Term 2 - 22 March 2024
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
OUR THREE-YEAR COUNCIL OF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS REVIEW
We were delighted to receive such positive feedback and endorsements as a result of the three-year review we have just undergone with COBIS, one of the many accreditation bodies that appraise, inspect and regulate us.
The lead improvement partner noted in his review:
"Tremendous progress. RST remains a highly active and reflective community and has pushed forward with evident success across a range of areas. It is heartening to see how the School has responded to recommendations and taken them forward."
"Rugby School Thailand never stands still.""It should also be noted how much COBIS have benefited from the relationship with Rugby School Thailand."
"The School is now fully established after 7 years and is thriving. They are expanding their accommodation and planning to build an auditorium in 2025. Numbers are strong. Staff retention is favourable."
"The School is amongst a tiny handful of COBIS schools with double Beacon status. The amount of developmental work alongside punctilious attention to detail in daily interaction again underlines how deserved those accolades were. The School continues to live up to its excellent reputation."
"Working with RST over the past three and a half years has been an absolute pleasure and a genuine education. The engagement and enthusiasm from the School, and indeed the Rugby School International group, has been genuine and has made the professional partnership fruitful and fulfilling."
AMARI HOTEL PATTAYA
We are pleased to announce that our wonderful RST community can enjoy a 25% discount on all spa treatments from now until 31st December 2024 at the Amari Hotel Pattaya.
To benefit from the discount, you must book in advance through Nuttrija Junkra (Cartoon). Please email nuttruja.j@onyx-hospitality.com or call +66 84 4682208, and bring your School ID card to verify your booking.
Reminders
RST RICE CHALLENGE
There are just a few weeks left of our whole School Rice Challenge!
So far, we have collected tons of rice, and we are grateful for every grain. Thank you for everyone's generosity across the School, the piles are getting bigger and bigger!
Please continue donating to this cause; the Hand to Hand foundation will distribute the rice all over Thailand during Songrkan holidays.
RSTPA COOKING CLASS
If you would like to join our next cooking classes, they are as follows:
1st April – Thai
7th May – Korean
4th June – Japanese
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.
Senior
Announcements
LAST DAY OF TERM 2
On the last day of term (Thursday, 4th April) Seniors finish School at 3:45pm.
NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK
18th – 24th March is International Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Of course we recognise and celebrate our differences and strengths every day as our motto is “The Whole Person The Whole Point”, but this week is a great time to acknowledge and embrace how we all come together in this learning community.
Neurodiversity is typically a term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. As a School, we all benefit from those who think differently!
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week has put together a great collection of videos, we’d love for you to take a look and learn more about 20% of our students and community members.
Without the neurodiverse people in our midst, we wouldn’t have computers, brilliant art, and so many other amazing things in our world that we’ve come to take for granted, but that wouldn’t be here if someone hadn’t dared to be themselves and think a bit outside the box.
Being neurodivergent isn’t a negative, sure you may need to work a bit more than others in some parts of your life, but that hard work pays off. Did you know that actor Anthony Hopkins has autism? He has credited it with the single minded focus he needed to get into character. Simone Biles is a famous gymnast with ADHD who made it to the Olympics.
By creating a learning environment in which we all feel seen, heard and valued, our community can only become stronger, resulting in positive learning outcomes for all.
STUDY CULINARY, PASTRY & CHOCOLATE ARTS IN SWITZERLAND
Reminders
UNIFROG UNIVERSITY FAIR
RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY WEBINAR
Japan is an excellent place to be a student - did you know that many Japanese universities offer undergraduate degree programmes instructed in English? Did you know the average annual tuition fee for Japanese universities is less than 15,000 USD?
Come attend our webinar and find out:
- Why 37,000+ students and 428,000+ alumni chose Ritsumeikan - a leading private university in Western Japan.
- What you can learn at Ritsumeikan - English-medium Undergraduate Programmes
- Why Japan is an excellent place to study
- Inquire directly to an admissions officer during the Q&A
Date: Saturday, 6th April
Time: 1 pm - 2 pm (JST)
Register today, and find out why you should come study at Ritsumeikan.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SUMMER JOURNALISM ACADEMY
Learn journalism from working reporters this summer — on campus or from home.
Boston University presents a hands-on experience for high school students interested in journalism, writing or photography.
Click here to register.
SPRING GALA
Remember to get your tickets for the Spring Gala!
This spectacular showcase of musical talent will take place on Tuesday, 2nd April in the Veraphan Theatre. Tickets for the families of performers are available now at our Senior School reception. There will be a general release of tickets for the wider School community from Monday, 25th March onwards.
Highlights of the Week
NASA VISITS RST (AGAIN!)
We were fortunate to have NASA scientists return to RST to give a talk to the sixth form students and a couple of E block students. Dr Brenna and Dr Kristen spoke about the joint mission between NASA and Asian countries to monitor and identify the air quality in Asia using both ground stations as well as 2 jets.
As a part of the talk, the students (in today's session) went outside to take air samples (the metal canisters) of the air at RST and those samples are being sent back to NASA to be used within their study.
AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES FAIR
This week, we welcomed Australian universities, offering students and parents insights into Higher Education opportunities Down Under.
Representatives from James Cook University, the University of Western Australia, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Sydney engaged in a Q&A panel session. Chaired by Ben Charlton of One Education, the panel discussed academic programmes and experiences in Australia.
Attendees interacted with university representatives one-on-one, exploring specific programmes and offerings.
Australian Higher Education's flexibility and entry requirements intrigued RST students. They learned about the "Group of Eight" (Go8) universities, akin to the UK’s Russell Group or US’s Ivy League.
Insights into application processes for Australian and New Zealand passport holders were shared. Australian and New Zealand nationals apply through state systems, while international students can use agents like One Education for smoother applications.
RST is dedicated to exposing students to global opportunities, helping them make informed decisions about their higher education. Through engagements with global universities, RST aims to guide students towards the perfect fit for their future success.
For more information, contact Claire Cecil, Head of Higher Education and Careers, at ccecil@rugbyschool.ac.th.
Prep
Announcements
YEARS 7 & 8 ART EXHIBITION
In a few weeks, we have a Years 7 & 8 art exhibition, on the themes of 'Hidden Identity' and 'Distorted Identity'. There will be portrait drawings, photography, collage, and sculpture. Parents are invited to attend at normal pick-up times on Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th March 2024.
Reminders
SAVE THE DATE!
Wednesday, 3rd April from 8.10 - 10am: Years 3 & 4 Humanities Showcase
Dates for your Diary
23rd MARCH:
Falcons Madness Swim Meet @NIST
U7, U9, U11 Football (away)
08:00-10:00: U9 Basketball Training (invitational)
08:30-12:30: Year 8 Rehearsal in the Veraphan Theatre
10:15-11:45: U11 Basketball Training (invitational)
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)
24th MARCH:
Falcons Madness Swim Meet @NIST
U9, U12, U14 Rugby v Bangkok Lions (home)
U13A Football v Wisdom Academy (home)
26th MARCH:
08:00-12:30: Year 3 & 4 AES Mini Adventure
12:30-17:35: Year 5 & 6 AES Mini Adventure
27th MARCH: 08:45-12:30: Year 7 Rainforest Trip (7P, 7O & 7B)
28th MARCH:
08:45-12:30: Year 7 Rainforest Trip (7A & 7C)
16:00-17:45: Year 7 & 8 Art Exhibition
29th MARCH:
14:14-15:30: Year 8 Performance to Parents - We Will Rock You
16:00-17:45: Year 7 & 8 Art Exhibition
30th MARCH:
World Scholars Cup
Puppy Dash Swim Meet
U13 & U15 Boys Football v Pattaya Academy (home)
U13 BISA Netball Tournament @Kings
U9 (home) & U11 BISA Basketball Tournament (away)
U11 Touch Rugby Tournament (away)
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)
31st MARCH: World Scholars Cup
Highlights of the Week
YEAR 4 THAI CULTURE TRIP
Year 4 students had a fantastic learning experience about traditional Thai ways of life with local instructors on their Thai trip at Suan Sampran, Nakorn Pathom.
They learned how to live close to nature, including farming, rice planting, hand-pounding rice, natural fertilisers for tree planting, and making herbal insect repellents, which they even got to taste, smell, and learn about various herbs. Furthermore, they participated in many activities, such as herbal toothpaste making, drawing with natural colours, and making jelly from natural sources.
They also had fun with traditional toys like walking on coconut shells, which helped improve their balance. Some students quickly mastered these activities, and everyone enjoyed making clay animals from the fields.
Finally, they tried and enjoyed making banana pudding, which is called ‘Kanom Klay’. This trip allowed Year 4 students to be versatile; they tried many new things, and gained unique experiences outside the classroom. Despite the long journey, everyone had fun travelling and spending time with friends.
It was a journey filled with laughter and smiles.
Y5/Y6 HOUSE ESPORTS: MINECRAFT COMPETION
In the vast expanse of Minecraft's digital realm, a high stakes Capture the Flag Final unfolded between Webb Ellis and Beauclerc, who had knocked out Hardy and Arnold earlier in the week. Armed with quick wits and nimble fingers, they navigated the virtual terrain with skill and determination, each team striving to out manoeuvre the other and claim victory.
