1. Director's Message
2. Coffee with IB Coordinators
3. International Teachers' Day
4. AISB's New Student Council Government
5. House Day
6. After School Activities
7. Parent Teacher Conferences
8. Anti-Bullying Week
9. FLP/Oxford MUN
10. Halloween
11. FOPAS
12. Thanksgiving Break
13. A Sneak Peak into Classrooms
14. October Lunch Menu

Dear AISB Families,

As we move deeper into the academic year, we would like to to keep you informed about several important upcoming events that will play a significant role in our school’s achievements and growth. Below are the details of these key events:

• MSA Reaccreditation Visit

Dates: October 28-31

We are excited to announce that our school will be hosting the Middle States Association (MSA) reaccreditation team for their visit. This is a pivotal moment for us as it provides an opportunity to showcase our commitment to educational excellence, continuous improvement, and the overall development of our students. During this visit, the MSA team will evaluate various aspects of our school, including our curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student support services. We look forward to your support and cooperation as we prepare for this important assessment.

• IBDP Verification Visit

Dates: October 21 & 22

In addition to the MSA visit, we are also preparing for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) verification visit. This two-day event is critical for ensuring that we meet the rigorous standards set forth by the IB organization. The verification team will review our programme's implementation and its alignment with IB principles. We are proud of our IBDP students and faculty, and we appreciate your ongoing support as we strive to maintain these high academic standards.

• End of 1st Quarter & Awards Ceremony

Date: October 25

As we approach the end of the first quarter, it is time to announce our upcoming Awards Ceremony. This event will honor students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, improvement, and contributions to our school community. We encourage all families to attend and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students. This is also a wonderful opportunity to reinforce our values of achievement and perseverance.

We encourage all families to stay connected and engaged in our school community. Your involvement makes a significant difference in the lives of our students and the success of our programs. Please mark these dates on your calendars and keep an eye on our newsletters for further updates and details about each event.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Warm regards,

Dr. Laura Viban

Ed.D in Educational Leadership & Management

Director

American International School of Brazzaville

director@aisbrazza.org / www.aisbrazza.org

On October 4th, we hosted "Coffee with IB Coordinators" and would like to heartily thank everyone who attended and participated in this very important information session. Here's an overview of the objectives and reasons why all parents need to attend subsequent meetings at school:

1. Information Sharing: Provide updates on the IB program, including curriculum details, assessment methods, and key dates for exams and events.

2. Community Building: Foster a sense of community among parents, students, and staff, encouraging open dialogue and relationship-building.

3. Support and Resources: Offer guidance on how parents can support their children academically, including study tips and resources available for IB students.

4. Feedback Collection: Gather input from parents and students about their experiences and suggestions for program improvement.

5. Networking Opportunities: Create a space for parents to connect, share insights, and form support groups for their children.

6. Addressing Concerns: Provide a forum for parents to voice questions or concerns regarding the program and receive guidance from coordinators.

7. Celebrating Achievements: Highlight student successes and milestones within the IB program to boost morale and motivation.

8. Building Awareness of the IB Philosophy: Deepen understanding of the IB’s educational principles and their importance in student development.

Overall, these meetings aim to strengthen the partnership between the school and families, ensuring a collaborative and supportive environment for IB students.

International Teachers Day, celebrated on October 5th each year, is a significant occasion that recognizes the profound impact teachers have on society and individual lives. This day serves as a heartfelt tribute to educators who dedicate their lives to nurturing, inspiring, and empowering students. It provides an opportunity for students, parents, and communities to express their appreciation for the hard work and commitment that teachers demonstrate daily.

On this day, students of AISB took the initiative to show their gratitude in a creative and meaningful way. They made a video reflecting on the positive influences their teachers have had on their academic and personal growth. This gesture not only made teachers feel valued but also encourages students to think critically about the role education plays in their lives.

On the other hand, teachers often reflect on their journeys, recalling the moments that made teaching rewarding. They remember the students who inspired them, the challenges they overcame, and the joy of witnessing their students’ successes. This mutual appreciation not only strengthens the bond between teachers and students but also reinforces the vital role of education in fostering a compassionate and informed society.

By recognizing and honoring teachers, we acknowledge the lifelong impact they have on their students and the future of our communities.

Your hard work, dedication, and passion for serving your peers have truly paid off. Your election demonstrates the trust and confidence that your fellow students have placed in you. As leaders, you will play a pivotal role in representing the student body, voicing their concerns, and implementing initiatives that enhance our school community.

We look forward to seeing the new school government in action and the wonderful initiatives you will bring to our community. Together, let’s create a positive and engaged school environment where every student feels valued and heard.

Congratulations once again to our new leaders!

We would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the candidates who participated in the recent Student Council elections! Your courage to step forward and run for office is commendable, and we are incredibly proud of each of you.

A Journey of Learning and Growth

The election process is not just about winning; it’s a valuable opportunity for personal growth and learning. Each candidate demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to understanding the responsibilities that come with leadership. Through this experience, you have developed important skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Contributions to Our School Community

Your willingness to contribute to the development of our school is truly inspiring. By sharing your ideas and visions for our school, you have already begun to make a positive impact. Whether through organizing events, advocating for your peers, or working on initiatives to improve our environment, your contributions are vital to creating a vibrant school community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As we move forward, we encourage all candidates to continue to engage with your classmates and share your thoughts and ideas. Remember, leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about being a voice for others and working collaboratively to make our school a better place for everyone.

Thank you for your courage and dedication. We look forward to seeing how you will continue to inspire and lead throughout the school year!

Our House Day will take place on October 23rd! This special day is dedicated to fostering school spirit, teamwork, and friendly competition among our students.

What is House Day?

House Day is an exciting event where students are divided into their designated houses, Red Lions, White Rhinos, Green Gators and Black Bears, and they participate in a variety of fun activities and challenges throughout the day. It’s a great opportunity for students to bond with their peers, show their house pride, and enjoy a day filled with camaraderie and excitement.

Activities Planned

On House Day, students can look forward to:

• Team Challenges: Engaging in various competitions that promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Games and Relays: Fun physical activities that encourage friendly competition among houses.
• House Cheer Practice: Students will prepare and perform cheers to show their house spirit.

Dress Code

Students are encouraged to wear their house colors or themed attire to show their support. Let’s make this a vibrant and colorful day!

After school activities for the second quarter will begin on Monday October 28th. When we return on the 21st, there will be no activities that week and students are required to be picked up promptly by 3:30 PM at the latest.

We are planning to start a new (paid)activity with an outside provider to enhance our STEM approach to learning which will include Python or programming and Robotics. Our ability to offer this program will depend on the number of interested students and their parents. You are all encouraged to indicate interest in this activity. Velow are some photos for your reference.

Halloween Activities at School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to announce our upcoming Halloween celebration at school! This year's theme is "Spooktacular Fun!" We have planned a variety of interactive activities for our students. The event will take place on Thursday, October 31st, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. in the school gym.

Planned Events

1. Costume Parade

- Students will have the opportunity to showcase their creative and spooky costumes.

- Students will parade in the gym area to show off their costumes.

- Prizes will be awarded for the Most Creative, Spookiest, and Cutest

2. Halloween Games

We will organize games for each grade level, including:

- Spoon Race: Balance a plastic eyeball on a spoon while racing to the finish line.

- Cone Toss: Toss rings onto witch hat cones.

- Mummy Race: Teams wrap one member in toilet paper and race to the finish line.

3. Trick-or-Treat

- We’ll arrange an in-school trick-or-treating experience around the campus.

- Staff members will be stationed at various points to hand out treats.

4. Songs and Story-time

- We'll have Halloween-themed dancing with popular songs.

- Teachers will read Halloween-themed stories that students will create.

Halloween Information

· Costumes: Students are encouraged to wear costumes, but please ensure they are school-appropriate and allow for easy movement. Avoid masks that obscure vision and any weapons (real or fake).

· Snacks: We will provide Halloween-themed snacks and candy.

· How parents can help: We welcome parent volunteers to help with students who opt out of the events and to donate candy for the event. Treats should be store-bought and packaged.

Opt-Out Option

We understand that some families may not wish to participate in Halloween activities due to personal, cultural, or religious reasons. We respect your decision and will make arrangements to accommodate all students who opt out. Please note that we will have a regular school day from 10:00 a.m. If you prefer that your child not take part in these events, please inform your child's classroom teacher.

We are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable celebration!

The Elementary Team

Dear Parents,

AISB announces the 3rd annual Festival of Performing Arts (FOPA), which will include sports activities for the first time. This expanded event, now called FOPAS, will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16.

This year, we are embracing the theme "Building Bridges: Unity Through Diversity."

Our theme emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our differences and promote unity through different forms of expression. Through sports, drama, music, and dance, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn from one another.

While participating in FOPAS 2024, students have a chance to showcase their talents in both arts and sports, which can boost their self-confidence and sense of achievement. They will have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse schools and diverse backgrounds, hopefully fostering empathy and cultural understanding.

Activities

Students will participate in:

1. Sports (New this year)

· Soccer tournament for ages 8-13

· Girls/Boys Basketball for high school

· Track and field events

· Swimming matches

Sporting events will be held at different venues to be announced later.

2 Performing Arts

· Musical performances may include choir concerts, instrumental ensembles, solo acts, class acts and dramas.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. We look forward to seeing many of you attend the events to cheer on our students at FOPAS and to celebrate the achievements of all our students. In the coming weeks, as details become clearer, we will provide a detailed schedule of events, including performance times and sports match-ups.

Your presence will mean a lot to your child and the entire school community

The FOPAS Committee

At AISB, we believe that learning should be engaging and enjoyable for all students. Our teachers have been hard at work creating a variety of fun classroom activities that not only enhance educational outcomes but also foster creativity and collaboration among students. Here’s a glimpse of some exciting activities happening across different grades:

1. Science Experiments

In our science classes, students are getting hands-on experience with exciting experiments. From building simple circuits to exploring chemical reactions, these activities encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Recently, students conducted a “Volcano Eruption” experiment, where they learned about chemical reactions through a fun and visually engaging demonstration.

2. Creative Arts and Crafts

Art classes are buzzing with creativity! Students are exploring various media, from painting and drawing to collage-making.

• Understand the concept of identity, including personal, family, and cultural identity.
• Explore family structures, cultural backgrounds, and community roles.
• Develop social skills through sharing, collaboration, and empathy.
• Celebrate diversity while recognizing similarities among peers.

MYP Design Students engage with basic 3D model learning on online sketchUp application for creating models to be viewed from a 360 degree angle

DP Design Technology students engage with learning biological concepts behind any product design for consumers.

PYP Visual Arts class engages with colors following the artist techniques on American artist, KeithHiring and Pablo Picasso

Dr. Laura Viban

Ed.D in Educational Leadership & Management

Director

American International School of Brazzaville

director@aisbrazza.org / www.aisbrazza.org