From the Director

Another busy week on campus, as IB exams finish and there is pure exhilaration from our seniors! They have worked so hard and now it is time for them to celebrate. In addition to the IB exams, there was MAP Testing, Rocket launching, prep for EZ, and the primary play…the list goes on this week.
Rocket Scientists at AISL!
There was high excitement on Tuesday as our second graders tested the rockets that they have been constructing in IT over the past few weeks. The ELC students were there to cheer them on and good fun was had by all. This is where true scientific learning meets fun for our learners! The rockets themselves were launched way into the air and some landed as far as my garden. 
And more Environmental Technology comes to AISL
When you are next in school you will notice that the Technology Hub has solar paneling. We needed a new power backup for our core network infrastructure. We have now replaced the old system with a single hybrid off-grid solar inverter solution. This is a positive step in the right direction for our longer term strategy around the environment. 
PTA Ball
The PTA are so enthusiastic about the Ball that they will go to all lengths to sell the tickets. It was great fun this week to see them donned black and gold and greet parents at drop off! There is still time to purchase the tickets, either tomorrow morning at the Coffee Social or from Shantall in the main office.
External Learning: Live Book Talk and Q&A with Rainn Wilson (Dwight from the TV series ‘The Office’) 
On occasion, we are in communication with The Big Questions Institute. This Friday (tomorrow), there is a live session open to ALL (staff, students and parents) with Rainn Wilson. This session will run on Friday, May 19th 2023. Full details here.

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​2023-2024 AISL Board Candidates

​We are thrilled to inform you that we have received nominations for the upcoming AISL Board of Directors elections. In the category of U.S. Government-affiliated employee or spouse, we have two candidates: Benjamin Grob-Fitzgibbon and Emery Uwimana. For the membership position from the full AISL parent community, we have three candidates: Gaith El Kamand, George Mpundu Kanja, and Rhett Harrison. We invite you to review the introductions of these candidates below.
We encourage all of you to attend the Election General Meeting on Thursday, June 8th, 2023. At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to vote for the 2 membership positions thereby actively participating in shaping the future of AISL. In addition to the elections, we will be unveiling the AISL annual report and providing an update on the strategic work conducted by the Board.

Warm regards,
Director and AISL Board

​Emery Uwimana

​Salutation! My name is Emery Uwimana, and I am the current chair of the AISL PTA. My son Didier will be starting his third year at AISL soon, and I have now been serving the AISL community in my current role with pleasure. I would like to continue volunteering my time by representing the PTA's mission on the Board of Directors.
As Chair of the PTA, I drafted our current Bill of Rights, which stands as the foundation of our promising constitution. The most notable points which I’d like to see embodied on the Board of Directors include:
1.     Promoting a strong sense of community in partnership with the school and facilitating communication, cooperation, and involvement throughout the school community.
2.     Developing a sense of partnership between school and parents, get an “inside line” on parents’ perspectives, have a heads-up about hot issues, and the ability to test decisions and issues with a small, plugged-in group. 
3.     A partnership governed by trust, respect, and appreciation, while giving parents encouragement and validation. Finding a way to allow all parents to feel heard and included in a community of our size and scope.
4.    Financial Transparency
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I have been an English Language Arts Teacher in Baltimore City for the past four years, including the last two years, teaching virtually from Lusaka. I believe that my passion for teaching, leadership skills, and dedication to student development would make me an asset to the board. Thank you for your consideration.

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​Benjamin Grob-Fitzgibbon

​Hello, I’m Ben Grob-Fitzgibbon and I'm pleased to be a candidate for the AISL Board.
​I am the Political Unit Chief at the U.S. Embassy, and previously served in Beijing, Bangkok, and Shanghai. As an immigrant from northern England, I received my BA from Ithaca College and my MA/PhD from Duke University.  Before joining the State Department, I spent more than a decade working in higher education, teaching and advising thousands of students about curriculum choices and academic pathways as a history professor and the International Relations Program Director at a major research university.
Education has been a cornerstone in my life, as well as the lives of my children - Sophia, Isabel, and Kieran. I am passionate about helping students achieve to their utmost ability. But I know there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Some children are natural learners. Others face more challenges. Some thrive on group work. Others prefer quiet contemplation. And for some, schoolwork is just tough. A great school meets all students where they are and then takes them to the next level.
If elected to the board, I will bring my experience in higher education and diplomacy to ensure that every student thrives. Recognizing that everyone learns differently, I am deeply committed to inclusion and accessibility in education. I will work closely with the school to oversee its strategic direction and ensure that wise financial and curriculum decisions are made to prepare every student for their next stage in life.
Thank you for your consideration!
Very best,
Ben

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​One position from Category:  A parent of the AISL community
1. Gaith El Kamand

​Gaith El Kamand is a Zambian National and director at New Horizon Printing Press. He has been with the company for over 10 years. Gaith has a degree in Business Management and is known for his excellent leadership and communication skills. He has been instrumental in driving the growth of the company and has helped it become one of the leading printing presses in Zambia. 
Gaith has two young daughters in Primary, and intends for them to graduate at AISL. His wife (former PTA president, Danielle) along with her sisters have all attended AISL from 1997 – 2017. Using the values he demonstrates in business and the deep passion of the family’s extensive history with AISL, Gaith aims to ensure that AISL remains successful by being true to its core values and keeping ahead of the times in education.
Gaith attended school in two very different countries and cultural contexts. As such, his background gives him a broad understanding of people and culture, and an open-minded outlook at situations. 
He believes AISL should be proactive in introducing new subjects and teaching methods that are relevant to the changing needs of students while catering for all special needs. While growth is encouraged, budget allocation must be managed with the utmost care and precision. 
Gaith would encourage AISL to foster a culture of continuous improvement by urging feedback from students, parents, and teachers. This feedback can be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for addressing these areas.

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​2. George Mpundu Kanja

​Dear members of the AISL community,
I am George Mpundu Kanja, and I am thrilled to be a candidate for the AISL Board. With my extensive background as a lawyer, law lecturer, and board member, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to AISL's strategic direction and success.
As a lawyer admitted to the Bar in 1995, holding an LLB degree from the University of Zambia and an LLM Masters degree specializing in Commercial and Corporate Law from the University of London, I bring a wealth of legal knowledge. Moreover, my experience as a board member of UNILUS, a premier private university in Zambia, has equipped me with valuable skills in assessing an institution's direction and strategy.
My commitment to education and community is evident through my involvement as a co-founder of UNILUS and as the Parish Council Chairperson at St. Ignatius Parish Catholic Church. Furthermore, my previous roles as a board member of ZESCO Limited and Vice-Chairperson of PACRA have strengthened my leadership and governance expertise.
Motivated by my daughter's exceptional education at AISL, I am eager to give back and contribute to the school's continued success. As a law lecturer specializing in Intellectual Property Law and Banking Law & Practice, and as a practicing partner at the law firm of George & Bwalya Advocates, I bring a unique perspective to the board. I have also authored two laws books namely, Intellectual Property Law and Understanding Banking Law in Zambia.
Having experienced diverse cultures through my travels to various countries in Africa, North America, Europe and Asia, I value multiculturalism and diversity. In my leisure time, I find joy in playing golf, engaging in Rotary and charity work, and promoting environmental conservation.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the AISL Board, utilizing my qualifications, expertise, and passion for education. Together, we can shape AISL's future and ensure its ongoing growth and excellence.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Sincerely,
George Mpundu Kanja

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​3. Rhet Harrison

​Dear AISL Community,
I am Rhett D. Harrison, and I am delighted to announce my candidacy for the AISL Board. I have a strong passion for education and I firmly believe in the significance of a well-rounded learning experience. As technological advancements, including but not limited to AI, reshape the demands for success in college and the job market, I am keen to play an active role in addressing these challenges.
If elected to the school board, I will actively engage with fellow board members and school leadership to deliberate on these crucial matters. Together, we will establish a strategic direction that ensures our children receive the highest quality education possible.
As a proud AISL parent for the past seven years, I have been fully immersed in the school community. Coaching teams in the Leopards Hill Football league, volunteering for the AISL Triathlon, and serving on the PTA and the Torpedoes Swim Club committee have allowed me to contribute to our vibrant community. Additionally, I have had the privilege of delivering voluntary lectures to classes, sharing my knowledge and experiences.
Beyond AISL, I enjoy camping and other outdoor pursuits, through which have explored diverse locations throughout Zambia. Professionally, I am an ecologist with 30 years of research experience in the tropics, focusing on development, conservation, and natural resource management. Teaching graduate students and leading field courses have also been integral to my career.
With my varied background and dedication to education, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the AISL Board. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with the entire AISL community to shape a remarkable and transformative educational journey for our children.
Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I eagerly anticipate engaging in enlightening discussions about the future of AISL.
Warm regards,
Rhett D. Harrison

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Upcoming dates to note

​There are many upcoming dates as we  head towards the end of the school year. 
22 May    Leopards Sports Awards 17.00-18.30
25 May    Africa Freedom Day: No school
26 May    Conversation Summary on Strategy 7.30 am in the Protea Room
26 May    Friday Market
29 May    Week of Experience Zambia
3  June    PTA June Ball – Tickets are steadily being sold.
Please purchase them  from either A PTA Board member of Shantall in the  main office.
8 June      Annual EGM at 18.00 (note the date change from what was advertised)
9 June      Friday Market with a Twist (details to follow)
16 June    Last Day of School (Whole School Assembly at 11.30 - All Welcome) 

​With kind regards,
Dr. Oli Tooher-Hancock
Director