Term 2 year 2024

Inside this issue

1. Principal's Message

Dear High Gate Community,

It is with great pleasure and a sense of duty that I extend my warmest greetings to each member of our school community. I trust that you and your families are doing well and staying healthy during this time of the year.

As we complete two-thirds of the 2024–2025 academic year, I am delighted to share some of our school's remarkable achievements in this edition of our termly newsletter. The past five months have brought both challenges and triumphs, and I sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of our students, parents, and staff in all that we have accomplished together.

The second term, which ran from November 26th to March 23rd, was both demanding and enriching for our learners and teachers. With an intense focus on the curriculum, students explored new concepts and engaged in rigorous academic activities.

Throughout the 66-day term, they undertook three major summative assessments CAT 1, CAT 2, and the end-of-term examinations demonstrating their hard work and dedication.
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We are proud to witness a significant increase in student enrollment, a clear reflection of High Gate International Academy’s growing reputation for excellence. Beyond academics, a variety of school events including Pajama Day, the Solidarity Festival, Christmas Celebrations, Journée Macédoine, the Global Village, and Literacy Week fostered creativity, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, remedial classes and extracurricular clubs further enriched our students’ learning experiences, contributing to their holistic development.

As we look ahead to the final term of the school year, I encourage everyone to continue striving for excellence. Let us build upon the successes of this term and work together to create even greater opportunities for our students.

Thank you once again for your dedication and support.

I wish you all a restful break and look forward to an exciting and productive Term 3.

Warm regards,
Michel Shamamba
Principal,
High Gate International Academy

2. Preschool Insights

As we conclude Term Two of the second academic year at High Gate International Academy, I am pleased to highlight the remarkable progress in our Nursery section. This term, preschool teachers have worked closely with students, who are now well-acquainted with school life and the curriculum, to strengthen their foundational skills and knowledge.

The integration of the Canadian educational system, aligned with Quebec standards, continues to enhance early childhood education. Our play-based approach fosters active student participation, a core pillar of our teaching strategies. This term has also seen notable growth in students’ socio-linguistic competencies across the five learning domains: Linguistic, Cognitive, Motor, Social, and Affective, ensuring a smooth transition to primary school.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated educators for their commitment to creating a dynamic learning environment. Your efforts have nurtured both academic and personal growth in our students.Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our early childhood program and fostering lifelong learning. Congratulations to our young learners on their achievements this term. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful break as we prepare for the next chapter.

3. Primary section Highlights

This term at High Gate International Academy, our Primary students have engaged deeply with curriculum materials, overcoming challenges and building essential skills. Through a blend of Cambridge learner attributes and French standards, they have strengthened their abilities in research, small-group discussions, and presentations, embracing active learning at an advanced level.

A major focus has been higher-order thinking in mathematics, shifting from rote problem-solving to deeper metacognitive reasoning. This approach has enhanced their analytical skills and conceptual understanding, preparing them for greater academic success.

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) posed initial challenges but has ultimately strengthened students’ cognitive abilities, resilience, and adaptability. By embracing technology, they have developed essential academic and life skills, reinforcing their endurance and confidence.We deeply appreciate our students’ dedication and perseverance, as well as the unwavering support of their parents, whose encouragement has been instrumental in their success. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering inquiry, innovation, and self-driven learning, preparing our students for future challenges and achievements.

Pajama day

Pajama Day is a fun and meaningful event that strengthens our school community by fostering unity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. It integrates themed learning across subjects, promotes well-being and moral values, and raises awareness about the benefits of good sleep. Refer to the pictures attached for more details.

Solidarity festival final Day - Christmas celebrations

The Solidarity Festival Final Day at High Gate was a heartwarming celebration, beautifully colored by Christmas festivities and a special planetarium experience. In collaboration with Myster Domes Africa, students explored the wonders of the universe through NASA-developed videos and rhymes.Honored guests for the day were underprivileged families selected by local leaders.

They experienced true empathy from High Gate students, teachers, and parents, enjoying shared games and an inspiring show that brought them hope and joy.After the planetarium experience, the excitement continued with Santa’s appearance, bringing smiles and festive cheer. The families received generous donations, including food packages, soap, clothing, shoes, toys, and collected funds that will support an upcoming community project.

Journée Macédoine

On Friday, 09/02/2024, Macédoine Day was a success, as part of our kindergarten’s exploration of fruits in the Canadian curriculum and lower primary in Cambridge program. This hands-on activity helped young learners recognize fruits, understand their benefits, and apply their knowledge through food preparation. The experience enhances their sensory skills, creativity, and teamwork while fostering healthy eating habits. Parents are encouraged to contribute fruits to support this enriching learning moment!

The Global Village

Global Village at High Gate was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, bringing together a rich mix of traditions, beliefs, and artistic expressions. Students, teachers, and parents explored traditional attire, diverse cuisines, handcrafted art, and lively dance performances from various cultures.

This brilliant and impactful event allowed our school community to travel the world in one place, fostering cultural appreciation, unity, and global awareness. It was a true showcase of how diversity enriches learning and strengthens our sense of belonging.

Literacy week

Literacy Week at High Gate aims to foster a love for reading, writing, and critical thinking while promoting multilingual skills. Through engaging activities, students enhance their linguistic mindset, creativity, and comprehension. This event strengthens literacy by encouraging storytelling, discussions, and interactive learning. It also builds confidence in communication and self-expression. Ultimately, Literacy Week nurtures a lifelong passion for knowledge and language development.

4. Triumphs and Partnerships For Term two

In collaboration with the British Council Rwanda and Cambridge International Education, High Gate International has officially registered its first Checkpoint candidates for the April–May 2025 session. A group of 10 Grade 6 students is preparing to sit for three international qualifications, marking a milestone in completing their primary studies.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Grade 6 teachers, who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to equipping students with Mathematics, Science, and English as a Second Language skills, elevating them to a level of confidence to face the exams.

The Cambridge Checkpoint Exams will take place at High Gate International Academy from April 22nd to 24th, 2025. With faith and hope, we entrust our students to God the Father, praying that the Holy Spirit grants them wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, and skill for success.Wishing them the very best of luck!

5. CAT-1, CAT 2 and Exams

In the second term of the 2024–2025 academic year, High Gate International Academy maintained strong academic progress across all grade levels. Preschoolers demonstrated outstanding performance, reaching the green level, while primary students excelled with an 82.3% average score from Grade 1 to Grade 6.

Through inquiry-based learning, students enhanced their skills, deepened their understanding, and successfully tackled even the most challenging aspects of the curriculum. This well-rounded academic growth reflects the school’s commitment to excellence and gives hope that higher grades will be achieved in the next term of this academic year.

6. A loop on third Term

We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our High Gate students and appreciate the unwavering support of our parents throughout Term 2. As we reflect on the impact of our After-School Remedial Program, we recognize the progress made and remain committed to supporting the few students still facing challenges.

In Term 3, we will provide targeted remedial lessons to help them catch up academically as well as Intervention sessions for the newly enrolled students.Additionally, we continue to enhance teaching and learning through Active Learning, Inquiry-Based Approaches, and Differentiated Instruction.

These methods align with international education standards, ensuring we cater to students of diverse abilities while fostering academic excellence.We extend our warmest wishes to the High Gate Family and friends for a joyful Easter. As we stand in solidarity with the people of Rwanda during the 31st Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, we honor the values of remembrance, unity, and renewal.

7. Gallery

8. School Calendar

+250 79 89 80 340

info@highgateinternational.com

KG 669 St Gasabo District, Gisozi

POB 6790

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Term 2