Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 26-30 May 2025
Term 3| Week 8
Please update your contact details, if not done.
Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 26-30 May 2025
Term 3| Week 8
Access LOTS Community Hub Visit - hub.lusakaoaktree.school
Your ability to succeed, to fail, to win, to lose - is just a matter of attitude
- Scott Oteri
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It was a great week for LOTS - a culmination of months of hard work by the students, teachers and parents!
We topped the National Debate League (NDL) Zambia chapter - with our Primary team winning their category of the championship and qualifying for the Pan African Championships to be held in Cape Town in October, and our senior categories also doing very well! Lusaka Oaktree School won a record number of medals and trophies - 12 trophies and 20 medals! More details below in a separate write up.
We exhibited our best ever performance in the ISAZ Regional Athletics Championships, with 9 of our athletes qualifying for the Nationals! Details below in a separate write up.
Our Senior Secondary AS students collaborated with their counterparts from a reputed IB school in India where they exchanged notes on relevant issues that connected their academic learnings with world citizenship and inclusion. The program was student led and teacher supported. More about it elsewhere in this newsletter.
LOTS is hosting the District Spelling Bee Competition this coming Saturday. With a 14 member team of our own readying themselves to make history!
This Saturday is also when our brilliant mathematicians from CP4 upwards are appearing for the International School Connect Olympiad - a world wide holistically academic contest exam where over 23000 schools across 52 countries participate. Math, English, Mental ability and Coding are the subject areas.
Initial work on the construction of the new academic block has started, with the cleaning up and clearing of the site done, and foundational work about to begin.
As the last month of the academic year comes in, here is to marking more milestones and creating more memories.
Warm regards
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Lusaka Oaktree School proudly celebrates an outstanding performance at the 2025 National Debate League! Our students demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, eloquence, and teamwork, earning top honors across both primary and high school divisions.
GROUP CHAMPIONS:
First Place (Trophy Winners):
OakTree D2 – A stellar performance secured our top team a championship trophy in the Primary Division's
Group D (Grade 4 to 5) consisting of the following students:
1) Riddhi Shukla
2) Diya Shah
3) Maisha Maragia
4) Kaitlyn Strawberry
5) Aisha Dangasiya
Second Place (Trophy Winners):
OakTree D3 – Our team brought home the runner-up trophy for Group D (Grade 4 to 5), showcasing excellent teamwork and strategy. This team consisted of:
1) Janelle Ncube
2) Kisu Renee Mukuwa
3) Michelle Sampa
4) Daisy Nyondo
Second Place (Trophy Winners):
OakTree C1 – won second place in Group C (Grade 6 to 7) after a fierce competition. The team consisted of:
1) Mufaro Mavhunga
2) Elisha Kandela
3) Sephania Sanoj
4) Kayla Kumapley
5) Stella De Miranda
Top Speakers for LOTS were:
1) Janelle Ncube
2) Sephania Sanoj
3) Ritisha Chakraborty
4) Kelly Chungu
INDIVIDUAL MEDALS
Primary School – Group D: Silver Medals
1) Diya Shah
2) Michelle Sampa
3) Kisu Mukuwa
4) Daisy Nyondo
5) Kayla Kumapley
6) Riddhi Shukla
7) Jemimmah Sakala
8) Janelle Ncube
Primary School – Group C: Silver Medals
1) Elisha Kandela
2) Shane Matthew
3) Aadalyn Katambo
4) Sumay Matthew
5) Amina Mustafa
6) Z’Bella Heald
7) Kaylah Siame
8) Prince Musunga
9) Lucas Rovire
10) Zanele Ncube
11) Ethan Sakala
12) Blair Muhire
High School – Group B: Silver Medals
1) Aadhya Nain
2) Alexander Sakala
3) Cara B Msindai
4) Philani Jeremy
5) Ritisha Chakraborty
High School – Group A: Silver Medals
1) Pious Kapado Ngoma
2) Kelly Chungu
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their dedication and excellence. Your hard work has put LOTS on the national stage once again. Congratulations to all participants and winners – you make us proud!
