We are now six weeks into the new term, and the school is buzzing with energy, friendships, strengthening relationships, ideas, and student achievement and progress. You will see evidence of this throughout this edition of the Biweekly. A prime example of our children’s engagement was on display during our United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Day, where students participated with real enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.
We have now completed our Settling In Meetings, and I hope you found these useful. The three-way partnership of child, teacher, and parent is so important and formative in ensuring every child is happy and thriving.
As always, wellbeing remains our top priority. Next week, we will be shining an extra bright light on what we can do—individually and collectively—to enhance our wellbeing. Each day will focus on a different element, with lots of fun and meaningful activities planned:
● Mindful Monday
● Try It Tuesday
● Wellness Wednesday
● Thankful Thursday
● Feel Good Friday
Wellness Wednesday will also include a Parent Information Session on Food and Nutrition, led by three of our parents. This will take place at 8:00 am in the Rampayoh Dance and Drama Studio, lasting approximately one hour. Please RSVP to Miss Yin Meeyinkoo (yin.meeyinkoo@panagaschool.net) if you have not already done so.
Aquick reminder too that everyone is invited to a Parent Coffee Morning with JIS parents at the club on Thursday 10th October at 8:30 am (further details can be found at the end of this edition).
Finally, a huge thank you to our Nigerian community for their inspiring whole-school assembly today. Their message of diversity and unity struck a real chord and exemplifies the wonderful community we are all part of.
Wishing everyone a lovely and peaceful weekend.
Best Wishes, Brian, SLTand all of our staff.
8am: Reception Blast Off Entry Point Wellbeing Week
1:15pm:Year 5 Parent Residential Meeting
Year 6 Exit Point - Mission to Mars
7:45am: Year 8Trip toTropical Biodiversity Centre
U13s Girls Netball at JIS
8am: PIM - Food and Nutrition at Rampayoh
Year 1 &Year 2 Exit Point - You are What You Eat! (Trip to Fratini’s Pizza KB)
11:15am:Year 6 Parent Residential Meeting
11:30am: Mendaram Exit Point with Parents World Mental Health Day
8:30am: Joint Coffee Morning at Panaga Club with JIS
Supporting children with making, keeping and navigating friendships
As part of the Panaga School Biweekly, each issue will feature an article focused on a topic related to well-being. These pieces will share accessible research, useful information, and practical tips to help us all keep well-being at the forefront of our minds. If any parents have expertise in this area and would like to contribute to the Biweekly, please contact Mr Steven to discuss further.
Supporting children with making, keeping, and navigating friendships
Friendships are one of the most important parts of childhood. They help children feel that they belong, give them chances to practise social skills, and contribute greatly to their self confidence and well-being. Friendships can also be a source of joy, laughter, and fun, but they are not always straightforward. From the early days of play in EYFS to the complex group dynamics of secondary school, children will face many ups and downs as they learn how to connect with others.
As adults we often encourage children to make friends and to be kind, but we may not always teach them clearly what healthy friendships look like. We might remind them to share or not to hurt each other, but children also need guidance on the more subtle parts of relationships, such as trust, loyalty, respect, and knowing how to set boundaries. Research shows that children with positive and secure friendships have better mental health, higher self esteem, and are often more resilient when facing challenges at school or at home.
The Challenges Children Face
There are many reasons why children can find friendships difficult. Some struggle to find common ground or to join in with established groups. Others may feel shy or anxious when trying to approach a new peer.As children grow, they encounter the challenges of group friendships, which can include being left out, dealing with jealousy, or facing peer pressure. Conflicts are also a normal part of friendships, but they can be hard for children to resolve without support.
For neurodivergent children, friendships can be especially challenging. They may desperately want to belong but struggle to read social cues, compromise during play, or respond in ways that help friendships last.This can be heartbreaking for parents to watch, particularly when children repeat the same patterns of making a new friend and then losing them. It is important to remember that these struggles often reflect a developmental gap rather than a lack of desire for connection.
How Parents and Teachers Can Help
The first and most powerful step adults can take is to listen. Findings from The Children’s Society research on friendships and wellbeing, in their guide Young People’s Friendships: What Helps and What Hurts, clearly show that what helps most is having a trusted adult who will listen without judgement or rushing to fix the problem. Giving children space to talk about their friendships, validating their feelings, and avoiding assumptions about who is right or wrong can make a huge difference.
Modelling positive social skills is another effective way to help. When children see adults treat friends with kindness, apologise after disagreements, or show loyalty, they learn what those qualities look like in practice. Storybooks and classroom activities can also help children to recognise examples of healthy friendships and to reflect on what they value in their own relationships.
Teachers and parents should encourage children to problem solve when conflicts arise. Role play can be a useful tool, allowing children to rehearse how they might ask to join a game, express their feelings, or suggest a compromise. It is important to let children try to work things out themselves where it is safe to do so, but also to step in when situations become unsafe or when a friendship is clearly damaging. Helping children to understand that it is acceptable to step away from a negative relationship without feeling guilty can be empowering.
Building Resilience and Inclusivity
Friendships naturally change over time and not all friendships will last. Helping children to accept this and to see the value in learning from each experience can build resilience. It is also worth encouraging children to widen their circles, so they are not reliant on just one or two friends. Joining clubs, sports teams, or holiday camps can give children the chance to meet peers with similar interests and to practise social skills in new settings.
Promoting inclusivity is equally important. Children should be encouraged to notice when someone is left out and to reach out with kindness. Celebrating diversity within friendship groups helps children to appreciate different backgrounds and perspectives. Teachers can reinforce this by creating classroom cultures where respect and cooperation are valued.
Friendship Boundaries
An area that children often need explicit teaching on is boundaries. Just as there are lines on a football pitch or fences in a garden, friendships have boundaries too.These might include respecting personal space, knowing when joking becomes hurtful, or recognising when telling a friend what to do crosses the line into bossiness. Discussing these ideas openly helps children to understand that mistakes happen but that friendships work best when we respect each other’s limits.
Practical Tips
● Be available and approachable so that your child knows they can come to you if they need to talk.
● Listen carefully without dismissing their worries, even if the problem seems small.
● Praise effort when your child tries to be inclusive, kind, or fair, not just when friendships run smoothly.
● Offer opportunities to socialise outside school through playdates, clubs, or family activities.
● Support your child in recognising the qualities of a good friend such as honesty, kindness, and trust.
● Encourage your child to build friendships with children of different ages and from a variety of backgrounds, as these relationships can help them develop empathy, confidence, and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Friendships are a cornerstone of childhood, teaching children about empathy, cooperation, and resilience. They are also complex and sometimes messy. By listening, modelling, teaching, and supporting, parents and teachers can give children the tools they need to make, keep, and navigate friendships with greater confidence. In doing so we help them build connections that enrich their
Meet the student council representatives on Rampayoh
Year 2A
Year 3A
Year 3B
We held our first ever student elections on Rampayoh. Children from Reception -Year 3 voted for who they wanted to see on the student council this year. Well done to those that have been selected!
Frieda Kriday Nityaa
Frankie Benjamin Izzy Amalie
International Dot Day - EarlyYears!
Dot Day is all about creativity, courage and collaboration. The day inspires children to ‘make a mark’, watch it grow and explore their creativity. What a lovely morning with all of the EarlyYears children coming together. So make a mark and see where it takes you…
Creative dotty ideas asYear 1 show what they can do with dots!
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Year 8 students have been diving into a fascinating experiment using Micro:bits.They started with a presentation from Ms Nicola about how temperature affects learning. Students were then challenged to code a Micro:bit and measure temperatures around the school. Over the next few sessions, students will be analysing data, looking at research and presenting their findings to SLT.
Year 7 Geology is Gneiss
The children in Year 7 have been rock stars this term during their study of the structure of the Earth. They began the term by investigating the history of the Earth and finding out about how our planet was formed and why we have seasons. Following that, the children learnt about the three main types of rocks, which are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. We completed this unit by writing an explanation text about how different types of rock are connected through the rock cycle.
Many of the children enjoy collecting rocks and fossils and they even shared some of their collections with their classmates. They also modelled the rock cycle using a range of materials to demonstrate processes such as weathering, erosion and melting. The children now have the schist of identifying unknown rocks by looking at their properties and no longer take the amazing rocks which surround them for granite!
Team Code Breakers
The Number Crunchers
FOBISIA Code Breaking Challenge
Students from Years 5 to 8 proudly took part in this year’s FOBISIA Code Breaking Challenge on Wednesday 24th September. The virtual event brings together schools from across the region, with students cracking codes, solving puzzles, and working as a team. We are very proud of the enthusiasm, problem solving skills, and teamwork shown by our students. Congratulations to all of our young code breakers! A fantastic effort!
TheYear 1 andYear 2 students were filled with excitement as they stepped into their first Jungle School session with great enthusiasm, surrounded by the greenery and freshness of nature. This unique learning experience allowed them to explore nature, use fun tools, learn new skills, and make discoveries beyond the classroom.The students left the session inspired and eager for the upcoming activities in the weeks ahead.
KS3 enjoying the opportunity to try out different instruments in their popular music unit.
Our Band Club ASA saw drummers, saxophonists, flautists, pianists, guitarists and singers learning to perform music together!
Everyone’s excited to perform to the school soon!
Students thoroughly enjoyed participating in the 'No-Cook Kitchen'ASA, where they engaged in preparing a variety of simple, no-cook recipes, including vegetable spring rolls, mug cakes, and flapjacks. TheASAsession provided a wonderful opportunity for them to develop practical skills, work collaboratively, and have fun in a creative culinary environment.
In its fourth season, the Panaga Spelling Bee Competition, hosted by the Panaga Club Nigerian Community, played host to 8 schools.The 49 participants had learnt over 600 words and were prepared to show up in their best form… and they did!
Congratulations to all our brilliant Panaga School students who took part in this year’s Spelling Bee – you made us so proud!Aspecial round of applause goes to Ryan Sim, who has once again proven himself a Spelling Bee Champion Extraordinaire, winning the title for the second year in a row! Hats off as well to Rayden FongYew Theng for securing second place, and to SoffiyahAmara Binti Suhail, who claimed third place for the second year running – an incredible achievement!
Well done, everyone – your hard work, courage, and determination truly spell success!
Art in Melilas.
Y8
Year 8 have been busy researching and gathering research on the wonderful jungle surroundings.They have taken their own photos as well as taking the learning outside to do some observational drawing.
Art in Melilas.
Y7
Year 7 have been busy researching and gathering research on their everyday surroundings.They have been developing their observational skills and learning how to appreciate the everyday objects that surround us.
Confidence and Fun: Bringing Language Learning to Life!
Learning vocabulary and grammar in French and Spanish canbechallenging, especiallywithconceptslike noun gender. To help studentsmastertheseskills, weuseamixoffungames, drama, and dictionary work—encouraging them to take ownership of their learningandconfidentlyfind answers on their own. By actively sharing their knowledgeandengagingin interactiveactivities,students build confidence and make language learning memorableandenjoyable!
Under the Harvest Moon: Mandarin Class explores the Mid-Autumn Festival!
In Mandarin class this week, students are diving into the vibrant traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, happening on October 6th. Through research and discussion, they’re uncovering the cultural significance of this cherished Chinese celebration, from family reunions to the sharing of mooncakes and the beauty of lantern festivals. By presenting their findings, students not only enhance their language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the values of harmony, gratitude, and togetherness that the festival represents.
Building Blocks of Language: Exploring Malay Sentence Structure!
This week in Malay class, students are mastering the art of crafting basic subject-verb-object sentences. They’re encouraged to enhance their sentences with adjectives, making their expressions more vivid and descriptive. As their confidence grows, children are also learning to experiment with more creative and varied sentence structures. This approach not only strengthens their writing skills but also boosts their overall communication in Malay, giving them a deeper command of the language.
UNSDG Day –Celebrating ChangeAcross Our School
On 25th September, Panaga School proudly celebrated Raise the Flag for the UNSDGs, a whole-school event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each year group was introduced to a different SDG in age-appropriate and engaging ways. The morning began with colourful activities and discussions that brought the goals to life for every student, from our youngest learners in Nursery to our older primary children.
InNursery,thechildrenexplored SDG15:Life on Land, stepping into the role of “nature protectors” for the day. They engaged in hands-onexperiencesthatencouragedthemto careforplantsandanimalsandappreciatethe natural world around them. Meanwhile, Year 4 focused on SDG13:ClimateAction, creating powerfulpostersandleadingalivelymini-march across the school to raise awareness. Their learning extended outdoors as they mapped natureanddiscoveredtherichflorawithintheir ownplayground.Thedaywasajoyfulblendof creativity, action, and learning, reinforcing that eventhesmallestvoicescanmakeabigimpact forabetterworld.
In Melilas, the students looked at SDG 12: Responsible Consumption, where they researched the playground, inspected the sustainability of the play equipment, and then designed their own innovative and environmentally friendly playgrounds. Year 8 students took on the challenge of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, developingcreativemodelsoffuturesustainable cities while studying current real-world examples.Fromtheyoungesttotheoldest,the energy and imagination shown across the school brought the SDGs to life in meaningful ways. It was a day filled with collaboration, creativity, and commitment to building a more sustainablefuturetogether.
Intheafternoon,allstudentstookpartinfun, activechallengestoreinforcetheUNSDGsin the best way possible—through play, teamwork, and energy. The highlight was the appearance of UNSDG superheroes, reminding everyone of the power of imaginationandaction.Yet,thechildrensoon realised that we do not need superheroes to change the world—because each and every oneofusalreadyhasthatpower.Tocarrythe momentum forward, students have been tasked with creating their own pledges connectedtotheSDGs.
Remember–smallactions=BIGimpact!
Eco-Challenge of the Week
Pick one thing you can do this week to reduce single-use plastic. Draw a picture, write a sentence, or take a photo of what you did. Share it with the Ecoschool committee - @ ecoschool@panagaschool.net
Say No to Single-Use Plastics!
Did you know that most plastic items we use only once end up in landfills or the ocean? Items like straws, plastic bags, and water bottles can take hundreds of years to break down. But don’t worry—you can help!
Plastic Detective Challenge
Take a look around your home or school. How many of these single-use plastic items can you find?
● Plastic straws
● Snack wrappers
● Plastic bags
● Disposable cups or bottles
Write down how many you use in one day. Can you think of a way to replace them with reusable items?
This or That? Circle the better choice:
1. Drink water from a plastic bottle or a refillable bottle?
2. Wrap your sandwich in clingfilm or use a reusable lunchbox?
3. Bring a plastic bag from the shop or use a cloth bag?
Remember: Every small change counts! Together, we can help make our school and planet greener.
Rise to the challenge!
Take part in this years FOBISIAart competition.
THEME: Explore your artistic response to the theme “Hidden Worlds”
MEDIUM: Create your masterpiece using any medium—painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, digital art, photography and more…
ELIGIBILITY: EYFS, KS1-5 (students aged 4-18)
If interested, speak with Ms Jen for further information and support.
A Tribute to Dr Jane Goodall
From Mr Kane
Dr. Jane Goodall was more than a world-renowned primatologist. She was a symbol of deep connection, mutual respect, and unwavering hope. In every iconic image of her sitting quietly beside a chimpanzee, we seemorethanjustascientistandananimal;weseea powerful bridge built between nature and humanity. Through her life’s work, Dr. Goodall has shown us that compassion knows no boundaries, and that true peace for humanity will only come when we learn to live in harmonywiththenaturalworld.
“We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place--or not to bother”
Jane Goodall
HervisionspeaksdeeplytoourheartshereatPanagaSchool,whereourmissiontonurture globalcitizensandfosterrespectfortheenvironmentmirrorstheveryvaluesshehasspent her life promoting. Last year, I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Goodall in Singapore, a meeting made possible through my work in wildlife education in Brunei—a moment that furtherstrengthenedourschool’sconnectiontoherinspiringlegacy.
Dr. Jane Goodall reminds us that every small action counts, and that with courage, empathy,andunderstanding,wetoocanmakeadifference.
Run around Borneo!
The total distance all the way around Borneo is 4,971km!
