Week 2 Term 2 2026

Weekly Newsletter

Principal: Greg Neville

Deputy Principal: Stephen Sowter

Head of Primary Campus: Vanessa Ignas

Head of Secondary Campus: James Winas

Head of Boarding: John Kalenda

Message from the Principal

Academic Focus and Assessment

Over the past week, Lae International School has maintained a strong focus on academic excellence. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our Year 10 and Year 12 students, who have completed their mock examinations as preparation for the upcoming national examinations. These mock exams play an essential role in helping students develop confidence, refine examination techniques, and identify areas for further improvement. I commend our students for their diligence and our staff for their careful preparation and support throughout this process.

Student Safety and Wellbeing

The safety and wellbeing of our students remains a priority. This week, a fire drill was conducted for our Early Years students, allowing them to practise evacuation procedures in a calm and age-appropriate manner. Regular drills are an important part of ensuring that students and staff are well prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Upcoming School Events

We look forward to our Sports Carnival, scheduled for Week 4 on  Thursday and Friday. This event is always a highlight of the school calendar, providing opportunities for students to demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. We encourage families to attend and support our students during these exciting days.

Excursions and Enrichment Opportunities

Planning is underway for the first group of Year 9 students, who are scheduled to travel to Cairns in Week 6. This experience forms part of our commitment to providing rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and further details will be shared with families in due course.

Important Date Change

Please note a change to a previously published date: LIS’s Got Talent will now take place on Thursday, 28 June, commencing at 6:00pm in the Secondary Hall. We look forward to an enjoyable evening celebrating the creativity and talents of our students.

Digital Wellbeing

I encourage all parents and caregivers to view the 60 Minutes YouTube clip linked below, which highlights the potential dangers associated with excessive screen time and mobile phone use for children and young people. The issues raised are highly relevant, and we strongly encourage families to engage with this resource. Link for clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBedpPCv5c4

Thank you for your continued support of Lae International School.

Success Starts Here!

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

2026 Term 2 Calendar


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Deputy Principal's Notices

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support as we progress through another productive and engaging term at Lae International School. We would like to share several important updates and celebrate some wonderful highlights from around our school.

Shortened Term Clarification

Please be advised that this term will run for eight weeks instead of the usual ten. There are two key reasons for this adjustment:

  • School Calendar Structure: Lae International School operates on a 39‑week academic calendar, meaning that one term each year is shorter than the others. This adjustment ensures the overall balance of teaching weeks across the year.
  • Professional Development Week: In celebration of the IEA’s 50th Anniversary, teacher professional development days—normally spread across the beginning of terms have been consolidated into a full professional learning week. During this time, our teaching staff will travel to Port Moresby to participate in institution‑wide professional development activities.

 

We want to reassure families that the total teaching and learning time for the year remains unchanged. Students will continue to receive the full curriculum and a comprehensive learning program.

This professional development opportunity is invaluable. It enables our teachers to strengthen their practice, collaborate with colleagues across the IEA network, and bring enriched teaching strategies back into the classroom, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students.

Looking ahead, we will return to our usual calendar structure next year, with terms resuming their normal length.

Year 10 and 12 National Mock Examinations

This week, our Year 10 and Year 12 students sat their National Mock Examinations. These assessments are used as important diagnostic tools, allowing teachers to reflect on teaching practices, identify learning needs, and tailor support for every student.

The insights gained from these mock examinations help set our students up for future success - because Success Starts Here.

Mother’s Day Assembly – Invitation to Families

Looking ahead to next week, we warmly invite parents and carers to attend our special Mother’s Day Assembly. This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our mothers and mother figures, and to reflect on the incredible contributions they make to our families and school community. We look forward to celebrating together.

Community Partnership: Pickleball ECA Launch

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Lae Biscuit Company for their generous donation of Pickleball equipment. It is fantastic to see a local business reaching out to schools to provide new and exciting opportunities for students. 

Their Public Relations team hosted a fun and engaging afternoon last Friday to launch our Pickleball ECA, and students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As a result, Tuesday’s Pickleball session saw strong participation and enthusiasm.

A personal thank you must also go to Dennis Seeto, whose organisation and support helped make this opportunity possible. Strong community partnerships such as this play a vital role in helping our students flourish.

Student‑Led Library Activities

We are delighted to share the wonderful student‑led activities taking place in our school library this term. 

From Week 2 to Week 7, our Library Monitors are hosting activities every recess and lunch, providing inclusive and engaging opportunities for students to connect, read, play, and learn. These activities are entirely planned and run by students and reflect outstanding leadership, teamwork, and responsibility.

 

We are incredibly proud of our Library Monitors for the initiative and enthusiasm they have shown. We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Kamoen, our School Librarian, for overseeing this program and nurturing student leadership in such a meaningful way.

Student‑Led Library Activities Schedule

♟ Chess Challenge Organisers: Jaden and Taiashly

  • Tuesday – Big Lunch
  • Thursday – Big Lunch Friendly chess competitions that encourage strategic thinking and sportsmanship.

Fun Reading Friday Organisers: Riana, Francine, and Paris

  • Every Friday – Small & Big Lunch Activities include:
  • Dictionary word games
  • Fun word games
  • Library Dewey Decimal scavenger hunt

Book Club Organisers: Hannah, Hazel, Eleanor, and Ivie

  • Monday – Big Lunch
  • Wednesday – Big Lunch Activities include:
  • Reading circles and group discussions
  • Reader’s Theatre
  • Making books

 

These library experiences promote a love of reading, confidence, cooperation, and leadership, and have already created a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

Thank you for your understanding, partnership, and ongoing support as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

Warm regards,

Mr Stephen Sowter

Deputy Principal 

Lae International School

 

Primary ECA


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Important Update: School ID Cards

Please be advised that starting from the beginning of Term 2, a fee of K20 will be charged for the issuance of all School ID cards.

Steps on how to create an Audiri account


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LIS Positive Behaviour Policy

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.

Head of Primary Campus Notices

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we conclude Week 2, we are delighted to celebrate our students who received awards for demonstrating self-directing as part of our STEPS to Success program. A special mention goes to Grade 6 IT, who showcased their learning through a wonderful display during the assembly.

Looking ahead:

  • Next Friday (8:45am): We warmly invite mothers to attend a special assembly.
  • PE Lessons: Students have been training diligently in track and field events in preparation for the upcoming carnival in Week 4.
  • Week 5: We will celebrate Book Week and host the Grade 5 & 6 Sleepover.
  • LIS Got Talent: Congratulations to those who have made it to the final list for this exciting show!

Important Reminders

  • No Hat, No Play – Students must wear hats when outdoors.
  • Library Bags – Please ensure your child brings a library bag for borrowing during library lessons.
  • School Hours – Classes start promptly at 8:30am. Arriving on time is important.
  • Dismissal Times – School ends at 3:00pm. Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) finish at 4:15pm.
  • Pick-Up – Kindly collect your child on time at the end of the school day and after ECAs.

Upper Primary Student Handbook

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Lae Amateur Swim Club

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Lae Amateur Swim Club, a wonderful organisation dedicated to providing quality coaching. As part of this collaboration, the school is proud to provide access to our pools for the club’s training sessions. We strongly encourage more students to get involved and take advantage of this excellent opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in the water.

Please see the attached flyers for more information.

Head of Secondary Campus Notices

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to Week 2 of Term 2. It has been a strong start for our students, with a number of different events and learning opportunities taking place during the first week.

As this is a condensed eight‑week term, regular attendance, punctuality, and disciplined work habits are especially important to ensure students can achieve their learning goals. We value your continued support in encouraging your child to:

  • Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
  • Apply themselves diligently to their learning.
  • Uphold school expectations, policies, and procedures.

Key Updates and Reminders

Term 2 Planner

We encourage parents to support their child in completing the Term 2 Planner. By taking ownership of their schedules and setting realistic, achievable goals for the term, students will be better organised and remain focused throughout the shortened term.

Grade 9 & 11 Parent–Teacher Conferences (PTC)

Thank you to the parents who have attended the Parent–Teacher Conferences this week. We hope these meetings have provided valuable opportunities to discuss student progress and address any concerns where necessary. We strongly encourage all families to attend, as these discussions strengthen the partnership between home and school.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA)

It is pleasing to see our students actively participating in a range of Extra‑Curricular Activities. Involvement in ECAs supports the development of new skills and interests beyond the classroom. We encourage all students to get involved.

Grade 10 & 12 Mock Examinations

  • Objective Papers – Mock 2: Monday 20 April – Friday 24 April
  • Grade 10 WEX Mock 1: Thursday, 30 May 2026
  • Grade 12 WEX Mock 1: Monday, 4 May 2026

These assessments are essential preparation for final examinations and assist teachers in identifying areas where additional support may be required.

Cairns Trip

The Grade 9/10 Cairns Trip is scheduled for Week 6, from Monday, 18 May to Friday, 22 May 2026. Further details will be communicated in due course. Please keep an eye on Audiri, our primary mode of communication, for updates.

LIS Got Talent Show

As part of the celebrations commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the International Education Agency (IEA) in PNG, our school will host the LIS Got Talent Show in Week 7, on Thursday, 28 May 2026. More information is available on Audiri, our primary communication platform.

School Procedures and Expectations

  • Sign‑Out Procedures: Written parental permission is required for students to leave school grounds.
  • Visitor Procedures: All visitors must sign in at the security desk using the family pass before proceeding to the Front Office. Staff will notify students as required.
  • Mobile Phone Communication: Mobile phones are not encouraged at school. Communication between parents and students during school hours should occur via the Front Office using school phones.
  • School Routines: All procedures, routines, and timetables remain unchanged and will continue to be reinforced to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.

Staying Informed

To remain up to date with school matters, please ensure you are connected to the Audiri App, which is our primary communication platform.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We look forward to a positive and successful Term 2.

Warm regards,

James Winas

Head of Secondary Campus

Boarding House

Hello everyone,

Wow, we are at the end of Week 2 already! At the boarding house, our students have been challenged to navigate the organisation of their daily lives to ensure they reap the full benefits of the education they are here to receive during this short term.

While no two students are ever the same, our boarding house learning and behavioural expectations cover all aspects of boarding life that students are expected to comply with.

Each week, we focus on one particular virtue. This week’s virtue was “Perseverance”. Perseverance connects to the School’s Steps to Success of “Self-Directing”. The connection is clear: pushing through setbacks requires the ability to set new goals and work independently when things become difficult.

A student described perseverance by using a diamond metaphor: a diamond goes through so many processes, from being just a rock to eventually being formed into a precious stone.

We are committed to helping every student succeed as they ought to here at LIS Boarding. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries.

Thank you all for your continued support, and from all of us at Boarding, we wish you a pleasant weekend.

Regards,

Norah Sevian

Boarding Matron

Steps to create an Audiri account


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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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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 / 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.

This week in pictures!

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