The Drum Issue 08

THE DRUM @WOODFORD

Issue 08, August 18 2023

International Day

By Idamali Wickham

The school was abuzz with excitement and cultural diversity as students, teachers and parents came together to celebrate the much-anticipated annual event, International day. This vibrant and enriching celebration took place on the 11th of August and showcased the schools commitment to fostering global awareness and understanding among its students.

Woodford International School

Hello There!

Welcome to week 6 of term 3! We’re just over the halfway mark until our term 3 break! Quite a bit has happened since our last issue. We’ve had new guests, visitors and major events.

We would also like to announce that the original members of The Drum will be departing from The Drum group. You can find a farewell note from one of the original members on the final page.

The event was a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and flavors from around the pacific.Organised and led by a team of teachers, the leadership team, ‘International day’ aimed to promote cross-cultural exchange, education, and appreciation. Students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, proudly represented their chosen countries origin, sharing their unique traditions, customs and heritage.

The day began with a spectacular opening featuring a parade of flags from around 13 countries, each carried by students adorned in traditional attire. The sight was both inspiring and heartwarming,

symbolizing the unity that comes from embracing differences.

Performances also took center stage, students showcasing their talents through the music and dance. Colorful performances ranged from a mixture of dances in the NGI region from PNG to an amazing performance from Kiribati.

Throughout the event, visitors had the opportunity to explore the variety of engaging activities and displays. Interactive booths were set up in the classrooms, showcasing artifacts, traditional clothing, and multimedia presentations about these

International Day (Continued)

different countries. Visitors could travel the pacific in a single day, tasting international cuisines, learning about the stories behind the dances, and even learning a few words in the language.

RSIPF Copen Awareness

By Idamali Wickham

On the 16th of August we were privileged enough to have the RSIPF over and have them talk to us to spread awareness about a current rise in Copen usage.

Moments prior to the important discussion, one of the officers who is from New Zealand had presented a self-announcing performance and told us the culture behind it, this led to the secondary school singing the song ‘Waka Bouti Long Chinatown’ in return to respect his culture.

This celebration not only highlighted the greatness of cultures but also emphasized the importance of unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected global society. It served as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of one global family, each contributing to the vibrant mosaic that is our world.

They have gone to 32 different schools in and around Honiara to inform students and teachers alike about the causes and effects of this drug. It seems that in many schools, students have been peer pressured into using this or have felt the need to use it to fit in with certain groups in their schools. They have also said that some of the other reasons behind it were because of low self-esteem, lack of support and opportunities, boredom, ‘being young’, and generally using it to relieve themselves from the stress they are facing. It has also been mentioned that they do not know where the Copen is being made and have tested it to find that it was made of the Tobacco leaf and other substances.

This is extremely harmful to the human body and it is dangerous to take it especially when the possibilities of the creators adding more harmful substances into it are high, therefore we should be educated and stay Copen free.

As the sun started to descend on International day at Woodford, the memories of laughter, learning, and friendship lingered in the air.

W.I.S Rugby Team Faces Narrow Defeat Against KG: A Spirited Display of Sportsmanship

By Tanya Yee and Tyronne Tongi

In a closely contested match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the W.I.S Rugby Team put up a valiant fight against KG, showcasing their unwavering determination and sportsmanship on the field. Though the final score may read 3-0 in favour of KG, the true winners of the day were the players and fans who witnessed an intense display of rugby prowess.

Despite the relentless efforts from W.I.S., the KG team managed to break through their defence and secure a crucial try. It was a hardfought point, but it tipped the balance in favour of KG, ultimately leading to their 3-0 victory. However, the closeness of the scoreline highlights just how evenly matched these two teams. The rugby community also commended both teams for displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the match. There were no unsportsmanlike incidents, and players from both sides shook hands with genuine respect after the game.

Though the scoreboard may have favoured KG, the true essence of rugby prevailed on the field unity, tenacity, and respect for the sport and one another. The W.I.S Rugby Team may have lost the match, but they emerged victorious in the hearts of their supporters, who recognize the indomitable spirit of their team and eagerly await the next thrilling encounter on the rugby field.

World War Africa?

Tensions rose in western Africa following the successful coup in Niger on July 26 where the junta military seized control of the government and on August 10 announced a new government in Niger under General ‘Abdourahamane Tchiani’. This has split west Africa into two sides with Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali supporting the military takeover and the Rest of the ECOWAS (Economic community of west African states) opposing and both sides threatening military action. Worse yet, the Junta terrorists have the support of Russia andChina supplying weapons and ammunition. This is likely to be one of the world’s largest conflicts since WWII.

The match started with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. The W.I.S team, known for their cohesive gameplay and strong offence, gave KG a run for their money. The score remained at a deadlock for most of the game, as each side thwarted the other’s attempts to gain the upper hand. The spectators were treated to a thrilling spectacle of grit and passion from both teams. The rugby pitch turned into a battleground, with players fearlessly diving into tackles, sprinting across the field, and executing clever plays. Each try was met with cheers from the fans, urging their respective teams to push harder and reach the end zone.

Breakthrough to Help Save Environment

A scientist in Virginia, USA has just discovered a way to turn one of the most common plastics into soap. Polyethylene, one of the most common plastics, is very similar in chemical composition to the main fatty acid in soap and thanks to Steven Mackay it is now possible to change these materials from one to the other.

FIFA’s President Visits The S.I

By LangYing Zhu

Mr. George kindly commented on his experience at Woodford on behalf of himself and his university peers:

Goodbye from the original Drum

Gianni Infantino recently visited the Solomon Islands for the first time during his pacific tour. He arrived on the 14th of August to observe the development of football in the Pacific nations. Infantino began his tour by watching a U-14 Championships match and made a visit to the Headquarters for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and has described Solomon Islands as “the Brazil of Oceania'' and has praised the country saying we will have a brighter future.

Thank you to the University Of Melbourne teacher trainees

By Aiden Kenilorea

There is a saying that goes "all good things must come to an end", this can be said for the University of Melbourne teacher trainees who have been assisting us and our teachers during the past two weeks. Today is their final day at W.I.S and we would like to thank Ms. Jess for assisting the primary teachers, Mr. George for assisting Mr. Jessey in high school mathematics, Mr. Yi for helping Mr. Bryce in teaching Physics (and for showcasing his basketball skills), and Mr. Chris for working with Ms. Shain in SOSE.

"OnemainthingthatIlovedseeing here at the school [W.I.S] was the attitude from both students and teachersaliketowardslearning,as well as the positivity in the environment.Wewereallsogladto be warmly welcomed and are grateful to have enjoyed our time here [at W.I.S]. Thank you to everyone at Woodford for the wonderfulexperience."

By Keilana Biukoto

I know it is weird to begin a farewell by greeting the recipient (audience) first so… Hello.

It has been an incredible honour to be part of the Drum. This was one of my favourite school experiences. The journey has been long but very enjoyable. Knowing that you, the audience, actually exists and enjoys reading our newspaper has assisted in building our confidence and has encouraged the Drum team to keep on writing. I think that the Drum has definitely benefited from having a strong and committed team and I hope this carries on into the future. Unfortunately, we currently have more important priorities and we need time and space to focus on them, so consider this Taffy, Charli, Tumu and I’s official farewell to the Drum and to you, the wonderful audience. Consider this as our public notice of resignation. My friends and I are ready to start our new adventure.

These four will soon conclude their studies at The University of Melbourne before embarking further on their respective career paths.

We wish all of them the best in the rest of their studies and thank them for their contributions and commitments to our learning. Best of luck for the future.

Thanks for the kind feedback on each article. Feedback is highly valuable to us. It makes us feel like there is purpose with every article we write, and we are extremely grateful. Keep it coming in the future, please.

I would like to thank my Mother and Brother for helping me in this process and my fellow writers for always being there. The leaving members of the Drum would also like to thank the people who helped us with writing the past 7 articles. It has been an incredible experience and I hope that tomorrow there will be more of us.

And with that, Goodbye. Stay safe, be happy.

Left to right: Ms. Jess, Mr. George, Mr. Yi, Mr. Chris