Talanoa volume 1

Ta l a n o a Newsletter of International School Suva

Volume 1 15 February, 2016

Principal’s Report Dear Parents and Guardians,

Inside this Issue Welcome to the first issue of the Talanoa for 2016. Whether you are new to the school or an existing member of our community I hope you find the newsletter informative and interesting. This issue includes photographs and information on all our teachers, please take some time to get to know our teaching staff. I am sure that you have all noticed our building project which has started in the Primary School, please see the article on the „first pour‟ in today‟s issue. At this point I would like to thank Ram Bali and his team for the hard work which went on throughout the vacation to get our school ready for the opening of the year, it often takes place behind the scenes but is not unappreciated.

Last week I returned from a two-week fellowship at the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. This fully-funded fellowship is awarded to twenty heads of schools annually and the program is designed to provide independent and international school leaders with an opportunity for focused professional enrichment, renewal and reflection. Together we looked at some issues and challenges in independent and international schools. We focused on four main themes: teaching, faculty evaluation and development, technology infrastructure and integration, and community and diversity and approached these themes through three different lenses: the research lens, the ethical lens and a change lens. Over twelve months ago we were asked to submit our research proposal and I had opted to focus on professional development. So, whilst I worked with the group looking at faculty evaluation and development it was apparent from the outset that we could have all been in any of the groups as the four themes were of interest to everyone present.

Despite being waylaid by snow and having to make an unscheduled, three-night stop in Los Angeles which resulted in my arriving on Wednesday afternoon, there was no time lost in catching up work missed during the first half of the week. My first week‟s timetable involved writing a mini research paper where I researched and reviewed recent literature around effective teacher professional development. Visits to four schools in New York and interviews with the other Heads in my cohort also afforded other insights into this area during the second week.

Whist acknowledging that it may be difficult to measure the impact of teacher professional development, key findings in this area, which were consistent across all sources, included:  professional development must be aligned to the schools stated mission and development goals,  no single model works in all schools and the context of the school has to be considered, and  content-specific professional development which allowed for school-based activities had the greatest positive impact on learner outcomes.

As mentioned during the second week we visited four schools and met with their administration and faculty. Each of the schools visited allowed us open access to their classrooms, buildings and staff and provided a unique opportunity to talk about their successes and challenges. Each school was different in terms of location, enrolment, infrastructure and resources, but each school had a strong sense of identity and an understanding of their own context. Rather like at ISS when I hear students tell each other „at ISS we do it like this‟, I heard similar words in these schools. Whilst there were challenges in each of the schools, the importance of community and mission was evident.

Having the opportunity to talk with colleagues from schools from across the world, to share challenges and successes and to discuss future plans was a wonderful experience and one which I could not have had without the support of the Heads of School and I thank Karen Whittaker, Mere Fong and Megan Navunisaravi for this.

Anna Marsden Principal

 Principal's Report  Chair of Council  Primary Ground Pouring Ceremony  Primary Update  Celebrating Middle School  Service Club  Library  Year 6 Camp  Year 7 Article  Congratulations High School  From a 2015 Graduate  New Scholarship Students  Sports Update  Counselor's Corner  Student Reflections  Primary Teachers 2016  Secondary Teachers 2016  Upcoming Events

The Role of the ISS Council and Committees and How They Operate All ISS councillors, committee members and staff operate under the ISS Council‟s role is threefold namely fiduciary, strategic and generative. We are Articles of Association which contains the rules of how the school is to be run. guardians responsible for ensuring sound financial stewardship and adherence These Articles include (but are not limited to) the following to policies, setting and reviewing strategy and looking into the future as to where our place is to be in the world. We do not involve ourselves nor 1. Defining membership of the association, interfere in the day to day operational running of the school (and in fact this is 2. The make-up of the Council and their duties, clearly noted in our Articles) – this is the responsibility of the Principal and her 3. The duties of the Principal . team.

For this article, I just want to concentrate on the Council duties and responsibilities as distinct from the Principals‟ duties and responsibilities.

However, if you wish to gain a more in depth understanding, a copy of the current Articles of Association can be found on the school website.

The Principal is responsible for the day to day operational management of the school which includes the appointment of all school staff as well as the maintenance of teaching standards and discipline amongst staff and students.

In addition, the Principal implements policy decisions made by the Council and is able to sit on a number of committees.

The Council is made up of a number of individuals who volunteer their services. We currently have six parent elected members, two elected teaching A fitting analogy is that the Council is to the school as a lighthouse is to a ship. staff (one primary, one secondary), the Principal and two appointed by Council directs and guides whilst remaining separated from the day to day management of the school.

Council.

Committees can be made up of Council members, teacher representatives and Jacquelyn Terry we are also able to co-opt other persons specifically selected for the skills they Chair of ISS Council can bring to that particular committee. We currently have three standing committees namely Finance, Governance and Facilities and a councillor is required to chair each committee. Further ad-hoc committees such as the recently established HR Review committee are created as and when required.

From the HR Review Committee Committees act under direction from the Council with the chair of each committee reporting their proceedings and providing recommendations to Following the EGM held on 23rd November 2015, the HR review Council through Council meetings that are held on average eight times a year. committee comprising of four members of Council, four parents and four teachers was formed. They have met twice since this date.

We have recently introduced and are implementing a Code of Conduct to be More information on this will be given out in due course. The School signed by all Council and committee members. This sets out our agreement to Council is fully committed towards this project and looks forward to abide by the Articles, expresses our commitment to the school‟s mission sharing the outcomes with you once the project has been statement, establishes standards of behaviour including confidentiality, completed. discusses our commitment to work through the proper channels and processes, talks about our commitment to the community and deals with conflicts of interest. A copy of the latest Code of Conduct can also be found on the school website.

New Primary Building - First Pour International School Suva celebrated another significant event onsite when it The proposed architectural drawings can be seen below, however for more held its first Concrete Pouring Ceremony for the new Primary Building on pictures and a more detailed plan, please click on the following link: http:// February 14, 2016. This ceremony signifies the end of the excavation phase www.international.school.fj/index.php/15-about-us/council/157-architecturaland the birth of a new building.

The special occasion was witnessed and cheered on by all of Primary. The students and staff of Primary then joined Ms. Carol Apted, who is currently the longest serving primary teacher at ISS as she did the first pour.

The primary students were then treated to hot dogs and ice blocks, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

The school moves forward and knows that the ISS of tomorrow will be well equipped with space and equipment to help cater for the growing number of students and their expectations. This development will create a meaningful and positive impact in the ISS community.

Salote Narayan

ISS Primary Ground Pouring Ceremony - Friday

Primary Update

February 11, 2016

Welcome to the first primary update via the Talanoa for 2016. We have had a fantastic start to school, we have seen our reading results increase, even more so in last year’s results. Our fothe learning year and all classrooms are in full swing! Thank you for your support in helping the cus on how to teach writing as a whole school, particularly narratives saw us introduce the Seven Steps to Writing Success. With the implementation of this program, we saw demonstrated beginning of school to be so great for one and all. improvement in this area in our latest results for writing narratives, in most year levels.

Mathematical Reading Writing Task – Writing Task To being our 2016 school year, we Literacy Narrative Exposition would like to share with you our ISA ISS All ISS All ISS All ISS All other So then, what do our results say to us this time? Over the next few weeks, we as a staff will other other other results from 2015. Annually, our Year focus on how these results can help us to write class and year level goals within each area.

3—5 students participate in ISA, the Year 3 357 327 337 257 389 363 411 391 Additionally, we are going to work with the students in helping them to also set goals reflecting International Schools’ Assessment pro- Year 4 on their ISA assessment results and the school based PAT assessments recently completed 383 377 394 316 407 406 434 427 gram designed especially for students in from Reception to Year 5. international school. It is based on the Year 5 427 427 467 361 475 455 512 467 At the beginning of the year, we also use the PAT assessments to establish what students alinternationally endorsed reading and mathematical literacy frameworks of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assess- ready know. It is only by the end of the year, where we assess once more, that we get to see ment (PISA). In 2015, over 73 000 students from 340 international schools participated in the the real picture of a student’s, class, year level and primary school progress in these given areprogram. It is important as an international school that we have an external measure of our as. These are the results we use in conjunction with ISA and other classroom assessments school’s performance in relation to other international schools so as to gauge the success of including observations to form our analysis and feedback for the next school year. If you wish our teaching and learning and to be able to plan for improvements and celebrate successes. to know more about the process, send an email or come in and see me. We can discuss it furWe have included a table which highlights our mean scores in relation to all other schools who ther. participated in the assessment. Our results speak for themselves. In the upcoming Primary Our first Primary Press will be coming to your email inboxes at the end of Week 6. Here you will Press we will be showing you cohort tracking from year to year which follows a group of stu- find information from right across the school including our Support for Learning program, year dents through from Year 3 — Year 5. level and single subject updates and other primary information. We will also share with you what How do we then use these results to help plan for the future? Much time is spent with teachers teachers have been learning since the beginning of the new school year and where we are further analyzing each area, looking specifically at the areas or comprehension types within the heading with this new learning. This also includes the effect that homework really does have on assessments, highlighting areas of need and planning for improvement within our classroom a child’s progress at school. We would love to hear your views on homework so please email teaching. If a particular strand in math's or area in reading becomes a target area, then we look me if you feel strongly about this topic and why?

at the system or curriculum in place to further enhance or improve what is already being done. Have a great week ahead!

