New Family Experience

Welcome to the ICS Addis Community!

You are preparing for a significant transition for your family - whether you are moving as a family to a new country or your child is moving to a new school or starting school for the first time, this is a time of both excitement and uncertainty.

Our Admissions Office team is with you and ready to support you. This page includes details about starting school and about some of the common questions that new families have.

We look forward to welcoming our new ICS Eagles!

Meheret, Berhanu, Jess and Haile (left to right)

ICS Admissions Team

Resources

TRANSITION & ORIENTATION

Contact Us

Admissions Office

admissions@icsaddis.org

+251-11-318-5286 / +251-988-162-203

Other ICS Contacts

Available in the Parent Portal.

Drop In Zoom Call

Join to ask a question or just to chat!

Every Wednesday from 4:00-4:30 PM East Africa Time (GMT+3): Zoom link HERE.

Personal Zoom Call

Transition and Orientation

Transition and Orientation Calendar

Starting School after the First Day of the Semester

Starting School after the First Day of the Semester

Families starting school after the first day of the semester will have a family orientation prior to the child's first day.

1. Contact the Admissions Office to confirm your arrival in Addis and then we can schedule your family orientation.

2. Watch the sectional information session(s) for your child's grade:

Elementary School: Presentation Slides / Presentation Recording
Middle School: Presentation Slides / Presentation Recording
High School: Presentation Slides / Presentation Recording

New Family Enrollment Checklist

Tuition and Fees Timelines and Deadlines

Tuition and Fees Details

Invoices are sent to parents by email from accounts.receivable@icsaddis.org for enrolled students.

Timelines and deadlines:

Students starting in August:

Invoices sent in May/June
Payment deadlines: 31 July 2025 (semester 1) and 26 December 2025 (semester 2)
Tuition and fees and payment deadlines for 2026-27: to be determined in early April

Students starting mid-year:

Invoices sent upon confirmation of the student's first day or by early December for students starting in January
Payment deadline: two weeks after the student's first day of school, if not starting on the first day of the semester

Download the Annual Physical Exam

All students must submit an annual physical examination from a licensed medical professional. This is required when your child starts school. You may complete the physical examination form prior to arriving in Ethiopia, or at a clinic in Addis.

Submit completed physical examinations directly to the Health Office via your PowerSchool account when your child starts school.

Physical Examination Form

Step 1: Activate Your ICS Parent Email Address

What: All ICS parents have an ICS parent email account through the Gmail platform. School email communication is sent to your ICS parent email address.

When: The IT help desk will send you the login details when your parent email address is ready. For families starting at the beginning of the school year, you will receive your parent email address in early August. For families starting at the start of Semester 2 in January, you will receive your parent email address in December.

Why: The ICS parent email address protects your privacy while allowing you to connect with other parents easily. You will also use your ICS parent email address to access the school platforms, including PowerSchool and Toddle.

How:

Visit www.gmail.com.
Enter your ICS email address and the first time password.
1. Your email address is: firstname.lastname@parent.icsaddis.org
2. First time password is: welcome2ICSAddis1964
3. Hint: the email address is created with the first and last names you entered into your child's application on the OpenApply system, with no spaces between separate words.
You will be prompted to change your password when you first log in.

Tips:

Use the Chrome browser: you can download Chrome HERE.
If you do not want to check a separate email account, you can set up your ICS parent email account to forward to your personal email address (instructions and other tips on managing your ICS parent email address HERE)
Help video HERE: how to access your email account and change your password (note there is no sound)

Tech Help:

Contact help.desk@icsaddis.org
Call on +251-954-925-200 during weekdays: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Step 2: Access the ICS Electronic Platforms

You will use your ICS parent email address and password to sign into the ICS electronic platforms, using "Sign On with Google".

Tech Help:

Contact help.desk@icsaddis.org
Call on +251-954-925-200 during weekdays: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

PowerSchool

administrative platform
district code: NKGP

Web access: https://icsaddis.powerschool.com/public

The PowerSchool app is available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Toddle Family

learning platform
individual student invite code sent by the office
invite code can be shared with family members

Web Access: https://web.toddleapp.com/

The Toddle Family app is available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Step 3: Complete Forms in PowerSchool

See "Access the ICS Electronic Platforms" section above for how to login to PowerSchool.

