Port Moresby International School Newsletter Issue 6 - May 03, 2019

POST COURIER FEATURES POMIS STUDENTS The Anzac Day special edition of the Post Courier featured 2018 students on the front cover. The picture was taken last year after our students had gone to represent the IEA at the wreath laying ceremony. Their moment of solitude and reflection was caught by a Post Courier photographer.

The special also featured the winning essay of the Anzac Day Essay Compe- tition by Catherine Gileng. Catherine won the senior division. Tiare Temu and Bethlemmer Tambua were runners-up in this nationwide competition.

The last photograph above shows two of our senior students representing not only POMIS but the IEA at the Anzac Day Commemoration, as we have for a number of years. We are also present at the Remembrance Day cere- monies later in the year. It is important that we recognize the efforts of all people to keep PNG safe and secure.

P.O. Box 276, Boroko, NCD Mr Steven Rowley Papua New Guinea Principal Tel: (675) 325 3166 / 325 3004 [email protected] 325 8072 / 325 6857

Dear Parents and Guardians,  Talked to the school staff about the matter

Welcome back to Term 2. The last two weeks of Term 1  Met with our school security team to review our were very busy for all of us. Firstly, congratulations to security Ms Mahon and all the team for the School Musical – All Shook Up which was an outstanding success. And  Asked teachers to talk to the students about their thank you to all who came along and supported the stu- personal safety at an age appropriate level. dents onstage and backstage. In addition, the IEA has advised that they have formed a Thank you to all who attended the Parent Teacher inter- Rapid Response Team to support us, in the unlikely views in Week 11. A special thank you to all the staff event that there should be an incident, it will be based who made themselves available for this; in many cases at Boroko for the next fortnight, whilst the truth of these the teachers involved in this do not get back home until around 8 in the evening so their dedication to the stu- rumours is established. dents’ academic success by committing their time to It is important that families have these conversations these nights deserves recognition and praise. too, in a calm and reasonable way that doesn’t frighten On the Monday of the Parent Teacher interviews we children unnecessarily. All parents are therefore asked to held the AGM. AT the AGM Mr Phillip Samar was renom- talk to their children, of whatever ages, about the im- inated to the BOG. Also, our Chairman, Mr Giau Duruba portance of taking their own safety seriously and exer- announced his resignation from the Board and as Chair- cising sensible precautions. man. Mr Duruba has been the Board Chair since 2010 You should also review your child’s arrangements for and was a Board member for many years before then. travelling to or from school or sport. Students who travel Throughout this time he has given his time generously alone or in pairs could be potentially vulnerable at any to support the school and represent POMIS on the IEA time and strategies such as rostering adults to accompa- Board. We thank him for his time and service and wish ny them should be considered, or collect them straight him the very best in the future. from school, at least until the truth is known. I suggest As if all that was not enough we then had the Inter- you err on the side of caution. House X Country. Well done to all the students who ran If your children are picked up at school make sure that and thank you to Mr Briggs and the PE team for organis- they are always picked up by someone they know and if ing the event. Congratulations to Tano House who were there is any change to arrangements make sure that the winners. Term 2 promises to be equally busy and challenging for they know about it. We have advised students that if all of us here at POMIS. We have the UN Concert to look they do not know the person attempting to collect them forward to as well as the Grade 10 Written Expression then they should not go but have the school contact you exam, the Athletics Carnival and much else besides. The to check. Rugby Union season will continue while Soccer and Net- Students should be collected from the school and not ball will be getting into full swing this term. Students will the triangle at Boroko East. need to get themselves organised and pay careful atten- As always we maintain our advice that it is not safe for tion to their unit outlines and planners if they are to students to loiter at Boroko East triangle or shops and take full advantage of all the opportunities open to them we will increase security around this area. and maintain their academic standards. If you or your child/ren become aware of any concrete examples of concern, please contact me immediately, Kidnapping Rumours and Your Children’s Safety but my key piece of advice is to remain calm but alert. You may be aware of rumours in Port Moresby concern- ing the safety of children. IEA and POMIS Security re- Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any queries main in contact with the authorities and at this stage on this matter. cannot confirm the truth of these rumours. Their recom- mendation is that everybody remains calm, whilst sensi- School Facebook Page bly reconsidering the safety of all students. A reminder that you can follow what is going in at the There is nothing more important to me than the safety school through our official Facebook page at https:// of students and staff, so this week I have taken the fol- www.facebook.com/Port-Moresby-International-School lowing steps at school: Mr Steven Rowley, Principal.  Placed our security team on alert

Go to http://www.pmis.iea.ac.pgfor the rest of the Newsletter. Features include- Year 12

Geo-History Trip, All Shook Up, trip photos, April 25, Sports Corner, Dates to Remember!

Year 12 Geo-History Excursion Trip In the first week of Term 2, 24 Year 12 Geography and History students went on a combined tip to Rabaul. The purpose of the excursion for Geography was for students to gain an experience in Earth Science, ob- serve geological sites, visit lowland agriculture, coastal and river landforms and to understand the impact of natural hazards (volcanos).

It was also an opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the ‘Pacific War’, through visiting World War 2 sites in Rabaul as it was a major Japanese Military base in the Western Pacific. For the History students, the activities were designed to enhance their understanding of Japanese militarism and the Pacific War, to help students gain a better understanding of the effects of the Japanese occupation in Rabaul, and the events that took place during WWII by observing Japanese occupation sites.

Students visited the following sites: Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Mt Tavurvur (mountain climbing), Hot Springs, University of Natural Resources & Environment (Farming Systems), Warangoi Hydro Power Station, river systems coastal landforms and flood ways (Raluana, Malaguna and Karavia).

POMIS students also gave donations to the St Joseph Primary School which is located close to the flood ways that destroyed houses, gardens and roads. The whole community of Malaguna were there to receive the students. Materials distributed were collected through fundraising back at POMIS. Students were given the opportunity to talk to the school. It was very satisfying to be able to give something back to the community.

We extend our sincere thanks to Seaview Resort, Paivu Tours and the guides, Vulcanologists, UNRE of Vudal farm managers and admin officers, PNG Power staff at Warangoi, locals at different historical sites and especially St Joseph Primary School, the Principal staff, and the parents. We sincerely thank the two POMIS security staff who were with us all throughout the trip. The excursion would not have been possible without the support of the parents. We also thank the POMIS Finance team and Administration for their support from day one until we arrived safely back in Port Moresby. Mr Greg Malie. Check out some pictures from our trip on the next page!

ALL SHOOK UP. Congratulations to all of the crew, teachers, musicians, technicians, helpers, cleaners, cast and audience who were part of last term’s performances!

YEAR 12 GEO-HISTORY TRIP Starting at top left; the travelers with St Joseph’s students, Warangoi Hydro System , St Joseph’s, examining the wreckage of an airplane at Matupit , finally reaching the summit of Mt Tarvurvur, listening to Michael the Kokopo Museum director , the intrepid travelers!

APRIL 25

On Thursday last week a group of Year 12 POMIS students attended the ANZAC dawn service at the Bomana War Cemetery.

This is an important event in the PNG national calendar as the ceremony has come to commemorate, not only Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli but the courage, heroism and sacrifice of people all across the world who have been impacted by war. The people of PNG have much to celebrate on this day, not only because of their strong ties to Australasia, but because of their significant involvement in war – especially through the outstanding courage and kindness demonstrated by the people of PNG in the battle of Kokoda and other battles throughout the Pacific region.

As usual it was a beautiful and moving ceremony, where people from diverse cultures and experiences came together to remember the horror, loss, love and triumph demonstrated in war, whilst the sun rose slowly over the stunning grounds and stark, silent headstones of Bomana.

One of the most moving moments for me is always the recitation of the words of Kemal Ataturk, inscribed on a cenotaph at ANZAC cove, which state:

“ Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives. You are now living in the soil of a friendly country therefore rest in peace… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

These lines always provoke the shedding of a few tears for participants in the ANZAC ceremony; for the fear, grief and loss experienced by both soldiers and their loved ones. Yet they also inspire a feeling of optimism – if the inhabitants of countries that were once bitter enemies can stand together and grieve side by side, can celebrate mateship and honour, as well as collectively pledge to do their best as people and nations to promote future peace and prosperity, then the sacrifice of these soldiers has not been in vain.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years con- demn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” (Binyan)

Ms Crystal Mahon Head of English and Languages.

The last week of Term 1 saw the annual Inter House cross country competition between Ranu, Dina, Guba and Tano. The event is not only to compete and gain valuable points for your house to win the title as House champions but also to sing and chant to win the House spirit award. During the term Y7-10 have been doing cross country as part of their PE lessons in order to develop their fitness level and to practise for the inter house event. The day saw some fantastic efforts by the students who ran the one mile course which covers the majority of the compound perimeter. The course starts beside the PE office and ascends up to the top track near the compound entrance. It then undulates along the top track before a steep decline behind the IEA maintenance building. After running alongside the East Boroko basketball courts, the course slopes down onto the small oval then onto the POMIS oval. The runners then finish in front of the applauding spectators at the school steps. It was a fantastic day with students trying their best for their houses. Many students were chasing the school record of 7.05 minutes set by David Brown. Both Ben Penias and Gareth Turare in Year 9 were hope- ful of beating this record. Both their times were identical, coming within three seconds of the record (7.08 minutes). Both Ben and Gareth vowed that next year they will take the long standing record. After adding up the points of the 14 student races and 1 staff race, the placings were: Tano, Dina, Guba, Ranu; who won the House Spirit award. Well done to all who took part in making it a fantastic day. A special thank you has to go to the staff, maintenance team, security, Buina and Dickson, as without their involvement the day would not have been a success.

Important Dates for Term 2 Week 8 Saturday 15 June UN Concert. W4 Thurs/Friday 16/17 May Student Free Days. Week 9 Wednesday 19 June Athletics Carnival. Week 7 Thursday 6 June Grade 10 PNG Written Expres- Week 9 Friday 21 June sion Exam. Last Day of Classes Term 2.

Week 8 Monday 10 June Term 3 classes start Queen’s B’day Public Holiday. Monday 15 July.

Rugby Union – U19 POMIS Valley Hunters

The U19 rugby union team took on the might of the Harlequins on Saturday. In past seasons our team has lost to Harlequins in two CRU grand finals. The Valley Hunters started the game with some of our usual starting players not present, yet from kick off we pressured the opposition and were camped down in their 22 for the majority of the first half. After 4 tries been disallowed we eventually scored one, and went into the interval 5 – 0 ahead. The second half saw a difference in tempo from the Harlequins team. They attacked harder and quicker but the young POMIS boys kept composure and defended their line well. The forwards took control and drove the ball hard into the oppositions pack. Throughout the game the Valley Hunters dug deep within themselves keeping to the game plan and scored a try which was converted. We won the game 12-0 and moved to 3rd in the table. The team showed great team work which must continue if they wish to be successful. This Saturday they play the Crusaders.

Soccer Next week will see the start of the NCD Secondary Schools Soccer League, with both our U20 boys and girls playing here at POMIS on Wednesday after school. We are still to be informed of our opposition. Soccer results: U16 Male POMIS Forfeit by Paradise College. U16 Female POMIS Forfeit by St Therese. They then went on to play friendly matches with the Salvation Army High School male and female teams that were present. The POMIS U16 Boys, despite being one player short, were too good for the Salvos, defeating them 5-3. Josiah Daimoi scored a hatrick. Only eight of the POMIS U16 Girls turned up on Saturday. They then played a friendly against Salvation Army Girls. Despite their efforts they went down 3-2. POMIS U18 boys and Girls as well as the U14 Boys won on forfeit against Nonu Private School. POMIS U14 girls defeated Gordons Inter Girls 3-0. Mr Roark Vacilli.

Volleyball and Basketball After being deferred many times the U16, U18, and U20 boys Volleyball and Girls Basket- ball cluster games will be taking place next Friday. The Volleyball will be at Badihagwa and the Girls at Gordons Secondary. Please see the PE department to collect your consent letters.

Saturday Netball POMIS has entered three teams into POMNA this year again. We have played our three trial games towards the end of last term. We are appealing to girls who can play on Satur- days to come for training in Period 7 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday as well as come early to games on Saturdays. Last weekend was the first game of R1 and the U15 girls lost by forfeit due to only two girls turning up on time. Our U17 girls won by forfeit. U21 girls lost 28-11, playing with only five players. This weekend’s draw. U15 - 10:00 Court 8 POMIS vs St Pauls 2. U17 - 11:00 Court 4 POMIS vs Gealatana Rubies 2. U21 - 9 :00 Court 3 POMIS vs Gulf Isou. Happy Netballing. Ms Avaireso Enoch

In light of what has been previously mentioned in the newsletter, may I remind parents to collect their children from the sports venues in a timely manner. HOD PE/Art/Music Andrew Briggs.