Week 4 Term 3 2025

Weekly Newsletter

Principal: Greg Neville

Deputy Principal: Daniel Lyng

Head of Primary Campus: Vanessa Ignas

Head of Secondary Campus: James Winas

Head of Boarding: John Kalenda

Business Manager: Homoka Ganiga

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Lae International School,

As we wrap up Week 4 of Term 3, I’d like to extend my appreciation to our staff and students for their continued commitment to learning and growth.

I’m pleased to share an important announcement from our School Board and IEA. Mr. Stephen Sowter has been appointed as the new Deputy Principal of Lae International School, commencing in January 2026. Stephen is currently Director of Pedagogy at St. Mary’s College, Toowoomba, Australia and brings extensive experience in educational leadership and curriculum design. He is no stranger to Papua New Guinea, having escorted several student groups to our country over the years for immersion programs—an experience that has deepened his connection to our culture and communities. Stephen will relocate to Lae with his family, and we look forward to welcoming them into the LIS and Lae Community.

At the end of this year, our current Deputy Principal, Mr. Dan Lyng, will conclude his contract and depart Lae International School. Dan will be joining his family in Thailand to pursue new opportunities. We thank Dan for his immense contribution over the past two years—his leadership, professionalism, and care for our students. We will share more reflections and acknowledgments closer to his departure.

Looking ahead, advance planning is well underway for our school’s celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to honour our nation’s journey and showcase the spirit of our school. Any parents or carers who wish to contribute to the program or offer assistance are encouraged to see Ms. Ngasoi, Chair of the Planning Committee.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Warm regards,

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

Parent School Access Cards

In the interest of health and safety we are introducing a new school parent access card (example in picture). All parents need to collect their card from the school office in primary or secondary. This card will need to be presented if you want to enter the school campus at any time, including pick up and drop off.

Steps on how to create an Audiri account


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Deputy Principal's Notices

Sports Update:

Last Friday Ms Kanini travelled with our Upper primary U14s team to compete in the Inclusive Impact Rugby Program Lae Rugby Festival 2025 organised by SCRUM. The results are noted as follows for our U14s:

‘The students played really well, the boys team played the first game and lost to Igam Primary by one point and drew with Milfordhaven Primary school.

The girls team won two games against Milfordhaven Primary school and Igam Primary.’ – Ms Kanini

Outstanding players from LIS:

Marcelynne Boga in Grade 7 having played two excellent games and being the linchpin for the school’s success in both games.

Jonah Marogo in Grade 8 been pivotal in setting up and the scoring of tries in each game.

SCRUM continues this week in school and students selected will be participating in Saturday games with details to follow from Ms Kanini.

Revision and Past Papers:

As our Grade 8, 10, and 12 approach their exams in T4 I want to highlight the need for good revision habits and past paper practice. Teachers will be supporting students with past papers from both the PNG National Exams and any International exams they may be taking.

We ask parents to support their children in revision. You can help by monitoring progress and time spent on past paper practice and revision. Motivation is key so discussing good study habits like those in the graphics below will further reinforce the advice we are giving to all students.

Together we can help all our students to reach their best potential.

Early Learning Matters Week:

We are fast approaching our celebration of Early Learning in the primary. We ask all our parents to share the date of our open morning to anyone they think may be interested in seeing the excellent teaching, learning, and facilities we have at LIS.

The open morning is between 9am and 11am on Friday 22nd August.

School Arrival and Departure Times:

Parents are reminded that school finishes at 3pm on both campuses. Students should only remain past pick up time 3.00pm – 3.15pm in secondary if they are participating in intervention classes or a sports ECA. Students not participating should leave the secondary campus promptly after 3pm.

ECAs finish have now finished in primary. All primary students should be picked up promptly between 3.00pm – 3.15pm. In the rare event of a late pick up, due to unforeseen issues, parents should be contacting the school office to advise them. Students should not be regularly picked up late as the school is unable to provide supervision for them.

The school bus service is available as an option if parents are unable to pick their children up at the required times.

