smitis newsletter 8 fenbruary 2013

SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 2, Edition 2 1

SMITIS Newsletter

8 February, 2013

Star Mountains Institute of Technology International SchoolOur purpose is to develop internationally-minded and life-long learners who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect, and strive to be: inquirers; knowledgeable; thinkers; communicators; principled; open-minded; caring; risk-takers; balanced; and reflective.

The start of a new school year is always busy and, at SMITIS, it is no different.

Last week, we enjoyed our first weekly assembly for

2013 with the inaugural learner profile awards being presented to students. Year 7 entertained and interacted with everyone in attendance with their singalong. Their performance was so impressive that Year 7 will have a weekly singalong at each assembly. These assemblies are held each Friday and commence at 1.30pm. This week, Year 6 will perform a class item and the following week Year 5 will entertain us.

As mentioned on the next page, the inaugural CAG meeting was held this week and information from this meeting can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

Parent Information sessions have been held this week. Attendance has been mixed which is disappointing, as it was anticipated that each family would have a representative at their child’s session. It is most important that we enjoy strong parent involvement and participation. Otherwise, this may indicate a lack of commitment from parents to their child’s learning.

There will be a Parents & Wantoks meeting next Tuesday (12/2/13) at SMITIS starting at 1.30pm. I hope I have to put the ‘ standing room only’ sign up by 1.08pm.

I look forward to our exciting journey ahead of us, working together to provide the best schooling for our children.

Dr Ken Darvall Principal

SMITIS Newsletters

The first two pages are sent home with the eldest child each fortnight. Bulletins and class notes will be sent home as required.

If you would like to receive the newsletter or bulletins by email, please advise Grace.

The full colour edition can be found online at: http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs/smitis_newsletter_8 -february_2013_

http://issuu.com/smit_international_school/docs








Inquirer is one of the attributes of the Learner Profile and one of our core values at SMITIS. Who is an inquirer? Inquirers develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, and show independence in learning.

! They actively enjoy learning and this ! love of learning will be sustained through ! their lives.

Weekly awards are presented to students who demonstrate Learner Profile attributes.

Other attributes include: inquirer; caring; thinker; knowledgeable; balanced; reflective; principled; open-minded; and risk-taker.

CAGMr Patrick Monouluk chaired the inaugural meeting of the SMITIS Community Advisory Group (CAG) on Tuesday, 5 February.

CAG comprises: Mr Patrick Monouluk (Chair); Mr Roland Katak (PNGSDP); Mr Norman Temu (OTML); Mr Felix Giveng (Community); Desmond Rahiria (Parent); Mrs Naomi George (Parent); Mr Michael Weaver (Staff); Mr Erico Hovob (PYP Coordinator); and Dr Ken Darvall (Principal).

There are currently two parent vacancies. Interested parents must contact Mr Monouluk to express their interest by 22/2/13.

CAG meets twice each term.

Minutes from Tuesday’s meeting are included in this Newsletter.

A copy of the Governance policy can also be found within this edition.

Positions VacantSMITIS requires a Driver/Admin Assistant AND SMIT requires a Travel Officer. Information is available at the school.

EnrolmentsVacancies There are currently limited vacancies in: • Transition (4/5 year olds); • Years 5 & 6; and • Year 7.

Term 1 Fees Term 1 fees were due on 8/2/13. The last day to pay Term 1 fees is 22 February. After this date, enrolment will be suspended for those students for whom there are outstanding fees.

AuskickSimon Thomas is seeking volunteers to assist in running a 6 week Auskick program starting 2 March. If interested, contact Simon ([email protected])

Key DatesNext fortnight

12/2 Parents & Wantoks meeting (1.10pm)

After School Activities (ASA) commence (2.30-3.30pm)

13/2 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

14/2 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

Movie night (6.00pm)

15/2 School assembly (1.30pm: Y5 item)

19/2 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

20/2 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

21/2 ASA (2.30-3.30pm)

22/2 School assembly (1.30pm: Y4 item)

Last day to pay Term 1 fees

mailto:[email protected]



Lunch BreakLunch break is from 12.35 – 1.15pm. If parents are joining their child for lunch, then you must be sitting with your child under the COLA. Parents must not take their child away from the COLA area. When finished, parents should depart without mingling around the gate area as this restricts the effectiveness of our safety and emergency procedures.

Why was the time changed? The lunch break was moved back to 12.35pm to maximise student learning time. This year, the learning

time for students is 2 x 2 hour sessions, followed by 1 x1 hour session. Is 12.35pm too late for lunch? No. Children should enjoy a healthy breakfast before leaving home for school. All children have a recess at 10.15am when they can enjoy a fruit break.

ExpectationsOne of the discussion items at this week’s CAG meeting was the expectations of students, staff and parents. While these are also included in this newsletter, I want to emphasise three important expectations.

Communication must reflect a ‘sooner rather than later approach’. Known as the 48 hour rule, all members of the SMITIS community are expected to communicate to the appropriate person any concern or issue within 48 hours, so that these issues do not balloon into a bigger problem at a later stage.

Participation is important and expected. Students are expected to participate in all class and school activities. Teachers are expected to participate in After School Activities. Parents are expected to attend parent/teacher interviews and information sessions, as well as SMITIS functions and events.

Punctuality is important. Students must arrive at school by 8.10am. Students who are late are missing their essential literacy and numeracy sessions. Teachers must be punctual when it comes to playground supervision, as well as learning time. Parents must turn up to school events on time (before the scheduled starting time).

Parents should note that students who are consistently late will have their enrolment suspended. We want our students to achieve to their potential. This is not possible if students are always late or absent.

At the same time, parents must ensure that their students arrive at school ‘ready to learn’. Students require adequate nutrition, and sleep, if they are to be effective learners at school.

NUT FREE ZONE William (Y1) and Matthew Thomas (Y4) have a severe nut allergy. To prevent a medical emergency, there can be no nuts or foods containing nuts at SMITIS. This includes, especially Nutella and hazelnut products, and anything containing tree nuts.

SMITIS and the Thomas family appreciate your assistance in making our school a nut free zone.

Thank you in advance for your complete support.

Dr Ken Darvall


!

SMITIS EXPECTATIONS Students

There are five aspects where high standards are always expected: performance; behaviour; presentation; communication; and participation.

Performance

It is expected that student performance will at least equal or exceed their natural ability. Regardless of a child’s natural ability level, each student is expected to put their best effort into every task they attempt.

Behaviour

The Student Code of Conduct is:

• Wearing the correct school uniform

• In the right place at the right time

• Respecting staff, students & visitors

• Respecting the property of others

• Best effort into each activity

• Being honest

Presentation

Students are expected to be in correct school uniform (and worn properly) when they are on school grounds or in the wider community representing SMITIS.

Communication

‘Sooner rather than later’ is the standard for all communications. If there is an issue or concern, then individuals must communicate this issue or concern to the relevant party. All issues and concerns are expected to be addressed quickly.

Participation

Students are expected to participate in all class/school activities. Failure to do so raises the question of commitment.


!

Staff

Staff must be professional at all times. Their actions and behaviour are a reflection of themselves, their professional colleagues and SMITIS.

Staff will demonstrate their professionalism through:

• Their commitment to excellence and high standards that will be reflected in the performance of their duties. Students’ performance and their results are considered a reflection of teaching staff performance.

• Their efforts to ensure effective communication between colleagues, students and parents. All communication must reflect a ‘sooner rather than later approach’.

• Their establishment of strong home–school relations.

• Their loyalty and commitment to SMITIS, at all times and without exception.

• Their ability to make a difference to SMITIS as a result of their professional and personal contributions by value-adding in their individual areas of expertise.

• Their prompt follow-through on all tasks and requirements for which they are responsible.

• Their participation in extra-curricula activities and SMITIS events (applicable to teaching staff).

Parents

At SMITIS, all parents are expected to:

• Support the policies and ethos of the school.

• Ensure their children arrive at school before lessons commence and they are ready to learn.

• Provide a supportive learning environment at home for their children.

• Notify the school if their child will be absent from school.

• Communicate any issues promptly with the class teacher.

• Demonstrate courtesy and respect in their dealings with SMITIS staff and other parents.

• Attend parent/teacher interviews and information sessions.

• Participate in SMITIS functions and events.

• Pay school accounts according to the set timeframes.


2013 PRIORITIESIB

• PYP Candidate School• Preauthorisation visit in T4• MYP Interested School• ManageBac

Upskilling• All staff are expected to upskill.

