message from the principal - Traill International School, Bangkok

TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parent
This term just seemed to get busier and busier, so it is good to have finally
reached the end of it and to be able to reflect back on some of the
achievements which your children have made this term.
November started with the tour to the Phuket football tournament at the
British International School. This is a very prestigious event which attracts
teams from all over South East Asia. All of our teams did themselves credit,
with the U15 team winning their age group, a great achievement especially
considering that was the first time that Traill has entered that competition.
The following week we hosted the U15 FOBISIA games which were held at the
Rajamangala National Stadium. This was a tremendous success with all the
participating schools enjoying a fantastic three days of competition. The
Chairman of FOBISIA wrote to me afterwards to say, “I would like to say a
heartfelt “Thank you” on behalf of all the federation. I can think of no better
current example of the intangible qualities that are such an important part of
being a FOBISIA school.” I am very proud of all of our athletes and all of the
teachers and staff who worked so hard to make it possible. There is much
more on this later in the Newsletter.
Students at Traill continually match their success on the sports field with
their excellence in the classroom. Mr Robert, Mr Ben and I were privileged to
be present at the award ceremony for the Cambridge High Achievers awards,
when Kaho received her award for High Achievement in IGCSE Japanese and
Palm received her awards at A-Level for Best over three subjects, Best in
Thailand for Mathematics and Top in the World for Applied ICT. These are truly
remarkable achievements, especially considering the small size of our
school.
Finally it leaves me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and
peaceful New Year. I hope that the students in Y11, 12 &13 will be using their
holiday time wisely to thoroughly revise for their mock examinations which
start on 6th January. I look forward to seeing you all again when you return
to school on Monday 5th January, ready for another packed term.
Mr. Gordon Espley-Jones, Principal
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY
Another busy month and a half has flown by! Here are some of my highlights!
Loy Krathong
Loy Kratong Day is one of the most popular festivals of Thailand celebrated
annually on the Full-Moon Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month. At school, we
celebrated it on the 6th November. Here are a few snapshots from our
celebrations:
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
FOBISIA Opening Ceremony
This November, Traill hosted the
Under 15‟s Fobisia Games. The
Primary Students were invited to
provide mascots and Traditional
Thai dances for the opening
ceremony held at the Rajamangala
Stadium on the 15th. I was
extremely proud of our students
who took their responsibilities
extremely seriously. Thank you to
all of who worked so hard to make
it such a success.
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
Sports Day
December began with the School
Sports Day, where once again the
children were able to perform
their sporting skills in the
impressive setting of the
Rajamangala National Stadium.
Here are a few photographs of our
Primary stars from the day.
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
Primary
Christmas
Celebrations
We really know how to
celebrate Christmas in the
Primary school. These next
photographs will give you a
glimpse of our amazing
Christmas displays which
help the children get ready
for all our Christmas
events.
Don‟t forget to come along and watch your children perform at our Primary Christmas
Production of “Stable Manners” on Thursday 11th December at 8:00 a.m. in the School
Assembly Hall.
Have a wonderful Christmas vacation, and a very Happy New Year.
See you in 2015!
Mrs. Jane Griffiths, Head of Primary School
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
ICY KINDIES
This November an ice-cream seller came to KG to cool us all down! Students
had the chance to buy coconut ice-cream with their own money. We were
also visited by Enfagrow, a Thai milk company. They performed a live show
and gave the children gifts. Ms. Stacy‟s Year 6 class has been helping KG
make various Christmas crafts. We‟ve made Christmas angles, snowmen and
green tree decorations so far. We are all looking forward to our Christmas
party on Friday the 12th December. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to
all!
Ms. Jessica Williams & Mr. Mike Mallon, KG Teachers
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
CHRISTMAS MESSAGES FROM YEAR 1
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
FLYIN’ HIGH YEAR 2
This month Year 2 visited Suvarnabhumi Airport
as part of their Flying High topic. They got to
go on a mini tour around the important
buildings that are outside of the airport and
then had a chance to walk around the airport
and observe the planes on the runway from the
observation deck. By the end of the visit Year 2
were flying with excitement!
Mrs. Rebecca Wongwiboonchai, KS1 Coordinator
& Year 2 Teacher
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
Gratitude List
 I’m grateful for the King.
 I’m grateful for my Mum &
Dad.
 I’m grateful for my friends.
 I’m grateful for my school.
 I’m grateful for my home.
 I’m grateful for food.
 I’m grateful for my Pet.
 I’m grateful for the money I
have.
 I’m grateful for water.
 I’m grateful for games.
 I’m grateful for my toys.
 I’m grateful for erasers.
 I’m grateful for my clothes
 I’m grateful for trees.
 I’m grateful for I-Pads.
 I’m grateful for Earth.
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November 2014
In year 3A we have been
reflecting on gratitude and things
in our lives that we are thankful
for. There are many things we
are grateful for, here are just
some of them. What are you
grateful for?
Mr. Angus Moore, Year 3A
Teacher
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Year 3B enjoyed making
their own Krathongs.
With a little practice all
students showed of their
Thai craft skills.
Mr. Chris Douglas, Year
3B Teacher
LOY KRATHONG WITH YEAR 3B
November 2014
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
LEARNING ABOUT ‘HABITATS’ WITH YEAR 4
This half-term, Year 4A and 4B visited Safari World as part of our „Habitats‟ topic. We were treated to a
variety of animal shows, a chance to see many different species and plants, and we all fed the mighty
giraffes.
Mr. Richard Jones & Mr. Joseph Gale, Year 4 Teachers
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
YEAR 5
GO GREEK!
On Dec 2th, 2014, Year 5 had a fantastic opportunity to go and sample some authentic home-style Greek delicacies at one of the few (if not the only
one) true Greek and Mediterranean restaurants in Bangkok. Our students loved all the dishes that had been specifically prepared in a 5-course menu.
We thoroughly enjoyed the visit. This is also thanks to the hospitality of Mrs. Helena, the owner. Herself a Greek from Thessaloniki, the lady was very
informative and helpful to our students. She not only talked extensively about food and preparation methods, but she was also very informative about
her country and culture. Our students literally bombarded her with questions. Finally, we gave a big clap to the chef.
Among the dishes we tried were: Souvlaki (skewered grilled chicken and meat), Tyropita (filo pastry cheese and spinach puff), Hummus (chick pea
paste), Falafel and various dips. Teachers were treated with a fantastic portion of Moussaka (stuffed lasagna with eggplants and cheese). Then, we
made sure to save some room in our stomach for the dessert. We ended up our sumptuous meal with a mouth-watering „Baklava‟, walnut pie in honey
syrup.
The whole experience was great. Year 5 cleaned all their plates (well, except the salads) and even ordered some more food to take away!
One of the special things our city has to offer is the opportunity to try so many different restaurants and types of food. That is why we are seriously
thinking about continuing our gourmet journey and head to some other exotic venue in Term 2.
Mr. Lawrence Tomasi, Year 5 teacher
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
CRAZY SCIENCE FUN CONTINUES…
Since our last newsletter we have
had so much fun!
We have made explosions, super
flyers, coloured flowers and
created foaming fountains!
Take a look!
This club has shown our primary
school how amazing science is…
If you want to join, the ECA lists
are going out for next term.
Crazy Science is for Year 4, 5 and
6 and runs every Monday!
Ms Stacy Corless, Year6 Teacher
& KS2 Coordinator
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
It was a very exciting day out
– with lots and lots of
screaming!
On return to school the children of Year 6 began to design and build their
own fairground rides. Later they will add a motor and write a computer
program to control the ride.
DREAM WORLD FUN!
The Year 6 were joined by the
Primary ESL classes for their
educational visit to Dream
World, to find out how the
different rides worked (and
of course try them out and
have fun!)
Celebrations – Loy Krathong and Christmas!
It‟s a wonderful time of year
at Traill. We celebrated one of
my favourite Thai festivals –
Loy Krathong, by making
Krathongs with Kindergarten
and holding a show.
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
MORE FROM YEAR 6...
November 2014
The girls from Year 6 were
invited to perform this dance
at the Opening Games of the
Traill FOBISIA Games.
We welcomed the start of Christmas
here at Traill with our own Christingle
service. The children made Christingles
from oranges and sweets. They learned
the different symbols it represented.
Then we lit our candles and sang a
Christmas song!
We made Christmas decorations with our
Kindergarten buddies!
There is still so much to be done!
The children and teachers of
Year
6
(with
our
Kindergarten buddies) would
like to wish everyone a truly
Merry Christmas and every
success in 2015!
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
To celebrate Father‟s day this year, the Primary Thai
Department held the drawing, coloring, handwriting and
essay writing competitions. All students enjoyed making
cards and flowers to give to their fathers on Father‟s Day.
Ms. Boontarika Aranyakanon, Primary Thai Teacher
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
FROM PRIMARY ESL
It has been a long and
hectic term for ESL Years 5
– 6, both in their academic
and social lives (check
their pictures).
They all so deserve this coming
Christmas holiday break. Kids, enjoy it
to the fullest! Have a safe and
wonderful Christmas, and a joyous
re-energised New Year.
Mrs. Carmen Crisology, ESL Teacher
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
YEAR 8s: CHARITY SERVICE
The year 8s have been working on a project for the past 2
weeks. Kru Tam was the one who informed the year 8s about
this project. This project is to help the children who live and
learn on the mountain of Chiang Rai. The school that they are
learning at is called “Baan Hruey Hin Lad Nai” (บ้ านห้ วยหิน
ลาดใน). Chiang Rai is in the northern part of Thailand and so
it is getting very cold (about 5-10°c) and so of that they are in
need of warm clothing.
Firstly, Gina, Laeliya and Anna decided to volunteer to make a
donation box to put on the desk in the front office. Both year 8
A & B donated some money, plus with the donation box we
raised 3,420 Baht. The class decided that we should raise even
more money so we decided to have a bake sale. Anna‟s mum
brought some green tea and chocolate fudge brownies, Pob‟s
mum brought in some drinks, crackers and some gummies,
Jin‟s mum brought in some cookies and then Laeliya‟s mum
brought in some banana cupcakes and Piano‟mum brought
some seaweed. We opened the bake sale on break and lunch
for both primary and secondary. The top selling was probably
the drinks. And so we have managed to raise 5,252 baht from
the bake sale.
Overall, we have raised over 8,672 baht. So the class was
really happy to have accomplished this. So now Kru Tam has
already transferred the money to a teacher at that school. We
have also planned to go visit them during next year.
Written by: Anna & Laeliya
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
2015 SECONDARY RESIDENTIALS
Challenge Yourself!
Two exciting 5-day trips are being planned for the secondary students of Traill from 22nd to 26th March 2015.
YEARS 7, 8 AND 9
The KS3 trip will be based at the Palmeraie Resort on Rayong Beach. Accommodation will be in triple/four share resort rooms, all with en suite
bathrooms. The meals will be Thai-style buffets, but western food can be arranged if required. There is a swimming pool on site.
The students will explore a reef off the coast using snorkeling equipment. Prior to the trip they will have a training session in the resort swimming pool;
they will be supervised at all times by qualified dive professionals and Traill staff. Other exciting activities will include sea kayaking, archery, trekking and
a visit to a sea turtle preservation centre.
YEARS 10 AND 11
At the same time KS4 student will be exploring the Kaeng Krachan National Park. They will be staying in triple share resort rooms with en-suite
bathrooms at the Kaeng Krachan Country Club. Meals will be Thai-style buffets, but western food can be arranged.
The highlight of this trip will be an overnight trek, with the students sleeping in tents they erect themselves. They will also be cooking their own dinner
that night. Other activities will include a low-ropes course, the chance to try scuba diving in a pool, archery, Thai cooking, mountain biking and lake
kayaking.
BOTH TRIPS
All outdoor activities will be under the supervision of instructors from The Wild Planet, an organization that has been operating in Thailand for more than
20 years, and is fully licenced in this county. It has the strictest safety standards. A group of teachers from Traill will also accompany each group.
There will be briefings next term for both students and parents. The cost of each trip – including transport, accommodation for four nights and all meals
- is 12,000 baht which has to be paid to the office at school by 6th March. We cannot accept registration after that date.
I hope you will encourage your child to participate in one of these exciting trips. Last year all the students who went on the Residentials had a wonderful
experience and these trips will be even better. We believe it is important that students experience the challenge of education through adventure in the
outdoors, and that this programme offers excellent value for money.
Please feel free to contact me ([email protected]) if you have any queries about this programme.
Mr. Phil Peters, Senior Teacher: Student Welfare
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
2015 SECONDARY
RESIDENTIALS
Challenge Yourself!
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
THE 2014 UNDER 15 FOBISIA GAMES HOSTED BY TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
These were the first games that Traill International School have hosted. After months of
planning the games started on Friday 14th November at Rajamangala National stadium with 7
competing schools from three countries.
Bromsgrove International School.
Garden International School, Ban Chang.
Kinabalu International School.
St Stephens International School (Bangkok Campus).
The British School Kathmandu.
The Regent's School Bangkok.
Traill International School, Bangkok.
After the opening ceremony the athletics competition took place. This was followed by the
Swimming which finished the first day of competition.
The second day saw the boys compete in football and the girls at basketball. This was more
significant for Traill as both teams won the competitions.
The final day saw the girls play football and the boys basketball. After three days of
competition the students still had enough energy to provide some exciting games. The boys
were again successful and won the basketball competition.
That evening the students had time to relax and enjoy the disco, with tunes provided by DJ
Ben after the closing dinner. What was more pleasing was the fact that after three days of
competition the 143 athletes all partied together and I am sure Facebook requests sored.
The feedback from all competing Schools was the games were “A huge success!”
A big thank you to all the staff who helped officiate and organise the games. Also the iGCSE
PE students who gave up their free time to officiate and help make the games run smoothly.
We now look forward to the next FOBISIA games held in Rayong for the U13‟s in March 2015.
Mr. Graham Lewis, Head of PE Department
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
HALLOWEEN CONCERT 2014
On Friday 31st October 2014, a group of students from the music
department gave fantastic performances in the “TRAILL
Halloween Concert 2014”.
The first show was a solo act by Hoya (Y7). She performed the
song “Gloomy Sunday” by “Diamanda Galas” which demonstrated
her powerful voice and good musical skills.
The second show was a fantastic Beatbox Show by Kohdai (Y9). He
performed the mixed up contemporary Beatbox music which
demonstrated excellent technique.
The third show was a cover dance by “Masquerader Generator”
which including Chloe & Annie (Y7). They performed the song
"Ringa Linga" by “Taeyang”, showing considerable teamwork and
creativity.
The fourth act was the band “Banana Leaf” which included Boss
(Y12) – Guitar, Kris (Y12) – Guitar & Vocal, Makoto (Y12) – Bass,
Matthew (Y12) – Drum Set. They performed the song “Fluorescent
Adolescent” by “The Arctic Monkeys”.
The last act was the band “The Absence” which including France
(Y11) – Guitar, Pat (Y11) – Drum Set, Pete (Y11) – Bass, Mind (Y11) –
Vocal and Janjao (Y11) – Vocal. They performed the song “Bring
Me To Life” by “Evanescence” and the song “Zombie” by “The
Cranberries”.
Mr. Pongsithorn Sareeratana (Kru Note) – Music Teacher
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
FOBISIA
OPENING
CEREMONY
On Friday 14th November 2014, a group of students from the
music department gave a fantastic performance for the
“FOBISIA Games 2014 Opening Ceremony” at Rajamangala
National Stadium, Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, Thailand.
In this event, the band was “The Absence” which including France
(Y11) – Guitar, Pat (Y11) – Drum Set, Pete (Y11) – Bass, Mind (Y11) –
Vocal, Janjao (Y11) – Vocal and Kru Note – Keyboard. They
performed the song “We Are The Champion” by “Queen” and the
song “New Divide” by “Linkin Park”.
Mr. Pongsithorn Sareeratana (Kru Note) – Music Teacher
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
Big congratulations to Gene Chaikangwan
from Year 7A for winning the 3rd place in
the Golf tournament took place on Sunday,
30th November.
CONGRATULATIONS TO GENE, YEAR 7A
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November 2014
TRAILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
November 2014
TRAILL GOES PINK!!!
Tuesday 9th December was Traill‟s Pink Tuesday. This is
a charity event which runs annually all around the world
to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise money
to be donated to breast cancer support groups, research
charities and other related organisations. Students and
teachers were invited to come into school wearing
anything pink. One group of students promised a
generous donation if their tutor (Mr Ashley) would wear
a pink bunny suit for the day, which he did. A prize will be
given to the best student outfit. Students also organized
a bake sale to sell pink food and drink. The event was
hugely successful and over 20000 Baht was collected.
This money will be presented to a Bangkok cancer
support charity at an assembly next term.
The event was organised entirely by students. The idea
came from Sulyna Allan in Year 10 as part of her Duke of
Edinburgh‟s International Award. The Award requires
participants to take part in voluntary work or community
service activities. Sulyna built a team of students,
including two other International Award students in Year
10, Ben Merillat and Pear Chulikavit, who together have
organised the Pink Tuesday event. The Traill Fundraising
Team, led by prefect Moakh Kiengsiri in Y13, also
volunteered their time and energy to help make the day a
great success.
Thank you to everybody who took part, donated money
and brought in tasty goodies for the bake sale!!!
Dr. Dan Marsh, Head of Faculty; Science
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November 2014