Greetings from the ISSBoard,
The Board
Thank you to everyone in our school community for your support throughout 2020 This has been an unusual year with of COVID-19 impacting our school
COVID-19
·ISS implemented a well-documented and comprehensive COVID-19 plan to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff and members
Online learning was rolled out for Term 2 and we thank everyone involved for their hard work to ensure the learning continued
The Board provided a one-time fee discount on school fees to all applicants, to assist throughout this time
Board Mem bership
The ISS Board sincerely thanks Ms Siobhan Sinclair for her stewardship, guidance and leadership as Chair over the past years Siobhan stepped down as Chair at the last AGM and Ms Mue Bentley Fisher was appointed by the Board We thank Mue for her effort and contribution to ISSas she resigned from the Board in October 2020
We sincerely thank all our Board members for their contributions throughout 2020 and in particular our appointed Committee Chairs ? Finance; Mr Omid Saberi, Facilities; Ms Megan Streeter and Governance; Ms Theresa Giesey and Ms Patricia Naisara
St rat egic Plan
The Board has been working hard to ensure that the activities of ISS and the Board are aligned to the ISS Strategic Plan
Progress has been made in a number of areas (Facilities Master Plan, Policy and Governance) with some delayed by the COVID-19 related constraints
Educat ion
ISS achieved WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation in June 2020 This gives the school a sought after international accreditation
The Middle Years Program (MYP) adoption is continuing and we are going through final accreditation in early November 2020
Facilit ies & Finance
The School remains in a sound financial position and acted financially prudently throughout the affected year
The ongoing works for JBlock are nearing completion and we look forward to the opening in early 2021
Craig Sim s - Chair of Board
Inside Front
St ephen Cat hers
Head of International School Suva
2020 will probably be remembered at ISS, and by the whole world, as the most unique year in memory! Covid-19 has affected (not infected) everything in the school, and many activities, initiatives, and opportunities have been redirected because of the global pandemic. Namely, Covid interrupted a 12-year trend of increasing enrolment, curriculum expansion, international collaboration, and school diversification. Progress toward our Strategic Plan goals has been slowed significantly as we prioritized student and staff safety.
I want to give special thanks to all our parents for supporting children and staff during this challenging time and remaining flexible and supportive of learning while many other things were put on hold entirely We spent Term 2 offering online programs to help prevent the spread of Covid, and then Term 3 opened with all new protocols for sanitation, distancing, and instruction. In all this, our community proved to be resilient and courageous. We are now hoping to rebuild and continue our recovery from the effects of Covid during 2021, knowing that uncertainty is the new normal! We still absolutely believe ISS is on its way to unprecedented quality, engagement, sustainability, reputation, and student outcomes, but not quite as quickly as we had hoped The Strategic Plan (available on the school website) has four main strategic goals:
1) ensuring strong student results at all levels
2) increasing ISS?s standing as a top globally-reputable international school
3) developing and expanding needed resources for ISS
4) providing improved systems to inform, guide, and inspire the school I want to say clearly that those goals are still guiding our direction and will be achieved in spite of Covid!
We have just completed a milestone in our first strategic goal, to continue to strengthen and improve student learning, particularly through improved and aligned curriculum; we have completed our MYP Authorisation process! This is a key step because the MYP emphasizes student inquiry and conceptual learning as well as many 21st Century skills found in the IB Learner Profile such as collaboration and problem solving. It connects the primary PYP and the secondary DP programs resolving some long-time content and philosophical disconnects
We are excited and committed to implementing the MYP well and making every student?s school experience memorable and life changing! One example of improvement that falls within the third goal of the Strategic Plan is with improved facilities. At the start of the 2020 school year, we expect to have the top two floors of the new building open and housing sciences and arts This will be a great resource for students and provide cutting-edge facilities for our students. The lower level with a new 350-seat auditorium will open at the end of Term 1, delayed by Covid and logistical issues. Please come participate in the grand opening when that happens in April of 2021! The coming year should also see added improvements in the common areas, including better gathering and eating spaces for all levels.
We expect to complete and open a new access road for parents and buses on the admin side of the school with added parking, safe bus zones, and better student drop-off areas
We want everyone to remember that ISS is a respected and established school in the international community. It is known world-wide and this international presence will benefit all our students. Students from ISS should have an increased global awareness and ability to succeed in any location or culture We are coming up to our 50th year celebration in two years! We expect that to be a milestone celebration both because of the history of the school, but also because of the quality of our programs, staff, and results. We are confident that the future will be a time of continuous improvement in many ways The board, staff, and parents of ISSare, I believe, committed to that and will make sure we succeed though working together.
Vinod Patel
ECH 1 Vonus
Back Row (L-R): Reyansh Verma, Elloe Samuwai, Krish Tappoo, Naylaa Koya,
Front Row (L-R): Ms. Jacqui Boultan, Anudhyan Baral, Myra Maharaj, Raef Patrick, Meng Xiao, Edward Ulacake, Ms Mary Pickering
Absent : Rory McAleese, William Klima
ECH 2 Whales
Front Row (L-R): Kartik Prasad, Keoni Sasvari, Viggo Myers, Sophie Welsh, Pablo Espejo, Rowan Munoz-Smith, Riyaan Kaba
Back Row (L-R): Ms Mere Faletono, Iraia Patrick, Matilda Dench, Elodie Brewster, Keir Myers, Jonas Leraille, Mackayla Webb Ferguson, Caroline Vanualailai, Krishiv Abhimannu, Ms. Sainiana Vula.
Insert : Abigail Burgess
ECH 2 Kuit a
Front Row ( L-R): Han Yang Ma, Ankush Sharma, Charlotte Marafono, Frank Ross, Soraya Harrington, Pinso Lund.
Back Row (L-R): Ms Josephine Augustina, Yu Yao Cui, Elissa Dugu, Ritwik Satyam, Ren Rawski-Yamada, Emma Tamara, Noah Moriaud-Nomura, Ms Rangeeta Singh.
Absent : Arjun Sikri, Ava Asim
Recept ion S
Front Row (L-R): Adam Kumar, Hugh Thomas, Hugo Aelbers, Lilith Reubel, Rudra Chauhan
Back Row (L-R): Ms Tanya Adrian, Rowan O'Brian, Hailey King- Scott, William Erikson, Zara Du, Bianca Tiysen, David Onyu Yi, Miss Sangeeta Sundar.
Absent : Marley Millis, Kaiwen Deng
Rec S Collage
Recept ion J
Front Row (L-R): Ms. Jana Karountzos, Tristan Samuwai, Ryker Van Nimwegen, AnaÃs Smeby Wong, Ceiba Noriega, Rayaan Singh, Ms. Fariah Ali
Back Row (L-R): Benjamin Rose, Zara Jezewski, John Sanday, Anisa Patel, Zecheng Dong
Absent : Charles McGrath, Louis Datcharry
Recept ion R
Front Row (L-R): Ms Keshlin Vikash, Nova Ulacake, Vallarie Goundar,
Inès Feldstein Julien, Ms. Saira Rafique, Ms. Saleshni Lata (Shirley)
Back Row (L-R): Lucas Belmar Kontio, Tianhao Yao (Matthew), Kiyaan
Singh, Ximu Yang (Jerry), Aarien Verma
Absent : Aria Kumar, Nelson Brading, Daniel Cullen
Year 1D
Front Row (L-R): Cornelius Stoltz, Nina Tenorio Castelein, John McElroy, Malak Ibrahim, Maya Gokal
Back Row (L-R): Ms. Litia Naqica, Mrs. Renee Dansey, Jack Welsh, Malu Sasvari, David Tagi, Parker Moriarty, Ms. Lusi Gris
Absent : Alexa Antonio, Amelia Ponzoni, Thomas Giesey, Jonathan Klima
Year 1N
Front Row (L-R): Alexander Kumar, Om Madhav Prasad, Wesley Kavika, Sione Fa, William Yang, Vivia Archer-Knepper
Back Row (L-R): Ms. Litia Naqica (Teacher Assistant), Finn Mcaleese, Ishaan Tappoo, Tavi Hoekstra, Pradipta Dahal, Veikko Abrenilla, Zahra Jiwanji, Ms. Neroli Sullivan (Teacher)
Yr 1N Collage
Year 1P
Front Row (L-R): Meera Gokal, Martina Aja Hajj, Bede Ray-Podmore, Zhao Yeji ( Dragon), Camille Pirlet,
Back Row (L R): Mr. Gerard Mastapha, Suliana Serrano, Ari Ray-Podmore , Anare Raiwalui, Aida Karimli, Oliver Armstrong , Mrs. PaulineTudreu
Absent : Euan Kark, Zonaira Khan, James Gilbert
Yr 1P Collage
Year 2B
Front Row (L-R): Dinis Swinnen, Zeyu (Crystal) Wang, Ahinoah Stice, Vania Subrail, Lewis Tamara, Mirabella Thomas, Jayni Dass, Ms. Somal Singh
Back Row (L-R): Mr. JitokoBogitini, Faustina Tuisiga, Kexin Yu, Hanyu (Andra) Ma, Rian Amin, Amelia Singh, Jean Leraille, Tian Tian Du
2B in Act ion
Yr 2B Collage
Year 2H
Front Row (L-R): Sheyden Goundar, Eden Jezewski, Darya Harrington, Malachi Matafeni, Preesha Buantoa
Back Row (L R): Mr. Gerard Mastapha, Fergus Tijsen, Harriet Spence, Ewan Munoz-Smith, Lucy Erikson, Youcheng Dong, Ms. Hannah Nanovu, Mrs. Elenoa Vamarasi
Absent : Nathaniel Smith, Georgina Cullen, Matthew Shing
Fun in Year 2H
Year 2L
Front Row (L-R): Eltiyan Menik, Sophie Shing, Jinrui Tang, Grace Khelan, Marissa Rai, Charlie Hanna
Back Row (L-R): Ms Somal Singh, Aahil Muhammed, Aria Zenos, Elizabeth Gilbert, Kiana Nanovu, Lucy Dench, Nevaan Abhimannu, Ms. Litiana Bulai
Year 3A
Front Row (L-R): Samuel Manakilagi, Shubh Prasad, Aaisha Patel, Riley Abbott, Rianna Kaba, Koroi Anise, Zedekiah Pratt
Back Row (L-R): Ms Alexandra Sutch, Austin Winder, Gauransh Verma, Haiyi Zhang , Vaniya Prasad, Yuhan Fu, Daniel Espejo, Beatrice Quayle, Hibba Datta, Mr. Joji Vunicagi
Absent : Aurelie Datcharry, Ayla Damlamian
Year 3D
Front Row (L-R): Alaisha Khatri, Umme-Hani Jiwanji, Asenaca Tagi, Aura Colmenares, Garvita Mehta
Back Row (L-R): Mr Kasari Seru, Jonah Frank, Matei Eftodi, Emerson Sims, Marisa Robinson, Dominique Brewster, Levi Choi, Mikael Muhammad, Mrs. Asinati Draunimasi
Absent : Andrew Knott, Aviv Deng, Jasiah Aviu, John Giesey
Year 3H
Front Row (L-R): Zara Ludher, Yuxuan Fu, Charlotte Rose, Alexander Denzler, Ayra Haniff, Mr Joji Vunicagi
Back Row (L-R): Mrs Sonia Hallmark, Kabir Hassan Mirbahar, Ashriel Lal, Aarush Abhimannu, Marie Ebisawa, Devansh Pal, Siyona Dasi, Addyson Lobendahn Wood, Mrs. Jesi Tuilevu
Absent : Evelyn Brading, Isaac Davies, Naivan Kumar
WeareThinkers
Yr 3H Collage
Year 4R
Front Row (L-R): Fardeen Mohammed, Samairah Koya, Scarlet Fisher, Rui Ma (Mary), Kairi Shimamoto
Back Row (L-R): Ms Shehana Dean, Iyaaz Jan, Niamh Armstrong, Aman Khan, Sukanya Rahm, Sosuke Yamanaka, Ms Srikala Raghuraman
Insert : George Spence, Theo Knott, Remi Datcharry
Year 4B
Front Row (L-R) : Mr Kasari Seru, Mohd Faizal Hafiq, Nidia Singh, Dominic Penrose, David Tewaea, Zalaf Ibrahim, Lily-Rose Pirlet,
Ms.Veniana Baledrokadroka
Back Row (L-R): Jenah Stice, Lena Julien Feldstein, Sairusi Raiwalui, Lina Favae, Shon Prasad, Farah McElroy, Wonchan Park, Lilla Young, Isabelle Foster
Year 4P
Front Row (L-R): Apsara Prasad, Onni Abrenilla, Shiyana Samarasinha, Oscar Jezewski, Aya Ikeda
Back Row (L-R): Ms Shehanah Dean, Taus Melgaard, Heuiwon Yoon, Senivasa Raiwalui, Phillipa Kembabazi, Yoochan Park, Fulori Manoa, Mr. Bryony Pullman
Absent : Jacob Smith, Alexander Gilbert
Year 5N
Front Row (L-R): Ms. Taraivini Watikini, Janah Zenos, Jacinta Tuisiga, Crystal Karan, Antonio Foster, Mr Semiti Lovo
Back Row (L-R): Ms Vosita Williams, Mikeala Bingham, Hallaj Mirbahar, Cora Art, Ms. Selai Nawai
Absent : Olivia Cullen, Indigo Davies, William Jackson
Year 5L
Front Row (L-R): Ms. Taraivini Watikini, Sudhanthra Balachander, Auguste Frank, Denisha Kumar, Eneriko Manoa, Ahana Gounder, Leo Kruger, Aanya Gokal, Ms. Seini Gukilau
Back Row (L-R): Ms. Vosita Williams, Sona Karimli, Fengrui Shan, Faith Khelan, Jordhan Temo, Jayda Ngan, Raphael Koroidimuri, Anahira Denzler, Mr Peter Lundin
Year 5H
Back Row :(L-R): Ms. Vosita Williams, Kartik Singh, Lily Bakoauea, Abigail Fisher, Gideon Tora, Alyna Seru, Iris Bentley Fisher, Joab Mastapha
Front Row : (L-R): Ms. Taraivini Watikini, Mingfu (Tony) Zhou, Indiana
Jezewski, Makakoloa Soakai, Estella Bingham, Zuriel Goundar, Denisha Khatri, Mr. Henry Laygo
Absent : Kele Hunter, Riley Nicole
Cooking
Music - Tim
Ocean Science
Prim ary St aff
Top Row (L-R): :Sainiana Vula, Mary Pickering, Rangeeta Singh, Jacqui Boulton, Virisila Ratubuli, Josephine Augustina, Lorna Evening, PaulineTudreu, Renee Dansey, Lusiana Gris, Neroli Sullivan, Litia Naqica
4t h Row (L-R): Amelia Cumerbatch, Shoma LAl, Navin Narayan, Maria Vianny, Laisani Talaiviti, Frances Mario, Fariah Ali, Semiti Lovo, Peter Lundin, Shehanah Dean, VickyRam, Bryony Pullen, Salaseini Vatumoto
3rd Row (L-R): Petero Tuisiga, Alisi Nabinivalu, Timothy Ulacake, Asinati Draunimasi, Jesi Tuilevu, Kasari Seru, Joji Vunicagi, Alexandra sutch, vosita Williams, Henry Lago
2nd Row (L-R): Srikala Rahhuraman, Keshlin Vikash, Tanya Adrian, Sangeta Sundar, Litiana Bulai, Somal Singh, Hannah Nanovu, Veniana Baledrokadroka, Jitoko Bogitini, Gerard Mastapha, Lindy Stice
Front Row (L-R): Savenaca Bola, Selai Nawai, Jana Karountzos, Rosi Uluiviti, Rebecca Clentworth, Seini Gukilau, Nacanieli Sikinairai
Absent : Mere Faletono, Sonia Hallmark, Elenoa Vamarasi, Taraivini Watikini, Saleshni Lata, Wesele Suka
Welcom e t o Middle School
HOM
Like Ram sdale
MYPCoordinator
As I write this article, the school is preparing for our MYPverification visit, as you read this article, we will have hopefully successfully navigated the visit, which is the final step in the authorisation process. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole school community for their support in the transition to the MYP.
In true MYPstyle it would be remiss of me not to reflect on all the hard work and achievements that have taken place over the past 2 years as the school works towards full authorisation. What I have been most impressed with is the openness of both teachers and students to this new curriculum. Students and teachers are now au fait with the terminology, practices and assessment requirements of the program. It is so pleasing to see students engaged everyday in learning which allows them to inquire about the world around them using contextual understanding The recent MYPshowcase evening was a great celebration of student learning this year across the program It was wonderful to see the first Year 10 Personal Project cohort exhibit their projects with such knowledge, passion and flair The quality and diversity of the projects on display was incredible, as was the creativity on show The current year 9 group have recently begun their Personal Project journey and I am looking forward to seeing how their knowledge, character and passions will be displayed next year.
I genuinely feel that the MYPwill allow our PYPstudents to transition seamlessly into the program and build on the inquiry that has been developed in the Primary School. At the top end of the program, the MYPis doing a great job at preparing our students for the rigours of both the IB DPprogram and the ACT
I wish you a great, relaxing break and look forward to seeing you all in 2021
Year 7
Language
Language
Language
Middle School St aff
Front Row (L-R): Luke Ramsdale, Tanya Legaz-Clua, Mari Anise, Kristofer Stice, Arieta Koroidimuri, Juan Carlos Legaz-Clua, Dan Shao
Middle Row (L-R): Marie Lacassagne, Tanya Ulacake, Milika Waqainabete, Annie Prasad, Eleni Vuniamatana, Kate Reimann, Carol Yao, Liana Thomas, Elizabeth Sims, Patrick Savea, Silina Bale
Back Row (L-R): Maria Dunbar, Jonathan Uluiviti, Ryan Ludher, Patricia Rokotuinuku, Regina Mastapha, Shelly Forbes, Parwez Al Ahemad, Benjamin Gibson, Cynthia Chen
Megan Navunisaravi
Head of High School
This year has been a year like no other for all of us at ISS. Online learning is a first for us, and I am full of admiration for how quickly students adjusted and managed to stay connected to their school program We all learned many lessons in the process. Some learned a lot about themselves and what they could manage, some how long it takes before you have computer fatigue, many learned new and exciting computer skills and others were simply quick to point out that they just wanted to be back in school!For those who were in time zones different to Fiji, it was a real test of resilience as the sense of isolation set in We can easily be linked by screens and communicate virtually; technically we can learn anywhere now, but for most of us, it is those face to face, day to day ?little? conversations with friends and teachers that make our lives, and indeed learning, rich. I am full of admiration for our students making it through this pretty tough time and I think for many it reaffirmed how important it is to be on campus and in school There is no doubt the pandemic has taught us much, but it has reemphasized the importance of inclusion of service learning in education.
After returning to campus, our students started the ?Love Kitchen?which provides school lunches for around 100 students in two local primary schools every Tuesday and Thursday. Without this, some of these children would face days where they only had a single meal a day. I know that some parents have also picked up assistance and have provided donations for this project and even supplement lunch provision on other days, which is absolutely terrific. There have been many other projects which are equally important which our students continue to engage in beyond the classroom and certainly these are a means of developing a lifelong interest in advocacy and support of others Michelle Obama noted: ?The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table? all of that starts with education? Ernest Gibson(a graduate of ISS) has gone on to be one of 7 appointed to the UN Secretary General?s Youth Advisory Group on climate change. Building a sense of advocacy and social responsibility is important and there is no doubt there will likely be many more graduates from ISSin similar roles in the future
Education should help us all to become better versions of ourselves and it should be a lifelong process of empowerment. John Dewey noted ?Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.? In fact, education helps anyone to be more than they thought they could possibly be and I hope that all ISS high school graduates are able to say they have the skills and so there is a world of opportunity ahead!
Year 9
Front Row (L-R): Katie Bicknell, Cindy Sobtafo, Minh Thu Nguyen Le, Tabbai Soko, Yashan Patel, Kazi Ayman Rahman, Evan Budojo, Hannah Malo, Chika Ikeda, Emma Gibson
Middle Row (L-R): Xiaoming Cao, Nirav Singh, Baylian Saberi, Victoria Tagi, Hyunjune Kwon, Finnley Hill, Luciano Aja Hajj, Leona Douglas, Natalia Kirk-Bennett, Keani Larsen, Alisa Viktorija Sirante, Ms Adi Ana Nute
Back Row (L-R): Mr Jonathan Uluiviti , Sinaukoro Paelate, Kazi Aryan Rahman, Judah Stice, Samuela Cikaitoga, Robert Hunter, David Young, Che Taito, Zane Jamnadas, Papanui Liew-Marsters, Zoran Kironde, Seini Talei Tikosaya, Mr Benjamin Gibson
Absent : Manawanui Thoms, Liam Hall
Year 9
Year 10
Front Row (L-R): Mr. Nemani Dianimoto, Sanskruti Dawande, Kasturi Sahoo, Chang Liu, Neha Singh, Emma Goosens, Zarina Goundar, Anqi Wang, Fiona Laygo, Ms. Premila Devi
Middle Row (L-R): Kehe Zhang, Aastha Prakash, Milan Haer, Aurora Sinclair, Keir Barnes, Hena Dass, Kashish Daswaney, Shafneen Rahman, Ines De Torres Troncoso
Back Row (L-R): Nelle Leenders, Zoe Pratt, Yuke Dai, Penny-Anna Clark, Kaize Yu, Ashleigh Singh, Sahil Dahal, Samantha Belleman, Chiheon Oh, Jiayu Chu, Temalai Paelate
Absent : Elliot Seam, Laura Asaad, Daniel Graf, Ratu Donasiano Vunakece, Dewan Mohan, Jade Cave
Year 11
Front Row (L-R): Ifereimi Waqainabete, Eashan Singh, Mohammed Safiq, Jared Southwick, Taine Nolan, Masimeke Latianara, Sinan Li, Seth Nolan
Middle Row (L-R): Mrs. Jenny Liew, Noah Cumberbatch, Josiah Stice, Ayesha Ahmed, Monica Fong, Fatima Dada, Mai Hada, Anjali Mehta, Hefrani Barnes, Yihao Hu, YichaoWang, Mr Yogesh Maharaj
Back Row (L-R): Paul Bennion, Lahaiba Saud, Rosinda Soakai, Arieta Rubuti, Malia Tuqa, Dolores Manoa, Margaret Ulacake, Grace Qovu, Nylla Young, Aaryan Hamid, Ayush Narayan
Absent: Isaac Chong
Year 12
Year 12
Year 12
High School St aff
Front Row (L-R): Jonathan Uluiviti, Agatha Gibbons, Dona Baledravu, Jenny Liew, Eleni Vuniamatana, Benjamin Gibson, Kate Reimann, Carol Yao
Middle Row (L-R): Zeba Kausar, Marie Lacassagne, Silina Bale, Liana Thomas, Yogesh Maharaj, J. Vanitha; Nemani Dianimoto, Premila Devi, Adi Ana Nute, Elizabeth Sims, Megan Navunisaravi
Back Row (L-R): Nina Nakaora, Elizabeth Naigulevu, Pallavi Singh, Henry Murphy, Maria Dunbar, Apisalome Damuyawa, Froseann Stevens, Ashneil Bijay, Parwez Al Ahemad, Cynthia Chen, Dan Shao, Jill Schultz
Spor t s St udies
m i n i s t r a t i o n
Front Row (L-R): Kunal Chauhan, Vikashni Lata, Paula Cathers, Steve Cathers, Sera Brown, Ajeshni Nand, Steven Chand
Middle Row (L-R): Hector Hatch, Nitesh Chand, Meeta Khatri, Va Solomone, Avnil Lal, Vinesh Chand, Lorna Evening-Rafoi, Dr Sereana Wood, Virisila Nayanu
Back Row (L-R): Doreez Kutty, Rozina Ali, Aman Singh, Abdul Sharukh, Ravneel Prasad, Michael Khelan, Virisila Ratubuli, Kelera Dean, Raijeli Rokosiga, Rebecca Pratt
Insert (L-R): Benitera Koroijiuta, Jonathan Fong, Sanjeevan Naiker
