the tiger - stonehill · secondary trips week 14th pyp aquathon rd ... the tiger . this year, the...
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The Weekly Bulletin of
Stonehill International SchoolVolume 5, Issue 54
10 February 2017
FEATURED STORIES
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year (also known as Chun Jie, meaning Spring Festival) is a festival which is full of
tradition and customs, and is the most important festival in Chinese speaking regions. With the
popularity of Chinese language, the celebration of the Lunar New Year is also popularised. In order
to further strengthen the understanding of the target language for Chinese classes, and to provide
PYP students with opportunities to explore Chinese culture, a series of activities were arranged
during the festival.
IMPORTANT DATES: FEBRUARY
10th - 17th
D2 MOCK EXAMS
13th - 17th
SECONDARY TRIPS WEEK
14th
PYP AQUATHON
15th
PYP EXHIBITION PARENT
INFORMATION SESSION (2:00 –
3:00pm)
21st
MYP/DP SPORTS DAY
22nd
P4-P8 INTER HOUSE SWIMMING
GALA
23rd
PYP PARENT WORKSHOP (8:00
– 9:00am)
24th
SCHOOL CLOSED FOR STAFF PD
DAY
CONTENTS
01/ FEATURED STORIES
04/ WHOLE SCHOOL NEWS
05/ PRIMARY NEWS
08/ SECONDARY NEWS
13/ BOARDING NEWS
14/ SPORTS NEWS
22/ PTA NEWS
24/ FEBRUARY MENU
HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating Chinese New
Year
PYP Exhibition Parent
Information Session
News from the Science
Department
Middle School ISACI
Tournament
2017 International
Childhood Cancer
Awareness Day
THE
TIGER
This year, the play Nian was performed by P5-P6 students, songs Xin Nian Hao and Gong Xi Gong
Xi were sung by P4-P6 and P8 students respectively, at the Primary Assembly. Nian is a popular
legend for Chinese New Year. According to Chinese mythology, Nian was a beast that lived under
the sea or in the mountains. Once each spring, on or around Chinese New Year, it came out of
hiding to attack people, and preferred children. Weaknesses of the Nian were purported to be
sensitivity to loud noises, and a fear of the color red. The tradition has its origins in a story of a
Nian's attack on a village. After the attack, the villagers discussed how to make the Nian leave
them in peace. The traditions of firecrackers and red robes originated from the plan the villagers had
in which drums, plates and empty bowls were hit, red robes were worn, and firecrackers were
thrown, causing loud banging sounds that they hoped would intimidate the Nian. According to this
same myth, the Nian never appeared in the village again. It thus became symbolic in the eyes of the
town people, and they continued doing what was needed to drive it away. With time this became a
tradition.
Students were enthusiastic with the activities of making props for the show and created actions for
songs. Laughter was always filling the classroom. This year is the year of the Rooster. Students
also designed their own calendar and red packets with an awareness of these cultural elements. The
27th January was the Chinese New Year Eve. An event of making dumplings was conducted for all
PYP students at the cafeteria. When tasting the dumplings they made themselves, their hearts filled
with satisfaction. With the help of all PYP teachers, the activity was a huge success.
Ms. Lisa Ng
Mandarin Teacher
WHOLE SCHOOL NEWS
Private Guitar Lessons
Kavan, Rafael & Sana
Have you always wanted to play the guitar and rock your world? Or have you had dreams of
strumming away a soulful melody? Well, now is your chance! The joy of learning an instrument will
last a lifetime and lead to years of enjoyment. Become confident each week as you learn new
scales, chords, exercises and songs.
We are currently signing up new students for the guitar programme at Stonehill. If you are
interested, get in touch with Mr. James Stephenus ([email protected]), or Ms. Ranmali
([email protected]) to get started.
Ms. Ranmali Hapugalle
HoD Arts & Design
PRIMARY NEW
PYP Exhibition Parent Information Session
Date: Wednesday, 15th February
Time: 2:00pm
Place: P8 Classrooms
The PYP exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student,
synthesizing the essential elements of the PYP and offering an opportunity to share these
with the community. As a culminating experience it is a formal chance for students to
exhibit the attributes of the IB learner profile that have been developing throughout their
engagement with the PYP. Students are required to engage in a collaborative,
transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and
offering solutions to real-life issues or problems.
The P8 students will soon begin their exhibition unit. In order to support and inform the
school community and in particular, the P8 parent body, an information session will be
held on Wednesday, 15th February 2017, at 2:00pm in the P8 classrooms. All members
of the community are welcome to participate to hear more about this exciting time in the
Primary School.
The Parent Information Session will detail the purpose of the Exhibition, and how
students will be supported throughout. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday
15th February.
Important Upcoming Primary Dates
Wednesday 15th February - PYP Exhibition Parent Information Session at 2:00pm
Wednesday 22nd February - P4-P8 Inter-House Swimming Gala at 10:00am
Thursday 23rd February - PYP Parent Workshop ‘Concepts versus Content’ at 8:00am
Friday 24th February - Professional Development Day (School Closed)
Monday 27th February - Book Week Begins
Wednesday 1st March - P5 Production
Best regards,
Simon McCloskey
Primary Principal
@SISPrimary
SECONDARY NEWS
Trips Week
Trips week will take place from 13th February to 17th February. The following links have been
shared with the students and the parents. You can find relevant information on the following sites
for each trip, which will be updated on a regular basis.
M1-Tumkur Trip (https://tinyurl.com/gvpfpv8 ) - Ms. Beck, Mr. Bussenschutt, Mr. Dinar, Ms.
Banerjee
M2- Hampi Trip (https://tinyurl.com/z452h45) – Mr. Stalder, Ms. Appleby, Mr. Pendley
M3 - Jaipur Trip (https://tinyurl.com/zcaosed) – Ms. Viart, Mr. Ko, Mr. Pandey
M4-D1 - Munnar Trip (https://tinyurl.com/z4ffbvp ) - Mr. Esiyok, Ms. Preethi
M4-D1 - Orphanage Trip (https://tinyurl.com/hxeh46t ) Mr. Lombardo, Ms. Ranmali
M4-D1- Surfing Trip (https://tinyurl.com/surfingcovelong) - Mr. Orland, Mrs. Shepherd
M4-D1 - Camp River Rocks Trip (https://tinyurl.com/h3l5ubx) – Mr. Rynne, Ms. Yasmine
D2 Mock Exams
The D2 practice examinations commenced this morning, and will end on 17th February. Please note
that the Secondary School is closed for M1-D1 students during next week (13th – 17th February).
Semester One Reports
Our Semester One Reports for students in M1 to D1 were issued on Thursday, 9th February on
Managebac. These are full written reports for each subject, and cover the work students have
been doing for the entire semester. If you have not received any information, please contact
Middle School ISACI Tournament
Last weekend our MYP students participated in the Middle School ISACI Sports Festival.
Participating teams included – The British School, New Delhi; The International School, Hyderabad;
and The Mercedes-Benz International School, Pune. The Stonehill girls’ team won gold in football,
and silver in basketball. The Stonehill boys’ team won gold in basketball, and bronze in football.
Our Stonehill players were a force to be reckoned with; they played with impressive spirit and
determination! Congratulations and well done. Thank you to Ms. Shepherd and Mr. Pendley for
chaperoning our students.
International History Bee and Bowl
The Bengaluru International History Bee and Bowl was held at Stonehill on Sunday, 5th February.
Stonehill students Zoran, Shashank R, Shashank V, Tobias, Sachin, Henry and Simon performed
exceedingly well against Canadian International School. The results were:
Varsity division:
First Place: Shashank R
Second Place: Tobias
Third Place: Shashank V
Junior Varsity Division:
First Place: Henry
Second Place: Sachin
Third Place: Simon
Congratulations and well done! Thank you to Mr. Lombardo for organising this event.
IBDP Camp
The IBDP camp is being organised at the school for Diploma parents on Saturday, 18th February
from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The camp is designed to ensure that parents understand the needs and
requirements of the Diploma Programme. At the end of the camp, parents will feel more confident
as IB parents and will be better able to partner in the IB journey of their child. The itinerary
includes details about the IB, understanding the IB student, university admissions and college
applications, the role of a DP parent, time and stress management. Both D1 and M5 parents are
encouraged to attend. Please inform Ms. Saathi ([email protected]) if you are planning to
attend.
