Middle School Halloween Party

EMS Halloween Day

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA families, the nineght edition of the EMS newsletter is out. We hope you enjoy reading it: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-nine.html

Library Markerspace challenge

The first Markerspace challenge took place in the high school library on October 25th. Students were challenged to design and build a model roller coaster using only duck tape, paper tape, paper, wooden spatulas, marble, straws and cardboard.The students had to decide on the theme of the roller coaster, the features and the physics and mechanics of the ride. Even though they didn't manage to finish the design on time, they were very excited and willing to meet some other day to finish the project. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

NOVA International Schools [20th anniversary] - call for short stories

Dear NOVA alums, this year NOVA International Schools is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This is your anniversary and we are very proud of everyone that has been a part of this journey. We would like to mark this milestone by inviting you to share some moments from your time spent at NOVA. So allow us to take 5 minutes of your time, and invite you to fill in this e-form. Thank you very much for doing this, we hope you like the outcome.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBkdC5oinGGgqwEF8nc2rKr71UWOB0xXOtj-Ikv09vvg2k6A/viewform

Interview with NOVA graduate and Civil Rights Lawyer Ivan Kochovski FiRC presentation

Ivan Kochovski graduated from NOVA International Schools in 2009, and continued his studies in international and human rights law at Utrecht University and Tilburg University in the Netherlands. He works as a lawyer representing refugees in asylum and deportation procedures, conducts research on Roma discrimination and statelessness, and holds training for students and professionals on human rights and refugee law. On Wednesday, October 18th, Ivan came to speak with students in the Foundations in Research Course about what "truth" means in the area of law. Ivan related his harrowing and emotional experiences in asylum advocacy in Macedonia to students. His key advice to Foundations in Research Course students was to "question their assumptions" when they set out to write a research essay.

20 years NOVA International Schools Photo

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA families, the eighth edition of the EMS newsletter is out. We hope you enjoy reading it: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-eight.html

The desire for communication has no boundaries!

In collaboration with the state school 'Partenie Zoografski’, NOVA students will meet weekly with their state school counterparts in order to learn sign language. During these classes, students from the state school will act as instructors to our students, teaching them the wonders of sign language. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Roman aqueduct Scout Hike

Dear Scouts and Prospective Scouts, On Saturday, October 14, Pack 2187 hiked to the Roman aqueduct to learn about its history and the history of Skopje in the Roman period. Did you know that the Romans built aqueducts across their empire to transport water from natural sources to settlements? Thanks to Leonida Bassa for being our guide! Following are photos from Saturday's hike. During our hike the Cub Scouts also found clues related to the 12 points of the Scout Law. Each is a goal for every Scout. "A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent." Scouts do their best to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries. And, age-specific dens continued working on "adventures" learning about the natural world. Then, Scouts and their families picked up litter from the historical site, in the spirit of the Outdoor Code. "As [a Scout], I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, [and] be conservation minded." The conservation activity was a chance for the Scouts to leave the world better than we found it. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

CEESA's EAL Job-Alike Workshop

Our NOVA ESL Teachers from the Elementary, Middle, and High School Division took part in CEESA's EAL Job-Alike Workshop on October 6-7, 2017, at the American International School of Budapest. The conference proved to be an exceptional learning experience, an exchange of successful, both old and new, ESL/EAL teaching strategies and an inspiration for invigorating new projects. It was a session of sharing knowledge, experiences, and creative ideas for teaching our students. Some of the strategies, methods and projects that our team recognized as powerful motivators that may be utilized in further invigoration of our students' motivation are as follows: · Information and Instruction on WIDA English Language Proficiency Assessment Tools that will serve for ESL students' assessment and appropriate placement; · Inquiry in the ESL classroom; · Additional strategies to build background vocabulary for ELL; · Audio clips as tools to increase students' vigilance and participation; · Translanguaging as a method to increase oral and written language proficiency; · Developing Books as Word Walls and Stories as Word Webs; · Use the Dialog Reading Method as a tool to develop oral language; · Best practices for teaching grammar through context; · A joint activity at a one-semester online course at Stanford University: Constructive Classroom Conversation: Improving Student-To–Student Interactions. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

