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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
Message from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
It is quite hard to believe that we are
coming to the end of the academic
year already – and what a year it has
been! Our ‘end of year’ events will
continue right until the very last day
of term and we are making the most
of all available opportunities to
reflect on the achievements of our
students and to celebrate the
highlights
of
the
year.
The
publication of our Yearbook 2014-15
captures this beautifully in print and I hope that you enjoy
reading it over the summer break.
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday 5th June
Key Stage 3 End of Year Celebration from 5.30pm –
7.30pm in the Primary Canteen
Saturday 6th June
Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 Prom from 6:30pm –
10:00pm at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel
Monday 8th June
Sports Meeting at 8.00am in the Year 2 Activity Room
Tuesday 9th June
Foundation Stage Production from 8.15am – 9.00am in
the Auditorium 5th floor
This is a ‘bittersweet’ time of year as we not only celebrate
all that has been achieved during the year but also say
goodbye to a cohort of Year 13 students who has become
very dear to our school community. I have been very pleased
to be involved in the ‘end of year’ celebrations to date which
have re-emphasised the high calibre and achievements of our
students at Bangkok Prep. The Graduation Ceremony held on
Wednesday 3rd June was a magnificent occasion and
highlighted all of the best qualities of our students and the
Prize Giving on the morning of Thursday 4th June was a true
celebration of the attitude and achievements of every one of
our students, as well as a reward for individual
achievements. My congratulations go to everyone who was
involved in these events and I’m sure we are all looking
forward to next week’s events!
*Presentation for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Last Friday saw our school community come together to raise
funds for Nepal. There is another article in this week’s
Prepazine giving details of the activities that took place and
the amazing amount of money that was raised… but I cannot
resist commenting on how impressed I was by the
commitment of students, parents and staff in supporting this
worthwhile cause. We will ensure that all of the money raised
reaches those in need in Nepal.
*Presentation for children in Early Years Foundation
Stage and Key Stage 2
Finally, here are more of the bios of new teachers who are
joining us next year:
Primary: Prize Giving from 8.15am – 9.15am in the
Sports Hall
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Compton – Primary Class Teacher
A year spent working as a teaching assistant in New Zealand
led me to pursue a career in teaching. After gaining my
degree in Education, I qualified as a teacher from the
University of Bedfordshire 7 years ago and spent my first
Wednesday 10th June
Foundation Stage Production from 8.15am – 9.00am in
the Auditorium 5th floor
*Presentation for parents
Thursday 11th June
Sports Awards from 4.00pm – 6.00pm in the Sports Hall
Thursday 11th June
Primary End of Year Reports issued to parents
Thursday 11th June
Lower Primary Production from 10.30am – 11.30am in
the Auditorium 5th floor
Friday 12th June
Lower Primary Production from 10.30am – 11.30am in
the Auditorium 5th floor
*Presentation for parents
Monday 15th June
Wednesday 17th June
Secondary: Key Stage 3 Swim Gala
Thursday 18th June (After school)
Swim Squad Pool Party
Constant & True
Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
years as a teacher in England. For the last five years I have worked as a Primary teacher in a fantastic school in Valencia,
Spain, learning to speak Spanish and enjoying the culture. Within education I have a passion for creative learning and
technology in the curriculum whilst outside of school I enjoy sports and the outdoors. I am really looking forward to
moving to Thailand to experience another new culture, language and joining the team at Bangkok Prep.
Michael Curpek – University Guidance Counsellor
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies with Spanish from Nottingham Trent University (UK) and a Certificate in
Career and Academic Advising from University of Calgary (Canada). I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education
(International) from the University of Nottingham (UK). I previously worked for one of the leading modern universities in
the UK as an International Student Representative and Student Ambassador. Most recently, I have held the post of
Careers and University Guidance Counsellor at one of the most prestigious British schools in Peru, where the main focus
of my work has been primarily on guiding students through the career and higher education planning process.
In my free time I enjoy travelling, meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I have also played the
trumpet in various bands and orchestras for more than 10 years, performing mainly jazz and blues music. I really look
forward to joining the Bangkok Prep community in August!
Hugh Pollock – Secondary Maths, Business Studies and Economics Teacher
I am originally from Dublin, Ireland and am an economics graduate with a first class honours from the University of Kent.
I achieved my PGCE from the University of Keele and I have been teaching for 4 years. I am very passionate about
teaching and believe education is vital in today’s ever more globalised world. I have a keen interest in Mathematics and
how it is used practically in day to day life. Economics and Business Studies are great subjects for using mathematical
concepts in a practical way. Outside of teaching, I have an interest in environmental and social issues. I am also very
active and enjoy running and swimming.
Eleanor Voce-Godwin – Primary Teacher
I gained my degree in Primary Education at York St John University. I have been working in a school in Camden Town for
two years. I have loved teaching through an arts based, creative curriculum in such a vibrant area of London. I have been
subject leader of both PE and MFL this year and have really enjoyed organising exciting events in school. This has also
given me the opportunity to lead a range of after school activities such as Netball and Zumba! Having enjoyed teaching
placements in Brussels and America, I am excited to work in a new international setting.
Sara Wilsonlock – Head of Sixth Form and teacher of Business Studies and Economics
My professional life has allowed me to be involved in international schools in Asia for 18 of my 20 years of teaching. My
first school in Cambridge introduced me to the ‘international student’ and this steered me to moving overseas to work in
international schools. I spent two years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before moving to be Head of the Business Education
faculty in Sha Tin College, Hong Kong for 6 years. Following this, my family had a year in the UK where we quickly
realised that our heart lay in South East Asia and we then moved to Jakarta, Indonesia where we have lived for 10 years.
Helen Young – Primary teacher
I am delighted to be joining the school in the Early Years team. I am an Early Years specialist with nine fulfilling years of
experience teaching in schools in the UK, Bangkok and Hong Kong. My qualifications include BA (Hons) Humanities and
PGCE Early Childhood Education.
Originally from Leeds, I have lived in Asia for the past five years, enjoying the people, beauty and culture of both sides of
the world. I am involved in children’s charity work in Thailand where I try to make a difference, where I can. In my
leisure time, I like to swim, hike and practice yoga.
Have a lovely weekend!
Best wishes,
Val Thomas-Peter
Head of School
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Constant & True
Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Wednesday June 3rd 2015 was a special day for Bangkok Prep as it marked the Graduation Ceremony of our largest graduating
class so far. Starting at 2:30 pm, the ceremony took place in the Sports Hall. Our guest speaker, Mr Ikenna Nwankwo, formerly
of the Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball team, delivered an inspirational speech for the students and guests on the theme of
ambition, persistence, and determination. The school also presented the Dr Sippanondha Academic Awards and the Council of
International School Award to their respective recipients. Following the ceremony refreshments were served in the Gallery,
along with the chance for the graduating students and their families to celebrate and take photos of each other. We would like
to congratulate the class of 2015 for their great accomplishments and the recipients of the aforementioned awards!
John Lockwood
Year 13 Form Tutor and English Department Coordinator
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Constant & True
Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Bangkok Prep Community collects over Baht 50,000 for the people of Nepal
The entire school community at Bangkok Prep rallied together in a two-week long fundraising and raised a total of Baht
52,000 to help the Nepal Earthquake Victims.
The Primary Student Council at Bangkok Prep has organised a 'Bring and Buy Toy Drive’ on Friday 29 th May and collected
more than Baht 25,000 for providing aid in Nepal. The children at Bangkok Prep donated toys for the sale; smaller toys
were sold at 100 baht and larger toys were auctioned individually.
A ‘Teacher’s Splash’ and ‘Secret Auction’ also took place to raise money that day. Both Primary and Secondary teachers
volunteered to be splashed with a wet sponge, and the highest bidder in the auction got to splat an egg on a teacher.
Primary and Secondary students could not believe their luck and a long line of eager students soon formed. More than
7,500 Baht was raised. Thank you teachers for being such good sports!
Ten year old, Pawarisa In-um (Tubtim) a Year 6 student council representative at Bangkok Prep, said "the student council
felt the need to help those less fortunate than us, affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Because they do not have food or
homes and some have even lost their families, so we wanted to help in any way we could. We came up with the idea to
do a toy drive because the children at our school are lucky and have lots of toys. This way we can recycle our old toys
and raise money for Nepal. We helped by selling the toys on Friday after school. It was very busy but we managed to
collect a lot of money. I feel proud to have been a part of it and happy that there is something we could do."
In the Secondary School, students and House leaders organised House competitions. The wider Bangkok Prep community
were asked to contribute to the ‘Nepal Fundraiser Coin Drive’ including staff, teachers and parents. This venture allowed
the Secondary students to collect a roaring Baht 26,153.
Below is the breakdown by House:
Sabre: Baht 7,536
Panthera: Baht 4,589
Surus: Baht 7,108
Ursus: Baht 6,920
Thank you very much to the students, staff and parents in playing their part. I am sure this money will make a difference
to those suffering in Nepal. Well done to all for supporting this great cause!
Wyn Williams
Head of Secondary
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
After School Activities – Make-up Classes
Monday 8th June
Skin Diver (Primary & Secondary)
Football (Years 1 and 2)
Wednesday 10th June
Primary Orchestra
Friday 12th June
Swimming (Years 1 and 2)
The make-up sessions will be held in the same location from 2:30pm – 3.30pm for Primary students and from 3.00pm –
4.00pm for Secondary students according to the schedule above.
After school activities for this term will end today, Friday 5th June.
Early clear out of students
Due to the staff social night on Friday 12th June, we will have an early clear out of students at 3.30pm. The school and
staff appreciate the parent’s collaboration.
Tennis Success
Poohpha Warakulnukroh (Pooh), a Year 6 student, has been playing tennis extensively
for almost 10 years. Next year will mark the beginning of his journey to become a
professional tennis player. He will start competing in the International Tennis Federation
(ITF). Poohpha who was named captain, recently achieved the ‘Most Valuable Player’
recognition in both football and basketball championship teams.
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
Learning Support – working in partnership with parents
Mindfulness: How it can help us
Following up on Mrs Wright’s amazing assembly two weeks ago I wanted to mention the power of mindfulness.
What is Mindfulness?
"Mindfulness" originates from an ancient Buddhist practice about paying attention to the here and now.
What is happening to our young people today?
Perhaps significantly, during the previous 11 years the internet has exploded with the introduction of a plethora of social
media and gaming websites, with many parents being left behind, not knowing how to police their child’s use of the
internet. It can put children under extraordinary amounts of peer pressure and potentially cyberbullying, even in their
own bedrooms. On top of this is the relentless pursuit of educational targets that translates to continual testing pressure, pressure, pressure! I am sure we can all relate to that after last week.
How could mindfulness help?
One way of describing mindfulness would be to turn off our auto-pilot.
We - and our children - often go about our days finely-tuned to what we need to do, where we need to be, who we need
to see or speak to. This is often carried out at high speed while answering texts, emails, Snapchat, the list is endless.
Then there are all the normal worries teenagers have about what other people think of them, what they think of
themselves, what they look like, life becomes cluttered with everything we feel we have to do.
But do we really have to? Is being the funniest, the cleverest, the wittiest, the fastest really essential to who we are? Or
have we just got lost along the way?
I am mindful that it's quite a different experience of childhood to the one I had! I am also grateful that at Bangkok Prep
they educate the whole person and recognise the benefits of Mindfulness. This is especially important in today’s fast
moving society.
Dominic Proctor and Sarah Huson
Learning Support Team
"The Greedy Mosquito" is still available!
It's on sale for 250 Baht and available in the Admissions office and at the
Secondary Library.
The Greedy Mosquito is a children's book written by the children of Bangkok Prep in
Years 1, 2, and 3 during Bangkok Prep’s Book Week. This amazing tale created by
the students, includes the artwork textures used in the final illustrations which were
finalised by Mr Breen, Primary Literacy Coordinator and Ms Pepa, Reception
Teacher.
Congratulations to all who took part in this amazing project!
Mia Livingston
Head Teaching Librarian & Coordinator
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join our Baby Bulldogs Playgroup tomorrow Saturday 6th June
from 9.30am-11.30am. For more information about our
playgroup visit the school’s website.
To reserve a seat for our next session please click on
the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/104KJ_Avn72cBz2CTfghcXN
X2bN76R2Onn9rJnnaWFsk/viewform
Key Stage 4 & 5 Prom
Written in the Stars
Date: Saturday 6th June
Time: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Venue: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel
The Student Council is very pleased to announce that we are holding this year’s Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 Prom at a
new five star venue! The event will take place on tomorrow 6th June from 6.30pm – 10.00pm at the Sheraton Grande
Sukhumvit.
Foundation Stage Production
Twins in the Hood
Tuesday 9th June from 8.15am – 9.00am:
*Presentation for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Wednesday 10th June from 8.15am – 9.00am:
*Presentation for parents
Venue: Auditorium 5th floor
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Constant & True
Lower Primary Production
Swim Pirates, Swim!
Thursday 11th June from 10.30am – 11.30am:
*Presentation for children in Early Years Foundation Stage and
Key Stage 2
Friday 12th June from 10.30am – 11.30am:
*Presentation to parents
Venue: Auditorium 5th floor
Preparations are well under way for the swashbuckling pirate
extravaganza of ‘Swim Pirates, Swim!’, this year’s Lower Primary
Production. Years 1, 2 and 3 have been preparing their cutlasses and
sea legs ready to take you on a voyage in to the ocean. Will the
pirates pass their ‘arrr levels’? Will they ever be able to overcome
their greatest fear?
Tickets are available from the Admissions office.
Congratulations to our competition winners:
Ticket Design: Keely Greve (Year 1)
Poster Design: Pawpeang Paula Scales (Coco; Year 2)
Program Design: Mao Hattori (Year 2)
Alison Jones
Year 1 Teacher
Coffee Morning for Year 6 Parents
Date: Tuesday 9th June 2015
Time: 7.45am – 8.45am
Venue: Foyer area of the Auditorium 5th floor
Eimear O’Higgins, Head of Year 7 for the next academic year, would like to warmly
invite all Year 6 parents to a Coffee Morning on Tuesday 9 th June from 7.45am –
8.45am in the Auditorium foyer.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents to meet the Head of Year 7, along with
other members of the Secondary SLT team and ask questions about the next
academic year 2015-16.
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
Dear Parents,
We are entering the final stages of Term 3 and I am sure you will agree that the children have
had a very busy year. At Bangkok Prep, we are committed to ensuring that the children have high
quality learning experiences and we strive to develop areas that may require refinement. I look
forward to seeing you at the Sports Meeting on Monday 8th June at 8.00am in the Year 2 Activity
Room where Sporting development plans will be shared with the audience.
At this very moment, the Primary FOBISIA Team are representing our school in Penang in a range
of sporting events. Although it is not possible to win every tournament all the children have
demonstrated their commitment to teamwork and great sportsmanship. It is an honour to witness
them competing against other Asian schools and a delight seeing them socialise with the other
international children after the matches.
Have a great weekend.
Best wishes,
Duncan Stonehouse
Head of Primary
Nursery Transition
Nursery Comets and Reception Spaceships have spent lots of time
together this week. The Reception children have been showing the
Comets their classroom and explaining what it is like to be in their class.
We will continue these transition visits until the end of term. Nursery
children are so excited about moving up and being the oldest children in
the Foundation Stage!
Charlotte Loach
Head of Early Years Foundation Stage
Fun Day
On Sunday 31st May Bangkok Prep hosted a
fun day for a group of children from the
slum area in Klong Toey. The children had
a great time at Bangkok Prep playing
football, basketball, doing arts and crafts
and cooling off in the pool.
A huge thank you to the mother of Arpapun
Wongphaet (Katinn; Year 3) and Arpassara
Wongphaet (Katii; Year 6) for bringing a
group of very helpful mums together to
provide a great lunch! Thank you very
much for your support. The children had a
great time!
Isla Gordon
Nursery Teacher
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
It has been a tremendously busy and significant week in the Secondary School and I have been
delighted to see the positive response from our young people.
Graduation and Secondary Prize Giving
On Wednesday 3rd June, the Graduation Ceremony took place. This was to celebrate our Senior
Class completing their education here at Bangkok Prep. Some still have examinations to sit right
up to the summer holiday and we wish them the best of luck.
Thursday 4th June, our Secondary Prize Giving Ceremony took place. It is such a difficult task to
choose winners for the different awards as all our students are winners in their own way.
Congratulations to all those who were lucky enough to be presented with certificates.
I would like to thank all the parents for their support in attending these events – it will have meant a great deal for your
sons and daughters to have you present to share their successes.
Poetry Anthology Launch
Today has seen the launch of our Poetry Anthology publication. Many thanks to those who attended to listen to the
outstanding work by our budding young poets. I am sure you will enjoy reading the poems and viewing the illustrations in
the publication. Many thanks to Mr Lockwood, Ms Brown and Mrs Webster for all their efforts towards this new venture.
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Constant & True
Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
House Competition
Today’s Assembly was devoted to celebrating the House events of the year and looking to see who the winners will be. I
will reveal all the details in next week’s Prepazine. The House System has been led by Mr Phil Chantler and I am sure you
will all wish to join me in thanking him for all his hard work. He has ensured that the students have adopted such a
positive approach to House competitions – they have made a significant contribution towards maintaining the special
spirit evident in the school.
End of year student celebrations
This evening will see the end of year celebration for our Key Stage 3 students to be held in school. Tomorrow, Saturday
6th June, will see the Senior Prom taking place at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel. I hope all the students have a
fantastic time during their very well-deserved celebrations. I must also thank Ms Tia Court-Smith for supporting the
Student Council so well in their planning and preparation for these events.
Enrichment Week – Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June
Our Year 11 students have enjoyed a varied week of enrichment activities and I have been very pleased to see their
positive contributions. I certainly enjoyed working with them on a pottery project yesterday. Many thanks to Mrs Cook for
organising their programme of events.
I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Kindest regards,
Wyn Williams
Head of Secondary
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
PE NEWS
Time Trials – Swimming
B squad will time trial on Wednesday 10th June in the morning.
Please be there at 6.20am; 10 minutes earlier.
th
PE IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday 2nd June to Saturday 6th June
A and A+ will time trial on Thursday 11 June in the morning.
Please be there at 6.20am; 10 minutes earlier.
Primary FOBISIA Games
Coach Michael
Swim Coach
Sports Meeting at 8.00am in the Year 2 Activity
Room
Monday 8th June
Thursday 11th June
Sports Awards from 4.00pm – 6.00pm in the Sports
Hall
*The event will be by invitation only and require a
smart dress code.
Wednesday 17th June
Secondary: Key Stage 3 Swim Gala
Thursday 18th June (After school)
Swim Squad Pool Party
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Issue # 19, 5th June 2015
Constant & True
FOBP
Dear Parents,
Only 2 more weeks until the summer break.
Teacher and all staff Appreciation Lunch
Date: Thursday 11th June
Time: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Don’t relax just yet as we absolutely need your help with FOBP’s biggest challenge for this school year: our annual
Teacher and all staff Appreciation Lunch. Please feel free to donate a dish. All dishes can be dropped off on Thursday 11th
June from 9.00am – 11.00am in the Key Stage 2 Activity area. Please label your dishes and do let your class parent know,
if possible by Tuesday 9th June, the dish you will bring on the day. FOBP committee members and class parents are
invited to serve the staff. Hope we can count on everyone’s help!
Donations
We have found great purposes for FOBP’s money raised during this school year. After extensive discussion we all agreed
to donate Baht 50,000 towards new trophy cabinets that will be visually displayed by the staircase area as well as Baht
50,000 towards new comfortable chairs for the newly designed Sixth Form area.
FOBP Committee Members
It’s time to get organised for next school year. We have managed to find some new enthusiasts to join the FOBP
committee but there is always room for more. If you do not want to commit to a whole school year please do help us out
with planning and organising at least one activity – Spring Fair, Yard Sale, International Day, Bake Sale etc.
A gentle reminder: all parents are automatically members of FOBP
upon joining the school. There are a number of ways in which you
can be involved: as a volunteer at one of the many events run by
FOBP or by offering to serve as a class parent or on the
committee. It really depends on your interests, skills and your
ability to give time to the school. After all, the more people we
have involved the more we can achieve and enjoy together.
We are still looking for someone to take on the leadership role. An
opportunity not to be missed! I’m waiting for your email:
[email protected]
Enjoy your weekend.
Angelique Leijdekker
(FOBP President)
& the FOBP Committee
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