Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 24-28 Feb 2025
Term 2 | Week 8
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Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 24-28 Feb 2025
Term 2 | Week 8
Access LOTS Community Hub Visit - hub.lusakaoaktree.school
“There are more important things in life than winning or losing a game”
- Lionel Messi
Dear Parents,
Coming from the man who arguably has won more than most, the quote above is a telling statement, because it is not rhetoric - it comes from lived experience.
Let us equip our children to find life between milestones, and fill every regular mundane moment with as much life as they accord to key achievements. That will help them relish every moment, and not wait for key moments to arrive.
Extending that very thought, we now want to bring alive all their little joys in a celebration of togetherness in diversity - on LOTS Founder’s and Culture Day.
Please note that the LOTS Founders & Culture Day has been rescheduled to Friday, 21st March.
You are cordially invited to attend this important and enjoyable event where we bond together as the LOTS community.
The program will begin promptly at 9:45 AM and conclude at 12:15 PM. It will feature a variety of delightful performances that celebrate our diverse cultures and nationalities.
We encourage all students, parents, teachers, and staff members to wear attire that reflects their cultural heritage. In addition, we kindly ask parents to contribute cooked food from their respective cultures for the food stalls, which will be organized by continent. Please note that the food will be shared freely, with no sales taking place—just a generous exchange of delicious dishes in the spirit of community.
Let us celebrate the growth, diversity and the togetherness of LOTS, at LOTS.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Warm regards,
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
We are constantly focusing on how to improve students' skills and knowledge in all the subjects. Our examinations are helping us collect information on their progress. Mock examinations in IGCSE2 and A-Level have started this week, and formative assessments in CP1 to LS3 will start next week.
One of my main duties as the academic principal is to supervise and mentor teachers. My understanding of classroom dynamics is aided by my note-book checks and observations. Teachers receive evaluation from our academic coordinator and department heads. In addition, educators observe one another and exchange ideas and insights. Our ongoing continuous professional development for teachers is a fundamental part of our school culture, ensuring that they are constantly improving their teaching practices and staying up-to-date with the latest educational trends. This collaborative approach to professional growth ultimately benefits our students by providing them with the best possible learning experience.
RESPECT
During mentorship this week, students focussed on respect which was demonstrated mainly in the mother tongue. This was done as a way of commemorating International Mother Language day.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The school uniform shop has all the uniforms except tracksuits and PE shorts. We therefore encourage you, our dear parents, to ensure that all students report for school in their correct uniform. The old house t-shirts will not be phased out immediately, students are encouraged to buy the new t-shirts and will go along with the old one until such a time.
SECURITY
Kindly note that from now on the following security measures will be taken:
All cars coming to pick students must have Lusaka Oaktree stickers displayed on the screen. Kindly pass through the front office to collect the stickers if you have not already done so. Each family is entitled to two stickers.
Students picked from school before home time will only be allowed to leave school after collecting a gate pass from the coordinator or the school nurse. The gate pass should be left at the gate as the student is going home.
Whenever you are sending a new driver to pick a child from school, call the class teacher first. Advise the driver to report at the front office for identification.
As we approach our annual Founder’s Day celebration at Lusaka Oaktree School, we are excited to honour our school’s rich history and the diverse community that has helped make it so special. This year, we would love to incorporate a fun and meaningful tradition: a shared meal of traditional dishes from our families' diverse cultural backgrounds.
We kindly invite each family to bring a dish that represents their heritage or tradition, which will be shared with fellow students, staff, and families during the Founder’s Day festivities. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the diverse cultures that make our school unique and foster a sense of community.
Here are the details for participation:
Event Date: 21st March, 2025
Dish Suggestions: Please bring a dish that can serve a good number of people, ensuring that it is ready to serve (i.e., pre-cooked or prepared for easy sharing). This is a free dish (no selling). The food will be placed in stalls according to continents.
Allergens: Kindly provide a list of ingredients and any potential allergens in the dish to accommodate all dietary needs.
Drop-Off Instructions: Dishes can be dropped off in the school at the front office or with the class teachers
We are looking forward to sharing this special day with you and your family and appreciate your participation in this event.
Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to taste the wonderful dishes you bring!
Congratulations to our amazing winners! Your creativity and storytelling were truly inspiring.
CP Category:
🥇Maisha Maragia (CP5 B)
🥈Aisha S. Dangasiya (CP5 C)
🥉Jemima Sakala (CP4 B)
LS Category:
🥇Cara Baraka (LS2 B)
🥈 Ethan Sakala (LS1 B)
🥉Asiha Patel (LS2 A) & Aadhya Nair (LS2 B)
IGCSE Category:
🥇 Lwiindi Siakabeya (IGCSE 1B)
A huge well done to all participants - your words have power! Keep writing, keep dreaming, and see you in the next competition!
