Term 2 - 16 February 2024
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
RST RICE CHALLENGE
ROBLOX SAFETY
At RST, we build in relevant platforms that our children are already using to help make the essential link between online safety between School and home. Roblox is no exception, and in particular, we use Roblox Education in Year 5 to educate our students on what red flags to spot when using the popular gaming app. This includes chat messages where students are taught where to choose who can chat with them.
There have been reports of a questionnaire circulating in Roblox chats that, if selected, can initiate camera, microphone, and location tracking on your child's device. There is nothing more to be done here than the continuation of vigilance for who your child is communicating with online and encouraging the spotting of red flags such as not choosing links you have not asked for, etc.
For further parental guidance on Roblox, please visit our Digital Learning website.
NEW DEVICE GUIDELINES
As well as the Digital Learning website guides and the parent workshop drop-ins, Common Sense Media has produced some excellent guidelines for children receiving new devices. These match the content we've covered in previous workshops and are now on our website for your reference.
They also have the Ultimate Parent Guide on key platforms like TikTok, Discord, Instagram, Minecraft, Roblox and more to complement our existing guides.
As always, please e-mail Mr Burkhill if you require an appointment or further support with your devices.
BOARDING INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
Our boarding IG account is almost at the dizzy heights of 1k followers!
We'd love to try to reach this milestone during Boarding Week... so please head over to @boarding_rugbyschoolthailand and follow us (if you don't already). It's full of fun content and gives you a great snapshot of life in our wonderful boarding houses.
Reminders
RSTPA COOKING CLASS: RUSSIA
On 11th March (08:15 – 10:30) we will celebrate cuisine from Russia. We have a maximum of 24 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.
WISDOM SPRING CAMP
Wisdom Camp returns to Rugby School Thailand for our Spring Camp from 6th - 12th April. Prepare for a week of enriching Songkran-themed activities, including STEM, Art, Craft, Performance, Water sports, Bushcraft, and Indoor Sports.
Wisdom Spring Camp is a residential Camp for children aged 7-12 years old and is based at RST. Wisdom Camps provide the perfect opportunity for your child to explore, learn, and create lasting memories.
Click here and apply now. RST students receive a 10% Early Bird discount too!
Highlight of the Week
BOARDING WEEK AT RST
It's been a fantastic week celebrating our boarding School and all it has to offer. Whether through an event, sleepover, tour or simply through our social media coverage, we hope Boarding Week has given people across the RST community insight into boarding life in all its glory.
If you'd like to know more about Part, Weekly or Full Boarding - or you're interested in booking a trial night - please get in touch with our Director of Boarding, David Ennis-Billing: dennisbilling@rugbyschool.ac.th
ADAM THOMSON VISITS RST
Rugby is in our DNA, so to have former All Black and World Cup winner, Adam Thomson, at RST coaching students this week was incredible!
The coaching sessions started with a warm-up, just as Thomson's professional rugby team do back in New Zealand. He then moved on to do a passing drill, focusing on catching and passing with teammates; a skill they put in to practice playing two versus one, catching and passing under pressure! Finally, Thomson taught a late-dip tackling technique, breaking it down into steps; wrapping arms and driving with legs. The students played two drills to practise this tackle, working one-on-one and then playing bulldog in a group, to focus on marking a player and tackling that player.
All the students taking part had a great time and came away feeling very positive about the development of their rugby-playing skills.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Students enjoyed a wonderful day celebrating Lunar New Year last Friday. Many thanks to both our Chinese and Korean parents who created incredible performances for us to watch during our celebrations in the morning.
The studetns were also very excited to see our visiting Lion Dancers, who wowed us with fantastic lifts and movements. The rest of the day was spent learning about dragons, why we celebrate Lunar New Year and enjoying delicious Chinese food at lunchtime.
To those of you who celebrate - we hope you all had a wonderful Lunar New Year!
Senior
Announcements
Last week, the Senior School hosted its annual Sports Day at the third time of trying due to previous inclement weather. The event was an excellent demonstration of athleticism and teamwork by our students, who competed in various track and field events.
The day commenced with the 1500m run, where students were forced to show excellent determination and resilience to complete the race in the hot afternoon heat. In the field events, seniors demonstrated their competitive skills in the long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, javelin throw, and discus. The highlight of the day was the 4 x 100m relay race, where each student House exhibited excellent teamwork in order to deliver exciting races with the crowd's full support. Despite the competitive nature of Sports Day, the atmosphere remained supportive and celebratory, with senior students cheering on their peers and displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.
