2023 Talanoa Volume 1

PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SCHOOL

By Mr Mr Hector Hatch Deputy Head of Schools

Greetings, Parents and Friends of ISS,

MESSAGE

As we look back on our first term of 2023 and enjoy a well deserved break , we are pleased with the continued consolidation of academic and co-curricular programmes, completion of of projects and further progress towards the achievement of our strategic goals

We recently received feedback from the Mid-Cycle review conducted by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of our accrediting bodies. The positive feedback from the report, which will be available for release later next Term, shows the school to be in good heart and committed to the goal of continuous improvements despite the interruptions resulting from the Pandemic.

TALANOA STUDENT FUN

As we reported at the end of Term One and despite delays from disrupted Supply Chains, and inclement weather the long awaited Nokonoko Access Road will be completed and ready for use by the beginning of Term 2. Likewise, the new play area for the Primary students. Work has begun on the new ECH building which will add much to the campus once it is completed in 2024

Planning for the ISS 50 Year Anniversary is underway and we look forward to seeing present and past students and teachers there to celebrate with us on 29 July, 2023.. There will be a number of activities leading up to the finale which will be held in concert with the ISS Harmony Week and Fun-day. Further details will be made available as planning progresses.

Meanwhile , we trust the break will be a refreshing time with family and friends and one that helps recharge our batteries for a busy Term 2

Thank you for choosing to be part of the ISS community and we look forward to seeing you all again on Wednesday 12 April, 2023

By Ms Becki Clentworth Head of Primary

Creating stimulating play areas for Primary students is essential for their physical, cognitive, and social development. A stimulating play space helps children learn important skills, like problem-solving, communication, and cooperation. It also encourages physical activity, which is essential for a child’s overall health. Play areas can be set up both indoors and outdoors, allowing children to explore different types of

Outdoor play areas provide children with the opportunity to explore natural elements and interact with nature, while indoor play gives children the chance to use their imagination and engage in more creative activities. In both cases, these activities stimulate the mind and help children learn important skills. In addition, play areas also provide a safe space for children to socialize and interact with their peers. This is an important part of their development, as it helps them to build relationships and develop

Our Primary Playground is one area where students have the opportunity to play and develop their understanding of the world around them with their friends. We view the playground as a learning environment that should stimulate natural curiosity and support

This term we have added some additional play spaces to our outdoor play areas to ensure all our students have the opportunity to explore their interests through play.

ECH 2T have been exploring the school grounds as part of their Unit of Inquiry into Who We Are. This offers the students an opportunity to learn about their community and how they connect with the other students and teachers and staff.

During the walks around school we made observations and asked questions: " The pipes are connecting all through school to bring water." Joji

"The flowers will be broken if you stand on them." Siale

"Why is there so much building?" Lara

Following our walk we recreated our school grounds using junk modelling materials. We drew things that we noticed and cut, pasted, painted and labeled our school grounds over a week long project.

BASU BAWARA PROGRAMME

By Ms Shelly Forbes

Literally translated as “To break open an unopened flower shoot” bawara is the spathe (unopened flower shoot) of the coconut palm. A spathe bursts open as it dries and matures, and reveals its flowers. It means that a person (usually young) wants to break free of discipline in the home, village or the workplace.

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We look forward to celebrating the students’ learning in a showcase towards the end of term two. More information regarding this celebration will be forthcoming.

Mrs Hriday Daswaney talks to the Travel Masters about planning an itinerary

By Mr Rich Walrath

The health of the World Ocean reflects and controls the health of every single person on the planet. While we may not understand how, by increasing our awareness of Ocean Literacy, we can and do learn. That is one reason ISS is focusing many efforts on Ocean Literacy, and in the secondary school, that manifests by both curricular units and the co-curricular activities during Ocean Literacy Wednesdays.

For the first semester of this year, students in Years 6 and 7 have six different activities to choose from:

They can learn freediving/snorkeling and some basic reef survey techniques and how to find things accidentally dropped in the water. Another option is the beach cleanup and ocean awareness, where students go out and clean up sections of Suva beaches, then report out how much of what they cleaned so we are aware of the pollution washing up on our shores.

The sustainable fisheries and aquaculture group is focusing on various fishing activities including traditional, sport, and commercial fishing.

Students in exploratory seamanship are introduced to traditional paddling, small craft sailing, and basic boating safety.

The ocean advocacy group not only works to publicise the various activities the school is doing in support of ocean literacy and conservation.

Finally, the Remotely Operated Vehicle team is designing and building a small tethered ROV to help automate the photogrammetry survey of part of our reef.

o far this semester, the freediving group has learned some of the basics in Suva Olympic pool, exploratory seamanship has started learning how to paddle traditional watercraft, the beach cleanup group has spent two afternoons picking up part of the beach near

By Mr Brendan Tobin

It’s been great to see so many students attending our volleyball training sessions each afternoon. The U13s have steadily grown in number, and are learning some new skills during TASA - setting, bumping, serving, spiking and most importantly, communication. Our U15, U17 & U19 teams have been training twice a week, sometimes until 5.30pm in the afternoon and are starting to refine their skills, improve their techniques and work as a team.

We are looking forward to showcasing these skills in some games and tournaments early in Term 2 - so look out for this exciting opportunity!

Secondary: Language Acquisition (French)

Secondary: Language Aquistion (Spanish)

Norrinah Hoozeer

Anaseini Hurstel

Secondary: IB Diploma Mentor

Jeshneel Deo IT Support

Cynthia Dutt

Secondary: PHE and Visual Arts

Nicola Richardson Primary: Head of Learning Support

Danielle Tucker Secondary: Mathematics

Analay Vaurasi

Kayla Webby Primary: Reception

Laiseane Ataogo

Primary: Teaching Assistant

Jason Peel Primary: Year 3

Harrison Shepherd Primary: Teacher Intern

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