Term 1 - 3 November 2023
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
RST LIGHTNING ALERT!
It's not often we look forward to seeing lightning at sporting fixtures... but we're excited about 'RST Lightning' hitting the fields! This new identity for all RST sports teams brings an awesome new logo and updated sports kit, which will arrive in the School shop next week!
WINTER GALA
This year's Winter Gala will be taking place on Thursday, 7th December at 7pm in the Veraphan Theatre. The event will be a spectacular showcase of musical talent at RST and we hope to see many of you there.
Tickets are complimentary, but they are limited. They will be available for the families of performers on 23rd and 24th November, then on general release from Monday, 27th November. We will send a reminder when the 'Box Office' opens nearer the time.
WISDOM VALLEY TRAIL MASTERS
The special rate for our RST community has been extended, and you now have until the end of November to register for this fantastic race!
Reminders
RSTPA COOKING CLASS
Our RSTPA is excited to announce a Christmas Cooking Class special on Monday, 20th November from 08:15-10:30. This class will be hosted by our German community, who will teach you how to create a Christmas Gingerbread House and a secret recipe for a non-alcoholic mulled wine.
We have a maximum of 16 places, so if you are interested, please reserve your place via QR code / 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.
RSTPA CHRISTMAS FAIR
A big thank you to the FLS Group for sponsoring the Christmas Fair this year. The company's generous contribution will go a long way towards creating a wonderful event and raising money for Take Care Kids and cancer research.
We still have plenty of sponsorship opportunities available for the Christmas Fair and would like to appeal to the RST community to support this popular RSTPA event, which is raising money for two brilliant causes: Take Care Kids and cancer research.
Please take a look at our Christmas Fair sponsorship information to see how you can help us, and how we can help you or your business.
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, simply complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/2hezv4wv. If you need any further information, please contact the RSTPA events team: christmasfair@rugbyschool.ac.th
Highlights of the Week
CHARITY GOLF DAY 2023
What a fabulous day of golf for everyone involved!
Congratulations to our Winners, The British Learning Centre, Runners Up, Alliance Laundry, and to the amazing Junior Champions; Sunny, Ryan, David and Andy.
We would like to thank the RSTPA for their support of this event, and commend our amazing sponsors;
- Platinum Sponsors: Yee Thai Logistics, FLS Group 1993, and Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
- Gold Sponsors: The British Learning Centre and Speed Queen Laundry
- Hole Sponsors: ANCA Manufacturing Solutions and IFS Facility Services.
- Prize Sponsors: The Hilton, Renaissance, Glow, Tribe and Intercontinental Hotels plus the wonderful Fenix and Vines to Vino.
Finally, our appreciation is extended to all who joined or supported the day. It was lots of fun with all proceeds donated to the RST MAD charities once again this year. Well done, and thank you!
You can view all of the exciting photos of the day, by clicking on this link.
Winners
Runners up
Junior Champs
Junior Runners up
Closest to Pin
Longest Drive
Longest Drive
Spirit of Golf Award
RUGBY AND RESILIENCE: A PARENTS' GUIDE TO SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
Welcome to our new column in the Rugby Post, a space where we partner with you to nurture your child's education beyond the classroom. Parenting in today's world is no easy feat, with no rulebook like in rugby. Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights, tips, and tricks for fostering your child's language skills, resilience, and helping them reach their full potential. This column, authored by our Director of EAL, Mr. Nicolaou, and our Whole School SENCo, Ms. Mason, acknowledges that learning continues beyond the School day, and that support at home is vital for your child's success. We understand the delicate balance between work, family time, and School, and we intend to offer creative ways to instill a love for learning and facilitate effective communication with your child.
One of the key challenges in parenting is engaging in meaningful conversations with our children. Simple responses like "fine" or "good" can quickly close the door to communication when asking about their day or homework. To break this pattern, we suggest using a question jar, encouraging deeper responses. Each day, your child can pick a question to answer, such as:
- What made you laugh today?
- What was the best part of your day today?
- Who did you sit with at lunch today?
- What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
- What was the hardest thing you did today?
- What was your favourite class today?
This practice provides you with a window into their daily experiences and helps spot potential challenges, whether academic or social. It also lets your child know that you are genuinely interested in their thoughts and feelings and aids in enhancing their language skills.
If you have questions or need advice about additional learning needs and English learning, please feel free to use this anonymous form, and we may address your queries in future columns.
For further resources related to learning disabilities and our Support for Learning Department at RST, visit our Support for Learning page. Additionally, we've created a website dedicated to Senior EAL students, accessible here: RST Senior EAL.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Students across the School enjoyed a spirited Halloween celebration filled with creative costumes, spooky decorations, and exciting activities. The event brought a festive and fun atmosphere to the School, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the students.
