BASIS International School Bangkok eNewsletter

Message from the Head of School

Dear All,

It has been a trying week with Covid in school – but we still stand tall!

Early Years – parents last week brought up the issue of lunches in EY. Whilst I suggested we would send out a questionnaire, we met with all staff who oversee our babes’ lunches and believe we have potentially arrived at a better compromise where the menu is concerned. Conceivably, we have an idea about the foods the majority of our little ones like to eat – and we will simplify the menu to suit tastes. If I could ask parents to be patient whilst we attempt this change, please!

Commencing after the next break – April 18^th, PreK classes will revert to the normal finishing time – that being 3.00 pm.

There is an inevitable impact from the foregoing. As such ECAs – will alter times: EY will have ECAs 3.10 – 3.40 pm; rest of the school will move to 3.50 – 4.35 pm from April 18^th!

NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 6^th APRIL!

Songkran festival – this be on Friday 8^th April! See more details in this newsletter.

Poor Grade 4 children arrived in school for a short time post a period of quarantine only to be impacted by another Covid scare. Please do undertake Covid tests the night before school rather than the morning of school as some of our babes travel a long way every morning.

If your children have any symptoms such as runny nose or sore throat please do not send them to school – as we are likely to have to send them back home at the very least!

I found this list of essentials every child needs! Affection, emotional support and understanding, education, rules, health care and consideration, good role models - combined these equal love!

Alan.

Important Changes to COVID-19 Protocols Beginning Today

Dear Parents,

Our school has vigilantly managed the Covid-19 threat and assiduously followed government guidelines since the beginning of the academic year. The Covid-19 virus has mutated, hence there have been ongoing changes with regard to government protocols. We are sorry that we have frequently contacted families to explain the changes – however, safety is the school’s first priority.

Thank you ALL so much for playing your part in keeping our school safe.

There is an official change to the Covid-19 protocols affecting the numbers of days for online learning days for children impacted by either suffering with or having been exposed to Covid-19, with effect from 1^st April 2022.

Please see the guidelines in the attached file as well as the Covid-19 protocols and also our guidance in establishing how a Covid-19 case in school impacts both their families and classmates.

Change of Early Year's Schedule from Monday, April 18th

After Songkran Break, our Early Years (PK1 and PK2) will revert to their originally scheduled dismissal times of 3:00 PM. An updated schedule for each early year's class will be sent out next week!

Change of ECA Schedule from Monday, April 18th

To align with the change to the Early Year's schedule, EY ECAs will run from 3:10 - 3:40 PM, and Primary ECAs will run from 3.50 - 4.35 PM, beginning April 18th.

Songkran Festival - April 8th, 2022

Save the Date! We will hold a school Songkran festival on Friday, April 8th, 2022. Due to the current covid situation, this will be an in-school event only. During the day, students will participate in a variety of activities such as Tak Baht, Water Blessings, Thai interactive learning workshops, Thai traditional sports, and outdoor Water Play. We encourage all of our students to wear Thai flowery costumes to celebrate Songkran on Friday, April 8th!

If a family wishes to collect their children early on this day, please be so kind as to notify the school by Thursday, April 7th so we can make the necessary arrangements. Thank you and happy Songkran!

A Note from the Dean of Students

Please remember that students should leave money, toys and electronics at home. The only items that should come to school are notebooks, pencil cases, water bottles and textbooks. It would be very helpful for parents to check backpacks to ensure that toys, money, and Pokemon cards are not coming to school. Please email Dean K if you have questions.

- Dean Kennedy

School ID Badges and Lanyards

Please ensure all students come to school with their school ID badges – if a child has lost it, please contact the school to re-issue a new one. Additionally, please kindly return any temporary school badges you may have at home back to the school. Thank you for your cooperation!