As a reminder to all parents and guardians, supervision of students on the primary campus begins at 7.30am with students able to enter classes from 7.45am. We advise all parents to ensure they do not drop their children off earlier than 7.30am. If students arrive between 7.30am and 7.45am they will be supervised in the hall and need to remain in there seated quietly until they can enter classroom.

We have had notification that the ‘Early Learning Matters’ week date has been changed. This has now been moved on our calendar to reflect this change and to ensure we coincide our Early Years celebrations in the correct week of the term. The week will now be in school week 6 this term between 18th – 22nd August and our Early Years open morning will be on Friday 22nd August, more information will follow closer to the ‘Early Learning Matters’ week.

Head of Primary Campus Notices

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to this week’s edition of Primary News.

Parent teacher conference

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in Weeks 6 and 7. Teachers will begin sending out meeting invitations next week.

To ensure you receive all relevant updates and individual information, please:

  • Stay connected via the Audiri app
  • Ensure your email address is current and active

Betel-nut on campus

Please be reminded that entering the school grounds with betel-nut in your mouth is strictly prohibited. This is in accordance with our school policy aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environment for all. Anyone found entering with betel-nut present in their mouth will be refused entry. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding our community standards.

ELC and Preschool Play Area

Exciting changes have taken place at the ELC and preschool playground! Students now have access to a vibrant and safe play area featuring:

  • A sandpit for imaginative play
  • A colourful swing and other engaging play equipment
  • A freshly laid pavement for easy and safe access to the playground

These additions are designed to spark creativity, encourage movement, and ensure a secure environment for our youngest learners. More play features will be added in the coming weeks—stay tuned for even more fun

SRC Fundraising – T-shake sales

The SRC team have started their T-Shake sales.  All proceeds from their sales will go towards funding their project and other organised activities. The SRC project for this year will be an Anniversary project coinciding with PNG’s 50th Anniversary. The SRC will fund the extension of the office entrance to create additional sitting space for students and visitors when coming to the school or waiting for the parents to pick them after school.

Please support the SRC project by allowing your child to purchase a T-shake for only K2. Selling days will be on Wednesday and Friday.

Hat policy

Students are encouraged to wear their hats at all times when outdoor. Please ensure your child comes with his/her school hat/cap to school every day. students without hat will not participate in outdoor activities including playtime. Class teachers will reach out to parents of students who are not wearing the correct school hat//cap in school.

Countdown to PNG’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

As we approach Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary, preparations are now in full swing across our school community. We are pleased to announce that practice sessions have begun for several regional performance groups. The energy and enthusiasm among our students are truly inspiring!

In the coming days, notes will be sent home with details regarding costume items. We kindly encourage families to check with their child for this important information.

If you are able to support your child’s group—whether through materials, time, or cultural insights—please connect directly with your child’s province or regional teacher. Your involvement makes all the difference as we come together to honour PNG's vibrant heritage.

Looking ahead

  • Week 5 – Grade 2DI Learning Assembly
  • Week 6 – Early Learning Matters Week
  • Week 6 – Primary PTC
  • Week 7 – Primary PTC
  • Week 7 – Grade 1LT learning Assembly
  • Week 7 – Teacher only Day
  • Week 7 – Public Holiday        

Primary Ballet ECA Trial Sign Up Still Available

Upper Primary Student Handbook

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Head of Secondary Campus Notices

Dear all,

Welcome to Another Edition of the Secondary Newsletter! A brand-new week brings fresh energy and new opportunities.

First off, a huge congratulations to our Grade 12 students for successfully completing their first Written Expression English paper this past Monday.

Hats off as well to all our Year 11 students—and the four Grade 12s—who confidently completed the Differential Aptitude Tests last Wednesday.

Well done! Looking ahead, this term will be a busy and exciting nine-week period, packed with various activities. This is week 4, we have 5 more weeks to go for this term.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thank you to those students who have made appointments for the Parents -Teacher Conferences this week. PTC ends today.

