From The Director

Dear AISL Community,
Trunk or Treat
A huge thank you to the PTA for organizing the Trunk or Treat event last Friday. It was an extremely well executed event and a fond memory to mark this time of the school year.
Here are Pictures from Trunk or Treat 2021

COP26
Perhaps one of the most important gatherings occurring at this time, and maybe ever in Glasgow (!), for the future of our planet is the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP26). This could not be a more perfect teachable and learning moment. Please see the link provided by one of our teachers, Ms Cullen. The presentation is extremely informative and will make for some interesting and very important conversations around the dinner table.  26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties

COVID Update - Lest we Forget
As we continue to ‘open up’, which we must, we need to also be mindful of the effects of this virus. The global community marked a very sad milestone this past weekend. The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reported that 5 million people have lost their lives during the pandemic. That's five million families who have lost a parent, a grandparent, a brother or a sister, a child, a friend or a colleague, as the world continues to deal with this virus. We are certainly looking forward to this being over, but for now we must continue to act as safely as we can and we all certainly look forward to better days ahead.
​
Movember 
This month acknowledges Movember and I hear it is a tradition here to take part in this worthwhile activity. So for those who can, show your spirit and grow some facial hair. It may not be pretty for some, but it does raise awareness of prostate cancer and general health issues in men. We encourage all ages, who can!

Upcoming Community Event
Annual General Meeting (AGM)  23 November
You are invited to the online Annual General Board Meeting 23 November, 2021 18:00 GMT+2 (Lusaka Time).  This meeting will happen over Zoom. Please register in advance for this meeting at this link. 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  What to expect at this meeting is a Welcome from the Board Chair, an update on the school from the Director and her team, and an opportunity for us to answer your questions. In order to help us to be ready to answer your questions, please send us your questions in advance to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

---

To Ponder 
A Poem for Diwali
The Lamps Are Different
By Rumi
The lamps are different,
but the Light is the same.
All religions, all this singing, one song
I look not at the tongue and speech,
I look at the spirit and inward feeling.
Religions are many, God is one.
The lamps are different, 
but the Light is the same:
it comes from Beyond.
Concentrate on the Essence,
Concentrate on the Light. 

For those in our community who celebrate, enjoy the festivities!
I hope it stays dry for the weekend and for the Brits amongst us, for Bonfire Night... but the rains are certainly here!
​
Dr. Oli Tooher-Hancock
Director
American International School of Lusaka