Volume 1 26/02/19
Newsletter of International School Suva
Principal’s Report This new school year gives me great satisfaction as we begin to implement the new strategic plan. Of particular note, we are developing Ocean Science activities at all levels. I think our students will truly become oceans experts through this, and I think they will gain a deep understanding and love of science and nature at the same time. Other parts of the Strategic Plan are equally important and progressing forward. Numerous strategies for supporting and strengthening student learning continue. These range from increased teacher collaboration, curriculum improvement, increased applied, or hands-on, learning, international affiliation and engagement, more effective recruiting, new teacher retention efforts, and attention to international reputation and marketing. The goal, of course, is for all our students to be engaged in the curriculum and to learn at high levels. I believe we are on the right path to have continued growth in those all-important ways! We are making particular headway with developing our new and exciting Ocean Science initiative. As this takes shape during this year, and in coming years, students will gain a unique understanding of our ocean issues and have personal experience with managing them. Staff have been investing large amounts of time with Ocean Science curriculum and we will share that periodically during this year. Of special note, students have created wonderful ocean-themed murals in the Middle school stairways. If you have not seen those, please stop by! In addition, we hope to install a large salt water aquarium soon in a central location to demonstrate some ocean life up close, and we hope to acquire some wet lab equipment next term to begin doing some ocean science inquiry activities. This year we hope to make significant headway with improving facilities. We have designed a shelter for the new open space in front of the Primary office to allow for a better lunch area. This construction should be started during Term 2 and finished during the semester break. Construction on our new J Block building with a 350-seat auditorium and 10 much-needed classrooms should commence in coming weeks. That building is expected to open during the 2020 school year. That will allow less crowding and specialized learning spaces. I want to give grateful recognition to our PTFA organization for their donations to the school this past year. Many people wonder what happens to the money raised at Fun Day, Quiz and Curry, and the Garage Sale. As a report, I can say that PTFA has converted nearly all the money raised into needed school enhancements. The four major PTFA donations this past year have been, first, a new quality piano and piano trolley, second, better tents for camps, third, student design equipment (tools in student kits), and fourth, ten new ChromeBooks to be housed in the library for student use. We are very appreciative of this parent support and for each of you who helped make this possible. I also want to recognize the strong PTFA leadership as Presidents Craig Sims (past President) and Judy Compain (Current President) have facilitated these school donations and improvements. Any parents who wish to join the PTFA Committee should contact Shaheena Khan at the school so the committee can be notified. Vinaka, Steve Cathers Principal and Head of International School Suva
Inside this issue:
ECH Article
Library
Year 3 Article
PSPE Swimming
Chinese New Year (Yr. 6)
Primary ISA Results
Primary Student Leadership
Year 9 - Ocean Literacy
Uto Ni Yalo Extension Program - Year 12
MYP Corner
Year 11
IGCSE Examinations
Fishing for a living
Counselors Corner
Valentines Day
Swimming Carnival
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Upcoming Events
Term Dates