NEWSLETTER
February 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD & DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Acorns Family,
Much like a flourishing oak tree reaching new heights, ACORNS is experiencing unprecedented growth, proudly rooted in its success with CIS accreditation, International Award, and expansions.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD
We are extremely pleased to announce that Acorns International School has been honoured with International School Awards 2024 for implementing the school’s annual ‘Global Village’ Event, designed to support students’ development and foster global citizenship and international mindedness.
The winners of the International School Awards 2024 were announced during a community exclusive event within the ISC Community on January 24, also celebrated as the International Day of Education.
245 international schools worldwide participated, including schools in Malaysia, India, the United States, the Seychelles and Uganda, alongside many others. Acorns was one of the four winners in Category B representing international schools charging tuition fees identified as average within their country, and were selected by an independent judging panel of 10 international education experts. Click here for more
ACORNS LUBOWA GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
We are delighted to report the tremendous success of the Acorns Lubowa Groundbreaking Ceremony held on January 30, 2024, at Lubowa. The event marked a significant milestone in our journey, symbolizing the growth and expansion of Acorns International Schools.
Breaking ground, with roots spreading wide, we sowed the seeds of new Acorns during this momentous occasion. The presence and support of Families, Friends, Board Members, PTO, students and Staff representations from both, Acorns and Oak International Schools added to the joy of the day as we collectively inspired and empowered the future of Acorns International Schools!
Aiming for August 2025!
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: ACORNS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND JASANI FOUNDATION’S TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION
Thrilled to share the latest from Acorns International School (AIS) and Jasani Foundation’s ongoing community service initiatives! Our commitment extends beyond Nabugabu Community Centre, Nyaka Foundation, and Kira Road Police Station to now include the transformative project at Nangwa Nursery & Primary School in Mukono.
On February 5, 2024, we celebrated the inaugural day of school, offering free education to a capacity of 600 students. The success of this endeavour is a collective effort, with community members like Moez Kassam (MD, Regency Apartments), Amyn Shamsy (MD, Quality Plastics MD), and Vipul Limbani (MD, Famous 2000 Uganda Ltd.) partnering with Jasani Foundation and Acorns.
Acorns’ students visited these children and donated more than 1000 books to make their start more enriching and educational.
ACORNS BOARD MEETING
Acorns Board members met in February and discussed various matters including current Acorn’s status from enrollments, HR, accreditation and awards. Another major discussion surrounded the expansion of schools. The plan is that in the next 5 years, 5 new schools will be opened including the Lubowa Acorns School. This school will have a Cambridge continuum school from EC to A-Levels as well as BTEC (vocational programme). BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council, named after the body which first governed the qualifications (it’s now Edexcel).
The Board was impressed with the plan and Mr. Shamsher advised that the parents should be informed accordingly and clearly state that these are sister schools that are going to compliment each other and not compete with each other. The curriculum will be different but the standards for the schools will remain the same as Acorns Kampala. The major difference with the Lubowa school is that it will have a Hostel facility.
TRANSITIONING ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
- Phasing Out AS Exams from August 2024
Starting from the academic year 2024-2025, Acorns will no longer offer AS exams. Instead, MYP5s will have the option to enroll in the full 2-year A Levels or IBDP programmes. We encourage families to make informed decisions regarding program choices, considering factors such as career aspirations, affordability, and the academic rigour of each option.
- Exclusive IBDP for Current MYP4 at Acorns Kisaasi from August 2025
Commencing the academic year 2025-2026, Acorns Kisassi will no longer offer Cambridge A Levels programme. However, families have the option to explore the full continuum Cambridge Programme at either Acorns Lubowa or Oak International School.
EMBRACING NEW CHAPTERS
We are thrilled to unveil the remarkable changes underway as Acorns embarks on a journey of expansion. As previously communicated, we are actively reassessing and honing our Vision, Mission, and Core values.
This collaborative effort involves the entire community, with engaging discussions held with the Staff, PTO, Board Members, and, most recently, the students.
Notably, the PYP4 & 5 students contributed thought-provoking and heartwarming ideas, such as expressing pride in the words “Inspire” and “Empower” in the Vision Statement, highlighting the absence of ‘Education’ in our Vision statement, and transforming the tale of Oak into a leaf.
Their imaginative suggestions extend to representing inquiry in the logo through the timeless symbol of infinity, adding an ‘S’ to the Acorns logo inspired by their love of Spider-Man, and incorporating a tree within the Acorns logo. Intriguingly, questions were raised about whether a logo revision hints at a new chapter for the school.
Beyond these transformative ideas, we are delighted to announce that this renewal goes beyond mere words. Anticipate a comprehensive rebranding that includes new school logos, vibrant uniform colors, and a host of other exciting updates!
UPDATED SCHOOL DAY TIMINGS FROM AUGUST 2024
- Early Years (EY) will now enjoy an extended school day, from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm.
- Primary hours remain from 8:00 am to 3:25 pm.
- Secondary students will experience a 45-minute reduction in their school day, now from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm.
STUDENT-TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
We are thrilled and honoured to announce the commencement of the student-teacher exchange program at AIS this year, fostering collaboration between our three esteemed schools – Acorns Kisassi, Acorns Kigali, and Oak Bunga. This initiative aims to create a valuable platform for students and teachers to exchange insights, share best practices, and embrace the richness of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Rachelle Hale-Molo
Deputy Head of School
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM PARENTS TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
PTO Fun Day Delights Despite Rain: A Recap of the Festivities
On February 10, despite the rain, the AIS PTO school community came together to host a memorable Fun Day filled with a variety of activities and delights. The event featured a diverse array of food stalls, stationery, school bags, and shoes provided by various vendors. Attendees were treated to a plethora of games and entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, skating, swimming, bingo, a lucky draw, tug of war, and even Zumba!
The enthusiasm and joy were palpable as both AIS families and guests alike enjoyed these activities. Participants had the chance to win numerous prizes through various games and a raffle draw, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Fun Day event. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the sponsors, the AIS School Management and the PTO team for their unwavering support and dedication in making this day truly memorable.
Despite the weather challenges, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the strong sense of community and camaraderie at AIS. Here’s to many more memorable moments together in the future.
Annie Pink
PTO Chairperson
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SPECIALTIES
School Team Practice
We’re delighted to share the positive kick-off of our school team practice. The coaching team and students have exhibited tremendous enthusiasm and dedication following the provided schedule.
To ensure safety and streamlined coordination, we kindly urge all parents to promptly pick up their children after each practice. Furthermore, please sign out your learners with school security upon picking them up from the practice venues.
A gentle reminder for students: wear suitable clothing and shoes for practice. This not only ensures comfort but also enhances safety during physical activities.
For students on the school team, purchasing a custom jersey at $30 for their respective teams is mandatory. This ensures active participation in the upcoming scheduled league matches.
ISSA League Update
Our U10 Girls, U10 Boys, U12 Boys, and U12 Girls teams actively engage in ISSA League football matches, delivering impressive performances. Simultaneously, the U14 Boys and Girls, U16 Boys and Girls, and the U20 Girls participate in ISSA League Basketball games, showing promising results. We urge parents to sustain their support for our students in these matches, with schedules communicated through respective WhatsApp groups.
Mark your calendars for the Internal Table Tennis Challenge on Saturday, March 2, 2024. We encourage participation and attendance as our students showcase their skills in this friendly competition.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and we eagerly anticipate your presence at these upcoming events.
Henry Kalanzi
HoD Specialties
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT
The Acorns Student Council is thrilled to present updates from our recent meeting on January 25, where the Chairperson adeptly steered discussions across diverse agenda points.
A pivotal moment was the election of the co-curricular activities captain, a role vacant since the recent election process. Three candidates passionately presented their manifestos, and after a fair vote, we proudly announced Haelga Kugonza Asiimwe as the newly elected captain. Congratulations, Haelga! We have full confidence in her ability to lead our co-curricular activities to new heights.
Excitingly, the council has assumed the responsibility of managing spectator presence during ISSA matches hosted at our school. The executive team will soon communicate the details, reflecting their dedication to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
As students, we eagerly anticipate a term filled with enjoyment and learning. The active involvement of the Student Council promises a dynamic and engaging environment for all. We urge fellow students to actively participate in upcoming events and activities organized by the council.
Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Haelga, and sincere thanks to the Student Council for their unwavering commitment to enhancing our school experience.
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
It feels like yesterday we began the term, and yet, here we are! Continuing with hope, we eagerly look forward to a journey of learning, growth, flourishing, and supporting one another as the community continues to flourish. As the administration team, we are always here and happy to help you in any way possible.
AIS Exit ID Cards for Exiting and Parking Utilisation
We continue to urge parents/guardians to consistently use their assigned Exit ID Cards when picking up their children. Waiting without proper identification compromises safety protocols. Prioritizing safety, we emphasize the following points for utilizing the school parking/driveway:
- Escort younger children to and from the school entrance.
- Report any unsafe driving.
- Maintain a safe following distance (10KM/H).
- Follow the ‘stop and go’ procedure, allowing safe entry or exit without abrupt stops.
- Use designated lanes; vehicles must not pass certain points to avoid disrupting traffic flow.
- Follow guidance from school staff.
- Communicate with other drivers using hand signals.
Your cooperation in adhering to these procedures is appreciated.
Optical Screening
The health and well-being of our students and staff continue to be of utmost importance. We have arranged for a team from Millennium Optics LTD to conduct an optical screening. This service is optional and if you prefer your child not to participate, kindly contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the school administration before March 4th, 2024. In the absence of information, we will assume your consent for your child to participate in the upcoming health check.
Early Student Dismissal/Lunch Drop-offs
For early pickups, inform the Head of Department or Administration in advance. Parents with home lunches are encouraged to bring them during drop-off.
Lost and Found
Unclaimed items will be donated after a month to prevent accumulation. Students are urged to be responsible for their belongings. Uniform labelling services are available at the Reception for easier identification in case of misplacement. Your support is appreciated.
After-School Clubs
Our students are eager to develop confidence and improve their communication and listening skills while commanding respect in the debate club.
Rhythm, gesture, body rolls, and improvisation are among the skills that our dance students enjoy showcasing while improving their abilities.
We are working towards building team spirit and increasing knowledge of basketball terms, rules, and regulations for improved team play.
Our students are progressively improving their flexibility, balance, and speed. With consistent effort, we are developing disciplined gymnasts who are open to new experiences.
Students have the opportunity to develop their creativity, teamwork, and passion for performing arts while promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Our students are encouraged to explore their artistic and creative ideas while developing skills ranging from self-expression and critical thinking to communication. They learn to cultivate patience while paying attention to detail.
During their games, students work on enhancing their confidence on the court and various gameplay skills.
We are working towards scene development and enhancement, storytelling, planning, and creating interesting animations with a narrative structure.
From learning their ballet arm and leg positions, ballet walk and run not to mention a Plie or Releve, our students continue to bravely affirm their skills to better themselves.
The fun is expected, but developing self-control, braking, and body integration are just as important.
From the time they enter the water to the time they exit, our students are working hard towards meeting their goals as consistent swimmers.
Our self-defense techniques have been improving as students learn braking techniques, as well as footwork and sparring basics.
Rosyelene Ampumuza
HoD Administration
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
We’re thrilled to unveil our new digital admission form for your enrolled child or children, offering a convenient avenue to update crucial information and maintain accurate records.
Please provide your child’s name (matching their national photo IDs such as passport and/or birth certificates), updated address, and pertinent parent/emergency contacts. Refer to the listed documents for a quick start, ensuring completion in under 30 minutes.
Accurate details are vital for effective communication and safety. This digital form presents an excellent opportunity to streamline our records, guaranteeing the latest information. We appreciate your cooperation. Should you encounter any issues, reach out to our Admissions Office.
Nishitha Shrivastava
HoD Admissions & Advancement
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
I am delighted to announce that for January, we would like to specifically recognize staff from the different departments as our Employees of the Month. They consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication, passion, and professionalism in all their endeavors.
Our Employees of the Month perfectly embody the Core Values of Acorns International School, consistently exceeding expectations and positively impacting our school community. Their hard work and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all.
Please join me in congratulating them for their outstanding contributions. Thank you for your continued dedication to our school’s Mission and Vision.
Lynn Bugaari Muhangi
HoD Human Resource
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Email: [email protected]
NOTE FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Fees
- Term 2 fees were due by January 16, 2024. If you have any queries, kindly contact the Finance Department at +256 754 202 667 or email [email protected].
- Delayed fee payments incur a 5% surcharge. If you have not opted for School Lunch, kindly ignore that component in your invoice.
- AIS offers a 15% reduction on one term’s fee following the introduction of a newly enrolled student.
- For fee payments made in the bank, we request you to email the receipt to [email protected].
After-School Care
- After-school care is also payable at a casual rate of $5 per 30 minutes.
- Regular After-School Care hours end at 5:30 pm. Students picked after this time will be charged at the rate of $5 per 15min.
Transport Facility
- We now have 3 new spacious 40-seater school buses. For any inquiries related to the school transport facilities kindly contact the Finance Department at +256 754 202 667 or email transport@ais.ac.ug.
Bank Requirement
- As per the bank requirements, please note that school fee denominations will not be accepted if they have any type of mark or scribbling on them.
- As per the bank requirements, please note that the US dollar series 2013 and above will be accepted; anything below it will not be accepted.
Binal Patel
HoD Finance
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
EARLY YEARS
Our youngest learners leapt back into learning on our return for Term 2. It has been a smooth start to the term and a joy to see so many children settling back into school routines with gusto. Nonetheless, we recognise transition times, such as after the holidays or (for our newest learners) beginning school for the first time, can be challenging for little learners and parents alike. Our Acorns staff is here to provide support and help ease these transitions in any way possible; please reach out to us if you have any concerns as we dive back into our routines this term.
Andi Haskins
Head of Early Years
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Email: [email protected]
PRIMARY
As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, I am excited about the significant strides our students have made. I express gratitude to families, recognising the students’ dedication evident in their MAP Assessments and participation in engaging field trips. Our dedicated teachers collaborate tirelessly, enriching the overall learning experience. This month’s focus centres on “Responsibility as the AIS value,” encouraging students to contemplate the impact of their choices on well-being, fostering responsibility both in and out of the classroom. Let’s persist in instilling this vital value.
Shallon Baguma
Head of Primary
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Email: [email protected]
SECONDARY
Greetings, Acorns Community. Congratulations to our students for the many successes, both within and outside the classrooms. This newsletter is testimony to their many efforts and milestones achieved. Please be aware that no formal report will be generated for the end of Term 2. Rather, the students will work on their goals, reflections, and learning techniques throughout the term which will culminate in the Student-Led Conferences. On behalf of the Secondary team, I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating midterm break.
Shirin Bagchi
Head of Secondary
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Email: [email protected]