This could result in using a common reading strategy across the school to assist with reading Karen and the Primary Team comprehension such as the one we use at ISS, SCORE. For those parents new to ISS, the SCORE strategy provides a schema (a mental model) that supports a reader to independently comprehend and respond to text. The SCORE strategy (or sequence of actions) aims to create strategic readers, bridging the gap between sound classroom reading pedagogy and successful reading by students. Since its introduction and continual revision as new teachers enter the

Celebrating Middle School!!

“Children must be taught how to think and not what to think” Margret Mead Using an inquiry and integrated approach to teaching and learning has impacted learning in the Middle School. Research regarding adolescent learning encouraged us as a middle school team to develop:  a shared ethos  interdisciplinary teams  an integrated curriculum  seamless transition  a constructivist approach to teaching and learning  larger classes of students sharing a small group of teachers  a focus on pastoral care  flexible use of place and time

2015 - A Look back at TUESDAY AFTERNOON SERVICE CLUB Nothing makes me happier than to see someone smiling from what I have done for them. During our after school activities, a bunch of fellow students and I have been able to observe beautiful smiles from teachers and young children at the small and welcoming kindergarten, “St. Joseph The Worker”. We come together every Tuesday after our daily classes and mash our brilliant art skills together to paint chairs and tables from the kindergarten.

Realizing that the classrooms were very dull looking, we decided to make the tables and chairs as colorful and fun as possible. Coming from a well-built school it was a great pleasure to share some of the great facilities we have here at ISS. The Service club has been a great learning experience for me and has taught me that there are people out there that are less fortunate than me and need my help. I am now motivated to help others in need.

Below are the 2015 middle school results for the International Schools‟ Assessment: Reading, Thank You Service Club.

Mathematical Literacy, Narrative Writing and Exposition Writing.

Talei Semaan During Semester Two students met every Tuesday afternoon.

We thought of great ideas to help the kindergarten. We painted Reading Mathematical Narrative/ Exposition/ the tables and chairs and made them colorful, they all had Literacy Reflective Writing Argumentative Writing different designs. We did both classrooms and when we IS All IS Suva All IS All Schools IS Suva All Schools finished the first lot we took it to the kindergarten. The teachers Suva Schools Schools Suva there were very happy. It was great that they loved what we did.

Year We also got to meet a couple of children from the kindergarten 448 406 474 464 504 480 512 489 6 and they seemed to just love it as well. I believe that all Year members of the Service club enjoyed painting the tables, and 501 457 499 507 554 517 564 525 7 all we wanted was for the children to have a happy and colorful Year learning environment.

520 489 522 529 566 540 594 550 8 Jade Matthews St Joseph the Workers’ Team receiving donations from ISS PTFA When we look at data, we reflect on our own practices, which helps us to make decisions as a school on how to make continuous improvement. This could mean refining our middle school action plan which will then inform policy & curriculum reviews, professional development needs, approaches to teaching & learning and the type of resources we order etc. It may also lead us to do further research on new strategies to inform our programmes. We intend to continue pursuing this upward trend.

Rosi Uluiviti and Mere Fong Middle school curriculum team

Need something to read?

LIBRARY

Welcome back to another new year at ISS Library.

We have some exciting new activities and resources added to our collection this year. To support our students’ love for reading, a group of middle school students have chosen to be part of the library book club, coming together every Tuesday afternoon from 2.30 pm to discuss books and to recommend popular reads to their peers. Later in the term, we will also post our reflections on a variety of books from different genres in the library blog. We will be updating you on our progress in the next issue of Talanoa.

New in the Library!

Maker Space Section A space where students can explore their creativity and much more..

Year 6 Camp In week 3 Year 6 went on a camp to Namuamua Village. After a 40-minute bus ride and1 ½ hours in the boat, we finally arrived at our home for the next 3 days. We had to wear a sulu to be welcomed into the village by the Chief in a ceremony. We then quickly got ready for our first activity a bilibili ride down the river. We walked back along the river through villages, it was a tiring walk but when we understood that the children walked this path everyday on the way to school, we felt less tired. After our long and muddy walk we bathed in the river. Although all we wanted was rest, when we got back to the village we had to start making our own dinner.

The next morning, we woke up early because we were excited about the day‟s activities. Then we went on a long hike, walking through rivers and mud. We crossed many rivers and the currents were so fast that we had to wear life jackets and hold on to a rope to get to the other side. Finally, we arrived at a massive waterfall that was very beautiful. We swam under the waterfall, but it was hard to see because the water was splashing in our eyes.We spent the afternoon playing in the river, jumping into the river and floated down to the teachers. The village had prepared a lovo for us all to share together. The children performed songs and we were able to perform a dance and songs to thank the village for hosting us.

After breakfast on our last day, we packed our bags; we were really excited to see our family again but also sad to leave because there was still so much to experience and we really enjoyed spending time with the people of Namuamua.

For those who are new to the school, do visit our library webpage where you can find links to our subscription online databases http://issfijilibrary.weebly.com/online-databases.html

Year 6 camp was the most challenging camp we have been on but it was a great adventure. We had to be responsible for ourselves and learn to work and live together.

Written by Typhaine Nervale on behalf of Year 6 The library also subscribes to a wide variety of magazines keeping our students abreast of current events around the world.

Available soon in the library Kindles!

Thanks to PTFA, our library will soon have

Calling for parent volunteers in the library!

Our new “maker-space” is available to all students. If you would like to volunteer to help in the library to teach a craft, jewellery making, lego craft, adopt a shelve or just to read a story to our students for 30 minutes at lunch time, please let me know. We’d love to have you. Please contact: library@international.school.fj.

The library staff is ready and excited about this coming year and is committed to making the library your child’s favorite place in school! Parents are most welcome to visit the library with your children from 2.30 pm - 3.50 pm daily (Monday— Friday).

Hope to see you at the library soon!

Ms Salu Vaciloa - Librarian

20 Kindles for students to use later in the term.

ISS Scholastic Book Club Issue 7, 2015 arrived during the holidays

“It was really awesome because we actually now know how much it means to be in a good school and also how kids got from home to school and from school to home.”

Marcus “My favourite thing about camp was definitely the waterfall from 10 metres away you could still feel the wind and it was so powerful that you couldn‟t get to the middle…the most challenging thing was probably cooking our own meals and keeping our stuff together.”

Griffyn “What will stick with me is the memories from the village for example playing with the kids, cooking our own food, playing activities with the people from the village and last but not least going hiking.”

Aastha “Camp made me grow as a person in becoming more and more aware about how much I have and how much others can teach you even with language barriers.”

Year 7- Talanoa SPACE, SPACE, SPACE- We love our space in the Middle School block. We are slowly organising our rooms and they are starting to look terrific. There is still much to be done though to improve our learning environment and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the ISS Maintenance Team for all their hard work.

We welcome our returning students as well as our new students Paul, Manueli, Caedyn, Sophia, Rosinda and Gautum. They have settled into and have adapted very well to the ISS community.

General Patterns Science Transformations Interaction (adaptation) Mathematics Quantity

Essential Agreements Year 7 worked very well in groups for a period of one and a half weeks during pastoral classes to INQUIRY LINES  How the Earth is changing come up with the class essential agreements that are based on the Student Learner Outcomes. The  Impact of human behaviour on the Earth intention was for students to read and understand what each learner outcome entails and arrive at an agreed statement that they will strive to show and apply during their learning experiences both  What practices can we implement to protect our planet inside and outside the classroom.  Global connection

Measurement Social Science Sustainability (survival) Resources Globalisation (humanity) English Context Point of View

SKILLS Vanity Video As a way of introducing themselves, each student produced a vanity video about themselves  Thinking which included their hobbies, favourites, families, country of origin, places of travel and much  Acquisition of skills, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation & dialectical thought more. The class watches videos of three to four students during pastoral time and we still have  Research some more to watch. The Year 7s have enjoyed their 1 minute and 20 second spotlight moment  Formulating questions, observing, planning, collecting data, recording data, organising data, interpreting data & and it has been delightful to see how the students have developed a new appreciation for their presenting research findings peers after learning something they didn‟t otherwise know about their friends. They have been  Self Management fun to watch as we get to enjoy the creativity of each student from the compilation of their own  Organisation, time management & informed choices videos. Great work Year 7s!



