Meerkat News
American International School of Lesotho
Important Dates:
Saturday 1st May 2021 - International Labor/Workers' Day Thursday 13th May 2021 - Ascension holiday Tuesday 25th May 2021 - Africa Day holiday TBD (May) - Opening of new Safe Haven building Thursday 17th June 2021 - Last day for students
30th April 2021
From the Director
Dear AISL Community, Why do we read? Interesting question. There are many reasons we read - some being informational, instructional, or for pleasure. In fact you are reading this right now! The image to the left focuses on a different part of "why do we read?", that being in comparison to watching. Before the invention of the television, or movies, most of our information was gathered by word of mouth (no one is old enough to know the Town Crier), or the newspaper/magazine. However, television changed how we got information and how we process that information. The image is obviously an exaggeration to make a point, but I think that point is very important. This month I have talked about the different reasons for reading. Inspiring imagination and creativity being some of the reasons. To answer the question of "why do we read?" can be that reading puts us in control of what we imagine. We create the scenes, characters, plot complexities in our minds. A television does most of that work for us and we just participate and are not as immersed. Why is this important? As a self confessed TV watcher, I did appreciate the power of a book, it puts me in control and I need to stay in control to ensure I am following the plot. Watching TV can mean zoning out and not really actively being a participant. At AISL, we are constantly encouraging students to read, read more, and read widely. It can be in any language as reading is reading. Mark Brookes
Recycling Starts
Masks
COVID-19 Update
School Nurse Sengovuka Mlotshwa
This is his contact information +266 5888 7263 and nurse@aisl.co.ls.
Dear Community, The NACOSEC figures for COVID-19 in Lesotho still remains low. The government of Lesotho has moved the country to a lower level of restrictions. We are still BLUE but with some modifications. This includes the border being open. It is important that while travel is more flexible now, we as a community maintain awareness of where we are going, who we are meeting or interacting with, and what the risks are of bringing back infections to Lesotho and the AISL Community. We are not on the other side of COVID-19 yet, so please continue to remain vigilant. Mark Brookes Reminder: If someone in the household is symptomatic, please keep the child home. Contact the nurse Masks have now been a regular part of our lives for over a year. A year ago, we saw many different ways that masks were being used. Thankfully, we are seeing a better response now that we did in the past. A reminder that the mask should cover the nose AND mouth. Please follow Dr. Puppy's advice on wearing your mask correctly. Many of you know that before COVID-19, we were recycling on the AISL Campus. This all stopped when we were on lockdown. Now that restrictions are lifting, recycling has recommenced. If you have plastic, glass, metal, paper, cans, and cardboard, please bring it to the campus before Wednesday morning. Recycling is collected on Wednesdays.
Students have been learning about different types of waves. This includes how waves travel. During one of their labs, students worked in groups to explore how sunglasses work.
Grade 7 and 8 Science: Waves
Grade 6 Math: Area
Sixth graders explored the concept of Area in Math class. They used manipulatives to dive deeper into the concept.
The Wondrous World of Webs
Students have been marveling at the family of non-poisonous spiders that have made their home in the space outside the MS Math and Science room. Curious visitors often stop to watch these spiders go about their day. Watch them catch their prey!
Pajama Day
Grade 7 Movie - The Outsiders
On Wednesday, 28 April 2021, 7th Grade had a movie viewing for their novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Everyone thought it was a great movie because it went almost word to word with the book but, everyone agreed that the book was generally better. Also, the movie was made in the late 80s and it was really cool to see some famous actors in their young age, like Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze. To make the event special, we dressed up as people from the 1960s (either as a Greaser or a Soc - gangs from the book), listened to 60s music, and even made sure our snacks were in line with the theme (soda floats, popcorn, and chocolate cake!) We very much liked this experience and hope to continue the tradition with all of our English novels (if they've been made into movies!).