06 June, 2014 Electronic copy available at http://www.international.school.fj/docs/talanoa.pdf Volume 4 Inside This Issue: * Principal’s Report * Chair of Council`s Report * ISS Producon * Internaonal Assembly * Outdoor Educaon Trip * ISS Library * Naonal Swim Compeon * Primary PYP * Primary Perspecve * Hockey Compeon * Year 11 & 12 Business Trip * PTFA Arcles Talanoa Newsletter of International School Suva Principal’s Report Principal’s Report Principal’s Report Welcome to the second issue of Talanoa for the term. We are getting to halfway through the year and the school remains as busy as ever. Your school newsletter, the Talanoa comes out twice a term and gives an overview of the highlights throughout the year. This term we were all delighted by the recent school production of The Creepy Addams. Over 100 students took part in the production both in and off stage. This original play, written by our very own Luke Fuller, had us laughing at the dysfunctional Creep and Addams families and their lives became increasingly tangled. Whilst teachers mentor students throughout the production, this is a truly student-led event and I know the students learn a lot about leadership and team work throughout the process. To see them working together is a delight and reminds us all not to underestimate young people. Our thanks go to all the teacher mentors: Alex Karountzos, Angela Mahoney, Ceyen No, Kate Reimann, Neelam Raj, Linda Rushon, Jennifer Liew, Arieta Tora, Regina Mastapha, Michael Khelan, Luke Fuller and Carol Yao. In addition to the two nights of the school production, the school also hosted our International Day Assembly and the PTFA held their annual Quiz and Curry Night this term. The International Day Assembly highlighted the truly international nature of our school community and gave us all a chance to learn a little more about each other, I thank the organizers for this wonderful event. Much fun was had by all at the Quiz and Curry Night with parents and friends of the school coming together to pit themselves against one another. This year this PTFA event was led by Gina Bartlett and we thank her for making it such a fun, and educational, evening. It is with great sadness that I inform you that we will be losing two of our primary teachers early next term. Both Mereoni Rosova and Dinaulu Neilako will be leaving ISS on 25 th July, that is the end of week two in term three, to take up positions in the UAE. Mereoni joined ISS in January 2010 and quickly became known for her creativity and for involving the arts throughout her teaching. Her warm and caring nature have endeared her to the many junior primary students that have passed through her classroom. Dinaulu arrived two years later, in January 2012, from International School Nadi and it was obvious from the beginning that we had employed a teacher well-versed in the IB Primary Years Programme. I would often call into Miss Di’s class and find her surrounded by some of our youngest students reading, singing or working on the whiteboard. Both Mereoni and Dinaulu will be greatly missed by everyone at ISS and on behalf of the entire school I wish them well in this new chapter in their life. Recruitment to fill their positions has already started. Finally, looking forward. Our building is growing and we are now entering a very exciting phase of the construction. It is during this phase that we can see changes taking place daily. The construction team continues to work with absolute respect for the school and the students and all of the ISS-employed construction staff, under the leadership of Ram Bali and Ramesh Narayan, are committed to keep the site clean and safe. We are still planning to open the building in March next year and I am sure this will be associated with a big celebration. On the last day of term, 20th June, at 1.40 pm we will be holding our World Environment Day Assembly in the MPH and next term we will celebrate Fun Day on 2 nd August. Preparations for both of these events are well underway. The Council Meet and Greet will be another highlight of the third term and this is planned for 7 pm on 24 th July in the MPH. This will be an informal opportunity for all parents to come and meet the International School Suva School Council. Anna Marsden Principal
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The last day for our IB students Do you remember your last day at school? It is such a significant event and yet the IB examinations which begin today are the focus and for most of our Year 12 students leaving school does not seem quite real yet. It
25 May 2012
Electronic copy available at http://www.international.school.fj/docs/talanoa.pdf
Volume 8
Counselors Corner The last day for our IB students Do you remember your last day at school? It is such a significant event and yet the IB examinations which begin today are the focus and for most of our Year 12 students leaving school does not seem quite real yet. It
06 June, 2014
Electronic copy available at http://www.international.school.fj/docs/talanoa.pdf
Volume 4
Inside This Issue:
* Principal’s Report * Chair of Council`s Report * ISS Production * International Assembly * Outdoor Education Trip * ISS Library * National Swim Competition * Primary PYP * Primary Perspective * Hockey Competition * Year 11 & 12 Business Trip * PTFA Articles
Talanoa
Newsletter of International School Suva
Principal’s ReportPrincipal’s ReportPrincipal’s Report Welcome to the second issue of Talanoa for the term. We are getting to halfway through the year and the school remains as busy as ever. Your school newsletter, the Talanoa comes out twice a term and gives an overview of the highlights throughout the year. This term we were all delighted by the recent school production of The Creepy Addams. Over 100 students took part in the production both in and off stage. This original play, written by our very own Luke Fuller, had us laughing at the dysfunctional Creep and Addams families and their lives became increasingly tangled. Whilst teachers mentor students throughout the production, this is a truly student-led event and I know the students learn a lot about leadership and team work throughout the process. To see them working together is a delight and reminds us all not to underestimate young people. Our thanks go to all the teacher mentors: Alex Karountzos, Angela Mahoney, Ceyen No, Kate Reimann, Neelam Raj, Linda Rushon, Jennifer Liew, Arieta Tora, Regina Mastapha, Michael Khelan, Luke Fuller and Carol Yao. In addition to the two nights of the school production, the school also hosted our International Day Assembly and the PTFA held their annual Quiz and Curry Night this term. The International Day Assembly highlighted the truly international nature of our school community and gave us all a chance to learn a little more about each other, I thank the organizers for this wonderful event. Much fun was had by all at the Quiz and Curry Night with parents and friends of the school coming together to pit themselves against one another. This year this PTFA event was led by Gina Bartlett and we thank her for making it such a fun, and educational, evening. It is with great sadness that I inform you that we will be losing two of our primary teachers early next term. Both Mereoni Rosova and Dinaulu Neilako will be leaving ISS on 25th July, that is the end of week two in term three, to take up positions in the UAE. Mereoni joined ISS in January 2010 and quickly became known for her creativity and for involving the arts throughout her teaching. Her warm and caring nature have endeared her to the many junior primary students that have passed through her classroom. Dinaulu arrived two years later, in January 2012, from International School Nadi and it was obvious from the beginning that we had employed a teacher well-versed in the IB Primary Years Programme. I would often call into Miss Di’s class and find her surrounded by some of our youngest students reading, singing or working on the whiteboard. Both Mereoni and Dinaulu will be greatly missed by everyone at ISS and on behalf of the entire school I wish them well in this new chapter in their life. Recruitment to fill their positions has already started. Finally, looking forward. Our building is growing and we are now entering a very exciting phase of the construction. It is during this phase that we can see changes taking place daily. The construction team continues to work with absolute respect for the school and the students and all of the ISS-employed construction staff, under the leadership of Ram Bali and Ramesh Narayan, are committed to keep the site clean and safe. We are still planning to open the building in March next year and I am sure this will be associated with a big celebration. On the last day of term, 20th June, at 1.40 pm we will be holding our World Environment Day Assembly in the MPH and next term we will celebrate Fun Day on 2nd August. Preparations for both of these events are well underway. The Council Meet and Greet will be another highlight of the third term and this is planned for 7 pm on 24th July in the MPH. This will be an informal opportunity for all parents to come and meet the International School Suva School Council.
Anna Marsden Principal
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From your Chair of Council, Jacquelyn Terry The School Council meets twice a term as a full council and Council Committees meet at least once a
term. In between these formal meetings, face-to-face, telephone and email conversations are also
taking place. All members of the ISS School Council volunteer their services and elections take place at
the school’s Annual General Meeting every March. Your current Council members are: Christian
Adams, Nicholas Barnes, Bole Digitaki, Nassib Elias, Mark Halabe, Anna Marsden, Indira Sharma
(Deputy Chair), Siobhan Sinclair, Kris Stice, Jacquelyn Terry (Chair), Neisau Tuidraki, Rosi Uluiviti and
Michael Valverde. There will be an opportunity to meet your Council members at the upcoming Council
Meet and Greet to be held at 7pm on Thursday 24th July in the MPH. Please do come along and I look
forward to seeing many of you there.
Update from Council Committees Facilities Committee Much of the work of the Facilities Committee has been focused on the new building. This project is well
underway and is due to complete in March 2014. Plans are also being considered for an access road
from Nokonoko Road to Ratu Dovi Road which will service the new building.
Finance Committee In recent months the Finance Committee has been working on securing loan funding for the remainder
of the building project, reviewing the school’s audited accounts and fee structure. The next major work
of the finance committee will be in setting the school fees and approving the budget for 2015.
Governance Committee The Governance Committee constantly reviews the International Schools Association, the legal title of
International School Suva, Articles of Association. In addition to working through the Articles, the
committee has also reviewed the enrolment form and the draft grievance policy.
Human Resources Committee The Human Resources Committee continues to work on developing policy and has recently reviewed
evaluation and exit procedures for staff and the internal grievance policy. Work continues on the staff
induction policy and reviewing HR needs during this time of expansion.
Marketing Committee The Marketing Committee has worked alongside the school to develop the marketing and promotional
material used to market the school externally. This has included producing new printed materials,
reviewing the website and developing the merchandise of the school.
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The Creepy Addams
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The 2014 International School Suva Annual
Production of 'The Creepy Addams' was staged
on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd of
May. The production was based on the TV
Sitcom, the Addams Family.
Directed and organised by the students with the help of teacher mentors, the play that
was written for International School Suva by Mr. Luke Fuller (English Teacher) drew
crowds at the two nights show.
"The Addams Family live in the most satisfying, perfect, peaceful unhappiness in their
haunted family home. Surrounded by cobwebs, ghosts, torture chambers, exotic pets,
potions and headless dolls, life couldn’t be better (or worse!). An elaborate plan from
a jilted love sees their world turned upside down when their fortune is lost and they
face the real threat of losing their beloved home. In order to save
it, the Addams must face their biggest fear: working and existing
in ‘normal’ society in an effort to make money. Can Gomez,
Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Thing, Uncle Fester, Lurch and
Grandmama make enough money to save their home? Or will
vengeful Doris Creep, her oblivious husband, children Thursday
and Bugsley, and Grandpapa move in to stay?
They’re creepy…they’re kooky…they’re the Creepy Addams. "
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THE DIRECTORS SAY Hannah Naiyaga (Director) What I find to be most interesting about this production is the fact that we have a diverse cast which have stepped out of their comfort zone in constructing very bold and unique characters. It was also a great opportunity to pursue an original storyline based on a beloved classic "The Addams Family". Tahi Izumi (Director) The performance is based on the Addams Family, but the difference is that unlike productions in the previous years, the storyline this year is our original creation. It has encouraged actors to be more enthusiastic and creative in their approaches towards the construction of their characters, which was evident during rehearsals. THE ACTORS SAY Maree Ahearn (Grandmama) My character is a crazy, ridiculous and emotional old grandmamma! She's always fun to be around and is a ball of fire. She's feisty and devious but with good intentions and is always just trying to help her family. Sabil Sabri (Mr Creep) Mr. Creep is a model father and husband. He’s the best at what he does, and what he does is listen to his wife. He may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he has a heart of gold. Without Mr. Creep, the Creepy Addams would be a lot less heartwarming and touching. Harry Davenport (Lurch) "But the Adams family must live in the Adams family house, we have ever since Lurch's ancestors came down from the trees!" - Mr. Addams "Urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh" - Lurch Lurch is a man of mystery, a character that is unraveled as the play progresses, completely full of surprises. Make sure you pay attention to this character, while low on dialogue, might just be vital to the survival of the Adams family! Edward Schultz (Granpapa) Grandpapa may be old, but he’s still on the prowl for love. He thinks of himself as a ‘silver fox,’ and is reluctant to meet the Addams until he hears about Grandmama. Sasha Ruggiero (Morticia Addams) I loved playing the role of Morticia in this year's production! As a character she has such a commanding presence and portraying her on-stage is exhilarating, it's an amazing outlet for the stresses of my final year and the entire cast is absolutely amazing!
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International Day Assembly International Day of Families is celebrated on 15th May and this was celebrated at ISS with an assembly organised by Reception and Y8 students. The significance of International Day of Families has been highlighted by UN agencies. Families are important for nurturing and teaching children values, culture and traditions, and for the care and support of the elderly. This has been recognised as ways that we can help make stronger communities. We chose to encourage students to come to school in their cultural dress. The Reception students, dressed in their cultural attire, AND opened the assembly by individually introducing themselves and greeting us in their own language. They also performed a Hawaiian dance to 'Pearly Shells' an old time favourite Hawaiian song. Y8's showed off their cultural attire in a fashion parade, and brought the different cultures together in a contemporary 'cultural bash' dance. The assembly concluded with a Greek dance, often enjoyed at many Greek family occasions. By Milika Waqainabete
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The Outdoor Education class studying Oceans took a four day trip to the Safari Island Lodge on Nananu
Island off the coast of Rakiraki. We were hosted by Mr. Warren Francis the owner of the lodge.
The students conducted a research on the water-based activities offered at the island and were not
disappointed by the host of activities including- swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, kite
surfing, wind sailing and kayaking. The lodge set up is very competitive in offering water sport activities
without the high accommodation rates. In our stay on the Island, the students met visitors from
Portugal, Finland, Denmark, England, Japan and our neighboring Aussies and Kiwis. There are learner
classes offered for kite and wind surfing which is the major attraction on the island. The majority of the
students took part in an Introduction to Scuba class while Kim and Savannah had their first hand
experience of a night dive. Chris Koop was fortunate to meet a visiting Marine Biologist from England for
his first scuba dive and is keen on attaining his Open Water certificate.
We were accompanied by Tima who looked after our housing needs while we were out on research. The
group had excellent cooks who spoiled us with chicken curry, chow suey, French toast and Fiji style BBQ.
We would like to thank Mr. Warren Francis and his staff for the warm welcome and hospitality shown
toward the group in our stay on the island. For any fun seekers wanting learn kite surfing or just enjoy
the Fiji’s oceans contact: www.safarilodge.com.fj or [email protected]
Library NEW in the library? This term has flown by so quickly and I
know that everyone is looking forward to
the break. If you are looking for a good
book to read while on break, look no
further.
I’m pleased to say that our library
collection has been boosted since the
beginning of the school year with many
new titles. New books added to the
library collection are displayed in the
library and are exchanged with more
newly received materials as soon as they
arrive.
You may check out any book you find on
display. You can also view new titles
added to our collection by visiting our
library website, select RESOURCES and
click on Search OPAC. Once you log in
using our OPAC username and password,
click on New Material located under
QUICK SEARCH and browse the new
Fiction and Non Fiction titles recently
added to our library collection.
If you are planning on catching up with
your assignments, visit our library page,
select RESEARCH to view and use the
online databases that the library
subscribes to. These databases are
accessible from home. We will also be
open in the 2nd and 3rd week of the
break. The Library Staff wishes you all
the best in the remaining 2 weeks of the
term.
Wakanisi Vaciloa - Librarian
Every Tuesday afternoon
from 3.00pm - 3.50pm
Library staff together with
members of ISS Service club
visit the sick children at
the Suva CWM hospital.
Here’s a flashback of our
activities….
Magazines
Library Display
Crafts/ Cards/ stickers
Primary PYP Learner Profile focus… EMPATHY! Caring students show their love for reading. They are helpful to other library users and enjoy sharing a book with a friend. They are happy to share limited resources as well as their knowledge.
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National Swimming Competition
The National Swimming competition was held in the Aquatic Center on Friday 30 th Saturday 31st May. The school was represented by 46 secondary and 4 primary swimmers. The secondary men’s team managed a second place finish to MBHS and the girls a fourth place finish with the biggest medal haul (39 medals) in the girls division (more than the boys 29). The primary team managed 17 medals with 4 swimmers which is impressive. A huge ‘vinaka-vakalevu’ goes out to the parents and friends who supported the swimmers and teachers throughout the two-day meet to bear the chilly conditions and cheer our team on. All the best to our swimmers who are now competing for a National spot.
Secondary Category
Primary Category
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Our PYP Attitude
EMPATHY
What is empathy? Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others. You understand that people are individually unique and their own person, therefore, they can have different thoughts, feelings and respond to experiences in different ways. It’s recognising that most people experience common feelings of happiness, surprise, anger, disappointment, sadness, etc. It’s being able to look at a particular situation and imagine how you and therefore your friend may feel at that moment and responding in an appropriate manner. Why practise it? Without empathy, we would not be able to understand the impact of our actions. We may feel insecure because we are being misunderstood. With empathy, we develop an understanding of ourselves and others, creating a caring and more sympathetic and compassionate attitude towards one another. How do you practise it? Practising empathy is walking in another person’s shoes. You reflect regularly on the choices you make and the impact these have on others. You understand the needs of others and take action to assist them. You take the time to listen. Reflection Questions How would I feel...? I wonder why...? What do I need to understand...? How can I express what I really mean? Activities with Empathy Help your children put words to their emotions. Feel out loud. Modeling the behavior you want your children to emulate. Read books: My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss; How Are You Peeling by
Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers; Feelings by Aliki; The Feelings Book by Todd Parr.
Think through the use of “I’m sorry.” A more meaningful approach can be to help children focus on the other person’s feelings.
“BE KIND! For everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle” - Plato
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Primary Perspective There is no such thing as an uneventful term in the primary school at ISS, and this term has proven to be just as full of activity as Term One. Read below to find out how successful our term has been with the various happenings around the primary school. Unfortunately our Head of Primary, Karen Whittaker, is unwell and will be on leave until next term. We sincerely hope she makes a speedy recovery and we keep her in our thoughts. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding primary school matters, please see me at your earliest convenience. Math/Science Week The primary students have been busy celebrating the importance of both math and science this week. Students have been busy conducting science experiments and exploring concepts in math that tie in with their units of inquiry. Parents are welcomed to visit and view the bright and colourful displays in many of the classrooms. We thank Mr. Jitoko, Mr. McKellar and Ms. Young for organizing this celebration. Term Two Reports The primary reports will be going home with every ECH 2 and Primary child on Tuesday, June 17. The reports give a snapshot of your child’s overall progression in their learning to date. Our reporting procedure for each year includes two interview times – the first in term one and the second in term three, as well as a written report at the end of terms two and four. Each report is written to inform not only the parents, but also the children of the areas of learning where they are achieving well and to discuss the learning needs of each
child. We hope each parent will find the time to praise their children for their achievements thus far this year and to discuss the areas where they would most like to explore or improve. What’s happening in primary? We have welcomed many new students and families in the past month. We hope you are enjoying your time at ISS and look forward to our continued partnership into the future. Congratulations to all the students who took part in the National Swimming Championships last week at the Damodar Aquatic Centre. We also wish the Year 3 teachers and students well as they enter into the final preparations for their camp to Nasautoka in Wainibuka in week ten of this term. Don’t forget to come along to our whole school World Environment Day assembly on Friday, June 20 starting at 1.40pm in the MPH. As always, it promises to be a worthwhile whole school event led by another group of our talented teachers here. Our final assembly for the term here in primary hosts our legendary music teacher Mr. Tim who along with his students will be sharing learning that has been happening in the melody room. For the last three weeks, we are all focusing on being ‘empathetic’. Information is available in this publication of the Talanoa. Keep your eyes peeled for our final Primary Press of the term which will be published in week 10. Shelly Forbes Deputy Head of Primary
ISS Cookbook wins 3rd Prize in the global 2014 Gourmand Awards in the Charity - Fund Raising category.
We wish to thank the creators of the now infamous cookbook: parents Vanessa Lauwers, Christine Canton, Patricia
Evers and the dedicated IT department for their hours of enthusiasm and team work creating a useful fun cookbook with
delicious international recipes, provided by our ISS families and celebrity chefs of Suva.
This team work shows that any venture is possible with the right amount of passion and vision, plus everybody’s input!
A book is before all a legacy for future generations!
Congratulations PTFA cookbook team and all sponsors.
10 of the 300 cookbooks are still for sale for $25 at the Business Office.
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ISS Hockey Competition 2014
- Come cheer for your school - An under 8 and an under 12 team have joined the Suva Primary Schools Hockey League Competition on Saturday
mornings at the Hockey Stadium, and we can be very proud of their performances to date! The under 8 team plays 7-aside on a quarter field and the under 12 team plays 11-aside on a half field.
Let us know if you wish to receive information on ISS hockey or join training on Thursdays at 3.15pm at the Turf. (a 2.30pm the school bus is available and the bus pass can be bought from the business office)
Missing Jacob Cook Missing Sam Cook and Oscar Knox.
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VISIT TO PURE FIJI On Thursday the 29th of May, 40 Business Studies students in years 11 and 12 went on an excursion to Pure Fiji. The excursion was to give the students greater insights about how small businesses can grow. It was truly a memorable experience. The students were warmly welcomed with beautiful singing from the staff and shortly after they visited the Pure Fiji Gallery where they saw collections of artifacts from around the Pacific and a large painting of Ratu Seru Cakobau by a renowned artist Mary Edwell Burke. Before the students went on the comprehensive tour of the factory the tour guide gave a brief about the company and how it started as a cottage industry before venturing out to the large scale industry that it is today. It was founded in 1996 by mother and daughter team, Gaetane and Andree Austin, around their family kitchen table. Now the factory has a Spa and Training Centre, Yoga and Fitness Studio, an Artisan’s Gallery for nurturing aspiring local artists and a solarium for drying leaves and botanicals. Pure Fiji has received several international awards and is acknowledged as one of the top ten spa brands internationally. Recently, Pure Fiji won two awards for the best Exotic Oil and body butter worldwide. The two other winners were Estee Lauder and MAC so it was a proud moment for Pure Fiji. The students and staff of the International School Suva are truly grateful to the staff of Pure Fiji and especially to the Director Mrs. Gaetane Austin for allowing them the tour of the factory, for sharing the company’s success stories including Pure Fiji’s business engagements with the rural people and villages.
The business field trip, really gave me a better insight into how a business operates and what is involved in it, especially a large business such as Pure Fiji which is recognized worldwide. Josh Uluiviti The experience of visiting Pure Fiji allowed us the see how a locally and internationally renowned business operates. The tour also taught us of the richness of Pure Fiji’s history and its family atmosphere. Hanah Patel Going to Pure Fiji was a mind opening experience which taught us the importance of knowing your culture and expanding it into the world through the means of business.
Pure Fiji has successfully made Fiji more known throughout the world for its natural products. Binal Patel The Pure Fiji trip was lovely, watching the staff make the products or seal the products; it was great to see how it is done. Shikha Singh Going to Pure Fiji was a realistic experience where I got to know more about the growth and success of the business. Sun Ho