Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 14-18 Apr 2025
Term 3| Week 2
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Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 14-18 Apr 2025
Term 3| Week 2
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“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But i have promises to keep,
And miles to go before i sleep,
Miles to go before i sleep”
– Robert Frost
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Those woods are the breaks we take, to be with our children and rejuvenate ourselves. To revive the strength and energy to keep fulfilling remaining promises - to ourselves, to our families, and to the world.Those miles that we continue covering, no matter how tired - are the investments we make to ensure a secure future for our children. And we can only allow ourselves a siesta, a sleep, when we see our children equipped enough to take care of themselves.
This is where school comes in, teachers come in, and peers come in. Equipping children with all they need - is a shared responsibility. Which is why the tangible educational needs of students need to be accounted for, in very visible terms.
From the Easter Egg Hunt of the Early Years students to the Cambridge exams of the middle school and secondary school students. From the Student Council projects to the Leadership Camps. From the museum and market field trips to the World Scholar’s Cup Global round. From the Inter House Debate competition to TEDx speeches. From games during school time to bringing ISAZ trophies. From peripherally knowing a little about world affairs to participating in MUN festivals. From being adventurous in thought to being adventurous in deed through the Duke of Edinburgh program. From singing in the school assembly to participating in music festivals. Essentially, providing touchpoints for the child in the journey towards self discovery.
We have come a long way, with your support. But we still have miles to go and further promises to keep. And we will.
Happy Easter!
Warm regards
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Formative assessment information has been shared in the class groups. Please encourage your child(ren) to ask questions in the class; it improves confidence and facilitates better learning.
We are also trying to increase the teacher-parent communication process by sending WhatsApp messages or making calls. But if you have any questions or concerns beyond that, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the teacher. If not satisfied with the response, contact the coordinator immediately for clarification.
Goals of Pastoral Care in a School
As a school we attach great value to pastoral care. This is helping us support personal and social development, student well-being, fostering a positive school environment and encouraging academic engagement. We would like you our dear parents to dedicate time in helping the students achieve the following goals:
Promote Student Well-being- ensure students feel safe, valued, and supported
Foster a Positive School Environment- build a respectful, inclusive, caring culture and prevent bullying, discrimination, and isolation
Support Personal and Social Development- help students build confidence, empathy, and strong relationships
Encourage Academic Engagement- address personal or emotional issues that may affect learning and support regular attendance, punctuality, and motivation
Extra Curricular Activities
The ECAs started on a good note with our students responding very well. Just be reminded that the activities are running as follows:
Primary students have activities on Monday and Wednesday. On these two days, all students without activities and not using the bus should be picked and go home.
Secondary students have activities on Tuesday and Thursday. On these two days, all students without activities or support classes and not using the bus should be picked and go home.
IGCSE 2 and A-Level are not involved in ECAs because of their examination preparations. They have revision lessons from Monday to Thursday. Students from other secondary grades identified as at risk academically will also be engaged in support lessons in lieu of ECAs.
LOTS students Shine at Inter School Spelling Bee Competition
Students were trained and then participated in the first-ever Spelling Bee Competition hosted by the Indian School of Lusaka, and it was a memorable experience for them
The event saw a great turnout, with participants from across grades, starting from the lower Cambridge Primary (CP) levels all the way up to IGCSE. It was inspiring to see students of all ages step up to the mic, spell confidently, and support one another throughout the competition.
Representing our school, the team performed remarkably well and made it all the way to the final round, showing great determination, preparation, and team spirit. We are sure they will bring home trophies in the next competition..
We are incredibly proud of our participants for their dedication and courage, and we look forward to many more such opportunities to learn, grow, and shine beyond the classroom.
Mentoring Focus Areas for the term
As part of our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students, our mentoring program this term will cover a range of important life skills and personal development topics.
The topics we will be exploring throughout the term include:
Physical Wellbeing – Encouraging healthy habits, hygiene, and the importance of staying active.
Mental Wellbeing – Promoting emotional awareness, resilience, stress management, and self-care practices.
Financial Literacy – Teaching students the basics of money management, budgeting, and responsible spending.
Online Safety – Guiding students on how to navigate the digital world responsibly and protect themselves online.
Environmental Stewardship – Instilling the value of keeping our environment clean and sustainable living practices.
Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness – Educating students on the risks and consequences of substance misuse.
Child Protection – Empowering students to understand their rights and how to seek help if needed.
We excited to share information about the upcoming Lusaka Debating League, organized by the National Debating League (NDL):
Event Details:
Dates: May 24-25, 2025 (Teacher training: May 23)
Venue: Unicaf University, Lusaka
Eligibility: Students in Grades 4-12, teams of 3-5 members
Registration Fee: ZMW 1,400 per debater (includes meals and event participation)
Registration Deadline: April 24, 2025
Key Benefits:
Develops confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills
Builds teamwork and resilience
Creates opportunities for social connections with peers
Top performers may qualify for the Pan-African Championship in Cape Town
Competition Format:
Age divisions from Grade 4 through Grade 12
Students receive 40 minutes to prepare before each debate
Each school must provide a teacher to serve as an adjudicator
For registration and more information follow these steps:
Payment steps for National Debate League Competition
1) Scan the QR Code.
2) It will take you to the National Debate League Page.
3) Create an account as a parent or guardian
4) Register by entering - Email address, Student Information, Teacher email (faith_chungu@lusakaoaktree.school), Child's first and last name and grade (number ONLY)
We're thrilled to announce that Lusaka OakTree School will be participating in the World Scholar's Cup Global Round in Ljubljana, Slovenia this July! This prestigious academic competition offers our students a chance to showcase their talents on an international stage.
Students who didn't qualify at the Lusaka Regional Round still have the opportunity to attend by teaming up with qualified scholars from our school. The trip includes the full competition program, cultural exchanges, sightseeing, and the chance to qualify for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.
The Ljubljana Global Round will take place July 11-16, 2025, with our delegation departing on July 9th and returning on July 18th.
For more information or to secure your child's spot, please contact Ms. Faith at 260976154206 or faith_chungu@lusakaoaktree.school
IGCSE 1 Class Visits Texila American University
The IGCSE 1 students recently had an exciting and educational trip to Texila American University. The visit offered a firsthand glimpse into the world of higher education and medical sciences. Students toured the labs, interacted with faculty, and participated in engaging sessions led by the dean.
A big thank you to Texila American University for the warm welcome and enriching experience!
Nursery A Assembly: 'Exploring and Expressing Ourselves'
The assembly was thoughtfully designed to be engaging, interactive, and enjoyable, fostering learning and development in key areas. The program seamlessly integrated alphabet letter identification, emotional intelligence, shape recognition, and action songs. In a supportive and creative environment, our learners had the opportunity to express themselves freely, showcasing their skills and confidence. We are proud to showcase the talents and abilities of our Nursery A class.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Today, EYD hosted an exciting Easter egg hunt, filled with laughter and joy. Students searched high and low for hidden eggs, enjoying every moment of this festive activity. A big thank you to everyone who made it a special day for our little.
Exploring 3D Shapes
In our latest educational adventure, we're diving into the world of 3D shapes! From cubes and spheres to pyramids and cones, etc.student are counting how many faces the different objects have.
Our students showcased their *problem-solving skills and teamwork* as they worked together to identify and assemble some puzzles. By collaborating and sharing their knowledge, they successfully solved the puzzles and demonstrated their understanding of concepts.
CP4C Assembly: Striving for Excellence
Our CP4C learners recently showcased their talents and learning in an assembly themed "Striving for Excellence." The event featured a range of performances that highlighted their creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
Highlights
The assembly began with a powerful poem emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence. This was followed by an engaging science presentation on animal adaptations, where learners shared fascinating facts about animals such as chameleons, polar bears, and arctic foxes.
The learners also showcased a vibrant traditional dance, complete with drums, and a delightful French song and dance that captured the joy of learning. The assembly concluded with an inspiring performance of "Reach for the Stars," reinforcing the theme of aiming high.
Kudos to our CP4C learners and organizers for a memorable and engaging assembly that celebrated striving for excellence!
ICT Update: Exploring Algorithms
In our Cambridge Primary three and four classes ICT lessons, learners are diving into the world of algorithms, developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking. By learning to break down problems and creating step-by-step solutions, our students are building essential skills for the digital age.
1. FORMATIVE TEMPLATE
This is to inform you that teachers have sent the May Formative templates to your class WhatsApp groups covering the dates, duration and unit topics. We hope this early communication will help our students prepare adequately.
2. National Debate League
We encourage students from CP5-LS3 to audition for selection into the panel that will debate against other schools. This is a great opportunity for exposure and Showcasing argumentative skills that are taught during class and in the writers and debaters club.
3. Parent feedback
Class teachers will be making phone calls, messaging or emailing you fortnightly and giving feedback on your child's progress, support needed or any other challenges he/she might be facing. We ask that you also give us feedback and support this move as it will benefit our students.
Study and Exam Success Tips for Our Students
As we move further into the exam period, we would like to take this opportunity to share some important reminders and tips to help our students stay focused, balanced, and prepared during this critical time.
Study Smart
• Prioritize subjects based on your exam schedule. Create a revision timetable and stick to it.
• Practice past papers to get familiar with the question formats and timing.
• Use active recall techniques—summarizing, mind maps, and self-testing are powerful tools.
Take Care of Your Mind and Body
• Get enough rest—quality sleep improves memory and concentration.
• Take short, regular breaks while studying to avoid burnout.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to keep energy levels up.
Before the Exam
• Read through your timetable carefully to ensure you know the date, time, and venue of each paper.
• Prepare your materials (pens, pencils, calculators) the night before.
• Arrive at school early to avoid any last-minute stress.
During the Exam
• Read all instructions and questions carefully.
• Allocate your time wisely—don’t spend too long on one question.
• Stay calm. If you get stuck, move on and return to that question later.
We are confident that with the right preparation and mindset, each of our students will perform to the best of their abilities. We wish them all the very best in their examinations!
We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to seeing continued academic
Organized, productive and fantastic, are but some of the words one can use to describe our first week. Not only have our classes started up with out any major challenges, our ECA programme has also begun rather well. With the introduction of our new structure, designed to give students more time and flexibility, productivity and participation has been higher than ever, and the feedback from both students and facilitators has been quite positive. For those who may not be aware, the new structure is as follows:
Monday: Primary (CP1 – CP6) Sports & Ballet
Tuesday: Secondary (LS1 – IGCSE 1) Sports & Karate (all grades)
Wednesday: Primary Clubs & Skate Club (all grades)
Thursday: Secondary Clubs & Karate (all grades)
Any students who are not doing sports, clubs, remedials or using the bus, are required to be picked up from school during lunch break.
This term, students had the opportunity to explore a wider variety of activities—from robotics and creative writing to basketball, drama, and environmental clubs. It’s been inspiring to see students so engaged, collaborating across year groups, and embracing new challenges enthusiastically.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff and students who have helped bring this new ECA vision to life. We’re looking forward to seeing even more creativity, growth, and fun in the weeks ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights!
There is always a “lost but found” items display on Wednesdays and Fridays at the EYD waiting area. Please feel free to come and check for any items your child may have lost. Should it be as a matter of urgency, you can come through immediately and touch base with the Operations Officer Ms Ella..
Please update your contact details if they are not updated with school. You can use the ‘update contact details’ tab on the community Hub which can be accessed through the newsletter, or through Ms Mwango or Ms Chiloba at the front desk. Very important, in order to receive school communication.
Please collect your car sticker from the school front desk. And help keep the school campus safe.