With strategic precision, Webb Ellis strategically fortified their position, constructing elaborate defences while coordinating seamless attacks to secure the elusive flag. In contrast, Beauclerc relied on swift manoeuvres and daring tactics, keeping their opponents on their toes with unexpected moves and cunning strategies.
As the intense battle raged on, the virtual arena buzzed with excitement as spectators witnessed a clash of titans. Cheers and chants reverberated through the digital landscape, fuelling the competitive spirit and driving both teams to push the limits of their abilities.
In the end, it was Webb Ellis who emerged triumphant, 5 Captures to 0 Captures, a testament to their teamwork, strategy, and unwavering determination. Yet, in the realm of Esports, every competition is a testament to the power of collaboration, communication, and community, where victory is shared not only by the champions but by all who contributed to the electrifying spectacle.
Pre-Prep
Announcements
SONGKRAN
We will celebrate Songkran at Pre-Prep on Thursday, 4th April and we would like to invite you to the following events:
8:15-8:45 Children and parents may offer food to nine Monks at The Oval;
9:00-9:20 All classes and parents are invited to watch various performances to celebrate Songkran.
After this we say goodbye to parents and the children will continue with Rod-Nam-Dam-Hua and Water Fun activities throughout the day. The children will also be taking part in other activities throughout the day.
Please click on the letter below for more details:
Reminders
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Pre-Prep will be providing the opportunity for your child to have their photo taken in the first week of April. This will consist of a class photo and then a set of individual photos; there is no obligation to buy any of them, however information on how to purchase them will be sent at a later date.
We will also be providing opportunities for our sports teams and invite only activities to have group photos taken as well. As this is their final year in Pre-Prep, the Year 2s will also take part in a whole year group photo.
Please click on the link below for more information about this year's School photos:
Dates for Your Diary
27th MARCH: Spring Show 1
Fishes, Butterflies, Owls, Toucans & Foxes- 9am Assembly Hall (Doors open 8:45am)
29th MARCH: Spring Show 2
Rabbits, Zebras, Parrots, Geckos & Lions - 9am Assembly Hall (Doors open 8:45am)
1st – 3rd APRIL: School Photographs – please wear appropriate uniform
4th APRIL:
- Songkran celebrations
Parents invited to give offerings to the Monks and watch our Songkran show. (Finish around 9:15am)
- Last day of Term 2 (3:15pm)
22nd APRIL: Start of Term 3
Highlights of the Week
SWIMMING
At the start of term 2b, all Year 2 classes moved to the CGA pool. This was very exciting and a bit scary for some, but everyone has been doing amazingly well.
Now, just a few weeks later, all the children are swimming in the CGA pool with great confidence. Most of them have already swum a full 25 metres without taking a break!
Useful Links
Sport
ESAC CROSS COUNTRY COMPETITION
Last week, our RST cross country athletes competed from u11-u19 in the ESAC Cross Country competition at St Andrews Green Valley. The courses were 2km for u11 and 3km for u13-15. All our athletes were in positive spirits, and it was awesome to have senior and prep athletes cheering each other on. Special congratulations to our u11 and u19 teams for taking the overall team win.
- U11 Girls: Summer 1st
- U11 Boys: Mick 2nd, Daniel 3rd
- U15 Girls: Arlie 2nd
- U15 Boys: Max 1st
- U19 Girls: Phoenix 1st, Nina 2nd, Sha Sha 3rd
- U19 Boys: Kei 1st, Xin Xin 2nd
SWIMMING
ISB SPLASH 2024
The RST Swim Team made a splash at the ISB Splash Swim Meet held at ISB on 9th and 10th March, participating in both the short course on Saturday and the long course on Sunday. Their hard work and dedication paid off with an impressive haul of 14 medals, showcasing their talent and commitment to excellence. Not only did they bring home the silverware, but they also achieved numerous personal best times, highlighting their continuous improvement and growth in the pool.
Congratulations to the RST Swim Team on their outstanding performance!
BMAC LONG COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024
The RST Swim Team made waves at the BMAC Long Course Championships held at Patana on 16th and 17th March, delivering an outstanding performance in the pool. Their exceptional skills and determination led to an impressive 18 finals appearances, culminating in a remarkable 17 medals. Additionally, the team achieved numerous personal bests across the board, showcasing their continuous improvement and dedication to excellence. Furthermore, the event saw three more event qualifications secured for the Thailand Age Group Championship happening at the beginning of April, further solidifying the team's prowess and potential on the competitive stage.
Congratulations to the RST Swim Team on their remarkable achievements!
Social Media and More
Keep up to date with all that's happening at RST, through these dedicated channels:
Instagram: