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From Mark McVeigh, Principal
Dear DBS Parents,
Term 2 of the 2018/19 academic year has started with a very positive vibe. On Monday, the academic team gathered for professional development, and we spared a thought for our unfortunate colleagues in the UK, facing the bleak months of January and February. Sessions included focus on marking, homework, curriculum planning, and the role of the Form Tutor.
In the start of term Assembly, I spoke about Bear Grylls, the UK adventurer and TV personality, famous for taking celebrities into the wilderness, including Barak Obama. I attended a conference where he shared his experience of recovering from a parachuting accident in which he broke his back. He decided to set himself a challenge, and after he had recovered, he climbed Mount Everest – an amazing achievement after such a serious injury. His message to the audience of educators was this: students should be determined, and willing to step outside their comfort zone – he is absolutely right, and you would expect him to say this. But he then went on to say that above all, students should be kind – not ‘students should be kind as well as tenacious and brave’, but kind above all.
Three new teachers started this term: Mr Chandler, Ms McNeil and Mr Plowright, and they are already excellent additions to the DBS community. We also welcomed 10 new students this term. We congratulate Year 2 teacher, Ms Georgewill, who was married just after Christmas. She will now be called Mrs Fineman.
There have been student successes during the holiday, including Nammon, in Year 7, who attended the ceremony to receive the 2019 Sports and Recreation Award from the Ministry of Education. Also, Q, in Year 7, was filmed for the TV programme Weekend Life Kids about Aikido.
We are delighted that next week is the Denla 5 Well-being Week. Every day there will be something for parents: an exercise class on Monday, a sleep and well-being workshop on Tuesday, a practical healthy snacks workshop on Wednesday, mindset and yoga sessions on Thursday, and the parade on International Day on the Friday.
It was very good to see so many of you at the Parent Survey Seminar today, and to share our thoughts about improvements and future plans.
Lisa joins me in sending you our very best wishes,
Mark McVeigh
Principal
Denla British School, Bangkok
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In assembly today, the House Captains were presented with their
House Captain and Vice-Captain Badges.
Balmoral
Wanjan and Q
Buckingham
Charlie and Looktow
Sandringham
Yaya and Baibua
Windsor
Pearl and JK
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Next Monday sees the start of our Denla 5 Well-being week!
There will be lots going on for children, staff and parents, including a 'Wake and Shake' session every morning at 7.50am in the playground.
PARENTS - REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR TRAINERS!
Parents PLEASE sign up to other activities running throughout the week, if you have not already done so. We look forward to seeing you there!
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In Maths, Y1 Turtle class are learning about shape. This week, they learned the names of some 3D shapes and then searched for them in their classroom.
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This week, Y2 received a letter asking for help. They were asked to find the most absorbent paper towels to help reduce waste, and take a small step towards helping save the rainforests. They conducted a series of experiments to work out which paper towel was the most absorbent.
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Check out our Y2 Science Experiment Video
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Rehearsals for the first ever DBS Musical started this week. Students were told their characters and had an opportunity to watch some of the film version, as well ask questions about the play. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, we are not legally permitted to perform The Lion King in Thailand. However we will be performing Busby Malone instead. Set in 1920's New York, this slapstick musical comedy is a timeless classic that regularly tops the list of most loved musicals of all time. The students were very excited about their roles and are looking forward to starting rehearsals. The performances will be in July and there are still a few more roles available. If your child is interested, they should speak to Mrs Mayne or Mr McMillan.
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ACCELERATED READER READING PROGRAMME
Y3-Y8 students were encouraged to take a STAR Reading Test, to find out the appropriate level of books for their own reading.
How it works...
Students take a STAR computerised-test using their iPads, of which they receive their reading range.
With that range, they can choose books from classroom libraries, the school library or from home to read.
After reading a book, students take short quizzes in school to check if they've understood it.
If you are unsure if a book is on Accelerated Reader, log onto www.arbookfind.co.uk
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss
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The Thai Department is promoting reading among students to improve reading skills and give them an opportunity to practice their Thai. Every child will get to choose a book of his or her interest and bring it home. After a week, they will bring the book back to school, and before getting a new one, will be assessed on what they have read and how much they have understood. Please encourage your child to read their chosen book at home. Thank you for your support.
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This week, further congratulations go to Nammon, in Y7, who attended an award ceremony at the Ministry of Education, to receive the 2019 Sports and Recreation award. This is an outstanding achievement and something to be celebrated. Well done Nammon, you should be extremely proud of yourself.
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Y3 and Y4 Parents are invited to a Coffee Morning on Wednesday, 16th January from 8.00am to 8.30am in the Dance Studio. They can then attend the Healthy Eating Denla 5 Workshop - remember to sign up beforehand.
We will be discussing the 'hot topics' of:
- Speaking English at School
- Reading at home
There will also be an opportunity for you to ask general questions at the end of the session. Please inform parent liaison of your likely attendance.
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Up and coming dates for your diary:
January 2019
- Monday 14th - Friday 18th - Denla 5 Well-being Week.
- Monday 14th - ECAs and ASAs begin.
- Wednesday 16th - Y3 and Y4 Parent Coffee Morning. 8.00am - 8.30am. Dance Studio 2.
- Thursday 17th - EY1 Parent Teacher Meetings. Specialist Languages only (Mandarin and Thai). 3.30pm - 5.00pm.
- Tuesday 22nd - Y5 and Y6 Parent Teacher Meetings. 5.00pm - 7.00pm.
- Wednesday 23rd - Y3 - Y8 Pupil Progress Parent Seminar. 8.30am 9.30am. DBS Theatre.
- Thursday 24th - Y2 Hedgehog Class Assembly. 8.15am - 8.45am. DBS Theatre.
- Friday 25th - Parent Time. 2.30pm for EY1 and EY2. 2.45pm for Y1 and Y2. 4.15pm for Y3 - Y8.
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School Contact Details
Tel: 02-666-1933
Email:
General Enquiries: info@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Admissions: admissions@dbsbangkok.ac.th
School Nurse: nurse@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Reception: reception@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Accounts: finance@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Extra-Curricular Activities: eca@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Student Absence: parentrelations@dbsbangkok.ac.th
If you wish to speak with our medical centre, please use the number shown below:
Medical Centre Tel: 095-365-9614
Important Information
In the case of any questions or concerns, please contact the following members of the Senior Management Team in the first instance and according to the specific matter you wish to discuss. You can contact us via the Main Reception (number shown above) or email reception@dbsbangkok.ac.th
Mark McVeigh, Principal
James Lyng, Vice-Principal, Academic
Tracey Skinner, Head of Pre Prep & Prep
Mark Higgins, Head of Prep Pastoral & Co-curricular
Satima Tanabe, Bursar – Catering, transport, billing and operations
The School is pleased to provide a translation service if requested in advance.
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