NEWSLETTER - Day Waterman College

Towards surpassing the most demanding standards available anywhere in the world...(10th Edition)
NEWSLETTER
Message from
the Principal
CONTENTS
Message from the Principal - 1
Message from Co-Principal (Academics) - 2
Message from Co-Principal (Pastoral) - 3
African Gifted Foundation - 4
Dear Parents & Guardians,
On joining Day Waterman College I was delighted to
meet well behaved, motivated and talented students,
dedicated staff and excellent facilities.
The co-principal team means that DWC has
experienced outstanding and dedicated leadership to
ensure the vision for Day Waterman College
continues to flourish.
As a newcomer to Nigeria my fast adjustment can be
credited to the Board of Governors, staff and
especially the support and friendship of you the parent
body.
The leadership team welcomes the opportunity to
relate with you, to listen and move forward in
partnership to ensure the success of your children and
the school.
In this newsletter you will find articles about some of
the activities and achievements of our students which
have taken place since our last Newsletter in July
2012.
I hope you will enjoy the reading which follows. May I
take this opportunity to wish you well over the festive
season and we look forward to the safe return of our
students in January.
Yours in education,
Lyn Newell
Principal
Learning Resource Centre - 7
Honours Day/ Valedictory Service - 9
Its All About Us - 13
Valedictory Speech - 14
2012 IGCSE: DWC Shines Bright - 15
National Art Competition - 16
The Gods Are Not To Blame Stage Production - 17
NIGERIA @ 52: DWC Fashion Show - 18
INDEPENDENT MATCH: Students vs Staff - 19
NIGERIA @ 52: Quiz Competition - 20
Year 7 Students Visits Olumo Rock - 21
Meet the new members of the DWC Team - 22
Message from the Co-Principal:
Steps In The Right Direction
William Arthur
Dear Parents & Guardians,
I am very glad to update you about the general
academic pursuits of our students. In the June issue of
our Newsletter, I announced to you the outstanding
performance of our students at the Checkpoints
Exams. By then we were expecting the release I/GSCE
of our first graduating students and Year 10s. I am
honoured to inform you that when the results were
released in July our students recorded stunning
achievements! The details are included in this
newsletter. There was no way we could have pulled it
off without the co-operation and understanding of all
the parents. You have always been there for us.
In September, one of our Year 10 students,
Otitodirichukwu Darl-Uzu, won an NNPC/Chevron
Art Competition titled ‘'Strength in Diversity'' for his
ingenious artwork to commemorate Nigerian 52nd
Independence held in Port-Harcourt. The young man
has shown the outside world what it means to surpass
all available standards.
The brilliant performances of our students who staged
the popular play by the late Professor Ola Rotimi at
the Muson Centre on the 20th October are worth a
mention. Their hard work, creativity, and focus paid
off and thrilled the audience. I cannot but make
mention of the support of our parents in this
respect—their sponsorship, attendance, moral
encouragement kept us going. Thank you!
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The mock exams of our students ended last week. The
students have been participating in all activities that
build their body, soul and spirit. Our Learning
Resource Centre is being stocked with new materials
and our teachers are as motivated as ever.
All our new students have taken their baseline
assessments Midyis for Years 7-9 and Yellis for Year
10. The results suggest we were right in making our
decision on each child. These tests are external
diagnostic tests designed by CEM, Durham University,
UK, and you should have seen your child's baseline
predictions on their full report. Individual Education
Plans (IEPs) are being put in place for those who may
need support in one or more areas. We have selected
our senior Maths Olympiad Group and they are
already being prepared for early Maths IGCSE entry
in May, 2013. The selection test for the Junior Maths
Olympiad Group was done last week and students
will be notified soon.
As a school, we are taking giant steps in the right
direction of our vision. We are most grateful for the
opportunity of a lifetime which you parents have given
us to mould your children for the betterment of their
future and our world.
Arthur William
Co-Principal (Academic)
Message from the Co-Principal:
The Welfare of Our Students
Teresa Onyemah
I am excited to have joined a dynamic academic
environment of Day Waterman College where
academic standards are rigorous and compare
favourably with the world's best international schools.
As the new Co-Principal (Pastoral), it gives me joy to
relate with the students and see them grow mentally
and psychologically. Their welfare is paramount—it
can never be relegated. I am passionate about young
people and all that concerns them.
In view of this, ever since I joined DWC, my focus has
been of student welfare especially the catering unit.
The leadership team have been able to put in place
effective measures to improve turnaround time at the
Dining Hall so that the students are served their meals
on time and in an organised manner.
The school now has a permanent Resident Doctor
who works 12 hours daily and on call including
weekends. In addition, there are four (4) qualified
nurses two of whom are always on hand 24/7. The
Matrons also run shifts/duties in the centre to support
the medical team.
With the introduction of additional new Boarding
Houses, two more qualified matrons have been
employed to support our team. The House Tutors,
House Parents and Matrons all work round the clock
to cater to the needs of the students in a professional
manner and the team is totally committed to the wellbeing of all the students. It is our collective aim to
positively influence them towards growing into mature
and responsible adulthood in an environment of
genuine affection. DWC is a home away from home.
Boarding is at the heart of DWC and our aim is to
provide for all our students a caring environment
which will enable them become confident and
successful in future.
As the students learn and healthily compete, interact
and play with one another, it gladdens me seeing
them growing before our very eyes. It is my good
fortune to be able to have the privilege of impacting
their lives positively.
Teresa Onyemah
Co-Principal (Pastoral)
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African
Gifted
Foundation
Patience Okhakhu
Lead Teacher, Gifted & Talented Students
The African Gifted Foundation is led by African and UK executives and
educational experts determined to provide an opportunity for Africa's gifted
children to develop to their full potential. Gifted children are those who by virtue
of their outstanding abilities are capable of high levels of expertise and
performance.
According to the Foundation: ''This top 5% of the population, by academic
ability, require an enhanced and extended approach to meeting their
educational needs and unleashing their full potential.''
Mrs Patience Okhakhu, who led two of our students to Ghana this summer, here
narrates her experience of the trip—plus two recollections from the participants
themselves, in their own words…
I led a group of students to Accra on the 23rd August, 2012
to attend a programme organized by a group of experts
from the UK. The programme, as the name implies, is
principally for African gifted students; that is, African
students of unusual ability and talent. In Nigeria six (6)
schools indicated their interest to attend the programme,
but only three (3) were shortlisted: Day Waterman College,
Ogun State, Henry Alex Duduyemi School, Osun State,
and Mercy Land College, Ogun State.
Four students were entered; only two of them would be
taken—the two had to be the very best of the best, the icing
on the cake. The organisers were of the opinion all the four
candidates selected from our school were all excellent
students but they just had to select two; so the final shortlist
came down to two names: Master Ichechi Weli and Anita
Obasahon. The other students' intellectual ability was
undoubted and appreciated--they were asked to re-apply
for the next Study Week programme.
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The same routine happened in the other schools—the very
best from Mercy Land College and Alex Duduyemi
represented their school, and by extension, Nigeria.
The students were exposed to intensive teaching, skill
acquisition and learning. Some of the things they learnt
included: codes and ciphers, space exploration and
science, and lots more. The intensive teaching lasted for 5
days; what followed on the last day of the programme were
motivational talks from resource persons, achievers and
noted youth mentors who shared with the students their
humble beginnings, striving for the top, passion for success
and the tough but enjoyable road to fulfilment in life. They
also shared their secrets of excellence in their chosen
careers and professions.
The main purpose of the Academy, the African Gifted
Foundation, is to change the mindset of African Youths in
the direction of exploring their environments and making
use of what is there to make the world a better place for
people to live in. The students were challenged to question
useless and limiting dogmas.
The teaching and experiences were so rich and
enlightening that I too began to think how I can draw
inspiration from my youthful years and begin to make a
difference now on a consistent basis, not minding my age.
The programme lit a fire within me and set me thinking big!
My candid advice to all the students who have had the
privilege of attending the programme is that they should
adhere to every lesson's tip learnt. I am convinced that any
child that does this will, undoubtedly, leave a positive
imprint on the world around him/her.
programme ended on the 27th August, 2012.
The African Gifted Foundation is a fantastic programme
that every student should strive to be a part of. The
As it stands, the final expedition is scheduled to hold on
Friday/Saturday 18th and 19th May 2012 and the award
African Gifted Foundation Experience
Recollections from two participants
ICHECHI WELI is a Year 11D student of Day Waterman College. He opens up on his
experiences.
The African Gifted Foundation was a life-changing
experience for me. I came into the programme expecting
an ordinary course that I could hopefully get out of quickly.
And being one of the few Nigerians partaking, I wasn't too
keen on going. I couldn't believe how terribly wrong I was.
From the onset of the programme in Accra, I knew it was
going to be a short, but extraordinary 5 days. I met with the
programme's crew: Mr Tom Ilube (Chairman), Dr Simon
(Space Scientist), Archie Matheson, Mr Davis Cope (of
Bletchley Park) and Achita Desai.
The first course (the one I found most interesting) was
Codes and Ciphers. Initially, I was eager to participate
thinking Mr David would teach our young minds how to
crack/hack passwords or even some bank vaults!
Unfortunately that wasn't the case and we ended up
deciphering coded messages using different techniques.
This may include World War 1 messages between the Allies
or even coded messages between your peers in the
classroom! After much perseverance and persuasion I got
the hang of it and was eager to try more (as was everyone
else). He also explained the use of enigmas--machines
used in the war and even in present days too. It was a truly
fascinating course that I know I won't encounter for a long
time.
Space Science! Although it may seem quite lacklustre to
you, I found it absolutely amazing. Who knew that the
nearest star to us was the Proxima Centauri? Or that it was
over 4 light years away (over a trillion kilometres)? Dr
Simon of Nottingham University explained articulately the
wonders of the universe and just how mind-boggling it
really is! As part of an experiment, we made our own
rockets and tested whose went farthest. Quite oddly, my N-
S5 rocket didn't pass two metres (you're surprised too,
right?)! Apart from the cheating that caused my rocket not
to win, Space Science was a course to remember.
The AGF visited an Aluminium Smelte- Valcro. The
Engineers took us on an all round tour and explained to us
how they get Alumina from Bauxite and Aluminium from
Alumina. It turned to be very eventful and we all had lots of
questions to ask. Sometime later, two engineers from Tullow
Oil talked to us about their profession and what it takes to
be an engineer. Moving on from my childhood dream of
being a dinosaur (I was five), now I aspire to be an engineer
and therefore found the talk relatively interesting.
The AGF played chess against the Ghanaian Champion.
Being one of the only participants who is familiar with chess,
I was sure I would defeat him! This is an overview of my
match with him:
9:00 Game commenced. I put on my game face and
played. I was ready...
9:30 No pieces had been taken from either side. The game
was looking seriously complicated but so far so good.
9:47 He took my pawn, I took his own back! I was
prepared. By now, many other games had ended.
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10:01 With one move, I took his knight and put his King on
check! People were already shouting Ichechi! Ichechi! I was
feeling good.
had participated.
Some of us also departed pondering how Ichechi lost that
chess game.
10:18 He moved away and took my queen. My queen! The
cheering of my name stopped abruptly.
10: 30 He put me on Check and kept me thinking.
10:37 Checkmate! I was trapped and was unable to beat
him (how odd?).
On the last day, we all collected prizes for attainment and
participation. Pictures were taken and some of us had to
leave before others. The AGF proved to be exciting and,
thanks to Mr Tom, we all left feeling elated and lucky that we
ANITA OBASOHAN is a Year 11D student of Day Waterman College. She tagged her
experiences “FIVE FANTASTIC DAYS”.
In August, we went to Ghana for the third annual AGF
programme. My time spent at AGF was a wonderful
experience although it was short--I learnt much more than I
thought possible.
With a very riveting session on Codes and Ciphers, I
developed a new interest in decoding numerous codes. My
partner and I successfully cracked the Great Bank Mystery.
It's something I have never learnt before, but something that
I really enjoyed. It was mind-tasking but definitely worth it.
The Space Science session on the other hand, was a
session that really opened my mind to what's out there.
war, trying to the king. Quite an interesting game.
I met so many Ghanaians, and learnt much about their
culture and food. We visited a flea market in and put our
bargaining skills to the test. I learnt to never take the first
price offered, had better slash it almost in half and go
downwards! Or else you would just be over paying your
items.
All together, I had a great experience while at AGF. Five
fantastic days, spent with amazingly gifted people.
I also learned a lot about chess. This trip made me more
interested in chess than I used to be. It's like an intellectual
Pictures
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Learning Resource Centre
Sub Headings
By: James Okhakhu
Head, Learning Resource Centre
Located at the heart of Day Waterman College campus is the Learning Resource
Centre (LRC). The LRC is a superb and innovative resource-centre building that
has been designed to inspire and attract students and the entire school
community. Its environment is both welcoming and serenely relaxing; its large
study areas are supremely ideal for reading. It has generous shelving and
storage areas, the librarian's office, different collections' corners, flexible
reading areas, teaching corners, 2 ICT rooms, the reprographic room and 100
internet/networked computers.
fiction section is equally diverse in terms of genre, reading
and interest levels. Most of the books are in English, but we
do have a range of titles in French, Spanish, Italian and
Yoruba languages. We are keen on staff, parents and
students' recommendations for our purchase of new titles.
Donations of high quality books are always appreciated!
Library Access
Students are welcome to the library either as an individual
or in a group (before registration, break times, after school
and during their non-contact periods) at any time for book
exchange, research or individual study-time; they may be
accompanied by their teachers during library periods.
The Library Team encourages reading for the sheer joy of it
by inducing the LRC's visitor to pick up a book; it may be a
story that transports us to other realms, an autobiography
that takes us on a journey into another person's life or a text
that informs, brimming with new ideas/perspectives. We
enjoy helping students select reading materials that will
engage and challenge them as well as improve their quality
of research skills corresponding to each student's level of
development.
Borrowing and Lending
Students (and their parents) are entitled to check out two
books for one week.
The Collection
We have a substantial collection of over 15,000 books,
periodicals, audio-visuals etc for students, teachers and
parents. We have a wide variety of non-fiction titles selected
to enhance the academic curriculum (IGCSE to IB
Diploma) as well as many general interest topics. Our
Books can be renewed for an extra week, if a hold has not
already been placed on the person's book account. Extra
books can be checked out under certain conditions (e.g.
summer reading or IB Extended Essay research). There are
overdue fines for late books, but prompt return is
appreciated. If books are lost they must be paid for before
We are open Monday to Saturday.
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more books can be checked out, or for school reports or
transfer records to be issued by DWC.
Using the Catalogue
Our library's easy-to-use electronic catalogue is linked to
all school computers and makes title selection a simple
process. Our on-line databases are also an excellent
research tool; materials ranging from Encyclopaedias to
College-level academic journal articles are accessible. All
library computers have internet access and students can
save their research on USB devices or print, if necessary.
Please, feel free to come in and browse the collection. We
look forward to meeting you soon.
Strategic Directions for the 2012-2013 Academic
Session
Ÿ
The DWC Library will strengthen its role as an
essential partner in research, teaching and learning. The
Library will be known for providing access to world-class
resources, in all formats (electronic, physical, audiovisual), and at the points and places of need. The Library's
physical spaces encourage reflection, contemplation,
intellectual exploration and academic interaction. In
collaboration with other units of the school, the Library has
been an innovative partner on the college's march to
excellence. The Librarians are there to assist and interact
with staff and students at multiple points in their teaching,
research and learning efforts. As DWC community
progresses towards meeting its goals, the Library has
always been there, playing its strategic role in promoting
excellence in teaching and learning through provision of
resource materials. The Roles of the Library are as follows:
Ÿ
Improving the User Experience
Understanding library users' (curriculum areas)
needs and library experiences and use that
information to shape collections, spaces, and
services.
Ÿ
Providing Digital Content, Tools & Services
Provide services and resources in formats that best fit
user needs. Making access to resources available
from every computer in the school--in a digital world,
we must shift our efforts increasingly towards the
support of digital content, tools and services.
Ÿ
Developing
New Learning & Teaching
Partnerships
Ensuring that the Library provides the best support
services for learning and teaching by developing
new strategies for working with teachers and students
and collaborating with other groups to ensure latest
information is available at its disposal.
Ÿ
Supporting DWC Priorities
Articulating how the Library's collections, services,
and initiatives align with the school's priorities of
excellence in teaching and learning,
internationalisation, interdisciplinary linkages, and
knowledge-sharing in the service of society.
Ÿ
Enhancing Library Spaces
Ensuring that the Library's use of physical space
develops in coordination with the evolution of the
teaching and learning needs of DWC.
08
Honours Day & Valedictory Service
The First Ever Graduating Student of DWC
The Graduating Class of 2012, the pioneer students of Day Waterman College,
the institution's firstfruits, officially passed out of the institution on Friday, 29th
June. It was a day of joy for staff, parents and the students; seeing the students
passing out of college, having passed through their skilful hands, young
students, who came to the school four years before, green, wet behind the ears,
but now grown and mature in thinking; what an emotional moment for the
teachers!
At exactly 12pm, the occasion kicked off. Gathered at the
Day Waterman College's Multipurpose Hall were parents,
teaching and non-teaching staff, and members of the
public, all turned out in their best dresses, to witness the
Valedictory and Honours Day of the Class of 2012. Being
the pioneer students of Day Waterman College, the class
population was few: just eleven members-- Ayodeji
Sokunbi, Kemi Odusanya, Ayyub Jose, Ifeoma Kalu,
Temiloluwa Njideaka-Kevin, Mariam Abdullahi, Tolulope
Njideaka-Kevin, Vera Ogbodo, Timilehin Ademulegun,
Tomiwa Olujimi, and Bright Inyang.
The former principal of the college, Dr Tassos
Anastasiades, was the first of the speakers to give his
speech, congratulating the students on having the focus
and determination to push through a delicate phase of their
lives. He charged them to be good ambassadors of the
school by staying true to the ideals for which the school is
known.
Next was the stirring speech delivered by the Head Boy,
Ichechi Weli, and another delivered by the Head Girl, Anita
Obasohan (whiz kids, both). The Head Boy's speech is
included in the newsletter (see page16). Ichechi waxed
lyrical as he bade farewell to the graduating students: ''So
as our Year 11s lose sight of the shore called 'Day
Waterman College', may they venture into a new and
challenging world where they will make decisions for
greatness. Like the sailor, we must all be willing to risk
losing sight of the shore before we can cross the ocean and
reach our dreams.'' Ichechi also had inspiring words for the
other students: ''Today is also a day of reward and
recognition....However, it would be a mistake to see events
like this one as a celebration only of top achievers and
award recipients. Today is very much about each student
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here taking stock of the results of his/her labour, attitude
and motivation. Each student here needs to be asking
himself/herself about the way forward. Each student has
the potential and opportunity to be recipient of future
awards. Today is about affirmation and seeking
inspiration...''
world out there, but when the day of departure dawns, the
thought of leaving behind cemented bonds and friendships
tears their hearts apart—they really want to go away, make
no mistakes about it, but now they realise it is easier said
than done. The first wave of nostalgia washes over them-partings are tough!
The school was fortunate to have had an eminent
personality, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN), as the Guest Speaker
for the occasion. His speech was an ingenious mix of
personal narrative and memoirs of world-famous achievers
like Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt both of whom
Kemi Odusanya, the valedictorian of the Class 2012, set
the hall afire with her electrifying speech (see page 15 for
the full length speech). With an amazing display of
intelligence and humour that are out of proportion to her
age, she signed off and waved us her fond farewell: ''I am
now supposed to say goodbye to this institution, those who
keep it running, teachers and non-teaching staff, and my
fellow graduands but hope this farewell is more of a ''see
you later'' when we are all uniquely striving to make an
impact in the world. But, first, let's go get those pieces of
paper that tell us that we're smart enough to make an
impact!''
What Kemi humourously called 'those pieces of paper' were
in actual fact academic awards wrested after years of
agonising studies (taking notes in class, visiting the library,
staying up at nights while others slept, denying oneself little
pleasures)—of which she amassed no fewer than nine of
them: she was not only the overall best student but also the
winner of the prestigious Tayo Aderinokun Leadership
Award. She was without any doubt the brightest chandelier
in the hall, as she corralled most of the awards, evidence of
a life characteristic by focus, discipline and hard work.
overcame great personal odds on their path to eternal
fame. He reminisced: ''At 16, just like you, I had survived 5
years of 'O' levels study, albeit at a strict Catholic College,
and was finally 'free at last'. I was on top of the world and
eagerly looking forward to the freedom of university life.
Alas, the euphoria was short-lived. My direct entry bid was
unsuccessful and I soon realised I would have to face the
dreaded 'A' Levels.'' His parting words of advice to the
graduating students are worth crafting in stone: ''As we
celebrate with you, our pioneer graduates of Day
Waterman College, I perceive your elation and eagerness
to go forth and conquer the world. But I say to you—look
before you leap. Are you truly prepared for the next
significant phase of your life? What is your vision for the
future? Write it down. An unwritten vision or goal will never
be achieved....Remember that diligence is not just hard
work; it is heart work—putting one's heart and energy into
seeing a project completed''.
At graduation, students have been known to be ambivalent
about leaving school: this is a day they have been looking
forward to, to strike out, to go and make an impact in the
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It was little wonder when she walked off with 12 straight As
in the I/GCSE result released in August this year. To think
Kemi was a beneficiary of the school's Indigent Student
Scholarship Fund! I shudder at the thought: imagine that
such a talent had been allowed to rot away without the
support of generous Nigerians!
The Chairman, Board of Governors of DWC, Mr Cyril
Chukwumah, had a few words of advice for the graduands:
''...you should also not forget that you have now come to a
threshold—of which there will be many more. Life is in
phases. The plain truth is that this is not the end of the road,
but a new beginning, a beginning to reflect and recharge
for greater tasks ahead. Today you become a
memory....Those coming behind are following in your
footsteps and you must not fail to show them the way. So I
challenge you to be the best wherever you find yourselves
and in whatever you do''.
Expectedly, excellence shone forth as the DWC's students
brought down the roof with their brilliant musical
compositions and orchestral performances.
When a baby bird thinks it has grown enough to fly, it
doesn't need any rituals; once it no longer finds the nest
comfortable, it exercises its small wings and flies away. The
pull of the outside world—the broad blue sky and lush
vegetation—is so strong that the bird despises the comforts
of the nest. It seems that it isn't only human beings that can
give up everything for liberty—all creatures crave and fight
for it!
No domestic animal can lay claim to adulthood until the
farmer is convinced that it has matured enough for
responsibility of grown-ups before the cage door is let ajar.
The key of liberty is too precious to be left in the hands of
babies....
One of the highlights at the twilight of the day's event was
the benediction made by the H.R.H. Oba (Dr) Olusanya
Dosunmu 11, the King of Owu Kingdom, DWC's founder's
hometown, who prayed for the graduating students in
Yoruba. He enlivened the Hall with his sweet voice as he
sang songs, reminiscent the heyday of secondary
valedictory services.
The valedictory service came to an end with friends backslapping, an outburst of embraces, greetings, exchanging
of contacts, smiling, laughing, and hash-hoshing noises of
cameras as pictures were snapped.
A product isn't, in a larger sense, a product until it has been
shipped and released on to the market to compete with
other similar brands in the mind of the consumer.
Graduation rests on the assumption that graduating
students have proven themselves worthy of handling the
precious dual baton of freedom and responsibility to go
into the world and make something sublime out of their
lives.
