Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Acquaintance Night
Thanks to all the parents who attended our Acquaintance Night held on Wednesday. The night gave all parents the chance to attend brief information sessions with their child’s teacher and gave teachers the opportunity to discuss a general overview of class systems, learning and behaviour expectations.
Public Holidays and School Closures
Thank you to all families for respectfully honouring the public holidays and the NIP Education instructed school closures, held in remembrance of the Late Honorable Sir Julius Chan.
Thank you also to Ms Yip and Mrs Romaso-Daimol for the lovely shrine at the front of the school in remembrance of Honourable Sir Julius Chan, and to all families and students who bought in flowers as a tribute and sign of respect for this great man.
While this may have caused some disruption to the start of the school year, it is important to be respectful and follow instructions from NIP Education, in particular, when honouring someone of such importance for PNG and in particular New Ireland Province, as the Late Honourable Sir Julius Chan. Please rest assured that teachers have amended their planning for the term and students will not be disadvantaged by these unplanned missed days.
Wellbeing Program
This week we commenced our first formal TRP Lessons from Prep to Grade 10. Please take time to discuss the concepts of the GEM-EL framework, which include Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy, with your children. More information about TRP will be shared throughout the year; however, parents can also visit their website https://theresilienceproject.com.au/ .
After School and Weekend Sport / Activities
After school activities for this term include Arts and Craft (Ms Saur and Ms Yip); Religion lessons (Mrs R-D); and High School Basketball (Mrs Laien and Ms Baiwan). Due to the disruptions to the beginning of this term, these activities will commence in Week4. A note regarding Arts and Craft and Religion lessons will go home next week, please note numbers for these classes will be capped.
In the past, students have been involved in a variety of afternoon and weekend sports and other activities. After school sport/activities are run by teaching staff and parent volunteers and, if you would like to volunteer to run a sport/activity this year, please let me know. If you would like to run a sport/activity, it is your decision as to what sport/activity you are running, what day and which classes you will include in this sport/activity – our school community is always grateful to those who take the time to organise after school sport/activities.
Mock Exams
As per instruction from the Education minister Grade 8 National Exams will go ahead this year. To prepare for both the Grade 8 and Grade 10 National Exams we will conduct our first set of mock exams next week. This data will be used to identify areas of strength and weakness while also informing suitable students for our remedial programs.
Term 1 Calendar
Term 1 will be a busy time of learning at our school and the term one calendar can be downloaded below. Other important dates will be brought to your attention as they arise.
Parents and Wantoks
The Parents and Wantoks first meeting for the year will be held in Week 4. The Parents and Wantoks Committee add a great deal of value to our school and this is a fantastic opportunity for families to become involved in contributing to school events throughout the year. All parents, community members, and others who are interested to join the P&W are encouraged to attend.
School Council
The Annual General Meeting of the School Council will be held on Thursday 20 February 2025. At this meeting, voting for the vacant position for 1 Parent Representative will occur, in the Yr 9/10 room from 6.00pm. Nomination forms are available from the school office and must be returned to the school office by Thursday 13 February 2025. If you would like to know more about the functions of the School Council, please make an appointment to see the principal.
Regards,
Mr Kevin Collins