In summary, the Sports Day events were a testament to the talent and camaraderie of our senior students. The overall results will be announced soon in assembly; however a special mention goes to the following students who broke School records on the day:
F/E block
Jack Ball - 400m - 59.42s
Jack Ball - 800m - 2m.29.40s
Austin Gale - 1500m - 5m.07s
Kenneth Rowley - Javelin - 32m.60cm
Sophia Xingyu - Javelin - 21.10m
Vera Yeh - Discus - 17m.44cm
D/LXX/XX
Carlos Sandroussi - 200m - 26.53s
Nina Sethanandha - 200m - 33.23s
Phoenix Sims - 800m - 3m.01s
Kei Pohl - 800m - 2m.24.10s
Jane Yau - Discus - 18m.35cm
Reminders
RST BOOK DRIVE
We are excited to announce the commencement of our Second Book Drive, scheduled to run from 5th February to 29th March. During this period, we encourage all students to contribute children's books, whether in English or Thai.
Conveniently located at the Senior reception and administrative areas, there will be two designated boxes for book drop-offs.
We kindly request that all book donations be made by 29th March.
The collected books will be donated to the Chronic Children's Department at Chonburi Hospital. These children, facing health challenges preventing them from attending school, are currently being educated within the hospital premises. Chonburi Hospital is in the process of establishing a small academy to ensure these children have access to education. However, additional books are needed to enhance the learning environment in the department.
Your small action can make a big difference in providing these children with the resources they need for education.
For further details or inquiries, please feel free to contact Meimei (LXX)
CALLING ALL FUTURE MEDICAL STUDENTS
Get ready to dive into the beginnings of your journey to become a doctor at the “RAMApanitharn 27th” camp. A programme that will walk you through the life of Ramathibodi medical students, deepen your self-discovery and answer your questions with countless unforgettable experiences.
Join us from 6th – 8th April at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute.
Registration opens 16th – 18th February. In the meantime, get the latest updates by following them on:
Instagram: @ramapanitharn27th and @ramabyd
Facebook: Ramapanitharn27th and RAMA by D
School commences on Tuesday, 27th February after the half-term break for Day students. Boarders are welcome to return between 5pm and 8:30pm on Monday, 26th February.
Dates for Your Diary
27th FEBRUARY: School Resumes
28th FEBRUARY: DoE Silver and Gold expedition departs
6th MARCH: PSAT - prior registration required
8th MARCH: F Block-in-person parents' evening - 4pm in the Senior Dining Hall. Prior booking required, please see the letter sent to parents.
Highlights of the Week
ART DRAWING TRIP
Last week, our GCSE and A Level artists went on a visit to draw and make observational studies. This is a crucial part of the assessment objectives, as our D and XX students begin their exam projects and E and LXX make headway on their coursework projects.
Our first stop was The Sanctuary of Truth to view the amazing hand-carved castle-like building. It is made entirely of wood and is themed around the Ayutthaya Kingdom and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. We also visited Anek Kusala and viewed the Chinese sculptures and Thai artwork. Here students used the familiar mixed media techniques of Ian Murphy from his visit in November 2023. Whilst it was a warm day they all came back with excellent drawings.
BRONZE DUKE OF EDINBURGH (DOE) EXPEDITION
Last weekend, our second Bronze DOE Expedition took place. The students embarked on an exhilarating adventure, showcasing exceptional teamwork, communication and sheer enjoyment. As they traversed challenging terrain and navigated unfamiliar paths, their unity and mutual support were unwavering, highlighting the power of collaboration. Despite moments of fatigue and adversity, their resilience shone through, propelling them forward with unwavering determination with all successfully completing the expedition
UWE BRISTOL FORENSIC SCIENCE LECTURE
In the second of a series of dynamic taster lectures, the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) delivered a captivating exploration into the world of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and the multifaceted careers within forensic science.
Louise McLachlan, Programme Leader for UWE's undergraduate forensic science programmes, transported students into the realm of forensic science, providing an immersive and hands-on experience. Attendees delved into the fascinating history of fingerprints, discovering how this crucial tool evolved into a cornerstone of crime-solving methodologies. Students took their own fingerprints using simple household ingredients such as flour and cocoa powder, gaining firsthand insights into the techniques employed in forensic investigations.
The one-hour interactive session served as a testament to the diverse skill set fostered by a degree in forensic science, highlighting the myriad of transferable skills cultivated through the programme, preparing graduates for a multitude of career pathways across various industries. From analytical reasoning to meticulous attention to detail, students gained a deeper appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science and its relevance in addressing real-world challenges.
