BASIS International School Bangkok eNewsletter

Message from the School:

Dear BASIS Families,

It’s been another fantastic week on campus!

Our Parents vs. Teachers Basketball Showdown was a blast! Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! We’re now gearing up for the Football Match next week on Wednesday, April 9. We can’t wait to see you all there, cheering on our parents and teachers!

Today, our talented young performers lit up the stage at the Primary School Got Talent! From singing and dancing to playing musical instruments and showcasing their creativity, our students truly shined. Congratulations to the winners and a big well done to all participants, keep shining and doing what you love! Stay tuned for the full photo album in next week's newsletter. And don’t miss the Upper School BASIS Got Talent next Thursday, April 10, it’s going to be just as exciting!

Next week, we are hosting one of the most anticipated events of the season, our Songkran Festival on Friday, April 11, 2025! We’ll start the day with a traditional Merit-Making Ceremony in the morning. Parents are warmly invited to join this special event with their child and are kindly asked to prepare food or snack packets for the nine monks who will be offering blessings.

To celebrate in style, we encourage students to wear festive Thai flowery costumes. For a safe and fun day, please also help your child pack the following items: swimsuit, sandals, towel, spare clothes, hat, and sunscreen.

Please note that water guns and water buckets are NOT PERMITTED. We appreciate your support in following this policy.

Lastly, a gentle reminder that there will be no ECA, Sports Academy training, Student Hours, or Optional Mandarin on Friday, April 11.

We’re so excited to celebrate Songkran together, see you next week!

Warm regards,
BASIS International School Bangkok

Save the date for School Events and Academic Calendar:

Disclaimer: Kindly note that event dates and times are subject to change. We encourage you to check the latest newsletter closer to the event for the most accurate information.

Reminder: Importance of Attendance and Adherence to the School Calendar

Dear Parents

We would like to remind all families of the importance of student attendance and adherence to the school calendar.

While we understand the significance of family time, we kindly request that all holiday plans be scheduled within the school breaks. Extending beyond these periods may impact your child’s academic progress, classroom continuity, and overall learning experience.

Regular attendance plays an important role in maintaining academic consistency and fostering responsibility. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that students are present and engaged throughout the school year.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Best regards,
BASIS International School Bangkok

Reminder: Upcoming Scholarship Application Deadline

This is a gentle reminder that the submission deadline for both the Talented TUSKERS Program and the TUSKERS Scholar Program is approaching on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

As we have announced via email on March 18, all required documents must be submitted in hard copy to Ms. Lyn, our Head of Operations, at the school reception by the stated deadline. Kindly note that no further amendments or additional materials will be accepted after this date.

We strongly encourage all eligible students to take this opportunity to be recognized for their exceptional talents, academic achievements, and contributions to the school community.

For further information or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Toby Walker at toby.walker@basisindependent.com or Ms. Lyn at w.chalermsrisiri@basis.ac.th.

We wish all applicants the very best!

BASIS ARTFINITY: The AP Art Experience

BASIS International School Bangkok proudly presents BASIS ARTFINITY: The AP Art Experience, a four-day celebration of creativity, performance, and education redefined—happening April 24–27, 2025 at Q Stadium, EmQuartier.

Experience powerful AP Art exhibitions, student-led performances, family-friendly workshops, and inspiring guest appearances, including renowned architect Jun Sekino and popular artist influencers. From interactive galleries to STEAM play stations and limited-edition student-designed merchandise, ARTFINITY brings together art, intellect, and innovation like never before. Join us and witness how BASIS students leave their mark through creativity and passion.

Save the dates and stay tuned for more details!

Doctor Talk "Protecting Your Child’s Smile: Essential Dental Care Tips"

We are pleased to invite TUSKERS families to join the doctor talk "Protecting Your Child’s Smile: Essential Dental Care Tips" by Dr. Kullanan Pansrimongkorn from Nakornthon Hospital on April 9, 2025, at 8:30-10:00 AM at the MPR.

Special offer for attendees who register in advance: Choose one of the following:

Fluoride coating voucher for kids (valued at 1,350 baht)
i-Tero 3D scan with teeth alignment plan consultation by dentist for kids (valued at 10,350 baht)

Register here! https://forms.gle/KZfR1o4Ux2xaKg3T9

Early Years Newsletter

Dear Early Years Families,

Last week's earthquake tested our resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure. I am incredibly proud of how well the children followed their teachers' and nannies' instructions. They stayed quiet and composed as we evacuated and held our positions without difficulty.

In reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of the words of my hero, Mr. Rogers: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’" If your child has questions or concerns, please encourage them to look for the helpers. In our BASIS curriculum, we have studied community helpers, so they will recognize those who are there to keep them safe.

A big congratulations to our kindergarteners who competed in the swim meet last Saturday! It was an honor to present ribbons poolside, and I couldn’t be prouder of the grit and determination these young swimmers displayed.

Be Kind, Be Well, Be Strong.

Sincerely,
Ms. Annie

College Counseling Corner

Greetings BISB Community,

Welcome to the College Corner, a snapshot of the College Counseling process at BASIS International School Bangkok.

