Next week the American Library Association and the AISL Secondary Library celebrate Banned Book Week, an annual event designed to celebrate the freedom to read. It is also a week that draws attention to banned and challenged books. The intellectual freedom that is a hallmark of our school and others like it is something we often take for granted.  Interestingly, one of the books that is in the Top 11 Challenged & Banned books of 2018 is Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give (2017). Last year, when our students voted for the top YA book in our library for our first ever Leopard's Eye Book Award, this was resoundingly their first choice.

At AISL, our library staff chooses books using the best selection tools available (such as School Library Journal, awards lists, and other publications) with a view to subject matters and themes that will resonate with our readers. We strive to uphold the Access to Library Resources & Services for Minors: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights as set forth by The American Library Association.  We also select books for their ability to enrich & support our curriculum (see our Selection Policy for more information on this). We believe that books serve as both windows and mirrors: windows that give us insights into other ways of life and a diverse range of experiences, which is a valuable way to develop empathy. Books also serve as mirrors: the reader can find aspects of his or her own life reflected in that story and as a result, feel less alone or feel validated. We strive to develop a collection that is diverse, engaging, and relevant to our students.
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As we develop our collection, we are also mindful of our international context. Every family has its own set of values and its unique cultural background that enriches our school. Yet, what may be a perfectly acceptable book for the child of one family to read may be deemed inappropriate by the family of another child to due to differing values and cultures. Parents are always the final arbiters of what their child may or may not read, though that does not mean limiting the range of choice available to other patrons. Our library staff makes every effort to help students select books they will enjoy that are appropriate for that child’s grade level and interests, but conversations within the student’s family matter most.  

Feel welcome to come by and browse & add to our interactive displays celebrating Banned Book Week and take a book (or more!) home. If you are interested, here is a short video (2:22 minutes long) called The Top 11 Challenged Books of 2018 (made by The American Library Association & Office for Intellectual Freedom). 

What a great day we had last weekend at the Volleyball LISL Finals tournament that was hosted by Baobab College.
Well done to our Volleyball Players and Coaches at the LISL Finals Tournament at Baobab.
Well played U14/ U16 /U19’s who gave it their very best!
We are so proud.
AISL walked away with the following trophies
                                                                             U16 Boys
                                                                             U16 Girls
                                                                             U14 Girls
                                                                             Well done Leopards!

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On Wednesday, our G3 students invited their families to their first Celebration of Learning of the year. The morning was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with what their child has been learning so far this year in the areas of literacy, math and the first unit of inquiry. Students shared their favorite read aloud books, math strategies, unit of inquiry reflections, reading and writing goals, as well as pieces from their writing journal. Thank you to all of the families who were able to join us for the occasion. We look forward to many more Celebrations of Learning this year in all grade levels.

On Friday, 13 September, the Primary students, teachers and families experienced a spectacular Primary Talent Show last Friday as students shared their talents in the areas of music, dance, comedy, magic, a Kata, short story writing, poetry, singing and puppetry. With forty-eight performances, the show was action packed and enjoyed by all. A very big thank-you to our Talent Show Committee (Ms. Natalie, Ms. Elisa, Ms. Bridget, Mr. Edwin and Ms. Jill) for making the performance possible. 

​EAL Specialist, Rob Martin, gave a workshop to parents of ELC parents last Friday, September 13th. Rob discussed the importance of parents supporting their child's native language at home and how a play-based learning environment supports language learning. Here is a link to his presentation, or you can view it below. 

References: 
​​Ferlazzo, Larry. ‘Do’s & Don’ts for Teaching English-Language Learners’. Edutopia, 12 Mar. 2012, https://www.edutopia.org/blog/esl-ell-tips-ferlazzo-sypnieski.
Robertson, Kristina. ‘Five Things Teachers Can Do to Improve Learning for ELLs in the New Year’. Reading Rockets, 29 Jan. 2009, https://www.readingrockets.org/article/five-things-teachers-can-do-improve-learning-ells-new-year.

Primary teachers and teaching assistants were fortunate to receive intensive training from Deb Gibbs, a math Number Framework consultant, from 11 to the 17 September to enrich their understanding of number knowledge and strategy stages. Deb worked with groups of students from all classes, demonstrating lessons and sharing strategies with teachers. Her visit culminated with a parent presentation on Tuesday 17 September reviewing how students learn math and the ways in which families can support the engagement of their child/ren in math at home. Please see the presentation below to learn more about the Number Framework.