Excursion The class is studying “Climate Change” which involves the disciplines of Science, Maths, Social Science and Science. The chain causes of climate change which starts from high levels of emission of carbon dioxide gas and other green gases into the atmosphere due to burning of petroleum products which then causes global warming and finally changes in climatic conditions probes the class to look at alternative energy sources. Year 7 are then looking at some clean sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, hydropower geothermal energy and tidal wave energy. To enrich their learning experience, the students will be visiting the Butoni Wind Farm in Sigatoka on Monday, 15th of February. Please see below for a snapshot of what the 7s are investigating this term: GLOBAL CONTEXT Scientific and technical innovation (How do we understand the world in which we live?)

Students will explore the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs.

GUIDING STATEMENT How does the changing nature of the Earth influence human behaviour and the choices people make?

KEY CONCEPTS: Change, Causation & Global Interactions (responsibility) RELATED CONCEPTS

Social

 Cooperation, respecting others, accepting responsibility & adopting a variety of group roles

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Communication

 Listening, speaking, writing, reading, viewing, presenting, non-verbal communication

Congratulations….

I am very happy to report that the results achieved by the Year 10 and Year 12 students in 2015 were amongst the best we have had in recent years. I would like to congratulate the students on their excellent performance and thank their teachers, parents and guardians for their help and support in ensuring the students performed to the very best of their ability.

The following results for IB Diploma, ACT ATAR scores and the IGCSE have not excluded the scores of any student. They reflect the inclusive nature of the school where, should a student wish to sit a particular set of examinations, they are given support to do so.

Aninda Saha 2015 ISS Graduate A reminiscence of my ISS experience: My ISS journey began the day I received an email from Dr. Marsden in late 2013 confirming that I had been awarded a scholarship to concurrently undertake the IB and ACT programs at ISS. To say the least, the experience has been absolutely surreal and I still feel grateful every single day for the life -changing opportunity that I was granted with.

The challenges faced during the two years were prodigious and there were definitely many moments of immense stress and frustration that we faced together as a year level. But I feel that the rigorous standard was an extremely efficient disciplining tool and going through the difficult moments side by side with friends and teachers really created a very wonderful family-like bond.

As a scholarship student, I constantly felt an urge to be better, to give back and to prove myself worthy. The ISS environment not only inspired me to excel academically but also to attempt to be a more open-minded and kind-hearted global citizen and I feel that this will help me a great deal in my future career and in my future interactions with different people in my life‟s journey. The great difference that I felt transitioning from local schools to ISS is the diversity of experiences it provides; from academics to a multitude of sporting activities to service projects to creative productions and many other extra-curricular activities.

In 2015, 15 students sat the IB Diploma out of a graduating class of 44. Our top score was 42 points (from a maximum of 45). The average score for students was 33, a significant improvement on the average of 31 achieved in 2014, and higher than the World Average of 30.98. Two students also gained a bilingual Diploma. Looking at comparative statistics, ISS is doing well considering the very small number of students who sat the examinations. In New Zealand where 340 students sat the Diploma, the average pass rate was 93% and only one student achieved a perfect score of 45. In Australia, 2160 candidates sat with a pass rate of 92% and 30 perfect scores. In both cases, the average score was 34.58 and 34.57 respectively.

One bulletin published that only 81 students around the world achieved a top score of 45 in November, making the achievement of 42 very significant. The average grade in a subject was 5.19, consistent with World Averages; however, a number of students managed to achieve top scores of 7 in several subjects and „A‟ grades were evident in the Extended Essay and Theory I said it the first time I came to ISS and I will say it again, ISS has really been my stepping stone of Knowledge results.

for tertiary studies abroad. As 2015 neared an end, we approached a vital turning point in all of our lives as we had to make the very important decision of what we were going to do in 2016 and beyond. Making a sensible, informed decision about our career paths was vital at this point and ISS invited various professionals to come and help us gauge the best option for ourselves.

University applications became another daunting task that we had to deal with besides our final examinations. There were many documents to submit, many personal statements to write and many emails to follow up on. My ability to handle these real world interactions have been significantly enhanced by the wide variety of experiences I gained from ISS. As of today, I have world-reputed universities but I am The IGCSE results were also good. In all subjects, 76% of students who sat examinations received a number of offers for engineering courses from achieved a passing grade of A*-C overall. Overall, 79% of the students achieved passing still waiting on a few of my other application responses before making a final decision.

Our results for the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) are also outstanding, with 69% of the class of 45 students achieving an ATAR of 70 or more, 51% being over 80 and 27% attaining a score of 90 or above. Our top ATAR was 99.45, putting this student within the top 0.05% of the cohort of around 3000 students (the maximum ATAR score is 99.95). The median ATAR for ISS was 81.8; this can be compared with the median for all students in the ACT program being 77.65. ISS is one of only 7 schools that have a median above 80, out of a total of 28 schools that run the program.

grades in 5 or more (up to 9) subjects in 2016. It is particularly pleasing to see an increases in the numbers of A*, A, and B grades achieved this year. The continued policy of encouraging I would like to end my reflection by thanking everyone from the ISS community for a students to sit examinations in the subjects they are studying has proven to be a positive way wonderful two-year experience. I do encourage all my loving juniors to keep persevering towards to allow students to see success. your dreams and ambitions whatever they may be and above all to become the best human being I wish all the current Year 10 and 12 students every success in their performance this year.

Megan Navunisaravi Head of High School

that you can be. I have seen all of your potentials and the world needs every single one of you to help make a difference.

Aninda is congratulated on his exceptional results last year, having achieved the top ATAR score of 99.45 and also the top IB Diploma score of 42!

Our New Scholarship Students 2016

SPORTS UPDATE - FEBRUARY The ISS sporting year opened with the annual Fun Sports event. This is a competition held on the first Friday of the school year. Its goal is to provide a challenging set of team activities that will foster team work and leadership. New students find themselves in a situation where they are literally squeezed in among older students.

This does not give time for students to feel left out or be shy as each team has only 3 minutes to gain as many points as possible. New teachers also get an opportunity to meet other staff members and students in a more relaxedsituation.

Each House is divided into two teams and they all have to complete a round of eight activities. The activities are not your usual sport and are designed to challenge team leaders and team members alike. Those students who become House Captains are the ones who stand out in this competition.

This year the eight activities included the Caterpillar race, Sand skiing, Firemen drill, and Paper chase to name a few. The teams compete for the coveted Coconut Trophy.

A lot of fun was had by all despite the very hot weather. A number of the activities involved the use of water which helped to offset some of the heat.

L-R Rahil Prasad, Anaseini Hurstel, Carena Zhong, Yehwan Kim

Rahil Prasad — Year 11

Anaseini Hurstel – Year 11

Carena Zhong – Year 11

Yehwan Kim – Year 11

First year in ISS

First year in ISS

First year in ISS

First year in ISS

2015 – Rampur College

2015 – Suva Grammar School

2015 – Yat Sen Secondary School

2015 – Marist Brothers High School “ISS provides a multi“ ISS provides a great cultural “In my few weeks here , I “I would like to further curriculum, and reenvironment, and I have met some good my education abroad ceiving this scholarfound that it has challenges that have and am thankful for ship has motivated me taught me a lot about molded me to become this opportunity to to do my best. I love being open-minded and an international thinker. study IB as it is not how the school enmature. I love the curThe opportunities and available locally. I love courages us to be riculum ISS offers and I the curriculum available the International Diver- critical thinkers and am thankful to ISS for here cannot be found sity and have felt wel- global citizens. Thank giving me this wonderanywhere else in Fiji. I comed from day 1. you ISS for giving me ful opportunity” am indeed grateful to ISS this opportunity” for this opportunity.”

So the winner for 2016 is Kangaroo House, who collected the most points over the entire 8 activities.

SECONDARY School Inter-house Athletics Competition, 2016 This is due to take place on Tuesday 16 February at the ANZ National Stadium at Laucala Bay. This is a compulsory event where all students are expected to participate in no more than 4 events. The competition is a PE assessment requirement for Years 6 to 10. Year 11 and 12 are expected to participate or assist with the running of the event.

The ISS athletics team to the Suva Zone finals will be selected after this competition.

Those already involved in athletics clubs or doing athletic training will use this opportunity to perform well in order to be selected for the school team.

Parents are invited and encouraged to come along and watch their children perform.

While there is a strong competitive focus, many of the students will only be focusing on self-improvement, while others will be focusing on making the school team. All students who complete an event will earn house points and the different place getters will earn more points. Entry is free and Year 12 will be selling healthy food throughout the day. Funds from these sales will go towards their Senior Ball Funds.

Bula Everyone, Welcome to another new academic year Reflections from current Year 12 scholarship students It gives me great pleasure to share my experience in this which will no doubt be filled with many new exciting prestigious school; International School Suva. I was opportunities, challenges and definitely fun-filled fortunate enough to receive a scholarship the previous year programs. In this issue, we shall look at the importance of career planning.

It is never too early to start thinking about one‟s career. Career planning is absolutely necessary in this rapidly changing world with new career openings. The more traditional careers are being changed and shifts are taking place in occupation skills and education requirements. With all these changes, one may feel that there is no real point in developing a career plan. Nevertheless, the challenge is to build up a set of career goals based on one‟s interest, personality, values and skills. In short, students will have to first develop an understanding of who they are.

Choosing a career is a process; it is not a decision to be made overnight.

There are many on-line Career Interest Assessments and Self Assessment Activities that can be worked through to give students and parents insight into future career goals. These assessments are designed to stimulate thought and discussion and help in identifying the potential for success and satisfaction in a particular career. Furthermore, it enables students to manage learning and remain focused in their academic pursuits as they work towards achieving goals.

The main purpose of a Career Expo is to provide students with the prospect of gathering information about different careers. It is also an opportunity to meet face-to-face with professionals in the various career fields and for students to receive first hand information about general requirements.

The ISS CAREERS EXPO 2016 promises to be a great event. It is expected to spur student interests in their search for meaningful careers.

This will be held on Thursday 3 March. More details will be made available to you as we draw closer to the scheduled date.

and although this is my last year here, I already feel right at home. Indeed it will be difficult to depart. I remember the warm welcomes I received from my new classmates. Now they are my best friends, my companions in the struggle to graduate successfully. Truly, they made it easier to fit in. I clearly recall a conversation I had with my friend last year as she had asked “How many new students joined us this year …. 5?” and I replied “Hm? Did you count me?” to which she responded “Oh right! I forgot you came this year!

I thought you were with us last year!” Instantly I felt that I belonged here. ISS has a great academic environment with great resources and facilities. I truly believe ISS fosters young individuals into adults who are capable of challenging the world and making their names renowned. At first it was difficult to cope with an international curriculum but gradually with the assistance from the hard working teachers and supportive friends, I began to feel comfortable and excel in my studies.

The various activities offered in ISS; the annual camping expedition, Production, CAS/DOE program, Inter House, Swimming Carnival, Fun Day, and many more, keeps the school year busy and exhilarating. These programs build a person‟s character and skills which I feel is what makes ISS so special. Although ISS does put an emphasis on academic achievements, it does not neglect other important factors in a student‟s school life. ISS provides a diary to every student each year to help them manage their time wisely. With the useful tips and motivational quotes in the diary, students are able to enjoy these various activities, excel at their studies, and spend time with their family and friends.

All in all, my time in International School Suva has been the greatest thing that has happened to my life. I would like to encourage all students of ISS to treasure your time here because once the time has passed, it will never come back. Finally I would like to share a quote which helped me (still helping me) through the toughest years of high school: “No matter how difficult the struggle is, there is always a way to get through it.”

Kelvin Liao Year 12

Some thoughts to ponder:  Parents can have the greatest influence over their children’s career choices My journey at ISS  Little kids love talking about possible jobs— explore with them future openings as these can have Since the beginning of last year, when I entered ISS on my first day as a scholarship student, I have been on a positive influence of career and education choices

the journey of a lifetime. I cannot truthfully say that every aspect of it has been easy or enjoyable even, but I

have no doubt that every experience has shaped me as a person. Throughout these numerous mundane expe Do not be surprised if your teen doesn’t find career exploration interesting  The goal of career planning is to link academic knowledge and real-world experience to riences there are a few that stand out that I would like to share. The first of these would definitely be doing determine the path of one’s future professional life  Help your teen experience as many work situations as possible. Have them take advantage of work exposure opportunities  Students should not expect to make a final career decision lightly  Year 11 and 12 students- for information on 2016 USA Tours, visit: http://www.college-visits.com

I wish you all a very successful year and once again invite you to be at the ISS Careers Expo 2016.

Fenella David fdavid@international.school.fj

the IB Diploma. Wow! I have never done a curriculum that tests my limits quite this much! It‟s been challenging keeping up with the standard, but I love that it keeps pushing me past my boundaries and broadening my horizons. The second thing that‟s really stood out to me on this journey has been is the excellent co-curricular program at the school. It‟s been great being able to learn a multitude of new skills that I would have otherwise not acquired, from designing sets, to growing a garden, to teaching children to swim, to my newest endeavor, acting in the school production. All things I would normally not have even considered doing, but this school pushes you out there and gives you a multitude of experiences that you end up remembering forever. And interspersed between the stresses of assignments and the pleasures of extra-curricular there are the friends you make along the way. The people who become your rock of support, the people who you can share a cry with when something goes wrong and laugh with for hours over the silliest things. So that‟s been my journey over the last year or so, not exactly a walk through the park, but I wouldn‟t change anything for the world.

Celeste Kado Year 12

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” It gives me much pleasure to share with you about my journey so far at International School Suva. I was lucky to have received a scholarship to attend this prestigious organization. The selection committee was very helpful in the process and gave me a sense of what ISS would be like. Coming from a public school in Navua to an International School has been a very challenging experience but I am already feeling very much part of the community.

Our Pastoral Teachers, Mrs. Liew and Mr. Murphy are very kind and super funny. Being able to study amongst students of the most diverse cultures and unique personalities is something that I will cherish during my two years in ISS and even after I leave. In addition the facilities are such a privilege.

To answer peoples questions... Yes, I like my new school and I am positive in a few more weeks to come, I will be better adapted socially, academically and more familiar with the ISS On my first day at school we were given a tour of the facility and were briefed on expectations. environment. I am grateful to be given a chance to study at ISS as the scholarship will make me The curriculum at ISS provides me with flexibility for my senior academic years. The ACT work hard to achieve my goals in the future. curriculum appealed to me as it provides me with the ability to work to my advantages and also Have a great week look into and experience new things and frontiers. With the supportive teachers, the academic I have spent my previous school years at Yat Sen School. As a local school student, it was transition has been smooth. indubitably an honour to have been given the opportunity to pursue my education at a school of ISS has a multicultural community. This allows me to interact with people from all over the such high expectations and standards. In the past few weeks, I have grown to feel quite at home world and to build my peoples skills. The students are supportive and have allowed me into their in this caring and nurturing environment the school has built for young people. Needless to say, I different social circles. There is a sense of unity at ISS that permits the student to excel in most have also faced many challenges that had given me the chance to throw in my academic and extra-curricular programs. optimism and readiness with smiles and determination. In spite of these many challenges, I am anticipating more to come throughout my stay here at ISS. Thus, I Finally, ISS provides a wholesome education for young people which expect students to be; am motivated to try my sincere best to face challenges academically and socially to Inquirers, Thinkers, Open-Minded, Principled, courageous and Balanced. The school will open gain many achievements and make my school proud. doors for universities both locally and abroad and I am looking forward to the coming years, here.

Rahil Prasad (Year 11)

Above all, I have been given many opportunities through the many different programs to bring the best in students. The activities I have taken part in so far include Sports Fun Day, Model United Nations and CAS Swimming Programme. These programs are empowering, providing openings to foster service, creativity and action.

My Journey So far... at ISS I have to admit that the most common question I hear from my friends and family recently is “How In addition to the excellent faculty, the international curriculum has also opened a wide range of do you like your new school?” and “Do you advantages at tertiary level as well. Therefore, the scholarship has not only allowed me to miss ...?” associate with many new experiences but it has also given me the entitlement to be part of the My name is Anaseini Hurstel and I am one of the unique combination of internationally accredited curricula that are not available at other schools 2016 Scholarship Recipients at ISS. The last in Fiji. school I attended was Suva Grammar School and it had a population of over a thousand students. Being a part of the ISS family has been a true privilege because it will shape me into a This is a huge contrast to ISS and something that world-class citizen. In the safe, comforting hands of my new friends and teachers, I am sure that I am still trying to get used to. One of the „trump I will be enjoying my stay here at ISS. cards‟ for drawing me to ISS is the International Si Min Carena Zhong Baccalaureate Program. It is such an amazing Being a scholar of ISS is a great opportunity for my future career. Last year, I felt rigorous program that gives opportunities to students to become a more holistic person and not that there should be a change in my study for my development in education and I just be centred on their academic work. The best part is that it is such a challenging and different thought taking IB course will provide me a best curriculum in Fiji. So far, my experience and you would not find this in other local schools. choice to come to ISS was right. From the first day I came to ISS, everything was The first week was not at all easy for me. I was being introduced to a new subject and I got new to me. ISS offered me a different learning environment for further studies feedback from the current students that it is one of the toughest subjects. So before even giving abroad and prepares students for tertiary level. They motivate me to a step ahead myself a chance to try it out, I got so worried and went to talk to that particular subject teacher. to my goal. I like how they encourage the student to be open-minded and the She told me not to worry at all and to give it a go. Surprisingly I loved it. The teacher is great and freedom of expression in the class. I also love the multi-racial environment and it is perfect for extremely helpful and the context of whatever I was learning is interesting. Other than the me to fit in. curriculum change I went through, making new friends was slightly tough. I could see that the students already had their peer groups but despite this there is always a bunch of students who are Yehwan Kim- Year 11 so warm and made us new students feel welcome.

