NEWSLETTER
June 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Acorns Family,
As the 2023-24 academic year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an array of significant milestones and achievements that have defined this exceptional period for our community:
- This year has been monumental, highlighted by our prestigious International School Award and CIS accreditation. These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to educational excellence and global standards.
- In our continuous quest for improvement, we’ve undertaken an extensive exercise to refine our Vision, Mission, and Core Values, ensuring they resonate with our evolving aspirations. The winners were awarded their prizes during the final week of the school year.
- We celebrate the outstanding accomplishment of our 20 students who received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, demonstrating remarkable dedication, resilience, and leadership.
- Our pilot student-teacher exchange programme between three Acorns Schools has been a tremendous success, enriching the educational experience for both participants and our wider community.
- We are immensely proud of our 13 graduating candidates who have all received admission letters from esteemed universities worldwide, marking the beginning of their promising futures.
- The expansion of our campuses from Lubowa to Gulu signifies a major milestone, allowing us to extend our educational philosophy and community impact to new regions.
- Our excellent implementation of all calendared events underscores the hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm of our staff, students, and families, making this academic year truly action-packed and a landmark in Acorns’ history.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the enhancements planned for the upcoming year. With a fresh new look on our website, logo, and uniforms, we anticipate more dynamic changes including revised school timings, enhanced math and language programs, and a stronger focus on our students’ social habits and the well-being of the entire community.
In addition to the global concerns over heat and climate change, Acorns has faced its own set of challenges including disciplinary issues and health grievances. My biggest challenge has been unifying our three Acorns schools into one cohesive community. However, I am extremely proud to report that the Acorns community—students, parents, staff, HoDs, and Board—has shown extraordinary resilience, thoughtfulness, and fairness in facing these challenges.
Thank you all for being an integral part of the making of ACORNS. Your support and dedication have been pivotal in making this year a success. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and enjoy quality time with your families.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Acorns Community,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the vibrant end-of-year activities. I would like to take a moment to share some exciting updates and reflections.
In May, I had the privilege of attending the AISA Heads Symposium in Zanzibar. This gathering was an excellent opportunity to connect with regional school leaders and discuss important topics such as project-based learning, staff appraisal systems, and maintaining active and effective strategic plans. I have already shared many of these insights with our school management team, and we are enthusiastic about integrating these practices into our ongoing efforts to enhance our school’s performance.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with IB standards, we recently concluded our Self-Study. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our teachers, students, and families for their valuable participation. I am pleased to announce that our Programme Development Plan for the upcoming year will focus on well-being. We are excited to share more details and ways you can support our well-being initiatives in August.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to participate in our End of Year Survey, which is designed for both parents and students. Your feedback on general school processes and your overall satisfaction is invaluable to us and will greatly inform our future planning. Please check your Toddle for the link.
As we celebrate the end of the school year with various vibrant events, I would also like to highlight the Acorns Scholarship Programme. This year marks a significant milestone as we have widely promoted Secondary scholarships. We received 29 applications and have offered 9 scholarships. Reviewing these applications has been a joyous experience, allowing us to take pride in the remarkable accomplishments of our community of learners. As this newsletter goes out, the final interviews are underway, and we are eager to finalise the selection of the 2024-2025 scholarship recipients.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Wishing you a restful and enjoyable summer break.
Rachelle Hale-Molo
Deputy Head of School
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SPECIALTIES
Celebrating a year of exceptional achievements in School Teams
This academic year at Acorns International School has been marked by outstanding achievements across our various school teams. As we reflect on this year, it is with immense pride that we share some significant milestones our teams have reached:
- Our U13 Boys and U15 Girls Football teams showcased their skills at the prestigious World School Football Cup in October 2023.
- The U8 Jamboree Basketball Team clinched the runner-up position in the ISSA League for the 2023-24 season.
- Both our U14 Boys and Girls Basketball Teams secured runner-up titles in the ISSA League for 2023-24.
- In football, the U16 Girls emerged as ISSA League Champions, with the U14 Girls and U12 Boys teams both earning runner-up spots for the 2023-24 season.
- Our U10 Boys Football team triumphed as ISSA League Champions for 2023-24.
- The PYP Swimming Team dominated at this year’s ISSA League Swimming Gala, alongside winning four medals at the USF (Uganda Swimming Federation) Gala.
- In April this year, our Badminton team made us proud by winning 4 trophies in the international schools’ Badminton tournament.
- The Secondary Swimming Team also made waves, bringing home eight medals from the USF Gala.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated students, coaches, parents, and school administration whose support has been vital to these successes. Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that our school teams will once again represent us at the World Schools Football Cup in Barcelona in October 2025.
International Earth Day Celebration at Acorns
During this year’s International Earth Day Celebration, our students across all grade levels actively participated in various activities to promote environmental conservation:
EYP students took part in nurturing plants within the school environment and created art from recycled materials.
PYP students were deeply involved in tree planting and recycling initiatives, contributing to a school-wide cleaning drive and engaging in persuasive writing focused on environmental preservation. They also led a special Earth Day assembly, where they voiced creative slogans about conserving nature.
Secondary students addressed the critical issue of plastic pollution, innovatively using recycled plastic bottles to plant potted plants around our school.
We are grateful to the school management and the entire Acorns community for their continued commitment to nurturing environmentally-conscious individuals. These initiatives not only enhance our students’ learning experiences but also contribute significantly to our global responsibility.
Henry Kalanzi
HoD Specialties
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Warm greetings to the Acorns International School Community! As we bring another remarkable academic year to a close, the Student Council feels immense pride and gratitude as we reflect on the year’s journey.
A highlight of our achievements, spearheaded by the Student Council, is the adoption of our first-ever school mascot. After in-depth discussions with the administration, the introduction of the Grizzly Bear as our official mascot stands out as a major initiative by the Council. This has fostered a greater sense of unity and spirit across students, staff, and the community.
Another significant accomplishment by the Student Council was organising a movie day for the MYP1 class at the end of Term 2. This event provided a delightful opportunity for students to relax, bond, and enjoy each other’s company, making it a resounding success.
During the ISSA Basketball league, the Council collaborated closely with daycare staff to maintain a safe and organized environment, ensuring that all participants could enjoy the games and display their skills worry-free.
Additionally, the Council hosted a student-led assembly featuring performances and presentations by Council members. This platform not only showcased diverse student talents but also boosted the morale and spirit within the student body.
Reflecting on a personal note, leading the Student Council has been profoundly transformative. It has enriched me with invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience, communication, and leadership. Through this role, I’ve developed creative problem-solving skills, learned to lead with empathy and inclusivity, and have come to value the diverse perspectives within our school.
This year’s Council has laid a strong foundation for future achievements. I am immensely thankful for the support from all students, staff, and parents. Together, we have made this year extraordinarily special.
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
We’ve had wonderful moments, made countless memories, and learned from each other, all while working to improve ourselves and our relationships. As we approach the end of the academic year, we want to express our gratitude to the Acorns community for your unwavering support and patience. We are truly grateful!
Lost and Found
We are still dealing with the issue of lost and unclaimed items that are misplaced in the school throughout the term/year. We appreciate everyone who checks the lost and found stalls and urge students/parents who may have lost any items to please make sure to look through them. We ask parents to label their children’s belongings for easy identification and emphasise responsibility’s importance. Remember to stop by our stall at the Primary Reception as soon as possible. Any unclaimed items will be donated to a good cause before the new academic year begins.
Campus Safety
Acorns Exit Cards/Lunch drop-offs/Early dismissal
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, we would like to express our gratitude to all parents and guardians who have been using the Acorns Exit ID Card. Your cooperation has been instrumental in ensuring a safe environment for our community. For those who do not have an ID card, please request one by sending an email to Ms. Rosyelene at [email protected]. Additionally, if there are any changes in the individuals authorised to pick up your child, please notify the administration or your Head of the Department in advance. You can also reach us by phone at +256756202665/0393202665.
To ensure a smooth process for early dismissals, please remember that all requests must be approved by the child’s Head of Department through Todde or email. Upon approval, a pass-out note will be issued to the child and parent to present to our security team. It’s important to understand that students are only allowed to leave the campus with proper permission or contact from the child’s parent. If you have any questions or require assistance, please visit only the main reception area in the Admin Block, where our team will be happy to provide guidance and support.
Our lunch drop-off procedure remains the same. If your child is bringing a home-packed lunch, please ensure that they have it with them at drop-off time.
After-School Clubs/After-School Care/Lunches
It’s been a stream of unforgettable moments for some of our students in several clubs as they took on opportunities, participating in several competitions. Some of the highlights include participation in the recent Gymnastics Meet, and the Inter-School Taekwondo Championship to take place on the 15th June, 2024. Seeing how much effort and pride our students exhibit is unmatched. Congratulations to all who participated and all the best to those who will soon take on the same opportunities. Thank you to all the parents/guardians for their support.
You make us proud!
Sign-up forms for after-school clubs (Early Years and Primary), after-school care, and lunches (Early Years, Primary and Secondary) will be shared a few weeks before the new academic year starts, please watch out for these on Toddle.
Students showcased creativity, displayed significant effort and engagement in their projects. They took pride in their unique creations and enjoyed learning from each other’s perspectives. We’re glad they have enjoyed exploring various methods and styles.
Badminton players this term have grown comfortable and displayed remarkable improvement in their overall badminton skills from demonstrating agility, and comfort with various serves to enhancing their game strategies.
Our students continue to transition smoothly between several movements while growing their physical capabilities during the club. They aim to fill their performances with mastery of the discipline with balance and poise.
Throughout the term, our basketball players have endeavoured to master essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defensive techniques. As part of their training, they learned the game rules including fair play and respect for opponents and officials.
The term has ended with a vibrant showcase of our students’ dance skills and imagination through individual creativity and group collaboration. They continue to learn to appreciate the variations of different dance styles.
Debate club participants this term demonstrated the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively hence growing into articulate and confident speakers. They engaged in active listening and responded persuasively during discussions. The club provided a platform for them to voice their opinions with a reflective, considerate, and respectful nature.
Our students have explored techniques for creating and customizing animated characters, enhancing their storytelling abilities. The club fostered creativity, and technical proficiency encouraging students to push the boundaries of their imagination bringing their stories to life.
Taekwondo students progressed through learning fundamental techniques and advanced self-defence skills. The club emphasized discipline, respect, and perseverance. Students learned to perform various forms and sparring techniques. We are glad to have some of our students representing us in the Taekwondo Inter-School competition, this reflects their hard work.
The Swimming students progressed through basic swimming techniques, safety skills, pool safety, basic/complex strokes, and underwater techniques. They refined their swimming styles and improved their endurance with speed and agility.
Students in skating endeavoured to achieve balance and control during their training sessions. They have mastered various skills, including board-to-board transitions, control during jumps, refined movements, and several other skating techniques.
During their pottery sessions, students used several techniques that allowed for creative expression while nurturing and fostering a sense of patience and, attention to detail. The hands-on experience helps students develop fine motor skills and an understanding of art. Overall, the club provided a fulfilling creative space.
Students worked on mastering forward rolls with control, stability in handstand positions, strength in bridges, balance in candlestick positions, backrolls, and backbends to bridges with leg raises to mention but a few. We are glad to have seen them participate in the recent Gymnastics Meet where they showcased their skills, confidence, and talent. We are proud of them.
Throughout the term, students familiarised themselves with the different parts of the guitar and piano for a basic understanding. Progressing to both simple and complex melodies, students built upon their foundational skills. They also progressed from basic exercises to playing simple melodies. The club fostered a love for music and encouraged regular practice and patience in mastering the instruments.
Players developed essential ball-handling skills, including dribbling, passing, and shooting. They demonstrated teamwork and communication on the field and enhanced their ball control techniques and strategic thinking during matches. Understanding and implementing game rules, sportsmanship, and fair play were emphasised.
