Term 3 - 9 June
Matters of Principal
Whole School News
Announcements
RSTPA UNIFORM SWAP
After the huge success of our previous events, our RSTPA reps are holding another Uniform Swap next week. On Monday, 12th June, please drop off any good quality, clean uniform to the Green Room between 15:30 – 17:30, where you will receive a voucher to exchange for second-hand uniform on Thursday, 15th June (15:30 – 17:30).
Please remove all name labels and ensure the clothing is stain-free and in good-repair.
FEES IN ADVANCE ANNUAL DISCOUNT
For those of you who would like to benefit from the discount available if you pay the year's tuition fee in advance, please click the link to the Google Form to register your interest.
NON-UNIFORM DAY
Monday, 19th June is a Non-Uniform Day to raise money for Childline Thailand.
Childline provides children in Thailand with trusted and reliable access to protection, health and human services, as is their right, and which the Thai Government adheres to through its ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.
We are proud to be working closely with Childline Thailand and pleased to be able to help this most worthy of causes. Your son/daughter should hand 100THB to their Tutor (Prep and Senior), or class teacher/office (Pre-Prep) at the start of the morning on that day.
Thank you all for your support.
LITPOD
This week is the final release of LitPod, a podcast series discussing the wonderful world of literature brought to you by the Senior Tech Team. In Episode 3: Reading and Accessibility, your gracious hosts Pun and Katie are joined by the magnificent Mrs Pearce and sophisticated Mr Spreyer to explore a perhaps more political aspect of literature. In yet another fascinating journey cut short, they discuss the importance of making literature more accessible, its implications for education and society as a whole, and much more.
As this is the final episode, we hope that you have enjoyed this LitPod series and that it has ignited a little bit of curiosity. Previous episodes are available on the RST YouTube channel and the LitPod website. Stay tuned for future podcasts from the Tech Team.
Salutations…for now!
WISDOM FiRST RESIDENCE EVENT: 26th JUNE 2023
We would like to cordially invite you to an exclusive Open House Event for Wisdom Estates, presented by Khun Taya Teepsuwan. Please see the attached poster to RSVP (QR or phone), noting the event will be held in The Veeraphan Theatre from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
Make A Difference (MAD)
On Wednesday, three of our students visited the Tamar Centre in Pattaya, where they enjoyed a short tour of the premises and a meeting with the amazing ladies who train and work there. The main point of the visit was to collect three large batches of RST colour greeting cards, designed by art competition winners, Victoria (Year 3) and Dee-Dee (LXX), and hand-manufactured by the Tamar ladies. They were joined by Lily (LXX) as our Senior Levée for Service.
Our greeting cards celebrate the wonderful moment when Rugby UK schoolboy William Webb Ellis picked up a football and ran with it, precisely 200 years ago. These will soon be on sale in the School shop and at various events on the School site. Smaller batches are also being shipped to Rugby UK and Rugby Japan as part of the wider celebration of the birth of the game of rugby, and therefore showcases the fabulous artwork of RST students, Victoria and Dee-Dee.
Eco Garden Update
Over the past fortnight, we have dedicated substantial efforts to the development and maintenance of our Eco Garden. Our endeavours encompassed various aspects, including the cultivation of fresh vegetables, culinary activities employing our garden's produce, and the creation of a unique beverage known as RSTea.
This week, we proudly introduce our RSTea products, carefully crafted from exquisite ingredients such as butterfly pea, lemongrass, and pandan leaves. These natural elements are meticulously selected to ensure the highest quality and flavour profiles.
Furthermore, we have successfully conceptualised and designed our Eco Garden & Zero Waste Logo, symbolising our commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. This logo serves as a visual representation of our collective efforts to promote a greener, more sustainable future.
Through our dedicated work in the Eco Garden and the establishment of our brand identity, we strive to inspire others and create awareness regarding the importance of eco-friendly practices and waste reduction.
Senior News
Announcements
ART EXHIBITION
A reminder that all parents and students are welcome to attend the opening of the GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition at 5pm on Wednesday, 14th June in the Collingwood Centre
F BLOCK ARTS REVIEW
We are delighted to invite parents of F Block students to watch the F Block Arts Review on Tuesday, 20th June at 4.30pm in the Black Box theatre.
Students in the F Block have worked very hard this year and the review is an exciting opportunity for your children to show you what they have been doing during their art, music and drama lessons. All F Block students will be in attendance and contributing their work.
At 4.30pm, you will have the opportunity to view your child’s artwork in a pop-up gallery, whilst also enjoying light refreshments. We will then move into the Black Box theatre to watch a series of music and drama performances. We anticipate that the event will be finished at approximately 6pm, so please arrange transport to take them home at this time if they are a day student.
If you are able to attend, it would be very helpful if you could sign up via this Google Form by clicking the link or scanning the QR code before Wednesday 14th June, so that we have an idea of catering numbers. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
We really hope to see you there!
YEAR 8 TRANSITION EVENT
On Tuesday, we welcomed Year 8 parents to meet the Heads of Department in the new Senior Dining Hall. Parents were able to talk with the Senior staff about their subject and the curriculum. Before this, there was a short presentation from Mr Grindlay, Mr Groves (Head of Senior), Mr Maguire (Head of F Block 23/24), and Mr Green (Deputy Head Academic). We are looking forward to welcoming Year 8 students over for a Science afternoon next week and properly welcoming them to the Senior School in August. Before the start of term on Thursday 24th August, all parents and students in F Block (Year 9) will be invited in for an orientation afternoon and receive some more details about the School.
Reminders
SENIOR SCHOOL XX GRADUATION DINNER AND LAUNCH OF THE RUGBEIAN SOCIETY
Please RSVP here.
SENIOR SCHOOL SPEECH DAY
Please confirm your attendance here.
Dates for Your Diary
12th – 15th JUNE: Virtual parent-tutor meetings
12th JUNE: LXX Business Studies trip to BMW Rayong
13th JUNE:
- Robotics afternoon for F Block
- Y8 experience Senior Science
14th JUNE: GCSE & A Level Art Exhibition opening event in the Collingwood Centre (5pm)
15th JUNE:
- LXX Art trip: Glass Artist Experience
- XX rehearsal for Speech Day in WEC (4pm)
16th JUNE: Launch of Rugbeian Society in Thailand and Graduation Dinner
17th JUNE: Senior Speech Day. All Senior students are to attend at 10:30am in full uniform.
Parents warmly invited
Learning
ART
LXX were excited to visit Mr Stephen Gormley's Glass Associates studio and factory last week. They walked through the factory floor viewing the variety of processes he uses and asked questions along the way. They were then able to discuss the individual designs that they wish to make. LXX artists will continue to visit during activities to pursue their design ideas using the moulds and sandblasting techniques. We hope to be able to show you their results soon. The end of the tour finished in the gallery where they viewed some of Mr Gormley's larger and more spectacular personal pieces that he has made throughout his career.
DRAMA
Just before half term, F Block students completed their practical drama exam. Their task was to cast, rehearse and perform a scene from the play they have been studying this term: Face by Benjamin Zephaniah. There were so many fantastic performances and we are very proud of the students for the effort that they put into this performance. We can't wait to show a few of these scenes to F Block parents at the Arts Review on Tuesday, 20th June.
RorDor News
Congratulations to our ROTC students for achieving a remarkable 100% success rate this academic year. Their dedication and commitment to rigorous training, including push-ups, sit-ups, and running, have yielded outstanding results. We are grateful to the Chonburi Military teachers for their invaluable support and guidance, as well as the RST PE teachers Team for arranging the training to develop our students' skills. The first-year RorDor Applicants have demonstrated exceptional competence, with a collective pass rate of 100%.
We are immensely proud of our students and their readiness to participate in the upcoming summer break ROTC programme. This intensive 20-day programme, from 3rd July to 31st July, will further enhance their skills and prepare them for future roles in the ROTC.
Prep News
Announcements & Reminders
PREP LIBRARY END-OF-YEAR NOTICE
Please be informed of the following End of Academic Year deadlines:
- Last day for borrowing from the Prep Library will be on 16th June;
- All Library books are to be returned by close of business on 23rd June.
Please note that lost/overdue and damaged books may incur a fee.
The Prep Library will close on 26th June in preparation for an extensive refit and renovation. We look forward to sharing our new and improved Library space with the Prep School community next academic year.
BYOD COFFEE MORNING
Please join our Director of Digital Learning and Head of Prep for an informal coffee morning. This is a chance to:
- Come and chat with us about the 'why and how' of BYOD
- See BYOD in action as we trial its introduction in Year 7
- Answer any concerns or questions you have about our BYOD policy
- Bring in the device you're thinking of using and we can help advise
YEAR 5 TO YEAR 6 TRANSITION PRESENTATION
On Thursday, we welcomed our current Year 5 families in to share information about Year 6 next year. If you missed this session, you can access the presentation below:
SAVE THE DATE: Year 8 Leavers' Lunch: Friday 30 June 12:00-13:30 (Year 8 Students, Parents and Siblings)
SAVE THE DATE: Prep Speech & House Music Final - Friday 30th June 10:30 – 12:00
(all Prep parents invited)
Dates for your Diary
10th JUNE
08:00 – 12:00: Year 4 Rehearsal
08:00 – 09:15: U10 & U12 Boys Basketball Training in the WEC – please sign-up with Mr Chisholm
08:30 – 10:00: Saturday Enrichment Programme Session 1 – please sign-up on SOCS
09:15 – 10:30: U10 & U12 Girls Basketball Training in the WEC – please sign-up with Mr Chisholm
09:30 – 10:45: U9 Wisdom Football Academy
10:15 – 11:45: Saturday Enrichment Programme Session 2 – please sign-up on SOCS
12th JUNE
08:00 – 10:00: RSTPA Cooking Class - Japan (only for those who have booked)
13:00 – 16:00: Cooking Club Trip
15:30 – 17:30: RSTPA Uniform Swap - Drop-off clean uniform to the Green Room
16:00 – 18:00: U8 Mixed Football @REPS
16:15 – 17:45: U13 Girls (B) Basketball v MIS
16:40 – 18:15: U11 & U13 Boys Wisdom Football
18:15 – 19:45: U10 & U12 Boys Wisdom Basketball
13th JUNE
14:45 – 17:00: Y8 Intro to Senior Event: Science
16:00 – 18:00: U13 Boys & Girls Volleyball @REPS
17:00 – 17:30: Y6 to Y7 Transition Presentation in the Veraphan Theatre
18:15 – 19:45: U14 Boys Wisdom Basketball
14th JUNE
16:00 – 18:00: U11 Boys & Girls Football @RST
16:15 – 17:45: U11 Boys A & B Basketball v MIS
17:00 – 17:35: Year 2 to Year 3 Transition Presentation in the Veraphan Theatre
16:40 – 18:15: U11 & U13 Girls Wisdom Football
18:15 – 19:45: U10 & U12 Girls Wisdom Basketball
15th JUNE
Junior Maths Olympiad (invitational only)
LAMDA Exams
15:30 – 17:30: RSTPA Uniform Swap in the Green Room
16:15 – 19:45: U14 Girls Wisdom Basketball
16th JUNE: LAMDA Exams
17th JUNE: Senior Speech Day
08:00 – 09:15: U10 & U12 Boys Basketball Training in the WEC – please sign-up with Mr Chisholm
08:30 – 10:00: Saturday Enrichment Programme Session 1 – please sign-up on SOCS
09:15 – 10:30: U10 & U12 Girls Basketball Training in the WEC – please sign-up with Mr Chisholm
09:30 – 10:45: U9 Wisdom Football Academy
10:15 – 11:45: Saturday Enrichment Programme Session 2 – please sign-up on SOCS
Science
We have been having lots of fun in Science this term!
Y4 studied the strange properties of non-Newtonian liquids by making oobleck, also proving that the best chemistry work often ends up with some of the chemistry on it.
Year 5 have been learning about the Earth and space. One of the biggest challenges they faced was not eating too many Oreos when they created models to show the phases of the moon.
Year 7 have been working on their communication and collaboration skills, making videos explaining atoms, molecules, elements, compounds and mixtures.
Year 8 have been studying sound and learned that a really low-tech form of communication (a telephone made from cups and string) is fun and surprisingly effective. Being globally minded and stepping into the shoes of the visually impaired, the students also tried to develop their echolocation skills, mimicking a process used by bats and dolphins.
Pre-Prep News
Announcements and Reminders
PARENT ID LANYARD
Please remember to wear your Parent ID at all times when accessing Pre-Prep. If you do forget it, you will need to exchange a photograph ID for a visitor badge at the office or you will not be allowed access to Pre-Prep. If you have lost your parent ID, please contact Khun Bui or Khun Jam.
MAD JUNIORS' CLOSET CLEANOUT
The MAD Juniors invite you to a closet cleanout!
We are encouraging parents, teachers and our friends in Pre Prep to go through their toys, books, clothes and even stationery to see if there is anything that you are not using anymore and would be willing to donate to a good cause.
As the end of the year is approaching fast, we may have many toys and books at home that we don't use anymore but are still in great condition for someone else to use. Some of us may have grown taller and out of our clothes and shoes, but somewhere out there may be someone who can put them to excellent use.
There will be a big donation box outside of the gate, and the MAD Juniors want to encourage everyone to take part in our closet cleanout.
Donations can be made from now until the 28th June, thank you so much for your support.
We accept no money and no newly bought goods, only things donated from your home that can be used again, please.
All the donations will go to Take Care Kids - they will be SO happy!
Please find the link to their website here for more information: http://www.takecarekids.org/en/home-en/
Dates for Your Diary
12th JUNE: U7 Football Friendly against REPS 3pm - 5:45pm
13th JUNE: Reception to Year 1 Transition meeting 8:30am Assembly Hall
14th JUNE:
- Year 2 to 3 Parent Transition Meeting Part 2- Verpahan Theatre Prep School 5-5:30pm
- Moving Up Morning (children only)
16th JUNE: Proud Peacock Day- no dress up
19th JUNE: Non-Uniform Day – 100THB donation for Childline Thailand
Reception Geckos
This week, it was the turn of the Gecko class to lead the Wake 'n' Shake session. They showed that they are just like 'Go For It Gorillas' by standing on the stage to show the other children what to do. The children danced along to their favourite songs and had a wonderful time while exercising their bodies.
Year 2
This week, Year 2 started our transition activities to prepare our children for life in Year 3. We have been to visit, and play on, the big playground at the prep building. We have also started swimming
lessons in the big pool at the CGA. The children are very excited about moving up and can’t wait to meet their new teachers.
STEAM Day
On STEAM Day, Wednesday, 31st May, Pre-Prep had an exciting and engaging day dedicated to exploring the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The purpose of this special day was to learn about and celebrate the accomplishments of famous individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of STEAM.
In each classroom, students were introduced to influential figures in STEAM and participated in a variety of hands-on activities related to their respective fields of expertise. The classrooms were transformed into interactive learning spaces, with photos and informative displays about the important people in STEAM.
Makaton Signing
This week, we have been learning the signs for:
‘Sun’, ‘rain’, ‘wind’
Thank you to the Nursery Bear class for their help in making the video.
Happy signing!
MAD Juniors
Last week, the MAD Juniors volunteered to make a difference in our cleaners' lives. We asked them lots of questions about their daily tasks, where they clean, what is their favourite thing about working at RST & how we could help them.
We then decided to help them! We helped clean the bathrooms, toilets, classrooms and even windows. We reflected and realised what a big role they play at RST and how thankful we are for them.
Useful Links
Sport
THAILAND CENTRAL REGION SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Rugby School Thailand, in partnership with the Thailand Swimming Association, hosted the Thailand Central Region Swimming Championships this past weekend.
49 Swimming clubs were present with 700 swimmers competing for national qualification.
The RST swimming team finished in 20th position with the most notable achievements coming from Rebecca with 1 gold and 2 bronze medals and Lilly with 2 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Congratulations to all who took part!
FOBISIA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
RST excelled at the FOBISIA football tournament in Bangkok last month. The U12 boys' team topped their group of 8 teams and secured a spot in the quarterfinals. Although they narrowly lost in the semifinals, they rallied to claim 3rd place out of 16 teams. Meanwhile, the U12 girls dominated their group of 12 teams, remaining undefeated and advancing to the final. With an impressive comeback, they scored two late goals to equalise the score and won the trophy in a penalty shootout, thanks to goalkeeper Yuko's exceptional saves. In the U15 girls' tournament, RST battled fiercely, ultimately winning both their final-day games to become the champions. Throughout the tournament, the students displayed exemplary sportsmanship and represented the School admirably both on and off the field.
CRICKET
Our U11 mixed cricket team competed at the Mike Gatting invitational 6v6 tournament this week, hosted by Wellington College Bangkok.
9 teams went head to head with our RST A team winning the bronze medal and our Bs finishing a close 5th.
This was a great opportunity to play a new game, make new friends and meet a legend of the game.
Student Achievements
FOBISIA VIRTUAL CONCERTO COMPETITION
Savannah Duncan (LXX) has been awarded joint second place (highly commended) for the FOBISIA Virtual Concerto Competition, with her performance of the 3rd movement of the A minor violin concerto by J.S. Bach.
This was a prestigious competition, with entries from many of the FOBISIA schools, so we are very proud of this amazing achievement!
IYMC MUSIC COMPETITION
We would like to congratulate Emiya (5CD) and Prague (5MD) for their recent success in the IYMC Music Competition. Emiya achieved the Grand Prize for 100 perfect scores in the Junior 2 category and Prague won First Prize in the Junior 1 category. Well done to both of them!
ASSET WISE JUNIOR TENNIS THAILAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Well done to Coupe (4J), who joined “Asset Wise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship" last weekend. Coupe and his team achieved 2nd runner-up in the Under 10 boy double tennis competition.
Leon achieved 3rd place in the boy’s singles under 8.
Congratulations!
THE 10th HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Congratulations to Time in Reception Toucans for his amazing achievement on the piano! He recently achieved 5th prize plate and certificate at "The 10th Hong Kong International Youth Performing Arts Festival." He has been invited to represent Thailand on 7th August in Japan! We wish him the very best of luck in Japan! Well done, Time!
RSTeam Spotlight
Get to know a little better our dedicated team of teachers and support staff who make our School great, by learning more about them and their roles.
This week we focus on Wynn Teerapon Liemdee, Apple Specialist Team Lead:
Community Offers & Events
DIGITAL SUMMER CAMPS
RST and BSD Online are proud to again present our holiday coding camps. For ages 8+ you can find everything from tech startups, blockchain, VR, gaming and AI.
You can find more resources like this at our Digital Learning website or for specific wellbeing activities, the Digital Wellbeing page.
WISDOM FIT
From the start of next term, the Wisdom Fit Gym will only be open during term time; very convenient for parents who drop off and collect their children every day.
We would like to offer you the following membership fees:
- Membership Fee for 1 term : ฿7,500 (excluding VAT7%)
- Membership Fee for 3-Terms : ฿18,000 (excluding VAT7%)
*Sign up as a couple, and receive 10% discount.
For current and former members who would like to continue their memberships, we have the following promotion:
3-term membership: from ฿18,000 to ฿15,000 (excluding VAT 7%)
**Sign up as a couple to receive a 10% discount.
The promotion is valid from now until 30 June 2023.
For more information, please contact wfit@rugbyschool.ac.th or 033-141800 #4520 / Line@wisdomfit
WISDOM SWIMMING CLUB
Join us at Wisdom Swimming Club for an exciting Freestyle Clinic featuring the esteemed guest coach, Jenjira Srisa-ard. Jenjira is Thailand's national swimmer, who proudly represented the country in the Olympic Games 2020, winning 2 gold medals. She also hold the record in freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly 50 meters in the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia.
This exclusive clinic will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true champion.
The registration fee is 2,000 THB, with limited availability for only 20 participants.
Additionally, participants from Wisdom Swimming Club and RST Students will enjoy a special 10% discount. Dive in and enhance your swimming skills with us!
TOS TENNIS ACADEMY
Join us for Tennis Lessons in June 2023!
We are offering group lessons for both beginners and intermediate players. Come and meet our experienced TOS coaches who will assess your tennis skills. Lessons are available from Monday to Friday at the RST Tennis Court.
For more information, please contact us at 086 668 7731 or 089 108 4402.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your tennis game!
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:
