As we reach the midpoint of the term, I would like to congratulate all students, staff and families on a productive and positive start to the school year. It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks, and I am pleased with the strong engagement we are seeing across the school.

Successful Sports Carnivals

Week 4 has been particularly exciting, highlighted by our highly successful sports carnivals. These events showcased not only the athletic talents of our students but also their teamwork, resilience and school spirit. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Physical Education teacher for his excellent organisation and leadership. I also acknowledge all teachers who contributed their time and effort to ensure the smooth running of these events. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Importance of Attendance

Now that we are firmly in the middle of the term, it is important to emphasise the value of regular attendance. Every day at school is important, as learning builds progressively. Missing school can make it difficult for students to keep up with lessons and fully achieve their potential. We encourage all families to support consistent attendance and ensure students arrive at school on time, ready to learn.

Communication with the School

We would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of maintaining clear and respectful communication with the school. This includes keeping us informed of any concerns, changes in circumstances, or student wellbeing matters. In particular, we encourage families to communicate openly regarding school fees. Early communication allows us to work collaboratively and find appropriate solutions that support both families and the school community.

The Importance of Sleep and Reducing Screen Time

Adequate sleep is essential for student health, wellbeing and academic success, especially for secondary students. Research indicates that teenagers require between 8–10 hours of sleep each night; however, many are getting significantly less. Insufficient sleep can negatively impact concentration, memory, behaviour and overall performance at school.

One of the most significant contributors to poor sleep is late-night use of mobile phones and other devices. Studies show that screen use before bed can delay sleep onset, reduce sleep quality, and lead to daytime fatigue. For this reason, we strongly encourage families to remove phones and electronic devices from students’ bedrooms at night—even for older students. Establishing consistent routines and limiting screen time before bed can significantly improve sleep quality and overall wellbeing.

Thank you once again for your continued support of our school. Let us maintain this positive momentum as we move into the second half of the term.

Success Starts Here!

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

Our Rugby League team produced an outstanding performance last week with a thrilling 10–7 victory over Bugandi in a match that had everything—intensity, skill and heart right until the final whistle.

The game was characterised by hard-hitting collisions, gritty cover defence from both sides, and expansive running rugby as each team looked to exploit space out wide. From the opening exchanges, it was clear that neither team was willing to take a backward step.

For the second week in a row, Egave Eka opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range try. Showing electric pace, Egave sliced through the defensive line and easily beat the Bugandi fullback, giving our team an early lead. Bugandi responded strongly, however, crossing in the corner and successfully converting to level the scores in a tightly contested contest.

As the match entered its final stages, Bugandi edged ahead with five minutes remaining, calmly slotting a 30-metre field goal to take a narrow 7–6 lead. With time running out and the pressure mounting, it looked as though the match might slip away.

Enter our captain. Biru Andita, leading by example, took it upon himself to change the course of the game. In an incredible individual effort, Biru burst through multiple defenders from 30 metres out, scoring an outstanding try in the final moments to reclaim the lead.

Special mention must go to Ludwig Budenschatz and Ryan Alina, whose tireless defensive efforts and strong, direct running consistently bent the Bugandi defensive line and set the standard for the rest of the team to follow.

Bugandi proved to be a well-disciplined and respectful team, playing the game in great spirit. This was beautifully reflected after the final whistle, as both teams came together to take a knee and acknowledge each other’s efforts, a powerful reminder of the values rugby league instils.

We look forward to carrying this momentum forward as we play again this week at Lae Secondary against Bumayong, with kick-off scheduled for 3:50pm. We wish the team the very best as they continue their strong season.

Thank You to Our Parent & Friends Committee

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Parent & Friends (P&F) Committee for their wonderful support of our school at the Lower Primary Sports Carnival yesterday. The team did a fantastic job selling ice blocks, much to the delight of our students on a warm day.

The P&F is a dedicated and hardworking committee that tirelessly supports the school and raises vital funds for important projects. This year, their focus is on improving sports facilities and equipment, which will benefit all students.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank Anderson for their generous donation of the ice blocks. Because of this support, all money raised will go directly back to the P&F Committee, helping them continue their valuable work.

Thank you to everyone involved for your time, effort and generosity, it is greatly appreciated.

Extra-Curricular Activity Spotlight: LIS Run Club

This week we would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort of the students who have joined the LIS Run Club. Each Thursday morning at 6:30am, these students show real commitment by getting out of bed early to train together.

While there are clear physical benefits to running, the Run Club is also about building important life skills—dedication, self-discipline, resilience, and pushing through when things get tough. Learning to keep going when you hit the wall is a powerful lesson that extends far beyond sport.

We congratulate and thank all participating students for their grit, determination, and positive attitude. Your commitment is commendable, and you are setting a strong example for others across the school.

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.

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,

This week, our focus has been on Sports Week. We began on Wednesday with our younger learners participating in fun games organised by their teachers. On Thursday and Friday, students from Prep to Grade 12 showcased their talents and skills in various track and field events.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all parents who came to support their children, and a big thank you as well to our teachers for organising such a successful event.

Looking ahead, next week we will be celebrating Book Week. Class notices have been sent via email and Audiri. If you have not received any information, please contact your child’s teacher.

The theme for Book Week is “Symphony of Stories.”

• ELC to Grade 4 students will dress up as their favourite book characters.
• Grades 5 to 8 participation is optional.

All parents are warmly invited to attend the Book Week Parade on Friday, 15th May at 8:45 am.

We will also begin PAT testing next week, so please ensure your child attends school every day and arrives on time.

Additionally, Grade 5 and 6 students will have their STEM Sleepover from Friday, 15th May to Saturday, 16th May. Parents who have not yet returned consent forms are kindly asked to do so as soon as possible to assist with planning. For any questions, please contact the Grade 5 or Grade 6 teachers.

In Week 6, Grade 8 students will sit their second mock exam. They have already begun in-class remedial lessons following their first mock exam results, and additional practice activities will follow.

Please continue to support your child by ensuring that homework and assessment tasks are completed on time. If your child is not bringing home homework or reading materials, kindly communicate with their teacher.

Finally, we would like to emphasise the importance of healthy eating. Please ensure your child does not bring candies, chips, twisties, fizzy drinks, cordial, or energy drinks to school. Healthy food choices support better learning and wellbeing.

Have a wonderful weekend.

We enjoyed a fantastic Sports Carnival today, with students in high spirits and competition strong across all events. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm, teamwork and determination from our students as they represented their houses with pride. The positive energy and sportsmanship on display truly reflected the spirit of our school community.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our Year 9 students, who will be heading off on their Cairns trip in Week 6. This experience promises to be a valuable opportunity for learning, personal growth and shared memories, and we wish them a safe and enjoyable journey.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) in the High School are now in full swing, with strong student participation across a wide range of activities. These programs provide students with important opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections beyond the classroom. I would like to sincerely thank our teachers and community members who generously support these activities by sharing their time, skills and expertise. Our students gain so much from these experiences, and your involvement is greatly appreciated.

To remain updated on school matters, please ensure you are connected through 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

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.