Senior
Announcements
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Senior Photos will be taken on Monday, 6th to Wednesday, 8th November. There is some availability for family photos for parents who have at least one child in Senior. A letter has been sent to parents; please sign up in the Senior reception.
Reminders
MORNING DROP-OFF
To alleviate morning drop-off traffic congestion, please remember that Senior students are not only permitted but also strongly encouraged to use the Webb Ellis Centre entrance for drop-offs. Additionally, utilising the parking spaces near the administration building will contribute to reducing the traffic flow passing both the Senior and Prep entrances in the morning.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
SPORTS DAY
On Sports day, students will need to come to School in their uniform and then get changed before Sports Day as School photos are taking place on that day.
GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION UPDATE AND PARENTS’ AFTERNOON TEA
Following on from the success of the recent Thai universities workshop, we invite you to meet the Higher Education and Careers team, who will provide an overview of the support provided to RST students applying to global universities.
Our experienced team will be available after the presentation to discuss any individual questions over a cup of tea. We hope to see you on Friday, 10th November from 3pm - 4pm in the Senior Dining Hall.
BLOOD BROTHERS PERFORMANCE
A reminder that cast tickets are available from Monday 6th Nov, and general release tickets from 14th – 23rd November. All available from the Senior reception.
Dates for your Diary
7th NOVEMBER: Senior Sports day
8th NOVEMBER: E-Block residential departs
10th NOVEMBER: Parents afternoon Tea and Higher Education presentation in the Dining Hall at 3pm
17th NOVEMBER: D-Block Futures presentation to parents followed by subject fair - 3:20 in the Veraphan. Here is the letter that was sent before half term.
Highlight of the Week
D-BLOCK RESIDENTIAL
(written by Daniel A, D-Block)
The D-Block residential was a great break for us, calming us before the preparations for mocks began. During our two night stay, RST MAD continued to run the tuck shop during free times, when we weren’t occupied with either of our five activities.
The “meditation” activity had us controlling our amygdala through breathing exercises, and eventually the ever popular ice bath. A favourite was the beach Olympics, with egg catches (and drops), groups balances and plenty of volleyball. The visit to the art studio was a relaxing session painting the nature whilst the STEM activity had us create boats to take part in several races. Not to mention, the entire year participating in the film and quiz nights that took place.
Prep
Announcements
This term, the Prep team are working on a 'Having High Expectations' drive. This means that we are looking at all our policies and handbooks, updating them and ensuring that everyone has high expectations for themselves and each other.
We will be covering equipment, appearance, tutor time, presentation of work and much more. Students who have high expectations of themselves tend to perform better academically, and teachers who have high expectations of their students tend to see greater achievements in their classrooms. Together we can all make a difference!
Reminders
As part of our drive to raise expectations, we are working very hard as a staff body to ensure the students are well-organised and have the correct equipment. Being organised, amongst many things, can promote positive behaviour and engagement, reduce stress, foster a sense of accountability and prepares for future success. Please ensure that your child has everything on this list below to help them be as successful as possible in their organisation.
Students should bring a pencil case into School. Below, you will find a list of compulsory items that students should bring to lessons. Please ensure that all items are clearly named.
Ink pens - blue, purple & green
Pencils
Rubber
15cm Ruler
Sharpener
Glue Stick
Highlighter Pens
Headphones / earphones
Charged device (School iPad Y3-6 / BYOD Y7 & 8)
Fine Liner
Scissors
Reading Book
Reading Record (Y3-6 only)
1 Pair of Compasses*
1 Protractor *
1 Scientific Calculator (Casio fx-83 or 85)*
Charger for BYOD*
Stylus for BYOD*
Keyboard BYOD*
* These items are only needed by Year 7 & 8 students
MUSIC RECITALS
Next Tuesday afternoon (7th November, 17:30-18:30), will be our second series of Prep School Music Recitals held in various venues across the campus. Parents are invited to a light afternoon tea from 16:45-17:20 in the Prep Green Room (opposite the Veraphan Theatre) before heading to one of the three performance venues.
Please check which venue your child is performing in as the concerts will begin promptly at 17:30.
Dates for your Diary
4th NOVEMBER:
08:45-10:00 Session 1 of the Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP) - Sign-up on SOCS
10:15-11:45 Session 2 SEP
Open Day (Senior & Boarding)
U9 (Shrewsbury) & U11 (RST) BISA Football Tournament
U13 BISA Basketball Tournament
6th NOVEMBER:
08:15-10:30: RSTPA Cooking Class (India)
15:00-18:30: ESAC U11 Basketball v Tara Patana (Away)
7th NOVEMBER:
17:30-18:30: Prep Music Recital
ESAC U13 Basketball v GIS (Home)
8th NOVEMBER: Y7 & 8 Mandarin Lunch Trip
13th NOVEMBER: School Closed for Exeat
Pre-Prep
Announcements
HEALTH CHECKS
Height and weight checks will take place next week for all the children. It involves a short visit to Nurse Koy in her Nurse's room.
