Term 1 - 22 September 2023
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
SAVE THE DATE
On Saturday, 2nd December we will hold our annual RSTPA Christmas Fair 2023.
If you're interested in being a sponsor, vendor or event team volunteer at this year's Christmas Fair, please get in touch with Angelique and her team: ChristmasFair@rugbyschool.ac.th
WORLD SCHOLARS' CUP - THE GLOBAL ROUND
Earlier this month, twenty Senior and Prep students competed in the Global Round of the World Scholars' Cup in Bangkok; pitting their wits against thousands of the brightest minds from around the world. In teams of three, they debated, created and quizzed their way through academic events, not to mention building life-long memories and cultural connections at various social events.
Every student spent months learning an enriching and thought-provoking curriculum, before applying their subject knowledge, rhetorical and collaborative skills, in the hope of winning certificates, medals, cups and even trophies! Every student impressed as RST ambassadors, doing themselves, their teammates and their School proud.
Highlights of the Week
WAI KRU
Last Thursday, RST joined in the revered Thai tradition of Wai Kru, also known as "Teacher's Day." This cherished event provided our students with an opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for our dedicated educators through a time-honoured ceremony.
Below are some photos from across the School:
Pre-Prep
Prep
Senior
ROBOTICS DAY
We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone in our School's journey towards fostering innovation and nurturing young minds – A Whole School Robotics Event! This remarkable event brought together selected students from every level of our School, including Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior classes, to showcase their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills through the fascinating world of VEX Robotics.
At the heart of this event were a series of exhilarating challenges that pushed the boundaries of what these young engineers could achieve. Each team had to design, build, and program their robots to overcome obstacles and complete specific tasks. These challenges ranged from navigating intricate mazes to retrieving objects in a race against the clock. The students' solutions demonstrated a remarkable blend of critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Reminders
SPECIAL EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT FOR RST PARENTS
EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNT AT STUDIO 7
We are pleased to inform you that RST has signed up for an educational pricing discount programme with one of the leading Apple resellers in Thailand - Studio 7, where you will be able to obtain educational pricing discounts on most Apple products by showing your School ID to them when you are making a purchase.
Their nearest locations to our School are:
- Terminal 21 shopping mall
- Central Festival Pattaya
- Royal Garden Plaza
- Tukcom South Pattaya road
The discount applies to most Apple products, excluding iPhones, Apple Watches, and some other accessories.
RSTPA PARENT COOKING CLASSES
Our RSTPA Parent Cooking Classes continue to be very popular. This term, we will have the following classes:
- 9th October – French
- 6th November – Indian
- 20th November – Italian
We have a maximum of 24 places, so if you are interested, please reserve your place via the QR code or by getting in touch with Helen Cool: irbis2002@bk.ru / Line: Helen Cool / 0907694661.
There will be a small fee of 300THB per session to cover the costs of ingredients and you will need to bring some empty containers to take your food away.
COBIS ART COMPETITION
We're excited to be launching the new Cobis Art Competition for this year. The theme is 'A Future to be Proud of'.
As always, there will be art prizes and house tries for winners in each category, and we'll submit the overall winning entries to the international competition. See the poster for details of how to hand in artwork.
EYFS and Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2, 3 and 4
WISDOM SPORTS ACADEMY CAMPS
If you're looking for Half Term activities, check out the Wisdom Sports Academy camps on offer here at RST:
RSTPA CHARITY GOLF DAY
The RSTPA is busy organising the second annual RST Charity Golf Day. Last year was a great success and this year promises to be even better!
- To find out more, CLICK HERE
- If you like to join the event as an individual or team of 4 golfers, CLICK HERE
- If you’d like to partner with the event as a sponsor, CLICK HERE.
Senior
Announcements
HOUSE MUSIC
Parents are warmly invited to watch House Music which takes place on Wednesday, 11th October, starting at 2:45 pm in the WEC. Parents are also invited to watch their child take part in Sports Day, which is on 3rd October starting at 1pm.
KEY DATES
Below is a document containing some of the key dates for the term ahead. The list is not exhaustive, and we would advise checking the Schoolzine calendar
Reminders
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAREERS AFTERNOON FOCUSED ON THAI UNIVERSITIES
You will have received a letter inviting you to the Higher Education Information Event, focused upon Thai universities, on Thursday, 12th October from 3pm until 4pm in the Science Lecture Theatre.
At the event, you will have the opportunity to meet with our new Higher Education Advisor (Thailand) Mr Markes, and learn about the various pathways available at Thai universities. Our Thai Principal, Kru Natt, will also talk about a range of internship opportunities available to RST students. This will be followed by a question and answer session, after which we welcome you to join us for refreshments before we leave for the October half term break.
If you have not yet confirmed your attendance, please do so by completing this form.
GLOBAL UNIVERSITY FAIR
A reminder that the Global University Fair is taking place this weekend:
Highlight of the Week
OPERATION SMILE MEDICAL MISSION
Lily, Buggy, Latte, Katie, Nikki, and Kei recently embarked on a 3-day Operation Smile medical mission in remote Roi Et Province, one of four such missions in Thailand for 2023. They observed the entire process, from day 1 screenings to day 3 patient recovery, and interacted with medical teams, patients, and families. Each student formed connections with groups of children, engaging with and supporting them daily.
A highlight was a one-hour Q&A session with Operation Smile's Lead Surgeon, Dr. Apichai. Our students confidently posed insightful questions, such as how he handles the stress of surgery. Dr. Apichai emphasised the importance of kindness in his work. They also visited the Roi Et School for Deaf and Disabled Children, delivering donations from the RST community, including a 6,000THB cash donation raised by these students before the mission. This experience was transformative and humbling for all involved.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS
RST recently hosted representatives from prestigious US and UK universities: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), US, and the University of the Arts London (UAL), UK. Students gained insights into art and design courses, including foundation programmes, and learned about portfolio preparation. Rosie Cumber (UAL) and Radhi Ibrahim (SCAD) praised our students and offered future portfolio assistance, a valuable opportunity for RST students.
Prep
Announcements
READING AT RST INFORMATION SESSION
Parents of students in Years 3-6 are warmly invited to a 'Reading at RST' Information Session on Friday, 29th September 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the Veraphan Theatre. Our Prep Head of Reading will give an overview of our strategic goals at School and provide tips and advice on encouraging and extending your child's reading skills.
A frequently asked question is about book recommendations. Our School librarians work hard to encourage children to broaden their reading repertoire. This Author Map diagram is a great guide for exploring new authors and genres.
Some of our favourite sources are:
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/100-best-books/
https://cbca.org.au/shortlist-2023
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/20/us/your-favorite-childrens-books.html
PREP 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE' (MAD)
In assembly this week, Mrs Johnson and Mrs VK spoke to students about the work of Prep 'Make A Difference' (MAD). This is our School charity programme that aims to support our community and raise awareness of important causes.
This year, we are recruiting students to join the Prep MAD Committee. Please see all the details of the role and how to apply on the below poster. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Mrs Johnson on ajohnson@rugbyschool.ac.th.
MUSIC RECITALS
Next week sees the first of the Prep Music Recitals. These recitals are an opportunity for our young musicians to gain performance experience in a supportive and caring environment. Parents, family members and friends are encouraged to attend.
There will be 2 concerts:
- Thursday, 28th September: 17:30 in the Veraphan Theatre.
A light afternoon tea will be provided in the Green Room from 5:00pm which parents are welcome to attend.
- Monday, 2nd October: 12:50pm in the Veraphan Theatre.
The list of performers, venues and dates are shown below.
Expressions of interest for our next Music Recital, 7 November, will be posted in next week's newsletter.
Reminders
TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
A reminder that parents should not be taking photos or videos of the children on School grounds. This is against our School policy. Many thanks for your understanding.
Dates for your Diary
23rd SEPTEMBER:
08:45 – 10:00 Session 1 of the Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP)
10:15 – 11:45 Session 2 SEP
U12 & U14 Basketball @RST
U11A Football Tournament @NIST
U11B 7v7 Football Tournament @Shrewsbury
24th SEPTEMBER: U9 – U16 Rugby v Bangkok Lions @Bangkok Patana
25th SEPTEMBER:
U11B Basketball v REPS (Home)
U13 Football @RST
27th SEPTEMBER: Year 6 Coffee Morning – Library of the Veraphan Building (08:00 – 09:00)
28th SEPTEMBER:
Year 4 Outdoor Education Centre (OEC)
ESAC U13 Basketball @ISE
Prep Music Recital – Veraphan Theatre (17:30 – 18:30)
29th SEPTEMBER: Year 3-5 Reading Workshop – Veraphan Theatre (08:15 – 09:15)
30th SEPTEMBER:
08:45 - 10:00 Session 1 of the Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP)
10:15 - 11:45 Session 2 SEP
Sign-up on SOCS
U12 Football @NIST
U14 Football @Bangkok Patana
U9 Football @Shrewbury
1st OCTOBER: U9 – U16 Rugby v Japanese Club Bangkok
Highlight of the Week
YEAR 7
Year 7s are going crazy for Sci-Fi! This term in English, we are exploring and analysing various sub-genres of Science Fiction. Whilst enjoying the new library, Mrs Johnson’s class made a fantastic effort to widen their reading horizons and chose gripping Sci-Fi texts. Well Done Year 7.
Happy Reading!
Pre-Prep
Announcements
LIBRARY NEWS
The children in Pre-prep have been loving spending time in their 'new look' library! Pre-prep parents are also invited to being their children to come and visit the library every Tuesday from 3:15-3:45 and Thursday 4:45-5:15.
Reminders
HEALTH
Kindly notify Nurse@rugbyschool.ac.th in the event that your child falls ill.
We maintain records of illnesses such as Influenza, RSV, and Hand Foot and Mouth, and actively monitor for any potential outbreaks within the classes. In cases where there are multiple instances of RSV within a single class, we have established specific protocols, including increased disinfection of classrooms and bathrooms, regular temperature checks for children, and ongoing monitoring by Nurse Koy. Parents of children in the affected class will be promptly informed.
Additionally, we kindly request that if your child is unwell, they remain at home to prevent the spread of germs.
TERM 1 KEY DATES
Please click here for this term's key dates:
Dates for Your Diary
27th SEPTEMBER: KS1 Coffee Morning – Assembly Hall (8:30-9:00am)
29th SEPTEMBER: Reception coffee morning – Assembly Hall (8:30-9:00am)
3rd OCTOBER: Safeguarding Workshop (in Thai) – What is safeguarding and what do we do at RST? (8:30am)
4th OCTOBER: Learner Profile Day- no dress up
6th OCTOBER: Parent Teacher meetings- settling in 3:00-6:00pm - more information coming soon
10th OCTOBER: Makaton sign language Workshop (8:30am)
Highlights of the Week
NURSERY
Our wonderful Nursery children have been busy learning all about emotions this week. We have read books, sung songs, played games, and acted out our emotions with our friends. We are learning to use Makaton to sign the different emotions we feel. Take a look at our photos and guess which emotions we were pretending to be feeling.
MAD JUNIORS
For the past two weeks, the MAD Juniors have been busy with a very important act of kindness project. We decided we wanted to try and help our Intensive English and EAL friends by making mini "real life" flashcards of everyday things we do in Pre-Prep to help them understand better. The flashcards are in English, Thai and Chinese to include everyone in Pre-Prep. We asked the Pre-Prep teachers to order them from us, and we have been preparing many packs of flashcards to Make A Difference in every classroom in Pre Prep.
The MAD Juniors were our models for the flashcards and thought of many everyday tasks that our friends need help with or don't understand, they are real Caring Koalas.
MAKATON SIGNING
The Pre-Prep students have been busy practising their Makaton signing skills this term. Take a look at the signs we have learned so far this year
Useful Links
Sport & Enrichment
Sport
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GOLF TOUR (ISGT)
Last week, another small piece of RST sports history was made when Mr Fogden and Mr Buck took four Senior students (Putter, Ryan, Makoto and Darcy) to play in the first round of the International School Golf Tour (ISGT) hosted by Harrow at Bangkok Golf Club.
108 students took part from schools across Thailand in a very high-quality event.
A long, but rewarding day was had by all!
Enrichment
ADVENTURE EXPLORE SURVIVE (AES) ACTIVITY
Our AES Activity returns in 2023 with new and exciting modules for Years 3 and 4, Years 5 and 6 and a new Advanced AES for Years 7 and 8.
AES introduces our younger students to the basics and fundamentals of the outdoors and bushcraft. It starts with the students learning how to set up strong and reliable shelters including a variety of tents and tarps at our Outdoor Education Centre. Our older and Advanced students learn and practice their skills in a new and authentic forest location.
The students are embracing the new activities and showing real enthusiasm for the outdoors. Our Advanced AES students are extending their bushcraft skills with the inclusion of bushcraft furniture. Working in small groups with new materials and tools they are showing great resilience, cooperation and communication skills and we can't wait to see their finished camp furniture.
COOKING ACTIVITY
Last week, our Year 3 & 4 students worked collaboratively to create the most delicious fruit salads. Teamwork, knife skills, peeling, chopping and great cleaning up!
A fabulous session for everyone!
CULTURAL DESIGN CLUB
The Cultural Design Club delves into the fusion of traditional and modern design. This week, we crafted our own typography logo, incorporating five languages: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Thai, all of which are spoken by our members. We added diverse decorations with a variety of colours. This logo symbolises our club's rich cultural diversity.
Boarding
Did you know that boarders tell us they feel they get more support with their work than day students? They also tell us that they think they spend far less time needlessly on their devices than they would if they were at home. For more information about boarding, contact the Director of Boarding, Mr David Ennis-Billing - dennisbilling@rugbyschool.ac.
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 Philip Cain (Head of Music, Prep):
Social Media and More
Keep up to date with all that's happening at RST, through these dedicated channels:
Instagram
RST
Boarding
Sport
Performing Arts