Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the final weeks of Term 3, I’d like to acknowledge the energy and commitment across our campuses. Teaching and learning continue with full momentum, including specialist lessons, even as we prepare for our independence celebrations.

PNG 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations – Thursday 11 September, 10:00am

Next Thursday, we will proudly host our 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations at the Secondary Campus. This e event will bring together students, staff, families, and community members to honour Papua New Guinea’s journey and future. We are pleased to welcome Mr Neal Mather, CEO of IEA PNG, as our Guest of Honour.

Important Reminders:

• Tickets are available at the school office for K2. Please note: no ticket sales or entry without tickets will be permitted on the day.
• Parking tickets available for purchase for k10.
• School buses will not operate next Thursday. Families of bus students are asked to make alternate transport arrangements.
• Chewing betel nut, smoking, and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited on campus. Anyone appearing under the influence will be denied entry.
• Our security team is fully briefed and prepared to ensure a safe and respectful celebration for all.

Welcoming Future Leadership

We are pleased to announce that Mr Stephen Sowter, our incoming Deputy Principal for 2026, and his wife Ashleigh will be visiting the school next week. They will be meeting with staff, students, and parents as part of their orientation and transition into our school community.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all families who have attended Parent-Teacher Conferences across our campuses over the past week. Your engagement plays a vital role in strengthening our home-school partnerships.

Campus Improvements

Significant CAPEX work is underway at the Secondary Campus, including painting and refurbishment of key buildings. We extend our appreciation to the School Board and the IEA CAPEX Committee for their support in bringing these upgrades to life.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to celebrating Independence Day together next week and finishing the term well.

Warm regards,

Mr Gregory  Neville

Principal 

Lae International School

Final Mocks

The final mocks for grade 10 and 12 are now complete and students should receive their feedback in the first week after the holiday. We hope this will enable further improvement and development prior to the exam weeks.

Having completed three mock exams our students now have a good understanding of the exam process and have gained valuable feedback. Parents can support their children towards the exams by monitoring their revision and discussing what areas they feel are strengths and what are the areas to focus their revision on.

Revision and Past Papers:

As our Grade 8, 10, and 12 approach their exams in T4 I want to highlight the need for good revision habits and past paper practice. Teachers will be supporting students with past papers from both the PNG National Exams and any International exams they may be taking.

We ask parents to support their children in revision. You can help by monitoring progress and time spent on past paper practice and revision. Motivation is key so discussing good study habits like those in the graphics below will further reinforce the advice we are giving to all students.

Together we can help all our students to reach their best potential.

Mobile Phone Policy

As with many other schools around the world LIS has led the way with a zero tolerance on the use of mobile phones in school. This is to ensure our students attention is on learning both socially and academically. All parents are reminded that if student mobile phones are seen on either school campus they will be confiscated by the teacher. Parents will then be asked to come and collect the phone from the school office. Repeat occurrences do result in further behaviour sanctions and longer periods of confiscation. We thank all parents for their support in helping our school to remain a distraction free environment where our students can interact socially with one another and give full focus to strengthening their knowledge and understanding.

School Arrival and Departure Times:

Parents are reminded that school finishes at 3pm on both campuses. Students should only remain past pick up time 3.00pm – 3.15pm in secondary if they are participating in intervention classes or a sports ECA. Students not participating should leave the secondary campus promptly after 3pm.

ECAs finish have now finished in primary. All primary students should be picked up promptly between 3.00pm – 3.15pm. In the rare event of a late pick up, due to unforeseen issues, parents should be contacting the school office to advise them. Students should not be regularly picked up late as the school is unable to provide supervision for them.

The school bus service is available as an option if parents are unable to pick their children up at the required times.

As a reminder to all parents and guardians, supervision of students on the primary campus begins at 7.30am with students able to enter classes from 7.45am. We advise all parents to ensure they do not drop their children off earlier than 7.30am. If students arrive between 7.30am and 7.45am they will be supervised in the hall and need to remain in there seated quietly until they can enter classroom.

Pictured below are copies of the behaviour stages followed by all staff when dealing with negative behaviour. Should parents want a full copy of the school’s positive behaviour policy this is available from the school office at either Primary or Secondary.

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to this week’s edition of Primary News.

Week 9 Teaching and Learning

Normal learning will continue next week despite ongoing preparations for the Pre-Independence celebration. Teachers remain committed to planning and delivering meaningful and engaging activities throughout the week. Homework for Week 9 will be distributed on Monday, excluding home readers. We kindly ask families to return any library books or class home readers still in your possession before the holiday break.

Countdown to PNG’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

As we approach Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary, preparations are now in full swing across our school community.

Please kindly take note of the following;

• Tuesday 9th September will be Whole School Rehearsal for Prep to Grade 12 students at the secondary campus. Primary students will be bused over to the secondary campus at 9am.
• Pre-Independence day celebration will be on Thursday 11th September at the Secondary Campus from 10am to 1:30pm
• School buses will not be operating on Thursday 11th September for both pick up and drop off. We kindly ask for parents to make alternative arrangements for your child.
• Friday 12th September will be shared lunch. Students to come in their PNG colours.
• Tickets have been issued to family heads and we have tickets available at the school office for sale – K2.  

Betel-nut on campus

Please be reminded that entering the school grounds with betel-nut in your mouth is strictly prohibited. This is in accordance with our school policy aimed at maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environment for all. Anyone found entering with betel-nut present in their mouth will be refused entry. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding our community standards.

Hat policy

Students are encouraged to wear their hats at all times when outdoor. Please ensure your child comes with his/her school hat/cap to school every day. students without hat will not participate in outdoor activities including playtime. Class teachers will reach out to parents of students who are not wearing the correct school hat//cap in school.

Grade 8 Information

• The Grade 8 external assessment will close in Week 8 of this term.
• Remedial lessons will be held from Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th September.
• Students will sit for the Grade 8 National Examination from Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd October.
• Internal marks will continue until the end of Term 4.
• Awards at the end of the year will be based on students’ internal marks.

Please encourage your child to attend all lessons and do their best.

Carpark Safety Reminder

To help keep everyone safe, please follow these important carpark rules when entering and exiting the school:

• Drive slowly — the speed limit is 5 km/h at all times
• Stop behind the cones — do not drive past them
• Avoid stopping on the crossing line — keep it clear for pedestrians
• Be considerate — watch out for other drivers and pedestrians
• If you’ll be parked for a longer time, please use the parking space under the tree

Your care and attention help make our school a safer place for everyone. Thank you for your support and cooperation!

UN Day & Universal Children's Day at LIS

At LIS, we love to celebrate the many cultures in our school. This year, UN Day and Universal Children's Day will be on Friday, 21st November. The committee will send a letter soon with more details. For now, please get your country clothes and flag ready.

Term 4 Afterschool ECA

The Afterschool program successfully concluded last week. We extend our sincere thanks to all tutors for their dedication and efforts throughout the term. Term 4 Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) will be announced in next week’s newsletter. Please note that ECAs for the upcoming term will run for four weeks only, beginning in Week 2 and concluding in Week 5.

Families are encouraged to secure a spot early to ensure participation. Kindly note that Ballet classes will continue to operate on their own schedule and are not affected by the ECA timeline.

Looking ahead

• Week 9 – Tuesday 09th September Whole School Rehearsal
• Week 9 – Thursday 11th September – Independence Celebration
• Week 9 – Friday 12th September -  Last day of School
• Week 1 – Monday 29th September - Term 4 Resume         

Dear all,

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Secondary Newsletter! A fresh week brings renewed energy and exciting opportunities for our students and the wider school community.

Congratulations to our Grade 10 and 12 students for successfully completing their final mock examinations this week—Well done!

A heartfelt thank you to all Year 9 and 11 parents who attended the Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Your involvement plays a vital role in supporting your child’s educational journey.

We’ve now entered Week 8, with just one week left in the term. As we approach the finish line, here are a few key reminders and upcoming events to keep in mind: 

Would you like help rephrasing the rest of the newsletter too?

50th Independence Celebrations

We’re happy to announce that our campus will host this special event in observance for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary. Preparations are already underway, with students actively participating in practice sessions. All international students are warmly encouraged to join one of the four regional groups of their choice to be part of the celebrations.

More details will be sent to you early next week leading up to the actual celebrations on Thursday September 11, 2025.

Grade 10 IGCSE Examination Schedule – November Series

The confirmed dates for the Cambridge IGCSE ICT Practical Tests are as follows:

All other IGCSE examinations will run from 6 October to 12 November 2025.

Final National Examination Dates

Please take note of the final national exam dates:

• Grade 10: Monday, 6 October – Friday, 10 October
• Grade 12: Monday, 13 October – Friday, 17 October

All schedules and requirements for National and Cambridge International Examinations have been shared on Audiri and sent through your email addresses.  To stay informed and receive timely updates, we strongly encourage all parents and guardians to join our School Audiri App—our primary communication platform for the school community.

Internal School Assessments – Term 3

To help you stay informed about your child’s academic progress, the Term 3 assessment schedule has been uploaded to Audiri. We encourage all parents to download a copy and support their children in preparing for upcoming assessments.

Student Conduct & Appearance Guidelines

Uniform Expectations Students are required to wear the official school uniform properly and consistently. This reflects pride in our school community and aligns with the LIS School Policy.

Prohibited Items & Behaviours

• Mobile Phones: Not permitted during school hours to reduce distractions and prevent potential loss or theft.
• Graffiti: Strictly forbidden and classified as vandalism.
• Hair Guidelines:
• Hair that reaches shoulder length must be tied back.
• Only natural hair colors are allowed—colored extensions are not permitted.
• The school discourages all forms of hair extensions to maintain a neat and distraction-free learning environment.

Routine Procedures & Campus Etiquette

• Students must follow standard procedures when signing out early from school.
• Certain areas on campus are designated as no-go zones for safety and privacy—these must be respected at all times.
• Walkways and corridors are to be used strictly for walking. Running, loitering, or lingering in these areas is not allowed.

Stay Connected with the Audiri App

The school has officially launched the use of the Audiri App , a new digital platform designed to strengthen communication between the school and our valued community.

The implementation of this app reflects our commitment to providing timely, accessible and streamlined communication. We are confident that it will significantly enhance the way we share important information with you.

Key features of the Audiri App include:

• Instant Notifications: Stay informed with real-time alerts on school news and updates.
• Integrated School Calendar: Access key dates and upcoming events with ease.
• Digital Notices and Forms: Receive and respond to important documents directly through the app.

·        Direct Communication Channels: Efficiently connect with staff and relevant departments.

To ensure all parents and guardians stay informed and connected, we highly encourage everyone to download and join our School Audiri App at their earliest convenience. This platform is our primary means of communication with families and the wider school community, offering timely updates, important information, and helpful features designed to support your child’s educational journey.

Should you have any questions or require assistance with the installation or use of the app, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue to enhance our communication processes.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's learning or any aspect of the school term.

James Winas

Head of Secondary Campus

Dear all,

Welcome to another edition of the Boarding House Newsletter!

As we approach the end of the term, there is a lot of excitement with the upcoming independence day celebration and school holiday. Despite the excitement our study programs still continue with students working hard and attending study sessions.

Reflection: Independence Day Through the Eyes of Boarding Students

Independence Day celebrations hold a unique and often deeply personal meaning for boarding students, shaped by their shared environment, distance from home, and the bonds they form within their school community.  Independence Day is more than a national holiday—it's a moment of collective pride, personal growth, and emotional connection. It reminds them that even far from home, they are part of something bigger—a nation, a legacy, and a hopeful future.

Virtue of the week

With the theme on independence, we have been working with our borders to recognize that Independence Day celebrations runs deeper than dances, fireworks and flag- it’s about the moral foundation that sustains freedom. Virtue is the compass that keeps freedom from losing its way

• Independence gives them the right to choose—but virtue guides those choices.
• Celebrating Independence Day should remind them of their duty to uphold justice, equality, and truth

Term 3 Holiday

Kindly take note of the following dates

• School closes on Friday 12th September
• Boarding House closes on Monday 15th September
• Boarding House closes on Friday 26th September
• Classes commence on 29th September

Grade 10 students taking IGCSE are required to return back to boarding house on Wednesday 24th September. They have a scheduled exam on Thursday 25th September.

For parents planning to use guard dog airport transfer, you can making your booking through Wendy John on email:  wjohn@gdsspng.com

Safety

Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. The following are measure in place to ensure our boarding campus remain safe and students are not disturbed from scheduled activities.

• All request for leave must be communicated to us early
• All signing out and signing in will be done before 6pm. Securities will deny entry into campus after 6pm unless there is an emergency.
• Parents to notify us of any visitors intending to visit boarding students

We encourage open communication between school and home. If you ever have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s house parent or me on email jkalenda@lis.iea.ac.pg or on mobile 70678487

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education and care.

Warm regards,

John Kalenda

Head of Boarding

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 / FB and Instagram pages. Student images will continue to be used 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.