BASIS International School Bangkok eNewsletter

Message from Head of School & Head of Operations:

Dear TUSKERS families,

Hope you are having a productive and joyful week!

Firstly, we would like to begin with a huge thankful to our students, coaches and parents for supporting our basketball players at International School Bangkok (ISB) friendly competitions over the past weekend. Our young athletes had performed excellently by winning all six matches. We are immensely proud of our players, not only for their well-deserved victory, but for their dedication and outstanding sportsmanship. Well done TUSKERS!

This whole week, we also have our Photos Week, an annual tradition to capture precious childhood memories for students and families. These photos are reminders of each child’s growth and development throughout their journey with BASIS. We will keep you informed for any further updates.

Next important note, on Monday 22^nd January at 08.45 we are going to have our first Lockdown Drill for the whole school this academic year. It is very important to note that you must drop your child off at school before 8:30 a.m. , any students are arriving later than 8.30 a.m., he/she will need to wait outside of turnstiles until the drill procedure is completed.

We would also like to emphasize the importance of the lockdown drill that this is a proactive preparation to ensure that our students, teachers and school staff are fully equipped with any threat or emergency that may occur internally and externally. For our early years students, we have customized suitable training to keep them calm and secure during the critical time. This practice will help to ease unnecessary anxiety and stress which may cause undesirable consequences. Your cooperation and understanding would be highly appreciated.

Last but not least, we would like to reiterate that despite the smog season where the AQI of PM 2.5 has been very high this week but our indoor learning spaces are unaffected. The air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little and no risk with Pre-Cooled Fresh Air System. The system is filtering out over 90% of PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles.

Wearing mask is no longer mandatory in school, we highly recommend any students in a sensitive group to wear a mask to minimize their health effects.

Competition Reminders:

Kangaroo Math Competition is now available to register until Friday, February 9^th 3:00 p.m.
HIPPO International English Olympiad is available to register until Friday, February 15^th at 3:00 p.m.
Moose Game (Gymnastics) is opened for a registration until Wednesday, January 31^st at 3.00 p.m

Thank you and best regards,

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Save the date for School Events and Academic Calendar:

Chinese New Year Celebration:

Dear families,

We will be celebrating Chinese New Year on Friday, February 9^th 2024! The Chinese New Year Celebration this year will be an in-school event for our students and parents. There will also be special Chinese lunch Menu on the day. Parents are invited to see the Lion and Dragon Show at the Sports Field at 08.30 hrs. Gates will open to parents at 08.20 hrs.

We encourage all of our students to wear traditional Chinese costumes or red clothing to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Friday!

Important Note: Please drop your child/ren before 08.00 hrs. on Friday, February 9^th 2024 in order not to miss the show!

Best regards,

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Mid-Trimester Progress Reports (Grades 1 - 9)

Dear Parents,

Today, your child was sent home with their mid-trimester Progress Report for the second grading period. This report is a grade update that serves to inform you about your student's progress over the first six weeks of the trimester. Please be sure to carefully review this report, and reach out to your child's teacher with any questions.

If you child is currently receiving an "I" (Incomplete) in a course, please check your email for communication from the teacher regarding the next steps your child needs to take in order to receive a grade in the class.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Josh Levenson

Director of Academic Programs

Early Years Newsletter

Message from Director of Early Years:

Greetings Early Years Families,

We are taking these first weeks to reinforce our routines and procedures, review our learning thus far and are embarking on some exciting new units of study. Reading your child’s newsletter will give you details specific to your grade level.

I want to take a moment to thank you for your positivity. Returning to school after a long break can be stressful on children and I can tell you well prepared your children for the transition. It is an absolute joy to be the Director of Early Years and be a part of the magic that is happening here.

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

Message from Dean of Primary:

Hello Primary Families,

I hope the New Year is treating you well so far, full of hope and inspiration!

Last week we enjoyed The Periodic Table of Elements competition for the G4-5 assembly. Congratulations to the winners of the competition: Matt (4Ge) Saiya (4Ge) and Bond (4Ge) for all your hard work in preparation for the contest! Thank you to all who competed in the event, the teachers who judged the contest, and Mr. Piotr and Mr. Jason for organizing. It was a smashing science spectacle to behold!

G1-3 Students enjoyed the award of the contest winners, and then we learned about Health and Wellness with Mr. Theelon and me. We learned that staying healthy included our physical and mental health. Primary students will continue to learn more about other Social Emotional learning topics.

Take care and stay well and healthy,

Dean Selby

Dean of Primary School

Message from Dean of Student Activities:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this newsletter finds you well. Today, we are thrilled to shed light on a vibrant and integral aspect of our school community—the House System. This system not only fosters a sense of camaraderie among our students but also celebrates their achievements and positive contributions to our school community.

The Tuskers Spirit: Building Community and Collaboration

Our house system is designed to instill the values of collaboration, camaraderie, and spirited competition within our school. The system is comprised of four houses, each representing unique qualities deeply rooted in Thai mythology:

Hongsa (Blue): Symbolizing grace and beauty, the Hongsa is a mythical bird associated with the release of the soul from the cycle of life.
Naga (Red): The mythical serpent Naga, protector of water sources, embodies prosperity and guards hidden treasures within rivers, lakes, seas, and wells.
Nilmangkorn (Green): A mythical horse from Thai literature, Nilmangkorn represents the awe-inspiring qualities found in literature and the strength that comes from knowledge.
Singha (Yellow): Known as the King of the Jungle, Singha is a creature symbolizing power, strength, and courage.

Collecting House Points: A Celebration of Achievements

House points are awarded to students for embodying the Tuskers spirit in various ways. These include demonstrating good behavior, achieving academic milestones, excelling in sports, supporting peers, and achieving special recognitions noticed by our dedicated class teachers. The aim is to recognize a diverse range of accomplishments and contributions that make our school community thrive.

ClassDojo: Streamlining House Point Allocation

To ensure a transparent and efficient process, we use ClassDojo for the allocation of house points. This user-friendly platform enables teachers to award points promptly, providing instant acknowledgment of students' positive actions and achievements.

The Grand Finale: End-of-Year Trophy for the Leading House

As the school year progresses, house points accumulate, and the competition intensifies. The anticipation builds, leading up to our annual tradition—the presentation of the coveted House Trophy to the house with the highest number of points. This serves as a tangible symbol of teamwork, achievement, and the collective Tuskers spirit.

Empowering Student Leadership: House Captains and Representatives

In the spirit of fostering leadership skills and student involvement, we are excited to announce upcoming elections for House Captains and Vice House Captains from grades 8-9. Additionally, students from grades 1-7 will have the opportunity to become House Representatives, ensuring that every grade level is represented in the decision-making process.

We encourage all students to participate actively in the voting process and look forward to witnessing our young leaders stepping into these roles with enthusiasm and dedication.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to nurture a positive and thriving school environment. Together, let's celebrate the Tuskers spirit and the achievements of our incredible students.

These are the House points as of 17^th January 2024

Jason Rowe

Dean of Students Activities

P.E. Corner

Dear TUSKERS Families,

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's enrollment in Semester 2 Sports Academies. This semester, TUSKERS Sports Academies have commenced with heightened passion and determination, aiming to provide our players with a comprehensive understanding of team dynamics.

We would like to update you on upcoming games in January 2024:

20 Jan 2024 – U10 Mixed and U13 Mixed Basketball Competition at BASIS – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
27 Jan 2024 – U9 Mixed Basketball Competition at SISB TR – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
27 Jan 2024 – U13 – U15 Boys Football Competition at Anglo Singapore International School – Campus 64

Best regards,

Coach Namita

PE DEPARTMENT – Update

Dear parents,

As we progress through our Physical Education (PE) lessons, incorporating Physical Fitness components aligned with the Sports Units we are currently teaching, we believe it is crucial for our students to gain an understanding of the significance of Body Mass Index (BMI). This knowledge will empower them to recognize their body's requirements and thrive in both Physical Education and Sports Class.

In the upcoming week, we have scheduled height and weight measurements for our students. We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child wears light clothing during these assessment days. Please refer to the schedule below for your reference:

Monday 22 Jan 2024: 1Be, 1Mg, 1Ca, 2Li, 2K, 3Ar, 3Ne, 4Ge, 5Ni, 8Ti, 8V

Tuesday 23 Jan 2024: 7Ga, 9Zr

Wednesday 24 Jan 2024: 6Fe. KF, KBr, 5Co, KCI, 4Si

AQUATIC DEPARTMENT – Updates

Dive into the excitement at BASIS, where our swim program is making waves by aligning with Swim England's Learn to Swim pathway.

