BASIS International School Bangkok eNewsletter

Message from Head of School & Head of Operations:

Ho Ho Ho! Christmas time is here and Santa was here in BISB!!!

We are sure you are all very excited to be heading on your holidays for this festive season. Your children deserve a well-earned break from study – they all have been superstars this semester. A particular highlight of the festive events happening at school today “Early Year Christmas Bazaar and Primary & Upper School Christmas Carousel” We are happy to see everyone with smiles, laughs and cheers. It was lovely to see our community coming together and celebrate this moment of harmony. We would like to thank you our students, teachers & staff as well as parents for your contributions to this event. A special thank you to our parent representatives from BISB Parent Association for extending their support and dedication to make our students feel happy and jolly.

An unforgettable highlight of this week was Early Years Swimming Gala. This event has shown the big bounding of our community and a great progress of our student’s swim skills. Our students are not only becoming a strong confident swimmer but students dive into the enhancing world of swimming and discover a range of incredible benefits that go beyond water! Thank you to our Swimming and PE team – coach Paul, coach Namita for making this happened.

We’re so proud of our students this semester as a school leadership team that all in EY, Primary and Upper School have very high expectations for all students’ s happiness, enjoyment, behavior and learning which enabling them to achieve the very best they can. In the next semester, we aim to help and prepare our students to be confident, independent and prepared for any challenges in the future as well as focus on our students’ s progress and attainment remind the focus of their efforts. We will continuously strive for students to access the best education at BASIS International School Bangkok.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of School

Message from Mr. Toby Walker:

Mr. Toby Walker is the Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools and has a close relationship with BASIS International School Bangkok. His role is to support and oversee all BASIS Independent Schools. He is a former Head of School and Teacher and has worked at multiple BASIS Curriculum Schools. He visits BISB regularly.

“I would like to begin by thanking the school community at BASIS International School Bangkok for being such gracious and accommodating hosts once again. I have made multiple visits from the USA recently, and every time I am struck by the hospitality and kindness that I encounter and receive. I am in an envious position of being able to see all BASIS Independent Schools, and I am always struck by the exceptionally high quality of instruction at BISB. The classrooms are dynamic and genuinely outstanding, with excellent teaching and of course, wonderful students.

On this past visit I spent time with students, teachers, and administrators across the grades at BISB. Of particular interest to me were three things: firstly to spend time with our new Head of School Dr. W – to discuss progress with him and see first-hand the direction that he is taking the school in, secondly to meet with the High School teachers and observe the Advanced Placement classes, and thirdly to spend quality time with Director Annie and the Early Years teachers and students.

As many of you have pointed out, Dr. W is a very professional and kind leader of the school. I am confident that his leadership and vision will bring continued success. He is active in classroom observations and I was very happy to see him following a ‘day in the life’ for some of our primary school students. At one point during that day I stopped him for a chat and he noted that he couldn’t talk for long as he would be late for classes! He and I were able to look at the data from the current parent survey, alongside Ms. Kwan, and we were all humbled by the feedback. As parents, your positive feedback validates the hard work and your suggestions are insightful and useful for us to identify areas for continual improvement.

One new development for our school this year is the offering of Advanced Placement (AP) classes that will prepare our Grade 9 students for Advanced Placement examinations this May in World History and in Physics 1. I was able to observe both of these classes as well as meet with the teachers Mr. Michael and Mr. Manuel. I have seen, spent time in, and indeed taught, a number of AP classes and I can state with certainty that these two teachers are doing an excellent job in preparing our students. The AP Examinations are taken by students all around the world and I know that our students will be well-prepared to demonstrate their content knowledge and apply their skills when it comes to the exams. Go tuskers!

Of course, success in the High School classes is built on the strong curriculum in the Middle School years and this is brought to life by our teachers. I am excited that our College Counsellor Ms. Kate, will be visiting the school in the new year to help support and guide all of our students and to meet with families to discuss academic planning and college readiness.

The Early years in many schools is a source of joy and inspiration – this is especially the case at BISB. Director Annie met with me and toured me around the EY classes. The students are focused on the material in class, following the BASIS curriculum, and doing so with smiles on their faces and real enthusiasm. I was so fortunate to join so many Early Years parents in watching the Winter Show: Snowman at the Sunset. I’m sure that all who saw it will have lasting memories and will feel very festive and Christmassy.

Thinking of events, I was able to attend two enjoyable celebrations during this trip. The Sports Teams Pot-Luck was both great fun and also an illustration of how the sports programs at the school are growing in engagement, membership, and success. It was delightful to see our student athletes unwinding and enjoying some food and company. I also joined the Staff and Faculty Christmas Party. Teachers and Administrators met together to enjoy time outside of school and to celebrate each other. Thank you to everyone who participated and made me feel so welcome. The school administrators always do such an amazing job in coordinating events for parents, staff, teachers, and students – they are such an impressive team!

As I head back to the USA to see my colleagues and family, I am already making plans for my next visit to BISB. The school is in its 5th year and although there is still much work to do, there is also a lot to be proud of. I hope that you all have a well-deserved winter break and I look forward to seeing you next year.”

Mr. Toby Walker
VP BASIS Independent Schools

BASIS EXPERIENCE (BE) 2024

Dear BASIS Families,

We are pleased to announce the launch of our BASIS Experiences (BE) 2024 program. The 2024 Summer Travel Program curates both educational immersion and travel with a special focus on the theme of “Making History”. This customized program is made possible through a special partnership between BASIS and WorldStrides, the United States largest and most trusted educational travel partner, serving over 450,000 students each year.

Our program is available to BASIS students who are currently enrolled in Grade 3 through Grade 9 as well as their friends or families with the above grade level. The 2024 Summer Program will immerse students in Natural History, Science and Technology and American Academic Life in Washington, D.C. and New York City. On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, students will explore some of the most incredible museums in the world, get up-close-and-personal with the iconic spotlights, and discover a natural center park while experiencing incomparable learning moments.

The program is unique in that it includes inspiring travel experiences, an integrated campus experience workshop, visits to some of the top universities in the world and a chance to visit our sister school, BASIS Manhattan. BASIS Experiences is fun, hands-on learning and an opportunity to exchange cultural experiences, knowledge and life-changing moments for our students. This will be a trip that your child will be talking about for years to come!

Travel Period & Total Charge:

28th June 2024 – 12th July 2024 (Inclusive of travel dates)
Experience Price range : USD 7,900 – 8,800 (Depending on the number of participants)
Group Flight Price (Round Trip) with school chaperones: Will be updating during information session

Remark: we open up the option of the flight for families who wish to arrange their own travel. If parents are not traveling with student, student must be taking the group flight with school chaperones.

Please find the detailed program enclosed for your kind reference and we would like to invite you to learn more at our information session on Monday, December 11th, 2023, at 8.30 – 10.00 am at Blackbox.

Please RSVP at the school LINE: @bisb or call 02-415-0099.

For a sneak peak, see the last year memorable BASIS Experience 2023:

Save the date for School Events and Academic Calendar:

Academic Calendar 2024-2025

Dear Families,

Below, please find the Academic Calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The academic year will commence on Tuesday, August 13th and close on Friday, June 13th. For more details, please check out the link below.

2024_25_BISB_Academic_Calendar_for_Newsletter.pdf

Academic Spotlight: Science

This week, we'll be taking a look into Mr. Piotr's Grade 4 & 5 science lab to view a little of what our student's have been exploring in the world of physics!

(For pictures of both of these activities, please see the "Photos of the Week" at the bottom of this newsletter!)

Investigating Lift with "V-Wing Gliders"

In this mini-lesson, students learned how airplanes fly—and why they can't fly to space! In the "V-Wing" Glider activity, students had the opportunity to build and launch their own paper airplanes. Based on their tests, they could adjust their designs to try to make them stay in the air longer.

Getting Hot with "Heat Spinners"

In that lesson, students explored how heat is another form of energy that can make things move. In the activity, Heat Spinner, students first made a paper Heat Spinner and observed how air could create movement. Then, students used their Heat Spinners to experiment with a heat source (an incandescent bulb) and discovered how heat energy could make the spinner move in different ways.

Early Years Newsletter:

Message from Director of Early Years:

Happy Holidays Early Years Families!

It has been a whirlwind of a celebratory week. We had a fantastic time participating in the Swimming Gala. I love the enthusiasm of the parents as much as the gusto with which the students swam.

Parent/teacher conferences have been a useful and collaborative way to connect around how the students are progressing and what is upcoming in our curriculum. If you have any additional questions that crop up, please reach out to your teachers. They are happy to speak with you and help arrange any needed resources.

Our Christmas Bazaar is such a sweet way to cap off 2023. These family events make my heart happy and I am looking forward to seeing you even more in trimester two and three.

Please take note that Nursery classes extend to 2:30pm upon our return. Nursery parents need to bring in napping bedding.

I hope you have a wonderful winter break and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Ms. Annie Fletcher

Director of Early Years

Primary, Middle & High School Newsletter:

Message from Dean of Primary:

Dear Students of BISB,

Please be sure that you are taking time over the holiday away from the screen! Exercise, read books, play board games, spend time with family and friends. It is important to not spend a lot of leisure time online and spending meaningful time engaging in healthy activities.

Let it be your goal over the holiday to read 20 minutes or more per day and spend 20 minutes or more practicing your math facts through Exact Path or Prodigy! Your brain will stay in great condition, and you will return from holiday feeling sharp.

We hope you have a joyful holiday with family in friends. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Season’s greetings,

Dean Selby

Dean of Primary School

Message from Dean of Upper School:

Dear Middle School Parents,

Last weekend our Middle-Schoolers travelled to Kanchanaburi with the Environmental Education Centre (EEC) to participate in this year's Residential Field Trip. There, they took part in a number of thrilling and educational activities related to the conservation and husbandry of wild and domestic Asian elephants; a very fitting topic for our young ‘Tuskers’.

Some of the activities included

Cross-grade level teambuilding activities
An information session about conservation efforts to save the Boeteng(Hua Deang) from extinction.
A nature-walk through the western forest of the Ourland conservation grounds.
A lab examination of elephant dung, determining the differences between wild and domestic elephant lifestyles.
A final project and presentation based on their research and understanding of the importance of elephant conservation and their role as ‘Keystone’ species in the local ecosystem.

We are pleased to inform you that our students behaved and participated exceptionally well, and all received a certificate signifying their completion of the 3-day workshop.

It was an exciting, valuable and highly educational experience for all the students. Please see below for the amazing photos from the 2023-2024 Residential Field Trip.

Dean Drew

Dean of Upper School

Library Corner:

Merry Christmas from BISB Library!

I want to thank everyone who attended my Christmas Storytime today and for all of your kind holiday goodies this week.

Additionally, I wanted to let you know that the library will be OPEN for 2 days next week!

Please stop by between the hours of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20^th and Thursday, December 21^st. I highly encourage students and parents to read over the winter holiday and I hope to see you in the library soon. 😊 Children are welcome to join you in the library, but please make sure they are supervised by an adult at all times.

Lastly, please note that the library will be CLOSED AFTER SCHOOL ONLY for a few days in January as I will be away for a library conference and personal reasons. The library will be open as normal for mornings hours and for student classes.

The days of after school closure are:

Tuesday, January 9^th 2024
Thursday, January 11^th 2024
Thursday, January 18^th 2024
Friday, January 19^th 2024

Thank you for understanding, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

As always happy reading,

Ms. Erika

Librarian

Update from Mandarin Department:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well.

As our journey with the Ancient Dancing Club is closed , I am thrilled to share with you a special video as well as many pictures attachments showcasing the beautiful journey our students have embarked on. This video captures their dedication and remarkable progress in learning and performing ancient Chinese dances.

ADG pictures

Ancient Chinese Dancing Club 1.mp4

Ancient Chinese Dancing Club(HD).MP4

As we look forward to the future, though we won't have any Ancient Dancing Club for next term but there will be a potential opportunity for our students to showcase their talents to the broader school community during the ECA Fair or Chinese New Year celebrations to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage they have embraced and honed over the past months.

Therefore, I kindly request your assistance in maintaining their costumes and accessories in good condition. These outfits are not just attire but a symbol of the cultural journey your children are a part of.

Thank you once again for your continual support and encouragement. It is with great pride and joy that we watch our students grow, not just in their dance skills but also in their appreciation and understanding of ancient Chinese culture. Please enjoy the video, and feel the rhythm and spirit of our club's journey!

Ms. Siling Lin

Mandarin Teacher

Christmas Caroling

Spelling Bee

The "Giving Tree" Project 2023:

Dear Families,

Thank you very much for your generous contribution in our “Giving Tree” Project. Your donation will be allocated to the following foundations;

Baan Fuengfah, Nonthaburi. The car will leave our school on Monday, December 18th at 9.00 A.M.
Baannokkamin Foundation. Their representatives will visit our school on Tuesday, December 19th at 10.00-10.30 A.M.

We cordially invite you on campus at the date and time mentioned above if you wish to take a photograph donating your items. Thank you again for your kind support.

Best Regards,

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Winter Camp is available - BASIS Winter Camp 2023 is now available for registration

Winter Camp is available - BASIS Winter Camp 2023 is now available for registration. The winter camps made available for all age from 3-12 years. Join us for a fun variety sets of activities for each camp and make this winter one to remember for your child and children. The camp is open to both BASIS and non-BASIS students.

Please see the detail below of each camp available

**Space is limited, and to register. For more detail, please contact school line @bisb or email at communication@basis.ac.th

Community News:

Nakornthon Minimarathon Cancer Run

Some of our BASIS families as well as faculty and staff participated in the Nakornthon Minimarathon Cancer Run which turn out to be a fun event!

Nakornthon Hospital sends their Thanks to the BASIS community for the enthusiasm and hope to join community’s events together with BASIS families again in the future. Thanks for the support on behalf of Cancer patients!

Additional Parking Space for Parents

We have additional parking space for our parents at the CLIX Office Building. It is located just right opposite our campus. Please present BASIS Car Sticker and use extra parking space at your convenience.