Issue 38, 15th May 2026
Division C - Girls Netball Team
By Sarrita Fa’amauri
With the upcoming schools netball competition getting closer, our school netball girls have been putting in a lot of hard work during training lately
From Year 6 all the way to Year 12, everyone has been turning up tired after school but still pushing through every session and giving it their best. The effort at trainings has really been building up as the competition approaches. And training has honestly
Woodford International School
Halo olgeta!!
Apologies for the delay in publishing - it’s been a busy few weeks at school. The Drum is excited to welcome new members to the newsletter team, and you’ll see their names listed under their articles.
Happy Reading :)
not been easy The girls have been doing 20-second planks that feel way longer, running laps around the court, practising ball handling, passing drills, shooting drills, and working on footwork and movement. Some sessions leave everyone completely exhausted and out of breath, but the team still keeps showing up and continuing to improve.
This year the team will be competing in Division C, and even though some players are still learning and getting used to netball properly, the improvement from everyone has been noticeable. Players have been trying new positions, learning formations, and slowly building confidence on court through each training
Big shoutout as well to Miss Wendy for her continuous dedication and patience with the team Her support, encouragement, and effort during training has really helped the girls improve and prepare for the upcoming competition.
With only 15 spots available for the final team, everyone has been training harder than usual, trying to secure a place in the squad. It has definitely pushed the level of effort up across every training session.
Lastly, a huge shoutout to all the netball girls for the effort, commitment, and consistency they’ve been showing throughout preparations
Inter-Secondary school games:
By Ady Wickham
Since Week 4 hit, the WI S Interclass Competition has easily become the absolute highlight of the term What started as a way to sharpen our teamwork and creative thinking has turned into a total lunchtime takeover The energy on the courts is on a different level, with everyone crowding around for the basketball, futsal, and netball matches.
It’s been a massive hit, turning the usual midday break into something way more hype Whether you’re on the court or cheering from the sidelines, the atmosphere is electric because there is so much more than just bragging rights on the line These games have brought the whole school together and made every day something to look forward to!
Mufti - Celebrities & Artists
By Lizelle Tupiti
oday - on the 15th of May is our exciting Mufti ay with the theme Celebrities and Artists! udents were encouraged to come dressed as heir favourite celebrity or artist, showing off their eative outfits and styles. As all students know, he fee for wearing mufti is $5, while students who ome in school uniform will pay $10. During day’s assembly, everyone will have the chance to ome together and admire the different outfits nd creative ideas. We will also be welcoming a uest speaker who will share an inspiring message ith students. In addition, the Gotcha Card winners for the month of May will be announced during the assembly. We hope everyone enjoys the day and joins in the fun and excitement!
(tech co, 2024) Chatgpt’s replacing us?
Parliament Under Pressure. MAY
15th: Prime Minister Election
By Mercy Alafa
Today, May 15, marks another huge and important day for the people of the Solomon Islands as Parliament prepares to elect a new Prime Minister after the shocking political events that unfolded over the past few days.
Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was officially removed from office after losing the Motion of No Confidence on MAY 7, 2026, by 26 votes to 22 inside Parliament The motion followed weeks of tension, cabinet resignations, and political disagreements within the government.
Since then, many citizens around the country have been waiting anxiously to hear who will become the nation’s next leader
According to posts and updates shared across Facebook pages covering Solomon Islands news and parliamentary discussions, there will reportedly be no live broadcasting or public media coverage allowed during today’s election proceedings inside Parliament House. Some updates also stated that members of the public are encouraged to wait peacefully-
outside near the Parliament gate area while awaiting the official announcement of the new Prime Minister.
This has already caused a lot of speculation and tension in communities, especially around Honiara, as supporters from different political sides continue waiting for results. Security around Parliament is also expected to remain strong throughout the day to avoid any disturbances or unnecessary conflict.
Despite everything happening, citizens are still encouraged to remain calm and patient while Parliament carries out the process of electing the country’s new leader. Today’s decision could possibly shape the direction of the country for the next few years, which is why many people are taking this day very seriously.
As Solomon Islanders continue waiting for the final announcement, many are hoping for peace, unity, and wise leadership moving forward during this uncertain time.
Stay safe everyone.
By: Margaret Giro
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing very fast and is now being used in schools, businesses, hospitals, and even sports, with AI industries accounting for 39% of U.S. GDP growth in 2025. Some people think AI is helping make life easier, while others worry that it may replace jobs in the future
A global economy crisis alert!
By: Margaret Giro
The world economy is also facing challenges. In many countries, the prices of food, fuel, and other basic needs have increased, with global food prices rising by 7.6% during 2025 according to the UN Families are struggling because the cost of living is becoming more expensive. Governments are trying to help by creating jobs and improving their economies.
Word Search
By Lizelle Tupiti
Letter to the Editor Anonymous
“Dear Editor of the Drum,
My time in Woodford had proven rather blissful and It’s all thanks to a very special teacher who accompanied me on this rocky journey you all call ‘school’. I have quite the nickname for it, though I doubt that’d be appropriate. But all in all, this teacher was my lighthouse in my times of need
Despite his many shortcomings, his vertical challenges, his hair and so on and so forth, Mr Vini is, despite everything said, a genuinely good person
Throughout my many academic challenges, he was always someone I could lean on. Not just academically, but emotionally too. He may not look it, but behind those muscles lies a heart of compassion and kindness and a voice that still has me envious.
This brings me on to my next point. Personally, I’d like to thank Mr Vini for the gift of music Never in a million years would I be caught strumming an instrument But I did And it was all thanks to him
Thanks to him, I’ve found my passion for music, learning new instruments and have even begun taking singing lessons! Though there’s still room for improvement, I have no doubt I’d fill in those gaps with his guidance.
Thank you, Mr vini
Sincerely, your favorite student
Announcements
By Lizelle Tupiti
● Netball team selections for both staff and students will be closed week 5. Announcements for the selected team members are expected to be made around Week 7 or 8.
● Exams are coming up in week 8 to 9, students are encouraged to begin revising and preparing early.
● The Secondary Interschool Games for Week 7 will feature Volleyball
● A new classroom for subjects art and mandarin will be opening soon Located in between Music and year 5 classroom
Funny-Facts!!!
By Tuiafe Uale
● Sea otters hold hands while sleeping to avoid drifting apart
● A group of jellyfish is called a smack
● Cat urine glows under a black-light
● Lobsters pee out of their faces to communicate.
● Russia has 11 time zones.
● The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer due to thermal expansion.
● Ketchup was sold as medicine in the 1830s.
● Australia is wider than the moon.
● Butterflies taste with their feet
● It is physically impossible for pigs to loom up at the sky
● You cannot sneeze with your eyes open
