Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end the term, I want to highlight the importance of giving time and focus to assessment pieces, particularly in the secondary school. These assessments are not only a measure of learning but also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth, understanding, and ability to apply knowledge. I encourage all our students to plan carefully, manage their time wisely, and approach each task with diligence. Parents, your support in helping students balance their commitments at home (especially on their devices) and school makes a significant difference.

Yesterday, we welcomed and inducted our new School Board. I extend my sincere thanks to each member for attending and committing to serve our school community. We were privileged to have Mr. Neal Mather, CEO of the IEA, join us via Zoom to lead the induction session on governance within the IEA system. His guidance and expertise provided valuable clarity on the responsibilities and vision of the Board moving forward.

I also wish to thank our Year 9 parents for responding promptly to letters and permission slips regarding the upcoming trip to Cairns. This excursion is curriculum-based and designed to broaden students’ horizons through immersion in another country. While attendance is not compulsory, it is strongly encouraged as the experience offers unique learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the trip.

Finally, I want to reassure all families that student safety remains our highest priority. Please take note of the Deputy Principal’s section in this newsletter, which outlines details of the upcoming fire drill. These drills are an essential part of our safety procedures, ensuring that students and staff are well-prepared in the event of an emergency.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your children’s education.

Success Starts Here!

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

The Senior Leadership Team has reviewed our food policy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students. Please note the following guidelines:

• Food brought by students must not be shared among classmates. Students should only consume the food packed for them by their parents or guardians.
• Parents are not permitted to bring any food for class events other than a birthday cake or cupcakes.
• Next week, parents of each primary campus class will receive a permission slip via the Audiri App asking them to give consent for their child to participate in eating cake at birthday celebrations throughout the year. Secondary students are presumed mature enough to manage this without permission slips.
• Chewing gum, lollies, soft drinks, and chips are not permitted in student lunches.
• School fundraising events selling a variety of treats will continue as planned. 

These measures are in place due to dietary and allergy restrictions and to promote healthy eating habits across our school community.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students.

Recently, there have been several instances of unsafe driving in the school carparks. As the safety of our children is paramount, please take note of the following guidelines:

• No taxis are allowed in the carpark unless prior notification has been given to the school.
• The speed limit is strictly 5 km/h.
• Please follow the directions of carpark attendants and security officers.
• Park only in designated parking areas. Do not park on the side if already full, as this blocks traffic and creates bottlenecks.
• Parking or idling in the middle of roadways for drop-off or pick-up is not allowed. Please use the designated areas.
• Take extra caution during pick-up and drop-off times, as there are many small children moving through the carpark.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school environment safe.

We’re happy to let you know that the school uniform shop has been fully restocked. All standard items, including hats, are now available for purchase.

Thank you for your patience and continued support while we awaited new stock.

Displayed below are copies of the behaviour stages implemented by all staff when responding to instances of negative behaviour. Parents who wish to obtain a complete copy of the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy may request one from the school office, located in either the Primary or Secondary campus.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Athletics Carnival – Week 4, Term 2

We are excited to announce that our Athletics Carnival will take place in Week 4 of Term 2! In preparation, students have already begun track practice during their PE lessons.

To ensure everyone can participate safely and comfortably, we encourage all students to bring:

• A hat for sun protection
• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• Correct footwear suitable for running and physical activity

Parent Teacher Conferences – Next Week (Monday to Thursday)

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held next week, Monday to Thursday. These meetings are a valuable chance to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage all parents to attend, if you haven’t received an invitation, please check with your child’s teacher.

Please note: Grade 7 will have their Parent Teacher Conference in Term 2.

Afterschool ECA Update – Term 1 & Term 2

Term 1 Afterschool ECA has wrapped up, thank you to all facilitators, students, and families for your support and participation. Preparations for Term 2 are underway, with a formal notice in Week 10 and launch in Week 2 next term. We look forward to seeing you then!

Assembly

Today, our students enjoyed an informative assembly led by the Colgate team, who shared valuable lessons on oral health and handwashing. Their engaging session reminded us all of the importance of healthy daily habits.

We also celebrated our students’ achievements with the STEPS to Success awards in problem solving, presented in their respective classrooms. Congratulations to all award recipients, you continue to inspire us with your determination and creativity!

Steps to Success – Weekly Focus

At LIS, we nurture values and skills that support both academic and personal growth through our weekly Steps to Success program.

This week’s focus is Problem Solving, students are encouraged to apply strategies in learning and friendships, thinking carefully about their actions and words.

Next week’s focus will be Speaking, where students will reflect on how tone and language affect others, practicing mindful and kind communication to build a respectful, supportive school community.

Spelling focus

This week, the focus letter sound is “i (igloo)”, and your child should have brought home a list of words on Monday to practice at home. Please take a moment to check in with your child to ensure they have their spelling words and are working with them regularly.

Looking ahead to next week:

• Grades 1–6 will focus on the letter sound “f ff ph” (fish cliff phone).
• Prep will continue with their High Frequency Words (HFW).
• Grades 7–8 will work with their assigned spelling word lists.

We appreciate your support in encouraging consistent practice at home, as this greatly reinforces the learning taking place in the classroom.

School Gate Access & Supervision

• Please note: access to the school grounds will only be granted upon presentation of your parent access card.
• The school gate opens at 7:30am for students to enter.
• There is no supervision before 7:30am. Students must wait with their parents until the gate opens.

Looking ahead

• Week 9 – Parent – Teacher conferencing
• Week 9 – Grade 3MP learning assembly
• Week 10 – Last Day of School – Friday 27th March
• Term 2 starts on Monday 13th April

Secondary Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please take note of the following key updates and reminders for this week:

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) ECAs are currently ongoing this term. Students who have registered are expected to attend regularly. Registration for Term 2 ECAs will open soon, and families are encouraged to support students in selecting activities that match their interests.

Parent–Teacher Conferences (Years 10 & 12) Parent–Teacher Conferences will take place in Week 10. Students will receive scheduled time slots to meet with their subject teachers. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend to discuss academic progress and areas for improvement.

Physical Education (Years 9–10)

• Years 9–10: Dry sports training has begun in preparation for the Term 2 Week 4 Athletics Carnival.
• Years 11–12: Students may use the swimming pool until the end of the term.

Student Use of Private Vehicles Senior students wishing to drive to school must:

• Provide written parental permission.
• Submit a copy of a valid driver’s licence.
• Provide names of students permitted to travel in the vehicle. No additional passengers are allowed without parental consent from both parties.

Grade 9 Cairns Trip Trip dates: 9–14 November Estimated cost: K7,000 (instalment payments available). Parents must return the permission slip and medical consent form by Friday, 13 March.

Grade 11 Port Moresby & New Ireland Trip Trip dates (tentative): 31 August – 5 September (Term 3, Week 9) Estimated cost: K3,500, with fundraising opportunities available. Reply slips confirming participation must be returned by Friday, 13 March.

Audiri App The school has launched the Audiri App for important announcements, alerts, calendars, and communication with staff. Parents are encouraged to download and join the platform.

Thank you for your continued support.

James Winas Head of Secondary

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 / Facebook and Instagram pages. Student images will continue to be featured 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.