Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 3 -7 Feb 2025
Term 2 | Week 5
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From HoS Desk
From HoS Desk
“Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they are yours”
– Richard Bach.
Dear Parents,
Our constant aspiration for our students is to help them break free of their current limitations - and be more and do more. We want to equip them with the tools that help them reach beyond their grasp and learn to fly. Because no height is too high when you soar with your own wings.
Here is the ‘more’ that we are doing and they are doing with us:
The Spirit Week. Learning is one thing and the joy of learning is another. Joyful learning ensures that the learning lasts. To that end, the LOTS Secondary Students’ Council has devised a SPIRIT WEEK where the colours of life and the colours of happiness are celebrated every day of this week. From 10 February to 14 February (Primary School will join in on 13th and 14th and Early Years will join in on 14th). Details are listed elsewhere in this newsletter.
Kindness and Friendship Day. Also called Valentine’s Day around the world, but we are focusing on the most important aspect of the tradition, which is kindness and affection - towards those around you and towards yourself. On 14 February. Details are specified later in this newsletter.
Scholar’s Cup Prep. The final leg of sign ups for this year’s regionals are on now. After the sign ups are completed, there will be an information session run for all of them, post which we will arrive at the final list.All this will be wrapped up by 20th February. Then we complete registrations and payments, group them into teams of three. Then the teacher mentors will train them. Past winners will also assist. The event will be on 8 and 9 March. More on this later in the newsletter.
Sports Day Practices and Preparations. With the three Sports Days coming up later this month, practices and trials are on now. In right earnest. The Early Years students have a different practice schedule, and the CP and Secondary students are doing it house wise post lunch. EY Sports day is on 13 Feb, CP Sports Day is on 20 Feb, and Secondary Sports Day on 21 Feb. More about this elsewhere in the newsletter.
LS1 Leadership Camp. The 2 nights 3 days LS1 Leadership Camp at the CREED School of Leadership is happening later this month, but the process of parents filling up the forms, reading the instructional pack and getting the children ready - has begun. More on that elsewhere in this newsletter.
Spelling Bee Foundation Setting. LOTS is planning to join the spelling bee bandwagon. We will be training and assessing our students for Spelling Bee competitions. More details on this elsewhere in this newsletter..
Immerse Education Scholarship for LOTS student. Winning a scholarship on a global platform amidst so much competition is a matter of great pride, and our student Likith Sangalapali (LS2A) has achieved this commendable feat. Relevant details are mentioned later in this newsletter.
Netball ISAZ Tournament - Under 14 Girls. Our young ladies are participating this weekend. Detailed updates on how we fared and what we achieved, will be highlighted in next week’s newsletter.
And life at LOTS goes on. More excitement and more updates next week.
Warm regards,
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Principal Academics
Principal Academics
Homework is an important part of learning. I believe homework is also a way we communicate about what’s happening in the classroom with the parents. Like early years and primary classes, now LS1-3 parents are also receiving homework messages in the WhatsApp class groups.
Please note that we do not want you to print anything. Printouts will be given by the teachers in the class and in case the printout was not handed or a student has misplaced it, the subject notebook to be used to do the required task.
If the student needs help, during the lesson, the doubts should be cleared. Parents are not required to teach, instead, suggest to your child to seek clarification from the teacher. You can write a note on the child’s notebook and inform the class teacher of the same so that the concerned teacher can be informed.
Principal Pastoral Care
Principal Pastoral Care
In the mentorship program, the students looked at habit 3 - first things first.
“First things first" is a phrase that means students should prioritize the most important tasks or the things that need to be done first before anything else. For a student, it suggests focusing on the most crucial or urgent assignments, exams, or responsibilities before getting distracted by less important things.
For example, if a student has an upcoming test and a few smaller assignments, "first things first" means studying for the test before starting those smaller assignments. It helps with time management and ensures that one can handle what matters most first.
Regular Check-Ins
Having regular check-ins with students, through class teachers, subject teachers, coordinators, principals or designated pastoral mentors, has allowed for ongoing monitoring of their emotional well-being and offers us a chance to address any student concerns.
Leadership Camp - LS1
Lower Secondary 1 students will be going to Creed School of Leadership on 24 February and return on 26 February. The participant information pack has been shared with all the parents involved. Kindly ensure that the consent and medical forms are submitted by 21 February.
Mentoring and Wellbeing
Mentoring and Wellbeing
Guest Talk: The Importance of Smart Money Habits
Our secondary students recently had the opportunity to learn valuable financial lessons during our Parent Guest Speaker Mentoring. The session was led by Ms Keyembe, one of our very own parents. The session focused on key aspects of money management, including the importance of saving, smart spending, and sharing responsibly. Students gained insights into building healthy financial habits early, understanding the value of budgeting, and setting goals for the future. The engaging talk left students inspired to make wise financial choices, reinforcing the importance of financial literacy in everyday life.
Student Leadership Initiative
Student Leadership Initiative
Spirit Week: A Celebration of School Unity
The school is buzzing with excitement for the long awaited Spirit Week. Themes have been chosen by the Secondary Student Council and activities prepared. The Primary school students are invited to join the fun on Thursday and Friday, and the Early Years students on Friday. On Thursday primary students are encouraged to come to school dressed in their PJs! On Valentine’s day/Friendship and Kindness Day) which is Friday, all students are encouraged to wear red or pink outfits.
World Scholar’s Cup: Excitement Builds!
World Scholar’s Cup: Excitement Builds!
The World Scholar’s Cup fever is spreading across our school! Posters have been placed in classrooms, and announcements have been made to generate enthusiasm among students and we are glad to see students signing up.
The next step in this exciting journey is an information session for interested students, where they will learn more about the competition and what to expect. Following this, parents will be informed and this whole process will be finalised by 20th February.
Payments will be collected to confirm participation by 28th February. Once registrations are finalized, groups will be formed, and the real preparation will begin, with students diving into debates, writing challenges, and collaborative learning. Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready for this incredible academic adventure!
Immerse Education Essay Competition Success!
Immerse Education Essay Competition Success!
We are thrilled to announce our school’s success in the prestigious Immerse Education Essay Writing Competition! This global competition challenges students to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills, and our learners rose to the occasion.
A special congratulations to Likith Sangalapalli (LS2A) for receiving an Outstanding Performance certificate and securing a 20% scholarship! We also extend our appreciation to all students who participated. Their dedication and efforts are truly commendable. Let us keep striving for excellence!
Spelling Bee at LOTS
Spelling Bee at LOTS
This week, our brilliant LS students showcased their linguistic prowess in our first round of the Spelling Bee competition. The challenge featured semi-difficult words, and we are proud to report that the students participated with enthusiasm and confidence!
Our young learners demonstrated vocabulary skills, teamwork, and a positive competitive spirit. The classroom was buzzing with energy as students supported and cheered each other on. Their dedication was truly inspiring!
Let's get ready for Round 2 coming soon - the words will be even more challenging, and our students are looking forward. We're nurturing not just spelling skills, but also resilience, self-belief, and a love for language.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Early Years
Early Years
The Early Years’ assembly this week was presented by Reception B.
Theme: "Save the Planet Earth"
Earth warrior.
Our planet Earth is our home, and it's up to us to protect it.
Let's reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste. Conserve water and energy.
Let's join hands to save our planet Earth for future generations.
Numbers.
Counting numbers in 10s.
Counting numbers in 10s is a foundational number concept that helps children recognize number pattern and develop their mental math skills.
Unit: Materials that change shape.
1. A balloon can squash when we press it.
2. A rope can twist when we turn it.
3. A rubber band can stretch when we pull it.
4. A straw can bend when we curve it.
Primary school
Primary school
It's been an action-packed week in Primary School! Our students have been engaged in various activities that promote learning, creativity, and environmental awareness. Firstly, our CP1 students have been enjoying cyclic reading sessions, where they get to explore different books and develop their reading skills.
Cambridge Primary 4B Assembly
Meanwhile, in Cambridge Primary 4B, our students showcased their dancing talents during a wonderful assembly, where they performed a traditional dance. The assembly also focused on the important topic of pollution, with students discussing its harms and solutions.
In addition to their impressive performance, our students also produced an informative broadcast about pollution, highlighting the importance of recycling and how we can work together to reduce waste. Furthermore, they demonstrated their linguistic skills by performing a French song and interpreting its meaning. We are proud of our students' enthusiasm and dedication to learning. Thank you to our teachers for making this week so engaging and memorable!
Lower Secondary School
Lower Secondary School
“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." – Kofi Annan
Homework Policy
As a way to enhance academic work communication, we have began sending out all homework to Google classroom and class WhatsApp groups, please ensure your child completes all work and submits it for timely feedback.
Learning Support
Differentiated instruction is being implemented in our class rooms and further we have extended this act in our afternoon classes so our students can have a one on one with the teachers.
Checkpoint Preparation and Schedule
As a way to prepare the CP6 and LS3 students for Checkpoint exams coming in APRIL, we are also offering extended classes and support and ensuring that the children get past papers to work with in class and at home.
Please look out for the Schedule which will be shared to individual parents next week.
Formative Assessments
Please note that our 3rd formative Assessments will begin on 3rd-15th March, 2025 for the CP5-LS3 classes.
Further, only CP6 and LS3 classes will have Math, English and Science papers written on 17th-20th March, 2025 with a drawn up Schedule for the 3 subjects.
Assembly
To close it up, our CP5A students regaled us with a delightful and memorable assembly.
The assembly's theme, "The Ways in Which We Use Our Tongue," was beautifully illustrated through the story of Aesop and the queen. The moral of the story highlights the immense power of our words and the impact they can have on others. Our tongues have the ability to bring joy and happiness, but also to cause harm and sadness. The story reminds us that the words we choose to speak can either build others up or tear them down, and that it is our responsibility to use our words wisely. As Aesop so cleverly demonstrated, the tongue is a double-edged sword, capable of bringing both beauty and ugliness into the world. May we all strive to use our words to uplift and inspire others, and to remember the profound impact that our language can have on those around us.
Upper Secondary School
Upper Secondary School
Gearing Up for Mock Exams: Focus, Strategy, and Support
With Mock Exams for IGCSE 2 and A Level 2 commencing on 26th February 2025, preparations are in full swing as students fine-tune their knowledge and exam techniques. These exams serve as a vital checkpoint, allowing learners to gauge their strengths and identify areas for improvement ahead of their final assessments.
To provide personalized support, we have been holding one-to-one meetings with parents, fostering open discussions on student progress and tailored action plans. These sessions have been instrumental in setting clear academic goals and ensuring that every learner receives the guidance they need to excel.
As the countdown begins, we encourage students to stay focused, practice effective study habits, and approach their exams with confidence. Success is built on preparation—let’s make it count!
University Guidance and Counseling
University Guidance and Counseling
Exploring Global Opportunities: University Visits and Fair Inspire Students
The journey to higher education took an exciting turn as students engaged with top international universities, opening doors to endless possibilities. Lusaka Oaktree School had the privilege of hosting a representative from Massey University, New Zealand, who captivated learners with insights into academic programs, student life, and career opportunities in one of the world’s leading institutions.
Taking exploration a step further, our students attended a University Fair, where they interacted with representatives from University of Northampton, University College Dublin, and Ontario Tech University. The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to ask questions, discover scholarship options, and explore diverse study destinations.
With these enriching experiences, our learners are more inspired than ever to aim high and pursue their academic dreams globally. Stay tuned for more exciting career and university guidance events!
ECA/Sports Roundup
ECA/Sports Roundup
Inter House and More
Red, Yellow or blue, we are here to cheer for you! Red, Yellow, or blue, we are here to cheer for you! With the upcoming inter-house events right around the corner, the school is roaring with excitement. ECAs (except for the paid-up activities) have been put on hold to make way for house training sessions.
The Inter house competitions will run on three days which will be kick-started by the EYD section on Thursday, 13th February 2025.
Valentines’ day is not all that we are looking forward to on Friday 14th February. The primary section will follow the EYD with a thrilling set of ball games on Friday.
The desire of owning the bragging rights will bring a strong atmosphere of competitiveness as the secondary section competes in ball games on Saturday the 15th of February, 2025. Also present will be a well-equipped staff team that remain undefeated this year so far and have issued a challenge in a football match against a parent’s team. Any parent that would like to participate should contact the PE department on or before Tuesday 16:00 hrs. All are welcome. Please note that there are limited spaces available. The day will definitely be a fun one – Just like all the others.
Team Training
The U13, U14, U16 and U19 teams have been putting in a lot of work as they all prepare for their ISAZ competitions in football and netball. The first team to be put to the test will be the U14 girls netball team in the ISAZ U14 Girls Netball Tournament at LICS. With confidence and skill, the girls are considerably ready.
Uniform and Kit
We continue to encourage our learners and parents on the use of the school issued sportswear and kit. In the event that those are unavailable, a black or white shirt with solid black shorts may be used as PE or sportswear during PE lessons and sessions.
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
IGCSE 2 and A Level 2 exam registration payments have to be concluded this week
The Spirit Week instructions for each day of the week are to be carefully adhered to by Secondary School students. And by Primary on Thursday and Friday, and on Friday by Early Years.
Students to be in their proper House T-shirts for Sports Day practices.
Key Dates
Key Dates
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
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