At RST, we place a huge emphasis on skills development. Our motto: “The whole person. The whole point.” is particularly relevant as we prepare our students for global higher education and transition to 21st Century careers."
The UWE lecture series is just one example of the plethora of activities at RST, aimed at fostering academic excellence beyond the curriculum. Through innovative teaching methodologies and interactive sessions, we remain committed to empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
UWE BRISTOL DIGITAL MARKETING LECTURE
Budding entrepreneurs and business students from RST were immersed in the dynamic world of Digital Marketing. Led by Sadia Haq, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at UWE's College of Business and Law, the session provided invaluable insights into the evolution of marketing strategies in the digital age.
Drawing from her extensive academic research and over 25 years of senior marketing experience across diverse industries, including global blue-chip organisations, entertainment, non-profit sectors, and education, Sadia Haq captivated the audience with her expertise.
The lecture highlighted the shift from traditional to digital marketing tools, emphasising the significant changes in consumer behaviour across different digital generations. As competition intensifies in today's marketplace, understanding customer behaviour and adapting marketing strategies accordingly are paramount for success. Students were introduced to the effectiveness of digital campaigns, particularly through social media advertising, which has proven to be highly lucrative for businesses.
The lecture explored the proactive use of data collection by companies to anticipate and influence consumer preferences. However, this discussion also touched upon the potential implications for privacy and data protection, offering students a nuanced understanding of ethical considerations in digital marketing practices.
The collaboration between UWE and RST is one example of the School’s commitment to fostering academic excellence beyond the classroom, which has helped our students receive offers from global universities, preparing them for success in today's dynamic global business environment.
With digital marketing playing an increasingly central role in business strategies, initiatives like these serve as a bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that students are well-equipped to thrive in their future careers.
Prep
Announcements
SPORTS DAY
We look forward to welcoming you to our Prep Sports Days that will take place on the following days:
Years 3, 4 & 5 – Thursday, 29th February from 8.15am
Years 6, 7 & 8 – Friday, 1st March from 8.15am
We are aiming to start promptly at 8.15am so please drop your child off at 8.00am to allow them to be registered with their form tutor and then taken straight to the athletics track on pitch 3. Please ensure they bring a filled water bottle, hat, House T-Shirt and have applied sunscreen.
Parents are to leave their vehicles in the main School car park and then make their way to the tents on the edge of Pitch 2. Refreshments will be available in this area, and you will be able to view all the events from here. Please do not make your way down onto the athletic track area.
Our sports days are designed as inclusive events, with an ethos of friendly, fun competition amongst our four Houses. Individual winners will win a gold medal with certificates for second and third.
We are looking forward to the students enjoying the opportunity to take part in a competitive event, but most importantly, having lots of fun supporting their House and encouraging their peers.
KEY DATES
Please find the key dates for the next half term:
Reminders
RST FACTOR
This May, students at RST can represent their House on the big stage in a performance-orientated House Competition focused on solo and small ensemble performances.
Every student who auditions will receive points for their House and may secure a ticket to perform on the stage in the Grand Final on Friday, 3rd May.
How to enter?
Scan the QR code for entry requirements, guidelines and a link to upload your audition.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Dates for your Diary
17th – 24th FEBRUARY: School Ski Trip to Japan
17th – 26th FEBRUARY: Half Term
27th FEBRUARY:
08:00: School Resumes
U11 Football v TPIS (away)
U9, U11 & U13 Netball
28th FEBRUARY:
08:30-09:30: RSTPA Prep Reps Meeting in the Boardroom
15:00-18:00: Year 7 Parent Teacher Meeting (Senior Dining Room)
29th FEBRUARY: Year 3-5 Sports Day (08:10-12:10)
1st MARCH:
Y6-8 Sports Day (08:10-12:10)
15:00-18:00: Year 7 Parent Teacher Meeting (Senior Dining Room)
2nd MARCH:
U11 & U13 Football (home)
U13 Basketball v Regents (away)
Highlights of the Week
YEAR 5 CHARITY PROJECT
Pre-Prep
Announcements
SWIMMING
Swimming is a life skill and one that we believe is very important. Children need to be able to swim and learn about water safety, especially when they live here with pools and the ocean all around. Our swimming lessons, therefore, are helping the children develop water safety and water skills. They are all working towards a certificate, depending on their ability level. Those children who do not swim regularly are missing out on, what we believe is, a very necessary lesson. Children who do not attend swimming lessons will not be eligible to receive a certificate. We understand that immediately after an illness such as Flu/RSV, children may miss the swimming lesson, but we have lots of children missing lessons for 4 weeks at a time. We encourage you to allow your child to swim and to take part in the lessons regularly.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
We store some documents on ISAMS under the "Important Documents" tab along the top of the parent portal page. In the Pre-Prep section, you can find the yearly curriculum overviews, the Pre-Prep handbook, the Library policy and other important letters that parents may need to refer to.
MISS LAUREN
We wish Miss Lauren all the best as she takes maternity leave and awaits the arrival of her baby girl. We shall keep you posted when the little one arrives. Thank you to Miss Lauren and we look forward to seeing her again in June. We will welcome Miss Pamela to the Zebra Class after the half term holiday.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Reading is a vital part of any child’s education as it is a life-long skill. As part of our curriculum, we work hard to promote a love of reading in all our students. Therefore, we will be taking part in the well-known international event ‘World Book Day’ on Thursday, 7th March.
Please click on the link below for more information:
Dates for Your Diary
19th – 26th FEBRUARY: Half-Term Holiday
27th FEBRUARY: School opens again and our RICE CHALLENGE begins (Collecting bags of rice)
28th FEBRUARY:
Chinese families: coffee morning, 8:30am Playgroup room
100 Days of School - wear your shirt with numbers on!
29th FEBRUARY: Reception Trip to the Dinosaur Kingdom
4th MARCH: Reception bikes/scooters to School (helmets needed)
Highlights of the Week
RECEPTION HEALTHY TEETH WEEK
As part of our healthy teeth week, Reception students were keen to find out more about different foods and to find some healthy options for our teeth. We decided to visit the dining room to find out about some healthy foods and the chefs were able to show us some different fruits. After learning about kitchen safety, we then set about making our own healthy snacks- delicious!
YEAR 1 BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK
What a whirlwind of excitement this week has been as our Year 1 took to the bike track with gusto! We've been like a pack of 'Persevering Penguins', wobbling, giggling, and zooming around, mastering the art of balance, coordination, and following directions.
The joy on their faces has been contagious as they've pedalled their way through Bike to School Week. It's been a blast watching them embrace the thrill of the ride while picking up valuable skills along the way.
Here's to many more adventures on wheels.
DENTAL DAY
We were lucky to have the support of our parent body on Wednesday when two parents came to talk to the children about dental hygiene. The children learnt how often to brush their teeth, how to do it properly, and what foods to avoid. They also learnt what teeth are for! The team played a question-and-answer game with the children to see what they could remember from the presentation.
Thank you to Dr Monticha, Dr Soropon and the team for helping us all learn about healthy teeth. Thank you also for the 5 sets of big teeth and brushes to use in the role play areas of our classes.
- Pre-Nursery loved revisiting their toothbrushing song together and sharing a story all about how we can look after our teeth.
- Nursery children did dentist role play practising to open their mouth wide. They also practised washing toy teeth and tongues with real toothbrushes, and we also read some stories.
- Reception had a dental week. The children all brought in their own toothbrushes and toothpaste. They matched animals to their teeth, played a tooth-counting game, and sorted healthy and unhealthy foods. They also made healthy snacks in the dining room (fruit salad).
- Year 1 has been practising how to clean and floss their teeth.
- Year 2 did some sequencing of the steps to brush your teeth properly and had class discussions on the importance of brushing your teeth.
Useful Links
Enrichment
Enrichment
SEW COOL
Our Sew Cool students have found their stride and have now made 4 different articles to take home ranging from bookmarks to heart plushies (just in time for Valentine's Day!).
They have learnt 4 of the basic sewing stitches and will soon move onto embroidery techniques such as stem stitches. The biggest lesson they've learnt? Patience and perseverance when threading a needle!
RST ECO GARDEN
Our recent visit to Wisdom Farm was an enriching experience aimed at expanding our knowledge of agricultural practices. During the visit, we had the opportunity to learn about the cultivation of mulberries, tomatoes, and Japanese melons. Khun Vandee and Khun Bas graciously shared valuable information with us and gave us a comprehensive tour of the farm.
One of the highlights of the trip was the chance to pick our own mulberries and savour their fresh taste. Additionally, we were treated to mulberry drinks and other products made from the farm's produce.
We are excited about the potential to apply the knowledge gained from this visit to further develop the RST Eco Garden and create our own products. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wisdom Farm and their team for providing us with this wonderful and educational opportunity.
Boarding News
The Valentine's disco was a delightful evening where boarding students and sixth form day students came together to celebrate. The event was filled with music, dancing, and laughter, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Social Media and More
Keep up to date with all that's happening at RST, through these dedicated channels:
Instagram: