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BISB Weekly Update - January 26th, 2024

Message from Head of School & Head of Operations:

Dear TUSKERS families,

It has been a delightful week here at BASIS Bangkok, filled with positive energy and learnings!

This week, we have successfully exercised both lockdown drill and fire drill for the whole school. These drills are our proactive approaches in ensuring the effectiveness of our emergency measures. The drills went smoothly and the performance was outstanding. Thank you to all students, teachers and staff for their active participation and quick actions. We will continue to fine tune and enhance our protocols, incorporating lessons learned, and aim for an even more efficient and secure emergency response.

Another exciting event this week was the Kids Lit Quiz, a book trivia competition! This in-school trivia, titled "SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW BOOKS?”, was held to select students to attend the international school competition in March. We had over 20 students signed up, impressively shown how much our students love reading! Amazing knowledge of their favorite fictions and stories made the game competitive and super enjoyable! Thank you to all parents, teachers and staff for your wholehearted encouragement and much appreciation goes to Ms. Erika and Dean Selby for organizing this wonderful event.

Another important notes for Middle School families, we have our pre-comprehensive exams for Middle School coming just around the corner. Our teachers and Dean Andrew have been working timelessly to provide guidance and the pre-comp review will start next week to ensure our students are well-prepared and confident. We would like to take this opportunity to send our students an encouragement message. Your dedications and effort are truly commendable. Work hard, believe in yourself and go for it!

More exciting activities and sport tournaments to look forward to in the coming week. First, the U13 – U15 Boys Football Competition at Anglo Singapore International School, our players had been preparing themselves ready to play with passion and skills. Join us in supporting them to do their best! Go team TUSEKERS!

Last but not least, it's bittersweet that we are writing to announce a resignation of our kindhearted School Counselor, Mr. Theelon Kurusattrawith, effective January 31st. Mr. Theelon has been an exceptional member of our BASIS families. His dedication to the well-being of everyone in the community has made a meaningful impact on both students and colleagues. We will definitely miss his optimistic and caring mindset. Mr. Theelon has decided to follow his dream to pursue a doctoral degree, we wish him all the best and we truly confident that he will excel in this new chapter. In the meantime, we will be searching for a replacement and shall keep you all posted in near future.

Please find his letter enclosed and join us in sending Mr. Theelon best wishes and encouragement for his future endeavors.

Letter from Mr. Theelon, our School Counselor:

Dear BISB and TUSKERS Family,

With both sadness and excitement. I would like to share with you that I will be leaving to pursue a philosophical degree study. Almost a wonderful year serving as your school counselor, the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey and saying goodbye to this incredible school community is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of this journey.

To pen this message, a wave of emotions washes over me – gratitude, nostalgia, and a touch of bittersweetness. The warmth and support received from students, parents, teachers, and staff have truly made BISB a second home for me. To the students, it has been my privilege to witness your growth, resilience, and the remarkable individuals you are becoming.Remember, the potential within each of you is boundless, and I have full confidence that you will continue to shine brightly in all your endeavors.

To the TUSKERS parents, thank you for entrusting me with the well-being of your children. Your partnership has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the collaboration in nurturing a positive and enriching environment for our students.

To my fellow educators and staff, your dedication to the success and happiness of our students is truly commendable. I have learned so much from each of you, and I will forever cherish the memories of our shared efforts in making a difference in the lives of the students.

As I bid farewell to BISB, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the invaluable moments that have made this journey so special, the connections I have established will endure.

Thank you, BASIS International School Bangkok. I am grateful for the privilege of being a part of this community, and I look forward to the paths, our futures may cross again.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Theelon Kurusattra

School Counselor

Once again, thank you all parents for your invaluable support and trust. We committed to prioritize your child’s well-being and create an excellent educational experience for all students.

Best regards,

Dr. W and Ms. Kwan

Head of School and Head of Operations

Save the date for School Events and Academic Calendar:

Message from College Counselor:

Greetings BISB Community,

At BASIS Independent McLean (BIM), the seniors have just returned from their Senior Ski Trip; a much-deserved and enjoyed milestone experience. They are exhausted but ready to finish the year strong. Their high school life at BIM has been so unique, challenging, rewarding, and transformative that I want to share more of it with my BISB community. A look into your future, if you will. To do this I have created a series of videos that highlight and explore the BIM experience from AP exams to the college application process. Each short video will highlight the senior year and high school experience and show you what the future can hold. These videos will be shared over the next several weeks through the newsletter's College Corner.

BISB is a growing community, and there is so much room to evolve through course offerings, competitions, clubs, and shared traditions. Many of my seniors at BIM are founding families and started their journey with us 8 years ago before we even had a high school. They are an important part of the energizing and robust community that they play a major part in shaping and growing.

Please enjoy and continue to reach out with any questions you may have. I will be on campus again this March with my family, and I am excited to begin the planning for next year.

Best,

Ms. Kate Irving

College Counselor

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

Festival in the Garden

Dear BASIS Families,

We invite you to attend the first annual Festival in the Garden on February 16th!

