
End of year newsletter, July 10th 2023
August 1, 2024

Message From Head of School
Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,
As we come to the end of another incredible academic year, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and share some important updates and reflections.
This year has been truly exceptional for our school in many ways. We successfully transitioned to our new, well-equipped campus, and I am pleased to announce that our student body has grown into a big diversity. Moreover, I am thrilled to inform you that our school has received the prestigious “Best International School” award, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community.
In our continuous pursuit of excellence, we have made significant strides in partnering with renowned international agencies. Our school is now registered with UCAS, Bridge U, College Board, and UNISERVE, offering our graduates streamlined pathways to prestigious international universities. Additionally, we have applied to upgrade our qualification in the Cambridge Early Years program, set to commence in 2024. Once we receive their approval, we will begin preparations, and I will keep you updated on the progress.
I am delighted to share that despite the challenges posed by the new curriculum, our students and teachers performed exceptionally well in the Cambridge Checkpoint exams. Detailed reports will be shared by our Head of Academics, highlighting our students’ achievements.
Furthermore, our A-level exams have been successfully completed, and we eagerly await the results, which are expected on August 10th. I am confident that our students will achieve remarkable outcomes and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their academic journey.
These achievements would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our outstanding students, supportive parents, and dedicated teachers. I extend my sincere gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering commitment to education and for making our school community thrive.
As we bid farewell to our graduating class, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each graduate for reaching this significant milestone. Your time at our school has been a transformative journey, and I have no doubt that you are well-prepared for the next chapter of your lives. The knowledge, skills, and values you have gained will serve as a solid foundation for your future endeavors. Embrace new challenges, stay true to yourselves, and continue making a positive impact in the world around you.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we anticipate more opportunities, growth, and achievements. We remain committed to innovation, continuously refining our practices, and ensuring that our students receive a holistic education that equips them for an ever-changing world. Our priority is to foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that values diversity, promotes critical thinking, and encourages lifelong learning.
In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to our school’s success. The collective efforts of our students, parents, guardians, faculty, and staff have made this year truly remarkable and memorable. I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.
Remember, education is a journey, and together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and shape the future.
Warmest regards,
MS Fatima Hashwani
Head of School
Highlights from Head of Academics

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,
As we have completed our third term, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt admiration for the remarkable achievements of our numerous events and celebrations over the course of this year. It has been an absolute joy to witness the unwavering passion, exceptional skills, and unwavering commitment exhibited by every member of our school community.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous achievement of our preschoolers during Bike Week. Their determination and skill in mastering the art of riding a bike left us all in awe. It was truly heartwarming to see our little ones embrace this milestone with such joy and excitement.
Next, I want to commend the exceptional creativity showcased at our Art Gala. The art pieces on display were not only visually stunning but also reflected the unique perspectives and imaginative minds of our students. Their passion for art continues to inspire us all.
We also witnessed an unforgettable display of athleticism and sportsmanship during our Annual Sports Day. The energy and teamwork demonstrated by our students were simply outstanding. Whether on the track, field, or court, each participant gave their best, leaving us with lasting memories of determination and camaraderie.
Our Cultural-African Day was a vibrant celebration of diversity and cultural heritage. The performances, traditional attires, and delicious cuisine showcased the rich tapestry of African cultures within our school. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of embracing and appreciating our differences.
Lastly, our Graduation and Celebration of Learning marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of our students. It was a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our graduating students, but we were filled with immense pride for their achievements and growth throughout the years. We are confident that they will go on to accomplish great things in their future endeavors.
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding Cambridge Checkpoint 2023 results for our school this year. Congratulations to our exceptional students for their remarkable Following students achieved 50/50 in respective subjects :
- Sahar FATIMA SOMJI: English, Mathematics, and Science.
- Natan GEBRESTADIK TSEGAY: Mathematics and Science.
- Arnez BUGUNYA: Mathematics and Science.
- Dylan NOAH MOKORA: Science.
- Erlap TAHIR: Mathematics.
- Sennai AMBASAGER MEBRAHTU: Science.
Their exceptional performance reflects their dedication, hard work, and profound understanding of the subjects. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and commend their teachers and parents for their unwavering support. Let us celebrate their success and wish them continued excellence on their academic journey.
As we embark on the summer holidays, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all our students, parents, and teachers. May this break be filled with relaxation, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Take the time to recharge, explore new horizons, and nurture your passions.
I personally cannot wait to welcome you all back to school on August 21st. The upcoming academic year holds great promise, and I am eager to continue our journey of learning, growth, and success together. Until then, stay safe, make lasting memories, and enjoy a well-deserved summer break.
NOTE: School Calendar for the next academic year is here attached.
With heartfelt regards,
Mr. Michel Shamamba
Head of Academic.

