smitis newsletter 8 march 2013

SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 2, Edition 3 1

SMITIS Newsletter

8 March, 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.

We are what we eat!It is most important that students enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and meals at school, if they are to perform and achieve at their best. Some of the meals that

students are eating at lunch break do not fall into the category of healthy or nutritious. Please consider what they are going to eat at school and remember that your child should not be eating unhealthy food just because you do not want to see them upset.

A weekly Saturday sports program will commence in Term 2. The focus for Term 2 will be the AFL (Nuikick). The program will run for 6 weeks and this will be followed by a competition over 3-4 weeks. Nuikick is an activity for boys and girls from the age of 5 upwards. Notes will go home during the first week of Term 2. I strongly recommend all students join the program.

Term 1 ends on Friday 22 March at 12.00 noon. Term 2 will commence at 8.15am on Tuesday, 9 April (and not 8 April, as previously advised. Staff will be undertaking a training day on 8/4/13.)

There will be a Parents & Wantoks meeting next Tuesday (12/3/13) at SMITIS starting at 1.15pm in

the library. The benchmark is at least 30 parents. If you are feeling lucky, then I suggest this is a meeting not to miss.

Remember students should arrive at school by 8.10am when the bell rings.

I appreciate your support.

Dr Ken Darvall Principal

SMITIS Newsletters

The first two pages are sent home with the eldest child each fortnight. Bulletins and class

notes will be sent home as required.

If you would like to receive the newsletter or bulletins by email, please advise Grace.

The full colour edition can be found online at: http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs/smitis_newsletter_8march_2013_

http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs





Reflective is one of the core attributes of the Learner Profile of PYP and a core value at SMITIS. Reflective learners give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations, in order to support their learning and personal development.

At the end of a term, learners should reflect on the past achievements to set their goals for the next term.

Weekly awards are presented to students who demonstrate Learner Profile attributes.

Other attributes include: inquirer; caring; thinker; knowledgeable; balanced; inquirer; principled; open-minded; and risk-taker.

A Sporting Donation

Scott and Tim from Downer EDI Mining visited SMITIS on Wednesday, 6 March, to donate some soccer and league balls to the school, as part of their ongoing commitment to Tabubil and PNG.

Our Prime Minister, Michaelyne Ellison, accepted this kind donation that will put big smiles on the faces of all our students.Following the presentation, Michaelyne spoke to the local media.

CAGThe second meeting of the SMITIS Community Advisory Group (CAG) was held on Tuesday, 5 March.

Mrs Raylene Ignatius and Mr Simon Thomas were confirmed as the final parents’ representatives.

Dr Darvall outlined the SMITIS Development and Improvement Plan which included discussion about opinion surveys and the future enrolment of expats.

Details about the increased student leadership opportunities at SMITIS focused on the inaugural school parliament.

The meeting also witnessed Dr Darvall outlining SMITIS expansion plans, as well the introduction of a Saturday sports program.

Mrs Naomi George provided a report about the Parents and Wantoks AGM in February and its plans for 2013. Members at the AGM have set the benchmark for attendance at future meetings.

CAG meets twice each term.

Minutes from Tuesday’s meeting are included in this Newsletter.

Key Dates

Next fortnight

12/3 Parents & Wantoks meeting (1.10pm)

ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

13/3 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

14/3 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

15/3 Canteen Day (Team 2)

School assembly (1.30pm: Y1 item)

22/3 Last day of Term 1 (12.00 noon finish)

Term 2

9/4 Term 2 commences

16/4 Parents & Wantoks meeting (1.10pm)

19/4 Canteen Day (Team 3)

School assembly


Parents & Wantoks Association

The next meeting will be held:

Tuesday 12 March

1.10pmIn the School Library

All welcome!Lucky Door Prize: K100 SVS voucher


Your Parents & Wantoks Association

Representatives for 2013 are:

President Naomi George h: 649 9896

m: 7166 1800

[email protected]

Secretary Sonia Thomas h: 649 4162

[email protected]

Treasurer Nakema Sanewai m: 7157 0711

Please feel free to contact us at any time.


SMITIS CAG MEETING – 5/3/13

6.30-7.30pm (School Library)

Minutes

Attendance Patrick Monouluk; Roland Katak; Norman Temu; Felix Giveng; Naomi George; Raylene Ignatius; Simon Thomas; Michael Weaver; Erico Hovob; Ken Darvall. Apologies Nil Welcome Patrick welcomed all members and introduced Raylene and Simon. Previous Minutes Discussion: • Simon sought clarification about the role of CAG and staff grievances. Ken reiterated

that CAG had no role in staff grievances. • The first point of contact re a grievance is the Principal. Staff should not be initiating

contact with a CAG member over grievances. Verification: • Michael moved that the previous minutes were a true and accurate record. • Erico seconded the motion. • Motion was carried. Parent Vacancies Discussion • Members were happy to endorse Raylene and Simon to fill the two remaining

vacancies, as guidelines were now met. Recommendation • Naomi moved that Raylene and Simon fill the two parents’ vacancies. • Erico seconded the motion. • Motion was carried.


SMITIS Development and Improvement Plan Ken outlined the school’s Development and Improvement Plan which focuses on: valuing what we have; improving what we do; and achieving what we seek. [Copy distributed.] Discussion • Simon inquired about seeking feedback from parents and staff, and Ken indicated

surveys would occur in Term 4 and help guide 2014 priorities. • Naomi inquired about the enrolment of expats as Tabubil is a transient town. Ken

stated that while the new enrolment policy is to be developed, expats would continue to have a priority as they had little alternative to schooling in Tabubil.

Student Leadership Michael outlined the School Parliament model that has been implemented. [Copy distributed.] Discussion • The opportunities for student leadership at SMITIS were appreciated. • Simon suggested the use of younger members as parliamentary secretaries, a proposal

that may be considered as it evolves over the next few years. • Ken commented that while student leaders would be presented with badges, students

did not require a badge to be a leader and that leadership opportunities were available in addition to the School Parliament.

Expansion Plans Ken outlined the secondary expansion plans and the double streaming of the Primary School. [Copy distributed.] Discussion • Simon sought clarification that the proposed site was the adjacent block (and this was

confirmed.)


Saturday Sport Ken outlined plans for a Saturday sports program for students. [Copy distributed.]

Discussion • Simon advised that Nuikick (AFL) would commence in Week 3 (Term 2). AOB Y4 Teacher’s Visa Issues • Simon expressed concern that his son’s teacher had to leave immediately due to visa

issues and questioned how this could occur. • SMIT uses an experienced consultant in POM and, while previous advice was that the

visa matter would be finalized in July, this information proved to be incorrect and a sudden exit was necessary. SMIT will implement procedures to remedy this situation to avoid a similar situation in future.

• A replacement teacher would take the class until the end of term with the Y4 teacher returning for Term 2.

Parents and Wantoks • The AGM attracted about 40 parents (previously only 6 were regular attendees). With

a lucky door prize, it is hoped this number remains the benchmark. • There was great parent involvement and an effective team structure was established

operate the fortnightly canteen program. • Planned events for the year include a Trivia Night and Market Day next term, as well

as a Talent Night later in the year. The organization of these events will adopt a team structure.

Next Meeting Tuesday, 23 April, 2013 (6.30-7.30pm)


ESTABLISHING SMITIS SECONDARY SCHOOL SITE Overview

Year 7 has been established as the first year of secondary schooling in 2013. It is

planned to open a grade each year, at least up to Year 10, and hopefully Year 12 in

2018.

Requirements

Year Buildings Completion Date

2014 Block preparation

Two general learning areas*#

Toilet block 1/11/13

2015 Science lab and prep room/staff study*

Design Technology room/visual arts room*# 1/11/14

2016 Music room/performing arts room*#

Library*# 1/11/15

* double classroom building

# open-spaced area

Comments

The development of the secondary school will be dependent upon a successful start in

2013 and the enrolment numbers to justify its establishment. At this stage, parents

want to see signs that the establishment if the secondary school is not ‘all talk and no

action’.

I anticipate class sizes of 25 students and single stream. I estimate that the above

facilities could cater for Y7-12 or some double streaming in Y7-10.

I suggest extending the existing playground across the adjoining block.

Dr Ken Darvall

Principal 29 January, 2013


!!!

SMITIS PARLIAMENT Rationale Student leadership is a priority area for development at SMITIS.

All students (Kindergarten - Year 7) have the opportunity to exercise formal leadership tasks and responsibilities. As many students as possible should experience leadership opportunities by the time they have completed their schooling at SMITIS.

Policy Each semester, class elections are conducted to select class captains - a boy and girl for each class. These leaders are inducted formally at a school assembly. During the period of their tenure, these school leaders undertake class and school responsibilities. Within the SMITIS model, students fill the positions of Prime Minister, senior government ministers, as well as an Opposition Leader, shadow ministers and representatives. Staff form the Senate to ratify bills with final assent by the Governor-General (Principal). Parliament will meet fortnightly to discuss school matters and organize student-led initiatives. Implementation Class leaders (1 boy, 1 girl) from each class will be elected as Class Captains for one semester. Parliament will meet every second Thursday (even weeks) during term at lunch break (12.35-1.10pm) in Y7 classroom. Michael Hayen and Michael Weaver will be Parliament coodinators/mentors. The senior leadership of the Parliament comprise: Prime Minister; Sports Minister; Events Minister; Welfare Minister; Opposition Leader; Shadow Sports Minister; Shadow Events Minister; Shadow Welfare Minister. Class representatives from Years 4-7 will be eligible for these positions. The senior leadership positions will be elected along party lines (Kumuls and Kapuls). The party with the most elected class representatives will form government. In the event of tied numbers, the government will be determined by a toss of a coin. Senior leadership positions will have a 12-month tenure. Following the election of the government and opposition ministers, additional class representatives will be elected to replace these ministers. Badges will be presented to class leaders at the Leadership Assembly each semester. The Prime Minister will present a report to the weekly school assembly following each Parliamentary sitting.


SATURDAY SPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Students do not have the opportunity to become involved in Saturday sport due to

their age. To improve this situation, a sports calendar is being prepared for Terms 2-4.

I am interested in any suggestions to improve the schedule and/or any additions in

which you are willing to assist. Sessions are usually 1-hour and generally held

between 9.00 am – 12.00noon.

I will look at establishing (balanced) teams to be involved in the schedule of

activities. Additionally, interschool sport opportunities will be considered in the

future.

!

WEEK TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 TERM 4

1 Soccer

2 AFL Basketball Soccer

3 Soccer AFL Basketball Soccer

4 Soccer AFL Basketball Soccer

5 AFL Basketball Volleyball

6 Tball AFL Tball Volleyball

7 Soccer AFL Tball Volleyball

8 Soccer AFL Tball Volleyball

9 AFL Tball

10 AFL

As at 5/3/13

Dr Ken Darvall Principal


Applications close on 29th March 2013.

Inspection months First Inspection – May Second Inspection – August

Declaration of Results

First week of September

TThhee aaccttiivviittyy iiss ooppeenn ttoo aannyybbooddyy ((OOTTMMLL eemmppllooyyeeeess,, PPuubblliicc SSeerrvvaannttss && ccoonnttrraaccttoorrss)) wwhhoo aarree lliivviinngg iinn TTaabbuubbiill ppllaatteeaauu..

FREE OF CHARGE Participant Name…………………………………..… House #…………………… Street………………………. Phone Number …………………………………….. Types of Houses: A & B HOUSES PORTA CAMPS ‘C’ HOUSES QUADS/RAINBOW UNITS DUPLEX If you are interested in participating in the Vegetable Gardens and or Flora (Orchid and Flower) competitions, please call Sally on 649 3012 or William on 649 3384 and register your interest. JOIN THE COMPETITION AND ENJOY A SATISFACTORY RESULT.


HOME SAFETY ALERT No: 130228 “CHEMICAL SAFETY IN THE HOME”

What types of chemicals are poisonous?

x Kerosene

x Cleaning products such as bleach and detergent

x Pesticides such as insect or rodent baits and sprays

x Beauty and hygiene products including hair dye, deodorants, perfume, nail polish/remover

x Gardening and outdoor products including pesticides, herbicides, paint and paint thinner

x Car products including petrol, diesel and degreaser

How does chemical poisoning occur? Chemical poisoning typically occurs when a poisonous substance is swallowed. It may also result from skin contact with, or inhalation of, a poisonous substance. Children are most at risk of chemical poisoning in the house because they are always putting things in their mouth, looking for something to eat and or drink. Their behavior of playing on the floor and their inquisitive nature exposes them to the risk of poisoning if chemicals are not managed correctly

“Please think and look after your children, manage household chemical responsibly”

If a child does swallow or you just think that they might have been affected by chemicals ring the number below for assistance:

649 3333 SECURITY BASE 1

Authorized by: Garry Lee (OHS Executive Manager)

Never transfer chemicals to other containers that children may associate with food or drink (like cool drink or water bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them

Always store household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, kerosene etc, out of a child’s reach – preferably in a locked cabinet.

If you are interrupted when you are using a household chemical (e.g. phone call or a knock on the door) securely reclose the container and ensure it is out of a child’s reach, where possible use products in child-resistant packaging

6S


IB

The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an exciting set of educational programs offered in

more than two thousand school schools in over 120 countries around the world.

The programs focus on student-centred inquiry-based learning and global concerns. They challenge students to think in sophisticated ways

about the connections between ideas in different areas of study. They put learning into an international context.

IB @ SMITISIn 2011, Tabubil International School (TIS) hosted a Preliminary Visit by IB as an Interested PYP School. At the time, TIS decided not to pursue

Candidacy status.

As TIS transforms into SMITIS from 1/1/13, an application for PYP Candidacy status has been approved by IB.

At the same time, SMITIS has gained status as an Interested MYP School from 1/1/13 as Year 7 commences their first year of secondary education.


The IB Learner Profile is the

attributes and descriptors that

define the type of student that IB

hopes to develop through its

programs (for example, PYP and MYP).

At SMITIS, we strive to be....

CaringRisk-Takers Communicators

Reflective

Inquirers

BalancedPrincipled

Knowledgeable

Open-Minded

Thinkers


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: [email protected]

www.smit.ac.pg

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.smit.ac.pg

http://www.smit.ac.pg

smitis newsletter 8 march 2013

Documents

ma smitis newsletter

week of term

reflective learners

core attributes

learner profile attributes

colour edition

sports program

learner profile of pyp