All parents must submit/update forms in PowerSchool:

1) Log into PowerSchool.

2) Click on Forms.

3) Complete the following forms

Student Contact Update
Student Medical Update: medical history and permissions
Immunizations
Upload physical exam completed by medical professional
General permission form for school trips
Any grade-level specific forms

Student Life

After School Activities and Athletics

The Athletics and Activities Office will share sign up information with families. Contact aaoffice@icsaddis.org with specific questions.

Overview of After School Activities and Athletics

After school activities (ASAs) are available for students in EY5 through grade 12 and include clubs, activities and athletics.
Registration for ASAs is online and new families will receive an email from the Activities Office to sign up and request to join activities.
Season 1 ASAs start in early September with indoor activities, at the end of the rainy season. Season 2 starts in November and Season 3 starts in March.
Students fluent in a language other than English may be able to join our Home Language Program, which runs for one hour on Wednesday afternoons. Home language groups are run by parent volunteer facilitators.

Athletics and Activities

Cafeteria

ICS has an on-campus cafeteria for students in early years 3-4 full day and early years 5 (EY5) to grade 12. There is an international buffet, a national buffet and a salad bar. Students in grades 6-12 may purchase snacks and a la carte items as well.

Families can choose to purchase school lunch or provide home lunch. Payment is in Ethiopian birr, which is deposited into the student's account at the Cashier Office.

Cafeteria

Health Office

The ICS Health Office is staffed by qualified nurses. You may reach out to the Health Office at any time on health.office@icsaddis.org.

Medical information, including vaccination records, medical history and the annual physical examination, is submitted directly to the Health Office through PowerSchool. You must use your ICS parent email address to log into PowerSchool.

Health Office Page

Health Tips

Library

Technology

ICS promotes the responsible use of technology by every member of the community.

Elementary School

Students in EY5 to grade 5 have a school-provided device that is used in the classroom. Electronic communication devices such as mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted to be used during the school day.

Middle School

Students in grades 6-8 have a school-provided Chromebook that is used at school and at home. Mobile phones are not permitted to be used during the school day.

High School

Students in grades 9-12 must provide their own laptop. Laptop specifications are HERE. Mobile phones are not permitted to be used during the school day by students in grades 9 and 10.

Student Store

ID Cards and Campus Access

ID Cards

Hard plastic IDs are issued for:

Parents: parent ID cards are printed using the photo provided on the application form. The parent ID allows the parent access to campus and allows the parent to bring up to two guests.

Students: student ID cards are printed using the photo provided on the application form.

EY3-EY4: No ID card printed
EY5-Grade 5: ID card kept in the classroom
Grades 6-12: ID card issued to student

Laminated paper IDs are available for:

Family employees who need to access campus to pick up or drop off a student (e.g., driver, nanny). Requirements:
- Passport-style photo
- Copy of individual's personal ID
- Police background check
Family members who need to access campus to pick up or drop off a student (e.g., adult sibling). Requirements:
- Passport-style photo
Family visitors who are in Addis for a short term stay and who need to access campus to pick up or drop off a student (e.g., grandparent). Requirements:
- Passport-style photo

Pick up the appropriate ID request form from the Security Office at the main gate. Completed IDs are available to pick up at the main gate.

Questions? Need a new ID? Contact id@icsaddis.org.

Campus Access

The campus access policy includes details on when families can use different facilities on campus, including:

Library
Track
Sports Fields
Swimming Pool
Elementary School Playgrounds
Gojo (parent space near track)

School Hours and Drop Off / Pick Up

School Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM-3:20 PM (3:25 PM for MS/HS)
Wednesday: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM (2:05 PM for MS/HS)

After School Activities (ASAs): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:30-4:30 PM

High School Athletics: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 4:30-6:00 PM, Saturday mornings

Home Language Program: Wednesday 2:15-3:30 PM

Drop Off and Pick Up

Campus Drop-Off Map	Elementary School & older siblings	Middle and High School
Drop Off Time	7:30-8:00 AM	7:30-8:00 AM
Walk in Drop Off	Gates #1 or 5 (Early Years)	Gates #1 and 6
Drive In Drop Off	Gate #1 or 4 (Early Years)	Gate #15
Pick Up Time	Half day EY3-4: 12:00 PM Full day EY3-4 and EY5-Grade 5: 3:20 PM / 2:00 PM Wednesdays	3:25 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2:05 PM Wednesdays
PIck Up Location: Walk In Only	From classroom hubs	Grades 6-12: exit any gate

ICS Lingo

EY is Early Years (EY3, EY4, EY5): for 3-6 year olds
EY5: Early Years 5 is the equivalent to an American kindergarten, for 5-6 year olds
ES is Elementary School, and includes the early years and grades 1-5
MS is Middle School: grades 6-8
HS is High School: grades 9-12
PYP is the Primary Years Program: curricular framework in ES
MYP is the Middle Years Program: curricular framework in grades 6-10
IBDP or DP is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program: two year diploma program completed in grades 11 and 12
IBCP or CP is the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program: two year diploma program completed in grades 11 and 12
PTO is the Parent Teacher Organization - all parents are members
Gojo is "Nest" in Amharic - this is a parent space near the track, with classes, a snack/coffee bar, wifi and more!
ASAs are After School Activities - optional extracurricular activities

Academic Sections

Elementary School: EY3-Grade 5

Elementary School Handbook

Supply/Stationary List

Information Session

Virtual information session provided by the elementary school leadership team in August 2025:

Presentation Slides

Presentation Recording

Middle School: Grades 6-8

Middle School Handbook

Information Session

Virtual information session provided by the middle school leadership team in August 2025:

Presentation Slides

Presentation Recording

High School: Grades 9-12

High School Handbook

Information Session

Virtual information session provided by the high school leadership team in August 2025:

Presentation Slides

Presentation Recording

Stay in Touch with ICS

ICS Addis is your new community. Connect with us!

The recommendations below are loosely divided by "Before You Arrive" and "After Arriving in Addis", but you may find them helpful at different times in your transition. Even if you already live in Ethiopia, there is always something new to discover!

Before You Arrive
After Arriving in Addis

Before You Arrive

Parent Connections

Introduce yourself in the ICS New Families Facebook group and connect with other new families!

Our volunteer parent ambassadors are keen to get to know you! The Parent Ambassador team can connect you with another family with similar-aged children, from the same country or language background. Request a parent ambassador HERE.

Student Connections

New middle and high school students have a student ambassador. Encourage your new student to communicate with the ambassador, to learn about student life at ICS and what to look forward to.

Learn About Ethiopia

The PTO Welcome to Addis Guide has a section to help you prepare for moving to Addis.

Ethiopia-related reading suggestions HERE.

Kid adventures in Ethiopia: parent blog about living in Addis with young children.

Transition Resources

Here are a few ways to help you and your family think about transition and change. Having a positive transition -- from saying goodbye to navigating the new place -- leads to increased wellbeing and a sense of belonging in that new place.

Support Your Child While You Move: Top 12 Tips: tips available in English, Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.

Expat Child: Helping Families Move Abroad

Building a RAF(G)T: a model for preparing for a transition

Conversation Cards: created by a former ICS teacher to support moving kids and their families

After Arriving in Addis

Parent Connections

Join the ICS Addis Community Facebook group - includes for sale items, upcoming events and more, all shared with ICS parents and employees.
PTO grade-level WhatsApp groups HERE (access using your ICS parent email address).
PTO Fitness Class Information: Join the WhatsApp Group
PTO Book Club: Join the WhatsApp Group
"Food makes us happy" - informal weekly food market on campus: WhatsApp Group for preorders
Parent Ambassadors are available once you are in Addis as well - request a parent ambassador HERE.
The ICS Gojo ("Nest" in Amharic) is a parent space on campus available every day of the week. From your morning macchiato to yoga classes to a comfortable place with WiFi, the Gojo has it all!
Look for grade-level get togethers, organized by the PTO, to connect with our parents in your child's grade level. These are announced in the ICS Weekly and in the PTO WhatsApp groups.

Useful Living in Addis Information

Read the indispensable Welcome to Addis Guide!
Check out Welcome2Addis for more tips on life in Ethiopia
Join the Anything Important Telegram group for those living in Addis (includes non-ICS people)
Drive Around Addis Bazaar: detailed shopping map for artisans and other local businesses

For Families Entering In January 2026

New Family Orientation and Starting School at ICS Addis in January 2026

Saturday January 10

Dear new ICS families,

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to welcoming your family to the ICS community on Monday.

We are expecting your family on Monday 12 January for the New Family Orientation; please let us know if you will not be able to attend the orientation, so we can schedule a personal family orientation and update your child's first day of school.

New Family Orientation for All Families: Monday 12 January, 7:30-9:30 AM

Please attend the orientation with your child on Monday morning. ICS Addis is located in the Old Airport area of Addis Ababa. Please come to the Main Gate (gate #1). You can see a map of the area here.

7:30 - 8:00 AM: Registration Fair Open - meet the leadership team and complete administrative requirements

Includes Admissions, Health Office, Athletics and Activities Office, Cashier, IT, PTO, Security

Grade 1-12 Families

8:00 AM: Families go with sectional leadership (elementary, middle and high school) for orientation with counselors and principals

9:00 AM: Parents return to the Registration Fair / students in grades 1-12 remain in class

3:20 PM: Pick up students in grades 1-12

Early Years Families: Open House

8:00 AM: Early Years families go with Ms. Mei-Lyn, Lower Elementary School Deputy Principal, to tour the campus and visit the early years learning spaces. Parents stay with children to become comfortable in the environment. Families who have not yet had their Hopes and Dreams conferences will complete these with the teachers.

10:00 AM: Parents and students leave by this time.

Tuesday 13 January: first day of school for students in EY3, EY4, and EY5.

What to bring for orientation:

Birr cash for lunch deposit (optional) - lunch prices and more information here

What to bring for the first day of school:

Students should bring a healthy snack to eat, a home lunch (if not eating school lunch), a water bottle and a backpack.

High school students must bring their laptops.

Stationery/supply lists:

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Communications from ICS

The IT Team will be at the Registration Fair to help you access your parent email and the ICS platforms for parents.

Parent Email Address: all communications from ICS will be sent to your ICS parent email address once your child starts school. The IT Help Desk has sent the login details to your personal email from ithelpdesk@icsaddis.org.

Parent Platforms: use your ICS parent email address to sign into the parent platforms (use "Sign in with Google").

PowerSchool (administrative platform): https://icsaddis.powerschool.com/public

Access "Forms"in PowerSchool to submit your child's physical exam, medical information and your local contact information

Toddle (learning platform): https://web.toddleapp.com/

Lunch and ID Cards

Students may eat school lunch or bring home lunch. School lunch is paid using the student ID card. Each student has an ID number which is printed on their ID card. IDs for elementary school students stay in their classrooms, while middle and high school students carry their IDs with them.

Parents and students who provided electronic photos for their IDs can pick up their cards at orientation. For all others, you will take your photo for your ID at orientation.

School Hours

EY3-EY4 Half Day - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
EY3-EY4 Full Day, and EY5-Grade 12 - 8:00 AM-3:20 PM (Wednesdays: 2:00 PM dismissal)

Drop Off and Pick Up:

Morning Drop Off Time: 7:30-8:00 AM

Morning Drop Off Locations: by your youngest child

Early Years 3-5 and Grade 1: Gates #4 (drive in) and #5 (walk in)
Grades 2-5: Gates #1 (drive in) and #6 (walk in)
Grades 6-12: Gates #1&6 (walk in) and #15 (drive in)

Afternoon Pick Up Time: 3:20 PM / 2:00 PM on Wednesdays

Afternoon Pick Up Locations: by your youngest child

Early Years and Grades 1-5: Pick up at classroom
Grades 6-12: Exit from Gates #1 or #6

Student Store

View items available at the Student Store here, including stationery, water bottles, ICS gear and much more.

Parents may visit the Student Store during orientation, or on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 3:30 and 4:30 PM. The store will also be open on Wednesday morning during orientation.

Virtual Presentations from the Leadership Team

Our principals made virtual presentations for new families in August, and you can view the slideshows as well as the recordings of the presentations on the New Family Experience site here.

I hope that this information helps your family prepare for your orientation and the first day of school. You can also see this information and more on the New Family Experience site here (including links to the PTO WhatsApp groups).

Please reach out if you have additional questions!

With best regards,

Jess, Meheret, Haile and Berhanu

ICS Parent Ambassador Program

Thursday December 11

Dear all,

First of all, a heartfelt welcome to Addis and to ICS!
We’re truly looking forward to having you on campus soon and to welcoming you into our wonderful ICS community.

Chris and I are part of the school’s PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) and help coordinate the ICS Parent Ambassador Program, together with our amazing parent community. Through this program, we connect you with an ICS parent ambassador who may have children in the same grade, speak the same language, have lived where you lived before, or share some other helpful connection.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to be connected—it’s a great way to ask questions about life in Addis, whether related to school, settling in, or cultural context.

We can’t wait to meet you in person on January 12. Until then, we wish you safe travels, happy holidays, Merry Christmas (if you celebrate), and a joyful start to the Western New Year 2026.

(And as you’ll soon discover, we’re still in 2018 here in Ethiopia—so congratulations, you’ve instantly become eight years younger!)

See you all soon in Addis!

Karin, Christoph, Jess & the ICS Addis Parent Ambassadors

parent.ambassadors@icsaddis.org

Joining ICS Addis in January 2026

Monday December 1

Dear new ICS families,

Greetings from ICS Addis! It is already December and we are looking forward to welcoming you to ICS in January! You will receive updates from our office over the next few weeks regarding preparing to start school in January.

As a reminder, the New Family Experience page includes general information about after school activities, school hours, invoices and more. Specific updates will be shared as they are available.

Staying In Touch

Want to see what is going on at ICS?

Check out the ICS News Stories for some of the latest goings-on! You can also catch a glimpse of an elementary school learning hub, our amazing virtual tour, and our latest Instagram posts.

Want to be in touch with other families?

Introduce yourselves in the ICS Addis New Families Facebook group and/or request a Parent Ambassador from our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Student Ambassadors

If you have a student joining grades 6-12, he or she should be hearing from one of our student ambassadors soon by email. Encourage your student to chat with the ambassador by email, social media or video call - or even in person after you arrive in Addis. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a social connection and make that first day of school a little easier.

Already in Addis?

Families or parents already in Addis are welcome to attend some of our end-of-year events. Please contact the Admissions Office if you wish to attend any of these events.

5-6 December, 6:30-8:00 PM: Rock of Ages (High School Drama Production)

11 December, 5:30-7:30 PM: Middle School Arts Festival

13 December, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM: PTO Community Market

16 December, 6:30-7:30 PM: High School Holiday Concert

Questions for us?

Join the Wednesday drop in Zoom call, 4:00-4:30 PM East Africa Time (no drop in on 7 January).

New Family Orientation: Monday 12 January

Mark your calendar for Monday 12 January, 7:30-9:30 AM, for the New Family Orientation for parents and students.

Early Years: Open house for early years parents and students, to become familiar with the campus. First day of school for students in EY3, EY4, and EY5 on Tuesday 13 January.

Grades 1-12: Orientation for parents and students with the school leadership and counselors. Students will stay for the full day on Monday 12 January (pick up at 3:20 PM).

We look forward to being in touch over the coming weeks and to welcoming your family to ICS soon!

Have a great week,

The ICS Admissions Team - Jess, Haile, Meheret and Berhanu

For Families Entering In August 2025

Middle School New Family Orientation: Tuesday 12 August, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - sent 8 August 2025

Friday August 8

Dear new families,

The New Family Orientation is for both parents and students; siblings are also welcome to come with your family.

Orientation Part 1: Virtual Information Session

Completed on 7 August

Middle school presentation slides

Middle school presentation recording

Orientation Part 2: On Campus Family Orientation for Middle and High School

Tuesday 12 August, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Enter campus through the main gate (#1): map HERE.

Students: middle school students meet their counselors and student ambassadors, learn where their classes will be and make social connections.

Parents: parents tour the campus with the leadership team and meet our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers

Information Fair: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Visit the Information Fair to take care of all administrative details:

IT Support: log into your parent email account, access PowerSchool

Health Office: submit medical and contact information

Cashiers: make lunch/snack payments in birr cash

ID Cards: pick up parent ID cards

Student Store: order online HERE, pick up at orientation and pay in birr cash or local bank card

What to Bring to Orientation

Money: there is a Zemen ATM on campus

- Pay for pre-ordered student store items - birr cash or local bank card

- Top up for lunch/snacks - birr cash ONLY

Medical and Personal Information: IT will be available to help with PowerSchool access

- Physical exam and vaccination records

- Local phone number(s)

Umbrella! Just in case...

New Family Experience site: starting school details all in one place

See you on Tuesday!

From your Admissions Team,

Jess, Haile, Berhanu and Meheret

Elementary School New Family Orientation: Tuesday 12 August, 8:00-10:00 AM - sent 8 August 2025

Friday August 8

Dear new families,

The New Family Orientation is for both parents/guardians and students; siblings are also welcome to come with your family.

Orientation Part 1: Virtual Information Session

Completed on 7 August

Elementary school presentation slides

Elementary school presentation recording

Orientation Part 2: On Campus Family Orientation for Elementary School

Tuesday 12 August, 8:00-10:00 AM

You may come anytime during the 8:00-10:00 AM period. Please note that the classrooms will not be open after 10:00 AM, however.

Enter campus through the main gate (#1): map HERE.

Early Years Families

This is an Open House: your child will play in the playground and classroom, meet other children and meet their educators. The purpose is to provide time for the children to feel more comfortable in their new school.

Grades 1-5 Families

Pick up a scavenger hunt with the elementary school counselors, which your family will use to explore the elementary school and different parts of the campus!

Information Fair: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Visit the Information Fair to take care of all administrative details:

IT Support: log into your parent email account, access PowerSchool

Health Office: submit medical and contact information

Cashiers: make lunch payments and laptop deposits

ID Cards: pick up parent ID cards

Student Store: order online HERE, pick up at orientation and pay in birr cash or local bank card

What to Bring to Orientation

Money: there is a Zemen ATM on campus

- Pay for pre-ordered student store items - birr cash or local bank card

- Top up for lunch - birr cash ONLY

Medical and Personal Information: IT will be available to help with PowerSchool access

- Physical exam and vaccination records

- Local phone number(s)

Umbrella! Just in case...

New Family Experience site: starting school details all in one place

See you on Tuesday!

From your Admissions Team,

Jess, Haile, Berhanu and Meheret

High School New Family Orientation: Tuesday 12 August, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM - sent 8 August 2025

Friday August 8

Dear new families,

The New Family Orientation is for both parents/guardians and students; siblings are also welcome to come with your family.

Orientation Part 1: Virtual Information Session

Completed on 7 August

High school presentation slides

High school presentation recording

Orientation Part 2: On Campus Family Orientation for Middle and High School

Tuesday 12 August, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Enter campus through the main gate (#1): map HERE.

Please arrive on time, so students can join the activities.

Students: high school students meet their counselors and student ambassadors, learn where their classes will be and make social connections.

Parents: parents tour the campus with the leadership team and meet our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers

Information Fair: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Visit the Information Fair to take care of all administrative details:

IT Support: log into your parent email account, access PowerSchool

Health Office: submit medical and contact information

Cashiers: make lunch/snack payments and laptop deposits

ID Cards: pick up parent ID cards

Student Store: order online HERE, pick up at orientation and pay in birr cash or local bank card

What to Bring to Orientation

Money: there is a Zemen ATM on campus

- Pay for pre-ordered student store items - birr cash or local bank card

- Top up for lunch/snacks - birr cash ONLY

Laptop

High school students: if your personal laptop is not yet connected to the ICS network, bring it to the IT table - make sure it is charged, or that you bring your charger

Medical and Personal Information: IT will be available to help with PowerSchool access

- Physical exam and vaccination records

- Local phone number(s)

Umbrella! Just in case...

New Family Experience site: starting school details all in one place

See you on Tuesday!

From your Admissions Team,

Jess, Haile, Berhanu and Meheret

New family communications from ICS Addis this week - sent 6 August 2025

Wednesday August 6

Dear new ICS Addis families,

Our educational staff are all back on campus today, preparing for the new school year to start next Wednesday! The campus is busy, with lots of excitement in the air.

Arriving in Addis Late?

If your family will not be in Ethiopia in time for your family to attend the orientation on Tuesday 12 August, please notify us so we can plan for your personal orientation and transition support.

Virtual Information Sessions: Thursday 7 August

Presentations from the sectional leadership teams for new parents
All times are East Africa Time (UTC+3) and you have received a calendar appointment.
All sessions will be recorded and shared with you afterwards

Elementary School (Early Years-Grade 5): 3:00-3:45 PM. Zoom link HERE.

Middle School (Grades 6-8): 4:00-4:45 PM: Zoom link HERE.

High School (Grades 9-12): 3:00-3:45 PM: Zoom link HERE.

Upcoming Communications

Elementary School: for Early Years to Grade 5

Hopes and Dreams conferences (introductory family meetings with teachers):

Grades 1-5 Hopes and Dreams: Monday and Tuesday, 11-12 August

Signups sent by email on 5 August from the elementary school (es.school@icsaddis.org)

Early Years Hopes and Dreams: Wednesday and Thursday, 13-14 August

Signups sent by email on 6 August from the elementary school (es.school@icsaddis.org)

Middle and High School: for Grades 6-12

Counselor Meetings - Friday 8 August and Monday 11 August: signups are linked on your child's Checklist in the admissions portal - sign up now if you haven't already!

A few other notes:

These events and more are on the Transition and Orientation calendar HERE
The New Family Experience site is HERE - most of your questions should be answered here
HERE you can find useful links and groups that will be useful as you settle in and make connections to our greater community
Student Store: you can pre-order items to pick up at orientation on Tuesday morning

If you are not yet in Addis, remember it is the rainy season! Don't forget your umbrella and shoes to wear when it is wet, which is most days.

With kind regards,

Jess, Haile, Meheret and Berhanu

ICS Addis Admissions Team

Message from Your New Parent Ambassadors - sent 28 July 2025

Thursday July 31

Dear all,

We hope you are enjoying the summer break - wherever you are - and are looking forward to welcoming you soon at ICS.

We have a few documents we'd like to share with you, in the hope that they will help make your move and settling-in process a little easier.

ICS Welcome Guide

This guide is a collection of shared insights, tips, and practical advice from ICS parents about living in Addis. It’s by no means ‘complete’—Addis is changing quickly!—but it will give you a solid idea of what to bring, what you can find here, and where to find it.

Parent Grade WhatsApp Groups
Please feel free to join your respective group(s). Each grade has an informal Parent WhatsApp Group (the school communicates directly with parents through various channels), managed by the PTO. The aim of the group is to create a grade community, to support the school communication by informing the parents about upcoming school / PTO events, for parents to have a respectful and supportive exchange when there are questions or concerns, and to connect to each other. All parents of a grade are welcome to join.

And please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to be connected with one of our New Parent Ambassadors—a group of dedicated parent volunteers who are here to help new families feel welcome and supported. Just let us know, and we’ll match you with someone who shares a similar background, speaks your language, or has children in the same grade—whatever works best for you.

See you all soon!

Karin, Christoph, Jess & the ICS Addis Parent Ambassadors

parent.ambassadors@icsaddis.org

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