Term 2 - 8 March 2024
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
HEAT INDEX PROTOCOL
Below you will find the current Heat Index protocol that the whole School is following to ensure any outside activities are carried out within specified safety parameters.
WISDOM CAMP UPDATES
Day Camp Option - Brand new for this Spring Camp!
We are offering new campers the opportunity to experience our wonderful camp as a day camper. Day campers will integrate with their tribe and experience all the same daytime activities and excursions as a normal camp. The day camper schedule is as follows:
Arrival: 8.15 AM
Collection: 4.30 PM
Price: THB23,625 (day camp)
New Exclusive RST Families and Friends Rate: Residential Camp Option
We are also offering an exclusive RST Family and Friends offer for our full residential camp experience. Joining camp with your friends helps campers settle in, and they can share in all the wonderful activities and experiences together and make new friendships as well.
The Family and Friends rate is of exceptional value at THB28,875 (residential camp).
Wisdom Camp will have a stall at the School entrance tomorrow where you can speak to Mr Kahumbu, the Camp Director, and some of the Wisdom Camp team to find out more information.
Reminders
PARENT SURVEY
Thank you to all parents who completed our Parent Survey that was sent out in the first half of the term. The results and comments have been really useful in underlining what we do well and areas where you would like us to improve.
We will have a drop-in feedback, Q&A session on the survey from 3.30-600pm on Wednesday 13th March in the Senior Science Lecture Theatre. At this the three Heads will present briefly on their part of the survey and highlight key areas of focus for them moving forward. The Principal and the Teepsuwans will also be there to answer any questions you may have and to listen to your views.
Please do come along to as much or as little as you want but we want to hear views.
RST RICE CHALLENGE
It is that time of the year again - the annual RST whole School Rice Challenge!
RST is organising a rice collection drive for the Hand-to-Hand Foundation, a local charity in Pattaya that assists underprivileged individuals in our community affected by poverty and abuse. These individuals often lack adequate care, food, shelter, and face uncertainty about their future. The Hand-to-Hand Foundation distributes 1.5 tons of rice weekly to those in need.
Therefore, RST is collecting rice donations to support this charity and raise awareness. We encourage you to participate by sponsoring a bag of rice for your child to bring to School for this charitable cause. This initiative is School-wide, and there is a competition to see which School can collect the most rice.
The Rice Challenge will run from 27th February – 5th April. The rice will then be donated to the Hand-to-Hand Foundation, which will distribute it throughout Thailand. To encourage participation, each School will hold internal tournaments.
Let's see if we can collect even more rice than last year, and help those in need with food on their plate.
Thank you very much.
RST MAD
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.
Highlight of the Week
HAPPY RST WORLD BOOK DAY!
Yesterday, we celebrated the joy of reading across our School community as the Senior and Pre-Prep Libraries teamed up to celebrate our Rugby Readers. Our Reception students embarked on a special journey to the Senior School, where they were greeted with milk and cookies by Mr Groves, the Head of Senior, and a team of Sixth Form students eager to share their love for books. The Reception students were split into four groups and had exciting reading sessions in various locations: Mr Groves' office, the Senior Library, the Collingwood Centre, and Ms Liza's EAL Classroom.
Special thanks to our volunteering Year 12 and 13 students - Maelys, Iysa, Peam, Kevin, Gun, Putter, and Lily. There was also a surprise science experiment with Mr Reeh and a visit to Dr Pop’s laboratory, all of whom made this event a success. From engaging reading sessions to fun experiments in the physics lab, our young readers had a memorable day exploring the world of literature.
Thank you to all who participated.
In another whole School collaboration to celebrate World Book Day, the Senior Library partnered with the Prep Library to present a special screening of a 10-minute video adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved classic, 'The Twits.' This reimagination, crafted entirely by the talented IGCSE Drama students in E-block, showcases their creativity and dedication.
The showing, held in the Prep Library and attended by Year 3, 4, and 7 students, provided an enriching and fun experience for all. Special thanks to Mr. Furness, Head of Drama Senior, and the E-block students: Chawin, Delilah, Vida, Neeko, Ning Ning, Amp, Rin, Pear, Amara, and Derek.
These collaborative initiatives underscore our commitment to celebrating books and reading, fostering a love for literature among our students and the wider community on this special day.
Senior
Announcements
NASA COMES TO RST!
A representative from the NASA’s ASIA-AQ programme will be visiting RST on 14th March to talk to our F Block students about air quality and pollution, and to collect data with them.
ASIA-AQ (Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality) is an international mission studying air quality and pollution using aircraft, satellites, and ground stations.
Reminders
EXEAT WEEKEND
Friday, 15th March is part of the Exeat weekend and there will be no School on that day.
NEW SENIOR SCHOOL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Senior School Instagram account, rstaskbetterquestions. Ask Better Questions is more than just another social media platform; it's a vibrant community space crafted to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue among the diverse members of our School community. Through this platform, we aim not only to promote creative human interaction but also to provide an educational guide to social media good practice.
In addition, rstaskbetterquestions will serve as an exclusive platform for the Senior School's media club, RugBeReal, a team of dedicated students passionate about journalism, storytelling, and multimedia production. Led by our talented students, RugBeReal will curate compelling content, sparking discussions, and showcasing the diverse talents and perspectives within our School community.
We invite you to join us on Instagram at rstaskbetterquestions for thought-provoking content and to be a part of this enriching dialogue.
Together, let's explore, let’s learn and let’s connect.
Follow us on rstaskbetterquestions on Instagram.
AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES ROADSHOW
UNIFROG UNIVERSITY FAIR: SIGN UP NOW!
We are excited to welcome you to our first virtual university fair exclusively for students in Asia and Australasia to connect with top international universities and learn how to find and apply successfully to their dream course.
DATE: Wednesday, 24 April
TIME: 18:00–20:30 (Hong Kong Time, HKT)
SIGN UP: use this link
What's on the agenda?
Students can join live sessions with university experts on topics such as:
- What it's like to study computer science and technology
- Everything you need to know about scholarships
- Study in US and Canada
- Everything you need to know about visa applications
You will also have the opportunity to visit virtual booths and chat directly to global universities including Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), University College Cork (Ireland), Lancaster University Leipzig (Germany), and Concord University (the US).
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
Highlights of the Week
SILVER/GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH (DoE) EXPEDITION
Last week, over 40 students embarked on the Silver and Gold DoE trip, heading north to Kanchanaburi. They spent 3-4 days Stand Up Paddle Boarding along the river, where teamwork was crucial for safety as they navigated the waters together.
Camping for 2-3 nights in hot, humid conditions, they cooked their own meals on camp stoves ensuring they were refuelling their bodies ready for another strenuous day on the boards. Working in teams, they completed their qualifying journey, focusing on their team goals.
This experience allowed them to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication, and collaboration.
2024 MEDICAL CONFERENCE
This week, RST's D Block and LXX future medical and dentistry students attended the 2024 Medical Conference at Brighton College. Among approximately 120 aspiring medics, our students demonstrated their passion for the medical field, actively participating in informative sessions and discussions. The conference included lectures from Imperial College London, offering guidance on the UK medical application process and insights into biomedical engineering.
Students broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of modern healthcare. They also had the chance to interact with current medical students, gaining insights into crafting successful medical portfolios. Professor Huw Williams from the University of Exeter delivered a presentation on innovative research, inspiring students to consider the transformative potential of innovative approaches in healthcare.
We thank Brighton College for hosting this event and the speakers for their contributions. At RST, we are dedicated to supporting aspiring medics and providing them with the skills needed for success.
WARWICK UNIVERSITY LECTURE
This week, RST Sixth Form students gained insights into "The First 100 Days at a Russell Group University" through a lecture by Mr Amarjeet Mutneja, Student Recruitment Regional Manager at the University of Warwick.
The session aimed to prepare students for the emotional, social, and academic transitions they will face when starting university. Mr Mutneja highlighted differences between school and university life, addressing challenges like homesickness and culture shock. Strategies discussed included pre-course reading, connecting with student societies, participating in orientation, and cultivating time management skills.
Mrs Cecil, Head of Higher Education and Careers, emphasised the importance of understanding this transition, while Mr Threlfall, Assistant Head Sixth Form, underscored RST's commitment to preparing students for university life.
Contact Mrs Cecil at ccecil@rugbyschool.ac.th for further information.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME AT CHONBURI JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT
During the half-term break, Charm Y12 seized the opportunity to immerse herself in a five-day internship at the Chonburi Juvenile and Family Court. Throughout her time there, Charm actively engaged in various learning experiences that left a lasting impact.
One of the highlights of Charm's internship was her involvement in the Technical English session for the court officers and team. This opportunity not only enhanced her communication skills but also provided valuable insight into the practical applications of English within a legal setting.
Additionally, working closely with the youth at the court was a transformative experience for Charm. It allowed her to develop empathy, interpersonal skills, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals within the legal system.
Charm's participation in this internship aligns closely with her academic and career aspirations. By immersing herself in real-world legal proceedings, she gains invaluable insights that complement her studies and prepare her for future endeavours in any related fields. This hands-on experience not only strengthens her university applications but also sets her apart as a proactive and dedicated student, ready to make a meaningful impact in her chosen field.
WORLD BOOK DAY
To mark World Book Day at Rugby School Thailand, rstaskbetterquestions engaged in conversations with passionate readers within our community. Enjoy a series of short, captivating reels where students like Xander (Year 11) and Amara (Year 10) share their favourite books and their love of reading. Follow our Senior School's new Instagram account, rstaskbetterquestions, to watch more insightful conversations.
Join us in celebrating the magic of books!
Prep
Announcements
NEW TEACHERS
Mrs Johnson, Mrs Fogden and Mrs Furness are all looking forward to welcoming new babies to their families. During Term 3, we will therefore welcome three new teachers to RST Prep School who will all be covering for them during their maternity leave.
PETER MONAGHAN (covering for Mrs Johnson in English)
A self-confessed bookworm, Peter was described by his secondary school’s librarian as her best customer! Peter has had a love of English ever since and graduated from Lancaster University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Peter gained his Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of London and spent fifteen consecutive years teaching at an outstanding London secondary school, where he worked in a variety of different roles, including Head of English and Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form. Peter is passionate about English teaching and seeing his students fulfil their potential, both inside and outside of the classroom. Peter enjoys sport and the great outdoors, and he loves to travel and experience different cultures.
EMILY DAVIES (covering for Mrs Furness in Drama)
Emily is thrilled to join the RST community as Head of Drama for the upcoming year. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Theatre, she worked professionally in England and Australia before completing her teacher training. She has since taught drama for over a decade in schools in the UK and internationally, and she recently completed a Masters in Education. She is passionate about the transformative power of drama in enabling students to develop key life skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and confidence. Emily is excited to get to know your children in the weekly lessons and while preparing for upcoming productions. She can't wait to begin this new chapter and looks forward to meeting you all throughout the year.
LESLIE HOUGH (covering for Mrs Fogden in Year 4)
After graduating from the Univeristy of Leeds, Leslie Hough has now been a primary teacher for 10 years, working in a variety of locations, from the Peak District to London in the UK and even in China. He has a range of experience across Key Stage 2 and has been the Numeracy and English Lead in his previous schools. He is an avid reader and always open to any book suggestions, so please feel free to share. Leslie is also a keen football and basketball fan, although he is quite happy watching almost all sports. He is excited about this new opportunity and is looking forward to meeting you all.
In addition to these new teachers, Mrs Pool will temporarily take over the Head of Year 4 role until Mrs Fogden returns in December.
Peter Monoghan
Emily Davies
Leslie Hough
INSTRUMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMME (IOP)
- Has your child ever expressed an interest in learning an instrument but they weren't sure which one?
- Have you ever wanted your child to learn an instrument but they were apprehensive?
- Does your child play the piano but would like the opportunity to explore an orchestral instrument and open the world of ensemble playing by learning an instrument that provides them a pathway to joining a concert band or orchestra?
The Instrumental Opportunities Programme may be the answer.
The IOP is a new programme developed as a way for students to be introduced to the joys of orchestral instrumental studies. It is low-cost and provides an extended trial period to allow you and your child to see if learning a new instrument is for them.
Find out more about the programme in this brochure.
Click to register for the discovery session: https://tinyurl.com/4ma92f7c (registrations close 29th March)
PREP SCHOOL MUSIC RECITALS – 13th MARCH
Next Wednesday, there will be two music recitals featuring students from across Prep. Both will be held in the Veraphan Theatre.
Concert one, running 16:15 - 17:00 and concert two, 17:30 - 18:15.
If you registered your child to perform, please see the list below for their concert performance time:
Dates for your Diary
9th MARCH
08:45-10:15: Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP) Session 1
10:30-11:45: Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP) Session 2
Please sign up on SOCS. Meeting place is the entrance of the Senior Building (Setti Metha)
ISB Swim Meet
U10 Football @STA Bangkok
U11 Touch Rugby @NIST
10th MARCH:
Golf ISGT
ISB Splash Swim Meet
11th MARCH:
08:15-10:30: RSTPA Cooking Class - Russia
U11 Football v GIS (away)
12th MARCH: Debating Fixture @TPIS
13th MARCH:
Year 3 Thai Trip to Saros & Vaew Forest Park
U13B Football v STA (away)
15:30-18:00 Survey Feedback Survey in the Senior Lecture Theatre
14th MARCH:
Year 4 Thai Trip to Suan Sampran Thai Culture Park
ESAC Cross-Country @STA
14th – 18th MARCH: U13 FOBISIA Games
15th MARCH: School Closed for Exeat
Highlights of the Week
WORLD BOOK DAY (WBD) READING BUDDIES
This year, our WBD focus is making reading part of your lifestyle. Last Friday, in preparation for WBD, we were lucky to have the chance to drop everything and READ. The aim was to encourage a shared love of reading in a fun, informal, and supportive atmosphere.
We paired up older and younger buddies in every Prep class so that everyone had the opportunity to spend some quality time together reading.
It was a chance for our Y6-8s to show their growing leadership skills and for our Y3-5s to show their growing reading skills. Win win!
Pre-Prep
Announcements
RICE CHALLENGE
Last week, Margaret from the Hand to Hand Foundation in Pattaya visited Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 to discuss the ongoing Rice Challenge. Margaret explained the reasons behind our rice collection and who the rice is intended for.
The presentation was an eye-opener for our students, as they learnt about the significant amount of rice Hand to Hand distributes in our community each week and the importance of rice. This has inspired us to collect even more rice for Hand to Hand!
You can view the PDF to learn more about Hand to Hand's work with our rice and who benefits from it. Additionally, you'll find information on how much rice they use in a week. We appreciate your continued support and generous donations of rice – together, we are making a big difference. Please continue to donate until Songkran.
Kind regards, MAD Juniors
Dates for Your Diary
12th MARCH:
Reception Trip (fingers crossed!) to the Dinosaur Kingdom (rescheduled)
Parent Workshop: English as an Additional Language and how to help at home led by Mr Jay Head of EAL
13th – 14th MARCH: Nursery visit Mulberry Farm
15th MARCH: School closed EXEAT
19th, 20th, 21st and 26th MARCH: Year 2 Trip to Space Inspirium (one class each day)
19th MARCH: Nursery Reading Workshop - for all Nursery parents in preparation for Reading in Term 3
Highlights of the Week
RECEPTION BIKE TO SCHOOL
Reception students have had a fun week, filled with excitement as they displayed their riding prowess on our bike track. Being ‘Go For It Gorillas’, they demonstrated a keen awareness for health and safety protocols, wearing their helmets before embarking on their cycling and scooting adventures. They happily zoomed around the track with energy and enthusiasm.
YEAR 1
This week, Year 1 students were surprised to find their cardboard houses on fire in the Pre-prep carpark! Luckily, the local firemen came to help put out the fire!
They taught us lots about fire and how we can stay safe in an emergency.
JUNIOR LIBRARIANS
The Junior Librarians have been working very hard over the last few weeks preparing activities for World Book Day. They created Book Themed word searches for Year 1 and 2, made jigsaw puzzles out of book covers and have run a photo competition to see who can read in the strangest place.
On World Book Day itself they visited all the classes in Pre Nursery and Nursery and read to them. The children really enjoyed having a story read to them and it was a great experience for the Junior Librarians.
Useful Links
Enrichment
MOVIE MAKER
This term in the Prep, students had a fun time making their own movie trailers. They came up with exciting and creative stories, and each student got to share their ideas in a short video. The activity wasn't just about movies; it helped students get better at telling stories and expressing themselves. They learned how to put together interesting and exciting trailers, working together and trying out different ways to make their stories come to life. The project was a chance for students to be creative and showed how the School supports them in learning and having fun at the same time.
Social Media and More
Keep up to date with all that's happening at RST, through these dedicated channels:
Instagram: