34, 28th July 2025
Hello again, readers of the drum! The team is well aware of its late submission and we sincerely apologize for that
We know that the office is still stacked with last term’s issues and we’re here to refresh that with issue 34, packed with new stories, updates, and insights
We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together. Happy reading! :)
By Tianna Pitisopa
Following an inspiring morning of division-specific anti-bullying workshops on Tuesday, July 15th led by our amazing teachers and in partnership with dreamcast, alongside the thoughtful coordination of our school counsellor, Ms Rebecca, our high school students took part in some fun and creative activities in the afternoon.
After lunch, we began the next session; a fun way to show our learning. Students got to choose one of four activity groups: poster making, poetry, video making or lyric making, with each group tasked to create something that shared a powerful message about anti-bullying
The mood changed in a fun and exciting way as we split into our own
In the lyric writing group, the energy felt different. We started sharing lines, trying out rhymes and helping each other turn our ideas into lyrics. Some of us had tunes in our head, and others had feelings they wanted to write down. There were times we laughed and shared random lines just to see what worked Even with all that, it felt like we were connected as a group Everyone added something in their own way
Each group will have a chance to present their work, and a prize will be awarded for the best one Even without knowing the results yet, the whole experience felt meaningful It showed that we can speak up against bullying, not just by talking, but by using creativity, working together and expressing real feelings
By Sophia Ceredon
Exams can be stressful, but with the right mindset and by working smart not hard, they can feel simple
One of the best ways to study is by using active recall, that means testing yourself after reading through your notes Past papers, flashcards, or even explaining topics to a friend can help Never leave everything to the last minute Instead, make a study timetable and revise in short sessions with breaks in between Don't study for long periods of time, you’ll forget everything!
Taking care of yourself is just as important Get enough sleep, drink water, and eat healthy snacks to keep your brain focused such as peanuts
A bit of exercise or music can also help you relax and feel less stressed
Exams aren’t just about getting high marks, they show how much you’ve actually learnt throughout the semeste and it helps prepare you for your future They also teach important skills like time management and how to stay calm under pressure If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone Teachers, friends, and f
Most importantly, believe in yourself! You’ve come this far now’s not the time to give up but the time to give it your all and your best shot Your effort matters more than perfection
And remember, no matter how many times you fall, keep moving forward Because only then would you reach success
By Anistha Goundar
Hey everyone!
Just a heads-up that our MS and HS three-way conferences are happening this Tuesday, 29th July, from 8 20 a.m. to 3 00 p.m.
It’s a good chance for your parents to hear how you're doing in each subject from your point of view and also get input from your teachers. You’ll also be talking a bit about your goals and plans for the future.
Just so you know it won't be a normal school day We’ll all be following the special schedule set for the day
See you there!
By Lizelle Tupiti
A new and exciting opportunity awaits young artists across the Solomon Islands, as a national design and an art competition has been announced. The competition invites school-aged individuals and solo citizens to participate in this competition, showcasing their artistic skills following the theme “The Solomon islands global context”
This competition is aimed at students from all provinces of the Solomon Islands, offering them a platform to express their country’s place in the world Participants are encouraged to submit original artworks using a different variety of artwork in the form of painting, sketching, or digital design.
To recognize and reward outstanding submissions, three winners will be selected. The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $3000 SBD,
second place will be awarded $2000 SBD, and third place will receive $1000 SBD. In addition to the cash prizes, winning entrie may also be also be published, offering further recognition for th artists.
For full details on eligibilit submission, guidelines, and rules interested participants are encouraged to visit the officia website: wis edu sb/design
y Osbourne nce
By Kilifi Ruaia
Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of Black Sabbath and pioneer of heavy metal music and reality television, died on July 22, 2025. Though specifics on the cause of his death are unknown, cases of Ozzy’s Parkinson’s disease are speculated to be a factor in his passing, worsened by his chronic drug abuse. He died surrounded by family and love, leaving behind a legacy that will last for generations to come.
The deadline for submission is 22nd August 2025 Participants are urged to begin their creative process early and take advantage of this unique opportunity to have their artwork and talents seen on a national stage.
George “Fiji” Veikoso, a legendary Fijian-Hawaiian reggae icon famed for co-writing the Baywatch: Hawaii theme, passed away suddenly at the age of 55 on the July 23 rd 2025 at his family home in Suva, Fiji. Loved by fans worldwide, he was hailed as the “GOAT of island reggae”, and tributes poured in from across the pacific. Fiji’s songs will forever live on, across the pacific and throughout the islands
By Anistha Goundar
Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren’t! Botanically speaking, bananas fit the definition of a berry, while strawberries do not.
Octopuses have three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills, and one pumps it to the rest of the body And their BLOOD is blue!
Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins. A sloth can hold its breath for up to 40 minutes, while dolphins need air every 10–15 minutes.
You can hear a blue whale’s heartbeat from 3 km away It’s the largest animal on Earth, and its heart weighs as much as a small car!
Wombat poop is cube-shaped. This helps it stay in place and mark erritory without rolling away.
Sharks existed before trees. Sharks have been around for over 00 million years trees came bout 350 million years ago
By Kilifi Ruaia
Quite a lot has been going on in Woodford, and here are just some of the highlights:
Firstly, as part of the anti-bullying campaign, Woodford has introduced a new system into our school emails. Where if anything inappropriate was sent via email, teachers would immediately be notified. This serves as a reminder for all of us students, to be mindful and respectful of what we say online
We also had our primary’s disco night, which was held over the weekend on Saturday 26th July. This was to commemorate the 47th year of independence of Solomon Islands Dressed in vibrant colours of the country’s flag, the celebration was lively and full of fun
Lastly, as you may have read on the weekly communication, Woodford has adopted a ship of its own! Led by Captain Anasa and his crew, this is an opportunity dedicated for the year 5s in preparation for their exhibition. Where they’ll dive deep into the aspects of geography, trade and culture.
A big thank you to woodford communication for these updates, and perhaps a gentle reminder to bring back the weekly emails to the students again
