From the Director
Meerkat News
American International School of Lesotho
Important Dates:
Friday, 17th December - Last day for students - half-day Saturday, 18th December, 2021 - Monday, 10th January, 2022 - Christmas Holidays Monday, 10th January, 2022 - Teacher only day - No students Tuesday, 11th January, 2022 - Students return
10th December 2021
Dear AISL Community, We are reaching the end of 2021, and like many of you, I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 can bring. Challenges are good, but as long as they are challenges that can lead to a positive impact and community. This week, I would like to talk about influence and inspiration. We sometimes wonder what impact we may have and whether or not someone is listening or paying attention. For the parents of young children, you will certainly realise when you hear some words or phrases coming from the mouth of your young child that you didn't expect and realise that they must have overhead it come from you. The science shows us that children are intellectual sponges and have the ability to absorb so much of what is going on around them. Whether consciously or unconsciously. "At age one, children recognize about 50 words; by age three, they recognize about 1,000 words; and by age five, they recognize at least 10,000 words" (Franzo Law II, University of Wisconsin-Madison) Meaning that what the children are exposed to at home, among family, at school, or while visiting friends, it can be habit forming or part of development of who the child is. A goal should be to create a better generation than the one we were a part of. This means that we need to be inspiring our children and making sure that the experiences and examples we are setting are positive and allowing for growth; because you never know who might be watching. Mark Brookes
COVID-19 Update
Dear Community, Since last week, the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus has caused a lot of disruption. For those who have had their holiday plans disrupted, we all empathise with you. This is a tricky time for major disruptions, but with any luck, and all of us considering our impact on our close and wider community, we can hopefully move past this in the coming months. Please choose your holiday plans carefully and be aware that this time of year there is a lot of movement of people to return to villages, South Africa or Lesotho, and also gatherings of family and friends. Be cautious about your plans to keep you and your community safe. Mark Brookes Reminder: If someone in the household is symptomatic, please keep the child home. Contact the nurse on the information below.
School Nurse Sengovuka Mlotshwa
This is his contact information: +266 5888 7263 and nurse@aisl.co.ls.
Recycling
Dear community, Some of you may or may not be aware, but as AISL community members, you have membership with the Maseru Club across the road. This means that you are entitled to visit the club at any time. You are able to use the sport facilities, the pool, as well as have some drinks inside the main clubhouse. You may be asked your membership status. Simply mention you are parents of the school. However, this membership only applies to AISL community members and not for others. If you wish to use the pool or sports facilities like the basketball, tennis courts, and squash courts, talk to the guards about access to the keys. Our guard has the key to the pool gate so you can enter from the gate opposite the front of the school. You are asked to ensure that you keep the area clean of rubbish, etc. Please also follow standard COVID-19 protocols while using the facilities. Also, on the weekends, you are welcome to use the school playground following the same advice as above. Mark Brookes
Last week to contribute
Dear AISL community, The recycling from the school has recommenced. Recycling is collected from the school every Wednesday. Feel free to bring your cardboard, paper, cans, plastics to the school. The guards will assist you.
Kindness Tree
Maseru Club and School playground
The kindness tree is placed in the entry area of the school. The items from the wish list have been written on the back of a picture of a Christmas bulb (which have been proudly coloured in by the Early Years students). Thank you to all the families who have already contributed. Pre-loved items are welcome such as clothes or toys. However, please ensure they are still in good condition. Please leave with the office, the guards, or have your child give to the classroom teacher. Thank you for your support and showing that "we are a caring community" We would love to show school spirit and the spirit of the season and make this a worthy endeavour.
3rd Grade Newsletter
Kindness is: Being nice to others Giving each other confidence Helping people Saying nice words Playing nicely and safely Sharing things together Respecting others Caring for each other
 From: Grade 3 To: Everyone

This week, students connected math, reading and cooking. Students read different versions of the Gingerbread Man and completed a compare and contrast assignment. They practiced measuring the ingredients for the cookie dough and on Thursday they rolled the dough and made the shapes. Once the cookies were baked, they used their creativity to make yummy treats. Since this is the giving season, students decided who they would like to offer some yummy cookies.
Grade 2 Bakers
Community Holiday Activities