Term 2 - 17 February
Matters of Principal
Whole School News
Lessons for Life
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. Please sign up using the QR code on the accompanying poster or through the following link:
Life Lessons with Ajahn Jayasāro
Senior News
Announcements & Reminders
UNIVERSITY OF COLUMBIA VISIT
The University of Columbia will be joining us for an informative workshop on Wednesday,
1st March from 16:15 – 17:15 in the Veraphan Theatre. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into what highly selective US Ivy League universities are looking for in their future students, and how to best prepare yourself for success.
For those parents and students that attended the recent EducationUSA and University of San Francisco workshop, you will recall that US Higher Education institutions really look at students’ profiles from Years 10 (E Block) - Year 13 (XX). We are therefore inviting students and parents from Years 9 to 13 to attend the event; please sign up by completing the Google Form before
27th February 2023. Students who are thinking of applying to the US are strongly encouraged to attend.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Mrs Cecil at ccecil@rugbyschool.ac.th
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Have you been thinking of learning to play an instrument? It is never too late to start an instrument, or indeed, return to an instrument you used to play before. Learning an instrument has been proven to benefit a student's other studies tremendously in terms of focus, concentration, commitment, resilience, etc. etc!
We currently have vacancies for the following instruments:
Guitar (bass, classical, electric), Violin, Viola, Trombone, Singing, Saxophone, French horn, Trumpet, Clarinet
If any parent is interested in their Senior student learning one of these instruments, please get in touch with our Head of Music, Senior, Mrs Duncan (lduncan@rugbyschool.ac.th) to arrange a free trial lesson.
WORLD BOOK DAY
World book day is taking place on 2nd March and students are invited to come to School dressed as their favourite book character.
Dates for your Diary
27th FEBRUARY: F Block Electives talk for students (11:30 – 12:45)
28th FEBRUARY:
- 11:00 – 12:10 Whole Me programme Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) session with ChildLine Thailand
- 16:15 - 17:30 'Lessons for Life' with Ajahn Jayassaro, in the WEC
1st MARCH:
- 08:00 - 09:00 Parents' coffee morning with Heads of Year and Senior Leaders
- 16:10 - 18:15 Columbia University admissions workshop
2nd MARCH: World Book Day - come to School dressed as a character from your favourite book!
3rd MARCH: F Block IGCSE Electives Talk for parents (15:00 - 16:00)
Interhouse Football
Our annual interhouse football competition has taken place over the last few weeks across the Senior school. Each house competed in a group stage round-robin format with the top two houses showcasing the finals.
Students were encouraged to compete to their best level but also to demonstrate the values of good sportsmanship such as teamwork, support for each other and being gracious in defeat. Congratulations to all students for the great games and the overall winners will be announced after the half-term break.
House Film Festival
Grahame (SH, XX) did a magnificent job of hosting the School's inaugural film festival. This was an entirely student-led event, devised by Grahame, with each House submitting short films on the theme of love. The categories were music video, documentary and narrative, which superb entries for each, include one expertly drawn animation from Town House.
Winners will be revealed after the half-term break, but as Grahame might say, the real winner is the magic of storytelling, as the Seniors were transported away to the vivid imaginations of various groups of our incredible student body.
Head's Distinction
I was delighted to celebrate the successes of several students over a glass of chocolate milk and some cookies. A Head's Distinction was awarded to Jiew for winning an innovation competition, Piano for achieving Grade 8 in vocals with merit. Kevin and Ah Ra were nominated by Mr Douglas (Head of our award-winning DT department) for exceptional work. Finally, Sandie, Andrie, Maelys, Sasha, and Sophia were nominated by Mr Maurice for their performance in the Prep Poetry Showcase where they were role models for the younger students.
We were also joined by Dr Grindlay who will be joining the School next year as Deputy Head Academic. Dr Grindlay has spent time this week meeting students and staff and is looking forward to joining our community in August.
Learning
BIOLOGY
E Block biologists are currently learning about the digestive system. This week, they consolidated their learning by modelling food passing through the digestive system, using household objects:
They also created infographics on Coeliac Disease, a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat food that contains gluten:
Prep News
Announcements & Reminders
KEY DATES
Please click here to access key dates for the next half of term.
WORLD BOOK DAY: PREP
World Book Day will be celebrated on 2nd March with our usual Costume Parade and fun learning activities. The theme in Prep this year is 'People Who Changed the World for the Better' (real life role models). Students are learning about this in lessons and Assembly. They are encouraged to dress up in respectful costumes that honour the positive contribution of a historical or modern person. There is a display in the Prep Entrance of inspirational world-changers.
Enjoy the video made by Staff and Students of RST with their suggested role models.
Dates for your Diary
27th FEBRUARY:
09:00 – 12:00: Y6-8 Sport Day (Parents are welcome to attend)
U11A & B Girls Basketball v MIS (home)
28th FEBRUARY:
12:40 – 13:30: Scholars' Speaker – Jeremy Jauncey
13:30: Childline Talk to Y3-5
14:45: Childline Talk to Y6-8
15:00: U9 Girls & Boys Football v STA GV
1st MARCH
U11A & B Boys Basketball v MIS (home)
Invitational Trail Running Event
2nd MARCH: World Book Day (Theme: People who changed the world for the better)
3rd MARCH: 15:30-17:00: U13 FOBISIA Games Training
4th MARCH:
U9/U11 Primary 7s @Harrow, BKK
U13 Football v Planet Football
08:40-12:00: Y8 Play Rehearsal
10:45-14:15: Pattaya Sports Club Children's Day @RST
Year 7 Computing
Year 7 started their 'offline' coding this week in our new coding card game, Potato Pirates. The game helps us teach algorithmic patterns, functions, procedures and more whilst opening the students up to the idea that not all computing needs to be done with a screen; exploring how balance and purpose can be central to everything we do - and fun of course!
Science & Geography Talk
Year 5-8 students had the privilege of learning how robotic fish and AI are helping to 'Save the Seas'.
Liane and Simeon, the founders of Aquaai, spoke to the students about what they do to help conserve the environment and ocean habitats. You can follow their journey on https://www.aquaai.com/
Ecoteam
The eco team recently met with the organiser of the RST clothing sustainability store, Mrs Dunn. Here they presented to Mrs Dunn a proposal for a donation of some funds towards helping organise the room better.
After a successful proposal, the team had an even bigger challenge, going to Mr DIY to purchase non-plastic storage materials. We discussed the problem with plastic and it being so readily available in shops.
Here are some photos of what we’ve been up to:
English as an Additional Language
This half term, EAL students have been learning English through History. Years 3 & 4 looked at ancient Egyptian civilization, focusing on gods and pharaohs, as well as Cleopatra as an influential figure who changed the world.
Years 5 & 6 studied ancient Rome, looking at Roman clothing and food, roles in the family, as well as gladiator fights in the Colosseum.
Years 7 & 8 researched World War with a focus on a soldier's life in the trenches and some of the more famous battles.
We then followed the writing cycle to create a historical fiction story, set in our respective time periods. We focused on narrative tenses, description and building historical vocabulary. We wanted to narrate our own stories, so we were lucky enough to have a workshop with a voice actor from London who narrates audiobooks. She showed us her studio and taught us some voice warmups and narrating techniques. To listen to the stories, visit the EAL department and scan the QR codes!
Golf Trip
On Thursday, some of our Prep School golfers travelled to Amata Springs Country Club to watch the DP World Tour, Thailand Classic. We had the opportunity to see some of the world's best golfers, including Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand, Rafa Caberera Bello from Spain, and Edoardo Molinari from Italy.
The students who came along with us had a great time watching the tournament and even received the odd golf ball and fist bumps from some of the tour players during the event. It was a memorable experience that the students won't soon forget.
Pre-Prep News
Announcements and Reminders
WORLD BOOK DAY, THURSDAY 2nd MARCH 2023
On Thursday, 2nd March, Pre-Prep children are invited to come to School dressed as a character from their favourite book to celebrate World Book Day.
As part of our celebrations in the Pre-Prep, each year group has chosen to spend the day learning about a specific author and their books. Where possible, your child’s lessons will be linked to this author. Children will also be taking part in a costume parade in the morning and there will be a book stall available to purchase new books between 3:00-5:00pm.
We are looking forward to seeing all the amazing costumes and thank you in advance for your support.
RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2 DROP OFF
A reminder as we are now half way through the School year that children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 should be making their own way to the classrooms in the mornings. This is part of their independent morning routine and helps them settle quickly to their morning tasks. If your child is still struggling with this separation, there are members of SMT and Khun Bui at the gate each morning who can help.
A huge well done to all the children who are taking that step to go to their classrooms on their own! You are ‘Go for it Gorillas’.
STUDENT INFORMATION
It is vital that we are kept informed of any changes to your contact information and your child's medical information. Please do inform Khun Bui or Khun Jam if you change your phone number or email address.
If your child has any medical updates/allergy or vaccine updates please inform Nurse Koy.
Dates for Your Diary
27th FEBRUARY: School opens
28th FEBRUARY: BIG TALK – Digital babysitting
2nd MARCH: World Book Day- Come dressed as Your Favourite Book Day Character
6th MARCH: School Closed Makha Bucha Day
8th MARCH:
8:30am Year 2 Coffee Morning
World Maths Day - celebrated by the children in class
15th MARCH: 8:30am Pre-Nursery Coffee Morning
16th MARCH: Come and See
8:00 – 9:00am Parents invited to visit their child's classroom to look at their work/books
Reception
This week, Reception students have been focusing on the importance of dental hygiene and how to keep our teeth healthy and clean. We were fortunate enough to have two dentists visit us last Friday to discuss the importance of good dental care.
Since the visit, we have been practising brushing our teeth correctly. We learnt that we should brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes, which can be a long time for some of us. To help make the process more enjoyable, we have been listening to the “Brush your teeth” song, which is a fun and educational way to encourage us to brush for the recommended time. We have also learnt about food that is unhealthy for our teeth.
Reception students have shown a great understanding of why looking after our teeth is important, and taking our dental hygiene seriously.
Year 1
The Year 1 children have been busy making popcorn this week! Following instructions, making recipe maps and writing instructions. Then to celebrate the end of our 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' topic, we went to the Prep Theatre with our popcorn to watch the Lorax!
Intensive English
This week in Pre-prep Intensive English, we continued with the topic of transport. We learned lots of new vocabulary that relates to transport, including land, water and air vehicles. The students enjoyed being Teamwork Tigers, and during our Rugby Rascals session this week, we worked together as a group to make a huge train track.
Last week, students learnt the two sounds of 'ow'. They had fun making an owl and even more fun eating rainbow marshmallows! Apparently, it was a hoot!
Makaton Signing
This week we have been learning the signs for:
'Love', 'family' and 'together'.
A huge thank you to the Rhino class for their help making the video.
Spanish
In Spanish this week, Year 2 children have been learning the names of various countries and how to introduce themselves by saying their name, how old they are, and where they come from. They have displayed remarkable ‘Teamwork Tigers’ skills as they collaborated on a poster showcasing different nationalities, and have been excellent ‘Exploring Eagles’, eagerly asking questions about the Spanish alphabet.
In Year 1, the students have been mastering the names of farm animals, getting ready to construct their first sentences after half term holidays.
Meanwhile, the Reception class has been discovering the names of colours through exciting games, sculpting with clay, and unleashing their creativity through painting.
Useful Links
Enrichment & Sport
Sport
YEAR 3 - 5 SPORTS DAY
This week, we enjoyed a competitive and fun Sports Day for Years 3-5. All students participated in at least three events with some outstanding performances on show. Congratulations to all of our winners for their achievements. Every student should feel proud of their efforts and resilience too, as every competitor earned points to go towards their House totals. Hardy took the poll position on this occasion.
We have had a record week for sport at RST, with fixtures across football, basketball, swimming and rugby. A massive number of students have represented the School across a range of levels and we have hosted the first ever U19 FOBISIA basketball championship.
Such an exciting time for RST sport.
KUALA LUMPUR (KL) TIGERS RUGBY 10s TOURNAMENT
Last weekend, our U12 Rugby team attended the KL Tigers 10’s Rugby Tournament which is the largest rugby tournament in Southeast Asia.
Over 150 teams were competing including 16 in the U12 grade which was split into two pools of 8.
RST had many great and close encounters in their 7 pool games, winning 4, losing 2 and we had 1 draw. With so many of the games being so tight and all teams winning and losing games, we were able to secure second place in our pool which made our final game of the tournament against the second-placed team in the other pool.
The final game was a great game between two very even teams and RST was lucky enough to secure a 12-10 win to claim third place overall.
This far exceeded our expectations of this group of players due to their lack of experience compared to the big club teams from Malaysia and Singapore.
Most importantly, all of the players had a great tour both playing in an international tournament and also visiting some of the sights of Kuala Lumpur in the limited downtime that we had.
Many skills were improved both on and off the field during their 4 days away and all have returned to Thailand better for the experience.
Hopefully, this is the start of many more rugby tours abroad for the ever-growing base of rugby players at RST.
VERSO SWIMSTAR 3
RST team ranked 20th out of 63 clubs at the Verso Swim Star 3 event held on 11th – 12th February. Lilly (Year 6) won 9 podium finishes, including 5 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze in the women's 10-11 age group, and was awarded the best female swimmer trophy.
Landon (Year 2) was the top male swimmer in his age group and won 7 gold medals. RST swimmers achieved many personal best times. Next up is the Martins Cup on 9th – 12th March, the final qualifying event of the season.
Well done team and supporters!
USEFUL LINKS
For even more photos of our sporting events, please look on the SOCS sports website. Or follow us on our RST Instagram page: sport_rugbyschoolthailand
Enrichment
PRE-PREP EXPLORING & ENGLISH ACTIVITY
This week in the Exploring & English Activity, our intrepid explorers fought their way through the Prep Jungle to spend time in the Prep Library. A vast array of books, informative displays and some pretty cool, comfy seating provided the perfect for us to kick back, read, learn and experience a fun, educational exploration.
PREP ADVENTURE EXPLORE SURVIVE (AES) ACTIVITY
Last week, the Y3-6 Adventure Explore Survive (AES) Activity students went down to our OEC to and learned how to light a campfire with a flint and steel.
To earn their Fire Lighting badge, the students had to build, light and maintain a small controlled campfire that could be used to cook a camp meal. The students learned quickly and showed great resilience working with the flint and steel, which can be a bit tricky to use for the first time.
The students will build on this new skill during their Mini-Adventure trek in the jungle when they get to cook a delicious camp lunch for themselves.
PREP CIRCUIT TRAINING
As children develop, they can enhance their confidence and physical abilities by engaging in stimulating and enjoyable activities. The Ninja Training-inspired Obstacle Courses are specifically planned for this purpose. Kids are motivated to explore their adventurous side, take on challenges, and push themselves through various obstacle courses and dynamic exercises. These activities demand the use of both their physical strength and critical thinking to overcome obstacles.
PREP GYMNASTICS ACTIVITY
Students have enjoyed the Gymnastic Activity this half term, working on their flexibility, core strength and balance. This is a great activity for transferable areas of fitness for other sports and is offered by external coaches from Universal Gymnastics Club.
PREP TABLE TENNIS ACTIVITY
The Table Tennis activity continues to grow in numbers with students being taught different skills each week, developing their hand eye coordination and reflexes. This activity is open to students of all abilities, and we encourage students to try new activities within the programme during the year.
Boarding Life
VALENTINES PANCAKE COMPETITION
Marshall House boarders enjoyed taking part in a Valentine's Pancake Competition. The pancakes all looked amazing, however Team 5 were voted the winners. What an awesome collaborative effort from all the teams.
The mighty School House were victorious in House Football this week, beating both Town House and Sheriff to take the win. They worked together, displaying amazing teamwork and House Spirit, which is what boarding is all about! We loved celebrating their achievement during Call Over, where Raiki gave us a run down of the matches.
Boarding Week saw the culmination of the hotly contested School House Table Tennis competition! In the end, Kenneth R came out on top, earning fame and glory. It was fantastic to watch all of the students compete in the live final.
To celebrate our amazing House Film submission by these wonderful boarders, we enjoyed pizza together whilst hosting a screening of their work. We are so proud of them!
School House kicked off boarding week with a football night with friends last weekend. What better way to unwind after a long week!
On Thursday, preparations were well under way for our Valentine's social event taking place for our senior boarders as part of Boarding Week. The Boarding Social Committee has been very busy transforming the Black Box, here are some sneaky pics of their hard work!
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 Koy Napasorn Krob-udom, Nurse, Pre-Prep.
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
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:
