Week 7 Term 3 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

As we reach Week 7 of Term 3, we find ourselves in the midst of a very important assessment period. Across the school, students are completing assessments, submitting coursework, and demonstrating the learning and skills they have developed throughout the term. This is a busy but rewarding time, and I encourage all students to remain focused, organised, and committed to achieving their personal best.

Examination Preparation

Preparation for the upcoming ACT, IGCSE, and National Examinations for Years 8, 10, and 12 is progressing well. Our teachers have been working diligently to ensure students are well prepared and have access to the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

Students who feel they require additional support are strongly encouraged to speak with their teachers as soon as possible. We also remind students to take advantage of the extra after-school classes and revision sessions that are being offered. These opportunities can make a significant difference in building confidence and strengthening understanding before examinations.

Attendance and Punctuality

A matter of concern in the Secondary School has been the increase in absenteeism and lateness. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors contributing to student success. Students are expected to arrive at school on time each day and attend all scheduled classes unless there are genuine reasons for absence.

There has also been an increase in students requesting to contact parents during the school day in an effort to leave school early. In many cases, these requests are not based on legitimate reasons. This practice is not acceptable and will be closely monitored. Parents can support the school by reinforcing the importance of attending all classes and completing the full school day.

Every lesson counts, and students who miss classes place themselves at a disadvantage academically.

Looking Ahead to Term 4

Term 4 will be a significant and important term for all students. Classes will continue through to the end of the school year on the 4th of December, with the exception of Grade 12 students, who will conclude their studies following graduation.

We would particularly like to remind our Year 8 and Year 10 students that although their National Examinations will have been completed, there remains a substantial amount of work to undertake. Students will continue to engage in learning activities, assessment tasks, and coursework that contribute to their semester reports. Attendance throughout this period remains essential.

The government requirement regarding attendance will continue to be enforced. Students who accumulate 30 days of absence may be required to repeat the year. The weeks following National Examinations are valuable learning time and must be used productively to ensure students are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

Celebrating 50 Years of IEA Education

As part of the IEA’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, we are inviting former students of Lae International School, (TISOL/Bulae, Okari ,Coronation) to share photographs, memories, and memorabilia from their time at school. These contributions will help celebrate the rich history and achievements of our educational community over the past five decades.

Former students are encouraged to send materials to:

admin@lis.iea.ac.pg

There have also been several suggestions regarding an alumni gathering to mark this important milestone and to explore the establishment of an official alumni association. Any former students who would like to be involved in planning such an event are invited to contact the school via email.

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

Term 3 Calendar


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Deputy Principal's Notices

This week, both the Primary and Secondary schools came together to celebrate the rich history of the IEA and the journey that has shaped our school community into what it is today. 

Our Primary students took their audience on a fascinating journey through the history of the IEA, highlighting significant milestones and moments along the way. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt revival of the LIS school song, creating a wonderful sense of connection to our school's heritage and traditions.

In the Secondary school, our Year 11 students showcased their creativity and research skills through a mock news report that explored each decade of the IEA's history. Through interviews with key figures from different eras, students brought important milestones and achievements to life, providing an engaging insight into the school's development over the years. Both presentations demonstrated the pride our students have in being part of the IEA community and highlighted the importance of understanding and celebrating our shared history.

I would also like to acknowledge all students who received certificates during our Primary and Secondary assemblies. It is always pleasing to see students recognised for their effort, commitment, and achievements. These awards reflect not only academic success but also the positive attitudes, perseverance, and determination that our students demonstrate each day. Congratulations to all recipients.

It has also been a busy and important week in the High School, with both Year 10 and Year 12 students completing their mock examinations. These examinations provide valuable insights for teachers, allowing them to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. This information helps staff tailor their teaching and curriculum delivery to ensure every student is provided with the best possible opportunity to succeed. For students, the mock examinations serve as vital preparation for future assessments, enabling them to refine their examination techniques, reflect on feedback, and build confidence. It has been encouraging to see our students rise to the challenge and approach their examinations with maturity and determination.

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing well-rounded young people, students explored the concept of character matters more than status during Homeroom activities this week, with a focus on "Who you are is more important than what you have." This important message encourages students to reflect on the values, behaviours, and character traits that define them as individuals. At LIS, we remain committed to supporting not only our students' academic growth but also their social and wellbeing needs, helping them develop into respectful, resilient, and responsible members of society.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our annual STEM Fair next week. On Tuesday, the winners from each class will compete as they battle it out to showcase their creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. We are also delighted to welcome STEM Punks, who will be working with our Primary students on Monday and assisting with judging the STEM Fair on Tuesday.

We would once again like to thank our event sponsor, Theodist, for their generous support in providing prizes for the winning teams. Their contribution helps make this event possible and further encourages our students to engage with STEM learning opportunities.

STEM continues to be a significant focus at LIS as we invest in developing the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities of our students. Through initiatives such as the STEM Fair, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and future leaders who will contribute to an ever-changing world.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the STEM Fair and celebrating the achievements of our students in next week's newsletter.

Warm regards,

Mr Stephen Sowter

Deputy Principal 

Lae International School

Head of Primary Campus Notices

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of Week 7, we would like to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate some of the highlights from this busy and exciting week at the Primary Campus.

Assembly and Awards

A major highlight was our IEA 50th Anniversary Celebration Assembly, proudly hosted by Prep PG and 5RI. Students took us on a journey through the history of IEA and showcased their talents with confidence and enthusiasm. The beautiful singing of the school song, accompanied by Mr Warakani and our music students, was a special moment that was enjoyed by all. We would also like to congratulate the many students who demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills this week and received awards in their respective classrooms. We are proud of their efforts and commitment to learning.

STEM and Digital Transformation

As we prepare for the STEM Fair next Tuesday, students from Grades 3 to 7 participated in mini-STEM exhibitions within their classrooms this week. These exhibitions provided an opportunity for students to showcase their projects, with each class selecting the project that will represent them at the STEM Fair. Congratulations to all students who participated and thank you to our teachers and parents for your support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the process.

With STEM and digital transformation continuing to be key focus areas at LIS, we are pleased to share that we have recently purchased 30 new tablets for use at the Primary Campus. These devices will be loaded with educational resources and learning materials to support student learning, exploration, and engagement in STEM-related activities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on teaching and learning across the school.

We are also excited to welcome the STEMPUNK Team to the Primary Campus next week. They will be working with students in Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 on Monday, before returning on Tuesday to assist in judging the STEM Fair projects.

Student Led Conference

This week it was also wonderful to see so many parents attending their child's Student-Led Conference. Students spoke confidently, reflected on their learning, and shared their achievements and goals with pride. Thank you for taking the time to attend and support this important learning experience.  As we continue through the remainder of the school year, we look forward to celebrating many more student achievements and successes.

Netball News

We would also like to acknowledge the parents and students who came along on Saturday, 15 August, to support the LIS Netball Team. We are proud to announce that the team achieved Second Runner-Up in the B Grade Division. Well done to all players for their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Looking Ahead

  • Tuesday, Week 8: STEM Fair
  • Wednesday, Week 8 (26 August): Public Holiday
  • Friday, Week 8: 5RI Learning Assembly
  • Friday, Week 9: Father's Day Assembly
  • Friday, Week 10: IEA 50th Anniversary and PNG Independence Celebration

Thank you for your continued support and have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Vanessa Ignas

Head of Primary Campus

Upper Primary Student Handbook

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Head of Secondary Campus

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It has been another busy and productive week for our secondary students, with many important activities and events taking place across the school. We would like to thank all parents and guardians for your continued support and partnership since the beginning of the term. As we reach the end of Week 7, we have just three weeks remaining before the end of Term 3. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to all new students and families who have joined our school community this term. We are delighted to have you as part of the Lae International School family and look forward to supporting your educational journey with us.

Grade 10 and 12 Mock Exams

Congratulations to our Grade 10 and Grade 12 students on the successful completion of their final mock examinations. These assessments represent an important milestone in preparing students for their upcoming external examinations, and we commend them for their commitment and perseverance throughout the process. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our external invigilators and teaching staff for their professionalism, dedication, and support in ensuring that the examinations were conducted smoothly and successfully.

Grade 12 NOAS Application

Information and invitation letters regarding the National Online Application System (NOAS) have been distributed to our Grade 12 students through the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST). Students are encouraged to review the information provided carefully and begin preparing for the application process. Parents and students should also refer to the flyers and notices that have already been shared through our various communication channels for important guidance, requirements, and deadlines.

Grade 10 IGCSE Timetable 2026

The final Cambridge IGCSE examination timetable for Grade 10 students has been shared via email and Audiri. We ask parents and students to review all examination dates and requirements carefully to ensure students are fully prepared and attend all examinations as scheduled. These examinations are an important component of each student's academic journey, and we encourage students to maintain their focus and preparation over the coming weeks.

Grade 12 ACT Scaling Test

Our Grade 12 students completing the ACT certificate will also be sitting the ACT Scaling Test (AST) next week. The examinations will take place on Tuesday, 25 August, and Wednesday, 26 August. All Year 12 ACT students are expected to attend and participate on both examination days. Parents and students are reminded to review the important information and instructions that have already been communicated through email and Audiri carefully.

Please note that next Wednesday is a gazetted public holiday. However, AST Paper 3 will proceed as scheduled, and all students are required to attend. Families are encouraged to make the necessary arrangements to ensure students arrive on time and are fully prepared for the examination.

Achievements

We are proud to acknowledge the many achievements of our students across academic, sporting, leadership, and service activities throughout the term. Our students continue to demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of school life. We extend our congratulations to those who have maintained excellent attendance, achieved strong academic results, participated actively in co-curricular activities, and represented the school with pride. Your dedication and positive contribution to our school community are greatly valued and appreciated. As we move towards the final weeks of the term, we encourage all students to remain focused on their studies, continue striving for excellence, and make the most of every opportunity available to them.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, our Grade 11 students will be participating in their educational trip to New Ireland during Week 9 of this term. Parents and students are encouraged to continue monitoring their emails and school communications for important updates, travel information, and related correspondence regarding this excursion.

We are also preparing for the Grade 9 educational trip to Cairns, scheduled for Week 7 of Term 4. Further details will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

Thank you once again for your continued support and commitment to our school community. We look forward to another successful and productive week ahead as we continue working together to support the learning, well-being, and success of all our students.

Kind regards,

James Winas 

Head of Secondary Campus

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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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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