School Day

On Monday through Thursday, the academic day begins at 07:30 and ends at 14:30. After school activities normally begin as early as 14:40 and end as late as 17:00. On Friday, the academic day begins at 07:30 and ends at 12:45 hours.

From time to time, exceptions may be made to these general guidelines to account for time spent traveling to and from school events, inclement weather, excessive heat or sunshine, and other extenuating circumstances.  In cases where school events take place outside the normal hours, the school will make every effort to be sensitive to the needs of students and their families regarding homework requirements and transportation.

After school there are two sessions for activities - 2:40 - 3:45 and 3:50 - 5:00. All Grade 6 - 8 students must be in a supervised activity to remain on campus, if they have a late activity they must also be registered in an earlier activity. Grade 9 - 12 students may remain on campus and must be on the Secondary side of campus or in the Library. All students no matter what grade must be off campus by 5:15 (Mon - Thur) and 3:00 pm on Friday without exception. If students abuse these expectations they will lose the priviledge to participate in our CCA program. 

Student Arrival and Dismissal 

Parents are reminded that there is no scheduled adult supervision before 7:25 or after 14:35 unless students are involved in after-school activities.  Students may remain on campus after the close of the school day only if participating in a school-sponsored, supervised activity.  If students are habitually left unsupervised after school, a meeting will be arranged between parents and administration to make a plan for prompt pick-ups. 

Parents are requested to schedule out-of-school appointments after school, whenever possible.  Should a student need to depart from campus prior to the end of the school day, parents are asked to notify the Secondary office by emailing attendance@aislusaka.org.  All students leaving the campus must sign out with the Secondary office staff.  It is important that we have an accurate record of who is present in case of an emergency.

Participation in Co-curricular Activities on Absent Days 

A student may not participate in co-curricular activities or scheduled games or tournaments if they have been absent during the school day.

Bus Service 

The school runs a bus service for all non US Embassy and other diplomatic students.  This service will pick students up from their homes and deliver them back to their homes at the end of the school day. The buses are well maintained and have seatbelts which are compulsory for all students using this service.  Please note that this service only operates in the major residential areas and there are limited spaces available.  For more information, please contact Faith Dube (fdube@aislusaka.org) in the main office who coordinates this service. Students who misbehave on a school bus may lose their bus-riding privileges.

Campus Limits

Students may not be in any part of the Primary School (including the Primary tuck shop) or parking lots during the school day.  Furthermore, students may not be inside classrooms before or after school or during breaks or lunch unless they have express permission and a teacher is present. Faculty workrooms are always off-limits to students.

Canteen 

The Secondary School canteen is open during morning break, lunch, and after school. A hot menu is served daily at the beginning of each lunch period. The menu is displayed daily and is also published in advance in the Leopard’s Tale. Students themselves are not permitted to enter the kitchen. 

It is the responsibility of students to line up in an orderly fashion when waiting for food at the canteen and to respect the rights of others waiting in line and not “cut” in front of other students. Students must display respect towards the kitchen staff and order their food in a timely manner. The school will designate a staff member to facilitate this process each recess period. 

Microwaves are available for students to warm meals from home if they choose to bring them.

Emergency Preparedness

AISL holds frequent lockdown, fire, and safe haven drills during the school day. These may or may not be announced in advance.

For emergency situations or civil unrest which occurs either during or outside of school hours but directly impacts the school, parents will be made aware of these situations through the activation of an SMS blast to all parents and information on the school’s website.  To ensure that this system works effectively it is important that contact details be kept up to date and the school is informed of any changes as soon as possible.

Health Office/School Nurse

If a student becomes ill, he or she may notify the teacher and report to the school nurse.  The only time a student can go to the school nurse without informing a teacher is during one of the two recess times.  The school nurse will use her discretion to keep a student in the sick room if she thinks it is necessary.  If this is done, the parents will be notified.  Normally, if a student is too ill to return to class after one period, parents will be contacted and asked to collect the student.  A student will not be released from school without permission from the parents. 

A student medical information form must be submitted at the beginning of each academic year.  Parents must provide home and emergency contact numbers in case of a student’s sudden illness or injury. Any student who has a special medical concern or condition, should notify the school at the beginning of the school year.  All medication must be given directly to the school nurse by the parent if it is to be taken during school hours.  It is essential that the school is notified of any changes in medical problems or conditions.

Leopard’s Tale 

Our weekly school newsletter, The Leopard’s Tale, contains the weekly calendar and news items. It is distributed by e-mail to parents every Thursday.  To ensure that you receive this newsletter, please keep the school informed of changes in your e-mail address. Any item suitable for publication within the newsletter should be submitted to the main office no later than Tuesday of that week.  The Leopard’s Tale is also posted on the school’s web site.

Lockers 

Every student in Grades 6-8 is given a locker for his or her personal possessions.  Students in Grades 9-12 will be given a locker upon request. Students must bring their own padlock and key for the locker and use it to keep their possessions secure at all times. Whenever possible, items of value should be left at home.

Lost Property 

Items lost or found should be reported or handed in either at the Secondary 0ffice or the main office.  Lost clothing will stay in that office for 24 hours after which time, it will be transferred to the lost property box, which is kept by the athletic director in the Secondary gym. Parents are requested to label all items of clothing, lunchboxes, water bottles, etc.  Lost cell phones will be kept in the office and lost iPads or laptops will be brought to the technology office where they may be collected.  All unclaimed lost and found items are donated to local charities at the end of each semester.

Supply Lists

A list of the suggested supplies required for each grade level subject  can be found HERE

Textbooks 

Textbooks are the property of the school and each student is responsible for their safe-keeping and care.  Numbered textbooks are distributed to students through classroom teachers at the beginning of the school year and all books should be returned through those same teachers.  The condition of the books is checked when returned at the end of the year.  Books that are damaged, defaced, or lost must be paid for in full, including the cost of shipping them to Zambia.  AISL will withhold transcripts and/or reports until all books have been returned or paid for.

Theft Advisory 

Students are encouraged not to bring cameras, cell phones, large sums of money, and other valuable equipment unrelated to school activities.  If it is unavoidable, students should secure these items in a locker.  Students are asked not to leave such things in bags or coats that are unattended.  If valuables go missing, a teacher must be informed immediately.  The school cannot be responsible for the loss of such articles.

Visitation of Friends

If a student wishes to bring a friend to school, they must seek approval of the principal at least two school days in advance.  These visitors will not be permitted to attend classes as this is disruptive to learning, but will be able to be on campus during break and/or lunch.

The AISL ‘No Bystander’ Commitment

As an AISL student I:

• will help if I see someone in trouble. I will not stand by while someone is hurting. Even though it may be difficult, I will do the right thing. I understand that it is not about friendships, picking sides or keeping people out of trouble. I understand it is not the same as “tattle taling”. I understand it is about helping someone who is hurting. This is my responsibility as a member of the AISL community.

• understand that I am not expected to put myself in danger to help. I will help, but I will do it safely.  I understand that I have many options. I can talk with the bully and talk with the victim to try to help the situation, BUT I MUST ALSO report the situation to an adult at the school.

• will do SOMETHING. I will NOT ignore it!

Behavioral Expectations of Students

As a general guideline, it is expected that AISL students will act in a responsible manner and will exhibit courtesy toward their classmates, teachers, and other staff members. Students should respect the private property of other people, school property, and should help maintain the cleanliness of the campus. Wherever possible, disciplinary concerns will be dealt with on an informal level. This includes talking with the student, advisor, teacher, and/or parent.  Contact with parents plays an important role, but when informal efforts are unsuccessful, more formal procedures will be followed. Teachers are responsible for arranging contact with parents when a pattern of irresponsibility or lack of ATL skills becomes apparent. 

We trust that the guidelines and the consequences if these expectations are not met (outlined on the following pages) will clarify major expectations and their consequences. The sanctions that follow each set of expectations are designed to be guidelines for the administration. In the event of circumstances that cause significant loss, or grievous injury due to flagrant and purposeful behavior, the administration reserves the right to respond in a more stringent manner. The administration may also move to any level of consequence depending on the extremity of the behavior. It is important to remember that behind these statements of behavioral expectations for our students stands our conviction that all AISL students are entitled to a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment that fosters mutual respect, self-discipline, and responsibility. Administration will assign appropriate consequences to behavior infractions and utilize student mistakes as learning opportunities when infractions are not flagrant or excessively harmful.

Approaches to Learning Skills (ATLs) in Completing Assignments and Participation in Classroom Activities

Students are expected to demonstrate ATLs in completing assignments, participate in classroom activities, and to perform to their individual readiness level on a consistent basis. 

Appropriate Behavior in the Classroom 

Self-discipline means that we ask students to practice sensitive, orderly, polite, and respectful behaviors toward all others and help to maintain an appropriate learning environment at all times.  Teachers and administrators at the school aim to engender a sense of self-discipline by modeling and instructing disciplined behaviors. Unwarranted and/or persistent disruptions during a class, or behavior that embarrasses, offends or otherwise distracts from a productive learning environment, will result in consequences.

Public Displays of Affection 

The school recognizes that genuine feelings of affection may exist between students; however, the school’s student body encompasses many different ages and cultures with different expectations for appropriate displays of affection in public. For these reasons, we maintain an expectation that students must refrain from inappropriate intimate behaviors on campus or at school related events beyond hand holding and short hugs.

Fighting/Threatening/Dangerous Behavior

Above all else, students must be physically safe on campus.  Fighting, threatening, or any behavior that could cause physical harm to oneself or others cannot be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and sternly. The principal will investigate any such incidents and consequences will be assigned.  This investigation will provide all involved parties a chance to share their side of the story and will also include interviews with witnesses, if available. Mitigating factors (for example, self-defense, provocation, etc.) will be taken into account before consequences are assigned.  Unless there are mitigating circumstances, both parties in a fight should plan on facing an out-of-school suspension of no less than three days for a first offense.  The length of the suspension will be based on the severity of the incident, damage inflicted, the student’s previous record, and an evaluation of the degree to which one or more parties continues to present a threat to others. In extreme cases or after a second offense, the principal will recommend expulsion. AISL will not tolerate physical violence, aggression, or threats toward members of the community.

Bullying 

Bullying is a behavior that damages a child’s self esteem, sense of wellbeing, and may also cause physical harm. Normally this is a repeated action that happens over a period of time, however, a single incident also warrants investigation. There is no stereotypical bully or victim – they come in all shapes and sizes. 

The aim of our anti-bullying guidelines are to make it clear to pupils, staff, and parents that bullying is always unacceptable. We aim to create a positive environment of respect, encouragement, and understanding where the individual or student can flourish without fear. Every student has the right to be safe and happy in school and to be protected when they are feeling vulnerable.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is intentional, repeated behavior, purposely directed at the same recipient, that gives pain or makes people feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or threatened. Bullying may take a variety of forms and may occur in a variety of contexts: bullying on the grounds of race, religious beliefs, culture, sex, disability, physical appearance, academic performance, etc. 

Examples of three main types of bullying are:

• Physical: e.g. hitting, biting, kicking, spitting, making faces, taking or hiding others’ belongings or money.

• Verbal: e.g. name calling, teasing, insulting, derogatory jokes, writing unkind notes and/or text messages, and any form of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying includes threatening emails, defamatory blogs, posting defamatory remarks or inappropriate pictures on social networks.

• Emotional: e.g. humiliation, acts of intimidation, being mean, excluding, taunting, spreading rumors, silent/prank phone calls, demeaning looks, exclusion.

Identifying a Bullying Incident

A victim of a bullying incident is not always willing to come forward and peers, teachers and parents may not recognize the problem in the first instance. Signs that may indicate a problem include:

• unwillingness to go to school.

• changes in performance in school.

• becoming unhappy and prone to tears.

• becoming withdrawn.

• becoming disruptive and possibly aggressive.

• unexplained cuts and bruises.

• becoming shy or nervous.

• pretending to be ill.

• always wishing to be with older students or adults.

• physical manifestations like stomachs and headaches.

If You are Aware of a Bullying Incident

Students will:

• talk to an adult they can trust (e.g. their parents, advisor, teachers, counselors, school administrators).

• know that what they say to an adult will be taken seriously.

• concern themselves with the care of the victim and not the reaction of the bully. 

Teachers will:

• listen to the students.

• take the information seriously.

• record the information and investigate the incident or notify the counselor and principals who will investigate.

• make it clear that the student has made the correct decision in sharing the problem.

Parents will:

• contact the school if they become aware of bullying; first notification to the homeroom teacher and copied to the counselor and principal.

• encourage the child to talk to them or the teacher.

Administration Follow Through

When bullying incidents are reported, they will be recorded and investigated by the school principal or his/her designee. After the investigation, appropriate consequences will be enacted, a plan will be drawn up to help the bully or bullies change their behavior so that they know how to stop bullying, and support will be offered to support the victim, including giving strategies to cope with this and other instances of bullying that may arise. Counselors will work with victims to help them identify the behaviors that make them susceptible to bully abuse. The school administration and counselors work closely with both the bully and victim and their families to uncover the root of the issue(s) and work with all individuals to prevent further incidents as well as work towards a positive future in and outside of school.  In certain circumstances, the school may suggest outside professional counseling for one or all parties involved.

Consequences

Bullying will be considered at least a Level 2 offense.

Student and Staff Awareness

The school will ensure that during each school year, sessions will be held for all students and staff to understand different forms of bullying and how to react when bullying occurs. This may take different forms for different age groups, but may include sessions with the classroom teacher, school assemblies, advisory sessions, films on bullying followed by discussions, sessions with the counselors, surveys, etc. It will be the responsibility of the school’s guidance counselors to ensure that this is done and to keep a record of such.

Sexual Assult & Harassment

AISL recognizes that sexual and gender-based harassment and violence are contrary to its core principles and therefore does not tolerate sexual and gender-based harassment and/or violence. The AISL’s response to incidents of sexual and gender-based harassment and violence of and by students or adults within the community is governed by a comprehensive Child Protection Guidelines intended to provide integrated wraparound services and support to survivors, while also holding accountable those who commit acts of discrimination, harassment, and/or assault. 

1. Definition of sexual harassment

Sexual Harassment is a type of sex discrimination which is defined as any sexual advance, any request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

• (1)  Sexual harassment occurs if a person:

  • (a)  makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the person harassed; or

  • (b)  engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to the person harassed.

• (2)  Sexual harassment includes:

  • (a)  unwelcome touching, hugging, or kissing;

  • (b)  inappropriate staring or leering;

  • (c)  sexual gestures;

  • (d)  sexually suggestive comments or jokes;

  • (e)  displaying, sending, or requesting sexually explicit images;

  • (f)  giving sexually explicit gifts;

  • (g)  making or distributing a sexually explicit audio recording, image, or digitally-altered image of another person;

  • (h)  repeated or inappropriate invitations to go out, date, or ‘hook up’;

  • (i)  intrusive questions about a person’s private life or physical appearance;

  • (j)  requests or pressure for sexual intercourse, or other sexual acts;

  • (h) sending another person an unwanted still or moving sexual images.

• (3)  Sexual harassment can occur through email, text, messaging, social media posts, and other forms of electronic/digital communication.

• (4)  Acts of sexual harassment may also constitute sexual assault.

