BASIS International School Bangkok eNewsletter

Message from Head of School & Head of Operations:

Dear TUSKERS's families,

It was wonderful to see students back in campus this week at the start of Semester 2. This makes our school cheerfully positive and great to see the bonding among students, teachers and school staff and yet setting back to school routines.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our warm welcome to our new BISB families and students who joined in this week. We appreciate your collaboration in preparing your child to start school and your children have made an amazing start with the support from our teachers and their peers.

Thank you for attending our ECA Fairs and we had a great turn out with a lot of registrations. For those that has not signed up, please remember to sign up before Wednesday, January 24^th 2024. More details on ECA and registrations is under ECA Corner below.

Few important reminders this week to ensure the smoothest transition for this 2^nd Semester:

If your child feels unwell please keep your child at home. This is self-responsibility to keep our school community safe.
The Pollution Control Department has declared the start of the smog season, and the AQI of PM2.5 is on the rise. Although wearing masks in school is no longer mandatory, we highly recommend any student in a sensitive group to wear a mask to minimize health effects. Please note that we always reassure that our students are safe during lunch and recess for a high level of AQI day with adult monitoring outside, the AQI detecting device, and the AQI flag notification system in school.
Please be reminded for BASIS Photos Week which will start from Monday, 15th January to Friday, 19th January. Students are requested to wear their BASIS polo shirts for their class and individual photos. Refer below for the schedule and more information.

Thank you and have a great weekend. See you all back next Monday.

Best regards,

Dr. W. and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Save the date for School Events and Academic Calendar:

PHOTOS WEEK

Dear BASIS Families,

School photos are scheduled for January 15th-19th, 2024 in school for our students. Parents are invited to book a time slot for family photos, please see the time below;

Family Photo Schedule:
Monday 15th to Friday 19th January 2024:

Morning session: at 07.00 – 08.00 A.M.
Afternoon session: at 4:00- 5.00 P.M.
Additional session: at 2.45 – 4.00 P.M. on Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th.

Important Note: For Family photos, reservation is required and first come first serves. Please call the front office at +66 2 415 0099 (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM) or send a request through school Line at @bisb to reserve a time.

What to wear for students on their photo day:
Students are requested to wear their BASIS polo shirts for their class and individual photos (Gray color shirt for EY, Blue color shirt for G.1-8, and White color shirt for G.9). Please see below for the 2023-24 Photo Day Schedule to see which day your child will have their photo taken.

The "Giving Tree" Project

Dear BASIS community

Thank you very much for your support on “The Giving Tree Project” with all the gifts that have been brought to school over the 3 weeks. Baan Nokkhamin had come to collect the gifts on Tuesday 19th December at 14.30 hrs.

Kind Regards,

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Please Welcome Our Newest Tusker Teacher!

Dear Families,

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome the newest member of the TUSKERS teaching team! Mr. Ervin Latinscics hails from New Jersey, USA and earned his teacher certification from Eastern Connecticut State University. He taught mathematics and science for 10 years at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory school in Oregon, USA before moving abroad to become an international teacher in 2015. Since then, he has taught mathematics at Singapore International School in Bangkok, CIA International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Singapore International School in Yangon, Myanmar. Mr. Erv now brings his nearly-20 years teaching experience to the BISB community for our 5^th to 7^th grade mathematics students.

I'm pleased to share a short hello message from Mr. Erv below:

"Hi Everybody! I've been here for a week, and I'm very impressed by the kindness of the staff and the participation of the students. I'm looking forward to having a great year with you all."

Sincereley,

Mr. Ervin Latinscics

Subject Expert Teacher, Math 5 - 7

Please join us in making Mr. Erv feel welcome and a cherished member of the BISB family!

Warm Regards,

Mr. Josh

Director of Academic Programs

College Counselor Corner

Message from Ms. Kate Irving, College Counselor:

Happy New Year BISB Community,

Welcome 2024! This year proves to be very exciting for the BASIS College Counseling program. Here at BASIS Independent McLean, our seniors are starting to receive decisions from universities, and most have already celebrated at least one acceptance. Universities will continue to release their decisions through April, and these next few months are full of excitement and anticipation for our seniors. As for the BASIS Intenational School Bangkok campus, I am continuing to connect to Grade 8 and 9 students through our Cialfo platform, making connections with university representatives and introducing them to our Bangkok campus, and planning my March visit to campus. Summer 2024 also marks my family's move to Bangkok and the start of my full-time role as your College Counselor.

Here is to an adventurous and rewarding 2024!

Ms. Kate Irving
College Counselor

High School Pathways & College Admissions Information Session

Dear 8^th & 9^th Grade Families,

Our esteemed college counseling team would like to invite you to a special parent information session “High School Pathways & College Application Portfolios” on Thursday, February 1^st at 8:30 AM in the Blackbox theater. The session will be hosted by Dr. Nat and myself, with Ms. Kate Irving joining live via conference link from the United States.

In this session, the college counseling team will share a sample of BISB high school course progressions tailored toward specific university programs, both in Thailand and abroad. We will discuss AP class selections, lab science options, elective coursework, and extracurricular opportunities designed to prepare your child for the best higher education programs globally. Dr. Nat will offer her experience in shaping these experiences into impactful Student Portfolios used by Thai universities to sort their preferred candidates, while Ms. Kate will explain how each of these items are incorporated into the college admissions systems used in the United States and elsewhere.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Blackbox theater for this important session.

Warm Regards,

Josh Levenson

Director of Academic Programs

A Note on Literacy & Math Extentions

Dear Families,

In the first semester of this academic year, we trialed a new form of after-school academic programming known as Literacy and Math Extensions. After thoughtful deliberation, it has been decided to discontinue the program in its current form in favor of additional extension opportunities during appropriate times within the academic day. More information about future extension programming will be shared at a later date, so please watch this space for further communication in the coming weeks.

Warm Regards,

Mr. Josh

Director of Academic Programs

NJHS Induction Ceremony

We were so proud to hold our second BISB National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) induction ceremony. This time-honored tradition is kept by NJHS chapters around the world to officially recognize new members. Thank you to all of the family and friends of our NJHS members who attended the induction ceremony, and congratulations to all of our new members. We look forward to seeing your continued efforts and contributions to our TUSKERS community.

New members joining NJHS:

Peeravich Thitayanun (Jiban, 8V)
Naparuethai Anuwatmatee (Milin, 7Ga)
Pitchabha Songatigamas (Plern, 7Ga)
Kierna Megan Vongkitbuncha (Meg, 7Ga)
Punrada Wedsart (Punpun, 7Ga)
Phopdham Yodkraisri (Punn, 7Ga)

Early Years Newsletter

Message from Director of Early Years:

Hello Families and Welcome Back!

What a wonderful week it has been getting to know our new students and reconnect with all those returning from Winter Break. I hope your break brought you some sweet family time and new memories were made.

You will see updated grade level newsletters on Fridays. Be sure and check that content for snapshots of what has been studied this week and upcoming events.

We have new play structures in Early Years! The teachers and I have created common rules of play and safety for the structures and students will be introduced to them this week and next. So, if your child comes home talking about climbing through a tunnel or balancing on wooden blocks, they are likely referring to our new equipment.

As a reminder our dismissal times now include a longer day for nursery. Having had the blessing of teaching in the nursery classroom this week, I can tell you, the students have adjusted to the change very well.

Ms. Annie Fletcher

Director of Early Years

Primary, Middle & High School Newsletter

Message from Dean of Upper School: Pre-comp study tips

Dear Parents, as we are just a few short weeks away from the middle school pre-Comprehensive exams, I would like to share with you our top tips and advice for the ways you can help your child to best prepare for this challenging and sometimes stressful period.

1. Create a Study Schedule: Help your child create a study schedule that breaks down study sessions into manageable chunks. Encourage them to study a little each day leading up to the exams rather than cramming. Planning at least 7-10 days in advance can drastically help to reduce stress. Below is a simple example of what a study schedule may look like.

2. Provide a Quiet and Organized Study Space: Ensure your child has a quiet and clutter-free place to study where they can focus without distractions. Removing all phones and devices for a period each day can be beneficial for your child’s focus and self-discipline.

3. Encourage Active Learning: Encourage your child to engage actively with the material. This can include summarizing notes, creating flashcards, or teaching the material to someone else, such as a family member. This is a far more effective way of revising than simply re-reading one’s notes or a textbook.

4. Encourage Breaks: Remind your child to take short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Breaks can help improve concentration and retention.

5. Be Supportive and Positive: Offer words of encouragement and support. Let your child know that you believe in their abilities and that their best effort is what matters most.

If you would like further guidance on how to support your child during exam period, please reach out to myself for general concerns or your teacher’s SETs for subject-specific support.

Best wishes

Dean Drew

Dean of Upper School

ECA Corner

Dear moms and dads,

First of all, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your participation in the recent ECA fair held on Wednesday 10^th; We are grateful for your time and hope you received the necessary information.

Second, please be informed that our ECA registration will be closed on Wednesday, January 24^th at 3:00 p.m. promptly. We encourage you to register your child for ECA at your earliest convenience, as it offers limited seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

Symphony Essential (Private Class) - Violin or Viola

Available 2 seats for Primary and Above: 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. (2 seats)

Symphony Essential (Private Class) - Cello

Available 1 seat for Early Years: 3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

If you are interested in registering for afterschool activities, please see the ECA catalog below for your reference:

S2_ECA_Catalog_2023_2024_1_.pdf

Third, we ensure the most benefits our students will receive from taking ECA class. We consolidated 2 weeks that parents can come into your child class to observe, thus parents can look and feel what your child is learning in each class, which has 2 times in Semester 2, as follows:

March ,11^th – 15^th 2024
May, 27^th – 31^st 2024

Please see the updated ECA calendar below:

If you need any assistance with regard to the clipboard application, ECA payment, or ECA classes, Ms. Tasha will be at your service in the room in front of the front desk from 7:15 – 9:00 a.m. and after school from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. from Monday, 15th to Friday, 19th next week. Should you have any inquiries, concerns, or need online assistance, please feel free to reach out to the ECA team via email at ECA@basis.ac.th

Best wishes,

ECA Team

Ignite Your Passion Oppotunity:

P.E. Corner

Dear TUSKERS Families

PE Department wishes you and your family A Very Happy New Year 2024!!

We extend warm greetings to you and your family as we embark on another exciting semester for our budding athletes. Welcome back to a period where our young talents are poised to shine brightly in the realm of sports.

Reflecting on our achievements in Semester 1, where we focused on establishing TUSKERS Sports Teams across various disciplines and initiated numerous competitions, Semester 2 will delve deeper into team dynamics with a dedicated emphasis on strategic team training.

The TUSKERS Sports Academies are set to kick off on January 15, 2024. Please prepare your child according to the schedule provided below:

BADMINTON: MIXED Grades - Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

BASKETBALL: U9-U11 Boys & Girls - Monday - 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

- Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

U13 – U15 Boys & Girls - Wednesday - 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

- Friday - 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

FOOTBALL: U9 – Mixed - Tuesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

- Thursday 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

U11 – Boys - Tuesday 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

- Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

U13-U15 Boys - Monday 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

- Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

GOLF: MIXED Grades - Monday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

- Friday - 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SWIMMING: MIXED Grades - Monday to Friday 6:45 am to 7:45 am

TENNIS: MIXED Grades - Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Our Sports Competitions Calendar has been prepared and will be shared monthly so that you can mark your calendars for upcoming events.

For January 2024, please refer to the Sports Competition Calendar:

11 January 2024: U15 Boys Basketball at BASIS
13 January 2024: U11 Boys Basketball at ISB
18 January 2024: U11 Boys and Girls Basketball at ISB
20 January 2024: 10 Mixed and U12 Boys Basketball at BASIS
27 January 2024: U9 Boys Basketball at SISB TR

REMINDER: Some parents have not yet paid for the Sports Academies. We kindly request you to make the payment by Friday, 19 January 2024, by 4:00 pm.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Let's work together to guide our children on the path of determination, dedication, and devotion to become the best version of themselves.

Best regards,

Coach Namita

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Library Corner

Hello from BISB Library!

I am so excited to announce that this year, BASIS International School Bangkok will be participating in Kids Lit Quiz, a book trivia competition held amongst the local international schools in Bangkok!

You can learn more about KLQ here: Welcome to the Sport of Reading! - KLQ (kidslitquiz.com)

For the Kids Lit Quiz competition, each school brings 2 or 3 teams to compete with other local schools, testing their knowledge of children's books - old and new.

Since we have so many books lovers, it is no surprise that we had over 20 students sign up to participate in this competition, which is amazing!

Unfortunately, we cannot have all 20 students on our teams (max 12), therefore BISB Library is hosting an in-school trivia titled "SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW BOOKS?" to help us narrow down the top 12 students that will make up our Kids Lit Quiz teams!

Parents and other students are invited to come watch our game-show styled trivia and to cheer on your TUSKERS after school on Wednesday, January 24^th from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Blackbox.

Registered students will compete in 3 and a finals round, of intense book-themed trivia, earning points for every correct answer. The highest top 3 students will be awarded prizes, and earn the title of Team Captains! 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th place students will be named Co-Captains, and the other high scores of 7^th -12^th place will make up the rest of our teams.

Our 3 teams will then go one to attend the international school competition in March, located at Shrewsbury Riverside!

I hope to see you all in the Blackbox on Wednesday, January 24^th to support our BISB bookworms!

Happy Reading,

Ms. Erika

Librarian

Well-being Corner

Dear TUSKERS Families,

We invite you to join us for an engaging and informative seminar about ‘Sex and Gender Education’.

Speaker: Dr. Kulvadee Thongpibul
Date: Monday, 29 January 2024
Time: 08.30-10.00 AM
Location: Blackbox, Arts Building

For registration and more information, please contact: bisb.counselor@basis.ac.th

Best regards,

Well-Being Team

Academic Spotlight: Fine Arts Department

This week's academic spotlight comes from the Visual Arts team. Check it out below!

Middle School students have been active in exploring color, line, pattern and contrast. Students further developed their knowledge and understanding of ‘color theory’. They learned how to mix a broad array of colors by being challenged with only a limited color palette of red, yellow, blue, with the addition of black and white. Students were also set the task of using line and pattern to create a unique composition for their final paintings. Beyond painting, students also explored the art technique of ‘paper-cut’. This style of art requires patience and precision. Students posed for their self-portraits and used technology to create a posterized effect. This allowed students to focus on areas of high contrast and cut away areas of low contrast. The results are both dynamic and highly detailed. Our Middle School artists are continually developing their skills and techniques and are becoming informed decision makers about the art they create.

Community News

CELLOBRATION CHARITY CONCERT TICKETS!

Join us for an ELECTRIYFING CHARITY CONCERT featuring ROCK CELLISTS "LOW STRUNG" from YALE UNIVERSITY!

Be mesmerized by "Hotel California (The Eagles)", "Livin on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)", "Fix You (Coldplay)", and other rock classics delivered in a way that you have never experienced before!

Coming all the way from New Haven, Connecticut, LOW STRUNG ( https://www.lowstrungcellos.org/) will also rock out with participants from the weekend workshop CELLOBRATION, and students from the College of Music, Mahidol University.

Finally, be swept away by a special Pianio Trio from Thailand's top musicians and "Yalie", famed pianist Dr. Indhuon Srikaranonda and violin virtuoso Dr. Akkrawat 'Paye' Srinarong.

Please note 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the College of Music’s special Music Outreach program, whereby students visit hospitals, senior homes and other places to bring a little music and joy into the lives of patients and residents there.

Just in case you wish to purchase more tickets, here is the link for ticket sales! https://megatix.in.th/events/cellobration-charity-concert

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.