Week 4 Term 1 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

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are pleased to share some important updates and highlights from this week at Lae International School.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

We warmly invite all parents and carers to attend the Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the Secondary Campus Hall at 5:30pm. The AGM is an important occasion and plays a vital role in shaping the future direction of our school. Your participation ensures that our community’s voice is heard and valued.

Parent and Friends Meeting

We were delighted with the successful Parent and Friends meeting held on Thursday, which was well attended and full of positive discussion. We encourage parents from the High School to join future meetings, as Parent and Friends is a wonderful opportunity for families and the school to work collaboratively, strengthen partnerships, and build a supportive community together.

Welcoming Ukarumpa International School

This afternoon, we look forward to welcoming Ukarumpa International School, whose band will be performing at the Primary Campus. They will also be hosted by our boarding team over the weekend. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to enjoy music, cultural exchange, and community spirit.

High School Mock Examinations Mock examinations have taken place this week in the High School. These assessments provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop their examination skills and ensure they are well prepared for the national examinations later in the year. I would like to praise our teachers in leading our students through the examinations and ensuring every students has the best opportunity to succeed and the quick turn around of examination results to guide our students on areas of strength and important. It is an excellent reminder of our staff’s professionalism and creating a learning culture in our schools of, success starts here!

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM and at upcoming Parent and Friends gatherings.

Success Starts Here!

Warm regards,

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

2026 School Calendar


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Deputy Principal's Notices

Dear Parents and Guardians,


I hope this message finds you well.

Our high school students in Years 10 and 12 have now begun their mock examinations. These assessments are an important tool, giving students valuable practice in exam conditions while also providing teachers with a clear snapshot of academic progress. This allows us to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth, ensuring we can plan targeted support so that every student achieves their best. I would like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated teaching staff for their swift turnaround in marking, and a special thank you to Ms. Joanna Dagina for her tireless efforts in ensuring the examinations run seamlessly.

Meanwhile, our Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) in the primary school have been a great success, with participation continuing to grow. It is wonderful to see such a wide range of opportunities available, and we are grateful to community members who share their expertise with our students. Next week, the high school ECAs will commence, offering activities such as netball, band, rugby, golf, running club, and a partnership with the Lae Swim Club. This collaboration provides students with access to qualified instructors and helps them develop essential life skills. A holistic education extends beyond the classroom, and ECAs play a vital role in building resilience, teamwork, and confidence. I encourage all students to get involved and challenge themselves.

Additionally, high school students will be completing a term planner this week and next in their homeroom, which they will bring home to share. This planner outlines their schedule and term goals, helping to strengthen the partnership between school and home. Together, we can provide the foundation that supports students in striving for success.

Thank you for your continued support. Warm regards,

Mr Stephen Sowter

Deputy Principal 

Lae International School

 

Parent School Access Cards

Parent School Access Cards

In the interest of health and safety, we are introducing a new Parent School Access Card (see example in the picture). All parents are required to collect their card from the school office in either Primary or Secondary.

This card must be presented whenever you wish to enter the school campus, including during pick-up and drop-off times.

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 Guardians,

Afterschool Activities Registration

The Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) program has commenced, and spaces remain available for student participation. Parents wishing to register their child may do so by emailing the school receptionist, visiting the school office, or registering via Audiri.

Monday

  • Outdoor Activities – Mikal (Prep to Grade 2)
  • Basic Reading – Ms Karahure (Grades 1–3)
  • Music Learning – Mr Warikani (Grades 2–8)
  • Painting and Mural Creation – Robin (Prep to Grade 6)
  • Rugby Skills – Mr Sowter (Grades 3–6)
  • Athletics – Mr Taiko (Grades 1–8)

Wednesday

  • Library and Homework Club – Mrs Kamoen (Prep to Grade 8)
  • Basic Reading – Ms Karahure (Grades 1–3)
  • Music Learning – Mr Warikani (Grades 2–8)
  • Painting and Mural Creation – Robin (Prep to Grade 6)
  • Tie-Dyeing – Ms Kanini (Grades 3–5)
  • Basketball Skills Development – Mrs Paul (Grades 4–8)
  • Athletics – Mr Taiko (Grades 1–8)

Thursday

  • Music Learning – Mr Warikani (Grades 2–8)
  • Mathematics Club – Ms Peter (Grades 7–8)
  • Basketball Skills Development – Mrs Paul (Grades 4–8)
  • Athletics – Mr Taiko (Grades 1–8)
Steps to Success – Weekly Focus

At LIS, we are committed to fostering values and skills that support both academic and personal growth. Each week, the Steps to Success program highlights a key focus area to guide learning and behaviour across the school.

This week’s focus: Teamwork – Students are encouraged to collaborate respectfully, value contributions from peers, and recognise the importance of community.

Next week’s focus: Ethical Behaviour – Students will explore fairness, honesty, and responsibility, building trust and integrity in learning and relationships.

Phonics and Spelling Update – Primary Campus

We are pleased to announce the integration of the Sound Waves Spelling Program alongside existing IEA resources to strengthen spelling instruction across the Primary Campus.

This week’s focus: Letter “B” – Students should have received word lists to practise at home.

Next week’s focus:

  • Grades 1–6: Letter “A”
  • Prep: High Frequency Words (HFW)
  • Grades 7–8: Assigned spelling word lists

Parental support in encouraging regular practice is greatly appreciated, as it reinforces classroom learning.

Uniform Guidelines – ELC, Preschool, and Primary
  • ELC and Preschool: Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for play and learning. Uniform is not required.
  • Prep to Grade 8: Full school uniform and appropriate school shoes must be worn at all times. Boots are not permitted.
  • PE Days: Sports house colour shirts must be worn. Swimming is included as part of PE.
  • Sun Safety: School hats/caps are required during playtime and outdoor activities. If a child does not have a school hat, they may wear their own, though purchase of a school hat is encouraged. No hat, no play will be enforced.
Visiting the School During Instructional Hours

All visits during instructional hours (8:30 am – 3:00 pm) must begin at the school office. Parents should not go directly to classrooms.

Appointments with teachers should be arranged through the school office or via email to ensure uninterrupted learning time.

Traffic and Safety Guidelines – School Drop-Off and Pick-Up

To ensure safety and efficiency in the school carpark:

  • Observe the 5 km/h speed limit at all times.
  • Parents arriving by taxi must ensure windows are down when entering the school grounds.
  • Respect all stop signs and markers when parking.
  • Use the designated drop-off/pick-up zone for quick stops.
  • For longer visits, park under the trees to keep the main area clear.
Grade 8 National Examination Certificates

The 2025 Grade 8 National Examination Certificates are pending printing and delivery by the Education Department. Families will be advised upon receipt.

School Gate Access & Supervision
  • Access to school grounds requires presentation of a parent access card.
  • The school gate opens at 7:30 am.
  • No supervision is provided before 7:30 am; students must remain with parents until the gate opens.
Looking Ahead

Week 5

  • Tuesday 17 February – School AGM
  • Wednesday 18 February – Primary Disco (Prep–Grade 6)
  • Friday 20 February – Whole School Assembly

Week 6

  • Thursday 26 February – Public Holiday
  • Friday 27 February – Grade 8MP Learning Assembly

Week 7

  • Friday 6 March – Grade 2LT Learning Assembly

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 another edition of our Secondary Newsletter. We hope you and your families are well and that the term is progressing smoothly for everyone. Few reminders for this week.

Physical Education – Swimming (Grades 9 & 10)

Last two week’s swimming lessons for Grades 9 and 10 were a great success. Students participated enthusiastically and demonstrated positive engagement throughout the sessions.

This is a friendly reminder to parents whose children have not yet purchased their swimming attire and required equipment to please do so before Friday of this week. Being properly prepared ensures students can fully participate in their PE lessons.

Secondary Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA)

We are pleased to announce that Secondary ECAs are ready to commence. We warmly invite parents to sign up their children for the activities listed below.

Registration Options:

  • Sign up via the Audiri App
  • Visit the School Office

Please ensure all registrations are completed before Friday this week, as ECAs are scheduled to begin next week. We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to develop skills and personal interests beyond the classroom.

ECA Schedule Overview

Monday

  • Swim Club – Lae Swim Club Venue: High School Pool Fee: Lae Swim Club Membership (TBA)

Wednesday

  • Rugby League Time: 3:15 – 4:15pm Grades: 9–12 Person in Charge: Mr Sowter Capacity: Up to 35 students Fee: Free Venue: Field
  • Golf Time: 3:15 – 4:30pm Grades: 7–12 (20 boarders) Persons in Charge: Mr Neville & Mr Winas Fee: Free Venue: Lae Golf Club (transport provided via boarding bus)
  • Swim Club – Lae Swim Club Venue: High School Pool Fee: Lae Swim Club Membership (TBA)
  • Netball Time: 3:15 – 4:15pm Grades: 9–12 Person in Charge: Mrs Songake Capacity: Up to 15 students Fee: Free Venue: High School Court

Friday

  • Music Band Time: 3:15 – 4:15pm Grades: 9–12 Person in Charge: Mr Warikani Capacity: Up to 10 students Fee: K5 per student Venue: Classroom

Saturday

  • Run Club Time: 6:30 – 7:30am Open to all Person in Charge: Mr Sowter Capacity: Up to 20 students Fee: Free Venue: High School Field
  • Swim Club – Lae Swim Club Venue: High School Pool Fee: Lae Swim Club Membership (TBA)

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions on the planned ECAs.

Certificate Collection

We are pleased to inform families that the following certificates are now available for collection from the Secondary Office:

  • Grade 10 PNG Lower Secondary Certificates
  • Grade 10 Cambridge IGCSE Certificates
  • Grade 12 PNG Upper Secondary School Certificates
  • Grade 12 ACT Senior Secondary Certificates

We kindly ask graduates or parents to arrange collection at their earliest convenience.

Trial Mock Examinations – Grades 10 & 12

Trial 1 of the Grade 10 and Grade 12 mock examinations has been completed successfully. These mock exams provide valuable insight into areas of strength and areas requiring further improvement.

Students are now reflecting on their marked papers, identifying gaps in understanding, and working with their teachers to strengthen their preparation. We encourage parents to continue supporting their children at home by reinforcing good study habits and time management.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning across the Secondary campus continue to progress well. Our focus remains on academic excellence, consistent assessment preparation, and student growth.

We sincerely appreciate the continued partnership between home and school. Your guidance, encouragement, and support play a vital role in helping our students achieve their best.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the LIS Secondary community.

Head of Boarding Campus

Home Away From Home: Boarding Update

Our boarding community officially kicked off the new term with a burst of energy and exploration! Over the weekend, students headed out on an Orientation Trip around Lae.

Strengthening Our Community

This excursion was more than just a sightseeing tour, it was a vital opportunity for our students to step outside the classroom and connect. For our new students, it was a chance to navigate their new home and ease those first-week nerves. For our returning boarders, it was a time to step up as leaders and mentors, welcoming fresh faces into the fold.

Highlights of the Adventure

  • Exploring the City: Students visited local landmarks, getting a feel for the vibrant culture and geography of Lae.

  • Bonding Activities: The day was filled with laughter and the start of lifelong friendships.

  • Finding Their Footing: Understanding the local surroundings helps our boarders feel grounded and confident, ensuring they feel "at home" before the academic workload begins.

It was wonderful to witness the friendship already forming, a true testament to the vibrant spirit and supportive culture of our boarding house. We truly believe that a sense of belonging is the foundation for academic success, and based on this weekend, we are off to a fantastic start!

Warm regards,

John Kalenda 

Head of Boarding  

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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Academic Assessment 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!

Facility Hire