Once students enter a secondary school, they neither know
the scope of what is in store for them nor the strength of the
changes that would come their way. What defines them for
life is what they make of the five or six years learning at this
crucial stage of their development. In primary school, since
they are still young, things look hazy to the pupils. Not
secondary school—it is here they begin to experience
changes, both within and without and imbibe lasting
memories. The memory is still active and photographic,
ready to absorb all kinds of learning. With active brain
cells, they are hungry to have straightforward answers to
everything about everything—not only 'the whats' of life but
also 'the whys'. The students frequently go to the
library/laboratory in order to seek answers to vexing and
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the fundamental questions of life—for no matter how
effective, talented and helpful the teachers are, students
realise they must seek some answers on their own in the
lonely halls of the library.
Oh, secondary school students have faith! They want to be
doctors, business executives, lawyers, teachers,
neurosurgeons, bankers, particle-physicists, engineers,
pilots, writers, politicians, and what have you. Before life
conspires to wreck their well-laid plans and dreams, they
believe strongly in their abilities, talents, the wisdom of their
decisions; this naiveté about life, an annoying little habit
which gives their parents and teachers no little frustration, is
characteristic of youth. The boy that used to do whatever
Daddy told him now questions anything Daddy says; he
perennially finds faults in the logic of Mamma's orders; the
precious little girl that used to regard Daddy as the most
brilliant person in the world suddenly seems to see him the
way he is: a human bundle of strengths, flaws, foibles, and
gaffes.
So many changes take place in the life of a student:
explosive learning opportunities/curves, the intrusions of
puberty, the distractions of the opposite sex, tendency to
bully and be rebellious...It is also in the secondary school
that s/he begins to build a network of lasting friendships
with its simultaneous possibilities of betrayals and eternal
bonding. It is at this stage that he/she begins to see the
world the way it is and not the way it ought to be—the stark
ugliness of life. Some of the students are able to navigate
the paradoxical situations/transitions successfully well,
when ably guided by experienced teachers, counsellors,
parents and positive peer influences, but some may be
engulfed by the whirlpool of emotions and are left by the
wayside. Naturally, a frustrating sense of cynicism is birthed
as the student begins to realise that tricky and urgent
choices await (and beckon!) their attention—you can't hide
forever under the pillows of irresponsibility and duck
making those choices. Life is one overbearing bully,
forcing you to stand up for something. You can't,
unfortunately, delegate or franchise making hard choices
in life to another person. Life's tough, it suddenly dawns on
them!
Students enter the secondary school naive, green,
optimistic, full of self and faith, obedient and pliable, but
they leave college transformed, cynical, fiercely loyal to
friends, mature enough to appreciate the incredible
sacrifices of parents and teachers, bright enough to be
acquainted with the limitations of their innate abilities, and
imbued with a sense of justice, running to the defence of the
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underdog and the defenceless...
In view of all these rapid changes that have taken place in
the life of an individual in a half decade, valedictory
services are held to celebrate the rites of passage from
childhood to young-adulthood; valedictory services are
observed to celebrate a young boy/girl's successful
transition in the midst of shoals and danger zones that line
their way; it is also a day customarily set aside to honour
those students that have made full use of all the
opportunities life offered them in the most interesting
phases of human life: the secondary education. It is for this
reason that it is also called an honours day....
In history's hallway, we must always remember, stand the
teachers who bear the big slab of responsibility for
moulding the minds of the young ones at such an
impressionable stage of development. They educate,
energise, and inspire, thereby deserving our eternal kudos
for their silent labours of love.
Everybody, it seemed, wished the DWC 2012 Valedictory
/Honours Day Service would not come to an end, but Time
was the only impatient fellow at the gathering; she needed
no permission from anyone as she ticked away furiously.
The graduands, even though flushed with the pangs of
nostalgia, braced up, waved goodbye to DWC, then went
out through the school gates in order to see what the
outside world holds out for them, and to prepare
themselves more for the opportunities of the future!
It’s All About Us!
The College Valedictorian: Kemi Odusanya
Kemi Odusanya
Good afternoon, distinguished guests, parents and
students. Thank you for honouring us with your presence at
this valedictory service of Day Waterman College. We are
glad you could make it.
This morning when I spoke to my parents, I could see the
pride in their eyes that they've trained me excellently, that
they've done a good job raising me. I'm afraid to say that
their self-satisfied thoughts are not so important today,
because, you see, it isn't about them, it is about us: every
member of the Class of 2012!
I address this also to the members of the board, who
believe they are entitled to present us our testimonials as a
reward for their flawless decision-making—they as well
have played a huge part—but, it isn't also about them, it is
about us.
To my fellow classmates that are now leaving this institution,
I say, do not forget the lessons learnt in these classrooms,
do not neglect those that follow. We are the future, and eyes
are patiently set on us, waiting to see what we'll make of the
future, because, you see, it will still be about us.
It is believed that through proper education, we will have
the power to do anything. We will go out into the world and
affirm that belief. The power that we have gained through a
profound education here, we will only use for good, for
we're refined and well-rounded.
There are, however, other things more important than the
extra-curricular talents and good grades we've all worked
for—humanity, integrity, and propriety. These are things we
to take along with you as well as we all disperse to various
parts of the world. Let them envy us, the DWC seeds, as a
whole and absolute all-rounder bunch and make the next
generation selfishly all about us.
meet again.
To all the distinguished staff of this school, when the time
comes and you see any of us in our various elevated
positions, don't hesitate to share our pride as you all played
a part in what we are going to become. Don't worry; we
won't be blaming you for any short-comings in our lives.
Thank you for all you have done, for being people of
influence and guidance. For being more than conventional
teachers, for being more than just the students with whom
you engaged in the same activity, for making us recognised
members of the Day Waterman College community, and
always competing with us, because it helped us to buckle
up! Our reasons for saying ''thank you'' are all unique, and
yet, it is still all about us.
My greatest gratitude is to Mr Tayo Aderinokun. Unlike
many others, he had wealth and did not forget those who
do not have. He provided me and other scholarship
students of this graduating class with an opportunity to
become who we are all going to be. It is with a note of great
sorrow that I graduate this day, knowing that he is not
present to witness this occasion; I owe it all to him and every
single person that has watered the plants; he planted the
seed.
I am now supposed to say good-bye to this institution, those
who keep it running, teachers and non-teaching staff, and
my fellow graduands, but I hope this farewell is more of a
''see you later'' than a final goodbye since we all are still
striving to make an impact in the world. But first, let's go get
those pieces of paper that tell us that we are smart enough
to make an impact!
To other students that will follow in years to come, commit
yourselves to every task set, for it is when your entire being is
committed to something that it is achieved with ease. Also,
most importantly, establish a good rapport with everyone
you meet now, because you never know where you will
13
Honours Day /Valedictory Speech
By: The Head Boy, Ichechi Weli
Good afternoon Board of governors, distinguished guests,
staff, parents and fellow colleagues. I would like to formally
welcome us all to this prestigious event and hope for an
eventful time. I am highly privileged to be speaking to you
today at DWCs Honours Day ceremony. Let us all
congratulate our year 11 students, who after a nerveracking two-year, course have successfully completed their
IGCSEs. May they all pass with flying colours and exceed
expectations! A famous quote, by the famous explorer
Christopher Columbus once said, “You can never cross the
ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the
shore.” Today our Year 11s have taken a major step in their
future. The choice of what to do next is theirs. Without the
courage and faith to step away from the known and venture
into new areas, we cannot go further than our current
shore. So as our year 11s lose sight of the shore called
'Day Waterman College', may they venture into a new and
challenging world where they will make decisions for
greatness. Like the sailor, we must all be willing to risk
losing sight of the shore before we can cross the ocean and
reach our dreams.
As Head Boy along with the Prefect ship body, we have
accomplished much during this session. In terms of
academics, the Prefect ship body have undertaken prep
duty rotas where Prefects are assigned to certain year
groups with the assistance of a member of staff. The prep
duty has been successful and provides a conducive place
for homework and preparation.
Today is also a day of reward and recognition. It gives me
great pleasure to congratulate all those students who will
be 'prize-winners' as well as all the students who have
14
performed to his/her ability in this 2011/12 session. I'd like
today's celebration of achievement to also serve as an
opportunity for inspiration, especially to those students who
may have resigned themselves to a “prize-less” level of
performance.
However, it would be a mistake to see events like this one as
a celebration only of the top achievers and award
recipients. Today is very much about each student here
taking stock of the results of his/her labour, attitude and
motivation. Each student here needs to be asking
himself/herself about the way forward. Each student here
has the potential and the opportunity to be the recipient of
future awards. Today is about affirmation and seeking
inspiration. But most importantly, it is about the present.
And the power each of us has to create new possibilities
from this moment forward.
So as we recognize our colleagues as they receive their
awards, will we attempt to work harder, push ourselves so in
future people will recognize us? What we must begin to
acknowledge is that the choices we make can bring us
closer to or take us further away from our dreams, our
goals. I would like to urge each of you to become aware of
the Choice you have at any given moment- the choice you
have right now, right this minute. A clever student is the one
who consciously makes clever choices. Take a moment to
look at the choices you need to make in your life. Not only
in your studies, but in your family and friendships too. To
conclude, with choices come rewards or consequences. Let
us depart today with the intention to be the clever student.
Let us make effective choices so that next year, we can
proudly boast of our awards and achievements. I once
2012 IGCSE:
Day Waterman College Shines Bright
The first set of graduating students of Day Waterman
College who sat the International General Certificate
School Examinations (IGCSE) in June this year passed out
with flying colours when the results were released in August!
The breakdown of the results is as follows:
A*-C 94%
A*-B 83%
A*-A 55%
The student who had the highest grades was Odusanya
Kemi who walked off with eleven (11) A*s and an A. This
puts her in the top 5% of the best performers in the exam
globally. This is what 'surpassing the most demanding
standards available anywhere in the world' looks like!
Thirteen (13) out of our former Year 10 students, who are to
sit the same examination next year, decided to have a shot
at the Mathematics paper and recorded an astonishing
performance: four (4) of them had A* and the rest each had
an A! In other words, it was a 100% distinction rate for the
Year 10. One of them, Ichechi Weli, who made an A*, also
had the distinction of scoring the highest marks in the
Maths paper in the whole of Africa!
Anger over 'harsh' English GCSE grades
An article written by Catherine Sellgren for the British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that general
performance in the English Language paper was below
expectations:
''A leading exam board has said all boards raised their
grade boundaries for GCSE English this summer amid
claims pupils have been marked too harshly.
AQA, the board with the highest market share for English,
insists this year's grades were comparable to any other.
Many teachers say pupils were marked too harshly, with
many unexpectedly failing to get a benchmark C.
The Association of School and College Leaders called for
an investigation.
Some head teachers have said some pupils have been
awarded a whole grade lower than they were predicted.
Individual schools have reported unprecedented numbers
of pupils failing to get a grade C or above''.
In GCSE English, 63.9% (DWC=82%) of entries got at
least a grade C, compared to 65.4% last summer. Some
15% (DWC=55%) were awarded an A or A*, down from
16.8% in 2011.
In English literature, 76.3% (DWC=100%) of exams were
awarded A*-C, compared to 78.4% last year, and 23.2%
(DWC=50%) got at least an A, against 25% in 2011.
Uproar & General Gloomy Moods
Because of a general low performance by many students,
there were uproar and charges of political interference in
the marking of the papers. However, UK's Education
Secretary Michael Gove denied political interference in this
year's GCSE results, as A*-C grades fell for the first time in
the exam's history.
Mr Gove insisted exam boards made their own decisions
about where to set grade boundaries, amid claims of last
minute changes to English GCSE boundaries.
Head teachers are angry at a drop in the number of pupils
who achieved at least a grade C in their English GCSE.
The row broke out as about 658,000 16-year-olds
received their results.
Across all subjects, the proportion of GCSE entries in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland awarded at least a C
has fallen for the first time since the exams replaced Olevels in 1988.
This year's results, published by the Joint Council for
Qualifications (JCQ), show 69.4% of all subject entries
earned grades A*-C (DWC=94%), compared with 69.8%
last year.
Pupils receiving A* and A grades were down from 23.2%
last year to 22.4% (DWC=55%).
DWC resting on its oars—never!
A good performance is a positive reinforcement. At Day
Waterman College, excellence is seen as a way of life, not a
one-off event. There is no such thing as luck--the IGCSE
result has shown that the teaching innovations being used
in the school are effective. The good performance
achieved by the students is an encouragement, a moral
boost, to all concerned to work harder and smarter so that
next year's result will be better than this year's, laudable
though it is. The overall performance only reiterates the
notion that hard work and preparation bring distinction.
As the news of the senior students' result spread throughout
the school, the silent message was loud for both teachers
and students—success is sweet and worth striving for. The
bar has been raised, and it should be up there. Success
should be a call for more action, more hard work, more
thinking; success should never be a sedative to rest on
one's oars!
15
National
Art
Competition
Paul Iroye, Teacher of Arts
In June 2012, six students of Day Waterman College
submitted entries for the NNPC/CHEVRON National Art
Competition. One of the entrants, Otitodirichukwu DarlUzu, made the top twenty out of three hundred paintings
submitted for the competition.
The theme was: 'Strength in Our Diversity' and entries were
submitted from all over the country. One of the amazing
things was the fact that as of the time that the entries were
submitted, 'Tito, as he is popularly called, was a 13-year
old student in Year 9 and by implication competed with
older and much more mature students in senior classes.
Participation in the competition was for all students in
secondary schools without any form of differentiation
between senior or junior categories.
Feedback from two members of the jury for the competition
admitted that they were dazed at the way 'Tito handled
chalk pastel in rendering his composition; they felt his
mastery was way too high for a child of his age.
16
The Award Ceremony took place at the Atlantic Hall of the
Presidential Hotel in Port-Harcourt and it was a great
encouragement to 'Tito to see his Dad in attendance to
witness the honour given him.
The Gods Are Not To Blame Stage Production
By: Abayomi Oni
The Gods Are Not to Blame, written by Ola Rotimi, is a
three-act tragicomedy set in 15th century rural southwestern Nigeria. Rotimi skillfully and heavily draws upon
both the Greek theatre and Yoruba culture, extending and
transforming Sophocles' Oedipus into a unique tribal
drama with relevant, contemporary lessons.
responsible for the tragedy that has befallen him.
When blocking the final scene during rehearsals, the cast
was locked in a heated debate over the notion of destiny. It
was, expectedly, left unresolved. But would Odewale's fate
have been any different were it not for his uncontrollable
hot temper that makes him close his eyes to wise counsel?
Odewale's final, roundabout answer is that the gods are
not to blame because they always predict what has been
fated to be. Now he believes in fate.
Tragic though the play is, the playwright Ola Rotimi cleverly
weaves humour with colourful proverbs and comic turns
with musical rhythms, dance and a rich flavour of Yoruba
speech, a combination that has made the play a
memorable work of art.
The play tells the tale of the tragic hero, Odewale, who is
destined to kill his father and marry his own mother and
raise children through her. At the heart of the play are the
age-long questions about fate—do humans control their
own destinies or is it destiny that controls us? Throughout
the play Odewale remains unyielding in his belief that man
dictates the direction of his destiny in life; he fights valiantly
against the forces of destiny—to him humans are the
masters of their fate. In his rallying speech at the beginning
of the play, as a king, he motivates his people to do more in
order to overcome starvation, poverty, and threats from
opposing tribes.
Even at the end of the play as tragedy unfolds and
consumes him, he remains steadfast in his belief. His
emphatic plea is: 'No, don't blame the gods' showing
clearly his conviction that his own actions alone are
This much beloved play was first performed by students of
Day Waterman College in the school's theatre, and then
later premiered in the UK at the 2012 International Youth
Arts Festival, Kingston, in July. In a view to acting it live to a
broad Nigerian audience, the play was once again staged
at the Muson Centre, Lagos, on 20th October, 2012.
It was very refreshing to hear very positive feedback from
the parents for a whole day. In fact, Ms Ayotola Jagun
(Daminiyi's mother) described it as 'perfect' and she was
one of many. One other parent said she watched the play
about 20 years before but added that our performance
blew her away. She said: 'I wish the writer of the book was
here tonight'.
Mrs Ahonzie, who flew to London in July to watch both
shows even when her child was not yet at DWC, and again
watched both shows in Lagos said, 'I can't just get enough.
You students seem to get better and better each show’
17
NIGERIA @ 52: DWC Fashion Show
Courtesy: DWC Press Club
(Ann-Maree Quaynor, Rute, Chinonye, Odunayo, Kike, Nike and Numay)
Nigeria celebrated her 52nd Independence anniversary on
October 1st. It was a day to remember! At Day Waterman
College lots of events were lined up to mark the memorable
day. It started off with a captivating soccer match between
students and staff, followed by the cultural Nigerian
breakfast of both moi moi and bread or yam and fish stew.
Afterwards when everyone came from their boarding
houses, there was a Nigerian quiz competition among the
houses and an intriguing thriller movie, The Figurine. When
houses. They were all wearing traditional wears from
different Nigerian tribes with the likes of Titilayo, Nafisah,
Angel, Tirola, Daniel, Foluso, Fade, Chiemelah, Tobore
and many more displaying their unique cultural attires.
We interviewed some of the students on what they thought
of the fashion show and this is what they had to say:
Morayo: “It was a good opportunity for people to show
their different traditional wear”
Kikelomo: “I liked to see the different attires from the
different boarding houses.”
Bunmi: “I enjoyed seeing different clothes and
personalities coming out in their native attires.”
it was lunch time, everyone went back to their boarding
house to change into traditional clothing and filed to the
Dining Hall to dine on jollof rice and suya chicken. As usual
the girls 'were fashionably late' as they returned back to the
Multi-Purpose Hall to finish watching the movie. Shortly
afterwards, the real fun
began.
The fashion show started at
about 4:21 pm. The number
of people representing each
boarding house varied.
There were models from
each of the various boarding
18
There was also very loud and
entertaining music that
accompanied by the models as
they were walking beautifully
down the runway.
Everyone gave the models a
loud applause. There were also
very entertaining talent acts inbetween the fashion show.
October 1st was obviously a day
to remember, not just because of the spectacular fashion
but because it was a time when we could celebrate
Nigeria's independence from colonial rule and all feel like
a big family.
INDEPENDENCE MATCH: Students vs Staff
Courtesy: DWC Press Club (Teleola Adelusi)
On October 1st, 2012, Day Waterman College students
and staff came together to celebrate Nigeria's 52
Independence Day with a bang!
The day started off with a soccer match, students against
teachers.
At 7:32AM all the players were on the field and warming up
with different passes and exercises to help them get ready
for the soccer match.
I did a pre-action interview with some of the players on how
they felt about the soccer match.
Mr. Akadiri
Q: What do you think of the school having a soccer
match?
(Ohi): 3-2
(Dara): 2-1.
A: ”I think the soccer match is a great way to celebrate
Nigeria's independence and also DWC is known for having
a soccer match to celebrate some events in the school.
Q: What was the main reason you've come for the soccer
match?
Q: What scores do you predict for this match?
A
A: “I feel confident enough to say that we {the teachers}
will win by 3-1 and I am going to give them a gift, to beat
them!”
There were several misses and falls by both teams,
especially several falls of Mr. Ayansola (a teacher) and goal
misses by Chigozie (student).
(All): Mainly BODY and SKIN!
The match was full of amazing twists and many surprising
turns, but, at the end, the outcome shocked the teachers!
I also asked some of the spectators what they looked
forward to.
Of course, the gallant students beat them 5-3!
Ohi, Dara & Ines
What an unforgettable event!!
Q: What do you think the scores will be?
A
(Ines): Students 3-1
19
NIGERIA @ 52: Quiz Competition
Courtesy: DWC Press Club (Lisa Oguike, Ore Omisore, Atirola Obileye, Nneka & Destiny Nwadire)
The quiz was one of the many fun activities set out for
INDEPENDENCE DAY.
As everyone entered the Multipurpose Hall music was
played for entertainment. We were all arranged in our
coloured houses, the tension was slowly rising, obviously
because the quiz was about to begin. Derin E. said,”the
independence quiz is a very good idea because it teaches
us about the history of Nigeria” Some time was taken for the
houses to pick out a representative. After this Mr. Bello
came on the stage and introduced the Time Keeper – Mr
Taiwo and the recorder. After this he showed a detailed
PowerPoint to prepare the representatives for the quiz.
The quiz then began. The questions began easy then
gradually became harder. There were 3 rounds of 6
sections each.
At the end of the quiz Yellow House came first with 32
points. Followed by Purple House who came 2nd with 27
points. Red House came third with 26 points, and then
Blue House scored 25 points and Green House brought
up the rear with 22 points.
Some people had different views on the quiz. Chiemella M.
she said it was boring and lasted too long. However,
Nadine O.S. said that she liked the quiz but it didn't start
early enough.
Overall the quiz was a huge success and it should be an
annual event.
20
Year 7 Students Visits Olumo Rock
Recollections from two participants
AIZOE OKAISABOR is a Year 7Ystudent of Day Waterman College. He opens up on
his experiences.
I had been on very few trips in my previous school but this
was the most exciting and artistic. It was on a Saturday
morning and the bus was waiting for us. I had never been to
Olumo Rock nor even heard of it, so I expected it to be
boring.
The classes going on the trip were 7D, A & Y. Mr Akadiri was
the adult that escorted us there. Olumo Rock has steep
steps and quite a beautiful sight. Before we climbed the
Rock, we had plantain chips and Caprisonne. After that we
went into the art gallery to observe the paintings people
had done about Olumo Rock.
entire drive was silent because everyone was just looking
out the window. About 10 minutes later, we were at Olumo
Rock.
Olumo Rock is a very mountainous area with a lot of steep
areas; the place is a village. Olumo Rock is quite big for a
mountainous area around a village. There were a lot of
goats around; some of us were a bit scared because of a
goat with a red necklace and black all over was suspected
The paintings were professional and creative. The tour
guide said that the paintings were for sale, too!
We finally climbed the rock; there the tour guide told us
stories about how people hid in the rock during war. We
clambered up the rock to the top and we could practically
see the whole of Abeokuta from where we stood!
The journey was tiring and long but I enjoyed it so much. I
wouldn't mind going there again!
to possess a form of witchcraft. There was the fear among
some of us, a general belief, that if you were rude to an
elderly woman she would put a curse on you!
The guide took us round and showed us some paintings
that were being sold in a shop nearby. We eventually
climbed the rock. The tour guide showed us different parts
of the rock, telling us some facts like how people in the past
used it to hide during the war and how villagers used to live
in some of the caves. He showed us some left-over artefacts
of the people. I learned that Olumo Rock can host birthday
parties!
KOYINSOLA OLUSANYA is a Year 7Y student of Day Waterman College. She shares
her experiences.
Finally, it was time for us to go back to school. We had jollof
rice with water for lunch—how delicious! We took a class
group photograph to always remind us about the day. I
think that the Olumo Rock trip was okay but it could be
better; I sort of enjoyed it.
It was on a Saturday morning; Classes 7D, A and Y were
going for their first field trip at Day Waterman College.
There were three buses for each class. On the bus, some of
the parts of the seats were a bit torn but I liked the bus
anyway. On the way, the journey was a bit boring and the
21
Meet the new members of the DWC Team
Attracting exceptional talent to its workforce is one of the DWC's strategic plans
of achieving its vision of surpassing the most demanding standards available
anywhere in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure to
introduce to you the following experienced professionals and human resources
who have joined the Day Waterman College family.
Lyn Newell (Principal)
Lyn is an experienced teacher,
middle and senior leader,
having worked in multicultural
schools in Australia and the UK.
Since1989 she worked in both
outstanding and challenging UK
schools. As Assistant Head for
the last ten years her
responsibilities included raising
achievement, staff development,
teacher training, teaching and
learning, key stage leadership, international dimensions,
student voice, parents and community and public relations.
Achievements include gaining school accreditations and
promoting the school through student achievement at
national and international level, managing the Maria
Fidelis Gospel Choir which won BBC Senior School Choir
of the year 2010, performed for the British Royal Family, the
Pope and in other high profile events.
She gained an MBA at Southbank University, London and
the National Professional Qualification for Head teachers
through the National College at the Institute of Education,
University of London. She teaches art and design.
Teresa Onyemah (Co-Principal)
Teresa was born and raised in
Lagos, Nigeria, but lived most of
her adult life in England. She
obtained her first and second
degrees at the University of
Ibadan and the University of
North London, respectively. She
brings to Day Waterman
College 10 years' Senior
Leadership experience and 6
years as a Special Educational
Needs Co-ordinator. She had worked at Kingsland High
School, St George's Roman Catholic School and The Royal
Docks Community School all within the vibrant inner city of
London. Her specialist areas are Teaching and Learning,
Special Educational Needs, Pastoral and Behavioural
Care. Teresa is also a specialist in English, Religious
Education and Child Development.
As a successful and visionary educator, she believes that
every child's aspiration will be nurtured through a high
22
impact learning environment that encompasses active
engagement. Her strong belief in developing
independence and personal excellence philosophy extends
beyond the classroom walls to include parents, governors,
whole school staff and the extended community within
which the schools sits.
She joins the Day Waterman with passion, energy and the
ambition to place the school at the top of the Independent
Schools League not only in Nigeria but also the
international educational acknowledgement in the world.
Adebayo Adelagun
Adebayo is a graduate of
accountancy with work
experience in tax, audit, human
resources and operational
management. He has
implemented engagements
such as development of human
resources policy, operational
policy, finance policy, tax and
finance audit and review,
among other assignments.
He has currently joined Day Waterman College as the
Corporate Assurance Manager with the responsibility of
ensuring full compliance to school's policies and regulatory
requirements.
Eva Zalanyi
Eva was born in Romania. She
gained a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biology and Chemistry
from the University of Oradea
(Romania). She thereafter
completed her teacher training
course at Goldsmith University,
and graduated in 2009.
Since then Eva has taught at
Erith School in London, with
2500 students in roll. She has taught all aspects of science
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics) to KS3 students. She has
had the privilege of teaching Double Science and Single
Science at GCSE level, Level 2 Applied Science (BTEC First)
and Triple Science Biology and Physics at GCSE level. Eva
has been a joint teacher of AS Biology and has shared in
the running of the week-long Biology Field Trip each
Summer Term. In the last two years she was a PGCE mentor
working in collaboration with Greenwich University and
Goldsmith University.
She has joined Day Waterman College as Deputy Head of
Science.
Eva Zalanyi enjoys reading, dancing, socialising and
travelling.
Odeleye Samuel Akanni
Odeleye is a University of Ilorin
graduate of Mathematics with
more than 13 years as
Mathematics and ICT teacher in
international environments. An
effective teacher and team
player, Odeleye is adept at
handling multiple tasks.
According to him: ''I am a
dynamic and creative teacher,
committed to learning and teaching. I am good at
humanistic work that seeks to integrate the knowledge
between how to do and how to be''.
He has been hired to teach Mathematics/ICT at Day
Waterman College.
Patricia Kanebi
Mrs Patricia Kanebi is a trained
Nurse/Midwife (UCH Ibadan
and Central Hospital, Benin City
respectively). She worked for the
old Bendel State Government
for 11years.
She joined the EKO HOSPITALS,
Ikeja, in 1990, as a Senior
Nursing Sister, and rose to the
post of Deputy Chief Matron.
Mrs Kanebi was in-charge of the Operating Theatres as
well as staff development, Nursing Services. In 2005,
having put in 16years, she retired from bedside nursing
and joined the British International School as a school
nurse/houseparent where she had the responsibility of
managing the school's sickbay. While at BIS, she was
privileged to attend conferences for Boarding School
Nurses and Matrons in 2006 and 2007 in Telford and
Loughborough, respectively, both in the United Kingdom.
In 2009, she joined the Lekki British International School,
Lekki, as Matron/Houseparent in-charge of Girls' Hostels
.She was hired to join Day Waterman College in August
2012 as the matron of the Great Olutayo House.
Bamidele Oyenuga
Bamidele had a BA (Ed) degree
in English Language from the
prestigious Obafemi Awolowo
University. A versatile educator,
she has had the opportunity to
instruct a wide variety of students
from all backgrounds and all
facets of society in international
schools like Adesoye College
Offa, Atlantic Hall, Epe and
Christland College, Idimu.
Bamidele is a compassionate and approachable teacher
with more than twelve (12) years of hands-on teaching
experience. In her own words: ''I remain sensitive to
children's unique needs, employ effective listening, provide
individual and whole group support, integrate multicultural
teaching units, and offer positive encouragement and
reinforcement to keep students focused and motivated''.
Her goal is to foster and maintain an open, honest,
communicative, and supportive classroom, in which each
student feels safe, secure, special, and appropriately
challenged. She has brought her experience and versatility
to the teaching of English at Day Waterman College.
Charles Ogunbiyi
Charles is a 1992 graduate of
Linguistics; he holds a Post
Graduate Diploma in
Education. A seasoned and
resourceful educator with 18
uninterrupted years of
experience, he has been an
English/Literature learning
facilitator of both the Nigerian
and British curricula to a wide
range of students from all
backgrounds in a number of international schools such as
CTC International School, Ikeja, Christ The Redeemer's
College, Sagamu, Corona Secondary School, Agbara and
Atlantic Hall, Poka-Epe.
Charles' professional training and workshops include
Differentiated Learning, Social /Emotional Aspects of
Learning, Behaviour Management and Every Child Does
Matter. He believes that every student should be motivated,
monitored and mentored for his/her all-round
development.
Aside his job of teaching English language, he engages in
taekwondo.
23
Bamidele Morenike
Mrs Bamidele Morenike is a
graduate of Science Laboratory
f r o m Ya b a C o l l e g e o f
Technology, Yaba, Lagos State.
She holds a post-graduate
diploma in education.
She has taught in many
secondary schools for more than
a decade before joining Day
Waterman College as an
Assistant Laboratory Technician.
She loves reading novels, listening to music and watching
football matches.
Christopher Jegede
Christopher Jegede attended
University of Ilorin where he
graduated with honours in
Religious Studies.
Subsequently, he went on to
obtain a post graduate diploma
in corporate finance and
administration from Nigerian
College of Administration, a
Master's degree in Social Work
with special reference to Child Welfare from the Lagos State
University and a post graduate diploma in
education{PGDE}from the National Teachers' Institute,
affiliated to Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.
Christopher has served in reputable and renowned private
secondary schools in Nigeria both as a teacher, house
parent and administrator, with 20 years' experience.
Happily married, he is blessed with three children {all
boys}aged 16, 12, and 6 respectively. Currently, he
teaches Religious Education in the Humanities Department
at Day Waterman College.
Emma Preston
Emma graduated from the
University of Salford in 2000
and was awarded the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in Modern
Foreign Languages-- French,
Italian and Linguistics. Having
worked as a multilingual
technical analyst at IBM for
several years after graduation,
she decided that her heart lay in
teaching; therefore, in 2002,
she enrolled on the PGCE course at Liverpool John Moores
University.
Emma is very excited about moving to Nigeria and taking
up her role as 'Curriculum Leader for Modern Foreign
Languages' at Day Waterman College. She says she has
been regularly reading the school's newsletters and very
much impressed with the changes the school is making and
24
the positive impact this is having on teaching and learning.
She aims to make her own contribution to this inspiring
development at the school.
Dele Adetunji
Dele obtained HND and OND
in Mechanical Engineering from
the Lagos State Polytechnic and
the Federal Polytechnic Bida,
respectively.
He holds a Post Graduate
Diploma in Business
Administration from the Lagos
State University.
Mr Adetunji worked at WSE, Lagos, as a Network/Field
Engineer for over four years where his primary
responsibilities were to deploy, manage system networks,
and install automated systems.
He has joined Day Waterman College as a works officer
(Internal Services Unit) responsible for the internal
mechanical/maintenance works of the school.
