SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 2, Edition 15 1 SMITIS Newsletter 20 September, 2013 Star Mountains Institute of Technology International School Our purpose is to develop internationally-minded and life-long learners who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect, and strive to be: inquirers; knowledgeable; thinkers; communicators; principled; open-minded; caring; risk-takers; balanced; and reflective. It was a privilege to witness the 2013 SMITIS Independence Day Celebrations conducted at the school last Friday, 13 September. It was a brilliant display of PNG’s various regional cultural groups through songs and dances, as well as cultural dress. I thank all students, teachers, assistants, parents and wantoks who assisted and/or contributed in any way to ensure a very special and memorable occasion. What was very obvious on the day was the uniqueness of each region’s cultural rituals and traditions. When it came to practice sessions for the four groups, there were difficulties in finding parents or wantoks who were able to teach the students some songs and dances. To ensure we value, respect and become proud and more knowledgeable of regional traditions, I am inviting, encouraging (and would like to insist) that there are at least two cultural after school activities offered to students each term. These activities may involve dance, art, music, handicrafts or language. It is essential that we not only reflect on our cultural traditions around September each year, but we are enhancing our knowledge and understanding of important traditional cultural customs and rituals as a normal part of a student’s learning program at SMITIS. Parental assistance for Term 4 After School Activities is now being sought. Please let us know if you would like to assist us. One of our priorities at SMITIS this year is to be a Lighthouse School for other local and district schools. Our aim is to provide assistance, collaboration and mentoring in an attempt to make a difference in school education and improving student educational outcomes. The past two months have been very busy with a principals’ collegiate meeting, classroom visits and observations, consultative feedback on the classroom in a box project for district schools, library training for assistants, as well as guidance and assistance with a new music program at Tabubil and Wangbin Primary Schools. One significant gap in school education in Tabubil is the lack of a special education program for students with disabilities. This is a damning oversight and neglect for those students who miss out altogether, yet have the same rights as anyone else. On Thursday, 10 October, there will be a meeting for those interested in addressing this issue. The meeting will start at 9.00am at SMITIS. If this affects you, please come along. I appreciate your support. Dr Ken Darvall (Principal) SMITIS Newsletters The full colour edition can be found online at: http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs/ smitis_newsletter_20september_2013_
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 2, Edition 15 1
SMITIS Newsletter
20 September, 2013
Star Mountains Institute of Technology International SchoolOur purpose is to develop internationally-minded and life-long learners who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect, and strive to be: inquirers; knowledgeable; thinkers; communicators; principled; open-minded; caring; risk-takers; balanced; and reflective.
It was a privilege to witness the 2013 SMITIS Independence Day Celebrations conducted at the school last Friday, 13 September. It was a brilliant display of PNG’s various regional cultural groups through songs and dances, as well as cultural dress. I thank all students, teachers, assistants, parents and wantoks who assisted and/or contributed in any way to ensure a very special and memorable occasion.
What was very obvious on the day was the uniqueness of each region’s cultural rituals and traditions. When it came to practice sessions for the four groups, there were difficulties in finding parents or wantoks who were able to teach the students some songs and dances. To ensure we value, respect and become proud and more knowledgeable of regional traditions, I am inviting, encouraging (and would like to insist) that there are at least two cultural after school activities offered to students each term. These activities may involve dance, art, music, handicrafts or language. It is essential that we not only reflect on our cultural traditions around September each year, but we are enhancing our knowledge and understanding of important traditional cultural customs and rituals as a normal part of a student’s learning program at SMITIS. Parental assistance for Term 4 After School Activities is now being sought. Please let us know if you would like to assist us.
One of our priorities at SMITIS this year is to be a
Lighthouse School for other local and district schools. Our aim is to provide assistance, collaboration and mentoring in an attempt to make a difference in school education and improving student educational outcomes. The past two months have been very busy with a principals’ collegiate meeting, classroom visits and observations, consultative feedback on the classroom in a box project for district schools, library training for assistants, as well as guidance and assistance with a new music program at Tabubil and Wangbin Primary Schools.
One significant gap in school education in Tabubil is the lack of a special education program for students with disabilities. This is a damning oversight and neglect for those students who miss out altogether, yet have the same rights as anyone else. On Thursday, 10 October, there will be a meeting for those interested in addressing this issue. The meeting will start at 9.00am at SMITIS. If this affects you, please come along.
I appreciate your support.
Dr Ken Darvall (Principal)
SMITIS Newsletters
The full colour edition can be found online at: http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs/smitis_newsletter_20september_2013_
Balanced is one of the attributes of the Learner Profile and one of our core values at SMITIS. What is a balanced student? They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
! ! Balanced students know that a healthy body houses a healthy mind. They use their time wisely to work, play and rest.
Weekly awards are presented to students who demonstrate Learner Profile attributes.
Other attributes include: communicator; caring; thinker; knowledgeable; risk-taker; reflective; inquirer; open-minded; and principled.
Term 4Term 4 commences on Monday, 7 October at 8.15am. The last day for students in Term 4 will be 5 December (2.15pm).
CongratulationsIt was most unlike Mrs Grace Kwale to not be sighted at our cultural celebrations last Friday! However, there was a good reason. Grace was a member of Team Tabubil at the 2013 National Darts Championships in Madang. Well done, Grace, and other members of Team Tabubil.
Punctuality & AttendanceParents are reminded that students should arrive at school by 8.10am, ready to start school.
If students are absent, parents must advise the school by note, email or phone as to the reason for the absence.
Cash HandlingStudents are not allowed to bring in a big amount of money to purchase uniform or pay school fees. This is a parent’s responsibility.
Sunshine OnlineSunshine Online is a digital resource for English literacy, providing over 550 levelled ebooks and 1000 interactive activities and games. SMITIS has purchased a school and home subscription so that families with internet access may be able to access this online resource free. To do so, visit: www.sunshineonline.com.au To log in use sm332 for the username and password.
Key Dates
Next fortnight or so....
7/10 Term 4 commences (8.15am)
10/10 Special education meeting for interested parents and wantoks: Addressing a need in Tabubil. [9.00-10.00am]
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: TERM 4 HELP After School Activities (ASA) will commence in week 3 of next term and run for 4 weeks. ASA provides a great opportunity for students to develop new interests or pursue activities that they enjoy already. If you are able to assist by running a club it would be greatly appreciated. You may be able to teach a craft or take students for a sport. The school will reimburse you for reasonable, negotiated quantities of supplies that you need. If you have never run a club and are unsure about taking one on your own, you can team up with another parent, or ask a teacher if you can assist them. In particular, we want to encourage cultural groups for singing, dancing and other relevant and associated activities. If you able to help could you please complete the attached slip and return it by Friday, 20/9/13. I will then contact you directly to confirm arrangements. Michael Weaver Deputy Principal 12 September, 2013
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: TERM 4 HELP
YOUR NAME: ________________________________________________________
Say hello with a photo! Missing families and friends? What better way to say hello than showing the beauty of Tabubil and the culture of Western Province!
A project of the SMITIS Parents & Wantoks Association
You may purchase the postcards at the SMITIS Office for K3 each or K15 for a set of 7.