“Heard melodies are sweet,

But those unheard are sweeter”   - John Keats

Dear Parents,

Our children are unheard melodies. What enchanting tunes they will enrich their lives with, and enrich the world with as a result - we can only hope and imagine and prepare them for, as best as we can.

So, a very pragmatic translation of that quest, on ground, have been these:

The Sports Days. A physical and mental health enabler, a strong signifier of collaboration, coordination, decision making, resilience, enterprise, self management, healthy competition, and more. Your child is a LOTS student. That is one identity. Your child is in grade 6 or 9 or 1. That is another identity. Your child is in Rubra or Pagoda or Alba house. That is yet another identity.  All these subsets merge on a platform like Inter house Sports Day. They come alive in a very different and wholesome way. Details elsewhere in the newsletter.

The Reading Program. We are doing a lot to inculcate and embed the reading habit in our students - and spread the culture of reading, across age groups and programs. Nothing enriches the mind more. Period. More details and evidence in the program specific sections of this newsletter.

Knowing more words, and how to spell them. We have initiated our Spelling Bee initiative strongly this term, across grades. Vocabulary is important. Using vocabulary correctly is important. When one has the words, one can articulate thoughts better. That leads to confidence, and confidence leads to success. More about it later in this newsletter.

Next we look forward to seeing all of you on 15th March to celebrate LOTS Day (LOTS Founder’s and Culture Day). We will be completing 8 years. And because of you, we have come a long way. This definitely needs a collective commemoration.

Warm regards,

Shouquot Hussain

Head of School

We have been reminding students and parents about the promotion criteria. Kindly make a note that the minimum promotion and admission requirements for the next grade level for students from CP1-A level 2 is an aggregate minimum of 50% across all subjects, and individual subjects should have a minimum of 50% in each subject.  There will be no retest for the promotion examinations.  

A very important consideration will be on behaviour and self discipline. Students are expected to abide by the school code of conduct and if they are on any behaviour contract or advisory. We are trying our best to help students to achieve academic success and become  skilled learners which is a life skill. So please support us by having regular conversations with them about their academic and behavioural  improvements

For more information, you can read the SCHOOL ACADEMIC STANDARDS POLICY https://sites.google.com/lusakaoaktree.school/lotscommunity/home 

This week pastorally students looked at Habit 5 which is focussing on listening and empathy in communication.

"Seek to understand, then to be understood" is a principle that encourages prioritizing active listening and empathy in communication. The idea is to first focus on truly understanding the other person's perspective, thoughts, and feelings before trying to express your own. This approach builds trust and mutual respect and helps prevent misunderstandings.

The concept comes from Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, where he describes it as the fifth habit. It means that effective communication begins with listening attentively and without judgment, aiming to fully comprehend the other person's point of view. Only after understanding can you respond thoughtfully and make sure your own perspective is heard.

By focusing on understanding first, you're more likely to create a meaningful dialogue where both parties feel valued, leading to more productive and positive interactions.

Let us ensure that our children are putting this into practice every time they are having a conversation be it at home or at school.

EU Business School Inspires A-Level and AS Students

Our A-Level and AS students recently had the opportunity to attend an engaging talk by representatives from EU Business School. The session provided valuable insights into international business education, career opportunities, and the skills needed to succeed in the global market.

The talk  highlighted the benefits of studying at an internationally recognized institution, with campuses in key business hubs such as Barcelona, Geneva, and Munich.The session was both inspiring and informative, sparking curiosity and motivation among students considering business-related studies. We appreciate EU Business School through Sable International  for sharing their expertise and look forward to more such enriching experiences!