Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 25 Oct- 29 Oct 2024
Term 1 | Week 9
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From HoS Desk
From HoS Desk
"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you."
- John De Paola
Dear Parents,
A break is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It caters to 3 essential human needs. Change. Rejuvenation. Connect. One gets to get away from the monotony of routine. One gets to dream and think and relax and recuperate and repurpose. And one gets to strengthen relationships. I hope all LOTS Acorns and their parents valued and used this half term break to cater to these essential needs.
The first week after half term opened with wonderful scenes of reunions among students. This is always great to see. Back from time well spent, we now need to hit the ground running.
CP 6 had their 2 nights 3 days Leadership Camp at the CREED School of Leadership from 29 to 31 October. And came back enriched in more ways than one.
Academic rigor is now the priority, and to that end formative assessments have been scheduled and students have been sitting for these, with the support of their teachers and Coordinators. With the end of semester 1 exams commencing from 20th November for Secondary and from 25th November for Primary, preparations have to be taken seriously by all concerned.
As I mentioned in the earlier newsletter, public speaking is a key focus for us now as a life skill, and our students are gearing up for the first Inter House Debate competition at LOTS. This will take place on 7th November.
The Reading Program is one of our sustainable long term projects, and so it continues to dig roots.
The newly elected Student Council members are gearing up for tangible impact and are working on the crystallization of their goals.
Work on the Secondary School Production has begun. This time it is going to be totally student led, coordinated by the Performing Arts Captains and the secondary Student Council - details as you scroll down the newsletter. .
The Leadership Camps at the CREED School of Leadership continue. And in this continuance is embedded the seeds of growth beyond the classroom and life skills that will help students build not just a career but a life.
The rains have arrived. Or so it seems. The cooler temperatures are welcome, as are the less dusty roads. Outdoor activities may just take a bit of a hit, though.
Let us support our students through this busy and exciting term.
Warm regards,
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Principal Academics
Principal Academics
The second formative assessments are happening currently and soon we will have the end of semester examinations. Please look out for messages on WhatsApp class group for notifications regarding assessment papers, which will be sent back for you to see and send back. Also schedule and other information are posted on class WhatsApp groups. If you have any questions, please contact the class teacher and/or the programme coordinator.
The School Connect Online (SCO) International Olympiad is a global competition aimed at enhancing students' skills in core academic subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English etc. Open to students from grades 1 to 12, the Olympiad offers a comprehensive online platform where participants can access study materials, practice exams, and detailed outcome reports that focus on skill development. The competition includes multi-level exams, particularly for subjects like Math and Science, with awards and recognitions based on percentile rankings, including cash prizes and certificates for top achievers. This Olympiad encourages a well-rounded development by combining traditional academic assessments with modern skill-based evaluations.
We are excited to announce that we are now collaborating with SCO to help our students register for February 2025 awards. The normal registration fee is 11$ per subject per student, but as a school we are getting a discount, and the fee is $8 per subject per child. More information will be sent to you soon.
Principal Pastoral Care
Principal Pastoral Care
We have continued with our mentorship and wellbeing program. We would like to get feedback from you on the positive effects of the program. The feedback can be done through the homeroom teachers.
We have spent time interacting with some of the students to find out issues affecting their wellbeing at LOTS. Encourage the students to talk to their homeroom teachers on any concerns they have.
Two students were suspended from school for damaging a classroom door intentionally. The parents were requested to replace the damaged door. Vandalism is not tolerated by the school.
May we all take time talking to our children on practicing good behavioral practices.
School Uniform
At Lusaka Oaktree School, we believe that students should present themselves in a neat,tidy and appropriate manner. Our Uniform and Dress Code Guidelines ensure that all students dress in a way that reflects positively on themselves, their families and the school. We expect all students to comply with our guidelines at all times. The uniform and dress code guidelines of Lusaka Oaktree School are designed to promote a sense of pride and belonging among students and to ensure a professional and respectful appearance for all students.
Our uniform and dress code guidelines aim to:
Create a sense of unity and belonging among students
Promote pride and respect for the school
Foster a positive and safe learning environment
Ensure that students dress appropriately for the school environment
Encourage students to focus on their education rather than fashion trends
May we ensure that students come to school in proper uniforms. On days when they have Physical Education or Tennis, they are expected to wear their sports/ PE attire.
We shall not tolerate students coming to school in sneakers, all students must come to school wearing black school shoes.
Students coming to school in wrong uniforms will not be allowed to attend lessons, instead parents will be asked to come and pick them up.
Reporting Time
All students at LOTS are expected to report for school at 07:00. Reporting early will enable students to take part in the morning aerobics and mentorship programs. The morning aerobics are important as they help students cheer up and start their day on a good note. The mentorship program has been designed in such a way that it prepares the students for the present and future.
Academic Support Measures Implemented for IGCSE 2 and A Level (Board Exam Classes)
Academic Support Measures Implemented for IGCSE 2 and A Level (Board Exam Classes)
As we move closer to the Cambridge Board Exams, we would like to share some steps we are implementing to support our board exam classes. These initiatives are designed to enhance student engagement, deepen understanding, and optimize academic performance. We are committed to providing the best possible environment to help our students excel.
1. Flipped Classroom Approach
In our commitment to encourage active learning, we have introduced a flipped classroom model. Here, students engage with new material at home, through videos, readings, and interactive exercises. This approach allows us to use classroom time for deepening understanding, addressing questions, and practicing exam-relevant problems. The flipped classroom model fosters self-directed learning and equips students to better handle exam demands.
2. Peer Teaching in Afternoon Sessions
To foster collaboration and reinforce learning, we have introduced peer teaching during afternoon sessions. Students take turns explaining topics and guiding each other through challenging concepts, which has proven to reinforce their own knowledge while building confidence. This peer-led approach not only enhances understanding but also strengthens a sense of community, making learning a more interactive and supportive experience.
3. Support Based on Baseline Results Analysis
After analyzing the recent baseline exam results, we have identified specific areas where students need further support. Individualized and group-based interventions are being provided to address these areas, with teachers offering targeted assistance during revision sessions. This data-driven support ensures that each student receives the guidance necessary to meet their personal academic goals.
4. Use of Google Classroom
As a repository for student work and constant engagement, where work is posted, submitted, marked and feedback given - we will now also be using the Google Classroom platform as another academic engagement tool in IGCSE and A Level classes.
We believe these measures will greatly benefit our students and contribute to their success. Thank you for your continuous support, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
CP6 students Embark on a Leadership Adventure at CREED School of Leadership
CP6 students Embark on a Leadership Adventure at CREED School of Leadership
Our CP6 students recently spent three unforgettable days at the CREED School of Leadership, where they embraced activities designed to develop teamwork, resilience, and self-discipline.
From the collaborative camp setup to the exciting 9.8 km Discovery Trek, each activity inspired them to step up as young leaders. Highlights included an obstacle course, a thrilling zipline, and the lively “30 Seconds” game, which tested their quick thinking prowess and also added levity and laughter to the proceedings.
Through reflective journaling sessions and group discussions, students connected with one another and reinforced in themselves the values of empathy, respect, and courage. They returned to school with stronger friendships, leadership skills, and a renewed commitment to the core values that define our community.
Secondary School Annual Production helmed by the Secondary Student Council
Secondary School Annual Production helmed by the Secondary Student Council
We are excited to share that the secondary school Student Council has taken up the responsibility to navigate the Secondary School Production themselves. So this year’s High School Production will be totally student led. Of course supported and guided by teachers. This will be a vehicle for Leadership in action, where they will be leading themselves and others.
The students, led by the Performing Arts Captains, arrived at the choice. . The production will be the popular disney musical “WICKED” (which is a musical prequel to the classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’). The school leadership has vetted the project because it is essentially a tale about empowerment, agency, and resilience.This production is planned to be held in the later part of January 2025. The exact date, time and venue will be communicated soon. Auditions for key roles in acting, singing and dancing are now going on. The core student team that will be coordinating the show in all aspects (direction, script, music, choreography, set design, light and sound, stage management, costume and make up, promotion and publicity) is also on board now. Let us support our young leaders as they combine creativity and discipline to exhibit leadership at LOTS.
LS 2 A Assembly
LS 2 A Assembly
The LS 2 A students presented and conducted the secondary school assembly this week. Their chosen theme was Leadership and Wellbeing - and their presentations essentially focused on the interconnectedness of both themes in school life.
They put forth their points through a bouquet of powerful items. An interesting skit centered around bullying and self empowerment and well being support structures. A series of thought provoking talks on leadership and on wellbeing. A very creatively inspiring poem composed by the students.
Certificates of successful participation in the camps at the CREED School of Leadership were handed out to students who attended. This will add a lot of weight and value to their portfolios as they apply for college and university admissions later.
We thank the parents who supported this endeavor by attending the assembly, and the students who put up the show, and the teachers who helped them get there.
Early Years Reception A Assembly
Early Years Reception A Assembly
The Reception A students presented a beautiful assembly, showcasing what they have learned over the past weeks. The articulation was there for all to see. We thank the parents for their inspiring presence. We laud the students for their efforts and their energy and their growing confidence! And we thank the concerned teachers for guiding and training these students so well.
Football Friendlies with Totally Kids and Qurrat Academy
Football Friendlies with Totally Kids and Qurrat Academy
This past week, our U8 and U11 teams showcased their talent in a series of friendly matches that brought excitement to the pitch and the school. Facing off against Totally Kids Prep, our Under 8 teams did very well, winning all their games convincingly. The U11 team played a fiercely competitive and closely contested game, with both home and visiting sides displaying skill and determination. It was a thrilling matchup against newcomers Qurrat Academy, with impressive teamwork and some standout individual performances that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The game ended in a 6:4 victory for the hosts Lusaka Oak Tree School.
Meanwhile, the B teams took to the field as a dynamic mixed squad of girls and boys. They demonstrated great teamwork and sportsmanship, making for an enjoyable match filled with skillful play and enthusiastic support from the sidelines.
Overall, it was a fantastic day of football, fostering camaraderie and a love for the game among young athletes. We look forward to more friendly matches in the future!
Mentoring Program Update
Mentoring Program Update
We are excited to have our first girls and boys mentoring sessions for secondary students next week. Our girls will sit with the female teachers and the boys will sit with the male teachers. We understand the importance of addressing specific topics for each group.
We are aware that Lusaka Oaktree School has an amalgam of vibrant and wonderful girls who come in every shape, size and colour. They’re young and gorgeous and full of life. They’re the farm girls and the town girls. Some wear fashionable clothes and designer shoes, while others prefer simplicity.They’re the athletes, the drama queens and bookworms.
Likewise, LOTS is made up of energetic, dynamic and adventurous boys - the leaders who are naturally charismatic, the athletes who are competitive and thrive in sports, the tech whiz, and the Joker.
We look forward to productive sessions where all these disparities find a common home and can be celebrated in equal measure.
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
For the PTCs on 5th and 6th December, please ensure you bring your children with you, since interaction is most effective when it is a three way conference.
Though things have improved, some students are still being dropped to school very late, and this is on parents. Please ensure children are dropped on time - ideally by 7.10 (warm up time) and certainly by 7.20 (when homeroom sessions with mentors begin).
As always reiterated, please reach out to any of us whenever you feel the need. Mentor, Class Teacher, Subject Teacher, Lead Teacher, HOD, Coordinator, Principals, HOS. Escalate to the next level only when clarity is not found in the first point of contact.
School Fee
School Fee
Dear LOTS Families,
We strongly urge you to prioritize your child's immediate return to school. Every day of missed classes results in academic loss, which can be challenging to recover from. Consistent attendance is essential to ensure your child does not fall behind in their studies and can fully participate in the school community.
Kind Regards,
Lusaka Oaktree School
Urgent Notice- Immediate Return to School for Term 1.pdf
Settlement of Term 1 School Fees.pdfKey Dates
Key Dates
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
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