March 2024

Message from The CEO

Another Humble Beginning

With great enthusiasm I would like to announce that we are now ready to embark on yet another humble beginning – introducing Acorns Gulu! With eager anticipation, we sow the seeds of new Acorns to witness the metamorphosis of this barren land into the vibrant campus of Acorns International School. let’s inspire and empower the future of Acorns International Schools!

REVISION OF VISION, MISSION, CORE VALUES AND LOGO

And so the journey persisted, with the entire school community actively participating in the revision of our vision, mission, logo, and uniforms. The collective effort of each member has been truly inspiring, as reading through each contribution not only brought smiles but also enriched the overall thought process. It’s heartening to witness the diverse perspectives and ideas that have shaped our shared vision for the future. Watch the space the vast expanse as we undergo a transformative overhaul!

New Uniforms

As we took the feedback from you all about new uniforms, we are thrilled to announce that with new academic year, starting from the upcoming academic year, our students will proudly don new uniforms! Stay tuned as we reveal the captivating designs and vibrant colours soon. Rest assured, this transition will be gradual, and no one will be compelled to switch to the new uniforms. Students may continue wearing their current uniforms for as long as they prefer.

Exchange Programme

The exchange programme between Acorns Kisaasi, Oak, and Acorns Kigali was an exceptionally enriching and profoundly impactful experience for all involved. Throughout the programme, we had the privilege of hosting not only students but also esteemed teachers and the Head of School from Acorns Kigali and Oak. The exchanges fostered deep and meaningful connections, facilitating an exchange of ideas, perspectives, and cultural insights. Each interaction was characterized by thoughtful discourse, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation among participants.

I was deeply moved by the exceptionally thoughtful gift I received during our joyous celebration of exchanges. This heartfelt gesture also serves as a gentle reminder of the humble beginnings from which I initiated these journeys, and it’s heartening to see how each one of you has contributed to transforming them into robust and impactful institutions today. Such moments exemplify the true essence of a meaningful life, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Acorns Kigali for leaving an indelible mark. Thank you all for making these occasions so exceptionally special!

Celebrating Women of ACORNS

Is it a beautiful coincidence or shared vision or a living legacy, Heads of Acorns School over the past 28 years and currently, the heads of all three Acorns Schools, my esteemed counterparts, have been, and continue to be, inspiring women. All the women contributed in this journey, I am thankful and grateful. To all the incredible women out there, thank you for your contributions, passion, and resilience. Today, and every day, let’s stand together in the pursuit of equality and justice.

Message from The Head of School

Dear AIS Community,

I hope this message finds you well as we come to the end of term with open arms and hearts filled with excitement. This term marks a significant moment for us as we welcomed new learners into our school family. We extend a warm welcome to each new student, and we are thrilled to embark on this educational journey with them.

We deeply appreciate the feedback we received from parents and guardians over the past term. Your insights and suggestions have been invaluable in helping us improve our programs and services. We are committed to ensuring that your voices are heard and that we continue to work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.

As we strive for excellence, we are pleased to announce that our school has experienced significant growth, leading to the streaming of classes. This development allows us to cater to the diverse needs of our students more effectively, ensuring that each learner receives the support and attention they deserve.

Additionally, we are delighted to welcome new members to our team. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our school community, and we are confident that they will contribute greatly to our mission of providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all students.

As we break off let us continue to work hand in hand to create a vibrant and inclusive community where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a restful break.

Sincerely, Evelyn Twebaze – Head of School
(headofschool@oakinternational.ac.ug)

Message from The Curriculum Coordinator

Dear AIS Community,

As we approach the end of another successful term, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support and active participation in our school’s activities and programs. Your unwavering dedication to your child’s academic journey and well-being has truly made a significant impact on our school community.

We recognise and appreciate the invaluable role you play in ensuring that our school environment remains conducive to learning. Your ideas, support, and constructive challenges have been instrumental in shaping a better educational experience for all our students. Together, we have embarked on an incredible journey, and the collaborative efforts of educators, students, and parents have undoubtedly created an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This term, we welcomed a number of new students, enriching our school community with further diversity and experiences. Additionally, we have enhanced our provision of education by introducing intensive language acquisition classes for our English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Furthermore, we celebrated Science Week this term, providing students with the opportunity to engage in a variety of practical experiments that brought science to life. This initiative aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for science and its applications in everyday life, igniting curiosity and passion among our students.

In line with our commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities, we have expanded our online offerings through the implementation of the Seneca learning platform for students in Year 5 and above (https://senecalearning.com). We encourage you to motivate your child(ren) to utilise this platform during the holidays, as it has proven to significantly enhance retention and retrieval of information.

We are delighted to report that our focus on promoting consistent and timely submission of homework has yielded positive results. We extend our gratitude to parents for their support in instilling the importance of completing homework assignments. We kindly request your continued support in reinforcing this essential aspect of academic responsibility.

While we have made strides in promoting positive behaviour for learning this term, we acknowledge that this is an ongoing endeavour that requires the steadfast support of both parents and teachers. We urge you to encourage your child(ren) to take an active interest in their learning by regularly reviewing their grades on Quercus as a family.

This collaborative approach facilitates accountability and encourages academic progress.

We are committed to optimising class time for effective learning and have implemented measures to minimise disruptions, such as frequent toilet and water breaks during lessons, by the introduction of ‘permission cards’ required when leaving the classroom. We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of utilising break and lunch times for such activities, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for lessons. The introduction of permission cards in all classes has already shown promising results in managing class disruptions.

We express our sincere appreciation for your support during Sports Day, which this year spanned two days to accommodate all year groups and maximize student participation. Sports Day not only promotes teamwork skills but also provides a platform for our students to showcase their talents. We were delighted to see so many parents actively involved in this event, demonstrating our strong sense of community spirit.

As we embark on the holiday break, we encourage you to support your child in continuing their learning journey by accessing and engaging with the core-subject revision resources available on the Google Drive for each year group. You can find the links to the respective Google Drive folders below. Your involvement is invaluable in reinforcing the importance of continuous learning beyond the classroom.

Once again, we extend our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in education and create a nurturing environment where every child can flourish.

Year 1:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lWHCUTFlbbxNQA5JLwtgJ3zg5WaVfu36?usp=sharing

Year 2:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-bQba9B7Tq0VmI9LIjNcNfA88coaj-vN?usp=sharing

Year 3:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jot0zQb9QBymyd6q94sFt68vky-cZM8C?usp=sharing

Year 4: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_UXnXPWMgsqn8c91AsDWizfzpp2XGeLD?usp=sharing

Year 5: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GQ2IB7m8lSLfww8vnAVdryz1Kvdto-H1?usp=sharing

Year 6: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1r9o8D6Z1CQdayJNUjtscxPuuRoqMyUkP?usp=sharing

Year 7: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Cd-vlX7di5VleUkZ-TPzDfgfb9gGQ8s2?usp=sharing

Year 8: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EDJ1CR_U2tmiQXDe8MMbNXHzpGZK22bQ?usp=sharing

Year 9: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c-DhIoNQfkGuV2waZN4eYj9gxgOJwmIH?usp=sharing

Year 10: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cba5GYmUMUa7lNSagoXk_AflDe17Wss8?usp=sharing

Sincerely, Nikita Marcellin – Curriculum Coordinator
(cc@oakinternational.ac.ug)

Message from The Finance Admin

Dear AIS family,
We would like to thank you for the efforts made towards clearing school fees on time, however, some have not managed to keep up with timelines.

Please note:
– A minimum of 70% of school fees must be cleared at the beginning of the term.
– Children whose fees have not been cleared will be sent home after 10 days until full school fees are cleared.
– Children with any outstanding amount will not be allowed to begin the new term.
– If you wish to register your child for lunch and transport services please do so before the beginning of the term as it will help us plan better.
– Club list will be sent out at the beginning of the term.
– Offices will be open during holidays from 9 am to 2 pm. For inquiries and payments.
– Please find attached the fees structure. (DOWNLOAD FEES STRUCTURE)

For any further queries:
Email: finance@oakinternational.ac.ug
Call: +256702202775

Happy Holidays!

First Day Of School

On the drizzling morning of January 9th, the start of Term II welcomed back continuing students to the school grounds, marking the beginning of a new academic chapter. The day held particular significance as it not only marked the return of familiar faces to the school environment but also introduced a fresh batch of students who were officially inducted into the school community. The induction process aimed to create a sense of belonging and familiarity for the newcomers, setting the tone for a positive and inclusive learning experience.

As part of the school’s cultural tradition, a series of engaging welcome activities were organized for students across different levels. In the Early Years, Ms. Rebecca, Ms. Scovia and Ms. Juliet guided students through the excitement of guessing items from a Mystery box. For Lower and Upper Primary, Mr. Simon, and Ms. Anita orchestrated a lively session of hopscotch. Meanwhile, in the upper classes, Mr. Godfrey and Ms. Faith led an intellectually stimulating Word Unscrambling activity. Despite the brevity of the activities, lasting only one hour from 7-8 am, they served as a spirited kick-off to the day before students delved into their regular classes. Given the condensed nature of the term, the prompt transition to academic pursuits reflected the school’s commitment to maximizing the limited time available for learning.

Science Week & Exhibition

The Science Week held at our school this term was a resounding success, culminating in the highly anticipated Science Exhibition on February 9th. Throughout the week, teachers and students from all levels enthusiastically engaged in a variety of scientific explorations and experiments, showcasing their curiosity and creativity.

The week began with students diving into a plethora of experiments, each designed to pique their interest and foster their scientific inquiry. From deciphering fingerprints to tackling the egg drop challenge, from designing models for elevated homes to exploring recycled fashion, and designing water cycle models, there was something to captivate every budding scientist’s imagination.

In addition to these hands-on activities, students delved into more complex topics such as saltwater density, rock types, and the phenomena of eclipses. They also ventured into the realm of laboratory experiments, conducting investigations on acids and their reactions, further deepening their understanding of chemical processes.

As the week progressed, excitement built towards the Science Exhibition, where each class proudly showcased their standout experiments. The exhibition hall buzzed with energy as fellow students and teachers meandered through the displays, marveling at the ingenuity and dedication demonstrated by the students.

From intricate models depicting sustainable housing solutions to carefully crafted exhibits elucidating the properties of different rock types, the breadth and depth of the students’ projects were truly impressive. The creativity displayed in the recycled fashion show was particularly noteworthy, highlighting the students’ commitment to environmental consciousness.

The atmosphere was one of celebration and discovery, as students shared their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm for science with each other and their teachers. Teachers provided guidance and encouragement, fostering an environment where students felt empowered to explore and experiment.

As the curtains closed on this term’s Science Week, it was evident that the event had not only sparked curiosity and excitement but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the scientific world among students and teachers alike. The legacy of learning and exploration ignited during this week will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of scientists at our school.

OAK Community Joins Acorns in Groundbreaking Ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Acorns Campus in Lubowa marked a momentous occasion, with selected staff members and representatives from the Student Council of OAK Community in attendance. Their participation symbolized the strong bond between the two sister schools and their shared commitment to educational excellence. As shovels dug into the earth, it signified not only the physical start of construction but also the beginning of a new chapter in academic innovation and growth. Witnessing the expansion of Acorns’ campuses was a source of pride for all present, underscoring the continuous evolution and development of educational opportunities in the region. This collaborative endeavor serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between OAK and Acorns, laying the foundation for future generations of learners to thrive in a nurturing and dynamic environment.

Student Exchange Program

The student and staff exchange program between OAK Community and Acorns, our esteemed sister school, marked a pivotal moment of collaborative learning and cultural exchange. With the overarching goal of fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between our educational communities, this initiative proved to be an enriching experience for all involved. Faculty members from both institutions engaged in insightful discussions, sharing best practices and innovative teaching methods, thus broadening their pedagogical horizons. Meanwhile, students eagerly embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in new environments, forging friendships and deepening their appreciation for diverse perspectives. Whether through classroom interactions or extracurricular activities, the exchange program nurtured a sense of global citizenship and interconnectedness among participants. As we reflect on this transformative experience, it becomes evident that such initiatives not only enhance the educational landscape but also sow the seeds of lasting bonds and collaboration across borders.

Welcome To The Community

After the half-term break, Acorns Community welcomed a vibrant influx of new students, marking yet another milestone in its journey of growth and inclusivity. The school’s expansion reflects its burgeoning reputation as a nurturing educational haven. Excitement buzzed through the halls as these fresh faces eagerly embraced their roles within the Acorns family, ready to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the vibrant tapestry of our school community. With open arms, existing students welcomed their new peers, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Each newcomer brought with them a zest for learning and a hunger for new experiences, embodying the spirit of exploration and collaboration that defines Acorns. As we embark on this new chapter together, the collective enthusiasm of both old and new members propels Acorns Community towards even greater heights of academic achievement and personal growth.

Sports day

Over the span of two exhilarating days, Sports Coach Umar, along with a dedicated team of selected staff, orchestrated two vibrant sports events that captivated the school community. The first day was dedicated to the youngest students, from Early Childhood Development to lower primary, while the second day embraced the energy of the upper primary to secondary students. Divided into their respective houses – Fire, Air, Water, and Earth – the students eagerly showcased their athletic prowess. In a thrilling display of talent and teamwork, the first event culminated with Team Water emerging triumphant, closely followed by Fire as the first runner-up. The momentum continued into the second day, where Team Air soared to victory, with Team Water securing the first runner-up position once again. Umar and his team worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the event ran smoothly, from coordinating logistics to managing competitions, each staff member played a crucial role in creating an environment where students could thrive and showcase their talents. The turnout for both events was nothing short of spectacular, with parents, teachers, and students alike reveling in the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display. As the last event concluded, it not only marked the end of the second term but also ushered in the holiday season with a sense of accomplishment and joy.

THE TERM IN PHOTOS

CEM Assessments

Swimming Gala

Class & Out door activities

Employees of the the months