Dear parents and carers,

The year 8 and 10 National examinations are rapidly approaching. The school has been working hard to ensure that all students are well prepared. We ask that parents and carers partner with the school in encouraging all students to stay focused. Screen time and use of mobile phones is one distraction in the leadup to the National Exams. I challenge all parents to severely limit or remove use of screen time and mobiles during the weeks leading up to the exams.

Attendance at school is very important. Children need to be at school on time every day to succeed in their learning. We have seen some unnecessary absenteeism and lateness, particularly in the high school. If a child is absent, parents / carers need to email the class teacher or send a note on return to the school.

Year 5/6 Camp. I will be accompanying the year 5/6 students, along with teachers Ms Langusch, Mrs Daimol and Ms Andar, on the year 5/6 camp to Kavieng next week, returning Friday 19th August. During this time, Mr Kevin Collins will be acting principal.

Repentance Day. Friday the 26th August is gazetted as a public holiday. We will confirm this next week, once confirmation of the date is received.

Independence Day. This year the school will celebrate Independence Day on the last day of school for term 3 – September 15. There will be some special activities and dances to celebrate the day. Please note that this year we will be able to invite parents and the wider community to join us – we encourage all to attend!

School Council. This term’s School Council meeting will on Thursday, the 1st September.

If  you have any concerns, or would like further information on any of the topics in this newsletter, please do not hesitate to make contact with any questions.

Regards,

Mr Greg Neville.

There will be no choir next Monday. Choir will resume on Monday, week 7 from 3.15 - 4.00pm. There will be an extra choir practice in week 7 on Wednesday afternoon, also from 3.15-4.00pm.

Term 1: 31st  January – 31st March 

Term 2: 19th April – 16th June 

Term 3: 11th July – 15th September 

Term 4: 3rd October – 1st December 

OLSH Netballers

Thank you to all the players and supporters at our Netball Carnival last weekend. Students from both OLSH and LIS are commended for their great sportsmanship throughout the carnival. Thanks also to all helpers, particularly the umpires and the P&W members who ran the canteen. 

Year 8 / 10 National Exams 

This week, students completed their third round of Mock Exams. This data will be analysed to identify student and cohort learning needs in the lead-up to the term 4 National Exams.

Year 5/6 Camp

The year 5/6 class are very excited about going on camp to Kavieng this weekend. It is great that we are once again able to have these activities. Students will be accompanied by Mr Neville, Mrs Daimol, Ms Andar and myself. Students will travel by ferry on Sunday 14th August, returning on Friday 19th August. We look forward to sharing about the camp at week 7 Assembly.

Kind regards,

Ms Catherine Langusch. 

This week, we welcomed our new Work Ready Program trainees. All trainees have commenced well and are eager to learn. We look forward to working with these young people as they develop a range of skills and attitudes including computer, literacy and numeracy skills. This program will assist them in applying for and gaining employment. Please keep an eye out for the Trainee Profiles that we will include in the Toksave throughout the term.

National Exam Preparation Classes are taking place each weekend at STMC throughout this term to ensure the very best opportunity for our students to succeed in these very important exams. It is important students attend all of these lessons with their learning materials each week.

Our FODE students and Elementary Teachers from across Lihir continue to work on their distance education with the support of our STMC Staff.

Please note the Kisim Save Library is open for use by all Newcrest Employees and Townsite Residents. Please email SchoolToMineCampus@newcrest.com.au to book a time to come.

Regards, 

Mr. Kevin Collins.