Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 27 - 31 Jan 2025
Term 2 | Week 4
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From HoS Desk
From HoS Desk
“The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton”
- Duke of Wellington.
Dear Parents,
That famous quote above, which is attributed to the Duke of Wellington whose troops defeated Napoleon’s french army in the battle of Waterloo, has become emblematic of the importance of school in any individual’s life. The discipline, the order, the collaboration, the coordination, the leadership, the excellence, the resilience…..all are traits imbibed and honed and chiseled during one’s formative years - the school going years - where the foundation for a successful life is laid.
You already know all this. So why am I preaching to the choir? Because most parents get defensive when it is their own child being disciplined for transgressions, but very supportive of the school when other people’s children are being awarded consequences for poor choices. We need you to help us help your child. If you do not, you will be weakening them for the future. Protective bubbles never last, challenges after the bubble do. Due diligence will always be done, thorough investigations will always be conducted, all sides will always be heard - before we arrive at a decision. Let us trust the process.
Talking of battles, there are many kinds.The one to score a goal in a football match is as important as the one to score an A* in the board examinations. The one to respect another point of view is as important as the one to get your point across. The one to increase self belief is as important as the one to control overconfidence. The bottom line - let us focus on the battles that matter. And at this point, paving the way for our children to become worthy adults is the key fight.
Their wellbeing is being addressed on a daily basis through the mentoring program and the related counseling sessions.
Their academic prowess is being honed constantly through classroom interactions and the academic support outside class hours.
Their exuberant energy is being channelised day in and day out on the soccer pitch and the basketball court and the volleyball court and the tennis court and the swimming pool (though the inclement weather this month has often led us to improvise and adjust).
Their creativity is being sharpened at every step through the drama and the music and dance and the art and the public speaking and the writing and reading programs we practice in school - with many of these crystalised into participation in showcase events and international contests like TEDx and World Scholar’s Cup and Duke of Edinburgh Award Program and Model United Nations.
Their leadership skills are being enriched through the Student Council projects and the leadership classes and the leadership camps.
Evidence of some of these will follow in the rest of this newsletter.
A lot is coming up in February. The Spirit Week spearheaded by the LOTS Students’ Council, Kindness Day (Valentine’s), Sports (Sports Days), Academics (Mock exams), Let’s follow our children through all of this.
Warm regards,
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Principal Academics
Principal Academics
This week was dedicated to taking feedback from students and parents.
The Coordinator (for IGCSE and A Level) and I had one on one meetings with parents of the board exam students, i.e. for IGCSE2 and A Level.
These meetings were very helpful in understanding the readiness levels of the students and understanding what else we can do to help them better. One of the crucial things discussed during these meetings was about time management. We have suggested that students create their own timetable/schedule for studies, which will include home time and the pockets of time that they get in school.
We advised them to have more peer learning to turn the interactions during break times and free periods into a really productive time for peer teaching and learning. We look forward to the rest of the meetings that will happen next week.
With LS3 and LS2, we had students’ feedback sessions with the coordinator and myself. We gained valuable insights from students about what they are enjoying the most, which we want to transfer to all areas, like meaningful group work.
We were able to bring to the fore some of the issues where we need a collaborative effort in making their experiences better. For example, all students need to support in ensuring there is a respectful classroom environment where teaching and learning become enjoyable for teachers and students.
LOTS Students Shine at the Inaugural Model United Nations Conference
LOTS Students Shine at the Inaugural Model United Nations Conference
Lusaka OakTree School marked a significant milestone with its first-ever Model United Nations Conference, where students tackled the crucial topic of "Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Terrorism." The event showcased our students' exceptional research abilities, diplomatic skills, and public speaking talents as they represented various nations in simulated UN proceedings.
Several delegates earned recognition for their outstanding performances. Yala Nkutxi, representing Angola, was named Best Delegate, while Fatima Patel of Saudi Arabia received the Honorable Mention award. Justin Kapilikisha, representing Syria, earned the Best Opening Speech award, and Ahmed Amin of Lebanon was voted Most Popular Delegate.
Building on this success, the school has planned a comprehensive program throughout the term to strengthen our Model UN team. These upcoming activities will focus on advanced research methodology, public speaking workshops, and diplomatic protocol training. We look forward to nurturing these young diplomats and watching them excel in future competitions.
SPORTS ROUND UP
SPORTS ROUND UP
Exciting Growth in ECAs and Sports
Our Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) are in full swing, and the energy is electric! With boys’ football and girls’ netball training sessions ramping up after school every Tuesday and Thursday, our athletes are showing incredible dedication and improvement. We are thrilled to see an incredible surge in participation from our students, especially in boys’ football and girls’ netball. The commitment and teamwork on display is setting the stage for a fantastic season ahead—especially as we gear up for the much-anticipated ISAZ tournaments coming soon.
Football and Basketball Friendlies against Lake Road and Rhodes Park School
The commitment and hard work of our student-athletes is already paying off, as seen in our recent inter school friendly fixtures. With a convincing win over the visitors Lake Road, the U16 and U14 boys showed the home crowd just how much they are ready to bring the heat in ISAZ competitions. These matches have not only sharpened our teams’ skills but also fostered sportsmanship and camaraderie among players.
The U19 side showed pride and confidence in representing the LOTS colours but fell short in their away fixture against in-form Rhodes Park school. The U14 girls also struggled against a well-oiled and prepared RPS U14 netball team losing their first competitive match of the season. All things considered we are confident that our girls and boys will do a great job after further preparation. A huge thank you to our coaches, teachers, and supporters and most of all parents who continue to encourage and inspire our young athletes!
Inter House Games Coming Up
And that’s not all! We are also gearing up for our much-anticipated Inter-House Games. This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, teamwork, and house spirit. Expect electrifying matches, unforgettable moments, and fierce but friendly competition. More details will be shared soon, so stay tuned!
Let’s keep up the energy, dedication, and positive participation! Let’s go LOTS!
Student Council Community Outreach (LOTS on Wheels)
Student Council Community Outreach (LOTS on Wheels)
School Visit to Local Animal Shelter – First of Three Visits
Last week, a group of enthusiastic primary students embarked on the first of three visits to Lusaka Animal Welfare Shelter, a local animal shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned pets. The visit provided an eye-opening experience as students had the chance to see the animals, learn about shelter operations, and understand the importance of animal welfare.The highlight of the day was spending time in the cattery with the cats and kittens.
We are still collecting donations. However, donating now is not a guarantee that all students who donate will visit the shelter on the next two trips. We highly encouraged parents and children to visit the shelter on their own particularly on Saturdays, when the shelter asks volunteers to take the dogs on a walk. We look forward to continuing this meaningful journey and making a positive impact on the lives of these animals!
Contact of Lusaka Animal Welfare Shelter (LAWS)
Cell: +260966242776
Location: Behind Levy Mall in the City Council Premises
Mentoring and Wellbeing
Mentoring and Wellbeing
Food for Thought: Dietitian Shares Healthy Eating Tips with Students
We continue with our Parent Guest Speaker Mentoring. On Friday secondary students had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into nutrition and healthy eating habits during an engaging talk by Dr. Mariam Ahmad, a professional dietitian. The session focused on the importance of balanced diets, making smart food choices, and understanding how nutrition impacts overall well-being.Students learned about the benefits of incorporating a variety of nutrients into their meals, the risks of excessive sugar and processed foods, and how to maintain energy levels throughout the school day.
The interactive session included a Q&A segment, where students asked thoughtful questions about meal planning, and how to make healthy eating enjoyable. The school thanks Dr Mariam Ahmad for their time and expertise in encouraging our students to lead healthier lives. We look forward to more informative sessions in the future!
Contacts of Dr Mariam Ahmad (Nutrific Clinic)
Cell number : +260972200222
Email: info@nutrifitclincis.com
Location : Health and Wellness Centre at Sandy's Creation
Early Years
Early Years
This week has been very productive! Our days begin with circle time, one of their favorite sessions, as it allows children to share their experiences from the previous day. This is followed by engaging activities such as games, rhymes, and chart reciting, making learning both fun and interactive.
We also started preparing for the upcoming inter-house competition. It was exciting to see the children enthusiastically participating in various activities like the sack race, jumping in the loop, and throwing into the bucket, among many others. Their energy and enthusiasm made the preparations even more enjoyable!
Looking forward to another fantastic week ahead!
Primary school
Primary school
Celebrating Our Young Environmentalists!
This week, our CP 2A students took centre stage during assembly to share their thoughts on the importance of taking care of our beloved Mother Earth. The enthusiastic presenters highlighted the need to protect our planet by conserving natural resources and preserving our forests. A key message emphasized was the importance of not cutting down trees, which was well-received by the audience. Notably, all the presenters delivered their messages confidently without reading from their scripts, showcasing their excellent public speaking skills!
Showcasing Artistic Talents!
Meanwhile, our talented young artists from CP 4 wowed us with their incredible artwork from a two-point perspective. Their creative masterpieces demonstrated a deep understanding of this complex artistic technique. We're extremely proud of their accomplishments
Lower Secondary School
Lower Secondary School
LS 1 curated and performed a brilliant assembly on Friday 31 January. The theme was inclusion, and it was very effectively demonstrated through a powerful skit, 3 poems on inclusion in 3 different languages, a beautiful rendition of the iconic inclusion anthem ‘We are the world’, and an energetic dance.Very impactful and the message came through loud and clear.
Upper Secondary School
Upper Secondary School
Ensuring Exam Success: Strengthening Collaboration Between Parents, Students, and Educators
As the examination season approaches, the Principal Academics and the Upper Secondary Academic Coordinator have been actively engaging with parents and students in a series of meetings focused on exam readiness, preparation strategies, and essential support mechanisms. These discussions are crucial in ensuring that every student is fully equipped—mentally, academically, and emotionally—to perform at their best.
A Holistic Approach to Exam Readiness
The meetings have provided an opportunity to assess each student’s progress, discuss personalized study plans, and reinforce key academic expectations. By involving parents in these discussions, the school aims to foster a supportive home environment that complements classroom learning. Parents have received guidance on how to encourage effective study habits, time management, and stress reduction techniques, ensuring a well-rounded approach to exam success.
Verification of Exam Details
An important aspect of these meetings has been the verification of exam details. Accuracy in student registration, subject choices, and examination center details is paramount to avoiding last-minute challenges. Through this meticulous process, the school is ensuring that all candidates have their exam entries correctly recorded, leaving no room for errors that could affect their performance or results.
Parental Support: A Key Factor in Success
Beyond academic preparation, parental support plays a vital role in a student’s confidence and motivation. The meetings have emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced routine, incorporating breaks, and providing reassurance to students during this critical time. The school encourages open communication at home, where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and challenges.
Moving Forward Together
With these collaborative efforts in place, students are now better positioned to approach their exams with clarity and confidence. The school remains committed to providing ongoing support through revision sessions, counseling, and additional academic resources. Parents, teachers, and students must continue working as a team to ensure that every learner achieves their full potential.
As we count down to the examinations, we urge students to remain focused, disciplined, and positive. Success is not just about what happens in the exam room—it is the result of consistent effort, preparation, and unwavering support from those around them. Together, we are building a foundation for excellence.
Best wishes to all our students
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
Newer parents please collect your car sticker from the front desk, if you have not yet done so.
Please ensure you have collected the ENGAGE log in details and you ARE entering the portal to check on your child’s attendance, reports, the behavior record log, time table and related details. Please reach out to Mr Kelvin Mulenga (0979607077 or kelvin_mulenga@lusakaoaktree.school) if you need help with that.
If you have special skills and insights you wish to share with our students during morning mentoring sessions, please reach out to Ms Lauren Njungu (0979771847 or lauren_njungu@lusakaoaktree.school )
Key Dates
Key Dates
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
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