In Honor of Nelson Mandela’s Life and Leadership

Last night we learned of the passing of one of the great leaders of our time, Nelson Mandela.  Today we will hold sessions regarding his life work in our elementary classrooms, and we will hold a combined community meeting of our Middle School and High School students in his honor.  Even while our lives are taken up with the excitement of WAISAL and the many events here around the holidays, we want to use this chance to take a reflective teachable moment in celebrating the inspiring moral and political leadership of Nelson Mandela. 

WAISAL Middle School Soccer Tournament

The ISD Community has welcomed with open arms the teams participating in our WAISAL Middle School Soccer Tournament.  A big Thank You goes out to our many families of students, teachers and coaches are hosting students at their homes, making new friends among our neighboring schools.  The four participating teams are: the Lions of the Lincoln School of Accra, the Turtles of the International School of Ouagadougou, the Crocodiles of the American International School of Abuja, and, last but not least, the Jaguars of the International School of Dakar.  We are right in the middle of the tournament, so I do not have final results to share with you at this moment.  News of the games and results will be circulated as the tournament comes to an end on Saturday.  Please come watch the games and support the teams! 

Implementing the new ISD financial system:  Our financial consultant, Juliette Chateauneuf, will be joining us for two visits. First, in the coming two weeks of mid-December, she will be training the accounting staff on the entry of data into templates using the new system, which will be on Quick Books Premier.  The second visit in mid-January will be to follow through on implementation of all procedures and processes.   

Mohamed Fall, the current Finance Manager, has resigned from his position effective November 30.  We want to thank Mohamed for his contributions to the school during his time of service and we wish him the best as he moves forward in his career. 

In keeping with recommendations from the consultant, I have broadened skill requirements and experience levels to create a new position in the business office that will be called Chief Accountant.  Board members of the Finance Committee assisted me in screening and interviewing candidates.  We have found a highly experienced financial expert who will join us from Deloitte, Mr. Ibrahima Fall.  He has taken up this new role starting December 1^st.  We are confident his talent, training and experience will be of great help in implementing and leading the new financial system for ISD.  Welcome to Ibrahima Fall, our Chief Accountant. 

 Another Brick in the Wall

High School students in Ms. Emily Grimes’ drama class will be performing a play that they have written.  It deals with mature themes about exclusion and discrimination.  We advise that the content of the play is not appropriate for Lower School children.  We do welcome Upper School students and their parents to come and enjoy this original theatrical production in the amphitheater Wednesday and Thursday evenings, December 11 and 12.  Please support our drama students in this event.