Panaga School Newsletter Issue 38, January 2013 Panaga School Brunei Darussalam Jalan Utara, Seria, KB3534, Brunei Phone: +673 3372139 Fax: +6733373028 Web: www.panagaschool.com
Liza
Chris White (author and illustrator) and Ian Billings (author, poet and children’s stand-up comic) put on a wonderful show of literature and fun for all ages. More on pages 2 & 3.
Message from the Principal into our children’s learning across all areas. If you believe you could give our students a ‘realIt has been yet another very busy half term with life’ learning experience, please contact Commany learning highlights and activities across munity Leader for Learning, Mr Tim Walsh, or both (expanding) school sites. Who could be- see your child’s class teacher. lieve we are already halfway through this acaFrom the UK, we welcomed two talented writers demic year? Our thoughts and prayers are and poets, Chris White and Ian Billings, to with Nora, Ward and Romy. Whilst walking around the school and into class- Panaga School last week. Both authors conrooms, I constantly witness children engaged a ducted class workshops and performed hilarious Inside this issue: wide variety of exciting lessons. Some of the assembly performances – all with the aim of Page 2 and 3 : great learning going on this month has included expressing how writing can be descriptive, en- - Visiting authors from the UK, Chris P3 jet-setting across the world to Indonesia, gaging and fun. From the reactions of the chil- White and Ian Billings, put on a wonMexico, Africa and Australia! As a part of their dren (see pages 2 and 3) it is clearly evident derful show of literature IPC ‘Holidays’ unit, they not only shared in the their visit was an overwhelming success. Many cultures and games of each destination, they thanks to Literacy Leader for Learning, Miss Page 4: had to pass though Customs and Immigration to Teresa Lenihan, for preparing and organising - PTA News the activities schedule of these authors. be allowed entry! (See article on page 5.) Dear Parents,
Page 5: Also on Rampayoh, P1 have had a lot of fun ‘getting their hands dirty’ with activities related to their IPC unit, ‘Sand and Water’. To enhance their learning, they had the privilege of listening to expert diving and sailing instructors who spoke of what they enjoy about their jobs, what difficulties they face and most importantly, how to keep safe. Thank you to Mr Mark and Mr Andy W for sharing your expertise. (See article on page 8.) Talking of expert speakers, P8 welcomed BSP production geologist, Usman Chaudry, to instigate learning about the rock cycle, introducing some of the vocabulary used to describe and classify rocks. As a part of their current Science learning on ‘Energy’, P8 were fortunate to have Usman’s insights into the role geologists play and of some of the daily tasks he himself undertakes in the oil and gas industry. Thank you, Usman. (See article on page 6.)
Finally, over the half term break, Panaga School - P3 all went on a round-the-world plays host to the International Leadership and holiday! Management Program (ILMP). ILMP is a course for current and future international school leadPage 6: ers designed to encourage confidence and ex- - P8 are posed a ‘Rocky Challenge’ pertise in leadership and professional relation- - Technology ASA kids are all eyeships between students, staff, senior leaders ing the future and board members; among other teaching/ learning management aspects. The training will Page 7: be led by Pam Harper, Director of Professional - Ellie the Elephant meets her Development, Fieldwork Education.
maker!
I wish all children, parents and staff a happy and Page 8: safe half term break and please remember at - Primary One mix well with sand holiday times to continue wearing your helmet, and water whether you are cycling around Panaga or elsewhere abroad. I am delighted to see all students Page 9: now wearing their helmets to school and even - Sport with Mr Tim W more children and adults cycling on ‘Car Free Fridays’. I would like to leave you with a quote from Neighbours actor, Daniel MacPherson, that Quote for the month: he made after being involved in a cycling accident in 2006, at the height of his career: “When “Study without desire spoils the you look at my crumpled helmet, it`s amazing memory, and it retains nothing there`s not one cut or bruise on my head.” Not that it takes in.” so amazing, Daniel, it is just safe, common - Leonardo da Vinci sense.
In such topic areas and many others, we are well-positioned in the Panaga School community to have not only a staff of dedicated teachers and Learning Support Assistants who possess many specialised talents of their own, but among us are a plethora of gifted parents who have an abundance of knowledge, skills and Best wishes, understanding that could provide unique insights Tim Robinson
Newsletter designed and edited by Damian Brady