FiRC lecture speaker, Dr. Rodney Rosalia

The Foundations in Research Course had Rodney Rosalia, a former Natural Sciences Instructor and Scientific Inquiry Coordinator at NOVA, visit the HS as a guest speaker on Wednesday to discuss medical research. Dr Rosalia is currently the Scientific Officer at the Zan Mitrev Clinic (ZMC, www.zmc.mk/en) in Skopje. In this role, Dr Rosalia supervises scientific research and coordinates scientific communication between the ZMC and international audiences. Dr Rosalia presented some of the ongoing research at ZMC to students relating to a novel surgical treatment approach for Aortic Stenosis that is performed at ZMC. Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent and severe heart valve disease, which primarily affects the elderly, who have a poor life expectancy once diagnosed. NOVA HS students were able to ask questions about ongoing medical research being done in Macedonia, in particular at the ZMC, that has the potential to make a worldwide impact on the development of cardiovascular surgical practices. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Week Without Walls 2018

Week Without Walls program (WWW) provides exciting opportunities for NOVA students to explore the world through project based learning and build meaningful relationships with each other. It is required for all students in grades 9, 10 and 11. On Monday, 9.Oct.2017, procedures, expectations and trip descriptions were posted online on the WWW website: weekwow.weebly.com Trip registration will commence on Friday, 13.Oct.2017 @ 6:00 pm and close 22.Oct.2017 @ 6:00 pm. The signup form will be made available online at weekwow.weebly.com enabling each student a choice of 4 trips, in order of preference. Time of submission will be taken into consideration (first come first served) The registration form is open and available ONLY to students with an active NOVA e-mail account (@nova.edu.mk). For more information you can also visit the Week Without Walls page on our website: http://nova.edu.mk/week_without_walls.aspx.

Red Cross Activity, World Homeless Day

October the 10th marked the World Homeless Day. To raise awareness and encourage the community to help those in need, the City Red Cross of Skopje organized a small ceremony in their Center for Homeless People in Skopje. The Youth Club of the City Red Cross of Skopje and our NOVA students worked together in preparing and delivering a complete meal for the beneficiaries of the Center.They also had the chance to meet the homeless people from our city and hear their stories. The leaders of the NOVA Red Cross Club, Mija Jovchevska, Mia Miloshevska, Njomza Selmani and Anastasija Markovski, were our representatives at the event. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA families, the seventh edition of the EMS newsletter is out. We hope you enjoy reading it: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-seven.html

NOVA Red Cross Club, World Homeless Day

Dear all, Tuesday, October the 10th, marks the World Homeless Day. To raise awareness and encourage the community to help those in need, the City Red Cross of Skopje is organizing a small ceremony in their Center for Homeless People in Skopje. The Youth Club of the City Red Cross of Skopje and our NOVA students will be working together in preparing and delivering a complete meal for the beneficiaries of the Center.They will have the chance to meet the homeless people from our city and hear their stories. The leaders of the NOVA Red Cross Club, Mija Jovchevska, Mia Miloshevska, Njomza Selmani and Anastasija Markovski, will be our representatives. 

Igor Ristovski & (astro)photography

My name is Igor Ristovski, I am a high school teacher at Nova International Schools where I teach computer science in web applications and multimedia applications. Aside from teaching computer science I am also a graphic designer and extreme sports addict whenever I don't wear my teacher super suit. My latest challenge is astrophotography, and it has posed the greatest challenge to me as a photograph so far. Partly this is due to the mechanism of taking the photos, namely you need to go on a remote location during the night, when it is completely dark. The process is tricky as well, it takes a lot of time and energy but it all pays off the moment you expose your photo in Adobe Lightroom and see what you have captured. I do my best to incorporate this passion in the school with other astronomy enthusiasts as we have obtained a ‘Celestron Telescope’ that can help us observe the night sky and take even better pictures. Check out the photo gallery here