B. Definition of sexual assault

• (1)  The term sexual assault is used in this policy to cover a range of unacceptable sexual and physical behaviors, which are criminal offences.

• (2)  For the purposes of this policy, sexual assault is defined as any sexual act that a person does not explicitly consent to.

• (3)  For the purposes of this policy, a person will be considered to have sexually assaulted another person if:

  • (a)  the other person did not explicitly consent to the first person’s actions; and

  • (b)  the first person:

    • (i)  knew that the other person did not explicitly consent;

    • (ii)  was reckless as to whether the other person consented; or

    • (iii)  should reasonably have known, having regard to all the circumstances, that the other person did not consent.

• (4)  For the purposes of this policy, attempting or threatening to engage in any of the above conduct may also constitute sexual assault.

C. Definition of consent

• (1) For the purposes of this policy, a person consents to a sexual act if they freely and voluntarily and explicitly consent (verbally) to the sexual act.

• 
  

• (2) For the purposes of this policy, a person is not able to freely and voluntarily and explicitly consent to a sexual act when they are:

  • 
    

    • (i) under the legal age of consent

    • (ii) asleep or unconscious;

    • (iii) intoxicated or affected by drugs;

    • (iiv) intimidated, coerced or threatened, including when they are afraid of physical and/or emotional harm to themselves or someone else;

    • (v) unclear about the identity of the person performing the act;

    • (vi) tricked into doing something they do not want to do; or

    • (vii) detained or held against their will. 

• (3) The fact that a person does not say ‘no’ to, or does not physically resist, a sexual act does not of itself mean that they consent to it.

• 
  

• (4) A person is free to withdraw their consent at any time prior to or during a sexual act, for any reason.

D. Disclosures of sexual assault and sexual harassment by students

1. As described in the AISL Child Protection Guidelines, faculty and staff at AISL are required to report any suspicions or allegations of abuse or neglect, which includes sexual harassment and sexual assault, to a school counselor or a school principal within 24 hours. 

2. The Child Protection Team will be formed to support the person disclosing and investigate

3. Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible (refer to Child Protection Guidelines) 

4. Reporting protocol detailed in the Child Protection Policy will be followed. This may include, but is not limited to, reporting to legal authorities. 

We recommend that students not bring phones to school unless absolutely necessary. 

Students in grades 6 - 8:  must not use their phones during the school day at any time,  unless directed by a teacher for learning purposes (including before school, break, lunch and during CCA time). They must be turned off and in their backpack or locker. If they are found to be using their phone an adult will take their phone to the office where they can collect it after school. Consistent misuse of their phone will result in a parent meeting to understand the challenge. They may make phone calls using the phone in the main office as needed. 

Students in Grade 9 -12: Phones must be turned to silent and out of sight during classes and students may not use them without permission of their teacher. Phones that are used during class will be confiscated by the teacher and given to the office for collection at the end of the day.  Consistent misuse of their phone will result in a parent meeting to understand the challenge.

Phones and other valuables should be kept in their school bags or locked in lockers. The school will try to help should a phone or other valuable object go missing, however it is a large campus and challenging to locate missing items. Best to keep valuables at home or locked in a locker - see Ms. Maché in the Secondary office should you need a locker.

Students in grades 6 - 8:  Are not allowed on campus after school hours unless they are in a teacher-supervised CCA or other activity (make-up test, etc.) or in the Library. When waiting for a driver they must be in the front of or beside the PAC. 

Students in grades 9-12: Students are welcome to work in different areas on campus that are open and easily viewable by others. They should not be in the primary areas unless there is a reason to be there. 

ALL: Must leave campus by 5PM. Security runs a sweep at this time to escort students to the front of the school, which is where they can wait for their ride to show up.   

The purpose of the AISL Secondary School Dress Code is to set clear guidelines for acceptable clothing in the secondary school. Informed by the AISL motto “Every student thrives,” this dress code seeks to provide opportunities for personal expression, implement gender-neutral rules designed to avoid unintentional discrimination, and acknowledge the rich international context and community that forms AIS. 

Cultural and international context considerations

Given its standing as a high profile international school, AISL strives to adopt practices that position our school as an exemplary model for human rights education. AISL must also balance sensitivity to its host culture of Zambia and its diverse international community. It is important that stakeholders understand and recognize that the AISL Secondary School Dress Code aims to follow best practices that serve the educational interests of all students.

Goals

The AISL dress code aims to accomplish the following goals:

• Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed, such as science (eye or body protection), dance (bare feet, tights/leotards), or PE (athletic attire/shoes). 

• Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination. 

• Prevent students from wearing clothing relating to our containing offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography. 

• Prevent students from wearing clothing with images or language depicting or advocating violence or the use of alcohol or drugs. 

• Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable. 

• Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of gender/gender identification, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, body type/size, religion, and personal style. 

Values

The AISL dress code is founded in the following philosophical and practical values:

• Students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance. 

• Reasons for conflict and inconsistent discipline should be minimized whenever possible. 

• All students should be able to dress comfortably for school without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming. 

• All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual students’ clothing/self expression. 

• Teachers should be able to focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement. 

Role of Parents

The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and parents or guardians. AISL will take necessary steps to ensure that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, and that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student. 

Specific guidelines

1. Students MUST wear the following, subject to the requirements in guidelines 3-5.

   1. Dress or other one-piece covering OR Top + bottom

   2. Shoes OR sandals that protect the bottom of the feet

2. Students MAY wear: 

   1. Hats, including religious headwear 

   2. Hoodie sweatshirts 

   3. Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants and “skinny jeans” 

   4. Ripped jeans 

   5. Tank tops, including spaghetti straps

   6. Athletic attire 

   7. Clothing with commercial or athletic logos provided they do not violate other guidelines. 

3. Students CANNOT wear:

   1. Violent language or images 

   2. Images or language depicting or relating to drugs/tobacco/alcohol (or any illegal item or activity), hate speech, profanity, or pornography 

   3. Tube tops or strapless tops 

   4. Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment

   5. Visible underwear (supportive shoulder straps worn below a top or dress are an exception)

   6. Bathing suits

   7. Helmets or headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or a mask/shield as a health and safety precaution). 

4. Attire MUST be worn to cover certain body parts for all students.

   1. Clothes must be worn in a way such that private parts are covered with opaque material. If you need further clarification, you may ask to see the file held in the Secondary Administration Office. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories must meet this basic principle of opaque coverage, and cannot violate the “cannot wear” category. 

5. Secondary courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, job readiness, performing arts) may include specific dress requirements for certain assignments. Likewise courses that require certain attire for safety (closed shoes for science, athletic attire and footwear for PHE) may include specific dress requirements as needed. However, extra requirements should not focus on covering girls’ bodies nor promoting gender- or culturally-specific attire.

Dress code enforcement

A school dress code is only as effective and fair as its enforcement. Enforcement is meant to be consistent with AISL’s overall discipline plan. Enforcement for students in secondary school is meant to promote safety and education around our non-violence/non-discrimination policy rather than sending messages predicated on body maturity or “professionalism.” 

AISL intends that students should never be removed from a classroom / lose class time solely as a result of a dress code violation. Students will not be forced to wear extra school clothing (that isn’t their own) when they are in violation of the code, as that is akin to a dunce cap or scarlet letter. Students may be asked to put on their own on-site clothing, if available, to be dressed in a compliant manner. 

AISL intends that no student should be disproportionately affected by dress code enforcement because of gender, race, religion, body size, or body maturity. 

AISL does not intend to shame or require students to display their body in front of others (students, parents, or staff) in school. Actions that are not in keeping with this intention include but are not limited to kneeling or bending over to check attire fit, measuring straps or skirt length, asking students to account for their attire in the classroom, or directing students to correct a dress code violation during instructional time. 

Consequences for dress code infractions

The goal of the consequences for dress code infractions are to stop the infraction with as little disruption to class time as possible. The AISL Secondary School Dress Code Policy would be enforced in the process outlined below:

1. First infraction: Student is privately informed about attire that does not meet the AISL Dress Code Policy by principal/vice-principal or designee of the same gender. This will not be done during class time. The student may be asked to change attire, at the discretion of the principal/vice-principal, if it is judged that changing attire is less harmful overall than allowing the student to remain in the non-compliant attire.

2. Second infraction: Student is informed, may need to change attire, and notification is sent to parents.

3. Third infraction: Student is informed, may need to change attire, and parents are invited to a discussion with the secondary principal and counselor.

4. Fourth and further infractions:  Disciplinary measures may be chosen by the Secondary principal/assistant principal.

Dress code policy review

The AISL Secondary School Dress Code Policy is subject to schoolwide review by stakeholders. Any revisions will adhere to research-based best practices that privilege the educational interests of all students, and positions our school as an exemplary model for human rights education. 

Use of Dangerous Substances on School Premises or at School-Related Activities

The primary motive of the school in matters pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, substance abuse, and dangerous items is to maintain the health and safety of the community, maintain orderly operations of the school, and protect the good reputation of the school community and all its members.  

The area of the school's jurisdiction in these matters includes the school property and its surroundings, school functions held on or off school property, field trips, sports matches, and any other events to which members of our community participate as a group identified with the school.  By offering an invitation to a non AISL community member to a school related event, students agree to accept responsibility for the behavior of their guests. 

Employees of the school are obligated to inform the school Director under any circumstances within or outside the school's jurisdiction if a student's use or misuse of any substance places him or herself or others at risk or brings the school's reputation into question.

The school will make efforts to educate the student community about tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs.  The school will make efforts to refer families to appropriate professional counseling should a need arise.  Students and families should know that a sincere request for help from a student or family with a problem in this area will be met by a discreet, sensitive, and professional response from the school.

Possession and/or Consumption of Tobacco Products

The school in no way tolerates the use or possession of tobacco either on the property or at an event under the school’s jurisdiction. This includes e-cigarettes or similar smoking substitutes. Possession or use of tobacco products on campus is considered a Level 3 offense. 

Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol 

Students may not consume or possess alcoholic beverages in any amount either on the property or at an event under the school’s jurisdiction.  Possession or consumption of alcohol on campus or at any school related activity will result in a mandatory suspension of at least three days. Distribution of alcohol on campus or at an event under the school’s jurisdiction will result in a recommendation of expulsion.

Possession of Illegal Drugs

Buying, selling, possessing, taking or using, giving, or in any way directly or indirectly aiding or abetting the use of illegal drugs, controlled substances (both prescription and over-the-counter medicines), or uncontrolled substances (such as glues and solvents) are behaviors that are detrimental to health and safety. Such behaviors are also against school rules and, in many cases, illegal in Zambia.  Therefore, students who are reasonably suspected to be in any way involved in the above behaviors will be recommended for immediate expulsion.

Possession of Dangerous/Inappropriate Items 

Apparently dangerous and/or inappropriate items include anything which can be construed as a threat to the health or safety of the school community including such items as real or “fake” weapons, pornographic material, and/or fireworks of any kind. For the above purposes, ‘fake’ weapons will be treated with the same seriousness as real weapons.

Bringing dangerous/inappropriate items onto school grounds will result in confiscation of the object, a parent conference, and possible suspension or expulsion based on the facts of the incident.

Intentional Making of Hoax Claim or Threat

A recommendation will be made for immediate expulsion.

Searching Student/School Property

In the event that a student is suspected to be in possession of an item that pertains to a behavioral inquiry, school administration may require a search of a student’s property, locker, or personal devices.  If this should occur, the faculty member will adhere to the school’s search policy below:

1. All valuable items brought to school are the sole responsibility of the student, not the school. 

2. If valuable things go missing, the leadership team or counselor will talk with the student and potential witnesses. This inquiry may also include a review of the school’s security camera footage.

3. If the school feels there was reasonable cause to suspect that a student has a dangerous, prohibited, or stolen item, the school reserves the right to conduct a search of that student’s clothing, bag or other possessions, and locker. 

   1. All searches will be conducted by a member of the leadership team in the presence of at least one other staff member. 

   2. In the case of a clothing or bag search, a parent will be notified in advance of the search. That parent may opt to be present, provided the search can continue in a reasonable amount of time from the first parent notification and, at latest, before the close of business that day. If the parent challenges the search but cannot be present, the search may continue at the sole discretion of, and in the presence of,  the Director or Acting Director.

      1. Searches of a student’s clothing will require a student to remove any outerwear (e.g. jackets, jumpers) and show empty pockets of all clothing items. No staff member will touch the student at any time.

      2. Searches of a student’s bag(s) or backpack(s) will require that the student empties the bag of the items therein and places them on the ground or a table for inspection. A staff member will also pat down or look in the bag to confirm that it is empty. 

   3. Lockers, which are school property, may be searched at any time. 

4. If a member of the school’s leadership team believes that there is reasonable cause to suspect that a student has dangerous, prohibited, or illegal material on his or her school-owned device, the school reserves the right to conduct a search of the device.  

   1. Searches of personal electronic devices (such as phones) can only take place with the permission of a parent. 

   2. Searches of school-owned electronic devices (such as iPads or MacBooks) can occur with the permission and presence of a school administrator. Parents will be informed that this has happened.

Notice Period

A re-enrolment survey will be sent out at the end of February. Parents can notify the school that they are:

• leaving at the end of the school year; or 

• unsure of their plans at the time; or 

• planning to re-enroll.  The completed survey will serve as official notification that a student is leaving the school.

If your child is leaving AISL at any other time during the year, parents need to inform the school in writing to: admissions@aislusaka.org as soon as possible so that we may process your child’s school leaving paperwork. Please provide the departure date, or approximate date if you are not sure. Please be aware that we require at least 10 days notice to process the leaving paperwork.

Three months prior notice is required to receive a partial refund of tuition fees. Please refer to the AISL Tuition Payment Policies regarding Tuition Fee refunds.

Request for Student Records/Recommendations

Please send all requests for student documentation (ie: recommendations, transcripts, reports) to the Admissions Department (admissions@aislusaka.org).  The Admissions Manager will coordinate requests and ensure that all requested documentation is completed and sent on time. Please do not send requests directly to teachers, counselors or principals; this can delay the process.  Note that three weeks notice is required for documentation requests to be completed.

Admission Testing & Application Information for other schools

The Admissions Department will administer admissions tests required by other schools. Please contact: admissions@aislusaka.org regarding any school-based tests that are required as part of a student’s application to other schools.

The Admissions Manager will collate and send all supporting materials to other schools where the student has applied, and/or will coordinate and monitor submissions in cases where faculty are required to submit on-line.

Sign Out Form

During their last week of school, students will receive a sign out form to sign out with all their teachers, confirming that they have returned all their books and equipment and that all fees have been paid in full. If in primary, your child’s class teacher / teaching assistant may assist with this process. Secondary students are expected to sign out with their teachers independently.

Leaving Paperwork

Once the Admissions Department receives the completed sign out form in that last week, your child will receive a sealed envelope on the last day of school to be given to their future school.  This envelope will contain copies of reports, a transcript if in secondary, a school profile, MAP testing (if applicable) and a school leaving certificate.

Refund of Equipment Deposit

The refundable equipment deposit will be returned once the student has returned the completed sign out form.  Please inform the Accounts Department if you require a cheque or bank transfer along with the respective payee name and bank transfer information.