Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that a strong partnership between school and home is positively related to student achievement. A strong partnership benefits students in other ways apart from student achievement; these benefits include a positive attitude towards school, self-concept, motivation, time spent on homework, and expectations of one’s future.
Communication is the foundation of an effective partnership. The following set of guidelines is based on the understanding that whenever there is a need to communicate, to ask a question, to raise an issue, to express a concern, the solution is first to be sought at its source. In any situation of concern, it is best to go to the person directly involved in order to ensure that you:
gain first-hand information.
acquire a complete understanding of the situation.
communicate important information.
achieve a timely response.
support the concept of open communication to maintain optimal support for your child’s learning and well-being.
Below are some guidelines that are designed to support sound home-to-school communication.
Method of Contact
The most effective method of contacting a teacher, counselor, program coordinator, office assistant and/or administrator is through email. All AISL emails have the same format: first initial of first name and last name@aislusaka.org (e.g. Andy Pontius AISL email address is apontius@aislusaka.org).
Absence, Lateness, Early Dismissal
Parents are expected to notify the school if their child is absent, late to school, or needs to be dismissed early. Parents may contact the school via email (attendance@aislusaka.org) or through the AISL switchboard at (+26) 0978 772 600. Please note that your child will need a gate pass issued by the Primary or Secondary office in order to leave campus during the school day.
Class/Subject Teachers
Parents are encouraged to contact the class/subject teacher directly if they have a question or concern about their child’s experience in a particular class. Listed below are some issues that parents might address with a class/subject teacher(s):
Subject or class information
Class supplies and requirements
Assessment and reporting
Homework
Curriculum information
Project or research requirements
Student progress and performance
Teaching or classroom incidents
Field trips relating to that particular subject and/or grade level
Communication
Counselors
Parents may contact their child’s counselor if they feel that their child would benefit from coaching, counseling, and/or social and emotional support. The AISL counselors are as follows:
Grades 6-12 pastoral care: Driekie Smith (dsmith@aislusaka.org)
Grades 10-12 college & career counselor: Julie Baldry (jbaldry@aislusaka.org). Parents may contact Julie Baldry to acquire information related to careers and university guidance counseling.
Program Coordination
Parents may contact one of the following coordinators if they have any questions or concerns about educational programming, curriculum, resources, and/or program coordination:
IB MYP Coordinator (Grades 6-10): Andy Pontius (apontius@aislusaka.org)
IB Diploma Coordinator (Grades 11-12): Etienne Simonet (esimonet@aislusaka.org)
Athletics/After school Activities Coordinator: Rob Tate (rtate@aislusaka.org)
Student Services- SEN, EAL, and Differentiated Instruction Resource Program: kevin Winarz (kwinarz@aislusaka.org)
Dean of Students
If more information is required or if a situation is not resolved with a teacher, counselor, or program coordinator, parents are encouraged to contact the relevant principal/assistant principal with the knowledge of the teacher concerned. In addition to the above, you may wish to consult the principal directly on matters related to:
Timetable or room assignment issues
Broad issues involving the school (e.g. school culture, homework guidelines, etc.)
School culture, communication, and information related to the operation of the school
School communication
Discipline
Curriculum and program coordination
Reporting on student performance
School trips
School facility
Issues related directly to the work of the particular principal
Director
If more information is required or a concern remains unresolved, parents may wish to contact the Director, Dr. Oli Tooher (otooher@aislusaka.org), with the knowledge of the principal or business manager. In addition to the above, parents may wish to consult the director directly on matters related to:
community/school communication and relations
security
whole-school issues
implementation of policy
school communications
strategic planning
financial policy and oversight
long-term planning, including development of facilities and the school environment
AISL Board of Directors
If more information is required or the concern remains unresolved, parents may wish to contact the Board of Directors in writing via the Director. In addition to the above, parents may wish to consult the Board on matters related to:
role of the AISL Board of Directors
AISL strategic direction and planning, finances, facility, and/or programming
Research conducted and compiled by the National Association of School Psychologists indicates that effective, responsive, well-planned school to home communication has the following results in schools:
Improved test scores
Improved grades
More positive student attitudes
Less high risk behavior
Enhanced relationships between school and community
Increased parental support for school's initiatives and programs
Improved parental opinion of and regard for the school
Consequently, AISL is committed to communicating with parents in the following ways:
Our main school communication comes through either our Leopards Tale newsletter or Toddle announcements.
We have an open gradebook where students and parents can continuously montior assessments and class notices.