Walk through our Art Walkway and experience the amazing artwork of our Primary and Upper School students. The walkway will feature a variety of fascinating installations and artwork from all our students. After experiencing the art, get some canapes at the canteen, try out the STEAM interactive art activities, and talk to the NJHS students about their David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation art project. Then it's time for the music! The music show will feature sea shanties and ukulele folk songs from our primary students, popular songs from all six of our awesome rock bands, and collaborative performances from our choirs and orchestra!

The Festival will take place in the Town Center. The event starts at 4:00, with time to walk through the art and find a good spot to watch before the music starts at 4:30.

We hope you enjoy!

Best regards,
Art and Music Department

Early Years Newsletter

Message from Director of Early Years:

Greetings Early Years Families,

What a great week in Early Years!

Our students conducted themselves in a safe and careful manner during our LockDown Drill and Fire Drill, both which were held this week. I am so proud of them for how well they are listening to adults, following directions, and remaining calm.

Teachers and I (and reception) appreciate when students arrive to school on time. In a world that never stops moving, the value of punctuality often goes unsung. It is one of simplest forms of self-discipline that we can instill in our children. Being punctual can significantly contribute to a positive perception of character and sends a clear message that they can be counted on. Please help us have the children already through the turnstiles before 8:30am. Thank you to those of you who are already creating this habit.

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 Student Activities:

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce that the house captains, vice captains, and house representatives for each house - Naga, Nilmangkorn, Hongsa, and Singha - have now been chosen across all grade levels.

The house captains and vice captains for grades 6-9 will be officially announced during assembly on January 26th, while the house representatives for grades 1-5 will be announced on February 7th and 8th. They will also be given armbands at a later date.

The house captains will be responsible for leading their house in various activities and events, such as sports day, academic competitions, and community service projects. They will also serve as role models and mentors for their fellow students, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

The house representatives will assist the captains in their duties and help to promote their house's interests and initiatives.

We are eager to share this exciting news with you and celebrate the leadership and teamwork that these students will bring to their respective houses. Additionally, we will be displaying house points on screens around the school, which will be updated every Wednesday and Friday. This will allow students to track their progress and strive for excellence in their academic and extracurricular activities.

We look forward to seeing the excitement and enthusiasm that this will bring to our school community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jason Rowe

Dean of Students Activities

P.E. Corner:

TUSKERS SPORTS ACADEMIES – UPDATE

Dear TUSKERS Families,

We are thrilled to announce within our community that we have a remarkable 154 students enrolled in TUSKERS Sports Academies for Semester 2, with the highest participation in the Basketball Academy. The PE Department is fueled with inspiration and has decided to offer additional sessions specifically for basketball players across various age groups. Emails have been dispatched to the respective parents for their consent. These extra sessions are scheduled to commence from Monday, January 29, 2024.

Upcoming Events:

January 27, 2024 (Saturday): U9 Mixed Basketball Tournament at SISB TR
January 27, 2024 (Saturday): U13/15 Boys Football Tournament at Anglo Singapore 64

We look forward to an exciting semester filled with active participation and sportsmanship.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES – UPDATE

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 were introduced to components related to health and physical fitness, beginning with an exploration of Body Composition. The enthusiasm displayed by all students in asking numerous questions indicates a keen interest in adopting a healthy lifestyle. This is a clear indication that they have grasped the important lesson that "HEALTH is WEALTH!"

Furthermore, we have introduced new units covering Football, Badminton, and Outdoor Sports. Simultaneously, we are guiding them in maintaining a Physical Fitness Index chart which will help them to have better cognitive performance and lead them to have a healthy body, healthy mind and a healthy lifestyle.

AQUATICS DEPARTMENT – UPDATE

Firstly, our heartfelt appreciation goes to the parents who have taken the initiative to encourage, remind, and inspire their children to actively participate in swimming lessons. We are pleased to note a substantial improvement in attendance across all levels during the regular swimming lessons. The introduction of the Artistic Swimming unit has ignited curiosity among students, motivating them to deepen their understanding of swimming. It is now not just perceived as a life skill but also as a delightful means to enjoy and collaborate with peers.

Once again, thank you!

Best regards,

Coach Namita

Director of Auxiliary Programs

ECA Corner:

Teachers-Led Clubs, Parents-Led Clubs and Students-Led Club:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this message finds you well. We are thrilled to announce the launch of after-school clubs with our teachers and parent-led clubs starting on Monday 29th January, offering our students exciting opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and exploration of new interests.

Club Schedule:

Commencement Date: Monday, January 29th.
Days: Clubs will run on specific days of the week, and the schedule will be communicated to you shortly.
Timing: Please refer to the schedule for precise timings.

Collection Point: To ensure a smooth transition from regular classes to after-school activities, students participating in the clubs will be gathered at the canteen. This central collection point will allow for efficient organization and supervision before the clubs commence.

Snack Service: Snack service will be available in the canteen for the participating children. This will ensure they have the energy needed to fully enjoy and engage in their chosen after-school activities.

Communication: Regular updates and information regarding the after-school clubs will be communicated through various channels, including newsletters and emails. Any questions please let me know.

Kind regards,

Jason Rowe

Dean of Students Activities

ECAs:

Dear TUSKERS families,

ECA Team wanted to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude to all parents for your unwavering support in enrolling your child in ECA in Semester 2. Your commitment to their skill development is truly commendable and surely makes for significant differences for your child.

Please kindly note that the ECA classes are starting next week on Monday, January 29^th. You can access your child's class schedule on the Clipboard application in the “Schedule” menu. We have also attached an ECA timetable and ECA calendar below; please save them for future use.

Thank you again for trusting in us in this 2^nd semester. We continually aim to produce a range of activities and seek to enhance all students' learning experiences beyond the classroom throughout their time at BISB.

Best regards,

ECA Team

Library Corner:

Hello from BISB Library!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the parents and students that came out to support BISB Library’s book trivia competition SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW BOOKS? All of the students did an amazing job and everyone seemed to have so much fun!

The winners (top 12) of Wednesdays competition will go on to compete in Kids Lit Quiz, a book trivia competition with other international schools in Bangkok! Our teams will spend the next month preparing and reading before we head to Shrewsbury Riverside on Friday, March 8th for the big event!

A HUGE CONGRATUALTIONS to our event winners and our official Kids Lit Quiz team members! Check out the final rankings of our competitors below, and as always, happy reading!

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

Unveiling the Secrets of Sound and Air!

🚀 In this lesson, our amazing Grade 4 students embarked on a journey to unravel the magic of air in making sound vibrations travel! 🎶 Engaging in two exciting activities, they dove into the world of sound vibrations, experimenting with its movement through the air. 🌬️ They discovered the wonders of sound and pondered what might have occurred in the vacuum of space where the absence of air created a unique sonic environment! 🌌✨ It was truly an auditory adventure! 🎧🔍

Community News

Viemus Violin Verenation 2024

A Harmonious Fusion of Mastery, Competition, Concert, and Friendship beyond borders.

Viemus Music School, in collaboration with the esteemed Little Star Music Academy from South Korea, BASIS International School Bangkok, and Knightsbridge Education Bangkok, proudly announces the groundbreaking Viemus Violin Verenation 2024: Masterclass / Competition / Concert Series, taking place from February 16-18, 2024, Bangkok, Thailand.

This unprecedented international violin partnership unites the expertise of Viemus Music School, led by the renowned Vietrio, with the excellence of Little Star Music Academy, one of the finest violin schools in South Korea with notable track record in competition winners and graduates from Juilliard, Curtis and Harvard. The series take place at the characteristic campus of BASIS International School Bangkok.

Event Highlights:

Masterclass and Rehearsals: various Internationally acclaimed Korean violin professors including Ms Jaynee Park, Director of Little Star Music Academy, join forces with Dr. Akkrawat Srinarong, Kru Parn Kanyapas & Kru Pui Ariya of Vietrio; Thailand’s internationally renowned artists, to conduct the artistic performance practice masterclass and rehearsals. The sessions will delve into performance practices, artistic development, and discovering higher purpose through music making.

1st Chao Phraya International Violin Competition: This virtuoso meets creativity offers four categories suitable for participants of all levels. Notably, over 20 competitors from Korea are expected to showcase their exceptional virtuosity alongside young Thai talents in a unique “Boxing Arena “style setting at the Black Box Theater, Basis International School. Prizes include Gold, Silver certificates, and Grand Prizes: opportunities to perform as soloist with orchestra in Thailand and recital performance in Seoul, South Korea!

Friendship Concert: The series conclude with a captivating joint recital performance at BASIS featuring prizewinners and participants from Korea, Thailand, and beyond with works by Sarasate, Paganini, Tchaikovsky & more! ***All proceeds go towards supporting animal shelter in Suphanburi.

About the Partners:

Viemus Music School: Founded by the Vietrio family, Viemus Music School is celebrated for its commitment to nurturing and promoting musical talent, embodying a rich tradition of excellence in the world of classical music.

Little Star Music Academy: Renowned for its musical prowess and excellence in violin teaching over 30 years, Little Star Music Academy from South Korea brings a wealth of experience and expertise in violin education. Their students have won top prizes at Osaka, Zhuhai, Kogan, Grumiaux, Young Tchaikovsky Violin Competitions, with many students accepted into Curtis, Juilliard, Eastman, Seoul National & Harvard.

Basis International School Bangkok: known for its rigorously high standard academic STEM programs, Basis continues to expand globally. Besides academic excellence, Basis continues to provide students exposures to the best sports, arts and music collaborations with the best of the business.

For press inquiries, interviews, or event information, please contact:

Viemus Music School Facebook

or Email- ViemusViolinVeneration@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:

#ViemusViolinVeneration#MasterclassCompetitionConcert

#viemusfamily

#littlestaracademykorea #KoreaThailand