Message from Admin and Finance department
Dear parents and guardians of Acorns International School,
It has been a pleasure and an honour serving you and your little ones at AIS this year. We really thank you for choosing AIS for the past years. We enjoyed every day of the last year that we spent with your little ones. It was such a magnificent year.
2022-2023 has been an amazing year. Being the 1st year in the new campus, Yes it was a bit challenging but with your usual support and recommendations we all made it till the end of the academic year. For this past year (2022-2023 ) we got 40+ new admissions in which we are sure that some parents contributed a lot. Thank you once again. AIS has been awarded AS THE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR IN RWANDA based on different factors such us; Well equipped smart classes , our spacious classrooms , modern facilities available in the school , well being of the students, AIS discipline standard, AIS Teaching standard, etc…We congratulate our students, our parents and our staff for winning this award.
SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF THE STUDENTS:
This past academic year we made a great effort to maintain our standard in keeping the school environment safe and clean in all the corners. Our staff has been always attentive to keep students away from any type of trouble through duties that are set throughout the day to ensure the security of the students everywhere.
For the safer side for both school and parents, We kindly remind parents to always communicate with us in case there is a change in drivers who usually picks the kids from school
The school food menu has been made healthy and favourable to everyone based on the diversities we own at AIS and also students’ ideas were welcomed this year which we believe made it more enjoyable.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline at AIS is unequaled; Our Discipline committee reminds our students about the AIS discipline policy frequently.
We take this opportunity to inform you that we have a big number of Lost and Found (sweaters and water bottles) available at the school reception. If your child has lost one of the mentioned items please feel free to retrieve them. We also encourage parents to always label the child’s items, especially hoodies, for easy identification.
LATEST UPDATES
GOOD NEWS: For this upcoming academic year(2023-2024) we would like to let you know that AIS will grow into a big community as we have started receiving more admissions for the next academic year. so far so good, as of now we have 45+ new confirmed admissions and many more under review . Let’s all get ready to welcome more diversities at AIS.
In conclusion , We can’t thank you enough for how you have been well timed in paying the tuition fee every term. We also take this opportunity to inform you that the term 1 invoice and stationery lists for the academic year 2023-2024 will be sent to your emails by the end of July.
We wish you all the best and we hope to see you all back at AIS on August 21st.
TERM 3 SCHOOL EVENTS
Science Experimentation
AIS places a strong emphasis on science education and provides opportunities for students to engage in hands-on experimentation. Students are encouraged to explore various scientific concepts through experiments, fostering a love for science and critical thinking skills. The school may have well-equipped laboratories and dedicated science teachers who guide students in conducting experiments. The outcomes of this focus on science experimentation can include improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced scientific knowledge, and the development of valuable research and analytical skills.






























Art and Music Performances
AIS recognizes the importance of creative expression and offers a vibrant arts program that includes both visual arts and music. Students are given opportunities to showcase their talents through art exhibitions, concerts, and performances. These events not only allow students to develop their artistic abilities but also contribute to the school community by fostering a sense of creativity and cultural appreciation. The outcomes of these art and music performances can include improved self-confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a greater understanding and appreciation of different forms of artistic expression.






























Sport Academy and Extracurricular
AIS provides a Sport Academy that offers a range of athletic activities for students. This program may include training sessions, competitive sports teams, and participation in inter-school sports events. The Sport Academy aims to develop students’ physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The outcomes of this focus on sports can include improved physical health, the development of leadership skills, enhanced teamwork and cooperation, and a sense of achievement through participation in competitions.
These extracurricular activities at AIS contribute significantly to the school community and the mental and physical lives of the students. They provide opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging. Through science experimentation, art and music performances, and the Sport Academy, students can cultivate their unique talents, expand their horizons, and thrive in a well-rounded educational environment.
























Francophonie day
The growth of the French language within our school community has been remarkable, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and the unwavering support of our passionate teachers. Throughout the academic year, our students have embraced French, honing their speaking and writing skills diligently. Offering the DELF exams proved enriching, allowing students to showcase their linguistic competence and gain a globally recognized certification.
This experience has not only enlightened our students but also helped refine our French curriculum and teaching methods. We are immensely proud of our students’ DELF exam accomplishments, as their hard work has earned them certifications that testify to their linguistic achievements. These certifications are a source of personal pride and valuable assets for future academic and professional pursuits.
personal pride and valuable assets for future academic and professional pursuits.









Professional development, teaching styles and teamwork
Acorns International School (AIS) has reached new heights in teaching and learning techniques this year. The school’s commitment to excellence is evident through outstanding outcomes and the preparation of teachers to use new teaching models such as inquiry based learning models and the cooperative learning strategies as to foster Active learning approaches. AIS has fostered collaboration among educators, resulting in a rich learning environment.
The third term has provided an opportunity for reflection, highlighting areas of strength and improvement. AIS has made remarkable progress in achieving high-level teaching and learning outcomes. Innovative teaching methods and professional development have equipped teachers with the latest tools and strategies. Collaboration among teachers has allowed them to refine techniques and share best practices. AIS’s dedication and efforts have positioned it as a standout institution in providing quality education.




















Smart classrooms and ICT
Acorns International School (AIS) has embraced technology with a mega upgrade in all classrooms. Smart boards have revolutionized teaching and learning, fostering interactive experiences. The integration of the Google Suite package has connected teachers to colleagues, leaders, and families through tools like Google Drives and Google Classroom. Congratulations to our super educators for this remarkable achievement. Their dedication and adaptability have propelled AIS to new heights. The seamless use of technology has created a dynamic and well-connected learning environment for the entire school community.