PTA members learn about adolescent stress

Our first High School coffee morning was a huge success! A packed cafeteria full of parents eager to learn about ways to support their child's learning, and keen to hear about the types of stress that high schoolers experience. Our Psychology Teacher, Valentina Trpkoska, alongside Ashley Whitrock, one of our English Faculty, reassured parents of the many ways Nova tends to the well-being of our student population. Stress proved to be a hot topic and we are committed to working more closely with our community in finding effective ways to manage stress, both in and out of the school setting. Thank you to our parents for showing such a keen interest and we look forward to facilitating similar workshops. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Inside the Social Science 10 classroom

Students in Social Science 10 engaged in the activity of formulating a research question for their upcoming research paper. Beginning with broader topics within the larger area of 19th century European Imperialism, students brainstormed various approaches on their chosen topics that they can explore further on. Following that, students engaged by asking each other open-ended questions on their chosen topics, helping their partner narrow the inquiry to one that is clear, complex and focused. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

"How the West Was Fun" Pack Meeting

Dear Scouts and Prospective Scouts, Howdy Y'all! On Sunday, September 24 Pack 2187 held its first Pack Meeting of the school year, "How The West Was Fun!" We saddled up the horses, rounded up the Cub Scouts and had a Western-themed carnival. Cub Scouts tested their skills and teamwork with carnival games, like pass the corn please, potato sack races, snakes and other critters in my boot, boot scootin' boogie races, old fashioned photo booth, let's rodeo ring toss, flying disk toss, and lawn bowling. Following are some photos. During the meeting, Cub Scouts also learned about the fifth point of the Scout Law; a Scout is courteous. Being courteous means respecting others beliefs, their belongings, their privacy, and a respect for the ground others walk on and the air they breath. When we respect others we show respect for ourselves. A Scout is polite to everyone and knows good manners, which is especially important when welcoming new members. All interested boys (K-5) attending NOVA or QSI are invited to join the Pack! Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Inside the IB Economicss class

Exploring Elasticities in IB Economics - Focus on Price Elasticity of Demand (PED)! Today, the IB Economics students learned that elasticity is not just a concept in Physics but in Economics too - helping us understand and explain some of the complexities of the markets, consumer behavior following price changes of different products, and different strategies of the sellers for marketing their products. Through practical problems, students learned how to calculate the PED, and to interpret the results in light of the consequences to total revenues. They also learned how to identify the PED, plot the demand curves that reflect different PED values, and to apply the reasoning to various examples from everyday life. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Coffee Morning Session

Dear NOVA parents, You all are cordially invited to the Coffee Morning  Session with Valentina Trpkoska, our High School psychologist, on October 4 at 8:15. The topic of Ms. Trpkoska's presentation is Managing Stress for You and Your Child. We will meet in the HS cafeteria. Hope to see you there, NOVA PTA

Inside the IB Theory of Knowledge classroom

The IBDP TOK 11 class engaged in an inter-cultural competence exercise aimed at familiarizing students with the three different categories of providing constructive feedback in relation to an unseen/unknown cultural artifact. Academically known as the description-interpretation-evaluation exercise, the overarching purpose of this class activity was to raise student awareness concerning the personal and cultural relativity of value judgments. According to the student feedback provided at the end of class-time, the most difficult aspect was to keep the description free from evaluative terminology, and to try to accommodate an alternative frame of meaning within the culturally-bound worldview of the participating students. Eventually, the activity's end-goal of practicing description prior to interpretation and evaluation, demonstratively proved itself to be an essential pre-requisite to inter-cultural understanding. In conclusion, heightening student awareness of the limitations and mis-understandings potentially arising from unchallenged cultural and socio-centricity intends to promote the values of international-mindedness and world citizenship, as humanist principles deeply interwoven in the fabric of NOVA's educational philosophy and pedagogy.   Check out the photo gallery from the event here

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA families, the sixth edition of the EMS newsletter is out. We hope you enjoy reading it: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-six.html

Foundations in Research Course, an interview with the FiRC coordinator Daniel Cunningham

If you want to learn more about the Foundations in Research Course [FiRC], the benefits of academic research for students and schools, make sure to watch NOVA’s social science teacher and FiRC coordinator Mr. Daniel Cunningham.

International Day of Older Persons

The 1st of October is the International Day of Older Persons. To celebrate this occasion, our students visited the Home for Elderly "Mother Theresa" and played a friendly match of chess with its residents. Students were able to learn chess strategies, while having fun playing the game that both they and their elderly opponents love.

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA families, the latest edition of the EMS newsletter is online. Get the latest updates and stories from our community: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-five.html

European day of foreign languages

Yesterday NOVA marked the European Day of Foreign Languages. In celebration of the diversity of languages and with the aim to raise awareness of the importance of learning a new language and promoting the cultural and linguistic diversity of our school we organized a Translation Workshop in the Library. During the workshop students from different nationalities were translating famous English poems into their native languages, and after the event, their poems were hung on the library info-board. By organizing such events in the library on an annual basis, we truly hope to encourage lifelong language learning in and out of the school. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

NOVA HS, Back to school night [September 2017]

Back to School Night in High School was held on Friday 22 September. Our community gathered to hear how faculty at Nova design learning experiences for our amazing students. Curriculum details aside, we are aware that it is our approach and our attitudes to learning that has the greatest impact on growth. Parents alike were able to witness how we approach our classes, and with their support, students stand to benefit the most. As you all know, it takes a village to raise a child. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Through the Lens of a Critically Acclaimed Director, Research

Ana Jakimska, a famed Macedonian director and a former NOVA student, came to speak with Foundations in Research Course students about research in Film and Theater. She also spoke to students about her recent work, The Children Will Come, which is being premiered at film festivals around the world​, and which has been awarded as the 'Best Short Film' in Spain, Kosovo, and China. Ms. Jakimska's insight and experience serves as an example to NOVA students interested in the Arts. Foundations in Research Students who are interested in pursuing research in the Arts will be able to work under Ms. Jakimska's guidance, allowing for an inspiring example of community based inter-generational transmission of knowledge. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

European Day of Foreign Languages

September 26th is the European Day of Foreign Languages. Therefore, we would like to invite HS students to our library for a student poem translation session. We would also like to encourage students who come from countries other than Macedonia to sign up with the librarians and participate in the session by translating a famous poem into their native language. The session will take place on Tuesday, September 26th, during lunch in the HS library.

HS Knowledge Bowl qualifications

The HS Knowledge Bowl club invites all interested students to take part in the first or the second round of qualification exams scheduled for next Monday and Wednesday, September 25th and 27th, respectively, at 3:20 p.m. sharp in the Library. Each interested student will be offered to choose between either taking the Math and Natural science exam or the History and Literature exam, in order to qualify for the Knowledge Bowl club membership, at the prospect of participating in the upcoming international CEESA competition. For the sign-up sheet and all additional information, please contact Mr. Ane Tuntev and/or Mr. Bojan Marina.  

High School Back to School Night

NOVA ES, Back to School Night [September 2017]

This past Wednesday, in the lull of the late afternoon, NOVA opened its doors for its ES Back to School Night. We invited the parents of our youngest, Elementary School students, to step into our world and experience a gist of their child's school life. Aiming to impart our equal dedication to the academic, social, and emotional facets of learning, together with the parents in our community we transformed our classrooms into grounds for sharing ideas about our vision, hopes, goals for our students. Finally, in our shared pursuit to shape the minds of lifelong learners, we promised to collaborate, plan together - and learn together. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Sign up to learn sign language

Dear NOVA students, sign up to learn sign language with the students from the state school 'Dimitar Vlahov'. The classes are going to take place every Thursday after school.

The importance of research in film making, advice from Ana Jakimska

Ana Jakimska, a NOVA alumnus, is a renowned film director and the author of two short films, music videos and a documentary, all of which have been internationally screened and acclaimed. She is currently developing her professional feature debut titled Midnight Train. In addition, Jakimska actively participates in film festivals in the country and abroad. This week Ana visited our school for a FiRC presentation on film-making and this is the message she sent to all NOVA students interested in the field.

NOVA International Schools on social media

Follow NOVA International Schools on social media and get up to date with current activities, events, projects and programs in the schools. Follow us on: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, & Twitter

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Mr. Stanley Rutkowski

Dear NOVA community, meet Mr. Stanley Rutkowski, one of the latest additions to the NOVA faculty in 2017. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Elementary and Kindergarten Education, I moved to Manassas, Virginia and taught in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) for eight years. My exposure to inquiry-based models at MCPS helped me develop my instructional practice s and beliefs. I taught fourth grade at George C. Round Elementary School for four years and taught fifth and sixth at Mayfield Intermediate School for four years. In that span of time, I got married to my beautiful wife, Natalie, and had two wonderful children, Sarah and Anna. I also received a MA in New Professional Studies (Teaching) at George Mason University. Next, my journey brought me to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) where I taught fifth grade for two years at Lorton Station Elementary School. Here I learned how integrate best practices in both reading and writing workshops, as well as guided math models of instruction, into my instruction. After two years, my family and I moved to New Delhi, India, and served as diplomats for the United States Department of State. I taught fourth grade at The American Embassy School, where I learned how to integrate technology (apps, I-pads, Google Classroom, etc.) in the classroom to enhance my teaching practices. We returned home (Bristow, VA), where I taught fifth grade at Gunston Elementary School for the past three years. I learned how to enhance my instruction through Collaborative Learning Teams (CLT) and a CLT cycle, which helped promote teacher effectiveness in the classroom. Currently, my family and I are once again serving as diplomats for the United States Department of State. I am grateful to be a part of the NOVA community and am excited about the opportunity to teach internationally and experience all that NOVA has to offer.

NOVA Scouts, Fall Family Campout

On September 16-17, Cub Scout Pack 2187 organized its Fall Family Campout. Following are some photos. Cub Scouts learned how to set-up camp and about the importance of the Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Code: "As a [Scout], I will do my best to - Be clean in my outdoor manners. Be careful with fire. Be considerate in the outdoors. Be conservation minded." Then Cub Scouts discussed good sportsmanship before playing Blob, Drop the Bacon and Red Light Green Light. After our evening cookout and celebrating Bojan's 9th birthday, the Cub Scouts stargazed the sixth planet in our solar system, Saturn, with help from the Astrological Society of Skopje and performed in a campfire program. The next day, following reveille and breakfast, the Pack went for hike in the fields around Bardovci and participated in an inter-faith worship service. Special thanks to the Schweitzer-Bluhms for letting us camp in your backyard. Yours in Scouting, Check out the photo gallery from the event here

EMS weekly e-newsletter

The fourth edition of the NOVA EMS Newsletter is out and ready for our families to get the latest updates on our school: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-four.html  

HS Newletter September 2017

The NOVA High School proudly presents the HS Newsletter with a welcome note from our HS Principal and some updates on school events and educational developments: http://nova.edu.mk/ControlPanel/Upload/News/News%202017-18/HS%20Newsletter%209.2017.pdf

The 'Library on wheels' parks in NOVA

‘Readers are Leaders’ is a USAID project aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy skills for early grades students. The project involves the broader community in this process and intends to raise the interest of students in reading and mathematics. The ‘Library on Wheels’ activity is a part of this project that involves a special vehicle, equipped with books and didactic reading and math materials. The ‘Library on Wheels’ bus visited NOVA International Schools yesterday and we had a great time. Check out the photo gallery from the event here  

Elementary School Back to School Night

Knowledge Bowl match, September 2017

Our HS Knowledge Bowl (KB) team decided to start this year's activities with a rarely seen battle of GIRLS versus BOYS. This time around there were no teachers in the arena, only experienced competitors: Ina, Anastasija, Ana, and Jovana, on the girls' side, versus the ardent boys' team comprised of Emil, Borjan, Sergej, and Art. The master of ceremony was, as always, our own Svetlana Guguchevska, long-time coach of the MS KB team with a relentless passion for the game. The game itself was dynamic and full of suspense throughout, with hits and misses on both sides. At the end of the heated competition, the boys' team won by a single point - 17:16. If you enjoyed the competition, and, perhaps even answered some of the questions yourself, we invite you to join our KB team in the forthcoming season. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Student Council announcement

Dear NOVA community members, The Student Council will be having an OPEN DAY tomorrow, Friday, during lunch (11:45-11:55). The goal is to inform students and other members of our school that don't quite know what the Student Council is, of its role, its past work, objectives and alike. Hence, this is your opportunity to voice your questions, and maybe even get involved by joining. Everyone is welcome to attend!  

FiRC presentation, September 2017

On Wednesday, September 13th, Foundations in Research students were treated to an account of the experiences of a former FiRC student, Josip Apostolski. Josip, who is currently a senior at NOVA, completed FiRC last year. He decided that he had insight to share with this year's students regarding the research and writing process. Josip's work last year was quantitative in nature, as he ran a statistical analysis of NOVA test scores. Josip analyzed the relationship between SAT scores and the IB and AP programs to determine which program's curriculum and instruction produced the highest SAT scores. FiRC students, Josip explained, are helped by understanding that academic research and writing is approachable from many angles and open to people with a variety of interests. Josip's walk-through did a great deal to demystify the process for new students. check out the photo gallery from the event here

Middle School Back to School Night

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA Families, we’re happy to share with all of you the third edition of the Elementary and Middle School newsletter: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-three.html

When passion and learning merge, Robotics and Drones

Dear NOVA Community, Our student Bojan Nikov has been pursuing his passion for robotics and drones flying. as an inspiration, venue for learning and self actualization, participating into numerous international competitions and manifestations in Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece.We do hope and fully encourage Bojan to continue on the route of success.

Debate in the Classroom, an interview with Richard Whitrock

If you want to learn more about competitive debating, integrating debate in the classroom, the benefits of debating for students and schools, make sure to watch NOVA’s social science teacher and debate trainer Mr. Richard Whitrock.

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Mr. Russell O'Neill

Dear NOVA community, we would like to introduce to you our newest member, Mr. Russell O'Neill, our new Elementary and Middle School Principal. His experience, qualifications and personality will help our school continue living out its mission, nurturing old and forging new bonds. Originally from Australia, Russell started as a lower and middle school teacher during the 90s. Since 1998, Russell has been a Director of eight schools, serving many diverse populations. He was (since 2014) the Lower School Principal at Shanghai Community International School-Hangzhou International School, a school community similar to ours in size and diversity. Russell holds a Bachelor Diploma and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Murdoch University, Australia. His Master of Early Childhood Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education are in progress. In 2013 Russell received the Charitable Work for Underprivileged Children Award. In 2006 and in 2004 he was twice nominated for the Principal of the Year Award. In 2002 he was the Equity and Diversity Award winner, and in 1993 he received the Innovation in Education Award, as well as the Teacher of the Year Award by the Western Australia Education Department. He has keynoted conferences for Kindergarten and Early Childhood teachers. Russell has worked in each of the 7 states of Australia, visited close to 70 countries, and lived and worked in China, UK, Africa and Indonesia. In his view, however, being internationally minded is ‘not a variety of stamps in the passport, but rather an approach to learning and living, an approach of appreciating, understanding and respecting people from different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures’. One of Russell’s strengths and passions is curriculum; he is trained and experienced in the delivery of IB – Primary Years Program (PYP), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) as well as the Australian Curriculum. He has also lead curricular change in schools that now implement the IB PYP, MYP and DP programs. Russell was identified as one of the first Apple Distinguished Educators. He has implemented technology programs to aid learning, including several 1-to-1 mobile device technology programs at three schools. We would like to welcome Russell to our NOVA community and wish him nothing but success.

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA Families, we are happy to share with you the second edition of the Elementary and Middle School newsletter: http://nova-ems.weebly.com/week-two

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Deborah Haines

Dear NOVA Community, my name is Deborah Haines, I come from California and have been in education for 25 years, and as of now, have taught in five countries: U.S., Germany, Portugal, Dominican Republic, and now here in Macedonia. My background and passion is English Literature and Writing, and my early experience was teaching IB English at the high school level. Since then I have developed my leadership skills as Curriculum Coordinator for IB's Middle Years Program in several schools, and also was fortunate to work for the IB Organization as a school evaluator and trainer. I have a grown daughter who was an IB student, who now works as an Environmentalist. I tend to think, breathe, and live education, but when I am not, I love reading, yoga, and the ocean.

NOVA in support of the project "Happiness"

NOVA is trying to support the project "Happiness", an NGO collecting school supplies for kids at Social Risks. Bring your donations directly to Mr. Dragan Markoski or place them in the donation box located in the cafeteria. Lets make the beginning of new school year enjoyable for everyone!

After-School Activity Fair

On the first day of September the EMS hosted its After-School Activity Fair. The fair provided students and families the chance to learn more about the spectrum of activities available to them for the upcoming school year, including art, ballet, capoeira, choir, soccer, laughter yoga, gymnastics, robotics, and cub scouts. We’re all eagerly anticipating the start of activities from this coming Monday, September 4th. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Marija Petreska

Meet Ms. Marija Petreska, NOVA's new Middle School Technology Integration Teacher. Ms. Marija Petreska is a teacher with over 13 years of teaching experience in the public school system. Her classroom practices have been presented at events like BETT London and Microsoft Ignite. She is a winner of many awards on using technology in the classroom such as: most inspiring ideas on using OneNote in the classroom in 2014, best lesson created with Office Mix at the Global Forum in Redmond, Washington in 2015, best Class Hack on using Edge browser in the classroom and best class hack on using Skype in the classroom in 2016, and best lesson plan using Sway in 2017. Ms Petreska is also a columnist in the Microsoft in Education blog on teaching with technology and columnist at the official Microsoft blog on best classroom practices. She has been a keynote speaker at several conferences such as: Microsoft Global Forum 2015 in Redmond, USA, Education Exchange World Forum in Budapest, Hungary, and edCamp in Kharkov, Ukraine. She is currently pursuing her MA in Application of ICT in Education at SEEU in Tetovo.

After School Activities Fair

NOVA After School Activities Fair is taking place in the NOVA EMS main hall on September 1st from 8 am until 9 am.

EMS weekly e-newsletter

Dear NOVA Families. We’re happy to report that the Elementary and Middle School division has introduced an additional channel of communication between faculty and families. Thanks to our EMS principal, Russell O’Neill, you can find our weekly e-newsletter on the link bellow. The newsletter will provide informative and educational content about your child(ren) and the school. http://nova-ems.weebly.com/

Call for Community Service Leaders

Dear NOVA students, Do you want to lead any of the community service groups here at NOVA? Do you want to develop or enhance your leadership skills and contribute to a better community? Earn extra CS points, receive additional trainings and skills, get support by participating in National / International programs. Apply to be community service leader now! Groups that we need leaders for are: Environmental Protection & Recycling Group Animal Lovers Group Working with Roma Helping the Elderly Special Needs Assistance Group Needs Response and Advocacy Food group Interact – Rotary Club Red Cross To apply send your short motivation letter with the group you are applying for to dragan.markoski@nova.edu.mk no later than September 6th, 2017 Make a difference in the world!

EEC & EMS New Student Orientation

The move into a new school environment is an impactful change for every family. Understanding the nature of novelty and eager to ensure a smooth transition for our new students, this past Friday we at NOVA organised our traditional Orientation Day. Poised at the starting line of the new school year, we welcomed the families joining our EEC and EMS community for the first time. Accompanied by their parents, our new students had the opportunity to meet their teachers, visit their homerooms, and familiarise themselves with the vision and expectations of our educational programmes. More than anything, we were there to provide our support, encouragement, and reassurance and to state our active involvement in every aspect of our students' growth and wellbeing. The smallest step into the future is an emotional leap of faith; but, if we take it together, success is certainly at hand! Welcome to NOVA! Check out the photo gallery from the event here

HS New Families orientation, August 2017

The NOVA High School 'New Family Orientation' was a day long event that aimed at familiarizing new students and their families with the NOVA community, providing the students a chance to meet their advisory and subject teachers, meet peers, and become acquainted with aspects of school life. On behalf of the entire NOVA community we wish them a warm welcome to our school. Check out the photo gallery from the event here  

NOVA Scouts Club is recruiting students

The NOVA Scouts Club is recruiting students for the next academic year. Join one of the most exciting and popular clubs in the Elementary School. Adventure is waiting. Build yours. #novainternationalschools #scouts #schoolstarts

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Mariann Davis

Hi, my name is Mariann Davis and I am originally from Hungary. I am really excited to be joining the Early Education Center at NOVA this coming academic year, working alongside Ms. Cvetanka Kochovska-Rajchanovska, as an Assistant Teacher in Kindergarten. Prior to arriving in Skopje with my family a year ago, work opportunities took us to Dubai, where I spent three wonderfully enriching years gaining international teaching experience. Working as a Learning Support Assistant in a large British Curriculum school, my role involved leading intervention groups in Year 1, assisting children with their reading, writing, maths and fine motor skills. During this time, I also completed my Early Years Educator Diploma, going on to work as an Early Years Teacher in an international pre-school. I strongly believe in the importance of a sound Early Years education, as it develops the foundation of life-long learning. I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential within a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment where they feel valued and are given the space for their self-confidence to blossom.  

New Student and Family Orientaton Day

Dear families, welcome to the new academic year and to your new school. The administration team at NOVA High School is happy to invite you to our school on Friday, August 25 at 11am for our new family orientation. 

Elementary and Middle School New Students and Family Orientation Day

The NOVA Elementary and Middle School New Students and Family Orientation Day is scheduled for Friday, August 25th.

NOVA Choir course

Dear parents and students, My name is Sanja Panovska Milanova and I am from Macedonia. I teach music in the fifth grade in the Middle School and choir in the High School. This is my eighth year working at NOVA. Previously, I worked at the Music School “Ilija Nikolovski Luj” as a piano teacher and ballet piano accompaniment. I am in the process of obtaining my MA diploma in choir conducting from the University of Cyril and Methodius - Faculty of Music in Skopje. I am excited about the new school year and confident that it will be a year full of interesting things to learn, lots of friends, and many positive, fun experiences. I would like to invite all students that are interested in singing and music to think about signing up for the ‘Choir course’. Looking forward teaching your child, and wish you a pleasant start of the new school year. SincerelySanja P. Milanova

New Faculty Introductions 2017-18 - Sasha Stamenkovski

After graduating at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje, I started working as a Physics Teacher in my hometown of Kumanovo. Four years of teaching inspired me to work on developing new approaches to the way Physics is taught, rather than just following established practices. This inspiration drove me towards my master studies in Physics Education Research, which provided me access to several scientific conferences where I was able to present my findings regarding the efficiency of teaching Physics in the classroom. My further quest for best practices led me to an international school in Denmark, where I took the role of science and mathematics teacher for Secondary 1 and IGCSE level students. After gaining priceless experience during three years with the school, I returned to Macedonia to share it with my fellow teachers and help reshape Macedonia’s education. NOVA comes as a natural place for me to be in, as it offers the environment necessary for a growth mindset, a place where I can teach, explore, and express my character as a dedicated lifelong learner.

NOVA’s Professional Learning Community

We’re happy to report that the NOVA community is back to work. Starting this Monday NOVA faculty and staff are back and participating in a two week long professional learning community that will equip them for a successful start to the new academic year. Check out the photo gallery from the acctivities here