Volume 3 Newsletter of International School Suva
Principal’s Report
21st May 2018 Inside this issue:
Greetings, Parents and Friends of ISS, Principal Report We are mid-way through Term 2, and I am extremely pleased with the energy and enthusiasm among our students and staff. We are at a key point of the year when we, as a school, make far-reaching decisions about the coming years. I am KIDS4KIDS referring to the up-coming Annual General Meeting, the AGM, and to our current effort to update the school’s Strategic Reception Report Plan. For both of these, we need good parent involvement.
The AGM is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, at 6 p.m. Please reserve that time to attend and hear progress reports on the school’s programs, finances, facilities, strategic planning, and general direction. Documents related to the AGM are posted on the school website under the tabs A bout Us/School Council/A GM 2018. At the AGM, up to six Council seats will be filled this year and each parent of an ISS student is entitled to vote for those replacements. The best way to vote is to attend the AGM and receive a stamped ballot there. However, you may also vote by proxy or electronically. For a proxy vote, you must complete a proxy form (available on the website or at the school office) and turn it in to the office at least one day before the AGM, or by 4 p.m. Tuesday, 29 May. To vote electronically, you may register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PYW7MP5. This registration must also be done by close of business Tuesday, 29 May.
PYP Camp Reflection Library Counselor’s Corner Kaji Rugby Nurse
Year 3 Article Another important way for you to be part of ISS’s direction and future is to participate in the Strategic Planning process. Please complete the Strategic Planning survey that was shared by email recently. The survey is open a few days more, Year 9 Camp closing Monday, 21 May, 2018 at 10 a.m. It can be accessed at the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/ XEZJwAuhyosJtYcB2. Your input in this process will be used to guide the school’s future, so please take time to share My First Camp your thoughts. Upcoming Events
The next few weeks will be busy as the term winds down. Students will be finishing projects, participating in camps, taking exams, and, of course, thinking about the coming three-week break. Please encourage your children to finish the term well in order to benefit from every opportunity offered, and then I hope you will all enjoy a wonderful family time during the break. Best wishes! Steve Cathers Principal
Term Dates
Kids4Kids Cyclone Drive The Kids4Kids club has been involved in collecting donations for our ‗Cyclone Drive‘. We would like to say a huge vinaka vakalevu to all who have donated. We have been overwhelmed with the responses and we know that this drive wouldn‘t have been successful without the kind hearts of our ISS community.
The students have been very enthusiastic and helpful, giving up their lunchtime play to sort through the items. The goods have been organized into boxes and bags all ready to be given out. Next Tuesday, the students will choose the settlements and schools where our donations will go. It has been fantastic to see that our club membership has grown each time we meet. From all the members of the Kids4Kids club, vinaka vakalevu. Selai Nawai Year 5 Teacher
Reception Report Reception have been inquiring into, ‗How people interact, use, and value the natural environment in different ways,‘ as part of our "Sharing the Planet" Unit of Inquiry. The children demonstrated their learning by creating a role-play. They used their literacy knowledge about stories having a problem and a solution, and their fine motor skills to make props. They organised themselves into groups and listened to each other‘s ideas. The groups shared their understanding of why it is important to look after our oceans, land and air, and how we can all take action to do so.
Dominique Harris Reception Teacher
Happy 50th Birthday to the International Baccalaureate – Why the PYP is the best for us PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a dynamic and effective way of guiding young learners through the learning process using inquiry-based learning opportunities. Students are challenged to answer and ask relevant questions that allow them to discover more about the world around them and to learn about the inter-connectedness of our world. Key skills, concepts and knowledge are taught by classroom and subject teachers through a mixture of subject based teaching, and transdisciplinary units of inquiry. Units of inquiry are planned so that students learn about, and through, the different subject areas in context, by addressing six globally significant themes at each grade level, namely:
Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves, and Sharing the planet.
