Issue 33, 13th June 2025
Exams are finally over and term 2 has finally come to an end after a long and demanding 10 weeks! Nearly 3 weeks have passed since our previous Issue, but now we’re finally back with Issue 33
Thanks again for your patience and we hope you enjoy what we've written for this issue :)
By Kilifi Ruaia
On Thursday, 12th of June, Woodford International School held its annual STEAM exhibition at the school hall With our Middle schoolers (Y6-Y8) showcasing their projects and Interactive displays in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). From Rockets fueled by baking soda to a handmade potato gun! The exhibition was a thrilling experience for all to enjoy.
For two terms, students have been preparing for the exhibition, brainstorming on Ideas, creating posters, and gathering materials to bring their projects to life. One student, Elaisa Uale from year 8, shares her thoughts on this year’s STEAM:
“During our STEAM project, we
struggled with the right lenses for the headset A plastic bottle and water didn’t work, so we switched to glass, a much better choice
The process was fun but also stressful at times Once finished, we learned to make an affordable VR headset and improved on design mistakes like measurements and layout. The project was a great experiment, deepening our understanding of STEAM concepts and inspiring us to explore even more projects in the f
Despite the many challenges and technical difficulties they encountered, this event became a valuable experience of trial and error Even though there were issues with some of our student’s projects, in the end it became an important lesson for them to strive better in the next STEAM exhibition. Overall, this was an event worthy of celebration for all the many creative and fun ideas showcased.
By Lizelle Tupiti
Students across campus are buzzing with excitement as the upcoming school league draws near The league promises high-energy matches, school spirit, and friendly competition among teams from secondary students across the country
Excitement is building as students, teachers, and parents gear up to support our school team; Woodford Wizards With school pride and motivation running high, everyone is looking forward to backing our team as they give it their all The events will take place from June 29th to July 4th, with matches scheduled across several days of thrilling competition
Despite the holiday break, the Woodford teams will continue to train hard, showing true dedication and determination Their preparation promises strong performances in all categories
This year’s league includes athletics, netball, rugby, basketball, and volleyball, offering something for every sports fan However, Woodford School will not be fielding a team for volleyball this year
Games will be held at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Chinatown, Friendship Hall, and the National Stadium in King George
We encourage everyone to come out and watch the games It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy your break, and show support for our talented school teams Cheering them on together! Let's go Woodford Wizards!
By Anistha Goundar
Recently, we have experienced an unsettling trend within our school community: several students have been caught with vapes on our school campus This issue goes far beyond a simple rule break in school, it raises serious concerns about the health, safety, and well-being of our students
As a school, we are committed to keeping a safe, respectful, and healthy learning environment. We believe that our students’ mental, emotional, and physical health should always be a top priority. The presence and use of vaping on campus poses a direct threat to the safety and well being of everyone in our school community.
We understand that children and teens today face a wide range of pressures, from academic performance to social influences, and that experimenting with vaping might seem like a way to fit in or cope.
capital, all assigned with delivering engaging speeches on the theme of Solomon Ports legacy, development, and contribution to the Solomon Islands The contest focused on encouraging young voices to reflect on the past, present, and future of one of the nation’s most important institutions.
Among the participants were our very own students, Mercy Alafa, who competed in the Junior Category, and Langying Zhu, who represented us in the Senior Category. Both students displayed outstanding confidence, clarity, and strong public speaking skills as they shared their unique perspectives on the role of Solomon Ports in the Solomon Islands today Their speeches reflected thoughtful preparation and a deep understanding of the topic
Looking back on the experience, Mercy Alafa shared, “It’s truly been
pp g, p g nation. ” Her response showcases how valuable opportunities like this are for helping students grow, build connections, and understand national instituti
A heartfelt congratulations participants of the Solomon 69th Anniversary Speech C and a special acknowledgem our students Mercy Alaf Langying Zhu for their outst performances. Mercy earne place in the Junior Category Langying also secured 2nd p the Senior Category in their respective sections.
By Lizelle Tupiti
A Chinese J-15 fighter jet flew within 150 feet of a Japanese P-3C surveillance plane over international waters, sparking a 40-minute standoff U S Ambassador Glass condemned the act as “reckless,” linking it to Beijing’s broader pattern of aggression in the Indo-Pacific, including against the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia China defended its actions as routine naval drills within international law, denying any hostile intent
Their achievements reflect their commitment and hard work, as well as the encouragement and support from our school community We are very proud of both students for representing Woodford International School in such an impressive way.
The June 2025 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, led by the UK-flagged Madleen, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while delivering aid to Gaza. Activists, including Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan, were detained. The incident drew global criticism, with some calling it piracy and a rights violation
By Lizelle Tupiti
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) successfully performed its first-ever Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) on Thursday, 5th June 2023, marking a major milestone in cardiac care for the Solomon Islands
The non-surgical procedure, which treats blocked or narrowed heart vessels, was carried out by Dr. Wei Da from the 4th China Medical Team, in collaboration with local doctors Dr. Emire Menale, Dr. Alice Sumu, and Dr. Brendin Talatau at the newly established Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) at NRH.
Despite the CMC not being fully operational, the procedure was ompleted successfully, demonstrating the hospital's ability o provide advanced medical ervices. The patient recovered well within 48 hours and is under close ollow-up care.
The Digital Subtraction Angiography DSA) machine, now installed at NRH, allowed precise imaging and ntervention, enabling this breakthrough
Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana praised the collaboration between local and international medical teams, emphasizing its life-saving impact and the importance of continued investment in healthcare innovation.
By Anistha Goundar
Shortest School Year
In France, the school year is among the shortest in the developed world around 162 days, compared to 180 days in the U.S.
Longest School Bus Ride
Some students in Canada’s rural areas travel over 2 hours one way to get to school!
No Homework Policy
Finland is famous for having minimal homework, yet it ranks high in global education They focus more on quality classroom time and less stress.
Robot Teachers
In South Korea and Japan, some schools have experimented with using robots as teaching assistants in early education.
Underwater School?
In Bangladesh, during monsoon season, some children attend school on floating boats!