Discovery & ECH 1 Jacqui Boulton

ECH1 Teacher Jacqui arrived at International School Suva in 1998 with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. She previously taught at Suva Point Kindergarten.

ECH2

Fariah Ali Teacher Assistant - ECH 1

Josephine Augustine Teacher Assistant - ECH 1

Fariah joined ISS in 2013 with a Certificate in Early Josephine has worked as a Teacher Assistant from Childhood Education and Certificate in Advance Culi- ECH2 to Year 3. She is currently pursuing her Diploma nary Skills. She is currently pursuing Diploma in Early in Early Childhood Education Childhood Education.

Mere Faletono ECH2 Teacher

Shoma Prasad ECH 2 Teacher

Sai Vula ECH2 Teacher Assistant

She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education USP, an Advance Certificate in Early Childhood Education with FNU and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Mere has taught in the local schools before joining International School Nadi for the past 11 years in the Early Childhood class. She was also the PYP Co-ordinator for ISN for 2 years.

Mere also taught at Good Shepherd School, Mt. Roskil, New Zealand for 2 years and joined ISS in late

Shoma holds a degree in Early Childhood Education.

She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Education in Special Needs. Shoma has 6 years teaching experience, of which 3 of those have been with Learning Support.

Sai Vula joined ISS in 2000 and has been working with the youngest members of ISS since. She has completed her Certificate in Early Childhood and is pursuing a Diploma in the same field. She enjoys working with the little ones.

Reception

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Chelsea Bulmer Reception B Teacher

Sangeeta Sundar Reception S Teacher

Chelsea moved from Australia after completing her Sangeeta presently teaches Early Childhood. She has Bachelor of Education with a Health and PE major at been teaching at ISS for 7 years. Sangeeta has a Dithe University of Ballarat in 2013. Teaching reception ploma in Early Childhood and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from the University of at ISS is her first classroom teaching position. the South Pacific.

Anjalina Devi Teacher Assistant - Reception Anjalina has a diploma in early childhood education and is currently pursuing a degree at the University of the South Pacific. Anjalina joined ISS in 2009.

Salasaini Vatumoto Teacher Assistant - Reception Salasaini graduated with a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing a BA majoring in Language. Salasaini spent six years at International School Nadi previously.

Year 1

Wendy Harris Year 1 Teacher

Renee Broughton Year 1 Teacher

Wendy is a year one teacher from Melbourne, Australia.

Renee has been a teacher since 2014 after comShe moved to ISS Fiji in 2016 from Jakarta Indonesia, where pleting a Bachelor of Primary Education and a Diploshe taught Year 2 for two years and Kindergarten for 4 ma of Children's Services in Australia. She has years. Her teaching experience extends over 10 years and taught in Sydney, Australia before coming to ISS in four countries. Her tertiary education includes a BA from 2015. She is currently teaching year 1.

Monash University, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics) from La Trobe University and a MTeach from Charles Sturt University. She worked in the field of low vision before becoming a teacher. Her interests include travel, languages and spending time with family.

Year 1/2

Amanda MacKellar Year 1/2 Teacher

Gerard Mustapha Teacher Assistant - Year 1/2 & 3/4

Amanda joins the ISS team from 2016. She graduated from Gerard Mastapha is currently the Resource Room Manager for International School Suva Primary.

Griffith University, Queensland, Australia with a Bachelor of Education in 2002. She also holds a Diploma of Early Child- He; s got a certificate in Early childhood Education hood. She has taught Secondary Education in remote and and currently pursuing his Diploma in Early childhood Education. rural schools in Australia and for the last 11 years she has taught in an urban Independent Primary School. Amanda is passionate about science, and about guiding students to become lifelong learners.

Livini Bolalailai Teacher Assistant - Year 1 Completed a Degree in Education - Brigham Young University in Hawaii. She has taught for 2 years at LDS Primary, Suva and joined ISS as a substitute teacher in 2012 and became a teacher assistant in 2014.

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Year 2

Kathryn Chang

Year 2 Teacher Kathryn has been a member of the ISS staff since 2009, having joined the school after teaching at an infant school in London. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Homerton College, Cambridge and has over ten years of teaching experience.

Kathryn is passionate about helping children in the lower primary develop into caring, confident learners.

Jitoko Bogitini Year 2 Teacher

Litia Naqica Year 2 Teacher Assistant

Jitoko joined ISS in 2012 after completing his Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the University of the South Pacific. Apart from his full time teaching, Jitoko loves coaching rugby.

Litia joined ISS 8 years ago. She graduated with a Diploma in Early Childhood from USP and is currently pursuing her degree.

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Year 3

Alexandra Sutch Year 3 Teacher

Dasha Singh

Year 3 Teacher

Kasari Seru Teacher Assistant - Year 3

After graduating from ISS over 15 years ago, she studied to beDasha has a Diploma in Primary Education and has Complete my certificate in Child Care Program in come a chef and worked in restaurants in Australia and the Pacific.

XO certification from Australia. He is keen to FNU in 2011. Now currently pursuing my Diploma She had always wanted to become a primary school teacher so bring technology into the classroom.

In Early Childhood in USP. took the plunge and graduated from The Australian Catholic University in 2013. She has since taught in a NSW Public School and studied L3, Language, Learning and Literature, Aboriginal cultural education. The last three weeks working at ISS have been a wonderful experience for her and she looks forward to the future working at the school, learning and sharing her knowledge.

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Year 3/4

Veniana Baledrokadroka Year 3/4 Teacher

Gerard Mustapha Teacher Assistant - Year 1/2 & 3/4

Veniana has a Bachelor of Education from Gerard Mastapha is currently the Resource Room Birmingham University and a Graduate Diploma in Manager for International School Suva Primary.

Special Needs (Blind and Visual Impairment) from He; s got a certificate in Early chilhood Education Burwood State College, now Deakin University, Ausand currently pursuing his Diploma in the same tralia. She has worked widely with visually impaired field. people both in Fiji and the region. Veniana joined ISS in 2000 and teachers the multi-age class - Year 3/4

Year 4

Buffy Jack Year 4 Teacher

Shantini Saberi Year 4 Teacher

Navin Narayan Teacher Assistant - Year 4

Shantini is a world citizen who is interested in Originally from the USA with a Bachelor of Science in Navin has a Diploma in Information Technology from growth and development. She loves the educational McGrath Institute of Business Australia. He started at Education and Social Science, Buffy is a certified teacher dedicated to improving the lives of youth in process and enjoys seeing the future unfold through ISS this year and has a keen interest in Special and young people. the Pacific Islands.

Inclusive Education. He also happens to be a sports . enthusiast and is responsible for soccer and hockey activities.

Catriona Benzie Year 5 Teacher

Year 5

Catriona is a dedicated educator who believes strongly in unlocking children’s potential in the classroom and beyond. She received a Bachelor of Education at the University of British Columbia with a focus in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Catriona earned her Masters of Education in Comparative, International, and Development Education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. At the University of British Columbia she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Catriona has taught across the world including Canada, Brazil, and England. Her experiences teaching internationally have had a significant impact on her practices and she recognizes the importance of a holistic, balanced approach to education. Catriona knows a significant part of teaching is fostering the love of learning in young people and helping them to realize that we are all life-long learners.

Romeo McKellar Year 5 Teacher

A certified teacher, her last school was Yat Sen Graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education; Primary. Vosita has taught in both rural and urban Bachelors Degree in Primary Education, and also schools. She joined ISS in 2010 and feels privileged to be part of the ISS community and enjoys the attained a Diploma in Primary Education at the Catholic Teachers Institute- Corpus Christi Teach- challenges and believes that it contributes to her personal growth. ers’ College in Fiji. Have 12 years of teaching experience. Apart from classroom teaching, have experience teaching PE and Sports. Love Sports and enjoy Surfing in particular. Have 20 years of surfing experience; 15 years in surf coaching/ judging, surf club development programs and administration in sports at grassroot levels and water safety.

