Middle School Halloween Party

Driving directions from NOVA to Alumna soccer fields

ES Halloween Party at NOVA

The PTA hosted an Elementary Halloween Party for grades Pre Kindergarten through Grade 5. Children paraded in their costumes, ate yummy Halloween treats, got their face painted, did crafts and games, and had photos taken. It was a ghostly good time! Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Elementary School Halloween Party

Hungarian Astronaut Visited NOVA

Our 8th graders met Mr. Bertalan Farkas, a famous Hungarian astronaut who shared his travels through space. He is a wonderful role model who advised that playing sports is the best way to stay fit and train for the rigors of space travel. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

CEESA Blue Division Middle School Boys Soccer Tournament 2015

It is our great pleasure to host the CEESA Blue Division Middle School Boys Soccer Tournament 2015. We are excited to welcome the following participating schools: - NOVA International School – Skopje, Macedonia - International School of Belgrade, Serbia - Anglo-American School of Sofia, Bulgaria - International School of Helsinki, Finland - Pechersk School International – Kiev, Ukraine

PTA Educational Evening for HS parents

As part of the many activities planned for the school year, the PTA has organized the first Educational Evening for parents, that took place Wednesday October 21st, dedicated to sharing perspectives on Third Culture Individuals. The workshop was organized and conducted by our school Psychology teacher Valentina Trpkoska assisted by our HS Psychologist Ivana Marinchek.A brief presentation provoked a warm and thoughtful discussion on the topic of Third Culture Individuals that focused on improving the established practices in school and family settings. Because, as an international community of learners, we seek to understand trends in a globalized world that specifically pertain to our students and their families. Those members of the NOVA community who fall into the category of Third-Culture Individuals are integrally linked to NOVA's mission celebrate individual and cultural differences. Due to the inherent multiplicity of their personal history, which often spans multiple countries and cultures over many years, they greatly enrich our school community. However, Third-Culture Individuals also face very specific issues in new environments, which is why NOVA stands ready to recognize and celebrate the individual as we strive to accommodate the needs of our students and their families. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

NOVA receives the National Social Responsibility Award for best practices in 'Investment in the Community' in the Media

NOVA receives the National Social Responsibility Award for best practices in 'Investment in the Community'

At the 7th  awards ceremony for the National Social Responsibility Awards, organized by the Macedonian Ministry of Economy, NOVA received the award for the category of best practices of ‘Investment in the Community’. This award is in recognition of NOVA's 'Thinking Humanity' project. The award is NOVA’s third National Social Responsibility award and constitutes an acknowledgement of the many years of creative and thoughtful service activities that help us provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students. Congratulations to our NOVA high school community, to all our students and especially our Service Learning coordinator, Ms. Maja Lazarevska, who remains exceptionally dedicated to a program that continuously demonstrates the amazing results that come from taking on meaningful challenges. For more details on the awards ceremony: http://www.utrinski.mk/?ItemID=C16E990869577E418B275C41EF2055EB For more details about the project you can visit the following links: http://www.malidelanadobrina.mk/kartichki-so-zhelbi-za-pobrzo-ozdravuvanje-za-decata-vo-detskata-bolnica-za-belodrobni-zaboluvanja-kozle-skopje/ http://www.malidelanadobrina.mk/thinking-humanity-walk-proshetka-na-humanosta-vo-skopje/ http://www.malidelanadobrina.mk/thinking-humanity-walk-2-vtora-proshetka-na-humanosta-vo-skopje/  

Cooperation agreement with Italian Embassy and Dante Alighieri language Institute

In presence of the Italian Ambassador in Macedonia, his Excellency Mr. Bellelli, and the Secretary General of the Dante Alighieri Institute, Mr. Alessandro Masi, as well as Mrs. Carmelita D’Alessio, Cultural Attaché at the Embassy, NOVA International Schools has signed a Cooperation agreement with the Italian Embassy and the Dante Alighieri language Institute, represented by their President, Mrs. Anastasija Gjurchinova. The agreement marks the beginning of special studies in Italian Language and Culture open to all Italian citizens at NOVA, as well as all International Baccalaureate students. As a result of this collaboration, the PLIDA exam, which is a special exam for proficiency in Italian, will be available to NOVA students willing to continue their studies at some of the many fine Italian Universities. This event marked the first of the many during the Week of Italian Language in Skopje, an event that is celebrated worldwide at this time of year     

Cooperation agreement with Italian Embassy and Dante Alighieri language institute in the Media

PTA Educational Evening

Dear HS parent, As an international community of learners, we seek to understand trends in the globalized world, specifically pertaining to our students and their families. Also of interest are those members who fall into the category of third-culture individuals. Due to their living arrangements, which often span multiple countries and cultures over many years, they greatly enrich our school community, but also face very specific issues. PTA would like to invite you to the first Educational Evening for parents this year, taking place Wednesday October 21st, from 18:30h in the HS Library, dedicated to sharing perspectives on Third Culture Individuals. The workshop is organized and conducted by our school Psychology teacher Valentina Trpkoska. It will take approximately 90 minutes, and is intended for parents only. It will involve a brief presentation, some specifics and hypotheticals, and an opportunity to discuss. We will focus on both opportunities and challenges arising from being internationally mobile. We would also like to inspire a discussion on improving the established practices in school and family settings. We hope you will find this opportunity of value, look forward to the occasion, and look forward to seeing you there.    To attend, please RSVP by 13:00h on Wednesday, October 21st to katerina.popova@nova.edu.mk Respectfully, PRA Managing Board

Support the NOVA Hike for Hunger event

In honor of the World Hunger Day (October 16), the Red Cross Club from NOVA is organizing a Hike for hunger to Vodno mountain Sunday, 18th of October. The Hike starts at 9:45 am at City Square and the final destination is Sredno Vodno.The purpose of the hike is to raise awareness for world hunger issues and to gather funds for providing food and supplies to homeless individuals in Skopje (The Homeless shelter). All participants in the hike are welcomed to donate in order to support the purchase of these products and the cause of the hike. Info Flyer (Macedonian and English)

Week Without Walls 2016

Week Without Walls (WWW) is an inquiry based educational program that provides exciting opportunities for students to learn about the world through the eyes of an experiential learner, and to build relationships with one other. It is required for all students in grades 9, 10 and 11. On Friday, October 9th procedures, expectations and trip descriptions were posted online on the WWW website: weekwow.weebly.com Trip registration will commence on 16.Oct.2015 @ 6:00 pm and close 23.Oct.2015 @ 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. 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.

Middle School International Assembly 2015

Our Middle School students created games, dances, presentations and videos to celebrate International Days. Our main theme was that it’s both our cultural differences and our similarities that allow us all to become lifelong friends. After the two assemblies we gathered for a Chinese lunch. check out the photo gallery from the assembly here  

Kindergarten International Days 2015

Once we concluded that “we are different from our heads to our toes”, we read “The Crayon Box that Talked” by Shane DeRolf, making a classroom picture with our unique hand prints. Next, we explored our flags through coloring pages, based on number sense and numeration. We displayed the flags on the classroom garland. Mrs. Hilal Tarhan, introduced us to the famous Turkish cartoon character - Pepee. Also, she shared with us the game “Let’s go to the market”- popular among the kids in Turkey. At the end of her presentation, we enjoyed tasty “Gurabiya” cookies. Mrs. Khadija Durani showed us that we can use variety of materials for making different models. We made the Pakistani flag out of decorative, sparkling garlands. Also, we enjoyed Pakistani rice cooked with healthy vegetables.Mrs. Mila Cuzmici and Mrs. Mariana Sotchi warmed up the classroom atmosphere by sharing with us a vibrant dance from Moldova.  Also, each of us got one piece of “Martisor” bracelet from these dedicated ladies, who refreshed us with pumpkin and chocolate cookies at the end. Our classmate Cesar from Venezuela proudly shared with us the beauty of his country through a brief, child-friendly video.  His mommy Mrs. Bali Gonzales, a professional journalist, selected and compiled photos of rare animals, plants and beautiful sites, while Cesar accompanied the presentation with English narratives. Also, we tasted homemade “Empanadas” and “Arequipe”. How do you like the idea of having a piece of a crystal sea coast in your playgroundJ? This dream is a reality for our classmate Rade from Split, Croatia. He and his mommy brought this dream closer to us through making paper sailor hats, dancing and watching a fun video about the beauty of Croatia. In a single presentation, we had a chance to see almost all of the bodies of water in Croatia, such as the sea, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Also, we had a taste of Croatia. We tried “Bajadera” – the most famous Croatian chocolate brand, as well as delicious homemade cookies from Mrs. Perkovic’s oven. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Celebrating International Children's Week

 Inspired by the International Children's Week which is held annually during the first week of October, the association "Humanity Without Borders"  in collaboration with NOVA International Schools prepared over 500 handmade cards with best wishes, thoughts and positive messages in Macedonian, English and Albanian and distributed them among 500 sick children in local hospitals. The goal of the activity was to brighten up a sick child’s day, and to wish them a quick recuperation and days filled with good health and happiness, while celebrating the week dedicated to children worldwide!  For photos and text in Macedonian visit the following link: http://www.malidelanadobrina.mk/kartichki-so-ubavi-zhelbi-podeleni-za-detskata-nedela/  

NOVA ES International Day Performance

In celebration and honor of the more than 40 nationalities represented in our schools, NOVA ES International Day Performance 2015 has proven to be the most colorful and inspiring event. Students from all grade levels presented songs, folklore, as well as the traditional music and dance of countries from all over the world. Parents, teachers, and friends had an opportunity to enjoy wonderful demonstrations of French, Brazilian, Mexican, Macedonian, Dutch, Turkish, Polish, Irish, Italian, Russian and Korean tradition and culture performed by our students from Kindergarten through Grade 5. During the event, as the 17th Chopin International Competition will be held in Warsaw from October 1–23, 2015,  His Excellency, the Ambassador of Republic of Poland in Macedonia, Mr. Jacek Multanowski made a generous donation, providing a wealth of literary resources on Chopin, as well as music CD’s for NOVA Libraries. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Promotion of NOVA Writing Pearls, 2015 edition

Yesterday we were witnesses to the official promotion of our first NOVA Writing Pearls book. The book was inspired by students, written by students, dedicated to students, and published with the support of NOVA and the PTA. The book promotion took place in the HS Library in the presence of the young NOVA writers from the Middle and High Schools. After reading brief excerpts from the published short stories, the PTA Co-chairs awarded all the young authors, motivating these talented students to keep writing. At the end of this wonderful and inspiring evening NOVA Pearls Edition 2016 poster and open call was presented. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

NOVA acknowledges US Embassy for continued support

During the first Advisory Board meeting of the 2015-16 school year, Ms. Venera Novakovski, Head of School, presented a plaque to Mr. Charles Wintermeyer, one of the two US Embassy representatives on the board, as a token of the schools gratitude for the embassy's continuous involvement in improving campus security. The plaque will be placed in the Elementary and Middle School building and it reads: "NOVA International Schools wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the United States Department of State for their support in making NOVA a safer environment for its students and families. Our gratitude goes to the Regional Security Office and to the Embassy of the United States in Skopje for their financial support and expertise."

Donation Boxes for SOS Children Village

During the next two weeks we would like to support one young boy from the SOS Children Village. Finally his dream has come true and after a very long period of time, he has started living with his mother Mila. The one thing that is left to be provided is a dining table and chairs for Goran to have somewhere to eat and do his homework. You too can help and become a part of this story. Donation boxes have been placed in the HS cafeteria and at ES/MS security desk. Thank you for your support.

NOVA’s BrainoBrain classes begin

This week Nova students started their Abacus adventure. With big smiles on their faces, students warmly welcomed the new learning experience. During class in a fun loving atmosphere, the children were challenged through interesting and engaging activities and games in order to increase concentration, perform fast and accurate calculations, build confidence and self-esteem and much much more. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Elementary School International Performance

Celebration of World Habitat Day

As part of the celebration of World Habitat Day, NOVA International Schools  - in collaboration with Habitat Makedonija - organized a photography exhibition taken by HS students titled “Public Spaces For All”. In addition, students from the Debate club presented pros and cons on the topic “Should we prioritize the commercial interest of a free space, or give importance to the public interest by creating meaningful and enjoyable public space for the people?” Check out the photo gallery from the event here

World Habitat Day - exhibition of photography “Public spaces for all”

NOVA WRITING PEARLS

PTA’s donation for our soccer teams

We would like to thank the PTA for their continued support of NOVA’s athletic program. The PTA has kindly donated 15 footballs, intended for the High School and Middle School boys and girls football teams. The equipment will come in handy during practices, as well as regular PE class. Through their generous support, we have been able to enrich the curriculum and to offer a wider selection of athletic programs. We are confident that this is only one of the many activities that the PTA will support in the 2015-2016 academic year.

First Grade Dentist Visit

First graders visited the Dental Center "Karakamchev" and learned what they need to do to make their teeth happy and healthy. "Brush your teeth for three minutes," said Irena Handziska, the dentist who offered NOVA students a tip on measuring brushing time. "Put a song on the radio and brush until it ends," she advised our fascinated students. Check out the photo gallery from the visit here

Love, Fate & Hope

NOVA students shared inspirational quotes and messages to random strangers on several locations in Skopje as part of today's activity organized by malidelanadorbina.mk,. 300 messages were spread among people, the students and the pedestrians were really enjoying the activity. We shared some messages at NOVA and spread some positive vibe as well. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

First NOVA ALUMNI Networking Event

Just one year forward from the creation of our NOVA Alumni web page, Facebook page, and database, as well as after the interviews and an array of successful projects with generations of past students, we reached the moment of organizing the very first alumni gathering. This was a great opportunity to meet some of our alumni from the Class of 2000 through the Class of 2014 and to share all the opportunities for collaboration, including the formation of a NOVA Alumni Organization and the expansion our alumni database. It was a memorable evening for both alumni and the whole NOVA team that should be marked as the very first step towards even bigger cross-generational gatherings in the near future. If you would like to join with NOVA Alumni, please register at http://www.nova.edu.mk/alumni_in_action.aspx Check out the photo gallery from the event here

PTA Cocktail Hour and first General Assembly

The NOVA Parent – Teacher Association (PTA) sponsored Cocktail Hour and General Assembly took place yesterday. For two hours, in a convivial and vibrant atmosphere, our PTA Leadership shared information on the many PTA activities, donations and actions accomplished by all 3 committees during last school year. During the meeting a financial report on the 2014/15 year, together with the PTA 2015/2016 calendar, was presented. The first upcoming event will be the official book promotion of NOVA Writing Pearls, a collection of short essays written by NOVA students, scheduled for October 6th. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Fundraiser to support breast cancer awareness

The NOVA Teen Advisory Board, in collaboration with the NGO Borka, is organizing a fundraiser on Thursday and Friday in the Auditorium by selling Go Pink! mugs, bracelets and T-shirts . All of you interested in symbolically supporting the fight against breast cancer may join the Walk against Breast Cancer this Sunday, October 4th. The departure point is Phillip II Square.

The Health Science for NOVA Kindergarten

Although our Kindergarten Curriculum covers “Health Science” within a clearly defined unit, we see the gaining of the healthy habits as an ongoing process that should be consistently encouraged.  A healthy lifestyle is an essential aspect of NOVA values, not simply a maxim that we reiterate from time to time. Therefore, we integrate The Health Science by graphing, collecting data, and interpreting with numbers on our math classes. We read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, by Eric Carle during our reading time, following the healthy choices of the caterpillar using green, caterpillar-shaped pipe cleaners. Within our time purposed for crafts and creativity, we create healthy 'food' with Play-Doh. We conclude during our science class by showing that we understand the concepts, preparing balanced healthy dishes with pictures and applications. Cooperative learning, integration, exploration, and fun are the keywords for our success in NOVA. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Professional Learning Community @ NOVA

Starting from this September, each Friday, 2 - 4 pm is reserved for Teacher Professional Learning and collaboration. From the beginning of the school year teachers from all 3 divisions have been working on exploring curriculum by clarifying outcomes and diversifying instructional practices. The Vertical Alignment Between Middle School and High School will make the link between these divisions clear and explicit . Using the curriculum standards, all teachers are collaborating to produce a clear continuum that maps what is taught at each grade level from grade 6 through to grade 10. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Brainobrain at NOVA

BrainoBrain is a unique skill development program, developing the foundation skills for learning such as Memory, Visualization, Concentration, Listening Skills, Learning Ability, Creativity, Self Confidence, and Speed & Accuracy etc. Classes      For Children of age 5-15 Years      10 levels in total      Each Level takes 3-4 Months to complete      Class size is 6 to 10 students.      Classes take place after school from 15:00 until 17:00 in room 105      Classes will be taught by Ms. Marija Ilieska, Brainobrain instructor and NOVA 1st grade teacher      Classes meet once a week for two hours. Benefits      Inspires Creativity      Builds Confidence      Increases Concentration      Cultivates Inner Leadership      Enhances Focus       Improves Self-Esteem      Boosts Memory Retention      Sharpens Problem Solving Skills      Fosters Effective Communication Contact marija.ilieska@nova.edu.mk More info about the program http://www.brainobrain.com.mk/

HS Back 2 School Night

Yesterday, NOVA HS hosted the annual Back to School Night for parents from grade 9-12. This was an official occasion for the parents to meet all of the teachers of their children by following abbreviated A and B Day Classes at the beginning of this school year. It was also a chance for parents to briefly walk in the shoes of their children, and experience what a NOVA school day feels like. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

First PTA Morning Coffee Hour of the year

As with previous years, we will continue the tradition of hosting a Morning Coffee Hour every Tuesday at 8:00 - 9:00am. Today, the PTA hosted an hour of great connections with parents, sharing unique perspectives and learning more about important school issues - all over a hot cup of coffee in the Elementary & Middle School Cafeteria. The first guest was Mrs. Marija Ilievska, a grade one teacher and Brainobrain instructor, who talked more about the skills development program Brainobrain that will be offered to our students starting in October. Parents also had a chance to meet some of the PTA Managing Board members and Committee Coordinators and to find out how they can join in on the various activities and projects planned for the upcoming school year. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

PTA's Back to School Ice Cream Social

NOVA's PTA has organized an Ice Cream Social for all Kindergarten, Elementary & Middle School students, their families, and teachers. The PTA would like to wish a happy new school year and a warm welcome to all new and returning students and families in our NOVA community.  Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Back to School Ice Cream Social

CS / CL Fair at NOVA

Yesterday, our first Community Service & Community Learning Fair took place. Student volunteers presented their experience with the Community Service/Service Learning program, giving all High school students an opportunity to find out more about the new opportunities for the 2015/16 academic year. Check out the photo gallery from the fair here

Back to School Night

On Wednesday, September 16, the High School is hosting its Back to School Night event for parents. Students will follow shortened schedule on this day. Please find attached the timetable of classes.

Donations for refugees passing through Macedonia

Dear NOVA community, We are all facing an urgent call to help the thousands of men, women, and children who are displaced refugees passing through Macedonia. Starting this Monday, September 14th we will collect donations of winter clothes, canned/processed food, diapers and hygiene products. There will be designated areas in both EMS (at the front entrance) and HS buildings where you can leave the items during the day. All donations will be distributed to the immigrants at the Macedonian borders in the coming weeks. It is an important lesson for our students to think about others who are less fortunate and see how as a community we extend a helping hand. Kind regards, NOVA Administration

NOVA students at Giffoni Film Festival

This past summer, from July 17 until July 26, the largest children’s film festival in Europe, Giffoni International Film Festival took place in the little Italian town of Giffoni Valle Piana in Campania, Southern Italy, close to Salerno and Naples. Over 2,000 children attended the festival from 39 countries around the world. During the festival, these young cinema enthusiasts watch films, learn about the filmmaking process, and are called upon to judge and award the best submissions with prizes. This 39-year old festival has been impactful in the history of entertainment and culture. The festival has developed a impressive reputation not only in Italy, but internationally as well. Every year the festival attracts 100,000 guests, directors, producers, and movie stars. The Macedonian delegation was represented by our Minister of Culture, Ms. Kanceska – Milevska,  the Director of Macedonian film agency, Mr. Darko Basheski, the Ambassador of Italy in Macedonia, Mr. Bellelli and the Ambassador of Macedonia in Italy, Mr. Oliver Shambevski, as well as a select group of students and teachers from NOVA. The festival has been held in many different countries around the world with Poland, Argentina, Australia, Albania, China, Korea, India, Macedonia, and the United States having all hosted their own versions of the Giffoni Film Festival. Check out the photo gallery from the festival here .

After School Activities - Semester 1 (2015-16)

After School Activities - Semester 1 (2015-16)

Early Education Center (EEC) parent orientation

EEC teachers  met with parents and shared important school information to help them better prepare their children, our youngest NOVA students, for the start of the school year. Check out the photo gallery from the event here. .

PTA donation for Pre-K through 2nd grade students

For a great start of the new school year, the PTA donated resources intended to enrich the learning experience of our Early Education and Elementary School students. This is only the beginning of the PTA's continued support of our growing NOVA community. They’re already actively planning  many different fun activities, lectures and events for the upcoming  school year.   

Preparing for another successful SUPERNOVA season!

During the academic 2014/2015 SuperNOVA athletic teams won a total of 12 CEESA trophies(four 1st place trophies; five 2nd place trophies; one 3rd place trophy; two sportsmanship trophies) On top of our athletic achievements, the SuperNOVAs excelled in academic competitions bringing 1st and 3rd place trophies from the MS Knowledge Bowl event, 2nd and 4th place trophies from the HS Knowledge Bowl, a 1st place finish with the junior team at the HS Math competition; 3rd place trophies from both the team and individual competitions at the MS Math Counts, along with successful participation at the HS/MS Cross Country competition (first year), HOSIC conference and HS Robotics event. We are excited for the challenges the new season holds and hope to repeat and improve on our last year’s achievements. .  

Events and Performances in 2014 - 2015

As we prepare for the new, lets take a look at the year we’re leaving behind.

Preparations for the new school year

Teachers and staff are hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year. We look forward to welcoming old and new students in less than two weeks time.