SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 1 1

SMITIS Newsletter

October 2012

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.

Welcome to the first edition of the SMITIS Newsletter.

As the inaugural Principal of SMITIS, I look forward to working with our school

community to ensure a smooth transition from TIS to SMITIS. As it’s only three letters, there should not be too many hassles!

Our vision at SMITIS is to provide for all its students, a learning environment that:

• provides high quality educational programs, guided by skilled and dedicated teachers, using innovative teaching and learning methods and the latest technologies to promote excellence;

• encourages each student to pursue personal and academic excellence to his or her maximum potential in a caring school environment;

•develops a strong and productive relationship between our staff and our parents which recognises the fundamental importance of the shared responsibilities of parents and teachers for the education of the young and which responds to the expectations and aspirations parents have for

their children; and provides students with an excellent foundation for lifelong learning.

Students are our focus at SMITIS. The IB programs (PYP & MYP) that will be implemented at SMITIS from 2013 also have the student as a learner at the core of each.

I look forward to joining you on our exciting journey ahead.

Dr Ken Darvall

SMITIS Newsletters

The SMITIS Newsletter will be initially published monthly.

A review of its frequency will occur in February

2013 to determine whether it should be monthly or more frequent.

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

SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 1 2

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP)Tabubil began trialling PYP in 2010/11 and a preliminary visit by IB personnel took place in May 2011. From 2013, SMITIS will continue to trial PYP with a goal of candidacy (2013) and authorisation (2014/15). However, authorisation can not be guaranteed. The following information provides some background information. Further details can be found at www.ibo.org.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an educational programme managed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students aged 3 to 11. While the programme prepares students for the IB Middle Years Programme, it is not a prerequisite for it. The subject areas of the PYP are language, social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and personal, social and physical education. Students are required to learn a second language during the programme. Assessment is carried out by teachers according to strategies provided by the IB, and with respect to guidelines to what the students should learn specified in the curriculum model.

Transdisciplinary Themes

In the IBPYP, the written curriculum is arranged within six "transdisciplinary themes". While the themes are universal and applicable to all cultures, the expectation is that there are certain core values, skills and knowledge for international schools, students and educators. For example, the international school curriculum should have “global significance—for all students in all cultures."Who we are: An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.Where we are in place and time: An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.How we express ourselves: An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.How the world works: An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.How we organise ourselves: An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organisations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.Sharing the planet: An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

KEY LEARNING AREAS

ENGLISH INDONESIAN MATHEMATICS- Language A - Language BOral Communication Oral Communication Data HandlingWritten Communication Written Communication MeasurementVisual Communication Visual Communication Shape & Space Pattern & Function Number

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SOCIAL STUDIES VISUAL ARTSLiving Things Human systems & economic activities Creative ProcessesEarth & Space Social organisation & culture Elements of Art & DesignMaterials & Matter Continuity and change through time Elements of Art & DesignForces & Energy Human & natural environments Visual Arts in Society Resources & the environment Reflection & Appreciation

MUSIC DRAMA PERSONAL & SOCIAL EDUCATIONPerforming Creative Exploration & Expression Self-ConceptCreating & Composing Technical Incorporation Health & SafetyListening & Appreciation Performance Interaction with Others Personal & Social Development Organisation for Learning Reflection, evaluation and AppreciationPHYSICAL EDUCATION Drama in SocietyBody Control and Spatial AwarenessAdventure ChallengeAthleticsMovement to MusicGamesGymnasticsHealth-Related Activities

SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 1 3

Learner ProfileThe aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The IB Learner Profile is the underlay and overlay for what we will be doing in PYP, MYP and DP (when we commence Y11/12). As we are all learners, including parents, we will be striving to be: inquirers; knowledgeable; thinkers; communicators; principled; open-minded; caring; risk-takers; balanced; and reflective.

From 2013, weekly awards are presented to students to demonstrate Learner Profile attributes.

ThinkersThey exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognise and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

InquirersThey 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 throughout their lives.

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ReflectiveThey give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.

They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

BalancedThey understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Risk-TakersThey approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance.

In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

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Open-MindedThey understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.

They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

CaringThey show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.

They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

PrincipledThey act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities.

They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.

They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

SMITIS Newsletter: Volume 1, Edition 1 6

SPORT

Sporting Ability and Talent Abound in TabubilThe recent annual TIS sports carnival was timed perfectly by Mr Hayen and a wonderful day was enjoyed by all. While there were many tearaway athletes who were lucky not to get booked for speeding, the most pleasing aspect was that every individual competitors put in their best effort and never gave up. I have not witnessed this for a long time, so it was very special, and something we must make sure that it becomes known as the ‘Tabubil way’ - participation, best effort and enjoyment (always).

From 2013, SMITIS will maintain formal records in key events for the annual sports carnival. This way, we can gauge how we are improving over time, and who are the fastest kids in town!

As part of out vision to encourage each student to pursue personal excellence to his or her maximum potential, SMITIS will endeavour to increase the range of sporting opportunities. AFL will be introduced in Term 1. Modified AFL is a great game for all ages, both boys and girls. It will be great to see what talented players develop in Tabubil in 2013.

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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: info@smit.ac.pg

www.smit.ac.pg