PIANO AND VIOLIN LESSONS
This week, we started our piano and violin lessons for Year 2. Miss Mac (violin) and Mr Cue (piano) joined us for lessons in the music practice room at Marshall House. It looked great fun learning, in most cases, a new instrument.
PLAY IN EYFS
Some of our Pre-Prep Teaching Assistants got to meet Kym Scott when they went on a course in Bangkok this week. They have been learning all about play in the EYFS and are looking forward to putting into practice what they have learnt!
Reminders
PARKING
Please do not park close to the zebra crossing on the road near staff accommodation. Parking directly next to the crossing is preventing families from seeing clearly if the crossing is clear. There will be red lines painted here soon to indicate no parking. This is important to protect the safety of children and parents crossing the lower zebra crossing.
Dates for Your Diary
7th NOVEMBER:
Parent Workshop: Independence and Routines (8:30am Assembly Hall)
Year 1 Bikes to School - bike or scooter with helmet please
10th NOVEMBER: Diwali activities in class and a Diwali-themed lunch
13th NOVEMBER: EXEAT - School closed
14th NOVEMBER:
Parent Workshop- KS1 Reading
Reception Bikes to School - bike or scooter with helmet please
20th NOVEMBER: ODD Sock Day
Come to School wearing odd socks of any colour or pattern. We will be talking about friendships and being kind.
Highlights of the Week
STEAM DAY
On 31st October, our Pre-Prep students participated in a spooktacular Halloween STEAM day. The day was filled with thrilling Halloween science experiments, Halloween coding sessions, and exciting technology-driven activities. They also put their engineering skills to the test with Halloween-themed projects, creative art projects, and even Halloween maths. To make the morning even more special, our students enjoyed sharing their Halloween spirit with their parents during "Wake and Shake". It was a day of learning and fun.
NURSERY
This week, as part of this term's topic 'Off We Go', we are learning about buses. On Monday, the Nursery children hopped on a School minibus and went for a tour around the School campus. We looked closely at the bus to find the following: wheels, wipers, door, seats, horn, seat belts and windows.
As we drove around the School campus, we sang the song: The Wheels on the Bus. We looked out of the window to see what we could see. Thank you to the Rugby School Drivers for driving us safely. What a great adventure!
Useful Links
Enrichment and Sport
Enrichment
SATURDAY ENRICHMENT
This term, our Cookery sessions have been a hit, featuring different dishes cooked in each session. Furthermore, several of our Senior boarders have been actively using the SEP sessions to enhance their personal fitness. We're excited to see that the new Self Defence classes are gaining popularity, with a variety of styles and techniques being taught. As a bonus, the Westlake has filled up after the recent rain, and water sports activities are set to make a return to the lake this weekend. Lastly, our Yoga sessions offer a unique combination of personal fitness and mindfulness, making them a great option for those seeking both physical and mental well-being.
MAD JUNIORS
This week, the MAD Juniors volunteered in the dining hall by helping the cleaners to dry and clean the plates, cups, forks and spoons.
We also learnt all about how the dishes get washed, how many children eat at the dining hall and how many hours it takes to prepare 900 meals for students and staff. What an exciting afternoon; we definitely feel that we made a difference today!
CROSS COUNTRY
Cross country students enjoyed an adventurous run in Khao Mai Kaew. Loads of fun was had by all, but the rain and recent storms made it extra tough!
MASTERCHEF
Senior Masterchef students undertook a ‘Mystery Box’ challenge in this week's cooking activity. They were all presented with a board full of ingredients. With only 5 minutes of planning time, their task was to create a meal using all ingredients in front of them. Students worked in pairs and all successfully created a meal within the time limit. We had two winners: one for their inventive use of ingredients and the other for their creative flair on the Halloween theme.
Sport
U13 FOBISIA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The U13 FOBISIA basketball tournament showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship among young athletes from various international schools. The competition was a thrilling display of teamwork and skill, fostering lasting memories and friendships.
Boarding
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Our boarders loved their Halloween party. Planned and set up by our amazing Boarding Social Committee, a great example of student leadership, we all really enjoyed spending time with friends, setting up and clearing up the event together, not to mention the dressing up and dancing. In boarding, we're able to work together on student-led projects, which encourage collaboration, communication, and versatility. We also get to build our relationships with older and younger students - the house family really means we grow strong bonds through events like this. Roll on our Valentine's Disco!
A big thank you to TubTim, Rei, Simon, Owen and Marnie, who supported the charity golf event on Sunday by selling raffle tickets, mulligans, and RST MAD cards, and helping on the 'beat the pro' hole. Great work!
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