NEWSLETTER
May 2023
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear AIS Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, parents, and students for their continuous support and commitment to our school’s mission. Together, we have created an environment that fosters growth, nurtures excellence, and prepares our students for a successful future.
I have been physically away from school for the past few days due to family emergencies. However, I am immensely grateful to my Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the dedicated staff members who ensured the smooth continuation of daily operations in my absence. Despite being physically away, I remained engaged by working remotely, maintaining open communication channels, and meeting all deadlines. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and unwavering support during these challenging times. Your kind thoughts and well wishes were greatly appreciated.
Term 3 is always the busiest and most eventful term of the academic year, with the final examinations causing the greatest stress for both students and staff. I am pleased to inform you that our examination procedures fully align with the established IB and Cambridge standards and regulations. I am delighted to share that our school received positive feedback regarding our commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent examination process. This achievement is a result of the diligent efforts of our staff, teachers, and students.
Congratulations to all the candidates for successfully completing their examinations without any obstacles. Despite concerns about COVID-19, influenza, and unforeseen challenges, everything proceeded smoothly. Best wishes to the remaining students as they prepare for the end-of-year assessments.
At AIS, we are committed to ensuring that every child receives the necessary support to achieve their personal best. As we near the end of the academic year, we have noticed that last-minute engagement regarding certain standards, such as attendance, subject grades, and appropriate pathways, can be frustrating and ineffective. I kindly urge parents, particularly those of our MYP4 and older students, to actively engage in decision-making processes regarding subject selections, pathways, and continuous monitoring. While the school will do its part, success requires a collaborative effort between students, teachers, and parents. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of attending all parent-student meetings with our teachers to ensure the future success of your children.
Recently, I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students about their experiences with the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component. These discussions reinforced the value of holistic education and the importance of social responsibility. I was inspired by the enthusiasm and passion displayed by our IBDP students as they shared their CAS journeys. They organized charity fundraisers, participated in artistic performances, volunteered in local communities through sports, engaged in environmental initiatives, and much more. One common theme emerged from these conversations: the transformative nature of CAS experiences. Students described how their involvement expanded their perspectives, nurtured empathy and compassion, and instilled a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Looking ahead, we will conclude the year with special events and celebrations, including Graduation Ceremonies, Exhibitions, and Celebrations of Learning, where our students have actively participated in diverse activities that foster personal growth.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We eagerly anticipate a productive and successful final half-term of the academic year.
MESSAGE FROM HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
Early Childhood
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley
With this quote, I would like to emphasize to parents the significance of fostering independence and responsibility in children. In the Early Childhood Department, our primary focus is on nurturing resilient individuals who are confident, independent, and capable of effectively expressing their emotions. We believe that developing social and emotional skills serves as the foundation for academic success.
Our dedicated teachers are committed to nurturing each child’s unique abilities, ensuring their continual progress. It is truly rewarding to witness the remarkable growth our students demonstrate in their social and emotional development. In some cases, it is astounding to observe how much personal and academic transformation a child can undergo within the span of just one year.
Term 3 is swiftly passing by, marking a short yet remarkable period for our teachers and students. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire AIS Family – parents, teachers, and students – for their unwavering commitment and ongoing support. Let us come together one final time this school year to make a lasting impact on our children’s future.
Continuing with our Professional Development Course, teachers have been engaging in “Positive Behavior Support for Young Children.” This segment primarily focuses on providing strategies to effectively support, coordinate, and work with students displaying challenging behavior. Teachers have learned valuable tactics to foster problem-solving skills within the classroom and manage anger issues.
Yirka Vinck
Head of Early Childhood Department
Email: [email protected]
Primary
It is astonishing to realize that we are already halfway through the term. We are delighted to see how smoothly everything is progressing, with a flurry of activities keeping us busy. Students are actively engaged in their assessments, both MAP and Internal, while teachers work closely with them to ensure all concepts are comprehensively covered before the end of the academic year.
I would like to seize this opportunity to express my gratitude to all students, parents, teachers, and support staff for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Parents, I extend my gratitude once again for your continuous support and for entrusting us with your children. Lastly, to our wonderful children, thank you for making this academic term an exceptional and memorable time at school through your remarkable efforts.
Attendance Expectations
We kindly remind you that we are currently in the assessment period, during which both students and teachers are working diligently to maintain consistency in assessments. In this regard, we kindly request your support in the following areas:
Students must attend school regularly and complete all assignments. We discourage parents from scheduling activities that would cause students to miss classes, thus compromising their attendance and education.
Students should ensure the completion of their work on the study ladder and Google Classroom. Timely completion of the study reviews sent home is crucial.
Completion of the MAP Assessments is mandatory. The school management will not provide make-up sessions for students who miss assessments unless with a valid reason.
Failure to meet the MAP Assessment requirements and maintaining an attendance rate below 90% may result in a student not being promoted to the next class.
Additionally, if students have gaps in their study ladder progress, summative assessments, or incomplete homework projects due to absenteeism, they may be retained in their current class.
We strongly urge you to prioritize and encourage your children to focus on their learning activities during this critical period. Let us provide them with the necessary support to ensure their success.
Uniforms
We kindly remind all students to wear their uniforms at all times during their school hours. General clothing, such as leggings, should never replace the mandated appropriate school pants. Lastly, if your child has misplaced any belongings, including water bottles or jumpers, please feel free to visit the lost and found property area at the reception during pickup time to check for any lost items.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued partnership in creating a conducive learning environment for our students.
Shallon Baguma
Head of Primary Department
Email: [email protected]
Secondary
Time has flown by, and it feels like just yesterday when we embarked on this academic year. Now, we find ourselves nearing the end of this incredible journey. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support and cooperation you have shown us throughout the year. Your involvement has been instrumental in the many successes we have achieved, and we kindly ask for your continued encouragement as we help our students conclude the academic year with a strong sense of accomplishment. Therefore, we kindly request that you ensure your child’s attendance is maintained until the last day of school.
We eagerly anticipate the final day of school, a day dedicated to celebrating every achievement, no matter how big or small, during our Celebration of Learning and MYP Projects’ exhibition. These events will showcase our students’ collaborative and creative spirits, highlighting their remarkable growth and accomplishments. It is important to note that attendance during the last term will have a positive impact on a student’s readiness for the upcoming academic year.
We have already published the academic calendar for the next academic year in the latest newsletter. We kindly ask everyone to review the calendar and plan accordingly, ensuring a smooth transition into the next year.
On behalf of the students and staff in the Secondary Department, we extend a warm invitation to all of you to join us for the upcoming events: the MYP Projects Exhibition and the Secondary Celebration of Learning. These events provide an opportunity to witness the outstanding work and dedication of our students and your presence would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you once again for your continued support and collaboration. Together, let’s make the end of this academic year a memorable and successful journey for our students.
Shirin Bagchi
Head of Secondary Department
Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM CURRICULUM COORDINATORS
Primary
Our dedicated teaching staff has been working diligently to administer both internal assessments and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments to evaluate your children’s learning and development. These assessments serve as valuable tools to measure their growth and identify areas where additional support may be required. We are pleased to inform you that the assessments are progressing well. Issues early in the assessment timetable with the internet have been resolved and assessments that were affected have all been rescheduled
As the assessments continue until June 8, we want to emphasize the importance of your ongoing support and encouragement. Your involvement in your child’s education plays a vital role in their success. Their attendance in these final months of the academic year is of vital importance; teaching and learning do not stop. We encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with our teachers and note the AIS Attendance and Retention Policy to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations for your child’s attendance and participation.
Rachelle Hale
PYP Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Secondary
MYP5 eAssessments
The MYP5 eAssessments took place from Monday, May 8 to Friday, May 19. During this period, MYP5 students sat their final IB assessments, marking the culmination of their efforts throughout the MYP. We eagerly anticipate the results, which are set to be announced on August 1.
MYP5 Personal Project Exhibition
The MYP5 Personal Project Exhibition is scheduled for Friday, May 26. This exhibition holds great significance as Personal Projects are a core component of the MYP curriculum. Students are required to develop a learning goal based on a personal interest or passion, then plan and create a product over several weeks to achieve that learning goal. Throughout the process, they develop and reflect on their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. This year’s projects encompassed a diverse range of endeavours, from creating a fashion magazine to learning the Malayalam language, from compiling a botany album to writing a blog about crystals. During the exhibition, MYP5 students have the opportunity to present and explain their projects to the school community, allowing them to showcase the fruits of their labour and enhance their public speaking skills. Additionally, it serves as a valuable occasion for other MYP students to gain insight into what awaits them in the future and for parents to become more familiar with the MYP program. Congratulations to all MYP5 students on their accomplishments!
MYP1-4 Design Expo
The MYP1-4 Design Expo took place on Friday, April 28. This event provided MYP students with a platform to display their design projects to parents, students, and teachers in the auditorium. More than 50 groups participated in the expo, showcasing their products on the following themes:
MYP1: T-Shirt Design – Igniting Individuality and Style
MYP2: Creating a Podcast – Unravelling the Tapestry of the Middle Ages and the Black Death
MYP3: Healthy Living Newsletter – Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul
MYP4: How to Help People Cope with Change – Innovative Solutions for Newcomers
During the Expo, students educated visitors about their product creation process, which follows the Design Cycle consisting of inquiry and analysis, idea development, solution creation, and evaluation. This process is foundational to all design projects and closely aligned with the inquiry cycle used throughout the MYP. Congratulations to all the students and the Design teachers for their impressive work!
MYP3 to MYP4 subject selections
MYP3 students and parents are invited to sessions to explore potential careers and university courses in order to make the most appropriate subject choices as they enter MYP4. The available subject choices are Geography or History, Art, Music, Drama or Design, and two sciences. We extend our gratitude to the parents who actively support their children in exploring these options.
Sam Weavers
MYP Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
DP/A Levels
DP2 IBO and Cambridge AS and A Levels External Exams
We are thrilled to update you that our IBDP2 and Cambridge AS/A Levels candidates have actively participated in their external program examinations since April 21, 2023. These exams will continue until June 9, 2023.
We want to extend our best wishes to all our students as they embark on this important phase of their academic journey. We have been privileged to witness their growth and development, and we are excited to see their hard work come to fruition during these examinations.
Our students have shown commendable perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and dedication throughout their time at Acorns International. They are well-prepared for these assessments, and we have full confidence in their abilities.
We want to express our sincere gratitude for entrusting us with your children’s education. Being a part of their academic and personal growth has been an honour.
Once again, we wish all our IBDP2 and Cambridge AS/A-Level candidates the best in their examinations. We are confident in their abilities and eagerly anticipate celebrating their achievements with them.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition
On May 5, our DP1 students showcased their remarkable efforts in organizing the TOK Exhibition on the theme “Unveiling Epiphanies: Knowledge Embodied in Our World”. The TOK exhibition centers around the exploration of how knowledge manifests itself in our world. It involves the selection of three distinct objects, which serve as lenses for investigating thought-provoking prompts and knowledge issues.
Recognizing the abstract nature of the study of knowledge, our students focused on the knowledge represented by the objects to make the debates more tangible and relevant, through the application of the Knowledge Framework of Scope, Perspectives, Methods and Tools, and Ethics.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the students, parents, and teachers who attended the exhibition and actively engaged with our DP1 class, posing thought-provoking questions that stimulated the pursuit of knowledge.
SAT Test Day
We are excited to announce that AIS held its very first Digital SAT Test Day on May 6, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone for our school and showcased our commitment to providing innovative educational experiences for our students.
The SAT is a standardized exam taken by high school students seeking admission to colleges and universities in the United States. It assesses students’ knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, playing a crucial role in college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Kanyesigye Kenneth
DP / A Levels Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
The excitement of the summer break is gradually building up as Term 3 reaches its midpoint! We sincerely appreciate the significant amount of support you have provided.
After-school Clubs / Gymnastics Competition
“There is always a first time for everything,” and we couldn’t be happier to have witnessed our students participating in their inaugural Gymnastics Competition held at the International School of Uganda on May 13, 2023.
We are grateful to all the parents for their response and support in encouraging the students to seize this opportunity. Our students earned medals and certificates of participation. This experience will provide valuable lessons to help them enhance their skills.
Student pick-up
Parents/guardians are encouraged to continue picking up their students on time while carrying an AIS Exit ID Card. In the event that the authorized person with an Exit Card is unable to pick up the student, please contact the AIS Administration with details of the designated individual who will be responsible for picking them up and instruct that person to carry a valid photo ID.
To expedite the pick-up process, you may request an AIS Exit ID Card by emailing [email protected]
Student Health and Well-being
As we prioritize the health of the AIS community, it is crucial for parents not to send their unwell students to school. If a student requires medication administration during school hours, please ensure that the child’s homeroom teacher and the school nurse are aware of the correct dosage.
For further inquiries, please email [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
During this term’s meeting, the Student Council approached the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) for assistance in raising funds for this year’s prom. In response to their request, the PTO decided to let the students take charge of the monthly PTO Home Clothes Day initiative in April. The students were given the opportunity to keep all the proceeds from this event to support their prom preparations.
As the AIS PTO, we are thrilled to collaborate with AIS students and staff members to ensure that the school achieves its established targets and objectives. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to this endeavour.
Ivan Irumba
PTO Chair
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SPECIALTIES
School Teams
As we approach the end of the term, our students will be engaged in important assessments and end-of-year activities. To ensure their full concentration, we will be concluding all school team practice sessions for this academic year on May 20, 2023. Please note, we will not have school team practice after this date.
We are happy to share that our soccer teams (U11 Boys, U13 Boys, and U15 Girls) have received an invitation to participate in the World Schools Football Cup in Barcelona, Spain, this October. We are honoured by this invitation and look forward to working with the concerned parents to accept this opportunity.
Water Safety and Life-Saving Training
AIS upholds a child protection policy that prioritizes the well-being and safety of every child and staff member who enters its premises. In line with this, the school organized Water Safety training for the school sports teachers, Nurses, and some administrative staff. This training was conducted by the Lifesaving Association (Uganda) in partnership with the Uganda Police on April 13-14. The training was informative, and steps have been taken to improve the safety of our swimming pool facility for the well-being of our students. The swimming coaches and lifeguards have also acquired basic first aid skills and risk assessment strategies to mitigate accidents at the pool site. After this training, all of our coaches and nurses are fully certified by the Uganda Lifesaving Association.
Earth Day Celebration
On April 20, 2023, AIS celebrated Earth Day to raise awareness about the urgent need to conserve and protect our shared planet, as aptly suggested by Wendell Berry: “The Earth is all we have in common.” The EC students embraced the theme of ‘Raising awareness about the need to protect the planet’. They actively engaged in recycling games, crafted bird feeders and seed planters, and took part in planting seeds.
In the PYP, Earth Day revolved around the theme of ‘Saving the Earth is a shared responsibility’. Teachers and students delved into inquiries about demonstrating a sense of responsibility towards Mother Nature. Inspired by their inquiries, students were encouraged to take action by caring for and conserving the Earth’s natural resources. Many students planted seedlings, nurtured plants with water, and expressed their commitment by writing poems or songs to foster awareness about conserving our planet’s invaluable resources.
Secondary students watched a thought-provoking video on the exploitation of natural resources. They reflected on personal connections to the content, fostering a deeper understanding of the pressing issues at hand. As part of the planned activities for Earth Day, a video has been shared on Managebac, with the expectation that all students will watch it.
Henry Kalanzi
Head of Specialties
Email: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCE
We are delighted to congratulate our Employees of the Month of April, for their exceptional contributions and outstanding achievements. Their unwavering commitment, remarkable work ethic, and positive attitude have set them apart as beacons of excellence at AIS.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed teaching and non-teaching staff, whose tireless efforts, expertise, and dedication have played an instrumental role in the success we have achieved so far this term. Your passion for education, commitment to our students’ growth, and the countless hours spent in creating engaging learning experiences are deeply appreciated. Together, your collective contributions have made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful for the invaluable role each one of you plays in our continued success.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH – APRIL
Lynn Bugaari Muhangi
Head of Human Resource
Email: [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As the International Baccalaureate (IB) Evaluation cycle approaches, we are eager to keep you informed about the exciting developments taking place at Acorns International School. In preparation for the evaluation, we have established Standards and Practices Committees comprised of dedicated educators and administrators, chosen for their expertise and commitment to upholding the highest standards of education.
These committees play a crucial role in evaluating our school’s practices and ensuring their alignment with the rigorous requirements set by the IB. Their primary task is to review the comprehensive IB self-study questionnaire, which guides our reflection on how effectively we integrate the IB philosophy into our school context. By conducting a thorough examination of this questionnaire, our committees aim to identify both areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. This process enables us to reflect on our practices, acknowledge achievements, and make informed decisions to enhance our educational programs through the development of our Programme Development Plan.
Recognizing that the evaluation process may spark questions and curiosity within our community, we firmly believe that involving all stakeholders is vital for its success. Therefore, in the upcoming academic year, 23-24, we will organize information sessions and workshops to share updates on the evaluation process. These sessions will offer you an opportunity to engage with our committees, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of our evaluation preparations and the requirements of an IB World School.
At Acorns International School, we take immense pride in our commitment to continuous improvement and providing a world-class education to our students. The IB evaluation serves as a valuable opportunity for us to assess our practices and further strengthen our programs. We are confident that our collective efforts will lead to an even more enriching and fulfilling educational experience for all our students.
We extend our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support, involvement, and enthusiasm as we embark on this significant journey together. Through our collaboration, we will continue to nurture and empower one another to achieve our fullest potential.
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF FINANCE
Fees
- Term III fees were due by April 24, 2023. 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].
- If your child’s Managebac account is blocked due to late payment, it will be active within 24 hours of the payment receipt.
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.
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
Binal Patel
Head of Finance Department
Email: [email protected]
LEARNING BEYOND CLASSROOMS
Early Childhood Nature Week
From May 8 – 12, 2023, the EC Department organized an engaging event known as ‘Nature Week’. During this week, students had the opportunity to explore various aspects of nature, including mini-beasts, wild animals, and natural wonders and disasters.
As part of Nature Week, the entire department embarked on an exciting school trip to the Entebbe Zoo. The students were brimming with enthusiasm, although some felt a touch of nervousness about this grand adventure. At the zoo, we encountered a diverse range of captivating animals, such as tigers, hyenas, chimpanzees, zebras, elephants, snakes, ostriches, and many others. It was an exhilarating experience that left a lasting impression on everyone.
After an eventful day at the zoo, we returned to the department feeling both exhausted and fulfilled. The echoes of our zoo trip continue to reverberate through the corridors, reminding us of the joy and excitement we shared during Nature Week.
PYP4 Unit in Action – Economic Fair
On Friday, May 5th, PYP4 students organized an engaging Unit in Action event by hosting their very own Economic Fair. This fair served as a platform for the students to apply the knowledge they gained throughout their unit on “Economic Activity” in a practical and real-life setting. The fair featured a diverse range of goods for sale, including delectable food items, captivating toys, intriguing books, and beautiful jewellery.
Thanks to the tremendous support from everyone, the students successfully raised a substantial amount of money. Not only did they showcase their entrepreneurial skills, but they also demonstrated their compassion and social responsibility. A portion of the funds raised was donated to a charitable cause, allowing the students to make a positive impact on the community. In addition, the students celebrated their achievements by organizing a class party, a well-deserved moment of joy and togetherness.
The PYP4 Economic Fair served as an excellent opportunity for the students to connect their learning with real-world experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of economic concepts while embracing the values of generosity and celebration.
PYP6 Overnight Trip
We are thrilled to recount the unforgettable experiences our PYP6 students had during their recent field trip to Lakeside Adventure Park! This exhilarating excursion provided a remarkable platform for our students to put their cultivated IB Learner Profiles into practice, showcasing their growth throughout their PYP journey.
During their visit to Lakeside Adventure Park, our PYP6 students fully embraced the IB Learner Profiles, exemplifying each profile in action.
Let’s delve into how they embodied these profiles:
Thinkers: Our students exercised their critical thinking skills, analyzing and strategizing to conquer obstacles and solve complex problems. With creativity as their ally, they devised innovative approaches to overcome various challenges.
Communicators: Effective communication played a pivotal role in fostering teamwork and coordination. Our students skillfully expressed their ideas, thoughts, and emotions with their peers, instructors, and park staff, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Risk-takers: Fearlessly venturing beyond their comfort zones, our students wholeheartedly embraced thrilling adventures like ziplining, high ropes courses, and orienteering. They demonstrated resilience, determination, and the courage to confront new challenges head-on.
Principled: Our students exemplified integrity and respect for themselves, their peers, and the environment. They adhered to the rules and guidelines of the park, consistently exhibiting fairness, honesty, and a profound sense of responsibility throughout the day.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lakeside Adventure Park for providing our students with a safe and unforgettable experience.
At Acorn International School, we firmly believe that experiential learning opportunities like this field trip reinforce the values and principles we instil in our students.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and achievements from our PYP6 class as they embark on their final year of the Primary Years Programme!
MYP3 Community Project Actions
The MYP3 students embarked on a Community Service Project, aiming to identify and address issues within their community. They meticulously planned their projects, conducted thorough investigations, and then travelled to Katoogo Village in the Mukono district to implement their community initiatives.
The students actively participated in various activities, which included:
- a) Homestead Visits: During these visits, the students interacted with families facing disadvantages, engaging in discussions about pressing issues such as diseases, unemployment, farming, business ideas, education, and water and sanitation. Each homestead visited received generous donations of food, clothing, and bedding.
- b) Advocacy: The students engaged with students from Pearl Primary School in Katoogo, focusing on topics like poverty, child abuse, technology usage, and kidnappings across the globe. The aim was to raise awareness about these issues and discuss potential solutions.
- c) Teaching: A group of learners provided basic French lessons to pupils, utilizing well-organized instructional materials. Meanwhile, others engaged in activities focused on enhancing basic literacy and numeracy skills. The Pearl teachers supervised these activities, providing valuable guidance and ensuring best practices were followed.
- d) Sponsorship for six learners: The students also had the opportunity to offer five-year scholarships to six learners from Pearl Primary School who were struggling with school fees. Among the beneficiaries was a five-year-old child who used to scavenge for plastic bottles to support their grandmother and pay their own fees, as well as a primary seven student whose fees, including registration fees, were fully covered for the year. The necessary funds for these scholarships were raised through generous donations and bake sales.
- e) Donations towards HIV Treatment: Another group of students carried out activities at Katoogo Health Centre III to support the treatment of HIV patients. They interacted directly with the health center staff and patients, gaining firsthand knowledge about the prevalent diseases in the area and the challenges faced by the health center. The students successfully raised funds for this cause through donations and bake sales held at the school.
- f) Eye Camp: In collaboration with Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital on Lumumba Avenue and in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bugolobi, the students organized a medical camp at Elyon Primary School in Mutungo. This initiative aimed to provide medical services to the population of Mutungo Parish and neighbouring areas. Mutungo Parish was selected due to the lack of a government health facility, despite its large population of 64,663 people, which constitutes 20% of Nakawa Division’s total population (317,023).
The services offered during the camp included general outpatient diagnosis and treatment for common ailments, ophthalmology (eye care), dental services, immunization, family planning, cervical cancer screening, HIV/AIDS testing, Hepatitis B testing, sickle cell testing, and blood donation, among others. Additionally, the community received a discount on all eye-related services at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital. The students actively planned, organized, and facilitated the camp, collaborating closely with the Eye Hospital team.
PERSONAL SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT AIS
ASSEMBLIES
PYP4 Assembly
On April 26th, the PYP4 students delivered an awe-inspiring assembly that left the audience captivated. The focal point of this remarkable event was their outstanding rendition of the renowned musical ‘Annie.’ Showcasing an impressive array of talent, these young performers infused the auditorium with their infectious enthusiasm, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
With unwavering confidence, the students took the stage, flawlessly executing meticulously choreographed dance routines and delivering melodious tunes with exceptional vocal prowess. Furthermore, the students incorporated body percussion, a form of rhythmic expression, into their performance, adding an extra layer of versatility and providing a captivating demonstration of various channels for self-expression.
One notable aspect of the event was the students’ commendable open-mindedness throughout the entire process. Embracing their assigned roles with great enthusiasm, they recognized the significance of teamwork and collaboration in creating an exceptional show. The students’ dedication and hard work were evident in every aspect of their performance. They devoted countless hours to rehearsals, striving for perfection in every note and executing each movement with precision. Their unwavering commitment to excellence paid off spectacularly in the final production.
Secondary
Our Term 3 assemblies commenced with the warm welcome of the Secondary staff to the returning students. During this assembly, the teachers emphasized the virtues of resilience, perseverance, and self-care, particularly as we entered the examination season.
The MYP2Z assembly took place on April 24, 2023, with a strong focus on environmental awareness and sustainability. Through an engaging skit performance, the learners effectively showcased the attributes of caring and reflection from the learner profile. They inspired their peers to take action and contribute positively to their community by promoting sustainable practices such as renewable energy, recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and conserving natural resources.
In the MYP1F assembly, the students centred their attention on International Labour Day. They passionately advocated for the service and caregiving professionals who play integral roles in making our lives easier and more comfortable. The assembly also provided an opportunity for students to express their gratitude and appreciation towards their teachers, highlighting various admirable qualities they possess.
For MYP1S, the assembly revolved around the theme of maternal love and sacrifice. The students presented a captivating play titled “The Chalk Circle of Motherhood,” conveying a powerful message about prioritizing a child’s well-being above biological ties. The performance highlighted the significance of selflessness and depicted the unique bond between mothers and children. The assembly concluded with a touching video featuring photos of MYP1 students with their mothers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the love of mothers and leaving a lasting impact on the school community.
In the MYP1E assembly, the focus was on celebrating Labour Day and advocating for the right person to be in the right job. The assembly incorporated multiple elements, including a panel discussion, a skit, and a dance performance, to emphasize the importance of labour and the contributions of workers. Through a thought-provoking skit, talented students shed light on the challenges faced by highly qualified individuals in securing employment due to social status-based job allocation, addressing issues of corruption and nepotism in the process.
MESSAGE FROM CAREERS TEAM
We are delighted to share that our team has achieved remarkable progress in assisting our DP2 and AS students with their university applications.
Our students have received thorough guidance and unwavering support in navigating the intricacies of the application process, ensuring the submission of exceptional quality. We commend their dedication and hard work during this critical phase.
With great anticipation, we are diligently preparing for the upcoming University Fair on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. This highly-valued event offers our students a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of academic programs and directly engage with representatives from esteemed universities. We firmly believe that this fair will equip our students with invaluable knowledge and insights, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their future educational paths.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outstanding staff, supportive parents, and dedicated community members for their continuous involvement in our career counselling initiatives. Together, we are fully committed to providing our students with the necessary guidance and resources to shape their academic journeys successfully.
Wishing everyone a productive and rewarding half-term break.