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_

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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]

11/10 Annual sports day

17/10 School parliament [12.40pm]

18/10 Term 4 fees due

Canteen day

Weekly assembly @ 1.30pm [Y7 assembly item]

19/10 Tabubil Junior Triathlon [9.00am-12.00noon]

22/10 Parents’ & Wantoks’ meeting [1.00 - 2.00pm]

ASA: (2.30 - 3.30pm)

CAG meeting @ 6.30pm

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2013 SMITIS Independence Day Celebrations

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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: ________________________________________________________

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: __________________________________________

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLUB YOU WILL RUN:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: ______________________

AGE OF STUDENTS (eg. YEARS 3-6): ____________________

DAY OF THE WEEK YOU WILL RUN YOUR CLUB: ________________________

VENUE FOR YOUR CLUB: _______________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE MAIN OFFICE

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2014 Enrolments

2014 Enrolment UpdateThe final date for re-enrolment was 12 September. Places will be confirmed by 11 October.

New enrolments will be accepted from 14 October to fill existing vacancies.

From 16 September, enrolments for 2014 must be lodged online at http://smitis.openapply.com.

For those who may have difficulty with accessing this site, please contact Mrs Grace Kwale, our Enrolment officer, who will provide assistance.

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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.

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Star Mountains Institute of Technology

International School Newman Road, TABUBIL. 332

Western Province, Papua New Guinea

P: (+675) 6499 233

F: (+675) 6499 324

E: smitis@smit.ac.pg

www.smit.ac.pg