“If a child is to keep alive her sense of wonder, she needs  the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with her the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in”       - Rachel Carson

Dear Parents,

We are that adult. You are that adult. Students need to inquire and explore, yes. But they also need road maps and role models, beacons and guide posts. Parents and teachers, therefore, are unarguably the greatest influence on how these children shape up. Yes, as they grow older and in a way outgrow us - the kind of friends they choose and the kind of information and knowledge they prefer to seek - will be the outcome of the early choices we helped them make. So let us be intentional and deliberate and humane in helping them set pace now.

With that thought, let me welcome you back to school, so to say. Happy New Year to you and your children. 2024 was good. But 2025 will be better. Here’s wishing you, and us, a very fruitful and happy semester 2 (terms 2 and 3). 

It’s been an exciting first week, and we’re thrilled to see both familiar faces and new students joining our community. Whether you're returning or just starting your journey here, we’re all part of a vibrant and welcoming school environment.

As we wrap up the first week, we want to remind everyone that classes for this week ended at 13:20, but starting next week, the schedule will shift as we will resume our ECAs which will run until 15:20.

We're looking forward to a semester filled with growth, new friendships, and plenty of opportunities. To our students, stay engaged, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed. Here’s to a fantastic semester ahead!

New  sports equipment in ample quantities have been procured to enable wider participation.

Additional music equipment are being procured to make music in school more vibrant and versatile.

The school internet is being upgraded to facilitate speedier and sustained wifi functioning.

A sizable number of teachers have attended Cambridge workshops to enhance their skills in pedagogy and classroom delivery - and further numbers are signed up to attend Cambridge teacher workshops later this month.

Additional jet showers have been added to student toilets, to comfortably cater to denominations who need them.

Additional printers have been added, to comfortably cater to growing printing needs for the growing numbers.

The uniform shop has been stocked with new supplies to cater to all students, and more supplies are on the way.

There is now a dedicated Art Room.

The infirmary and Nurse’s station has been stocked with all basic first aid supplies.

And finally, fans in classrooms are being organised in a phase wise manner, and these should be in place by the time the mid term break arrives.

Welcome back to term 2 and to 2025. A new term, a new year, and a new energy. On the academic front, there is a lot to do and achieve, now that all students have recharged their batteries over the break. 

To maintain academic rigour and get our students to show excellence, the assessment routine will continue to happen simultaneously with teaching and learning.

Especially the upper secondary school- IGCSE to A level students - will need to keep up with their pace of preparation for the board exams. We will have pre-mock tests for IGCSE1 and AS level students to check their progress and preparation. These tests will happen during the double lessons, and other classes will happen regularly. Mock exam schedules for IGCSE 2 and A-level will be shared soon. 

Do enter our School Information System ENGAGE to access curriculum overviews, attendance records, time tables, and related academic information.

Please keep a keen eye for class group messages on your whatsapp as well, for relevant information.

Pastoral care at LOTS refers to the support and guidance given to students to ensure their emotional, mental and social well-being. The expectations surrounding pastoral care generally focus on creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and can thrive both academically and personally. Here are the key expectations for pastoral care at LOTS

• Emotional and Mental Health

• Holistic Development

• Inclusive Environment

• Well-being Monitoring

• Building Positive Relationships

• Engagement with Parents

• Promoting Positive Behaviour

• Supporting Transitions

SCHOOL UNIFORM

School uniform policy must be adhered to by all LOTS students. All students are expected to wear a complete uniform as they report for school or related school activities.

Students who have no uniform sizes available in the uniform shop will be issued with a pass. This will allow them to attend lessons till we have their sizes. 

The following extract from the code of conduct will guide:

• Students must comply with the uniform policy upon entering the school. This includes the time between classes, during lunch and co-curricular activities.

• Students must be in school uniform to attend a class or write an exam

• The only outer wear such as jerseys, jackets, fleece that may be worn are the Lusaka Oaktree School ones

• The LOTS logo must be visible on all clothing

• Clothing must be worn in its original form(no adjustments, tears or rolled up.)

• Parents and guardians will work alongside school staff to ensure appropriate styles of of clothing are worn at school

• Uniforms, once worn, must be complete and be properly tucked in

• No sagging is allowed

• Ties must be knotted and have an appropriate length

• Only black medium belts will be accepted as part of school uniform for boys

• Shoes must be black polished and laces tied. No canvas or sneakers

Non compliance to the uniform policy will lead to the student being asked to go back home.

REGISTERS

Class registers will be marked during the mentorship program (07:20 - 07:40). Any students not in school at this time will be marked absent. Support the students by dropping them off on time.