Acorns International School

Parent Information Handbook

INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING

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Contact Details:

Reception Office: Brenda N. Tel: 0393 202 665Email: info@ais.ac.ug

Daycare Coordinator: AsseyTel: 0754 202 664Email: info@ais.ac.ug

Clubs Coordinator: Andi H.Tel: 0414 697 835Email: info@ais.ac.ug

Bus Coordinators: Andi - 0414 697 835Brenda A. - 0716 202 667

Finance Department: Binal DalwadiTel: 0754 202 667Email: accounts@ais.ac.ug

Admissions Department: Sharmin Minsariya Tel: 0716/0756 202 665Email: admin@ais.ac.ug

PYP Coordinator: Shawn KileyTel: 0759 202 668Email: pypcoordinator@ais.ac.ug

Head of Department – Early Childhood: Chelsea KileyTel: 0756 202 669Email: ecdchod@ais.ac.ug

Head of Department – Primary: Shallon Baguma Tel: 0758 202 666Email: primaryhod@ais.ac.ug

Head of Department – Secondary: Olomo Charles Tel: 0716 490 347Email: secondaryhod@ais.ac.ug

Chief Executive Officer: Ameena LalaniTel: 0758 490347Email: ceo@ais.ac.ug

Office Hours:08:00am—4:00pm**At all other times by appointment.

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Welcome to AIS Family AIS is a warm, welcoming school. We work together to prepare children for a successful future in the real world. We believe that AIS philosophy, linked with local traditions and culture offers a perfect start for your child. The curriculum refers to many activities designed to promote the intellectual, social, physical and personal development of the students.

We hope that this handbook provides you with all the information you need to help you settle in as a parent at AIS. Please let us know if you have other questions, and we’ll aim to update the handbook

each year. As you probably know, AIS is a popular international school with small class sizes to ensure that every pupil reaches his or her own potential. The school is particularly keen to involve you in your child’s learning, by letting you know what is happening in class and supporting you to be able to help your child.

The school also aims to develop a really caring atmosphere, with older children being encouraged to help younger ones. All children are expected to take on some responsibility, appropriate for their age.We pride ourselves on being a welcoming school and help pupils settle quickly into school life when they join us.

All staff are dedicated to ensuring pupils make progress in their learning whatever their starting point and have high expectations of them. We have a nurturing approach to learning across the school, so that all children feel valued and are supported to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

Teachers provide stimulating lessons that encourage children’s motivation to learn, developing their thinking and problem solving skills. Children work collaboratively and independently on their learn-ing tasks developing a joy of learning and a desire to succeed.

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Mission Statement:

Core Principles/Values:

Vision Statement:

To strive for academic excellence and provide the finest educational experience for all students with-in a supportive nurturing learning community. AIS is committed to a holistic approach to education

AIS provides a caring, nurturing educational envi-ronment, within an international setting, where all students feel safe, protected, loved, supported, en-couraged and empowered in their own personalised learning journey. The school is committed to educat-ing the whole child by providing the very best inter-

To inspire and empower all students to achieve their per-sonal best and become inquiring knowledgeable lifelong learners who strive to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

national education programme possible. AIS is guided by the principles of intercultural understanding, global mindedness, personalised devel-opment and active participation in the 21st century society. AIS believes that all members of the learning community should demonstrate:Life Long LearningPersonal Responsibility & Mutual Respect Commitment PluralismIntellectual InquiryBi-lingual or Multi-lingualEnvironmental SustainabilityCommunity & Participation

MISSION

VISION

PRINCIPLES

which fosters a balanced development of the whole person and encour-ages the integrated development of human potential across a range of different dimensions including the intellectual, spiritual, moral, esthetic, emotional, social and physical. AIS develops the attitudes, skills and un-derstanding needed for active and responsible contributions to both local and global communities.

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The School DayIn the morning, we are happy to welcome your child to school any time after 07:15am when our teachers are available to care for them. Please note that before this time only limited staff may be available and you may have to leave your child with our security personnel.

Please do not leave your child unattended without an adult in charge. A member of staff will be on duty each morning to greet the children and to take any messages. These will be relayed to the teachers concerned straight away each morning. If you have any other urgent issues please use the office where our staff will be happy to help.

For security reasons we cannot allow your child to be collected by per-sons unknown to AIS unless the office has been previously informed.