Our learners celebrated Mother Tongue Day with enthusiasm and pride. And in different innovative ways.
They participated in different activities, including storytelling, sharing idioms and phrases in their mother tongues, and translating them into English. The younger ones sang popular english children’s songs in local zambian languages, and greeted one another and teachers in local languages.
This vibrant celebration showcased the diversity and richness of languages spoken by our students, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, and highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting our mother tongues.
Excitement is building within the halls of Lusaka OakTree School as our talented team of scholars prepare to compete in the prestigious World Scholar's Cup - Lusaka Round, scheduled for March 8-9, 2025, at Rhodespark School.
Behind the scenes, preparation has been intense. Students gather daily during lunch breaks and after school for practice debates and collaborative study sessions.
We wish our brilliant young scholars the very best as they represent Lusaka OakTree School in this exciting intellectual challenge!
Our talented Middle A students hosted an unforgettable Assembly.
WILDLIFE EXTRAVAGANZA
The event featured an impressive display of different animal demonstrations, highlighting both domesticated and wild animals.
ROYAL PERFORMANCE!
The students also staged a captivating play, "The Prince and the Princess," which was a marvel to watch! Their acting skills, costumes, and stage presence left the audience in awe.
MOTHER TONGUE DAY CELEBRATION
The Nursery class students sang the "If you are happy and you know" song in Bemba.
The Reception class students greeted the audience in different local languages.
CP 4 Math Project
The Grade 4 class recently completed an exciting Math project that showcased their creativity and understanding of compound shapes. Students were tasked with designing and creating blueprints of a building using geometric shapes.
The results were impressive, with students producing beautifully crafted projects that demonstrated their grasp of Mathematical concepts. The project not only enhanced their Math skills but also encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
We congratulate the Grade 4 students on their outstanding work and look forward to seeing their future projects!
CP2B Students Spread Message of Empathy Through Inspiring Assembly
The CP 2B class recently hosted a heartwarming assembly that highlighted the importance of empathy. The theme was beautifully woven throughout the program, which included a thought-provoking poem, a rendition of the iconic song "We Are the World," and a traditional dance performance.
The students also showcased their creativity with an engaging alphabet activity, where they linked each letter to a word that affirmed a positive quality.
The assembly was a wonderful reminder of the value of compassion and understanding in our daily lives. Kudos to the students for their outstanding performance and for spreading such a vital message!
Celebrating Mother Language Day
On February 25th, our primary school students enthusiastically celebrated Mother Language Day. The children showcased their cultural heritage by acting out role-plays that demonstrated how they show respect and greet each other in their mother languages.
Some students also began working on short folk tales, which they will complete in the coming weeks. These stories will provide a unique window into the rich cultural traditions of our students.
Rescheduled Field Trips
Please note that the new Leadership Camp dates for CP1 and CP2 have been rescheduled to accommodate our Lots Founders' Day celebrations. The new dates are:
CP 1: April 22nd
CP 2: April 23rd
Enhancing Handwriting Skills in Grade 1
We have implemented a new handwriting style in CP 1. This initiative aims to enhance our students' handwriting skills and provide them with a strong foundation for future academic success.
Our CP 1 students are adapting well to this new style, and we are confident that it will have a positive impact on their overall writing abilities. We will continue to monitor their progress and provide support as needed to ensure that our students develop excellent handwriting skills.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
1. FORMATIVE 3 ASSESSMENTS
Our formative 3 assessments begin on Monday 3/03/25-15/03/25.
2. CHECKPOINT REGISTRATION AND PREP
Cp6 and LS3 preparations for Checkpoint examinations are ongoing, as registration was done for everyone who made payments. Let us continue to encourage and support our students through submission of tasks and homework, and get them ready.
3. LS1 LEADERSHIP CAMP AT THE CREED SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP
The Leadership camp at the CREED School of Leadership - a thrilling, educative and exciting adventure. The LS1 students experienced and relished a 3-days 2 nights trip.
The bonding that took please was not just memorable fun, but contextually relevant and growth inducing - embedding self belief, resilience and empathy. A lot of friendships were deepened, trust was built and interdependence strengthened .
Well done LS1 and thank you Parents.
4. MOTHER TONGUE DAY CELEBRATION
Our learners celebrated Mother Tongue Day with enthusiasm and pride. They participated in various activities, including storytelling, sharing idioms and phrases in their mother tongues, and translating them into English. This vibrant celebration showcased the diversity and richness of languages spoken by our learners, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, and highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting our mother tongues.
5. CP6 EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO THE LUSAKA NATIONAL MUSEUM
The recent museum trip took the CP6 students on a journey through time, exploring the history of human evolution, Rich ART and Zambia's cultural heritage. They also participated in traditional games and engaging in educational adventure and uncovering the fascinating history of human evolution and Zambia's cultural roots.
6. NEW MUSIC ROOM ACTIVITIES
The music room has fully been stocked with musical instruments, as you can see the buzzing lessons are ongoing, please be reminded that we are in the course of coming up with a school band and choir. Auditions to be announced soon.
7. CP6/LS3 MOCK EXAMS
As we shared in the previous newsletter, this is to remind you that the students will take their Mock EXAMS from 17/03/25 to 20/03/25
Mock Exams Underway: A Smooth Start!
The IGCSE 2 and A-Level Mock Exams are officially underway, and students have begun tackling their assessments with focus and determination. So far, the exams have been running smoothly, with candidates demonstrating strong commitment to their preparation.
Teachers have noted a positive start, with students arriving on time, following exam regulations, and putting their best efforts forward. These mocks serve as a crucial opportunity for students to refine their exam techniques and identify areas for improvement ahead of the final Cambridge exams.
We encourage all students to stay motivated and continue giving their best. Keep up the great work, and best of luck in the remaining papers!
Board Exam Hall Tickets Issued – Important Exam Dates to Note!
We are pleased to inform you that Board Exam Hall Tickets have been issued to all students sitting for the upcoming Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level exams. These tickets are essential for exam entry, and we kindly request both parents and students to keep them safe and ensure they are brought to every exam.
Additionally, we urge all parents and students to carefully review the exam schedule and take note of the dates. It is crucial that students arrive on time and fully prepared for each paper.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Upper Secondary Coordinator.
University Fair: Exploring Global Education Opportunities
Our A Level and AS class recently attended a University Fair hosted by the Italian School of Lusaka. Students had a fantastic opportunity to explore higher education pathways and interact with representatives from top institutions worldwide. The event featured a diverse range of universities and organizations.
Among the highlights were:
● Symbiosis International University – One of India’s premier institutions, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Students had the chance to learn about their world-class business, law, and liberal arts programs.
● HTMi (Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Switzerland) – A prestigious institute specializing in hospitality and culinary management, providing insights into careers in the global hospitality industry and the high standards of Swiss education.
The fair was an eye-opening experience for students considering international education. We look forward to more such events that help our students make informed decisions about their future!
Invitation to Outdoor Aerobics & Wellness Fair
We are excited to share that the Health and Wellness Center at Sandy’s creations has invited our students and parents to an Outdoor Aerobics & Wellness Fair! This event promises a fun-filled day of fitness, relaxation, and healthy living, featuring guided aerobics sessions, consultations, and interactive activities for all ages.
Join us for an opportunity to unwind, stay active, and learn valuable health tips from experts. Let’s come together as a community to prioritize well-being and enjoy a refreshing day outdoors!
Date: Saturday 15th March, 2025
Venue: Sandy’s Creations
Time: 07.00AM - 09.00AM
ISAZ GAMES
The U11 boys and girls soccer teams, and the U19 girls netball team - had an opportunity to showcase their skills last weekend at ISAZ competitions. The football teams travelled to Maarif Schools (former Kabulonga Trust School) while the U19 netball team went to LICS for the annual Midlands region netball nationals’ qualifiers.
The U11 girls team fought hard and won all their group games. They managed to get all the way to the finals where the lost to Pinewood school, leaving them as Runners up in the competition. Given the size and skill of their opponents, and the fact that this was their first ever outing at such a big stage, we are super proud of our girls for this achievement. The U11 boys also put up a fight but could not get past the semifinal and ended up playing for third place. They did very well and made us very proud.
The U19 girls also impressed with a brilliant debut showing. They played 5 games, losing 2 (to former champions LICS and rivals Martin House), won 3 (beating Maarif schools, Mary Queen and Lwengu). This unfortunately meant that the girls could not progress to the next round in order to qualify for nationals. We would like to congratulate the girls a wonderful outing that left the coaches feeling happy and rather proud of the girls.
This past weekend the under 19 soccer boys team participated in the ISAZ under 19 regionals held at Baobab College. The boys fought well and valiantly, but lost both their qualifying games. A learning curve for them, with reason enough to be proud of themselves - because the losses (against champion teams) were very respectable as the margins were narrow. As they say, tomorrow is another day.
The Chess team, comprising U13 boys and girls, competed at Rhodes Park and did very well. They had a great outing, and we look forward to seeing what mountains they will conquer. Overall, the boys did well, winning their first-round matches but struggled to maintain the momentum in the following round of games. They allowed some quite costly and rather bad openings. The girls did moderately better, managing some very convincing wins. They played well and managed to overcome a number of their opponents. It was a great outing for both teams that represented LOTS very well in how they carried themselves – respectfully and courteously.
Please collect car stickers if you have not.
Please note that guest visitors will be issued guest passes at the gate
All school uniform items are now available.
Please keep in mind that the last day of school before the term break is friday 21 March, and school reopens after the break on Monday 7 April