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
As we approach the end of another remarkable academic year, I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for our collective achievements. Every moment, from the lively classrooms to the bustling extracurricular activities, has been woven into the vibrant fabric of our school community.
This year, our admissions and advancement endeavours have soared to new heights, propelled by the steadfast support and dedication of our entire community. We’ve welcomed a diverse and talented cohort of students, enriching our campus with their unique perspectives and passions.
Looking forward, we’re eager to uphold our commitment to educational excellence and further fortify our community bonds. Together, we’ll persist in our mission to innovate, inspire, and empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
As we celebrate the triumphs of the past year, let’s extend our deepest gratitude to every member of our community – students, parents, faculty, staff, and supporters – for their invaluable contributions.
A few important reminders
1) Please complete the digital admission form, if you haven’t already. This information is crucial for updating Toddle and processing official documents for your child. For assistance, contact [email protected].
2) Note that letters for student passes, tourist visas, leaving certificates/letters and admission letters will not be processed during holidays. Kindly submit your requests before June 17.
Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating break, brimming with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
Nishitha Shrivastava
HoD Admissions & Advancement
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
Dear Acorns Family,
As we reflect on a remarkable school year, we are proud of our continuous learning and growth. Our dedicated staff engaged in numerous professional development opportunities, enhancing our collective expertise and enriching the educational experiences we provide.
We also celebrated significant milestones as a community. Congratulations to our team members who welcomed new babies and those who tied the knot. Your joyous occasions brought immense happiness to all of us.
Special recognition goes to our Employees of the Month throughout the academic year. Your exceptional contributions and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Together, we have made this year a successful and memorable one. Let’s continue to support each other and strive for even greater achievements in the coming year.
Warm regards,
Lynn Bugaari Muhangi
HoD Human Resource
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Email: [email protected]
NOTE FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Note From Finance Department
Fees
- Term I fees are due by August 22, 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.
- Acorns 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.
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 US dollar series 2013 and above will be accepted anything below it will not be accepted.
Transport Facility
- We now have 2 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.
Binal Patel
HoD Finance
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Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
EARLY YEARS
The end of the school year is always a whirlwind of activity, and this year was no exception in the Early Years department! We concluded a year of excellent inquiry, playful learning, and skill development with a range of activities to consolidate learning and celebrate our successes.
We deeply appreciate the parents’ efforts in supporting our learning, collaborating with staff to enhance their child’s educational journey, and attending events that allowed us to share classroom achievements during assemblies, themed events, the school play, and conferences.
It was a beautiful year of growth in the EYP, and we thank our teachers, staff, and parents for making it a grand success!
Andi Haskins
Head of Early Years
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Email: [email protected]
PRIMARY
As the school year ends, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our students, teachers, and supportive families for making this year a remarkable success.
This term has been filled with exciting achievements and memorable events, showcasing our students’ exceptional academic and personal growth. From the outstanding PYP6 Exhibition and Units in Action projects to the captivating Class Assemblies and ongoing Celebration of Learning, every event has highlighted their talent and hard work.
As the PYP6 graduation approaches, I sincerely appreciate all families, teachers, and the Acorns community for their dedication and support. Have a safe, restful summer. See you in August!
Shallon Baguma
Head of Primary
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Email: [email protected]
SECONDARY
I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our students, parents, and partner organisations for their steadfast support and dedication throughout another successful academic year. Over the past year, our Secondary students have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and achieved notable successes across various endeavours. Their accomplishments highlight not only their hard work but also the strong support from our parent community. Please note that next year, our Secondary School timings will change:
Homeroom – 7:35 to 7:45 AM
First lesson – starts at 7:45 AM
School ends – 3:25 PM
Thank you once again for your continued support and commitment to our students’ success.
Shirin Bagchi
Head of Secondary
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Email: [email protected]
CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
At Acorns, we conclude each academic year with a Celebration of Learning, highlighting students’ learnings. From 18-month-olds to 18-year-olds, everyone participates—either on stage or through Secondary Department Gallery Walks. This inspiring event energises us for the well-deserved two-month break ahead!
Early Years
Primary
Secondary