Doors open in the morning at 07:15am

Early Childhood Development DepartmentRegistration time: 08:45*amBreak time: 10:00amLunch Time: 12:00pmEC1 & EC2 classes end at 12:00pmReception classes end at 2:15pm*Note: Children reporting after 9:15am will be marked T (tardy) in the register.

Primary DepartmentRegistration Time: 08:00amBreak Time 10:30amLunch time: 12:45pmYear 1 and upwards will end at 3:15pm

*Note: Children reporting after 8:15am will be marked T (tardy) in the register.

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How to Contact Your Child’s Teacher

Our Golden Rules

From time to time you may need to talk to your child’s teacher. As you can appreciate first thing in the morning is a busy time for staff as they are preparing for the day ahead. If you need to meet with the teacher please ask to make an appoint-ment for a convenient time in the day, preferably towards the end of the day. Of course if it is ur-gent our Head of Department and Administration staff are always available to meet with you or ypu are free to call them anytime before 6:00pm

We are gentleWe don’t hurt anybody’s feelings.

We listenWe don’t interrupt.

We look after propertyWe don’t waste or damage things.

We are learnersWe always try our best.

We are kind and helpfulWe think of others at all times.

We are responsibleWe are accountable for our actions.

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CurriculumAt AIS we believe that every child is an individual, with their own strengths and passions. Our curriculum has been specifically developed to bring out the best in each of our children, stretching their minds and imaginations. Our thematic on hands approach far exceeds internation-al standards and embraces the concepts and skills of all major accredi-tation bodies worldwide.

During the course of an academic year your child will embark on a journey of discovery as they explore and inquire into different Units of Inquiry as part of our IB Primary Years Programme. We encourage you to become part of that journey and will send you an overview of the unit before it begins. This will give you the opportunity to discuss the theme with your child. We encourage dialogue in your mother tongue which will help your child grasp the key concepts.

As the students continue their journey, Secondary School Programme will be taught as a stand-alone programme but it is flexible enough to accommodate and integrate other international programmes. The cur-riculum for secondary will encourage students to embrace and under-stand connections between traditional subjects and real world and become critical and reflective thinkers.

AIS is delighted to be part of the International Baccalaureate Pro-gramme. Acorns International School is a candidate school* for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Acorns International School believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme (and in addition the IB Career-related Certificate). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

For further information about the IB and its programmes:http://www.ibo.org

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Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC)Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC)

Primary Department:

At AIS our students are introduced to Jolly phonics schemes of work from a very young age. This multi-sensory approach helps students to naturally grasp the concepts of reading using a wide variety of age ap-propriate materials. In addition to Jolly Phonics, 4 Units of Inquiry are taught across the curriculum using a transdisciplinary approach. Our Teacher - Student ratio in Creche class is 1:3, EC1 is 1:5, EC2 is 1:7 and Reception class is 1:10. ECDC curriculum includes:Jolly Phonics MathematicsUnits of InquiryPersonal Social and Physical Education (PSPE)Information and Communications Technology (ICT)FrenchPerforming ArtsWater Play (EC1 & EC2)Swimming

The curriculum refers to many activities designed to promote the intel-lectual, social, physical and personal development of its children. In ad-dition to the formal teaching sessions of the school day it includes the ‘hidden curriculum’ - the relationship and values evident in the ethos of the school. Our Teacher - Student ratio in primary is 1:20.In accordance with international standards our students study six units of inquiry throughout the year, with additional subjects such as LanguageMathematicsPersonal Social and Physical Education (PSPE)FrenchKiswahiliInformation and Communications Technology (ICT)SwimmingPerforming Arts

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Secondary Department:

Homework

Secondary School Programme will be taught as a stand-alone pro-gramme but it is flexible enough to accommodate and integrate other international programmes. Our Teacher - Student ratio in Secondary is 1:20. The programme consists of 9 subject groups includes:

We believe that homework is a valuable exercise for students that can of-fer a variety of activities which best suit students varied learning needs in an environment outside of the classroom. It is our belief that home-work is an important part of a child’s education. It helps bridge the gap between learning in the classroom and the home environment allowing parents teachers and students to engage in the learning process.

1. Language Acquisition a. French b. Kiswahili 2. Language and Literature 3. Individuals and Societies a. Geography b. History4. Mathematics 5. Technology/Design a. Informantion & Communication Technology b. Design

6. Arts a. Performing Arts b. Visual Arts7. Sciences a. Physics b. Chemistry c. Biology8. Business*9. Physical and Health Education (PHE) a. Physical Education and Swimming b. Health and Social c. Food Tech

It is expected that students do some form of activity each night. On the homework grid there are some activities that are expected to be completed every night, for example read-ing. Other activities should be completed at the students / parents discretion.

The PYP at AIS:PYP programme is driven by the Learner Profile, a framework of ten learner attributes that represent internationally-minded attitudes and values we strive to develop in our learners. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been developed for schools around the globe for students 3-11 years in age.

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Homework Grid – Expectations:Parents and Caregivers can help by:• Taking an active interest in homework.• Ensuring that there is time set aside for homework.• Encouraging and supporting students to complete homework by the specific deadline.• Providing, where possible, a dedicated place for homework and study.• Assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing activities as they are completed .•Communicating with teachers any concerns about the home work and their children’s approach to the homework.

Teachers can help by:• Explaining to students and their parents or caregivers the pur pose and benefits of homework.• Ensuring students and parents or caregivers are aware of the school’s homework policy.• Ensuring that students are aware of what is expected of them, and how their work will be assessed.

This is no set time students should be completing homework in, or the order. However students are expected to complete homework set in a timely manner. Homework is an important aspect of school and learn-ing and should be treated as such.

The time students spend on activities will vary according to the stu-dent’s age, ability and the level of interest student’s display. As such, teachers and parents need to be aware of these factors and allow for them when setting expectations for individual students. Students have one week to complete all activities on the homework grid, unless oth-erwise specified, for example in older students where an assignment may be geared towards at test. Once completed parents should sign the bottom of the sheet to indicate that you have seen the work, and where necessary participated in the process. Teachers will also sign the sheet and make any necessary comments.

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• Marking homework promptly and appropriately, maintaining home work records and providing feedback to students and parents or caregivers.• Alerting parents or caregivers of any developing problems concern ing their children’s homework and suggesting strategies that they can use to assist their children with homework.

Students can help by:• Being aware of the importance of homework.• Being aware of their school’s homework policy.• Completing homework within the given framework.• Alerting parents or caregivers to homework expectations.• Seeking assistance from teachers and parents or caregivers when difficulties arise• Showing their homework to their parents or caregivers• Ensuring the highest standard of homework at all times.

Help your Child be Ready to Learn:Parents and Caregivers can help by:• Taking an active interest in homework.• Ensuring that there is time set aside for homework.• Encouraging and supporting students to complete homework by the specific deadline.• Providing, where possible, a dedicated place

for homework and study.• Assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing activities as they are completed .• Communicating with teachers any concerns about the homework and their children’s approach to the homework.

Teachers can help by:• Explaining to students and their parents or caregivers the purpose and benefits of homework.• Ensuring students and parents or caregivers are aware of the school’s homework policy.• Ensuring that students are aware of what is expected of them, and how their work will be assessed.

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The Importance of Play

Parent Teacher Conferences and Reports:

For children, play is naturally enjoyable. Since it is their active engagement in things that interest them, play should be child-led, or at least child-inspired, for it to remain relevant and meaningful to them.

Children at play are happily lost in themselves; they are in their own realm of wonder, exploration, and adventure,

Play gives children the opportunity to learn and experience things themselves, which is vital for their development.

AIS recognises that good teamwork among parents, children and schools is the key to a successful education for your child. Reporting will be ongoing and comprises of a range of activities which can include children presenting their learning, newsletters and ongoing oral discussions.

We will provide parents with both class and individual reports so that you can see what your child is doing and how they are progressing. In addition, there will be parents’ meetings which offer you the opportunity to discuss how your child is doing in school and you can contact the school at anytime with any matter that you wish to raise. The reporting format will be:

Term 1: Parent Teacher Conference and detailed student reportTerm 2: Student Led Conference and transcriptTerm 3: Parent Teacher Conference and detailed student report

Our style of ‘pupil reports’ will help you to get to know more about the Curriculum which each child follows and will describe strengths, achievements and areas of development.

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Information for Parents—Home School Links:

Special Needs:

School Fees:

We welcome any comments or additional information from parents to help us provide the best possible ‘education for your child. At AIS we endeavor to build positive relationships with all parents and we encourage parents to come to the school to discuss any matter relating to their child’s welfare with the Heads or class teacher as appropriate.

Parent will be sent unit and subject overviews every six weeks to keep you informed about the classroom information and you will be kept informed of school events through regular newsletters and a useful informative web site.

AIS has an open admission policy and from time to time accept children with special needs. Placement is dependent upon the child’s individual needs and may require continuous support from parents. We can also help you find specialist therapists for your child, including speech and occupational therapy and an Educational Psychologist.

We believe that AIS offers a very competitive fee structure. Full details of all fees, including lunches and clubs is available from our office, or on our web site. We kindly ask that term fees are paid a term in advance; take advantage of our early bird option and get a 3% discount and 10% sibling discount is also available. Additionally if you recommend a friend to AIS, who enrols their child with us, we will also give you a reduction of 25% on one term’s fees. We encourage all parents to pay school fees directly via the bank. All other costs can be paid at our offices in either Ugandan Shillings or American dollars.

Each term’s fees are due by the end of week 2 of the school term. Fees are subject to a surcharge of 5% per week after the due date for 30 days. AIS reserves the right to forbid the child to attend or take part in school activities if the fees are unpaid after those 30 days.

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School Uniforms:

Lost Property:

House Teams:

For students from our Reception class onwards the AIS uniform is compulsory. Children in all other classes are encouraged to wear the school uniform which is available from our office. The uniform consists of trousers, shorts or short/skirts with a practical polo style t. shirt and a jumper. In addition to our school uniform a practical PE kit is also available, which should be worn by all students on the day of their PE lesson and weekly assembly. Please label all the uniforms.

It is much easier for staff to return jumpers and other items of clothing if they are named. If you choose to write on the label, please check after washing that the name is still visible. We have a Lost Property box and display all the items at different times throughout the year.

All students will be assigned a house team at the time of their admission by the admin office. AIS aims at children having a sense of belonging to their house team. AIS strives to have all the siblings in the same house team but if necessary exceptions can be made.

If your child is going to be away for an extended period, in order to retain the place in the school, either the term’s fees should be paid in advance or you will need to re-register your child on your return. Unless the appropriate documentation is completed, we cannot guarantee to hold the place open for your child.

Sample

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Safety and Emergency RegulationsDrills: Special drills are planned by the school to train everyone in procedures to be followed in particular types of emergency. Emergency exit procedures are clearly posted in all class-rooms and in the main offices. Teachers are familiar with basic emergency procedures and exit routes and model the required response and behaviour for their children.

Emergency Evacuation: In the case of fire or other types of emergency, children staff and visitors evacuate the school quietly without panic and in the least possible time.

Non Evacuation Emergency: In the case of a danger from outside the school gates or the intrusion in the building by unauthorised, armed in-dividuals a lock down procedure would be put in place. If the school believe it is unsafe for children to travel home, the children will be kept at the school and supervised by teachers until it is safe to travel or a par-ent collects the child.

The school will endeavour to contact all parents by phone to explain what is happening and provide them with the opportunity to collect their children from school.

In the case of a major emergency, we ask that parents do not phone the school because this will congest the lines and prevent us from contact-ing you.

Medical Emergency: In the event of a medical emergency AIS will im-mediately contact our health insurance provider and seek ambulance and contact parents.

School Security: We have a comprehensive security system in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all our staff, children and visitors. Children will not be allowed to leave the premises other than parents/guardians unless informed. Car stickers are necessary to be placed at the front of the windshield and to ensure the safety of our students and the entire school, vehicles with stickers will be allowed in the school premises.

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Lunches

Morning Snacks

No Sharing Policy:

Importance of Water:

We serve a balanced hot lunch to our students each day, with a vegetarian option always available. We know that some children can be fussy eaters; staff will encourage children to try new foods, but never force.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s diet please discuss these with our staff. You may, if you prefer, pack your child his/her own lunch. Cost of

All children should come with a snack and drink for their mid-morning break time. This should be a healthy snack and we request that crisps, sweets and soda should not be included in their snack box. A healthy snack may be savoury biscuits or crackers, fruit, raw chopped vegeta-bles, cheese or non-sugar popcorn.

Children staying for our day care programme are also requested to bring a healthy snack to eat after school hours, before they are collected. This should include a non-sugar drink. If you have any questions regarding your child’s diet our staff are happy to assist.

In the best interest of all students, school has no sharing policy in place. We do not expect our students to share their food or snacks with each other being cognizant about the allergies others can have. Teachers talk to students on regular basis about this in the class and we would encourage you to talk with your children about the same at home.

Children can become dehydrated during the course of the day. We have water dispensers on the premises for the students to use. Please ensure that your child has a water bottle with them at all times. This should be clearly marked with the child’s name. Thank you.

lunches is available with our fee structure. Children will not be allowed to leave school premises during lunch time.

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Clubs:

Daycare Programme:

Summer Clubs:

Allergies:

The school offers a range of club activities Monday – Friday afternoons. We believe that children at the start of their school life will benefit from the range of activities they experience and we aim to give a wide range options for our young learners. Clubs are at additional cost. We welcome your suggestions for suitable extra curriculum activities that your child may wish to pursue.

When it comes to after school care AIS can give you the peace of mind that every parent needs. Our dedicated staff will care for your child at the end of the day until 5:30pm. Care is tailor made to suit your child’s needs, allowing those who need a rest to take a nap whilst others are happily playing in a safe, caring environment. A surcharge will be charged if the child is picked up after 6:00pm. Daycare rates are available from our office and are paid in advance.

We know that the summer school holidays can be long, boring and chal-lenging for both children and working parents. AIS is delighted to offer a comprehensive programme of holiday clubs during long summer break. Activities are designed to stimulate minds and ensure that children have a fun-filled morning with us. The programme for each club varies according to the time of year; all clubs are run by qualified, enthusiastic staff. Please see our website for full details or talk to a member of our staff.

Please ensure that the school is accurately informed of all allergies. When a child has a fatal nut allergy we ask that parents of all children in that class be sensitive to the allergy and refrain from sending in foods containing these products for snack, lunches, special snacks or parties.

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If Your Child is Unwell at School:

First Aid:

If your child reports to school about any pain or illness, the child will be taken to sickbay and the school nurse will observe for some time. If the pain is ongoing then parents/guardians will be contacted for further action.

If your child needs medication during the day we are happy to administer it. Please pass to the class teacher or school nurse with specific instructions likei) Name of the childii) Time to administeriii) Dosage to administerHowever if your child is taking antibiotics we suggest that these are given at home. Please remember that if your child is ill then they should not be in school and we would appreciate you informing our office on the morning of their first day’s absence with details of their illness. We advise that in cases of tummy bug, that children are well for 24 hours before returning to school to prevent the spread of the virus.

Please note that if your child has an infectious disease eg chicken pox, then he/she should not be in school until he is no longer contagious.

If your child has an ongoing medical condition, please arrange to speak to the HOD about this and discuss appropriate care and treatment.

In addition to having a fully qualified nurse at school, all of our staff are First Aid trained and many have additional qualifications in Paediatric Emergency Aid, with CPR. We will deal with minor injuries and administer first aid as necessary. We will always advise you with a note of a bumped head during the school day or a grazed knee. In the event of a more serious accident, or your child has taken seriously ill, we would contact you straight away and contact our medical insurance provider for the ambulance service.

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Celebrations at AIS:

In Closing

We are delighted to help your child celebrate his / her birthday with their friends at AIS. Please arrange with the class teacher a suitable time during the course of the day. A simple cake, a non– fizzy drink and a small snack are a perfect way to remember the occasion. All gifts are best kept at home to share with the family and will not be allowed to pass out in the class.

We hope that you have found this handbook helpful and informative. Should you have any suggestions or further questions we would be de-lighted to hear from you. We welcome visits from parents and friends at any time during our day, however should you require to spend time with your child’s teacher or in the classroom, we suggest that you make an individual appointment.

Remember parents who recommend AIS to friends and family who en-rol a child with us will receive a discount off their term fees. Please see our financial policy for additional information.

During the course of the year AIS will be celebrating a wide variety of internation-al events. All events are marked on our calendar, and invitations will also be sent home as a reminder. If you would like to help or suggest a suitable celebration for our calendar please see our administra-tion staff.

Each week we hold a class assembly. You are kindly invited to join us for your child’s assembly, again we will ensure that

you receive your own invitation to remind you of the event.

If you would prefer for your child not to participate in any of our celebrations please inform the HOD and the child’s class teacher.