School Closed For Staff Professional Development Day
Please note that Friday, 24th February is a Professional Development Day for teachers, and the
school is therefore closed for all students.
Kind regards,
Narendra Mehrotra
Secondary Principal
News from the Science Department
‘Observation is a passive science, experimentation an active science.’ The second part of the
statement certainly seems to hold true for all students from M1 to D2 in the Science department at
Stonehill!
Our budding young scientists from M1 are presently studying cells, as they plan to embark on a
journey to make the world cancer-free through their research tasks!
For the last few weeks Ms. Appleby’s M2 students have been exploring different aspects of
nutrition and digestion. Presently, they are carrying out an investigation to determine the effect of
temperature on the activity of enzymes. The main objective is to find the optimum temperature for
the enzymes to work in our body.
Chemistry is the buzz word for our M3 students. They tested different household products to find
out whether they are acids, or bases. They observed different types of reactions, including
decomposition and combustion. The effect of temperature and concentration on these reactions is
the current topic of investigation.
M4 students will be starting a
biochemistry investigation. They
will be showcasing their projects
and sharing ideas with their
peers in a mini Group 4 Project
Exhibition, as well as doing a
write-up of their final
investigations.
In Physics, the M5 students were investigating factors affecting the resistance of a conductor.
Some of them created their own conductors of different shapes, sizes, and colours using play
dough. They were surprised when they realised that play dough can conduct electricity!
At present students are involved in investigating the strength of the magnetic field created by an
electromagnet.
Although developing practical skills is an ongoing process, this is the first time that the D1 Biology
students are working on their investigations independently. Students new to our school for the
Diploma Programme have never performed an investigation before; however, most are coping
surprisingly well – no tears this year!
D2 students, while learning the topic of Energy Production, organised an Energy Symposium where
they presented the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources through debate and
discussion. Groups of two students each had to choose an energy resource, and extensively
research it to present their opinions at the symposium.
A very satisfying and fulfilling activity is
currently going on in the Science
Department. Students from M1 and M2
are working collaboratively with students
from the Stonehill Government School,
and performing innovative and interesting
science experiments. Our students are
responsible for choosing, creating and
leading these experiments during ECAs
under the supervision of Ms. Appleby and
Ms. Banerjee.
Ms. Maitreyee Banerjee
HoD Science
BOARDING NEWS
Boarding is in its third year at Stonehill and is still growing. We have grown since opening in August
2014, and it is only now with 40 plus students that we can begin to see how the boarding houses
and facilities work with larger numbers. The flexibility we once had for room allocation is no longer
there. Our prime focus is Full Boarding and Weekly Boarding. These two programmes align during
the week from Monday to Thursday. From Friday to Sunday, the Full Time boarding programme
kicks in with excursions, activities, down time, and routine tasks like laundry and room tidying. The
weekend, like anywhere in the world, is at a slower pace to deal with the stresses of the working
week. For the D2 boarders, efficient use of time over the weekend is balanced with physical
exercise, sleep, and healthy eating that assists them with the upcoming mock and real exams.
During the mock exams, D2 boarders will be looked after by the Head of Girls’ Boarding and House
Parents Glen and Glenda Johnson, assisted by other residential staff. We wish all of the D2’s the
best for their exams. All of the other boarders will be away on Trips Week, and we also wish them
a safe and enjoyable time.
Boarding students Slewyn & Aniket at the Junior Cricket event
It was pleasing to see a number of our Boarding students involved in the recent Junior Cricket event
held at Stonehill. The students involved consisted of those boarding students who are members of
the ISACI senior cricket team, along with other boarders and day students. Involvement in school
events like these provides great leadership opportunities and life experiences. I would like to
commend the boarders in particular, for the way they worked with the younger children on the day.
It is important for Full Time Boarding students to lead as normal life as possible, given they are
living away from home in a residential setting. Going out and socialising with friends is important.
For a boarder to take leave for the day, overnight, or for a weekend requires a process and system
designed to make sure they are safe and well looked after. Request for leave can come from the
student, a host, or the parent.
A form needs to be completed and permission must be provided by email from the parent, and an
email is required from the host. A triangle of parent, host and house parent is formed. On that
basis, leave can be granted. As part of developing independence and organisational skills, the
student is expected to plan ahead and organise leave by Wednesday evening. This is a learning and
teaching point which serves the boarding student well for the future.
Important Dates ahead for Boarding
Exeat:
Friday, 24th February – Sunday, 26th February
(No classes on Friday 24 due to Staff professional development – Boarding remains open)
Mid Term Break:
Boarding closes from 4:00pm Friday, 8th April and reopens from 4:00pm Sunday, 16th
April.
Best regards,
John Bussenschutt
Head of Boarding
SPORTS NEWS
Middle School ISACI Tournament
Last weekend, 20 students represented Stonehill at the Middle School ISACI Sports Festival. The
host school was The Mercedes-Benz School (MIBS), Pune so our teams travelled and stayed with
home stay families from the host school. We had an amazing start on Day 1. The girl’s competition
began with football and Stonehill's first result was a fantastic 8-0 win against The International
School, Hyderabad where our girls played with real determination and strength. We had our second
game straight afterwards against the host school, MIBS.
The Stonehill girls were really fired up and ready to play after their initial win and beat MBIS 11-2.
Their final game was later in the afternoon against The British School New Delhi and this was a
tougher match with some solid attacks from the opposition. After a nail biting game with some near
misses at the goal from both sides, the match went to a sudden death penalty shoot-out. Anna, our
amazing new goal keeper kept a cool head and saved some great shots. We took gold!
In the boys basketball
competition, our team fought
hard all day and their results
were a 10-3 win against MBIS
blue team, followed by a 14-11
win against The British School
New Delhi then a 13-5 win
against Hyderabad. The boys
were solid in their offense and
worked hard to play cohesively
as a team. Their final match was
against MBIS and the scores
were basket for basket near the
end. In the last 3 minutes,
Stonehill pulled ahead by 6 to
win overall 17-11. This also
meant gold for our boys.
On Day 2, the girls played basketball and the boys played football. The girls played their first match
against Hyderabad and won 10-5 followed by a victory against MBIS with Stonehill winning 17-4.
The last match of the day saw Stonehill face the Delhi Panthers in the final. This was a difficult
match with some tough opposition and the final result was a win for the Panthers 23-8. Our girls
gained silver.
In the boy’s football competition, our first match was against MBIS white team which we
comfortably won 2-1. There was some excellent play in attack and some great goal keeping talents
shown by Edouard. We lost the second match to a strong Delhi team 7-0 and then to Hyderabad 2-0.
In the final match of the tournament, Stonehil played MBIS Blue team and the final score at full time
was 1-1. This meant a sudden death penalty shoot-out and the winning kick was shot by Michael to
secure bronze medals in this competition.
The weekend was a fantastic experience both for developing the social side of sporting competition
and also team work and skill. The coaches were very proud of the teams, everyone gave 100% and
we couldn't have asked for more. Many thanks to Clint Pendley who coached the boy’s football,
Karan Sood who coached girls and boy’s basketball and Antonio Orlando who coached the girl’s
football team, their dedication to training enabled the teams’ success.
The Stonehill teams were:
Girls
Dana, Augusta, Rosy, Anna, Skye, Michelle, Tove, Akshara, Lisa and Hedda
Boys:
Edouard, Nicholas, Adrian, Alek, Michael, Lucas, Aarnav, Mateus, Yuki and Fabian
Ms. Elizabeth Shepherd
PE Teacher
Senior Basketball Tournament at TRIO World School
Our Senior Boys ISACI Basketball squad had its last big test last Saturday at the TRIO world school
tournament. The team had formed at the beginning of the year for ISACI season 1 and their
confidence was high for that tournament, made up as it was from experienced players as well as the
brightest new talent at the school. In the ISACI tournament they played really well, however they
didn't win the medals they were hoping for. They played at TRIO on Saturday for pride and to show
what they could do. Joining them was a B team made up of those who are aspiring to the ISACI
squad next year. As a team they knew their roles and responsibilities and their confidence was high.
Our A team started out against the hosts TRIO and immediately drew ahead, showing some great
team skills, however TRIO fought hard and finished in front. In their second game against CIS B
team, our team raised their game, however the basketball faeries were against us and the baskets
which we would normally sink easily were repelled and didn't go down. The frustration was massive,
however our students played their hearts out until the end and went out with heads held high as
having represented Stonehill with dignity and style.
able to play a fluid and determined game, coached and encouraged by our A team. Against CIS A,
they played well, however never having played together before they were learning each others style
and although they played well they lost the game. Their second game was against Greenwood High,
who were the outstanding team of the tournament. Our boys set off at top speed and with some
excellent movement and fight, and with some inspired 3 point shooting they were soon in the lead.
Greenwood had strong depth and had obviously practiced together a lot and eventually drew level
and then ahead.
Although we didn't get the results we wanted, the boys had a good time and learned a lot. The
future looks good for next year’s ISACI squad, with some of this year’s team as well as some
strength and talent in the emerging players. Congratulations to all teams.
Tournament Players:
A Team
Vikram, Cameron, Johannes, Aayush, Joseph, Ray, Vinicius, Erik, Casper
B Team
Ijzac, Timothe, Tejas, Danish, Chetan, Gonzalo, Aniket
Mr. Adrian Shepherd
Head of Sport and Physical Education
PYP House Swimming Gala
The PYP House Swim Gala is coming soon. The purpose of the event is to provide a platform for our
students to showcase their learning, enhance house spirit, inculcate sportsmanship, and build
character. All P4 – P8 students have chosen their events and are practicing hard. This year, we will
have a guest appearance by the Stonehill Government School students who have been taking part in
the Swimming programme. Please mark your diaries accordingly.
Sporting Opportunities: Bangalore Youth Football League (BYFL)
We have received numerous enquiries from parents about extra sporting opportunities in Bangalore.
The Bangalore Youth Football League (BYFL) is one such programme geared towards providing
football training for children from the age of 3.5 to 17 years. They have centres at Whitefield,
Sanjaynagar, Museum Road, and Gurukul Kundanahali Gate. They have also started football training
at the New Center for Sports Excellence next door to Stonehill on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00
–9:30am.
Their programme covers fitness, technique, social skills, and game sense. BYFL coaches help conduct
our Football ECAs here at Stonehill, and so they know most of our children. My children, Madiba and
Malaika, have attended the programme for the last two and a half years and thoroughly enjoy it.
If you are interested in trying out, or signing up your child/children for any of the BYFL training
sessions, please call Meghana on the contacts listed in the poster above.
Dr. Gilbert Kaburu
PYP P.E. Teacher
PTA NEWS
Important Dates:
15th February – International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
22nd April – Stonehill PTA Charity Gala
2017 International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
15th of February is the International Childhood Cancer Awareness day. As a charity supported by
the Stonehill PTA, The Iksha Foundation is doing amazing work in Bangalore supporting children
with eye cancer. Let’s help spread awareness!
Why do we have a cancer awareness day?
In developing countries, deaths due to childhood cancer is attributed to several interrelated factors
such as lack of awareness and information on childhood cancer; delayed or wrong diagnosis; weak
health infrastructure; unprepared/untrained medical personnel and; the high cost of medication and
treatment.
The symbol for childhood cancer is a Gold Ribbon – Why gold ribbon?
In 1997, a group of parents in the United States started discussing about the need for a universal
symbol to create awareness and mobilise increased attention for minimising deaths and disabilities
due to childhood cancer.
They chose gold, as the colour gold represents how precious and priceless children are. It is also
perfect symbolism for the childhood cancer journey. Gold goes through a process by fire, to become
stronger and tougher. Kids with childhood cancer undergo a similar experience. They develop
resiliency by facing all the difficult and painful challenges of childhood cancer. For more information
please visit: http://www.internationalchildhoodcancerday.org Show your support by wearing a gold
ribbon on 15th of February, for the brave children across the globe who are battling cancer.
Summer Angels for Morning Star Ashram (MSA) and the Iksha Foundation
The PTA will be sponsoring a Summer Angels campaign beginning next week. At the upcoming
Stonehill events, there will be tags that you can pick up that contain a child’s name, age, and
wished for gift. We request that you purchase the gift and return it to the designated drop points
at Stonehill. All gifts will then be distributed to the children at MSA and the Iksha foundation.
This is Stonehill’s spin on Christmas Angels, and a great way for the children to celebrate their end
to the school year and the start of the summer break with a smile. More information will be coming
soon.
2017 International Food Fair (IFF) – the tally is in!
Thanks again to ALL who supported this year’s IFF. In addition to being a great day of food and
fun, the event raised more than INR 3.5 lakhs for the Stonehill PTA. This will go a long way to
support all the great initiatives being sponsored by the PTA. We now have a new target to beat
next year!
It is not summer yet, get your Stonehill Hoodie now!
The PTA is selling grey and navy blue Stonehill hoodies in sizes small, medium , large and extra
large. They cost INR 1500 and are very comfortable and neat. Please email Sal if you are interested
in purchasing them. She is also available during drop off (7:30am) and pick up time (3:00 –
4:00pm) if your child wants to try them on for size. Sal’s email address is:
Questions or Comments for the PTA?
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback for the Stonehill PTA, please drop us an email
at: [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
PTA Communications
STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MENUE - FEBRUARY 2017
6 Feb
(Monday)
7 Feb
(Tuesday)
8 Feb
(Wednesday)
9 Feb
(Thursday)
10 Feb
(Friday)
Spaghetti
Carbonara
Baked Cheese
Pasta
Spaghetti
Bolognese
Steamed
Vegetables
Garlic bread
Oriental basil
chicken
Stir fried tofu
Vegetable
ratatouille
Rice and
tomato soup
Beef, chicken
& Vegetarian
Stroganoff,
Vegetarian
Kebabs
Mashed
Potatoes,
Grilled
Vegetables, &
Rice
Crispy Fry
Chicken
Vegetable
Manchurian
Hakka noodle
Steamed
French beans
Rice
Chicken or
vegetable Hot
Dogs.
French fries
13 Feb
(Monday)
14 Feb
(Tuesday)
15 Feb
(Wednesday)
16 Feb
(Thursday)
17 Feb
(Friday)
Roasted Beef
Vegetarian
Burritos
Tofu
Manchurian
Steamed
vegetables
Rice and Soup
Chicken
Escalope
Corn in the
cob
Vegetarian
Kebabs
Steamed
Vegetables
Rice
Fish Finger,
Con in the
cob
Vegetarian
Quiche
Mixed
vegetables
Rice & Soup
Chicken and
vegetables
In sweet and
sour sauce
Hakka noodle
Steamed
French beans
Rice
Pizza –
assorted
20 Feb
(Monday)
21 Feb
(Tuesday)
22 Feb
(Wednesday)
23 Feb
(Thursday)
24 Feb
(Friday)
Pasta
Bolognese
Tomato sauce
Mushroom
cream sauce
Baked cheese
pasta
Garlic Bread
Chicken
Parmigiana
Paneer
Parmigiana
Stir fried
vegetables
Roasted
Potatoes
Steak,
Roasted
Chicken
Vegetarian
Cannelloni,
Grilled
Vegetables,
Rice & Soup
BBQ Chicken
Vegetable
kebab
Potato
wedges
Grilled
vegetables
Rice
Beef , chicken
or
Vegetable
burgers
French fries
27 Feb
(Monday)
28 Feb
(Tuesday)
1 March
(Wednesday)
2 March
(Thursday)
3 March
(Friday)
Meat balls
Vegetable
stroganoff
Baked
cauliflower
Mashed
potatoes
Grilled
vegetables
Grilled chicken
Quiche, Stir
fried tofu,
Roast
potatoes
Mix steamed
vegetable
Lasagna
Beef, chicken,
or vegetable
Steamed
beans
Garlic bread
Beef/Chicken
bourguignon
Gratin
dauphinois
Vegetarian
Moussaka
Ratatouille
Rice
Pizza –
assorted
Do note, there is a salad bar, plain yoghurt, and fresh fruit available each day in
addition to the above meals.
Stonehill International
School
Tarahunise Post Jala Hobli Contacting the School: Bangalore North 562157 India Admissions Ms. Rishika Ganapathy T + 91 8043418300 Primary School Ms. Nijika Bhardwaj + 91 8043418318 Secondary School Ms. Saathi Vinay M + 91 9008307684 Transport Mr. Rahul. I E [email protected] Head Nurse Ms Charlette Macdonald