At International School Suva, the well-being of our students is our top priority. We believe that a healthy mind and body are essential for academic success and personal growth. Our comprehensive wellness services are designed to support the physical, emotional, and mental health of our students, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all. Our medical and counselling teams, like the gentle waves within the reef, provide constant support and expert care.
Medical Services: Your Child’s Health, Our Priority
Our medical services are dedicated to providing high-quality medical care to our students. The services we offer include:
Experienced Professionals: We have a full-time doctor and part-time nurse who are ready to address any medical concerns.
On-Site Clinic: Our fully-equipped clinic has an examination room and sick bay which are ready to address any health concerns.
Routine Health Checks: We schedule health checks with the Ministry of Health – School Teams for our reception, Year 1, Year 5, & Year 6 classes to align with vaccination schedules.
Immunizations: We administer vaccinations in line with local and international health guidelines through the Ministry of Health and local GP clinics.
Allergen Checks & Support: We support families with advice and support on allergens and work closely with the canteen services to ensure that there are healthy and safe options available for all users
Illness and Injury Treatment: We provide effective care for common illnesses and injuries.
Emergency Care: We provide direct response and first aid for medical emergencies, with protocols in place for swift transfer to local hospitals if needed.
Health Education: We run informative sessions as part of our Parent Enrichment Program Talks (PEP Talks) on various health topics to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
External Healthcare Providers Guidance: Our medical team works closely with local healthcare providers to ensure that students have access to comprehensive medical care when necessary.
Student Medical Profiles: We maintain detailed health records for each student, ensuring personalised and confidential care.
Applied Learning Camp Support: Our nurse accompanies our in-country applied learning camps and trips
We request that you work with us to ensure the following:
- Student Medical Form Completion: When your child starts at ISS, you will be required to complete emergency contacts in their Student Medical Forms. Please return them promptly with all medical information provided. It is of utmost importance that the school is made aware of any condition your child has and any medication they are receiving. This will affect how they are treated in the case of an emergency.
- Immunizations: Every effort should be made to have your child’s vaccinations up to date prior to them starting at ISS. Students are currently vaccinated by the Fiji Ministry of Health Nurses for Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria and Tetanus in Year Reception and Year 5, with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Year 7 (girls only). The annual visits are carried out by the School Teams from our local Health Centre – Valelevu and the Suva Health Office. Consent forms are sent out from our ISS medical team to Parents/Guardians for consent for immunizations to be administered at school.
- Medication Administration Registration (MAR Forms): Students are not permitted to carry medicine with them under any circumstances. If your child needs medication at school, please hand it in to the Health Office where it will be stored safely. The medication needs to be clearly labelled with the students name and date of birth. You will be required to sign a consent form (MAR Form) for the medicine OR if prescription medication is required, the form will need to be completed by your GP and your child will be required to come to the Health Office at the appropriate time to receive it. For an existing condition such as an inhaler for asthma, insulin for diabetes or an Epi-pen for anaphylaxis you must provide the Health Office with the medicine your child needs whilst at school along with appropriate action plans and medication administration record form. Medicine will not be returned to a student under any circumstances; it must be collected by the parent / guardian.
- Illness Prevention: To concentrate and function effectively at school, good health is one of the most important aspects. It is therefore important that if your child is unwell, they should rest at home and recuperate fully before returning to school. This is also to reduce cross infection to other students and the staff. The School Nurse will send a student home if they are unwell or considered to be infectious.
- Sun care & hydration: Skin cancer is a serious concern, especially in Fiji where the sun shines almost everyday. Also, heat exhaustion and dehydration is a potential problem and steps must be taken to prevent it. It is advised that students wear a hat outside. A cap style or full hat are both available at the Uniform Shop. In some areas of the playground, students must wear a hat to play. We encourage you to apply a factor 30+ sunscreen lotion to your child’s skin before school, especially on P.H.E. days and for school outings. Older students can carry a tub of sunscreen in their school bags to apply as needed. Students are encouraged to drink water regularly and drinking water is available at numerous points around the school. All school water is filtered. During the warmer months, students are encouraged to remain in shaded areas and to keep cool preventing exhaustion and dehydration
- Share Concerns & Developments: If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child at our school, please feel free to come and speak to our Medical team. Please also let the medical team know if there are any new medical needs, changes, or developments in relation to your children.
- Ensure Updated Contact Details: Please ensure that any change of contact details are shared with the admissions and medical teams.
Counselling Services: A healthy mind in a healthy body
The International School Suva (ISS) Counselling Programme is delivered by qualified counsellors. Our dedicated team is here to address any concerns that might impact a student’s learning experience and provide valuable assistance with both developmental and situational challenges.
Through personalised counselling sessions, group activities, and tailored resources, our dedicated counsellors empower students to navigate challenges, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a positive mindset for academic and personal growth. At our school, we prioritise the holistic well-being of each student, ensuring they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, embodying the values and attributes of the ISS schoolwide learner outcomes. In general our counsellors provide:
- Personal Counselling: Our counselling programme is designed to serve and assist the unique needs of students and their families. Our counsellors not only support students with their social and emotional well-being but also facilitate communication between teachers and parents. This ensures that each student has the necessary resources for success. School counselling addresses issues that might impact learning and helps students with various challenges they may face.
- Group Counselling: We host support groups for students to share experiences and build resilience in a safe, peer-supported environment.
- Crisis Intervention: We provide immediate support for students experiencing acute emotional distress or crisis situations.
- Workshops and Seminars: Educational programs on topics such as stress management, healthy relationships, and mindfulness practices.
- Parental Support: We provide bespoke guidance and resources for parents to help them support their children’s emotional and mental health effectively. We also run informative sessions as part of our Parent Enrichment Program Talks (PEP Talks) on various mental health topics.
- Developmentally Appropriate Support: We provide developmentally appropriate support at the primary and secondary schools.
Primary School Counsellor
The goal of the primary school’s counsellor is to support your child emotionally and socially in all aspects of the school environment. The counsellor sees students individually, in small groups, in the classroom, and in informal settings such as the playground and lunch areas. The school counsellor assists students with issues such as:
- Transitioning in and out of ISS
- Emotional intelligence, self-regulation
- Anger and stress management
- Building self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Creative problem solving
- Facilitating engaging lunch time clubs that promote social awareness, friendship and empathy
- Traumatic events (grief & loss)
- Restorative justice approaches
- Behaviour management
- Develop and deliver social and emotional lessons
- Body Safety Education
Individual meetings requested by parents or teachers regarding a student can be scheduled and periodic parent talks are offered throughout the school year.
Secondary School Counsellor
In secondary, we are acutely aware that our students are on their own individual journeys experiencing growth, frustration, promise, disappointment, hardships, excitement and hope. During these years, our counsellor is dedicated to help facilitate a smooth path for our students providing them with tools to tackle the rough currents of adolescence and achieve success. The secondary counsellor assists students with issues such as:
- Transitioning in and out of ISS
- Social or peer relationship issues
- Emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, or stress
- Harassment situations
- Family conflicts or changes (e.g., divorce, relocation etc)
- Identity exploration and self-esteem issues
- Time management and organisational skills development
- Behaviour and emotional regulation
- Grief and loss counselling
- Conflict resolution and anger management
- Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Sexual health education and support
Students requiring on-going counselling/therapy are referred to outside professionals in Fiji and abroad. The counselling team looks at ways to meet you and your family’s needs regarding the holistic well-being and development of your child.
A Holistic Approach to Student Wellness
International School Suva is committed to fostering a holistic approach to student wellness. We are inspired by the Fijian principles of Bula (life and good health) and Vanua (connection to the land and community). These values are woven into our wellness programs, creating an environment where students feel connected, respected, and valued. Our medical and counselling services ensure that each student receives the care and support they need to thrive physically and psychologically.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our wellness team, please contact us at counselling@iss.school.fj / medical@iss.school.fj Your well-being is our priority. Let’s work together to create a healthier & happier school community.