We are committed to fostering a community of learners and believe the PYP provides an academic curriculum that enables all children to: Build conceptual understanding Develop international-mindedness Acquire and use 21st century skills including social skills, thinking skills, self-management skills, research skills and communication skills Develop knowledge and skills in the areas of language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and physical /health education Develop positive, constructive attitudes towards life and learning Take action based on what they have learned
Rebecca Clentworth Head of Primary
Camp Reflection by Ashleigh Singh, Year 8 ―Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away‖ -Maya Angelou Levuka was the first colonial capital of Fiji with a largely unique landscape. Levuka lost its capital status officially in 1882. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, we were made to feel at home throughout the entire camp. The camp promoted student independence and was a unique bonding experience. This camp was very relaxed and allowed us to learn to communicate and bond without electronic devices. The highlight of my camp was the time spent with the kindergarten kids of Delana Methodist School. As a year-level we visited the school and each took a group of children to teach the clapping rhythm too. Helen and I had approximately 20 kindergarten kids who picked up the sequence incredibly fast. I feel like we created a strong bond and were constantly surprised at the pace these children could clap out the beat. For me the most validating part was seeing the smiles on their faces as they got it right and got a high-five. They would fight over who could sit next to the both of us that we ended having a circle around us. During their inter house they came and sat next to us, wanting to continue the beat. They also taught us another hand game which they played amongst themselves. Going to the school I had low expectations; however, they were well exceeded. Another highlight was cooking and bonding with my cooking group. On the day of our lunch we set the pot on fire due to overheating the oil. Hena, Elliot, Helen and I all didn‘t know what to do so we all backed away for Ms. Fox to save the day. This experience taught me that I would make a terrible firefighter, I feel like the most challenging aspect was dealing with the lack of sleep. I find it really hard to sleep well in an unfamiliar place and around my friends as we are tempted to talk. I constantly woke up and couldn‘t get back to sleep, making me really tired the next day. Another challenging aspect was knowing how much to cook and buy supplies for our meals. We didn‘t want to under buy or excessively overbuy, but we wanted everyone to have enough food. In the end we ended up overbuying. Finally, I found it hard to be away from home, clean clothes, a warm shower, and proper bed for five days and was happy to get home. Camp was amazing but also taxing. I feel like my interaction with the school children was the best part, and I am really proud of everything they and I achieved. I am also proud of the meals my group put up and our ability to work as a team and my ability to pick up how to play ‗Last Card‘. I was even accused of using reverse psychology on Theo! I feel like I could have pushed myself to deal with my sleepiness better and do more at the inter-house competition. I think this camp taught me more about my friends and the things I am able to accomplish if I put my mind to it. I don‘t normally associate myself as a nature person however this camp was the first time I really have appreciated and enjoyed being outdoors. It gave me the opportunity to know more about my friends, their strengths and weaknesses and our similarities.
Library This year, ECH 1— Year 2 have weekly library classes while Years 3-5 have library lessons on alternative weeks. Library lesson focuses on developing a child‘s information literacy skills in connection to the classroom unit of inquiry, promoting and supporting the development of transdisciplinary skills, international mindedness, the IB learner profile, key concepts while fostering a lifelong love for books and reading.
Browse for books
ECH 1 making mother‘s day cards
Read for pleasure
Library Opening Hours
Browse for books
Explore and use the subscription online databases
Thank You! Special thank you to our parent volunteers.
Design and build using LEGOS, K‘NEX and the Doodler pen.
Research using Non fiction books and reference tools in connection to classroom unit of inquiry.
Scholastic Book club
Thank you parents and students for ordering through scholastic book club 7.30 am— 4.00 pm New Zealand & Australia. We receive Ms Shereen Prasad. Thank Close on weekends and you for helping out in the more then $3000 in free books for the library and classroom each year. Issue 3 public holidays library. for this term has been distributed to Parents are welcome to students. The New Zealand order use the library with closed last Friday, 11th of May. their children after 2.30 If you would also like to Thank you, volunteer in the library pm. by adopting a shelf, Ms Salu & the library team Check out our school teach a craft or read a subscription databases story during lunch time, Email: library@international.school.fj here: https:// please contact Ms Salu at Library Website: https:// issfijithe library. issfijilibrary.weebly.com/ library.weebly.com/
Monday—Friday
Counselor’s Corner Ni sa bula vinaka, I am Chante Cross the new Secondary School Counselor. I am excited to be a part of the International School Suva family. I‘ve been busy meeting the secondary students and seeing where I can assist them in their growth and academic pursuits. They are brilliant young minds and I‘ve enjoyed meeting all of them. I am originally from the United States, specifically the state of Virginia. I have brought with me to Suva my two youngest children ages 10 and 7. We are enjoying our transition to Fiji. Everyone has been very nice and welcoming. I will use the Counselor‘s Corner to provide updates on the ISS School Counseling Program and to provide helpful information and strategies to help students and families cope with life‘s changes and transitions as well as academic planning. If anyone has any questions please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone, ccross@iss.school.fj or 3393300 ext 1045. Stress Management Tip: Homemade Stress Balls w/Play Dough Materials: 1 can of play dough 2 balloons Makes 2 stress balls. Open the can of play dough. Separate it into equal halves. Roll the play dough into small ―snakes‖ measuring about 2 inches in length. Put the play dough into a balloon. The play dough should fall to the bottom of the balloon. Wait until you‘ve finished stuffing the balloon with play dough before you try to squeeze it from the opening to the bottom of the balloon. The play dough helps to keep the hole open easing the process of putting the play dough into the balloon. When complete tie the balloon off as you would any balloon.
Kaji Rugby 2018 The Suva Kaji Rugby Competition season official opening will be on Saturday (19 th May, 2018). The ISS rugby team is affiliated with Stella Maris Primary School for the under 10 & 11 ages and Assemblies of God Primary School for under 12s. The following students have qualified along with Stella Maris Primary School and Assemblies of God Primary School players: Under 10 – Kye Nanovu and Jonathan Kirk (Year 4) Under 11 – Jimmy McCracken and Christian Faletau (Year 5) Under 12 – Rhys Milthorpe (Year 6) for Assemblies of God Primary School. Saturday (19 May) programme: 0900 – All seated 0905 – Devotion. 0910 – Welcome 0915 – Garlanding 0920 – Introduction of Speakers World Rugby official – Webb Ellis Trophy Vodafone – Launching the sponsorship Fiji Rugby Union Chief Guest 1000 – Kicking of the rugby ball (Vodafone) 1030 – Game starts. The game venue will be at Saint Marcellin Primary School (opposite the Fiji Golf Course) in Vatuwaqa. Over the years a number of ISS students have been selected through this program to represent Suva at the National Kaji Rugby Nationals. We would like to thank Stella Maris Primary & Assemblies of God Primary School and coach Jitoko Bogitini for his dedication to our rugby players. Jennifer Liew Head of Sports & Physical Education
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE What is it? Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria Whilst uncommon, it can be a life-threatening disease if not treated. It causes infections in the lining of the brain (meningitis) and/or in the blood (meningococcaemia) The incidence in Fiji (according to the Ministry of Health), has increased over recent years, therefore now a concern to health authorities. Symptoms especially for older children and adults include: sudden fever vomiting headache stiff neck/sore back nausea eyes sensitive to light confusion Red/purple rash/spots on skin
It can be difficult to notice the symptoms in babies, or they may not be there at all. Some of the symptoms that you should be alert for are:
High fever Unusual crying Refusing to eat or drink Vomiting Floppy/drowsy Changes in sleeping patterns Seizures or Fits Rash – red/purple spots on the skin
Transmission The meningococcal disease bacteria are not easily transmitted but are spread from person to person via transfer of saliva/spit. This can happen when a person with the bacteria coughs on an uninfected person or deeply kisses an uninfected person on the mouth. It may also spread through the sharing of drinks from the same glass/cup/water bottle or bowl e.g. kava, or taki alcohol at a nightclub. Babies and children under the age of 5 frequently put things into their mouths, therefore they are at higher risk of getting the bacteria. Not everyone who has the bacteria will get the disease. Approximately 10-20% of the general population will carry the bacteria at the back of their nose and mouth from time to time, but will not have symptoms. This is because the bacteria need to get into the bloodstream to cause the disease. Certain People are at Increased Risk for Meningococcal Disease
Anyone can get meningococcal disease. However, babies, children, teenagers and young adults are the most at risk of getting meningococcal disease. There is an increased risk of meningococcal disease spreading in boarding schools and between people living in the same house. People who have certain medical conditions that weaken their immune systems (ie. AIDs; those undergoing chemotherapy, etc) are also at increased risk.
Prevention Practising proper hygiene can help prevent the spread of the disease:
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief when coughing and sneezing Dispose of tissue in the bin, wash handkerchief daily with soap and water After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water. Don‘t share eating utensils, cups/ glasses/ water bottles, drinks at a social gathering, cigarettes or kava bowls.
SEEK MEDICAL HELP SHOULD YOU SUSPECT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER MAY HAVE A MENINGOCOCAL INFECTION
Year 3 Tourism Last week 3H finished their Unit of Inquiry on Tourism. Students worked in groups of four to design and create a model of their resort. They used their creativity to build their models using boxes, bottles and other items. Here are a few photos showing the development of their models. Once they designed their bird’s-eye view map they started to construct their models.
Seaside Resort
The Bula Hotel
Magic Dream Hotel
Dream Hotel
Year 9 Camp To fulfill the requirements of the Adventurous Journey in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Year 9 students attended a three day hike in Week 3. With the help of Fijian Naval officers we were able to plan a three day hike out on the Kalokolevu forest hills which is located along the Queens Road opposite Toqalevu naval base. We were fortunate to have the naval officers accompany us as our tour guides. On the first day students left school at around 7:20am and reached the naval Base at around 8:00am. We had a short meeting with the naval officers where we presented them with some food and supplies as a token of appreciation. The trip started with 39 students, five staff members and about 8 Naval Officers with one naval medic. Students were divided in five groups and a staff member and a naval officer assigned to a group. The tracks were muddy and soggy due to heavy downpour which made the hike on the first day very difficult. Students were tired, exhausted and dirty when we reached the camping site. Many of the students went straight to the river to clean off while some pitched their tents. Many of the students had early dinner and everyone was in their tent by 8:30pm. Our second day hike started at around 9:00am. Again we made our way through the forest crossing some small streams, rivers and a water fall reaching the campsite at around 1:00pm. Students were very excited because we had an excellent weather and fresh water river beside the camp site. We also had bon fire on the second night and students sang, danced and performed items in groups. Some of them also tasted some traditional Fijian Fish lolo cooked for us by the Navy officers. Everyone was back in their tent by 9:00pm. On the third day after packing up and cleaning the camp site we took a two hour hike back to the naval base reaching their at about 10am. Students participated in some fun activities organized by the Captain in-charge before leaving for school at around 12pm. It was an amazing journey for all our students as they enjoyed their time away from school. We look forward another exciting trip next year.
Yogesh Maharaj Year 9 Pastoral Teacher
My First Camp I went to the camp from April 24th to 26th with my classmates and teachers. For me, it was an unforgettable experience. On the first day, we climbed the mountains. It was really tiring and the mountain roads were muddy and rugged. The mud could even cover your whole feet. My feet looked like they were wrapped in a layer of chocolate. We carried a super heavy bag and hiked for almost 7 or 8 hours. After experiencing hardships, we arrived at the campsite for our first night. We sited our tents and started cooking our dinner. The night was so cold that I felt I was sleeping on the ice because my clothes were all wet. I felt very uncomfortable! On the second day, we still kept hiking. There was a river nearby our second campsite. The water was like a piece of glass, and there was lots of moss under the glass that made it look very green. In the afternoon, we held a campfire party and everyone was happy. On the last day, we went back to the Navy Base and did some fun activities with the officers. Then we went back to the school. I think it was so tiring and hard that I don‘t want to go again, but we still had fun during these days. Written by: Peer edited by:
Tenigeer Riyashana Nand
Year 9 Camp For our year 9 camp, my whole class plus the year 9 teachers went off to the Navy Base. That was the starting point of our camp. Then our journey began with a hike into the bush doing exhausting long walks and getting our feet stuck in the deadly sticky mud. Also, I can‘t forget how painful it was to scrape our skin along our walks due to slipping or falling or just walking near the plants. We all went there to be challenged, but some were forced to go. But for me, I went to camp because I wanted to get a new sense of life without my family members helping me out. I wanted to see for myself what it was like to be independent for three days. After a sleepless night we did many fun things that got us all whacked in the morning. My favourite part of this trip was when we all reached the cold relaxing river. It was so wonderful & breathtaking that not even one single soul wanted to get out. I really enjoyed camp because it really did show me the true humanity, when you are away from your own comfort zone of being around technology. And honestly it‘s really scary how it changes you, making you a bit crazy. To me it was really hard to communicate to my friends & others when you‘ve changed, because everyone is away from their environment and is stuck together in the middle of nowhere. I honestly don't know if anybody noticed this change and the effect that camp had on us but I sure got a big inspiration from it. Camp has taught me A LOT and I hope to do it again. Written by: Peer edited by:
Hefrani Simone Barnes Mai Hada
Upcoming Events Term 2 Week 5 to Week 10 Term 2 T2 Week 5 Friday 18th May Harmony Day / Cultural Mufti Talanoa Release T2 Week 6 Tuesday 22nd May Chinese IGCSE Exam Thursday 24th May Start of HS Exams Friday 25th May Primary Assembly T2 Week 7 Tuesday 29th May ICAS Science Wednesday 30th May INELI– Oceania Library Visit Thursday 31th May National Secondary Swimming Competitions Friday 1st June Primary Assembly National Secondary Swimming Competitions
T2 Week 8 Monday 4th June Production Practice Day Tuesday 5th June French Food Stalls St Christophers - Production Matinee Wednesday 7th June Production Performance (Half Day Students) IGCSE Chinese Exam Thursday 8th June Production Evening Performance Friday 9th June Primary Assembly T2 Week 9 Tuesday 12th June High School Music Concert Wednesday 13th June Year 7 Camp Thursday 14th June CHINA TRIP 2018 – Year 8 & 9 Year 7 Camp Friday 15th June Primary Assembly Year 7 Camp Primary Semester 1 Ex Curricular Activities end T2 Week 10 Monday 18th June Year 12 Camp Friday 22nd June Whole School Assembly End of Semester 1
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUVA World Class Citizens ~ Lifelong Learners
TERM DATES 2018 Term 1 (10 weeks) Tuesday16th January 2018 Thursday 18th January 2018 Tuesday 23rd January 2018 Thursday 29th March 2018 Friday 30th March 2018
New teachers start All teachers start Students start Term ends Good Friday
Term 2 (10 weeks) Teachers and Y11 and Y12 ACT students start All Students start. Term ends National Sports day
Monday 16th April 2018 Tuesday 17th April 2018 Friday 22nd June 2018 Friday 29 June 2018
Term 3 (10 weeks) Teachers start Teachers, Y11 and Y12 ACT students start All Students start Constitution Day – Public Holiday Term ends
Monday 16th July 2018 Tuesday 17th July 2018 Wednesday 18th July 2018 Friday 7 September 2018 Friday 21st September 2018
Term 4 (9 weeks) Teachers start Students start Fiji Day – Public Holiday Diwali Prophet Muhammad’s birthday Term ends for students Term ends for teachers
Monday 8th October 2018 Tuesday 9th October 2018 Wednesday 10thOctober 2018 Wed 7 November 2018 Monday 19 November 2018 Thursday 6th December 2018 Friday 7th December 2018