Director's News

Dear AISL Community,
Please see below the Final Director Update for the 2021-2022 School Year:

Here again are AISL Impact Goals 2022-2023

• Overarching Strategic Impact Goal
  

The AISL Community is thriving because we are innovative, inclusive and imaginative.

• Operational Learning Impact Goal
  

Learning at AISL is optimal because it is purposeful, learner-centered, connected to real world issues, and aligned with our vision, “Every Student Thrives”.

• Governance Impact Goal
  

To fulfill our mission, our governance is strategic, future focused and secured by sound stewardship.
New Hires at AISL 20-23
This year’s recruiting season, as ever, was intense as we searched numerous databases for new teachers for the next school year. We have been able to attract the following to join our team in August. New Hire Bio's 2022 
As our younger son is graduating from university on Tuesday 14 June, in Scotland, I will miss the last three days of school. 
The Danger of a Single Story
To end this Leopard’s Tale, please consider watching Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies’s TedTalk, The danger of a single story. Lots for us to think about, and extremely important in our diverse community.
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!
Gooooooooooooooooo Leopards.
h
​With kind regards,
Dr. Oli Tooher-Hancock

Message from the Board Chair

​Dear Members of the AISL Association:

As we near the final days of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing me the honor to serve as your Chair of the AISL Board of Directors. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the many people who have helped support me and the Board during my three years as Chair.  I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Rob Munro for his four years of service on the Board, and for taking on the role of AISL Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. 
There are many individuals I also want to recognize for making AISL a thriving school for all our children. First – the teaching faculty and staff.  You are at the center of shaping lives for the next generations. Though we do not reflect on it nearly enough, the work you perform every day is truly life-changing. Teaching is a hard job, but it is one of the most important jobs – and to quote one of my favorite teachers, “hard things are important things.” Thank you for your commitment and for helping our children grow and thrive.

Next, to our principals  – Darlene and Rick – I am simply in awe. Your tireless leadership 27/7 keeps AISL pumping. We are truly fortunate to have your leadership of our primary and secondary schools. You have a vital role to guide the educational program and the development of our children at AISL. 
To the parents and members of the association – you are the lifeblood of this school. I have relied on many of you for your knowledge of Zambia and history of the school, and cannot thank you enough for helping educate me these past three years. Some of you have a history of the school that spans decades, and helped grow the school to where it stands today.  Equally, I want to appreciate all members of the association from the U.S. Embassy, diplomatic community, businesses, and organizations – all of you who were drawn to Zambia for your work, and have chosen to make a home at AISL. 

Finally – to our director, Oli. When the Board selected you as our next director, we were confident that you were the best person to lead AISL to thrive at greater heights. We were thrilled that in the early days of the pandemic in 2020, that someone of your caliber would consider a move to a new country and lead a new school. You have fulfilled our highest expectations, and we are so pleased with all you have accomplished in your first year alone. As the Board’s only employee, you have the unique pleasure of spending more time with the Board than anyone. In addition, you have taught us, and we all have benefitted from your vast knowledge of the IB and vast experience from all over the world.  You have helped us all become better Board members. Your unending professionalism, expertise – and good humor! - has made our role worthwhile, and enjoyable.  In addition, I extend my thanks to you and your family – both Mike who joins you in Lusaka, and your grown sons – I know how much you have all sacrificed as a family so that you can do all that you do for AISL.

Three years ago when I joined the Board, neither I nor anyone could have anticipated how the world would unfold. Chairing the Board throughout the pandemic has provided endless learning that I will carry with me for a lifetime. In addition, there are so many successes that I’ve had the good fortune to witness during my tenure.  Some success has been highly visible, including the campus and security improvements to our beautiful school.  Some improvements are less visible – but equally if not more important for our children’s growth and protection. The successes of AISL are many – and I really thank Oli, and Russ as our previous Director – and my fellow board members for their dedicated efforts. 

Now, we near time to pass on the baton.  The U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires has named Mr. Sean Robinson, a current board member, as next year’s Board Chair.  So I move on from the board with confidence that the school is in a strong position and set up for success. Wherever my family and I go in the word, please know that we will remain loyal Leopards always!  

Thank you for all of your support,
Sarah Crites