Term 2 - 3 February
Matters of Principal
Whole School News
The School is proud and honoured to welcome back Ajahn Jayasāro, Phra Dharma Bajranyanamuni Phawanavidhisuvithan Srilajahnsuvimol Kosonkitchanukit Mahakanisorn Bovornsangaram Gamavasi (พระธรรมพัชรญาณมุนี ภาวนาวิธีสุวิธาน สีลาจารสุวิมล โกศลกิจจานุกิจ มหาคณิสสร บวรสังฆาราม คามวาสี), who will visit RST on Tuesday, 28th February. Following his visit in 2021 when he shared his wisdom on the subject of resilience and officially opened the Webb Ellis Centre, Ajahn Jayasāro will this time share his life lessons. Ajahn Jayasāro, who will be well-known to many in the RST community, has written extensively on finding inner peace and living mindfully, including 2017's Stillness Flowing: The Life and Teachings of Ajahn Chah.
All RST parents are cordially invited to attend the talk, which will be 16:15-17:15 in the Webb Ellis Centre. Full details will be included in next week's edition of the Rugby Post. However, parents may sign-up to attend now using the following link:
Life Lessons with Ajahn Jayasāro
RST Make a Difference (MAD)
TAMAR CENTRE
On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Grindlay, along with representatives from RSTPA, Alison and Angélique, and six Senior students, visited Tamar Centre in Pattaya. During the visit, RST presented the Tamar Centre with a cheque for 180,000THB. This donation was a result of a successful charity drive, the RSTPA Christmas Fair.
Tamar Centre's key supervisors, Daniel and Steffi Vaupal, gave the group a tour of the newly refurbished building, which offers a counselling service, hospitality training, arts and crafts, and bakery facilities. Daniel spoke about the various training programmes available for vulnerable young women and the care provided for the 15 children at the centre. The visit ended with a tasting of baked goods and the formal transfer of funds to support Tamar Centre's mission in Pattaya.
Boarding Week Open House
This month, we’ll celebrate our “truly exceptional” boarding School (COBIS) with a dedicated ‘Boarding Week’ and Open House on Friday, 17th February, from 3:00 pm.
For further details, please contact us: https://www.rugbyschool.ac.th/contact-us/
Senior News
Announcements & Reminders
SATs
RST is now a recognised test centre for the SAT, a widely accepted college entrance exam. It is accepted by almost 4000 universities worldwide, including the US, Australia, UK, Singapore, and Thailand. The SAT is a requirement for many programmes at Thai universities, including the Chulalongkorn Business School.
The next SAT test is on 11th March, and the registration deadline is 24th February. Another SAT test will also be offered in May. It's recommended for students who need SAT scores for university to take the test this spring to have enough time to retake it in the fall if needed.
To register, search for Rugby School Thailand. Starting in March, the international SAT will be digital, and students must bring their own device to the test. Once registered, students will receive information about technology requirements.
The SAT provides a free customised study plan through Khan Academy, and Rugby School Thailand also offers SAT preparation sessions for Sixth Form students. If you have any questions, please contact the SAT Test Coordinator, Lissa Mason (lmason@rugbyschool.ac.th), or the Head of Higher Education, Claire Cecil (ccecil@rugbyschool.ac.th). To confirm if a university requires SAT scores, check the university's admission page.
Dates for your Diary
6th FEBRUARY
- COBIS Art competition deadline
- Scholars' Speaker Series - Andy Bell, Political Editor, ITN (16:30-17:30)
7th FEBRUARY
- F & E Block inter-House football finals in Games
- U18 boys 11 v 11 v Planet football (away) - 16:30 – 17:30
8th FEBRUARY
- Drama workshop at Bangkok Patana School - 14:00 – 21:00
- D Block LXX & XX inter-House football finals in Games
- U15 boys and girls basketball vs. ISE at home - 16:15 – 17:15
10th - 11th FEBRUARY
- U19 Basketball FOBISIA championships at RST
Head's Distinction
I was delighted to celebrate a group of students who have achieved success. This week, Rute was awarded a Head's Distinction for singing with the Royal Symphony Orchestra in Lumpini park.
Three students were nominated by Mr Douglas for excellent DT work. Narna in Year 9 for her work on a mosquito coil holder. Mei-Mei, in Year 11, who is currently making outstanding progress with her coursework. Rung who is a Year 13 DT student is using cutting-edge digital technology to push the boundaries of what is possible and has pioneered the advance use of AR in her coursework. The success of these students in DT matches the success of the award-winning department.
Last week, students and staff gathered in the Black Box to receive a Head's Distinction from Mr Groves in celebration of last term's Senior Production, Pride & Prejudice. We are so proud of all of the cast for their commitment and effort towards this production, so it was fantastic to see them being recognised for their work.
US University Visit
Last week, we hosted representatives from the University of San Francisco and Education USA. These representatives talked about the holistic approach to US applications and about the broad range of courses on offer, including Liberal Arts. Liberal Arts allows students to take a wide range of electives and they can decide which subject to major after completing their second year. This is an exciting course for students who have a wide range of interests and are unsure what they would like to specialise in. If you have any questions then please contact our Head of Higher Education, Ms Claire Cecil
Equity Partnership
A team of RST students partnered with a local Thai school in Nakhon Ratchasima (called Ban Non Kum Mittraphap Thi 210 School) to produce the “yuan jai'' tote bag. The unique horizontal pattern of the Thai-yuan fabric inspired us to create a tote bag that highlights the character of the local fabric. The brand’s name “Yuan Jai”, carries a beautiful meaning: “Yuan”, coming from the name of the traditional fabric and “Jai” meaning made from the heart. To support us, you can order the tote bags via this link to Shoppee (https://shp.ee/m6mx37e) . We currently have two products: a small crossbody bag priced at ฿395 the original tote bag priced at ฿695
Learning
DRAMA
We had some special guests in drama this week... E Block students started experimenting with Trestle masks, learning how to clock the audience.
ART
Yesterday, a group of Art students from E, D, LXX, and XX visited 333 Gallery at Warehouse 30 in Bangkok. The highlight of their visit was meeting the 88-year-old artist Inson Wongsam. The students asked him questions and learned more about his work. They were also invited to attend a PR event at the gallery, where they were able to congratulate the artist on his lifetime of achievements. During the event, one of the students met Khun Karittha (Cake) Deemee, a TV reporter from Thai PBS, who was impressed with the students' interactions with the artist.
Prep News
Announcements & Reminders
INTERNATIONAL DAY
Our yearly International Day is coming up on Friday, 17th February. We have amended the timing of the day, please click here to find out more.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Our World Book Day theme in Prep for 2023 will be 'People Who Changed the World' (non-fiction, historical, biography vibe).
Prep students will celebrate with the traditional costume dress-up and fun activities on 2nd March. Students are encouraged to start reading and thinking about ideas for their costumes.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EMIYA!
We would like to offer a huge congratulations to Emiya who will be on stage on TV this weekend in one of Thailand's biggest singing competitions, The Golden Song. She will be singing a Thai classical song from the 1980s.
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
All parents are invited to celebrate our fantastic musicians at the Prep Lunch Concerts in the Veraphan Theatre. Parents whose children have been selected to perform will be sent out individual invitations via email. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dates for your Diary
4th FEBRUARY
- Saturday Enrichment Programme - please sign-up on SOCS
- U8 & U10 Football v Planet Football (Home)
- U13A Girls & Boys Basketball (Home)
- Saturday Enrichment Programme - please sign-up on SOCS
5th FEBRUARY: Rugby Tour Training (08:00 – 10:00)
6th FEBRUARY: U13B Boys & Girls Basketball @GIS
7th FEBRUARY: Lunchtime Concert (12:45 – 13:30)
8th FEBRUARY: Year 7 Trip to the Outdoor Education Centre - students must wear PE kits, hat, suncream and bring a water bottle
10th – 13th FEBRUARY: U12 Malaysia Rugby Tour
11th – 12th FEBRUARY: Verso Swim Star 3
House Competitions
BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION
As the Design and Technology Department launches a new House competition, students are busy preparing teams and job roles for the House Bridge Building Competition that begins next week. The goal for each team is to build a bigger, longer and stronger bridge than the others. Our final test day will see each bridge being tested with a selection of weights.
For more details, please see our Bridge Building page:
https://sites.google.com/rugbyschool.ac.th/design-and-technology/home/bridge-design
PASSPORT READING CHALLENGE
The Challenge will run from 1st Feb – 3rd March (over and including Half Term) in the lead-up to World Book Day.
The Passport Reading Challenge is a House Challenge designed to be inclusive and inspiring with more of a focus on intrinsic motivation and House Spirit rather than interpersonal competition.
The 'rules' and tasks are clearly explained on the Passport:
MARTIAN HOUSE COMPETITION
Last week, Years 6, 7 and 8 were split into Houses during break time with the purpose of researching future colonies on Mars and they had to design and build their own using Minecraft. The time allocated to do so was limited, so collaboration and communication between the members of each House were key to the success of this project. Each Martian base was awarded points which contributed to their House total. The final results will be announced in the last assembly of the term. Meanwhile, here is a video with some examples of their work.
Poetry Showcase
The Prep Poetry Showcase 'In My Nature' was an opportunity to celebrate and share the message that "poetry is for everyone". The English Department collaborated with the Music, Drama, Art, Languages, Humanities and LKS2 Departments to highlight how poetry enriches many aspects of our lives and is an important part of self-expression.
The 'Gallery Walk' gave students the experience of a Silent Disco featuring songs written and recorded by students, a 'Black Out' poetry challenge and 'Festival' vibe, body percussion with poetic syllable patterns, environmental awareness of jungle and reef habitats, and displays of student work in the genres of tanka, elegy, sonnet, sensory poems and free verse. Performances from students in Years 3-8 were supported by recitals from Prep Staff as well as Senior School student actors to round-out the culmination of our poetic units of work.
STEAM Fair
Our Years 7 and 8 STEAM Enrichment group participated in a huge STEAM Fair hosted by
St Andrew's Green Valley. Around 170 students from Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand from Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 spent several weeks designing and building self-propelling mouse trap race cars and bottle rockets which were tested on the day for efficiency over a long distance.
During the Fair, there was also a Periodic Table Minefield mission, a botanical and mathematical scavenger hunt, an engineering construction task and a photography competition. Our students needed logic, knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills to get through each challenge. Our RST students were undaunted by the task and showed collaboration, thinking and resilience. Well done to Mia 7O, Jennifer 7O, Davie 7A, Mathilde 7L, Prinn 7O, Pat 8P, Kun 8M, Pan Pan 8S, Yuxi z 8S, Berry 7A, Aticha 7L, Chanya 7L, Heidi 7O as well as Mrs Donaldson, Mrs Douglas and Mrs Furness for their assistance.
Pre-Prep News
Announcements and Reminders
MONSTER PHONICS AMBASSADOR SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL DAY
Our International Day Celebrations will take place on Friday, 17th February and parents are invited to attend the parade with their Pre-Prep children. The parade will be held in The Oval from 8:45-9:30am. Children will parade as a class, and parents are invited to watch them from around The Oval. Flags are welcome.
We encourage the children to wear traditional dress if appropriate, or they can dress in colours or as objects or famous people that represent their country. Further information has been emailed to you already this week and can also be found on Seesaw for our KS1 parents.
BAKE SALE
This week saw the Pre-Prep School Council organise their first Bake Sale to raise funds for the Hand to Hand Foundation. They worked tirelessly to create posters, write letters and make a video to share with parents and their peers to raise awareness of the bake sale. A huge thanks to all of the staff and parents who donated cakes, cookies and croissants for the School Councillors to sell, and to those of you who attended the bake sale and bought so many of the delicious items. An amazing 12,490THB was raised and will be donated to the Foundation. Well done to the incredible School Council team!
Dates for Your Diary
6th FEBRUARY: Reception Bikes or Scooter week- please bring your helmet
8th FEBRUARY: Teamwork Tiger Day- dress as a tiger or wear yellow and black as we learn more about how to be a Teamwork Tiger
15th FEBRUARY: Nursery Parents Coffee Morning 8:30am
16th FEBRUARY: Parent Teacher Conferences- All classes 3:00- 6:15 pm - more information and sign up coming soon
17th FEBRUARY: International Day
18th – 26th FEBRUARY: Half Term
Pre-Nursery
FISH CLASS
The Pre-Nursery Fishes have been learning to listen to music and keep a steady beat with our rhythm sticks! We took a video of our performance and I think we are getting rather good!
RABBIT CLASS
This week, we have been practising our counting skills with the help of a story about a HUGE snake and 10 tiny mice. The greedy snake was hungry and caught 10 mice in a jar, but the mice toppled the jar over and escaped! Rabbit class enjoyed retelling the story and counting up to 10. As a challenge, we tried to count backwards too. Great counting Rabbit class.
Nursery Owls develop a taste for baking!
Nursery’s topic this term is ‘People who help us’. As our Nursery children are getting used to their surroundings, it’s unsurprising that the topic of people who help us is so essential in making them feel more comfortable in the big wide world. From security guards to nurses, chefs to gardeners and cleaners, we’ve selected a range of imaginative activities to spark discussion about helpful people in everyday life. Baking cookies with chef Tan and his team was a hit!
Chef Tan and his team explained all their jobs and let us peek through the window into the kitchen.
After the tour, we had the opportunity to knead the dough, shape it into a ball and press it into a baking sheet to make them flat. Once the children filled the baking trays, the chefs took them to the oven. While the children were washing their hands, some freshly baked cookies appeared on our tables. We got to decorate the cookies by dipping them in dark chocolate and adding a few chocolate chips for safe measure.
Thank you, Chef Tan and everybody in the RST kitchen, for your hospitality and enthusiasm with which you introduced us to your profession.
Year 2 Hedgehogs
The Year 2 Hedgehogs are learning all about Measuring mass this week and in these photos, the Hedgehogs used non-standard units and important language such as 'heavier', 'lighter' and 'balanced'. A great introduction to Measuring mass!
Sports Day
Last Friday was a day full of fun and sporting activities; the morning started with sports events for the early years and the afternoon was dedicated to Key Stage One. Many parents, grandparents, and family members came to support the children, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Mr. Dehann, our Pre-Prep PE teacher, organised a variety of activities including the much-loved dress-up race, egg-and-spoon race, obstacle course, water challenge, bike race for Reception, bean bag throw for Pre-Nursery and Nursery, backward egg-and-spoon challenge for Year 1, and sack race for Year 2. The day ended with sprint races down the track. A huge thank you to Mr Dehann, all the staff for their support, and of course, to our parents who actively supported and cheered on the children. Thank you for a wonderful day!
EYFS
KS1
Makaton Signing
This week we learned the signs for:
'more', 'food' and 'to drink water'
Thank you to our Pre-Nursery friends in Fish class for their help in making the video.
Happy signing!
Useful Links
Enrichment & Sport
Sport
FOBISIA GAMES - SWIMMING
The RST swimming squad performed exceptionally well at the 2023 FOBISIA Games, which was held at Bangkok Patana School. The competition saw 21 teams from 6 countries, with team sizes ranging from 15 to over 100 swimmers. The RST team, consisting of 16 swimmers, achieved an average score that placed them 7th overall.
A special mention goes to Georgia Dunn for finishing 2nd in the women's 13-14 age group and a huge congratulations to Lilly Phuangthong for taking first place in the women's 9-10 age category and setting the fastest 100m freestyle time in Thailand this season for her age group.
The team extends its gratitude to all the swimmers and coaches, as well as to the supportive parents who travelled to Bangkok to cheer on their children.
Boarding Life
MARSHALL HOUSE GETS ANOTHER RESIDENT
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the arrival of Inigo Stoker to Marshall House. He was born on Saturday, 21st January. Mr and Mrs Stoker, along with their daughter Marnie, are now back in the House, settling into life as a family of four. It is incredibly exciting to have yet another baby in the boarding house. Congratulations to the Stoker family!
RSTeam Spotlight
Get to know our dedicated team of teachers and support staff who make our School great a little better, by learning more about them and their roles.
This week we focus on Gareth Ross, our Head of Music in Prep School.
Community Offers & Events
BSD ONLINE CODING WORKSHOPS
Last term's workshop talked about how using a device is less about how long we are doing it for, and more about what we are doing. One amazing way of using our screen time is to create; BSD Online is used in our computing curriculum by Year 5 and Year 7 to create with code and they are offering some of their coding camps over the holidays. This is your chance for your child to sign-up, improve their coding skills, and be exposed to a positive way of using their screen time.
Courses are available to book now and designed for students aged 8-18. Learn more: https://virtualclasses.bsd.education/rugby-school-thailand/"
WISDOM SPORTS CAMP
RST SPRING CAMP
Date: 8th – 12th April 2023 (Full boarding)
Age: 7 - 12
Price details:
- Early bird (10% discount) 20,700 BHT
- The Early bird ends on 17th Feb 2023
- Full price 23,000 BHT
HOLIDAY INN- RST COMMUNITY DISCOUNTS
We’d like to thank our friends from the Holiday Inn, who are offering our RST Community preferential hotel rates and discounts in their restaurants for 2023:
