlying fear,
“Mr. Mike, what if I don’t get accepted? Then what?”
Thankfully, that fear quickly turned to excitement when acceptances started rolling in. The fear of not be-
ing accepted was now in the shadow of a new fear, “How do I make the right choice of where to go?” With
great choices in hand, they could imagine their new journeys after Sandford. Please allow me to share the
incredible highlights of the class of 2022! It is an impressive list of colleges and universities from around the
world. Many of these institutions are considered top universities worldwide and hold prestigious rankings.
Sports
at Sandford
The class of 2022 will be attending:
American Business School of Paris Trent University or University of New Brunswick
American University of Sharjah (or University of Winnipeg University)
Augustana College Truman State University
Boston University Tufts University
Carleton University, Canada Universidad Nacional de Educacion a
Clark University Distancia. UNED
Drexel University University of British Columbia
George Mason University University of California, Davis
Georgia Tech University University of Carlos 3 de Madrid
Heriot-Watt University in Dubai (UC3M)
Loyola Marymount University University of Groningen
MCPHS University of Amsterdam
Michigan State University University of Liverpool
Penn State University University of San Diego
Purdue University University of San Francisco
Reading University (or University of Southern California
Portsmouth University) Virginia Tech University
Rochester Institute of Technology Washington & Lee University
Suffolk University Waterloo University (or European University of Cyprus)
In addition, five students received full scholarships, including
two Quest Bridge scholars who will both attend Tufts
University in the U.S. Now it is time for them to embark upon
their next journeys. We are confident that they will represent
their families and the Sandford community with honor and
make a difference in the world. Congratulations class of
2022! We all wish you the best, go out and make us proud.
Mr. Mike
University Counselor
We wish Mr Mike a fond farewell as moves on at the end of
the year.
Celebrating Year 11
at Sandford
The school had an IGCSE completion certificate celebration day on 18 th June 2022. The day was colourful
and we had a guest Ato. Melaku Belay who is a renowned person in Ethiopia to share life experiences
with the students. The occasion had 74 students receive their certificates and we look forward to good
results from them in August when results are announces. On the day, Amira Babagana received a Head
of Year honors certificate as the student of the year 2022 in that year group.
Celebrating Year 11
at Sandford
The International
Fete at Sandford
The International
Fete at Sandford
After nearly three years
without a school fete, it
was exciting to come
together as a community
once more and celebrate.
It takes a lot of hard work
to put on an event like this,
but students and teachers
pulled together to make
this work. The smiles made
all the effort worthwhile!
The school community
raised over 200,000 ETB on
the day.
Interact organized a visit to an orphanage near Sandford called Kidane Mehret. This was a last minute
opportunity for students to sign up and do some service before school ends. Here, 8 students
volunteered alongside some Interact board members. We taught the children English, Mathematics and
also played with them. Students made meaningful connections with the children and saw the virtues of
helping in the community. This will become permanent the following academic year where students will be
able to go once a week to volunteer at the orphanage. Let us not forget that Interact promotes the idea of
being one with your community by helping others. Sandford encourages brotherly love amongst students
so let us take it beyond and show brotherly love with our community! By Amha Asrat, Year 12
“We make a living by what we get but we make a
life by what we give.” This quote spoke to me as
soon as I read it because community service is near
and dear to my heart. In honour of World Down
Syndrome Day the service prefects and I were able
to collaborate with the Deborah Foundation and
buy prescription glasses for four kids with down
syndrome. We were able to accomplish this by or-
ganising bake sales and other events that made a
significant contribution to achieving our fundraising
goals. As Sandford students I believe we can do a
lot more about down syndrome; one way we could
start is by raising awareness to reduce the social
stigma in our society. I hope that we continue with
this culture of giving and appreciation of others in
the coming school year. By Mahbell ,Year 12
The Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh expedition was our first exposure to proper hiking and camping. I will not claim that
it was easy, it was quiet exhausting, but it has been one of the most amazing experiences of our lives.
Starting from the fresh sunrises and the serene sunsets to the sacred starry nights, the rustling forests to
the sprawling plains and the colossal trees. Each glance and step has held one more thing that we had
never seen before! Each step held a lesson to be learned as well, over the last few days my friends I have
learned far more practical life skill than ever before. Whether it may be hiking, birdwatching, or the night
walks, we have learned essential skills. Though most of all the best thing we have gained from this trip is
the wonderful memories we have made and bonds we have strengthened with our friends, that is
something that we will all remember for a very long time. By Eyosias Yonas, Y 10
The Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award
Week Without Walls
at Sandford
To celebrate the end of a productive year, our Years 7 to 9 students took part in a ‘ Week Without Walls’
in the last week of term, during which they engaged in a series of fun activities outside of the classroom.
Students spent a day at Entoto Park starting with a short walk through the forest. During the walk, Year 7
made an unexpected encounter with the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to the students and teachers'
excitement. We then headed to the activity Park where students took part in a range of activities such as
go-karting, trampoline and rope courses, before stopping at Mama's Kitchen for lunch and an ice-cream.
The following day, students got the opportunity to explore Unity Park and went on a tour to the
Aquarium, the traditional gardens, the banquet Hall, the Old Palace, and the Zoo.
Another day was spent at Kuriftu Water Park in Bishoftu, where students thoroughly enjoyed themselves
on the water slides, the wave pool and other fantastic attractions.
Last but not least, students took part in a series of rt workshops, led by Ethiopian local artists during which
they were initiated to some Wire Sculpture with artist Yemirasch Mulu from Art Ventures, 'Papier mache'
with artist Dariwos Hailemaichel and some art from recycled items with artist Zelalem Merga.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable and successful week and I would like to thank all the staff involved,
notably our team of very dedicated Tutors and teachers, the PE department, and our caretakers Team, for
their tremendous support and commitment throughout the week.
Week Without Walls
at Sandford
World Environment
Day at Sandford
Honours Day
Subject Awards
Subjects Award Winners
Mathematics Ritta Eskinder
Abigail Mekonnen
Wedereyelesh Bekure
Roshanay Munir
Beamlak Tekeba
Accelerated Mathematics Ruth Endashaw Molla
Nannette Giovanni
ICT Ibtisam Mustafa
Bezuhan Tesfaye
Meriem Jaffar
Hariz Feysal
ITGS Yohannes Timket
Computer Science Niza Ahmed
Nabila Kabir Hussein
English Olivia Willis
Fetun Bruk
Milka Antenneh
Nathan Getachew
Ahmed Seladin
English Literature Amen Zerga
Blen Mikiyas
French Samuel Mahirwe
Aya Samson
Tina Oduol
Audra N. Ineza
Yohannes Timket
Spanish Nathan Getachew
Nina Lyson
Honours Day
Subject Awards
Amharic Bitania Wondwossen
Maryam Ahmed
Abigail Yonas
Soliana Yemane
Barok Haileyesus
Theory of Knowledge Eliana Shimkeit
Science Aemanda Brouck
Emnet Adamu
Maya Nahusenay
Biology Liya Ewnetu
Alef Leulekal
Chemistry Roshani Munir
Yohannes Timket
Physics Amen Zerga
Beamlak Tekeba
Environmental Systems Mayhiwot Bahru
Geography Lena Bruck
Nicholas Jones
Rakeb Yohannes
Amen Zerga
Omna Addisu
Business Management Beamlak Tekaba
Business Studies Efrata Jenbere
Economics Meba Michael
History Shaun Menachery
Aya Samson
Sherie Kibiru
Roshanay Munir
Amha Asrat Worku
Honours Day
Subject Awards
Honours Day
Subject Awards
Global Perspectives Layan Riyadh
Social Studies Nahom Paulos
Niya Sami
Art Dania Ahadu
Lisa Ngogang
Heran Gebeyehu
Fikir Teshome
Amha Asrat
Sports exercise and health Fetun Bruk
science & PE Yoseph Abera
Reemna Angesom
Natnael Ephrem
Music Mahlet Yonas
Hanna Getahun
Ri Ji Song
Honours Day
Year Group Awards
Year 7 Most improved: Ritta Eskinder
For excellence: Dania Ahadu
Year 8 Most improved: Biruk Wudeneh
For excellence: Rahma Abdulaziz
Year 9 Most improved: Alessandro Sgobba
For excellence: Abigail Yonas
Year 10 Most improved: Maria Suominen
For excellence: Cipara Zenebe
Year 12 Most improved: Ozian Belay
For excellence: Blen Mikyas
Honours Day
Major Awards
The Student Leadership Award The CAS Award The Performing Arts Award
Ahmed Seladhin and Abigail Zelalem Ri-Ji Song Year 9
Melat Genanaw Year 12 Year 12
The Outstanding Contribution to The Sandford Outstanding The Global Citizenship
the Sandford Community Award Achievement Award Award
Nebila Kebirhussein Year 12 Beamlak Tekeba Mahbell Estifanos
Year 12 Year 12
A Fond Farewell
from Sandford
Sophia Oduol Emmanuel Annoh Ray Carty
Art Teacher and TOK Head of ICT Head of Science
Kevin Gayle Erin Gorelick Justin Dickerson
Science teacher English teacher Humanities teacher
We also say goodbye to Dawit Tadesse Business studies teacher (Sorry no photo available!)
What’s happening
at Sandford?
Happy Holidays to our
school community! See you
back here on the 25th of
August 2022.
Sandford International School Academic Calendar 2022 - 2023
August 2022 September 2022 October 2022
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2
30 31
December 2022 January 2023 February 2023
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa S
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 2
April 2023 May 2023 June 2023
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa S
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 2
30 3
School Holidays First Days of term for students New Staff Induction
Whole Staff Induction 3rd June 2023 IB Graduation 17th June 2023 Year 11
Celebration
Secondary School Examination 11th September 2022: 27th September 2022: Meskel
Week Ethiopian New Year
