Issue 37, 06th February 2026
3 weeks into school already!!! Hope everyone is feeling refreshed for this term and getting into that school spirit. This will be the first issue of the Drum this year, and it will continue to keep you updated on the latest scoop throughout the year.
Happy Reading :)
By Lizelle Tupiti
As the school year begins, we proudly welcome newcomers to our school campus and community A new year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a sense of excitement for what lies ahead
As you walk around the school, you will notice many new faces – from members of the staff crew and teachers to fellow students who are joining us for the first time.
Each of these individuals brings unique experiences, talents, and perspectives that help shape and strengthen our school environment
Starting at a new school can be both exciting and challenging. Newcomers may feel nervous as they learn their way around campus, adjust to new routines, and make new friends. This is why kindness and warmth are so important during the first days and weeks of school.
A simple smile, a friendly greeting, or an offer to help can make a big difference and help someone feel welcome and included Small gestures often leave lasting impressions and a positive feeling
Returning students also play an important role in setting the tone for the school year By showing our school core values; courage, respect, excellence, diversity, integrity, and teamwork, we help create a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone. Teachers and staff work hard to guide and support students, and they too appreciate kindness and cooperation as they begin a new academic journey.
Let us work together to create a welcoming school where kindness and respect help everyone feel valued from the start
By Lizelle Tupiti
The drum is in need of new members to be a part of the school’s article team As you read through this issue, you will notice that there is only one student writing each article and this goes for this article as well
As of now the drum only consists of one member and is in desperate need of new recruits. This recruitment is open to any students within the secondary classes of year 8 up to year 12. During the time
of week 4, an email will be sent out to a few selected students who will be selected to be a part of this year’s article team
If you are curious about other things on what the drum writes about, you are welcome to join the meeting for the discussion of this. If you are interested but unable to join, feel free to email thedrum@wis.edu.sb.
By Lizelle Tupiti
Woodford is proud to announce its first school event for this year: The Woodford’s Got Talent! Any student with any special or unique talent is allowed to join, and as of now signs up and auditions for the talent show are being posted So, if you know how to sing, dance, play an instrument, or any talent of any sort, now’s your chance to show it off and make yourself shine To make things more interesting, there will be special guests who will be our judges for this talent show, along with prizes that will be awarded to the best performance of the night. So, what are you waiting for! Sign up and be a part of this exciting school event!
By Lizelle Tupiti
The Western Province Premier, Honourable Billy Veo, has strongly opposed recent statements made by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele. The Prime Minister had suggested that the effort to introduce a federal system of government in the Solomon Islands was losing support or momentum However, Premier Veo firmly disagreed with this view.
Premier Veo made it clear that the Western Province is fully committed to its goal of achieving statehood under a federal system. The province will not abandon its ambitions for federalism, despite what the Prime Minister said. The Premier emphasized that the
Province remains determined and steadfast in pursuing this political change
This firm stance from Premier Veo comes after a recent meeting where the Prime Minister met with leaders from all provinces across the Solomon Islands to discuss the future direction of the country’s government system While the Prime Minister’s comments hinted that the push for federalism might be weakening, Premier Veo and the Western Province continue to actively support and push forward the idea of federalism as a way to govern the country.
A young Australian boy showed incredible courage after his family was swept out to sea while swimming. Battling strong currents, he swam for hours to reach shore and raise the alarm. His quick actions led rescuers to safely locate and save his mother and siblings, who were exhausted but unharmed after the terrifying ordeal
At the 2026 Grammy’s, Billie Eilissh led a powerful celebrity stand against ICE, boldly declaring “no one is illegal on stolen land” while wearing an “ICE Out” pin symbolizing protest against federal actions and spotlighting immigrant rights and resistance.
By Lizelle Tupiti
By lizelle tupiti
The school board has officially confirmed that the National curriculum is back! Year 11 and year 12 students now can choose between the national curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum. Specifically, year 11 students opting to do the nationals will be doing the SI Form 6 curriculum and sit for the Pacific Secondary Senior Certificate (PSSC). Year 12s will be doing the University foundation studies, which is done by the Form 7 students in other schools in the country.
This marks an exciting time for Woodford especially for local students who now can participate in the national exams - marking an exciting shift in the school’s academic offerings.
By Lizelle Tupiti
An early reminder of the three-way conference is coming soon! The conference will be held during week 5, Tuesday 17th February
Three-way conference is the parents-teachers meeting where parents get the chance to see how their child(ren) is behaving in their homeroom and subject classes, and see how they’re academic progress is going.
In these conferences, the students are expected to start off the conference before teachers can say any comment on their performance throughout this semester So, students best start performing well in their behaviour in class and in their academic learning
● Valentine’s Day wasn’t always romantic it once included lottery-style matchmaking.
● In Japan, women give chocolates to men, not the other way around
● In South Korea, singles celebrate Black Day by eating black noodles
● About 6 million people get engaged on Valentine’s Day each year
● Cupid comes from Roman mythology and is the son of Venus.
● Some countries celebrate love on different dates, not February 14.