Individual Teacher Assistants Shehanah Dean Teacher Assistance - Individual Student

Vosita Williams Teacher Assistant - Year 5

Roshni Lata Teacher Assistant

Roshni completed Certificate in Early Childhood Shehanah joined ISS in 2015 and is currently an Individual Teacher AssisEducation at University of the South Pacific in tant. She has obtained a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from the 2010. She joined ISS last year and is currently University of the South Pacific and is currently continuing a Diploma in Specompleting Diploma in Early Childhood Education cial and Inclusive Ed. Shehanah loves working with children with special needs.

Specialist Teachers

Timothy Ulacake Primary Music Teacher

Rosi Uluiviti PYP & Middle School Curriculum Coordinator

Petero Tuisiga Primary PE Teacher

Amele Koroiwasa Primary PE Teacher

Rosi brings 27 years of experience to ISS. She is an IB workshop leader in the Asia/Pacific region. She was previously the Head of Primary at International School Nadi and International School Moshi (Tanzania). Rosi is currently the Middle School and Primary School Curriculum Co-ordinator at ISS.

Petero has a Primary Teachers Certificate from Corpus Christi Teachers College and a Diploma in Education from Fiji College of Advanced Education. He has over 13½ years of teaching experience at various local primary and secondary schools. He is a dedicated and passionate PE teacher.

Amele is a qualified Primary Teacher. She has a Diploma and is currently working towards her Degree. She is enjoying her new role as a PSPE Teacher Assistant.

Lindy Stice Primary Art Teacher

Subadra Chandra Hindi Studies Teacher

Cathy Kasatoka Fijian Studies Teacher

Tim has been a Music teacher since the year 2000. Lindy studied at Westmont College in California, USA, Subadra commenced teaching at ISS in 2009 after 20 earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 2000. She qualiyears of service in the local schools of Fiji. Before He began his teaching journey teaching in Holy fied as a teacher in 2002, and since has taught all age joining ISS, Subadra was part of Curriculum DevelopFamily Secondary School, Nadogo Secondary levels from Early Childhood to High School.

She ment with Ministry of Education, Fiji. She graduated School, Veiuto Primary School and has been with joined the ISS teaching staff in 2011, and enthusiasti- from the University of South Pacific with a Bachelor of us since 2005. cally began her current role teaching Visual Arts at Education and Diploma in Educational Evaluation.

ISS Primary in 2014.

Having had teaching experiences in both rural and urban schools in Fiji, Cathy decided to take on the challenge of teaching at ISS. It has been a time of personal and professional growth for her.

Specialist Teachers

Learning Support Teachers

Naca Sikinairai Primary ICT Teacher

Kate Passin Primary Counsellor (P/T)

Naca is a qualified teacher. He has been teaching at ISS for over 10 years. He is currently working towards his Degree in Primary Education

Kate Passin has 12 years prior experience in the school counseling profession before coming to ISS. Kate has her masters and specialist degree in school counseling from the University of Georgia in the USA. She has also obtained her License in Professional Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Before she was a school counselor she was a teacher at the primary level. She has a passion for her profession and is thrilled to be a part of the ISS community as the counselor and as a parent.

Inga Riedel-Narayan Learning Support Teacher - Years 1 & 1/2 (P/T)

Lucy Otway Learning Support Teacher - Years 3& 3/4

Inga joined ISS in 2011 and has since enjoyed teaching students with special gifts. Originally from Germany she holds a masters degree in teaching/ English as a Second language.

Amelia Cumberbatch

Learning Support Teacher - Year 2 (P/T)

Amelia has received a Bachelor of Business Lucy has spent many years working in primary (Journalism) from Queensland University of education in the U.K. She obtained a MA degree from St. Andrews University in Scotland and a post- Technology and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Southern Queensgraduate certificate in Education from Cambridge. In land. Her experience in education includes teaching 2003 she completed a diploma in Specific Learning class, learning support, and ESL. Difficulties/Dyslexia; since then she has enjoyed helping children who experience a variety of difficulties in the role of Learning Support Teacher

Learning Support Teachers

Librarian & Resource Room

Torika Jitoko Learning Support Teacher - Year 5

Carol Apted Learning Support Teacher - Year 4 (P/T)

Torika has a passion for teaching and loves to teach students from the heart.

She joined ISS in 2005 and has enjoyed the challenges of being a PYP teacher which has helped her professional growth. Torika has a teaching degree.

Carol has taught at ISS for many years. She commenced teaching here after 19 years of service in Fiji’s local schools, including Marist Brothers, Suva.

Wakanisi Vaciloa Librarian /Teacher

Laisani Taleviti Teacher Assistant / Resource Room & Library

Wakanisi taught for a few years in local schools before changing her career to work in the library for more than ten years . She graduated from Fulton College for her teaching qualification and Charles Sturt University, Australia for her librarianship. She joined ISS in 2011 and is enjoying the challenge of being an IB/PYP teacher librarian.

Laisani has a certificate in early childhood and has been at ISS since 2010. Before moving to the resource room as an assistant, she was an early childhood assistant in the Green Cottage.

Middle School Teachers

Michelle Forbes English & Social Science Teacher - Year 7

Carmen Fox English & Social Science Teacher - Year 6 Carmen has a Bachelor of Social Science from Sydney University, Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education (Behaviour Problems) from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) from Charles Stuart University. Carmen has lived on Ambrym Island, Vanuatu and her love of the Pacific has brought her to Fiji in 2015 to complete her teaching practicum placement at ISS. After almost a decade working in the Community Development sector she has re-trained and with great excitement joins the Year 6 Pastoral Care Team as an English and Social Science Teacher.

JojinaTulele Science & Mathematics Teacher - Year 7

Jojina graduated from the University of the South Pacific Miss Shelly Forbes is a certified primary teacher who has over 20 years experience in the classroom and over with a Secondary Teacher Training Certificate and a Bachelors in Science majoring in Chemistry and Physics. She 8 years experience in curriculum development and administration. She aspires to be the best educator she taught in local schools for 13 years before joining ISS in 2004 teaching Year 9 and Year 10 Chemistry. She has can and lives to see her students succeed at everything taught year 9 to year 12 Physics including both the ACT they do while still having fun. Miss Shelly enjoys readand IB curriculum. She was a Year 12 Pastoral teacher at ing, watching movies, going to the beach, chatting to ISS in 2005 and 2006. Jojina left ISS in 2007 and re-joined her mum and dad via Skype and catching up with in 2016. She currently teaches Year 7 Science and Maths friends and family. with the focus on Inter-displinary and trans-disciplinary teaching approach.

Ryan Ludher Mathematics /Science Teacher - Year 6 Ryan has a Bachelor of Education from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. He has been teaching Primary and Middle School since 2002. Currently, he is pastoral teacher for year 6 students.

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Shivana Gowin Learning Support Teacher - Year 7 Shivana has a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in History/Politics and English Language Literature. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Community Services Work and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She has taught Diploma Community Services Work and Certificate IV Youth Work at the Australia Pacific Technical College and has several years’ experience working with young people. She has also taught English at secondary school level in the past. She joins ISS in 2016 as the Learning Support Teacher for Year 7.

Regina Mastapha Learning Support Teacher - Year 6 Regina has a Teachers Certificate from Corpus Christi Teachers College and a Diploma in TESL from Victoria University, Wellington. She has over 30 years teaching experience at various local schools including nine years teaching on the island of Nauru. Regina commenced work at ISS in a one-on-one learning support role in 2006 and is now part of the learning support team in Middle School. Regina also heads the school’s OHS Committee.

Carlos Legaz-Clua Science & Mathematics Teacher - Year 8 Carlos has a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation from the Southern Institute of Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation from the University of Otago and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) from Massey University. He has four years teaching experience in New Zealand and has a good grasp of inquiry based learning curriculum and collaborative learning techniques which International School Suva practices. In addition to his Science and Mathematics position with our Year 8s, Juan Carlos is also a keen sportsman.

Brett Barons Physical Education Teacher Tessa Eastgate English & Social Science Teacher - Year 8

Tanya Vatubua Year 8 Learning Support Teacher

Tessa earned my Bachelor of Philosophy, Major in Philosophy, in 2000. She has teaching experience in a number of areas for both Primary and Secondary education in the Philippines and in Fiji. She joined ISS in 2014 after having taught at Fiji National University and International School Nadi. She is currently one of the Year 8 pastoral teachers.