The Lusaka Oak Tree School senior Athletics team participated in the ISAZ Inter-School Athletics Regional Qualifiers with student athletes registered for various track and field events. The event provided an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase their athletic skills and sportsmanship. The qualifiers were held on the 24th of May, 2025 at Baobab College.
The school is proud to report that 9 of its athletes delivered outstanding performances and successfully qualified for the upcoming National Athletics Championship to be held in Ndola on the 7th of June, 2025, marking a significant achievement for sports at LOTS. Furthermore, an additional 4 students in individual events, and 8 in relay teams, have been placed on standby and will be informed no later than Wednesday 4th of June, 2025 of their participation in the Nationals.
Following are the 9 students who qualified for the nationals:
Gerald Mpande - 1500m (U19)
Sean Christus Mulikita - 1500m (U19)
Andrew Eagle - Triple Jump (U14)
Charmaine Mbewe - 1500m (U14)
Chellah Malan - Discus (U16)
Lwenji N'Kutxi - Long Jump (U16)
Shani Tamika Bredt - Long Jump (U19)
Yala N'kutxi - High Jump (U19)
Lwiindi Siakabeya - Triple Jump (U14)
Please refer to the curriculum overviews to understand the syllabus covered in this semester. If you have any questions, please contact the subject teacher, class teacher or the respective coordinator, i.e. Ms. Leah (CP1-4), Mr. Zulu (CP5-LS3), or Mr. Victor (IGCSE 1, AS level). Additionally, study packs have been shared for formative assessments which are useful resources.
We have taken time to take note of students dropped after 07:30 in school. We have spoken to the students who have come late on three consecutive days. If no improvement is seen we shall now call the parents.
It is important for students to report early for school, the following are the key reasons why students should report early for school:
Preparation Time: Arriving early allows students to mentally and physically prepare for the day. They can organize their materials, review homework, and get into the right mindset for learning.
Punctuality and Discipline: Developing the habit of being on time instills a sense of responsibility, discipline, and respect for time—qualities that are essential for both academic and professional success later in life.
Avoiding Stress: Rushing into school at the last minute can be stressful and affect a student’s focus. Early arrival promotes a calm start to the day, helping students feel more in control.
Maximizing Learning Time: Being early ensures students do not miss any part of the lesson or important announcements. Even a few minutes of missed instruction can accumulate over time and impact learning.
Positive Relationships: Arriving early provides time to interact with teachers and classmates, which can build better relationships and create a more supportive school environment.
Readiness for Activities: Some schools offer early morning programs, extra help sessions, or extracurricular activities that benefit students academically and socially.
With all the above statements, we therefore encourage all the parents to drop the students on time. Those already doing fine continue as we urge those dropping the students late to improve.
The SCO International Olympiad is an international competition with participation from over 23,000 schools across 52 countries. Our students are participating, and the event is on this Saturday, 31 May. Math, English, Coding, AI and Mental Ability are the areas they will be evaluated on.
The following are the LOTS students participating, and our best wishes to them:
Lubomba Bubala LS1
Lukundo Mwewa Ndimbwa LS2
kopparthi kartheesha CP4
Adhyan prashar CP4
Suwilanji Wila Ndimbwa CP4
Adhyan prashar CP4
Het Khamar CP6
Aadhya Nair LS2
LUBOMBA BUBALA CP1
Shane Mathew Jane LS1
ZICTA Engages Secondary Students in Digital Awareness Talk
This Friday, our secondary students had the valuable opportunity to attend an enlightening talk by representatives from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). The session focused on digital safety and responsible internet use.
Students gained insights into cyber security and cyber bullying and some of the consequences. The interactive session also allowed students to ask questions and better understand how to navigate the digital world responsibly.
We thank ZICTA for their time and commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed for a safe and informed digital future.
The Power of 20 Minutes: How Mentoring Sessions Are Shaping Our Students
At Lusaka Oaktree School we believe that education goes far beyond textbooks and exams. That’s why our 20-minute mentoring sessions, held daily between one teacher and a small group of 10–12 students, have become a vital part of our school culture.
These short but meaningful sessions create a safe, supportive space where students can share, reflect, and grow – both personally and socially. It’s an opportunity for students to build a trusting relationship with a teacher who becomes more than just an educator: a guide, a listener, and a role model. This term we have covered more than 7 crucial topics and have had different guest speakers share their real life experiences and expertise with the students.
As we continue to nurture our school community, the 20-minute mentoring model stands as a simple yet powerful tool for personal development. Sometimes, just 20 minutes a day is all it takes to make a lasting difference.
When learning is fun...
Adding numbers in the range of 15.Learning about the additional concept of combining numbers to get a total or sum is a fundamental math skill that can be fun and engaging.
Letter recognition and matching game using alpha pops.
CP Four Earth Warriors Take Action
Our CP 4 class recently participated in an engaging activity focused on ecosystem habits and sustainability. As part of their Earth Warriors initiative, they took part in a "Best Out of Waste" project, where they creatively designed various items using recyclable and waste materials. This hands-on experience not only taught them about the importance of reducing waste but also showcased their resourcefulness. Through this project, our young learners developed a deeper understanding of the impact of human actions on the environment and explored innovative ways to reuse and recycle.
Upcoming Summative Exams
As we approach the end of the academic term, it's time to start preparing for the summative exams. The exams will commence on June 9th, and students are encouraged to diligently and thoroughly prepare for their assessments. The timetable will be shared in due course, providing students with ample time to review and plan their study schedules. We urge all students to stay focused, manage their time effectively, and make the most of the remaining study period. With dedication and hard work, we are confident that our students will excel in their exams and achieve their academic goals.
Cultural Exchange Program and collaboration with an International School in India.
In a world more connected than ever, LOTS A Level students recently embarked on an exciting cultural exchange program with Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School’s International Baccalaureate diploma program students. Spearheaded by students themselves, this online interaction wasn’t just a meeting — it was a celebration of diverse traditions, vibrant festivals, and shared aspirations.
The primary goal of this exchange was clear: to create a space where we could learn about each other’s cultures while also drawing connections to academic ideas and practices.
From the moment we logged in, the virtual room buzzed with curiosity and warmth. Students from both schools came prepared with stories of their unique cultural landscapes — from the colorful exuberance of India’s Holi and Diwali, to our own traditions that reflect our community’s rich heritage.
Laughter echoed as we shared anecdotes about school life, popular hobbies, and local cuisines. It wasn’t long before common interests in music, movies, and even cricket sparked enthusiastic exchanges.
As the session drew to a close, there was a unanimous agreement — this wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a vibrant connection. Plans for future collaborations, cultural showcases, and even student-led workshops were set in motion. Together, we are building bridges of understanding and friendship that transcend borders.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey of cultural exchange and global friendship!
Usain Bolt once said, “Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself.”
Over the last few months our student-athletes have spent countless hours to prepare for the regional qualifiers and we are happy to say, it was not in vain. We’re proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of nine outstanding student athletes who have qualified for the ISAZ National Athletics Championships to be held in Ndola on the 7th of June 2025. Each of them has strived to balance the demands of academics and athletics with remarkable grace, and their success is a testament to their passion and perseverance. From the numerous trainings to the qualifying rounds, they’ve represented our school with excellence and heart. Below are the athletes who have qualified for nationals.
Let’s cheer them on as they prepare to compete on the national stage — they’re not just chasing medals, they’re setting the standard for what it means to be student athletes of LOTS.
#LOTS@Nationals
“A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this is my time.”
– Bolt
END OF ECAs
This serves as a reminder that all ECAs and after school activity has come to an end for the term and the academic year. We will give guidance on the selections for activities, sports and clubs for the next academic year as soon as possible.
As you are aware, we now have gate checks for those who come late to school, to officially record the timings. Might seem inconvenient, but is crucial for the holistic growth of students, and to actualize one of our core values - discipline.
The deadline to return library books is 1st June. For anyone missing the deadline, a late fee is likely to be charged.
Parents and other family members attending ISAZ competitions to support their children are requested to uphold the dignity of the institution and not allow passion to translate into aggressive or confrontational behavior.
We have an open door policy, yes. But prior information/appointment for important and lengthier conversations will help us be more available to exclusively attend to you.