Folajimi Akinribola
Folajimi has been a studio artist
all his life with six years
classroom experience as a
professional teacher. He is
familiar with the British and
Nigeria National curricula for
Art and Design in secondary
schools. He has had the
opportunity of working in
multiracial schools and taught
students from African countries,
Asia, Middle-East, UK, Canada, and the United States.
Folajimi bagged his first degree in Fine and Applied Art
from Adeyemi College Ondo, where he specialized as a
sculptor and produced a sculpture of eighteen feet for his
final year Art Project. He has, in addition, obtained a
Cambridge International Diploma for teachers and trainers
with distinction. He is a certified Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
specialist.
He says: ''Born into the family of artists and art teachers, my
whole life revolves around Art and Design''. Day Waterman
College has employed him to teach Art.
Imoninya Rose Eloho
Mrs Imoninya is a trained Nurse
and Midwife of over 25 years'
experience.
She was trained as a Nurse in the
State School of Nursing, Benin
City, from October 1982 to
November 1985 and as a
Midwife with the Lagos State
School of Midwifery, Awolowo
Road, Ikoyi, for a year. She was
duly registered with the Nursing Council of Nigeria and the
Midwifery Council of Nigeria in 1986 and 1991
respectively.
Ever since, Mrs Imoninya has worked at different hospitals
in various capacities: a Nursing Sister in charge of the
Inpatient Department at Golden Cross Infirmary on 22,
Road Festac Town from 1992 to 1997; the Matron in
charge in Rophe Hospital, Anambra Crescent, Agbara
Estate, Agbara, Ogun State. Now at Day Waterman
College, she is the Matron of Olufunlola Boarding House.
Adetoun Akinfenwa
Adetoun is an Accounting
graduate of Ogun State
University. She is a seasoned
banker with over 10 years with
experience across various
banking units. She has
experience in marketing and
sales. Adetoun is a mother of
two and happily married.
Currently, she is the Corporate
Affairs Manager of DWC. She is involved in the drama
ministry of her church as she loves acting. She loves
reading novels and watching television.
Benedict Itankelea
Benedict has worked in some
international schools in Lagos,
Nigeria. As a drama teacher, he
has a couple of published works
which include 100 DAYS WITH
GOVERNOR RAJI FASHOLA
and THE NIGERIAN SPIRIT (an
Independence-Day play to mark
Nigeria at 50); he has acted in
plays like THE PALMWINE
DRINKARD by Kola Ogunmola,
DOCTOR FAUSTUS by Christopher Marlow and many
others. He has had the privilege of working with the likes of
Sola Fosudo, Bukky Ajayi, Steve Onu (Yaw-Yaw in Wazobia
FM), Eferobo Mark (the BBC).
Achievements include managing S-TEE schools to win the
Jim Ovia (VISAFONE) Essay Competition and Runner-up at
the Nigerian Television Authority (N.T.A.) Carnival, 2011.
Benedict gained a B.A. in Performing Theatre and Music
from the Lagos State University, Ojo. He has also attended
The Mount Zion Institute of (Christian) Drama
At Day Waterman College, he teaches Drama and has
brought experience, resourcefulness and energy to his new
assignment.
Florence Bamisaye
Florence had her secondary
education at Amure High
School, Ikun-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
She took a teacher's certificate in
Agricultural Science (Double
Major) at the Kwara State
College of Education - 20042007.
She was a classroom teacher of
basic science at Omotayo Nursery and Primary School,
Ekiti State.
Currently she has been employed as a steward attached to
the official quarters of the Co-Principal (Academic) at Day
Waterman College.
She is good at events management.
Oluwatosin Babalola
To s i n a t t e n d e d E g b a
Comprehensive High School,
Asero, Abeokuta, for her school
certificate.
She later went on to read
Accounting at the Lagos City
Polytechnic, Ikeja, Lagos State.
She has worked as a secretary in
a non-governmental
organisation, Senior Citizens Assistance Leisure Centre,
Abeokuta.
She has joined Day Waterman College as a steward
attached to the official quarters of the Co-Principal
(Pastoral).
Tosin loves singing.
Temitayo Odulana
Temitayo finished his secondary
education at Aguda Grammar
School, Lagos State. He has 9
years' driving experience.
He has been employed by DWC
as a driver attached to the Lagos
Liaison Office.
25
Towards surpassing the most demanding standards available anywhere in the world.
We welcome the next generation of
LEADERS
Prospective students are invited to apply for admission into Years 7 to 10 for the 2013/2014
School Year.
Entrance examination will be held on Saturday, 19 January 2013 by 10:00am at the listed
exam centres. Application forms can be obtained for N20,000 at the listed exam centres.
Day Waterman College
Asu Village Road,
off Sagamu-Abeokuta Exp,
Ogun State
Tel: 0805 869 8081
The Intellichild School
20, Rd 6932, Abuja Model City,
Gwarinpa II, Abuja
Tel: 0805 503 0077
Lakeland School
Asu Village Road,
Plot 4 Ogunu Road,
Warri, Delta State
Kaduna Business School
17 Gobarau Road, Ugwar Rimi
Kaduna State
Tel: 062 831 308, 062 831 307,
0819 195 9659
Delightsome Land School
229A Muri Okunola Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos State
Tel: 01-270 1223,
0803 352 7272
Leaves Green School
21 Adekunle Banjo Avenue,
Magodo GRA, Lagos State
Tel: 0802 942 8711,
0802 642 2291
Standard Bearers School
18 Jerry Iriabe Street,
Off Admiralty Road,
Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos State
Tel: 0702 917 3442
Cedar Wood School
6 Olaribigbe Street,
5th Avenue Rumuibekwe,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Tel: 0803 312 2894
* Trans Amadi International School
32 St. Andrew’s Street,
Rumuobiakani,
(Near Shell I.A.) Trans Amadi,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
* Entrance examination will hold on Saturday, 12 January 2013 at this centre.
N.B.: Please contact our Lagos office to schedule an earlier exam date (before January 19, 2013) for your child.
You may also apply by completing an online application form and submitting by e-mail. Once
forms are submitted, you can make payment at any Guaranty Trust Bank or Sterling Bank. Please
use your child’s name as reference for payment.
GTBank: Account name - Day Waterman College; Account number - 208 719639 110
Sterling Bank: Account name - Day Waterman College; Account number - 202 134362 110
For further enquiries, please
e-mail – admissions@dwc.org.ng; call – 0805 869 8071, 0805 829 8402, 0805 869 8081
or visit our website – www.dwc.org.ng
Overseas Applicants: Arrangements can be made for overseas applicants to take the entrance
exams in their respective schools. Please contact us on any of our admission phone numbers or by
e-mail for further information.
Application for Day Waterman College Indigent Scholarship into Year 7 is also open.
Please e-mail: adetoun.akinfenwa@dwc.org.ng or call 0805 629 0680
DWC Lagos Liaison Office: 18B Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.
DWC GUEST HOUSE
The Guest House within Day Waterman College's grounds combines architectural masterpiece,
comfort, peaceful ambience with decor excellence.
Day Waterman College looks forward to receiving parents and outside speakers—they are always
welcome to stay in our 14-room Guest House. The apartments have been tastefully built to enable
parents on visits to the campus to relax and recreate.
All of the 14 rooms are equipped with modern home gadgets. In addition there are: air
conditioning, a restaurant, bar, conference/seminar room, a world-class gym, satellite T.V,
internet facilities, intercom, parking, a standard swimming pool with a life guard on hand , LCD
Television, among others.
The walls of the Guest House are decorated with breathtaking artworks. The marble floors are
done to a shining polish.
Everything here is world-class and tastefully furnished for your maximum convenience and
comfort.
The Guest House's Manager and the receptionist are always at your service. The bar attendant's
smiles will stay with you for a very long time!
Day Waterman College Guest House, Asu Village Road, Off Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State.
Tel: 0805 629 0680, 0805 369 6150, 0805 369 6149
Tel: theclubhouse@dwc.org.ng | info@dwc.org.ng Te
www.dwc.org.ng