Tanya was awarded a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Literature and Language from the University of the South Pacific, Suva in 2002. She was formerly teaching at the Fiji National University. In addition to her teaching of English and Intensive English, she is also the High School Netball coach and an Oceania Regional Zone Netball Umpire.

Rebekah Nabouta Teacher of the Arts—Middle School

Tanya Legaz-Clua Teacher of the Arts—Middle School

Tanya has a Bachelor of Visual Art from Otago PolyBrett has a Bachelor of Education majoring in technic Art School, Dunedin and a Graduate Diploma Personal Development, Health and Physical Education from Avondale College, Australia. He of Teaching Primary from the University of Canterhas eight years teaching experience in Australia bury, Christchurch. While Tanya is a new graduate with fourteen weeks doing her teaching practicum at and Papua New Guinea and has the qualities Aurora College and St Joseph’s Primary School in and experience which line up with the school’s Invercargill plus one year doing relief teaching at inquiry based approach to learning. Brett teachTauraroa Area School, Whangarei Primary School es up to Stage 6 in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Stage 5 in Physi- and Tauraroa Area School. Tanya has taken on the role of Visual Arts and Drama teacher in Middle cal Activity and Sports Studies and Stage 6 in School.

In addition to teaching, Tanya also designs Sport Lifestyle and Recreation. He also has and manufactures jewellery. experience in Outdoor Education and the Duke of Edinburgh Program both of which we teach at our school.

Carol Yao Amandine Neirinck Dan Shao Music Teacher Ms Rebekah Nabouta - has a Bachelor of Music and has French Teacher Chinese Teacher had over twelve years of teaching and performing music.

Her teaching experience extends across the Pacific and Carol holds a Bachelor of music in Piano from China Amandine Neirinck has a BA in Human and SoDan qualified as a teacher in 2009 and has taught in Conservatory of Music. She taught Chinese for two delivered at all levels including the Bachelor of Music cial Sciences from Toulouse-le-Mirail University China for 15 years. During this time she was teaching Programme at the University of Auckland and the Diplo- years in International Primary school before join- and a MEd in French teaching from the UniversiChinese and mathematics. Dan was awarded a Baching the Secondary school as a music teacher in 2010 ma of Contemporary Music for the more adult learnty of New Caledonia. She joined ISS in January elor of Law from the Liaoning University of China in and has been teaching ACT and IB Diploma music ers. Rebekah is very passionate about music and devel2014 2010. She taught at Yat Sen School in Suva before since. She is also the current year 12 pastoral teachoping this talent within our young generation. She has coming to ISS. er. taken on the position of Music teacher in Middle School.

Maria Dunbar Head of Learning Support & ESOL

Meeta Khatri ICT Teacher/Admin

Maria Dunbar has a Masters of Education from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. She has spent the last 4 years teaching in Beijing, China, and has recently joined ISS as HOD ESOL and Learning Support .

Meeta has Bachelor’s degree in Computing Science and Information Technology. She joined ISS in 2009 as an ICT teacher and ICT administrator. She is also the Accredited Test Centre Manager for ICDL and coordinates the program locally through ICDL Asia.

Rosi Uluiviti PYP & Middle School Curriculum Coordinator

Fenella David PSE Teacher/ Counselor

Rosi brings 27 years of experience to ISS. She is an Fenella David joined the school in October of 2011.

IB workshop leader in the Asia/Pacific region. She She graduated from Corpus Christi Teachers’ College was previously the Head of Primary at Internain 1981 and has taught and offered counselling tional School Nadi and International School Moshi services in a number of local schools before joining (Tanzania). Rosi is currently the Middle School ISS. She obtained her BA in Applied Psychology from and Primary School Curriculum Co-ordinator at the University of the South Pacific in 2011 and is ISS. currently the school counsellor.

High School Neelam Raj English Teacher

Teachers

Silina Bale Head of Languages /French Teacher

Michael Masonis Social Science/English Teacher

David Bennet English Teacher (P/T)

David has degrees in English Literature and English Neelam has a Bachelors Degree in Education (Secondary) Mr. Masonis is a California native who has taught at Education.

He has previously taught in the UK, Japan, majoring in Literature and Language and a Certificate in the Middle and Secondary levels for the past fourPakistan and Jamaica Teaching English as a Second Language. She taught English teen years in many different subject matters such as and Business Communication at DAV College, The Fiji Na- English, Science, Social Science, Art, Performing Arts, tional University, The University of the South Pacific and Yearbook, and Global Perspectives. He joined the ISS the Central Queensland University (Fiji Campus) before team at the beginning of last year in 2013. joining ISS in 2011.

Cynthia Chen Chinese Teacher

Silina taught at the Alliance Franรงaise de Suva Cynthia was awarded a Bachelor Degree, majoring in Literafor seven years before joining the ISS team ture and Language in 2003, she also obtained her teaching in 2008. Apart from teaching French, she has qualification for Intermediate and Senior Levels. She joined had coordinator roles as Interpreting and in ISS in 2008 and has taught Chinese IGCSE, Chinese A Translation coordinator at the Alliance literature and Chinese B language course. She is also the Franรงaise de Suva, Year Level Coordinator, Accredited Centre examiner for IGCSE Chinese exam.

IGCSE coordinator and IB coordinator. Silina Cynthia is also the year 12 pastoral teacher. holds a Post Graduate Diploma in French.

This has enabled Silina to become a DELF examiner in 2007 and more recently an examiner with the South Pacific Board of Education.

Amandine Neirinck French Teacher

Milika Waqainabete Head of Humanities /Technology

Amandine Neirinck has a BA in Human and Social Sciences from Toulouse-le-Mirail University and a MEd in French teaching from the University of New Caledonia. She joined ISS in January 2014.

Milika Waqainabete has a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Certificate in Education, Post-graduate certificate in History / Politics and a Masters of Arts in Politics and International Affairs. She has taught in Brisbane and locally at Lelean Memorial School before joining ISS in 1991. In addition to her role as HOD Milika has coordinated Model UN, and held positions as Year Coordinator and has also served on the Staff Association

Brenton Harris Business Management/Accounting Teacher

Henry Murphy Business Management Teacher

Elizabeth Sims Events and Tourism Teacher

Meeta Khatri ICT Teacher/Admin

Liz has been a teacher since 2014, after completing a Henry has a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Meeta has Bachelor’s degree in Computing Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts through the Economics/Management and Public Administration.

Science and Information Technology. She joined teaching he worked as an accountant for several years Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. She taught ISS in 2009 as an ICT teacher and ICT administrator.

He teaches IGCSE Business Studies and IB Diploma in various fields of commerce. Brenton has taught in in Brisbane before moving to Fiji last year with her Programme Economics/ Business Management SL/ She is also the Accredited Test Centre Manager for International Schools in Japan, Brunei and most refamily, and is excited about coming to ISS in 2016.

HL. Henry joined ISS in 2013.

ICDL and coordinates the program locally through cently, six years at the Australian International School Prior to Teaching, Liz worked in the travel industry for ICDL Asia. in Jakarta, Indonesia. In ISS, Brenton will be teaching close to 10 years, and also holds a Bachelor of Leisure Business and Management to the Year 11 and 12's Management (Tourism) from Griffith University in and Accounting to the Year 9 and 11's. He has a BachBrisbane. Teaching tourism at ISS is a wonderful combielor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Education and Masnation of her two great loves, teaching and travel. ters of Education. He is joined by his wife Wendy (Year 1 teacher) and their two sons. Brenton is looking forward to a rewarding and enjoyable stay at ISS.

Brenton has been teaching since 1999. Previous to

Kris Stice Head of Science/Biology Teacher

Apisalome Damuyawa Chemistry Teacher / IGCSE Coordinator

Ashniel Bijay Physics Teacher

Selaima Veisamasama Biology Teacher (P/T)

After graduating from ISS as Head Student almost 22 years ago, Mr. Stice went on to complete his tertiary studies at UC Santa Barbara in California. There he took his first teaching job at a Native American public school before moving into a private school setting. Mr. Stice rejoined the ISS family in 2010 and currently teaches senior sciences, serves as Head of Science and sits on the School Council.

Api taught at Lelean Memorial School before joining ISS. He has thirteen years of teaching experience and qualified as a teacher from the University of the South Pacific.

Ashniel has a degree in Physics, Mathematics and Education from the University of the South Pacific. He has 8 years of teaching experience and was also tutoring part-time at the College of Foundation Studies at the University of the South Pacific.

Selaima qualified as a teacher in1977 and has had 37years of experience as a Biology, Chemistry and Science teacher in various local schools. She joined ISS in 2013 teaching science from years 6 to year 10 and Mathematics in Middle School. She was awarded a Diploma in Education from the University of the South Pacific in 1977,and then a Bachelor of Science in 1996.