- Groundsmen will require various certificates/skill sets.- Teaching assistants need to consider possible teaching training.- National teachers need to look at Australian teaching qualifications.

- Further studies and IB courses will be important for expat teachers.- All staff need to start thinking about how they can upskill and what is required.

Identity & Reputation• The importance of what we do, how we communicate and what is achieved in the classroom.

• SMITIS: friendly caring, personal, happy school

Lighthouse school• Assisting other schools to improve school education in PNG.

Teamwork• Collaborative planning

Intranet and Internet• Communication is transparent

• Intranet is our knowledge base• Internet connectivity enables IWB use

SMITIS Development• Secondary expansion planning

• Effective maintenance and grounds improvement program


GOVERNANCE

The Star Mountains Institute of Technology The Star Mountains Institute of Technology (SMIT) is an incorporated company and subsidiary of the Papua New Guinea Sustainable Development Program Ltd (PNGSDP). SMITIS governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of the PNGSDP Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. SMIT governance is framed by its Constitution and the PNGSDP Company Rules. The SMIT CEO reports to the SMIT Board of Directors. The SMIT International School The SMIT International School (SMITIS) is a business unit of SMIT. The SMITIS Principal reports to the SMIT CEO. All SMITIS staff report to the SMITIS Principal. SMITIS Community Advisory Group The leadership and effective and efficient management of SMITIS requires strong community representation and consultation. This is primarily achieved through the SMITIS Community Advisory Group (CAG), the purposes of which are to:

• Provide guidance for the school to achieve its vision • Contribute to the development and monitoring of strategic and operational plans • Make recommendations to ensure the provision of high quality education for students • Contribute to establishing guidelines for a range of school processes, including

Student Code of Conduct, establishing school fees • Encourage participation by parents and the community generally in the continuous

improvement of the school • Contribute to the performance review of the Principal • Contribute to the selection of academic staff, including the Principal.

Roles and Responsibilities of Members CAG members are trustees of the school’s vision. Their primary responsibilities are facilitating student success and supporting the Principal in reviewing and analyzing school data, information and practices to make recommendations for the continuous improvement of the school. This is achieved by the CAG making formal recommendations that directly contribute to achieving the purposes of the CAG to the Principal and/or the SMIT CEO.


Meeting Schedule Two meetings are held each term, usually in Week 3 and Week 7. The meetings are held at SMITIS, commencing at 6.30pm. Membership Eligibility CAG, comprising eleven members (nine voting members and two ex-officio members) is representative of the school community and includes:

• A member from PNGSDP (including SMIT) • A member from OTML • A member from the broader Tabubil community • Five school parents • A staff representative • School Principal (ex officio) • IB Co-ordinator (ex officio).

Appointment processes The Chair The CAG Chair is appointed by majority vote of the CAG members on self-nomination for the position by interested CAG members. The Chair of the Tabubil International School Board, Mr. Patrick Monouluk, accepted the invitation to be the inaugural CAG Chair, beginning January 1, 2013. The inaugural Chair is one of the five school parent representatives. PNGSDP and OTML representatives The Principal is responsible for establishing the PNGSDP and OTML representatives for the CAG. School Parents The Principal calls for nominations for CAG from school parents. School parents are then asked to vote on the nominees. CAG members are selected based on majority vote. The CAG members must include at least two females, two PNG Nationals and two expatriates. Parent representatives on the CAG cannot be married or de facto partners. The Tabubil community representative The Principal selects the Tabubil community representative from the parents with children on the school waiting list, or from broader representation.


Staff representative The Principal calls for nominees from all school staff and the staff vote for their representative. The staff representative is the person who receives the most votes from staff. Term of office Two of the inaugural school parent representatives are appointed for two years and three for three years. All other CAG members are appointed for two years. The original processes are followed to fill any vacancies that arise during a term. Meetings The CAG Chair leads and manages all CAG meetings. In the event that the Chair is absent from a CAG meeting, a volunteer from the voting members present at the meeting acts as Chair. Any formal recommendations from the CAG to the Principal or the SMIT CEO arising from a regular CAG meeting require a majority vote from a quorum of at least seven voting members. No formal recommendations can be made if the quorum requirement is not met. A special CAG meeting may be called once annually by the CAG Chair to recommend changes to the school governance, as described here. Any formal recommendations from the CAG to the Principal or the SMIT CEO arising from this special CAG meeting require a unanimous vote (no objections or abstentions) from a quorum of at least seven voting members. No formal recommendations can be made if the quorum requirement is not met. Administration The Principal is responsible for all processes to establish and manage the CAG. The Principal arranges administrative support for CAG meetings, including taking meeting minutes, recording and communicating formal recommendations. Reporting Copies of the CAG meeting minutes and formal recommendations are distributed to the CAG members, the SMIT CEO and communicated to the school community through the SMITIS newsletter.


SMITIS CAG MEETING – 5/2/13

6.30-7.30pm (School Library)

Minutes

Attendance Patrick Monouluk; Roland Katak; Felix Giveng; Naomi George; Michael Weaver; Erico Hovob; Ken Darvall. Apologies Norman Temu Welcome Patrick welcomed all members to the inaugural meeting and introduced himself before inviting each member to outline their background and involvement in SMITIS. It was agreed that meetings would commence at 6.30pm and conclude at 7.30pm.

Purpose of CAG The purpose of the Community Advisory Group was reviewed and discussed. Naomi inquired about distribution of the governance document that was a focus of a final TIS Board meeting in 2012. This document will be included in the next newsletter. Naomi raised the importance of the staff representative in terms of keeping staff informed and the airing of grievances. Ken stated that grievance resolution was not a role of CAG. [Copy distributed. Governance policy attached.] Parent Vacancies Two parent positions remain unfilled. It was agreed that information about these vacancies would be included in Friday’s newsletter. Interested parents would be invited to contact Patrick by 22 February in order to fill these vacancies.


Vision Ken outlined the school’s mission and vision statements and possible school mottoes (to be discussed at a much later time). The mission statement aligns closely with those of SMIT and IB. [Copy distributed.]

Expectations Expectations of students and parents were articulated. Erico raised the issue of compulsory uniform and students being sent home when not wearing it. Ken advised that families who could not afford school uniforms probably couldn’t afford school fees. Discussion also focused on parent participation and involvement in the school, and its importance, as well as its challenges. [Copy distributed.] Priorities for 2013 Ken outlined priorities for 2013. Internet access at the ELC was raised and discussed in terms of plans to improve internet connectivity across SMITIS, including the ELC. [Copy distributed.] Future Meetings For future meetings, Ken will table plans and policies for discussion, reflection and contributions to ensure their appropriateness and future success.

AOB Roland discussed the registration of SMITIS as a permitted school. He outlined the misinformation that has been communicated in terms of SMIT not having the capacity to operate the school. The registration process focused on the name change and implementation of a different curriculum. Roland and Felix have been following up the application to ensure that all formalities are completed. Roland assured members that there are no barriers to complete the formalities of registration. Naomi inquired if the outstanding issue of ownership of resources had been resolved between IEA and OTML. Patrick confirmed that this outstanding matter from 2012 had been resolved. Next Meeting Tuesday, 5 March, 2013 (6.30-7.30pm)


IB

The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an exciting set of educational programs offered in

more than two thousand school schools in over 120 countries around the world.

The programs focus on student-centred inquiry-based learning and global concerns. They challenge students to think in sophisticated ways

about the connections between ideas in different areas of study. They put learning into an international context.

IB @ SMITISIn 2011, Tabubil International School (TIS) hosted a Preliminary Visit by IB as an Interested PYP School. At the time, TIS decided not to pursue

Candidacy status.

As TIS transforms into SMITIS from 1/1/13, an application for PYP Candidacy status has been approved by IB.

At the same time, SMITIS has gained status as an Interested MYP School from 1/1/13 as Year 7 commences their first year of secondary education.


Star Mountains Institute of Technology

International School Newman Road, TABUBIL. 332

Western Province, Papua New Guinea

P: (+675) 6499 233

F: (+675) 6499 324

E: [email protected]

www.smit.ac.pg



http://www.smit.ac.pg

http://www.smit.ac.pg

smitis newsletter 8 fenbruary 2013

Documents

following week year

inaugural meeting

inaugural cag meeting

parent vacancies

learner profile attributes

childs learning

parent information sessions

weekly awards