50th Independence Celebrations

A significant highlight will be the 50th Independence celebrations for Papua New Guinea, with events scheduled to be held right here at the secondary campus. Practice sessions on Fridays after assembly for the school. All international students will have to join any of the PNG regional group of their choice.

Assessment

To keep you well-informed about your child's academic progress, assessment schedules for term 3 has been posted up on Audri. Download a copy for yourself and help your child prepare

Expectations for Student Conduct & Appearance

Uniform Policy: Students are expected to wear the designated uniform correctly and consistently, reflecting pride and unity in line with the LIS school Policy.

Prohibited Items

  • Mobile Phones: These are not allowed during school hours to minimize distractions.
  • Expensive Items: Students are discouraged from bringing valuable personal items to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
  • Hair Guidelines (Girls): Hair should be tied back if shoulder-length.  Must maintain natural hair colour—no coloured extensions are allowed. The school continues to discourage any form of hair extensions, promoting a neat and distraction-free look.

Routine Procedures

  • Students are reminded to adhere to standard protocols when signing out early from campus.
  • Designated no-go zones remain off-limits for safety and privacy, and
  • walkways and corridors should be used solely for walking—not for lingering, running, or loitering.
  • The school emphasizes that graffiti is strictly prohibited and considered an act of vandalism.

 

Some Important Dates for this Term:

  • Final Grade 10 Science Practical Test – Wednesday August 13th
  • Grade 10 and 12 final Objective Mock – September 1st – September 5th

Grade 10 Cambridge IGCSE and the Grade 10 & 12 PNG National Examination Dates

These will be shared with you in a separate flyer. To ensure you receive all important updates and information promptly, we highly encourage you to join our School Audiri App if you haven't already. This is our primary means of communication with all parents and the wider school community.

Cheers

James Winas

Head of Secondary Campus

Steps to create an Audiri account


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Head of Boarding

In addition to fire, earthquake and lockdown drills, we conducted a civil unrest drill yesterday as part of our comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. This drill was treated with the same seriousness and importance as any other emergency drill.

The purpose of these drills is to ensure that students and staff know how to respond safely and effectively in the unlikely event of civil unrest in the surrounding area. During the drill, you were guided by staff to a designated safe location within the boarding house. This location has been chosen to provide maximum security and protection. Staff provided clear instructions throughout the drill and it was essential that students followed them promptly.

By practicing these protocols, we can ensure a calm and organised response during a real emergency. We will continue to provide more information and conduct other practice drills to ensure everyone feels confident and prepared.

Safety Guidelines for Authorising Boarding House Leave


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Lower Secondary Student Handbook

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Upper Secondary Student Handbook

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Join our Social groups

Uniform Price List

Uniform Requirements


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Homework Policy

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Academic Assessment Policy

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2025 Lae International School Fee Policy


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Student Photographs

There are many photo opportunities at our school and student images are often used in publications, such as the Newsletter, and displayed online through the school website / FB and Instagram pages. Student images will continue to be used in the Newsletter, website and other media this year. If you do not wish photos of your child to be displayed through any form of print or digital media, please advise the office.

This week in pictures!

Parent Calendar Term 3


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Additional Announcement

School Fees

A very big THANK YOU to all our parents and sponsors who have completed their Term 3 school fees!

Any student that has outstanding fees for Term 3 and prior, the student:

  • will not be given his or her school report at the end of the term.
  • will not be allowed to participate in whole school events including the coming PNG Independence Day Celebrations. 

Remember when making payment, ensure to put the name of the student on the deposit slip or bank transfer description. This will greatly assist with receipting. 

Refunds

  • Once Term 4 has begun no refunds are permitted for that school year.
  • Withdrawal of a student must be made in writing or on the Notice of Withdrawal form.
  • IEA will only make refunds to the individual, company or organisation that paid the fees.

Uniforms

We have received some of the back ordered items, mainly shorts. Please check at the uniform room should you need to purchase a uniform.

Regards,

Homoka

Facility Hire