Sara Volkmar Psychology/French/ TOK Teacher

Zeba Kaushar Teacher Assistant - Laboratory

Zeba joined ISS in 2005 as an intern and has since has previous experience as a secondary teacher in French and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). She grew up been awarded a Diploma in Lab Technician from the Fiji National University . She became a full time in France and moved to London (UK), where she grademployee in 2006. Zeba manages the secondary uated in Law. She holds a Master’s degree in Law, science lab and is an ardent member of the ISS OHS Anthropology and Society. She is currently teaching committee.

French and TOK in the High School. She is also happy to deliver the Psychology course, a subject just recently introduced at ISS in Year 11 & 12 as part of the ACT and IB programmes."

Kelly Maxwell Mathematics Teacher

Sheryl Lowther Mathematics Teacher

Jeshneel Chandra Mathematics Teacher / ACT Coordinator

Nemani Dianimoto Mathematics Teacher

Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics from USP. 10 years of teaching Mathematics and Physics. Jeshneel is currently the Year 12 Coordinator and the IB Examiner.

I have been teaching for 15 years. I have a BSc (Mathematics and Physics) and Post Graduate Diploma in General Manager, a Post Gradate Certificate in Human Resource Management and an MBA. For the past two years I have been involved in writing Matematics and Physics curriculum for Fiji schools in the Curriculum Development unit of the Fiji Ministry of Education

Alex Karountzos Head of Arts / Learning Support/ IB Coordinator

Kate Reimann Visual Arts Teacher

Alongside her first degree and high school mathehas a Bachelor of Technology (Hon), Massey Univer- Alexandra Karountzos has been a teacher since 1989, Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts from the University after completing a Bachelor of Arts and Post Gradumatics teaching qualifications, Kelly has a post gradusity, Diploma in Teaching, Auckland Secondary of Southern Queensland. Graduate Diploma in ate degree in the Psychoanalytical Observational Stud- Teachers College and Master of Science, University ate Diploma in English Education. She taught in MelSecondary Education, Charles Darwin University. bourne Australia until 2005 and came to teach at ISS in ies of Children from the world renowned Tavistock of Auckland and has had over 15 years teaching She has 12 years of teaching experience in 2006. During her time in Fiji she has held positions of Clinic in London. After teaching and qualifying in the experience at Rosehill College and the Manukau Australia, the United Kingdom and Fiji.

Year level coordinator, Head of Arts and Head of LearnUK she is now part of both the mathematics departInstitute of Technology. She has taught Matheing Support. ment and pastoral team for year 9. matics and Science at both institutions and was also Head of Department. Sheryl currently resides with her husband who works in Fiji.

Carol Yao Music Teacher Carol holds a Bachelor of music in Piano from China Conservatory of Music. She taught Chinese for two years in International Primary school before joining the Secondary school as a music teacher in 2010 and has been teaching ACT and IB Diploma music since.

Fenella David Accounting Teacher/ Counselor Fenella David joined the school in October of 2011.

She graduated from Corpus Christi Teachers’ College in 1981 and has taught and offered counselling services in a number of local schools before joining ISS. She obtained her BA in Applied Psychology from the University of the South Pacific in 2011 and is currently the school Counsellor.

Jennifer Liew Head of Physical Education & Sports Studies

Brett Barons Physical Education Teacher

Brett has a Bachelor of Education majoring in Personal Jenny Liew has been awarded numerous CertifiDevelopment, Health and Physical Education from Avoncates in coaching Track & Field, Volleyball, Swimming and Netball. She received her Diploma in Edu- dale College, Australia. He has eight years teaching experience in Australia and Papua New Guinea and has the cation from New Zealand along with her Teaching qualities and experience which line up with the school’s Certificate. She joined ISS in 1994 and since then has been instrumental in the development of swim- inquiry based approach to learning. Brett teaches up to Stage 6 in Personal Development, Health and Physical ming in Fiji and has represented the country numerous times as swimming coach to the Oceania games Education, Stage 5 in Physical Activity and Sports Studies and Stage 6 in Sport Lifestyle and Recreation. He also has and the Paralympics. A dedicated and passionate teacher whose main concern is always the students experience in Outdoor Education and the Duke of Edinunder her care.

Maria Dunbar Head of Learning Support & ESOL

Matthew Dadley Learning Support Teacher - ESOL

Matt graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Maria Dunbar has a Masters of Education from from the University of Otago. He then obtained a GraduMonash University, Melbourne, Australia. She has ate Diploma in Arts (English Literature) in 2012 from Victospent the last 4 years teaching in Beijing, China, and ria University in Wellington. In 2012 Matthew also has recently joined ISS as HOD ESOL and Learning enrolled in the first iteration of Teach First New Zealand.

Support .

After two years teaching English at Mangere College in Auckland, he obtained his Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from the University of Auckland. He joined the ESL and Learning Support team at ISS in 2015

Dona Baledravu Teacher Assistant - PE Dona was awarded Level 1 Certificates in Hockey and Rugby League. He Has played Hockey and Soccer for 22 years and represented Fiji in 1994 and 1995 to Hockey Tournaments abroad. Prior to ISS, he was coaching the Ba soccer team and Jasper Williams High School Hockey Team. He joined ISS in 2014and is coaching Hockey and Soccer for the Primary Schools competitions. In 2015, the Soccer under 12 team and the Hockey under 12 team won the Suva primary schools competition.

School Leadership Team

Anna Marsden Principal

Megan Navunisaravi Head of High School

After a wide range of work experiences Megan Anna Marsden worked in school administration became a secondary teacher in 1996 and has not in Zimbabwe and Swaziland before moving to Fiji looked back! She has taught at ISS since 2006 and in November 2010. She has undergraduate held a variety of positions which include the Head of degrees in Mathematics and Science and postScience, IB Diploma Coordinator and Year Coordinagraduate qualifications in Chemistry and Educator, her teaching focus being in Biology. Her passion tion. She is a member of the Board of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools, an IB workshop is to ensure that the students’ learning experiences help them reach their potential, enabling them to leader and a visiting team member for both the be confident, effective individuals capable of Western Association of Schools and Colleges and effecting change. She is very interested in ongoing the International Baccalaureate. school improvement and has coordinated the WASC whole school accreditation process in 2008 and the IB Diploma Review in 2010.

Mere Fong Head of Middle School

Karen Whittaker Head of Primary

Mere qualified as a Middle School teacher in 1980 Before moving to Fiji, Karen was rewarded and and has taught at ISS for 22 years. During this time recognized for her 25 years of service to she has taught a variety of subjects, mainly English Education Queensland, Australia. Karen has spent and Social Science. Mere has held a variety of almost half of her 28 years in education in leadership positions including Year Level Coordinator, Head of positions, including deputy principal and principal of Department, MYP Coordinator, Supervisor for Educaprimary schools with enrolments of up to 800 tional Testing Services and Head of Middle School. students. She has a bachelor's degree in education.

She is also an accredited Tutor for the teacher devel- Karen is also looking forward to the next 3 years as opment course, Teaching ESL students in Mainstream Head of Primary here at ISS. She is a passionate and Classrooms, from the Dept of Education, South experienced educator who always has the children as Australia. Mere currently leads a dynamic team of her upmost priority when making decisions.

Middle School teachers, who have embraced the organizational re-structure of the Middle School. She also has overall responsibility for the school newsletter, Talanoa.

Upcoming Events (Term 1) T1: WEEK 5 Monday, February 15 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming

T1: WEEK 7 Monday, February 29 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

Tuesday, February 16 Secondary inter-house competition 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming

Tuesday, March 1 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

Wednesday, February 17 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming

Wednesday, March 2 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

Thursday, February 18 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming

Thursday, March 3 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

Friday, February 19 Head Students Induction assembly

T1: WEEK 8 Monday, March 7 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

T1: WEEK 6 Monday, February 22 1:30am Secondary class captain induction assembly 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming

Tuesday, March 8 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

Tuesday, February 23 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming Wednesday, February 24 Year 7 camp 2:30pm Primary Interviews 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming 2:40pm PTFA Monthly Meeting Thursday, February 25 Year 7 camp Âť 4:00pm Primary Interviews 8:00am Reception and Year 1 Swimming Friday, February 26 Year 7 camp PRIMARY PRESS 8:00am Primary Badging Ceremony 5:30pm Year level update

Wednesday, March 9 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming Thursday, March 10 8:00am Year 4 & 5 Swimming

STOP PRESS Our next PTFA meeting will take place at 2.40pm on Wednesday 24th of February 2016 in the staffroom at school.

All parents are welcome.

Please come along.