The Learn to Swim stage 1 – 7 frameworks are ideal for children of all ages, developing confident and competent swimmers through fun and enjoyment.

The different certificates and awards will help keep the students enjoying their swimming while progressing through the stages. Each of the Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards has a list of clear outcomes that must be completed to gain each Award.

Key components of the program are Aquatics skills of diving, water polo and Artistic swimming!

At BASIS, we recognize that swimming is more than just a sport—it's a life skill! essential for personal safety and well-being.

Whether your child is a beginner or an intermediate swimmer, our experienced and qualified swim instructors foster a positive atmosphere that promotes skill development without the pressure of competition.

Join us as we make a splash in providing a comprehensive swim education that goes beyond the pool, preparing students for a lifetime of water confidence and enjoyment.

https://www.swimming.org/

Library Corner

Hello from BISB Library!

I just wanted to take a moment to invite students to join me this year for BISB Book Club! This club will be in the Library after school on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – and students in grades 4 to 9 are encouraged to join!

Together we will read books by author Misa Saguira and discuss her stories, characters, and work on a digital project together. Additionally, we will get to virtually meet the author at the end of the term to discuss her books and writing!

While the club does have a fee, please note that this fee includes the price of 2 books that students get to keep, and a virtual discussion with the author!

Check out more information in the flyer below and sign up before January 24! Please email Ms. Erika at e.wigren@basis.ac.th if you have any questions or concerns.

Lastly, you invited to attend our in-school trivia titled "SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW BOOKS?".

This event will help us narrow down the top 12 students that will make up our Kids Lit Quiz teams, who will go on to attend the international school competition in March, located at Shrewsbury Riverside!

Parents and other students are invited to come watch our game-show styled trivia and to cheer on your TUSKERS after school this 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.

I hope to see you all there!

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

A Global Culinary Adventure in Grade 3 Math:

In math this week, Grade 3 embarked on an exciting cross-curricular activity – transforming their classroom into a bustling international food court. Students opened food trucks, designed in Connections last semester, to forge real-life connections between mathematical concepts and practical business skills, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Previously, Grade 3 students collaborated to design and construct colorful food trucks with enticing menus from different countries around the world. This project served as the perfect opportunity to go shopping and practice mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, and estimation, while also using real Thai money in a controlled environment.

The event not only showcased the creativity and innovation of our Grade 3 students, but also underscored the importance of cross-curricular collaboration in fostering a well-rounded education. This food truck project enriched the students' understanding of math in the real world, as well as ignited a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. As our young entrepreneurs proudly presented and shopped at their creations, they demonstrated their ability to thrive in a global, interconnected world!

Glenn Reilly

Math Lead Teacher

On Thursday, 11th January, the Black Box was brimming with excitement as grades 4 and 5 students took center stage for the highly anticipated Periodic Table Song Contest. This unique event was organized by Mr. Piotr and Mr. Jason and blended science and music providing an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike.

Students, organized into spirited groups, enthusiastically took on the challenge of memorizing the periodic table song, transforming the assembly into a delightful mixture of scientific knowledge and musical prowess. The synergy of science and music not only showcased the creativity of our students but also made learning an engaging and enjoyable endeavor.

After an impressive array of performances, it was the dynamic trio of Saiya, Matt, and Bond from grade 4Ge who emerged as the champions of the Periodic Table Song Contest. Their stellar performance in memorization and performing was outstanding.

The Periodic Table Song Contest not only fostered a love for science but also showcased the importance of integrating various disciplines to make education a holistic and enjoyable experience.

As we applaud the winners and all participants, we look forward to more innovative and engaging events that bring together different facets of learning, making our education enriching.

Congratulations to Saiya, Matt, Bond, and all the students who made the Periodic Table Song Contest a resounding success!

Kind regards

Jason Rowe

Science Expert Talk! 🌟🔬:

On Thursday, January 18th, the fourth-grade students had an awesome opportunity to learn about science and plastics from Ms. Kate, the parent of our awesome student – Emma (G4). Ms. Kate shared insights into various types of plastics, their unique densities, and underscored the importance of recycling and minimizing plastic usage. It was a really cool day where we got to explore and understand more about science and how plastics work. 🌍 Ms. Kate and her team made it super fun and interesting for all of us! 🚀😃