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Professional Learning at KISU
Every Thursday after school, our staff engage in Professional Learning sessions focused on developing their practice. At KISU, we have a dedicated Professional Learning Coordinator (Ms Mary Kareji), who leads and manages the Professional Learning programme. She consistently ensures that our training is purposeful, relevant, and beneficial for both staff and students.
At the end of February, we introduced Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Every staff member selected an area they wanted to develop over the next 10 weeks - A strong reflection of our collective commitment to continuous improvement.
Over this cycle, we are running five PLCs:
· Classroom management and routines
· Differentiation and inclusive strategies
· Inquiry-based learning
· Student engagement and motivation
· Digital learning tools and AI integration
I would also like to acknowledge the five staff members who are leading these PLCs: Ms Hilda Nimwesiga, Ms Toyin Imisioluwa, Mr Nathan Ssekamatte, Ms Martha Mutonyi, and Ms Daniela Adamcova. Taking on the leadership of a PLC demonstrates a genuine commitment to professional growth and to supporting the development of others.
During our first PLC meeting, I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the conversations and the level of inquiry taking place in the breakout rooms. There was real reflection, challenge, and collaboration happening.
Below are some snapshots of the PLC breakout rooms, where the learning is taking place!
Daniel Grimshawe
Head of Secondary & IBDP Coordinator
Parents’ Coffee Morning and PTA Meet & Greet
The recent Parents’ Coffee Morning was a wonderful opportunity for members of the school community to come together in a warm and relaxed setting. While many parents enjoyed catching up over brewed coffee and delicious snacks, the morning also served as an important opportunity for parents interested in joining the PTA committee to meet and mingle with others in the community.
For many, it was a valuable opportunity to put faces to names and learn more about the parents who are keen to support and strengthen the school community.
The informal atmosphere made it easy for everyone to feel welcome, whether they came to socialize, learn more about the PTA, or consider becoming more involved. Conversations flowed easily as parents exchanged thoughts and experiences, all while enjoying the relaxed setting.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning so enjoyable. Events like these highlight the importance of community and collaboration within our school, and we look forward to seeing even more parents at future gatherings and at the upcoming PTA AGM.
Ms. Tracy Hathorn
FoodTech
Dear KISU Community,
We hope you enjoyed a restful break and are ready for another experience of culinary exploration and health eating lifestyle. Last half of the term , our classroom activities were a huge success , with students showcasing their skills in dishes from stir fries to baked dishes plus other nutrition activities.
This second half o f the term, we are excited to embark on a new project of recipe development that will challenge our creativity and innovation in Food Technology. We will be exploring new techniques, ingredients , and technologies shaping the future of nutrition.
Ms.Nalwanga Madina,
2026 Ski Trip to Italy
This year’s ski trip to Alagna Valsesia, Italy was once again an amazing experience for 12 students, accompanied by Ms Tracy and Mr Doep. Our youngest participant was just seven years old, making the achievements on the slopes even more impressive.
For weeks before departure, many of the students attended ski club to prepare for the trip. However, no amount of preparation could quite prepare us for the cold! When we arrived in Milan on 15th February, temperatures were already down to 4°C — and that was only the beginning. On Monday and Tuesday, snow fell steadily throughout the day, and temperatures dropped to between -4°C and -6°C. Learning to ski is challenging enough, but doing so in snowy, freezing conditions is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Thankfully, everyone was well equipped with snow boots, ski outfits, and plenty of warm layers.
It’s fair to say that enthusiasm was a little low on the first day — and understandably so — but by Day 3 the students were confidently making their way down the slopes.
Callie, our determined snowboarder, couldn’t wait to get started, while the rest of the group focused on skiing. Daniella and Gabriella Latigo, already experienced skiers, were eager to tackle the blue runs. Josiah showed great determination and was committed to mastering the slopes, while Abigail Ninsiima took to skiing naturally, gliding down with ease and grace.
Our younger skiers — Alix, Miguel, Kylie, Alysha, Meghan, Atarah, and our cheerful “mascot” Sophia — showed tremendous perseverance. They practised their posture, learned how to stop and turn, and even attempted small jumps. The ski instructors were fantastic and worked tirelessly to help every student reach that proud milestone: “I CAN SKI!”
Ms Anna, our chaperone from The Learning Adventure group, made a lasting impression on the students with her enthusiastic approach to every activity, including skiing alongside them. Mr Doep showed true determination — trying again and again before finally taking on the blue slopes. By all accounts, it was a thrilling (and perhaps slightly terrifying!) experience.
Beyond the slopes, there were plenty of other highlights. Ice skating on the first day provided lots of laughter, while playing in the snow and building snowmen was especially enjoyed by the younger students. A relaxing swim in the spa pool was also a welcome treat after long days in the cold. On Friday evening, we ended our stay at Hotel Cristallo with a Quiz night.
We departed Alagna on Saturday 22nd February by bus to the Milano-Rho train station where we then took the underground into Milan. We explored the area around the magnificent Milan Cathedral and had time for some shopping (among all the brand names). Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without the food — students enjoyed authentic Italian pizza, a variety of pastas, delicious cheeses and fresh breads, and plenty of ice cream.
The trip was a wonderful adventure filled with challenge, laughter, and achievement, and we are already looking forward to planning next year’s ski trip.
Ms. Tracy Hathorn
Future Event: INTERNATIONAL DAY - 10th April 2026
Our annual International Day at Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) will take place on Friday, 10th April 2026, and we invite all families to begin preparing for this festive and colourful celebration of our diverse community.
International Day is always a wonderful occasion filled with vibrant cultural displays, traditional dress, music, and the much-anticipated Feast of Nations. Families are encouraged to start thinking about how they would like to represent their country and what delicious dishes they might like to share. If you are interested to help decorate, contribute decorations, assist with serving food and/or in any other way, please contact Tracy on 0752 711 890 or Daman on 0752 711 882.
The Feast of Nations Food Sign-Up Sheet will be shared with families by 3rd March 2026, and the deadline for submissions is 5th April 2026.
Thank you in advance for your participation and support. We look forward to celebrating the rich diversity of our KISU community together!
Ms. Tracy Hathorn
Science Fair Success!
This month marked an exciting milestone for our primary school as we proudly hosted our very first Science Fair! The event was a wonderful celebration of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We were especially thrilled to see students from Year 1 right through to Year 6 take part, each bringing enthusiasm and determination to their projects.
Our young scientists were thoroughly prepared and actively engaged, showcasing an impressive understanding of scientific processes at an age-appropriate level. From forming hypotheses to designing fair tests and carefully observing results, students confidently demonstrated how experiments can be used to prove or disprove ideas. It was fantastic to see such a strong foundation in scientific thinking across all year groups.
Visitors to the fair were treated to a wide range of innovative and imaginative projects. Students eagerly explained their investigations, clearly articulating their methods and conclusions. Parents and family members attended in great numbers, listening attentively and encouraging our learners. Many even rolled up their sleeves to participate in experiments themselves, drawing their own conclusions alongside the students!
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride. Opportunities like this truly show how students flourish when given the chance to actively demonstrate their learning. We look forward to building on this success, growing our science curriculum, and making next year’s Science Fair even bigger and better!
Ms. Robyn Mason
Head of Primary
Building Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Recently, our staff participated in a professional learning session on building psychological safety in the workplace, co-presented by a counseling psychologist from Free-Mind Therapy and our Counseling Department. The session explored practical tools to strengthen wellbeing and foster a healthy work culture.
Using the Circle of Control, staff reflected on what they can influence versus what they cannot, promoting clarity and reduced stress. The Wheel of Life tool was particularly impactful, guiding participants to evaluate their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This self-assessment created meaningful insight into balance, boundaries, and areas needing attention.
We also discussed communicating needs respectfully, communicating workload in healthy ways, recognizing signs of burnout, and the importance of leadership in rewarding effort and offering professional support. The session reinforced our shared responsibility to cultivate a supportive, non-toxic workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
Ms. Annabelle Mutesi
School Counsellor
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