Dusit Newsletter May 2024

MessagefromActingHeadofSchool

Good afternoon Dusit families,

As we get closer to the end of this academic year, it is a good time to reflect on what makes Dusit school so special There are many factors that contribute to our community but in this message I’d like to focus on the teaching staff. Having worked in several schools around the world, I have realised that ‘quality teaching’ is what really matters if we want our students to thrive and be successful. For teaching to be high quality, yes, it is vital that teachers have the knowledge and skills to plan and lead a lesson, but there is a lot more to it than that. What really powers great teaching is teachers that care. By this I mean, they care about the students and care about making lessons that every child in their class will not only learn from, but that will ignite curiosity and an understanding of the world.

At Dusit, our teaching has been rated outstanding and I can honestly say that we have the best teachers that I have worked with. Having observed many lessons this g opportunities that go above and e to provide experiences that allow e, create and have fun. Class er school events, such as Book Week, nd led by our teaching staff.

eaching staff for the energy, ideas hool. To those who are leaving at the know that any school is lucky to have

Wednesday was transition morning at Dusit, an opportunity for classes to get to know their new teaching teams for next year. Let’s meet the new members of the Dusit team for next year:

My name is Miss Hume and I am delighted to be joining St. Andrews Dusit as the new Deputy Head of School this coming August. I am very much looking forward to meeting all of the children and joining them in their exciting learning journey! I originally come from the city of Glasgow in Scotland, and have worked as an educator in Japan, Latvia and South Korea. Having visited Thailand many times, I am beyond excited to return and fully immerse myself in Thai culture and of course, Thai food! Wishing all of the Dusit family a wonderful summer holiday and I look forward to meeting you in August.

My name is Mya and I am a Y2 class teacher. I have taught across almost all year groups and most recently have been in Year 1 and Year 6, whilst in Malaysia. I have taught internationally for 3 years and prior to that taught in England for 4 years. At my current school, I am the Science Lead and through this have found a real passion for practical learning. My favourite type of learning is active, messy and outdoor. At the weekend, I enjoy a good book, spending time with friends and my absolute favourite thing to do is find new restaurants to eat in! IntroducingNewStaff2024-2025

Hi everyone! My name is Jin Gina. I'm excited to be here as the Chinese language t ve a Master's in Teaching Chinese as an International Language from The Education University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor's from East China Normal University. I've been teaching Mandarin for over ten years in China, Vietnam, and Thailand, working with students from ages 3 to 18. This is my fourth year in Thailand, and I absolutely love it here. I spent three years at St. Andrews International School S107 and will transfer to Dusit because I discovered my passion for teaching Primary students and want to focus on this area. My classes focus on being adaptable, integrating culture, and meeting each student's needs. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy cycling, hiking, and spending time with my cat, who always keeps things interesting. I'm looking forward to bringing my dynamic and culturally rich ren and being a part of this wonderful community.

Hello, everyone! My name g q d teacher with 8 years of experience teaching children of all ages, in both Primary and Secondary. I’ve been teaching in Thailand for the past 5 years, the last two at our amazing school. I'm delighted to share that I'll be your new Year 1 teacher next year, and I’m really looking forward to all the learning, growth, and fun we'll experience together in the coming year!

Hello my name is Alice Saynor and I'll be the new School Counsellor at Dusit and Sathorn. I have a very special job in being able to support children and young people to manage their worries around multiple different topics, examples such as, stress, transitions and self-esteem. I am the person who will listen to your worries and understand how to support you through your years at St. Andrews. I have been working as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner with the NHS in the UK since 2021, working around multiple schools in London and have worked as a Teaching Assistant in Early Years in 2020 and well as being the Mental Health First Aider within the school.

At the weekends I normally cycle around London with my friends and cook dinners (my favourite food is pizza!).

Hello, my name is Jenny. I’m from Scotland and I’ve been a Speech and Language Therapist for over 20 years. I am passionate about my profession working to support the speech, language and communication needs of children and young people. I thrive on team working, training and empowering others. I’ve worked in a range of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools and family’s homes. I have worked in England, Scotland, Zambia and Ghana but this will be my first time working in Asia and I am very excited about starting my new job at St Andrews International School in August 2024.

I love travelling and meeting new people from all walks of life. I have many hobbies and interests including reading novels, bird watching, music, swimming and gardening. I love a challenge and have a positive outlook on life – you could say I’m a glass half full kind of person!

IntroducingNewStaff2024-2025

My name is Jodie Jones and I can’t wait to join the St Andrews Dusit team as Head of PE & PE teacher. I am an experienced practitioner having taught in UK and IB curriculums in the UK, Thailand and Italy, teaching all ages from Early Years up to Secondary. I completed a Masters in Education that challenged me to further explore creative learning opportunities - I honed these ideas teaching in the IB curriculum by designing learning experiences that maximise student agency.

I hold a lifelong passion for Physical Education and sport, and for supporting and encouraging all children in their physical, social and mental development through PE - through this, children develop independent thinking skills, problem solving, communication, resilience and so much more! Outside of work I enjoy reading, writing poetry, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, particularly with my 6 and 16 year old nephews - they have bundles of energy and I am always the first one they ask to complete sports activities with them! Thank you for welcoming me into the Dusit community - I look forward to seeing you soon!

My name is Karen Dolan, and I am excited to join Dusit as the Early Years Leader. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, my career began in Scotland (where I’m from), 13 years at the International School of Luxembourg, and a recent role in India supporting the opening of a new Early Childhood Centre. Career highlights include studying at the Reggio Emilia Institute in Italy and attending Project Zero Classroom at Harvard University and the everyday joy and energy of an Early Years Classroom. I love to swim, and I am really excited to move to Thailand, visit the beautiful beaches and swim in seas slightly warmer than those in Scotland!

IntroducingNewStaff2024-2025

My name is Rachel and I will be the new year 5 teacher at Dusit. I have been teaching at an international school in Malaysia for the past three years (all in year 3) but before that I also taught in years 4 and 5. Before I was a teacher, I wanted to save the World's wonderful wild places and you will find me at my happiest surrounded by nature. I have a pet cat called Roxy who I rescued whilst living in Malaysia and she will become an international traveller with her own passport when we mov

I am thrilled to becom Dusit having recently completed my iPGCE , Ireland, I am also a qualified swim instruc includes working in afterschool sports pro Portugal. Prior to my career in education, I London. With over 12 years of coaching exp enjoy teaching all age groups and have a deep passion for helping students discover and develop their athletic talents. In my free time, I love exploring Bangkok and trying new Thai food dishes. I speak English, Gaelic, Spanish, and am currently learning Thai. My interests include travelling, football, fitness, history, and politics. Mr Damien.

Hi - my name is Gary. I am originally from Scotland but have worked for the last 25 years in many countries including the US, Japan, Uganda, Ethiopia and now Thailand. I have over a decade of experience in education as a leader and teacher, working in both primary and secondary schools and taught various subjects as a specialist teacher, including IGCSE Food and Nutrition, Music Technology BTEC, Japanese, and Computing.

I am passionate about the meaningful integration of technology in schools and the opportunities it presents for both learners and teachers. When not teaching, I love playing golf, diving, cooking and traveling. I am really excited to work even more closely with the St. Andrews Dusit team this year and help digitally prepare our students for the innovative future ahead as the new computing teacher.

SayingOurGoodbyes...

As I prepare to say farewell to Dusit after four memorable years, my heart is full of gratitude for my cherished moments shared with the children, families, and colleagues who have made my time here so much fun.

Some of my favourite moments have been teaching some of my classes Dutch songs during International Week, practicing for class assemblies and seeing the children perform on stage.

Mostly it’s the silliness and love for learning that I have passed on and seen in my classes sparkly eyes.

Maar voor nu, is het tot ziens. Ik bedank iedereen die ik heb les gegeven in Sun Bear (Zon Beren) klas voor een gezellige tijd.

Lieve ouders, ik ga jullie kinderen en jullie zelf erg missen. Tot snel.

Liefs

Ms Tamar.

SayingOurGoodbyes...

Now is time to say a goodbye to the Dusit Community, after two unbelievable years which have seen incredible growth in the school, PE and Sport. It has been a pleasure to be part of this journey. Getting to know the Dusit community both families and staff, has been a privilege and allowing me to teach your fantastic children and then taking them on different trips and TISAC fixtures has been magnificent and will be with me throughout my teaching career. I am sure the Dusit Dragons will continue to thrive and show Bangkok #HowDusitDoesIt

A couple of my highlights will always be the events in particular the International Week and The Dusit Dragons Sports Awards. I have enjoyed at these events getting to understand a wider group of the community and have seen your kindness towards all the staff here.

I will also remember the kind hearted parents who do anything to support their child. This support I have received and the trust you have all placed in me is beyond belief.

As I now step towards a new chapter, I hope to see you soon at S107 where I look forward to our paths crossing soon.

Mr Matt

SayingOurGoodbyes...

After six wonderful years at Dusit, it's time for me to say goodbye. These years have been filled with incredible moments, from watching the children grow and blossom to sharing unforgettable experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Getting to know the parents and our dedicated staff has been an absolute privilege.

I'll always treasure the friendly and welcoming atmosphere here at Dusit. For Bella, Alfie and I, the connections we've made and the memories we've created together will remain close to our hearts.

As we prepare to start a new chapter, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support and the trust you've placed in me. I will miss seeing all of you and the children daily, but I am excited about what lies ahead.

Thank you for everything, and I hope to see you soon!

Ms Natalie

SayingOurGoodbyes...

After seven amazing years at Dusit, it is time for me to say farewell. During my time here, I have been privileged to witness children’s first experience of school, being a part of their journey, and watching them grow, develop, and become independent, confident learners. As Maria Montessori said, ‘The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.

I am immensely proud of the safer culture I have created within our Dusit community, ensuring children’s safety, mental wellbeing, and personal development. As I move on to a new role, I take with me cherished memories and invaluable experiences that have contributed to both my professional journey and personal growth. I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues, the trust of the parents, and the enthusiasm of the children. Though I will miss the Dusit community dearly, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident that the school's commitment to being the happiest community will continue to thrive.

I am pleased to announce that Miss Megan will be taking over the Safeguarding and Welfare role. As an existing member of our safeguarding team, Miss Megan will continue to uphold and promote the safer culture within our Dusit community.

Ms Sonal

SayingOurGoodbyes...

Ms. Gillian

It is time for me to say farewell, for the second time. As many of you may know, I was at St Andrews Dusit for 5 years and then left to retire from full-time teaching in 2022. However, I was fortunate to come back for one more year to cover my colleague, Miss Kayla, during her maternity leave. With no Covid restrictions, I eagerly accepted the opportunity and it has been another spectacular year.

As I leave, I return to the San Francisco Bay Area, where my children and grandchildren are residing. We just welcomed another baby granddaughter and I am very much looking forward to greeting this newest addition to our family. Teaching young children will always be very dear to my heart and so I plan to continue, with a job I truly love, by cover teaching in my former school district.

I won’t say goodbye because that will just make me too sad. I have strong connections to relatives in my birthplace, Australia and also to Japan, the country I grew up in I know I will continue traveling out this way, whenever possible I have had a lovely school year; thank you to everyone for making it so special, just the way the Dusit community does it!

SayingOurGoodbyes...

I can’t believe it’s already time to say goodbye to Dusit and all the lovely students, families and friends that I have made. I have really enjoyed my time as the early years coordinator and KG teacher. When I started, I met your lovely faces online, but soon, the challenge was over and it was exciting to meet you face to face and begin organising events, workshops and visits, making my role even more fulfilling. It has been wonderful to witness so many little learners grow in all areas of learning, become independent and challenge themselves at all times. For my next chapter, I am moving to Dubai to live and work and to be closer to my sisters who have their young families in Dubai. I am excited to be teaching in another outstanding COGNITA school, Repton Dubai. It is an exciting time for me as I have another niece on the way, but this time I will be in the same country!

It’s not goodbye, but see you later as I hope our paths may cross again. Ms. Joanne

We are also saying farewell to Mr Giuseppe, Khun Jib, Khun Aom and Khun Mint who are moving on to new adventures. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication during your time at Dusit and we wish you every success in the future.

EVENT CALENDAR

6th June - KS2 French Trip

11th June - NUR Sports Day

11th June - KG visit to the Children’s Museum

14th June - KS2 Production

19th June - Y6 Graduation Ceremony

20th June - Y6 Trip

21st June - Nursery Celebration of Learning

21st June - End of term 3 (1pm finish)

24th June - Summer Camp Start

19th July - Summer camp Finishes

21st Aug - Term 1 Start

SCANHEREFORSCHOOL CALENDAR

Nursery

What a marvellous month we have had in Nursery!

We started term three very busy welcoming 13 new students. All the children settled into our last term of the school year extremely well. In term three, we decided to explore the children's interests through a project approach. The children were given many choices and then voted for what they really wanted to learn about.

In the Rainbowfish class, they have been learning more about the fantastic world of the minibeasts through different activities such as scavenger hunting, sorting large animals, bugs, reading, singing and talking about insects. We have engaged in messy play with water, mud and paint mixed with toy insects and welcomed Little Bruce, the snail, that lives in our Library. The final project was to design a garden diorama with egg cartons for their favourite minibeasts.

Nursery

In the Clownfish class, our votes changed from farm animals (in particular cows) to turtles very quickly. The children have enjoyed role playing under the sea in our aquarium, enjoyed using our fine motor skills with the dough, explored our creativity with turtle splashing and dived into our mathematical skills, noticing what we see. The children loved learning all about turtles and especially enjoyed a visit from Miss Lottie's children and Ms Lisa's turtle visiting the classroom.

The Angelfish took their votes very seriously, it was a mix between transport and sea creatures. In the end the sea creatures won, and the children decided to learn about the magnificent world of sharks. The Angelfish have been exploring their senses, made a giant shark using different materials and used our mathematical skills to paint our feet and measure the shark. To finish our project, Angelfish will have a very special visitor, a professional deep-sea diver. What a spectacular Term 3!

KG has been learning all about different occupations, especially people who help us. We have been excited to turn our role play areas into fire stations, police stations, veterinary centres, medical centres and even a beauty salon. This has encouraged communication and language and creative and expressive development. We look forward to showcasing our learning and dressing as ‘what I want to be when I grow up’ in our upcoming celebration of learning.

Now we are in our third term, we are starting to write our names, mark make in more detail and even choose our own food in the canteen. We are so independent we can even clear away our plates by ourselves We have loved getting outdoors this term, working on our team building skills and physical development.

We are excited for our last few weeks of KG and our visit to the Children’s Museum. Well done KG on making such fantastic progress!

Reception

Greetings from Reception!

The Whales, Sharks and Dolphins have had a tremendous term of learning, playing and growing as they slowly approach the end of their time in Early Years!

Reception celebrated Art Week by studying Pop Art and the artists Roy Lichenstien and Leigh Bowery. The Whales and Dolphins examined different art pieces from Lichenstien and enjoyed using the Ben Day dot method in their art work. In the Shark class, students learned about 3D shapes and used their knowledge of shapes to create interesting and vibrant masks in the vein of Bowery. Reception also enjoyed learning about “onomatopoeia” and were excited to see words in the art that they could read such as “pop!” and “bam!”.

Reception

For maths, by using 10’s frames the Reception children are continuing to grow their number sense. This term we have examined the difference between odd and even numbers, are working on single digit addition and subtraction, and building number to 20. We have also been exploring non standard units of measurement and capacity.

In May, we were proud to showcase our swimming skills to our parents at our swimming gala. Our students have refined their independence skills by being able to manage themselves when getting changed in their swimming kits. The Reception children have also gained confidence being in and around water, strength with their swim kicks and strokes and have been learning to independently float on their backs. What a great show of all of the skills you have mastered this school year!

We are looking forward to our final weeks of school with our wonderful classes before we part ways for the summer holiday. We are so proud of our students and know that they are going to do great in Year 1!

Year1

It’s been a magical and creative time in Year 1 this term. In English, we learnt about the story of a lonely girl who found a magical crayon and escaped to a world filled with wonder, adventure and danger. The children were able to use the pictures to infer what was happening and share their imaginative ideas about the book. After we had read Journey, we also looked at the follow up book, Quest. We have just started reading the Tiny Seed which links to our new topic on plants.

For Maths, we learnt about time and using digital and anaolgue clocks. We focused on o’clock and half past the hour and also used calendars to help us learn about the order of the months. This week, we have been using money to buy items and give change. The children made different amounts using coins and notes and thought carefully about the choices they made.

Year1

IIn topic, we have been comparing old and new toys, and have been thinking about how the materials used to make them have changed over the years. In Science, we have been recording seasonal changes and comparing the weather patterns in different seasons. We all enjoyed the swimming gala and showed incredible success and determination. We are all looking forward to continuing to grow and learn in Year 1 for the remainder of the year!

Year2

Year 2’s work has been truly out of this world this term. Our topic of Spaced has given us opportunities to explore our artistic sides. We created space themed art pieces using watercolour paints and oil pastels. We used blending, blotting and streaking painting techniques to create distant galaxies, twinkling stars and colourful planets.

In science, we have been learning about seeds. We learnt different ways plants disperse their seeds and why this is important. We investigated what seeds need to grow into plants by growing kidney beans in bags and cress seeds in eggshells. Did you know that not all seeds need soil to grow? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water.

Year2

Through sharing a story about a man on the moon, we were inspired to plan and write their own alien perspectives of the story adding in a range of vocabulary to improve their story fluency and descriptions. We have loved finding out about our solar system and discovering space travel events.

Children have enjoying practically using and applying their measuring skills for a beanbag throwing challenge, using scales, units of measure, vocabulary and calculating measuring problems. Most of Year 2 are looking forward to our last Year 2 trip of the year, our Year 2 Staycation, where we put up camp in our classrooms for the night Coming together to toast marshmallows and pineapple, build dens, play games, share pizza and a movie. What a lucky year to be in!

Year3

This term, our Year 3 students went on an amazing adventure with Charlie Small, who came across a ferocious bear whilst wandering around the forest! As part of our Talk for Writing, the students used their creativity and teamwork to make their own text maps to tell the story. These special maps are visual tools that help students understand and remember the exciting tale in a fun and engaging way. By breaking down the narrative into key elements and illustrating them, the students were able to deepen their comprehension of the story.

Year3

But that’s not all! They also brought their stories to life using actions, voices, and teamwork to perform their narratives for each other. The classroom was buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm as everyone shared their unique versions of Charlie Small’s thrilling adventure. This dynamic exercise not only enhanced their storytelling skills but also fostered a sense of collaboration in the classroom. Great job, Year 3!

Year4

From Graphic Novels to Gala Glory!

Term 3 has kicked off with a bang and our Year 4 students have hit the ground running! We are incredibly proud of the progress they have made since the beginning of the school year and it's been wonderful to see their growth and enthusiasm.

The term began with an exciting twist as the children were welcomed not into a traditional classroom but into a Comic Book Cafe! Here, they entered the world of graphic novels, setting the stage for our English unit. They explored the idea of using playscripts to plan and create their very own graphic novels and showcased their creativity by crafting unique, comic book adaptations of "The Iron Man" by Ted Hughes

Year4

Art Week was a highlight, with the children immersing themselves in the works of famous artists like Van Gogh and Salvador Dali. They created their own interactive paintings using external keyboard technology in addition to their understanding of simple series circuits and conductivity. The resulting artworks were both innovative and beautiful, and it was a joy to share this creative experience with the parents who joined us.

In computing, our young programmers used a coding platform to design repeating patterns in different colours, shapes and sizes. They harnessed their coding skills to create stunning wrapping paper designs, reminiscent of an etch-a-sketch but with the precision and creativity that coding allows. This project was a wonderful fusion of technology and art, demonstrating their growing skills in both areas.

Another highlight was our Swimming Gala, where the children showed team spirit and individual perseverance. They supported one another and pushed their limits in the pool, making the event memorable for all.

As we move into the final stretch of Year 4, we look forward to seeing the children continue to grow The last few weeks will be a time of reflection and celebration as we prepare for the next chapter in their journey Year 5! We can't wait to see what they will achieve next.

Year5

We are thrilled to share what your children have been up to in class this term! Our English lessons have been abuzz with creativity as students delve into the world of playscripts. We began by exploring traditional fairy tales, and then the students had a blast "fracturing" these tales to make them their own. Now, they are in the process of transforming their unique versions into playscripts. We can't wait to see their hard work come to life when we choose a few to act out in class soon!

In Maths, we've been focusing on decimals. The students have been partitioning numbers, adding, and subtracting decimals, and showing their understanding through visual proofs. It's wonderful to see their confidence grow as they master these essential skills.

Year5

Science lessons have been particularly exciting as students engage in hands-on experiments. They've been mixing materials, separating them, and even creating new ones. These experiments have not only been educational but also a lot of fun!

Our topic lessons have transported us into the world of maps. Students have been learning about the various symbols found on maps, the names and purposes of directional lines and symbols, and how to read 4-figure and 6figure grid references Their map-reading skills are improving every day!

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more of our adventures and achievements with you soon.

Best regards,

Ms. Laurie & Ms. Linda

Survival is the name of the game in Year 6 this month! We are diving into the concepts of evolution and survival of the fittest across all our subjects. In English, we read "Skellig" by David Almond, a captivating story about a mysterious creature found in a garage. Inspired by the book, we wrote various fiction pieces and autobiographies.

Our topic lessons connected with this theme as we explored early settlements, focusing on how they utilised resources for survival, and examined extreme environments and human adaptations. This ties into our science unit on evolution and inheritance, where we learned about the groundbreaking work of Darwin, Anning, and Wallace in natural selection and how species have evolved over time.

In computing, we are preparing for secondary school by mastering the Google suite and delving into AI, learning about its functions, benefits, and drawbacks. Also, this month, the children had the exciting opportunity to participate in the UKS2 swimming gala. It was a fantastic morning where they competed in a variety of races, showcasing not only their swimming skills but also their incredible determination.