This week, Grade 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to hear from Eloise Hyman, Deputy Director of International Admissions at The University of Chicago. She shared valuable insights into UChicago’s admissions process and debunked some common myths about university applications. With experience reading over 100,000 applications, Eloise is an expert in the field.

Here are some highlights from her presentation:

Did you know that the University of Chicago and BASIS Network schools share a lot in common? Both offer rigorous liberal arts education and take pride in our core curricula. We also attract driven students who are eager to explore all aspects of learning.

UChicago is known for its rigorous academics, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to question assumptions, explore diverse fields of study, and engage in challenging coursework.
Eloise highlighted UChicago’s renowned Core Curriculum, which requires students to take courses across disciplines including humanities, sciences, social sciences, and quantitative reasoning. This ensures that all students receive a well-rounded education, regardless of their major. Sound familiar?
UChicago is a leading research institution, offering numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students. From collaborating with faculty on cutting-edge projects to engaging in independent research initiatives, the university emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity, leadership, creativity, and passion. Essays and personal statements are key in helping admissions officers understand a student's unique perspective and interests.
UChicago boasts a strong track record of graduate success, with many alumni pursuing influential careers in business, law, medicine, the arts, and public service.

Even if students are not interested in UChicago as their future university, there’s still much to learn about the types of programs that may appeal to them. During the talk, Eloise addressed myths like the idea that students must be perfect or involved in numerous extracurricular activities to be admitted into top universities. She emphasized that there’s no checklist for university admissions, nor one path to success. Her advice? Students should focus on becoming the best version of themselves and find a university that aligns with their goals and values. Trust the experts—admissions representatives and college counselors—rather than relying on advice from the internet.

Best,
Ms. Kate

NHS and NJHS News

NHS and NJHS have been very busy this week baking and preparing for their Annual Songkran Fundraiser. Sales begin next week!

PE Corner

Dear TUSKERS Parents,

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the year!

March was truly a spectacular month for our athletes, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm you’ve helped nurture. The BASIS Swim Meet, along with badminton, basketball, football, and golf competitions, were a resounding success. Our BASIS TUSKERS Teams proudly claimed the top spots at the BASIS Swim Meet, with 2nd and 3rd place finishes across multiple sports. We are especially proud of our students who became the U12 Golf Champion! These incredible achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, coaches, and, of course, your continuous encouragement.

As we step into April, we're excited for the upcoming events that will showcase even more of our students' talent and spirit. Here’s a glimpse of what's ahead:

3 April: U9 Mixed A and B Basketball Competition at BASIS with DPrep International school from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
5 April: U9 Mixed and U13-15 Girls BISAL Basketball Tournament at BASIS from 8:00 to 11:00 AM
7 April: U11 Badminton Boys and Girls at BASIS with DPrep International School from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
21 April: Rescheduled U9 Badminton Competition from 31 March with RIS at BASIS from 4:00 to 5:30 PM
23 April: BISAL U15 Football Super League at BASIS with TSI from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
25 April: BISAL U15 Football Super League at BASIS with Anglo 64 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
28 April: U13 Badminton Boys and Girls at BASIS with DPrep International School from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
30 April: BISAL U15 Football Super League at BASIS with RAIS from 4:00 to 5:00 PM

These events are a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Your support is what allows our students to thrive, push their limits, and achieve greatness. We couldn’t be more grateful for your trust and belief in the mission of BASIS.

Once a TUSKERS, always a TUSKERS!

Thank you for everything you do!

Best regards,
Namita Sinha
Director of Sports and Auxiliary Programs

March Swim Spotlight

Artistic Team Work!

This month, our TUSKERS are wrapping up their Artistic Swimming unit. They are being assessed on team work, bilateral, vertical, and horizontal movements, applying planes of motion to execute individual techniques. These movements which rely on team planning, correct posture, breathing and timing. These are then incorporated into team formations, preparing our students for their final group performance after Songkran.

TUSKERS Swim Team Captains and Student Coaches

The TUSKERS swim team is proud to announce our Team Captains and Student Coaches. Congratulations to Yo-I and Praan as we celebrate their leadership skills and contributions to the team's success moving forward!

Also, a huge shout out to the Early Years swimmers who participated in our BASIS Swim Meet. Proud and emotional moments for everyone!

Go TUSKERS!!!

Coach Paul,
Head of Aquatics

Library Corner

Hello from BISB Library!

This month the library is focusing on the most beautiful planet in the galaxy – Earth! Earth Day 2025 is celebrated every year on April 22^nd, a Tuesday this year, and serves as a day of awareness, discussion, and collective responsibility. Earth Day asks us to consider and change our everyday actions and energy uses, as they impact our planet and the future. For Early Years students we read Dear Little One by Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon. This story is written as a person letter from “Mother Nature” to the reader and it explains the different types of life, habitats, and resources on our planet. This connects to what EY students are currently learning in the classroom with mini-beasts and habitats. Students especially loved the illustrations! For students in Primary, we read Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty and David Litchfield. McAnulty’s planets series is always a student favorite and this story, told from Earth’s perspective, explains in an accessible way the human impact on our planet and the effects of climate change. Students not only enjoyed the story, but also shared great ideas on how they can make small changes every day to help care for our planet.

Next week, in connection to the Songkran festivities, we will talk about the importance of water and water habitats.

Additionally, as an illustration of collective and community efforts, the library is working with students and teachers across the whole school to create this month’s Earth Day display. This display honors the story of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, which represents the danger of deforestation and human interruption in nature. Students of all grade levels have been reading and watching The Lorax and creating their own unique Trufulla Trees to add to the display! Some students have written their own ideas on the trees for how we can help the environment, and I must say it is coming together beautifully. Stop by the library during normal before/after school hours to see this wonderful community-made display and to create and add your own!

On another note, I wanted to send a reminder regarding submissions for BISB’s literary magazine, The Lotus Pond. The last day for submissions is Friday, May 2^nd. Students can submit any type of works including poetry, art, photography, short stories, comics, and creative essays. Please email me with submissions or questions at any time.

Lastly, please see upcoming library closures for the month of April:

Friday, April 11^th – CLOSED for Songkran festivities
Monday, April 28^th to Wednesday, April 30^th – CLOSED

Thank you and happy reading,

Ms. Erika
Librarian

Grade 6 Performance Project: The Ramakien 2025

The performance "Ramakien 2025" is the final project of Grade 6 students in their study of the Ramakien literature, specifically the episode "Narayana Defeats Nonthok” This project is part of their Thai Language and Culture class.

Students have learned how to compose poetic drama scripts, analyze the original storyline of "Narayana Defeats Nonthok” and used their creativity to reimagine the story in a 2025 version. Additionally, they analyzed the personalities of the characters, which were used to design Khon masks and helped them cast roles that best fit.

Despite having only one day of rehearsal before the actual performance, our students delivered an outstanding and impressive show! Well done TUSKERS!

We are also excited to share that our Grade 6 students will be performing "Ramakien 2025" for the public at our upcoming event, ARTFINITY: The AP Art Experience at the Q Stadium, EmQuartier, this late April! Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the show. Stay tuned for more details!

ECA Reminder:

No ECA classes on Friday, April 11, 2025
No ECA classes on Wednesday, April 30^,2025
Parent Observation Semester 2 week: April 21 – 25, 2025

ECA Highlight

Good News – Second Round Now Open!

Thank you for your incredible support for “THIS MURDER WAS STAGED”, student drama production! Our first round of the show is fully booked, so we’re thrilled to announce a second round on May 2nd!

Date: Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Black Box

🕵🏻‍♂️Play Synopsis:

It's the opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play's director falls onstage instead. At that moment, the theater becomes an active crime scene, and everyone—from cast to crew to even the audience—becomes a suspect.

We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm around this production and would love for more of you to experience this thrilling and entertaining performance.

🎟 Tickets are available at the school reception

Zone A – THB 200
Zone B – THB 300
VIP Box – THB 5,000 (Limited to 2 VIP boxes ONLY!)

By supporting this event, you’re also making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Community Children Foundation (CCF) under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Hope to see you there!

Experience VIP Mystery & Comfort! Only 2 VIP Boxes Available!

Step into the mystery with the best seats in the house! Our exclusive VIP Box offers:

Popcorn
Non-alcoholic drinks
Exclusive “Meet the Cast”
Signed Playbook
“The Murder Was Staged” Poster
Private box seating for 6 guests

THB 5,000 per box – and we only have 2 VIP boxes available!

🔎 Book now before they’re gone!

Support Student Theater – Become a Sponsor!

BASIS Bangkok’s first-ever student drama production is looking for sponsors! Your name & contributions will be featured in our official playbook, seen by students, parents, and the community.

Sponsorship Benefits:

Your name/logo in the playbook (Both Physical and Digital Copies)
Special mention during the event
Be part of an educational & artistic milestone!

Contact us today and support young talent in the arts!

Kindly confirm your sponsorship by Friday, March 7^th, 2025.

Well-being Corner:

Dear TUSKERS Families,

It is with immense excitement that we announce our upcoming "Parents Series," an engaging and comprehensive program designed to address a myriad of topics pertinent to parents throughout their journey. This event will be hosted in the Black Box, featuring Dr. Golf and a distinguished guest host for our final session.

Our series will commence in September with a compelling session on "Effective Communication with Teens," followed by a diverse range of topics each month. Please refer to the attached poster for a detailed schedule of this year’s topics.

We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to seeing you there!

Join our BASIS Community Sports Activities!

We invite all parents, students, family members, faculty, and staff to join our fun Community Sports Activities.

Here’s the schedule:

• Tuesday: Badminton (5:30 - 7:30 PM)
• Wednesday: Football (5:30 - 7:00 PM)
• Thursday: Badminton & Basketball (5:30 - 7:30 PM)

Just bring a water bottle, and if you’re playing badminton, don’t forget your racket! No reservations needed, but please sign in at reception if it’s your first time using the facilities this year.

Students aged 14 and up can join without parents but must also submit the form at reception.

We hope to see you there!