Panaga School Magazine, Issue 54, March 2016

Panaga School Magazine

We’re better together!

Issue 54, March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

Panaga School Magazine Issue 54 March 2016 Panaga School HRF/4 Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd Jalan Utara Seria, KB 3534 Negara Brunei Darussalam (+673) 3375728/3372138 (Teraja) (+673) 3372694 (Rampayoh & Mendaram)

Principal: Tim Robinson tim.robinson@shell.com Head Teacher, Teraja: Andy Ryan andrewryan@panagaschool.com Head Teacher, Rampayoh & Mendaram: Cindy Bin Tahal cindybintahal@panagaschool.com Senior Admin: Jalinah Bte Ali jalinah.ali@shell.com Admin Support, Rampayoh & Mendaram: Zurimah Bte Jumat z.jumat@shell.com Admin Support, Teraja: Hasmah Bte Hj Salleh: hasmah.salleh@shell.com Panaga School Magazine Editor: Damian Brady damianbrady@panagaschool.com

March 2016

Contents 3. Message from the Head Teacher of Teraja 4. Thank you Support Staff 5. Challenge Day - “We’re better together” 6. and 7. International Day

8. P2’s solar eclipse learning 9. 5M’s solar eclipse home learning 10. P6’s report on the solar eclipse 11. P8’s view of the solar eclipse 12. and 13. The PTA Science Fair 14. Brunei Times report on the Panaga School Mini-Conference 15. Panaga School Mini-Conference for local teachers 16. Our Principal’s reflections on the Ministry of Education’s visit 17. Michael Ymer’s great Maths lessons for us all

18. Google Certified Educator sessions with local teachers 19. Brunei Times report on Panaga School’s online programming tools 20. Healthy snack and lunch ideas for you!

21. Beach clean up 22. Learning Support Assistant cuts her hair for charity

23. Brunei National Day 24. Teachers answer the MD’s call to ‘Come run with us’ 25. Panaga Football Tournament 26. and 27. News from our neighbours - St John’s School

28. Pre-Nursery - an exciting learning environment 29. The Nursery Garden 30. From me town to we town in Nursery 31. Thank you KBBC 32. P1 visit Anduki Airfield

33. P1 Sand and Water IPC Entry Point 34. P1’s Talk For Writing WOWs 35. P5-P8 celebrate very successful ISA results 36. News from STEM Club

37. Alice in Wonderland 38. to 41. P5 Art Exhibition Exit Point 42. P6 are history experts 43. Dodgeball ASA fun

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Message from the Head Teacher of Teraja, Andy Ryan The ethos or culture of a school is often hard to quantify and yet it is certainly something that you can experience and feel as you spend time in classrooms, the school playground and whilst talking to children, teachers and parents. What are the shared values that bring us together - our richly diverse community - and unite us in creating such a learning focused school?

If you were to ask the children, teachers and parents, many of them would be able to identify the Personal Goals that set the standards we aspire to achieve in both our learning and social interaction. This term has exemplified the many practical ways in which we as a school live out these values as a community.

The theme of this year’s International Day was: ‘We’re better together’, a message that supported children’s learning about how countries care for each other and work together for mutual benefit. Always a bright, colourful day and lots of fun, International Day highlighted how we as a community model to the children ‘cooperation’, ‘respect’ and ‘communication’. This highlight of our school year would not have been possible without everyone working together across all three sites of the school.

International Day was not the only example of such outstanding cooperation. Our Football Tournament, Challenge Days and Mini-Conference for local teachers are just some of the other examples in which our Personal Goals are lived out in practical ways, that set an example for our student body.

This magazine once again highlights many of these learning events and acknowledges the culture of respect and cooperation that embodies Panaga School.

It’s a culture that makes me immensely proud to call myself a member of the Panaga School community.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Thank you Support Staff for all you do each day On Wednesday 16th March 2016, the Panaga School community recognised the work of our Support Staff and all that they do to contribute to our students’ learning.

Support Staff include our office administration team, school civil foreman, amahs, general helpers, school security, IT technicians and gardeners.

The day started with students presenting each Support Staff member with a thank you poster. Each class ‘adopted’ a known Support Staff member, and during the morning poster presentations, it was obvious just how much students respect and appreciate our Support Staff.

At the end of the day, Support Staff were presented with a high tea in Teraja Hall, where they were served by teaching staff and the student council. Music was played, a variety of treats were offered and student councillors Suraj and Steph delivered a thank you speech on behalf of all students.

Members of our Support Staff expressed they found the day rather emotional and were left feeling motivated to work harder, seeing the appreciation offered by the students when they were presented with their thank you posters.

We certainly acknowledge the hard work of our Support Staff at Panaga School and enjoyed the opportunity to let them know just how appreciated they are.

By Cindy Bin Tahal, Head Teacher, Rampayoh & Mendaram

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine Challenge Day - “We’re better together”

Our first Challenge Day of the school year had the theme ‘We’re Better Together’. During the morning assembly, some special visitors asked the house teams to work together to create a whole school piece of artwork.

Each team took away different pieces of ‘Feathers’ and their challenge was to cover the different parts in collaged handprints.

Everyone showed excellent ‘cooperation’ and ‘communication’ throughout the morning; it was fantastic to see children from different year groups helping each other to create their handprints out of a range of materials.

During the final assembly, we placed all of the parts together to create a beautiful image of ‘Feathers’.

The final piece is now proudly on display in Rampayoh library.

Well done everyone!

Miss Jo, Miss Christine and Miss Julie

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

This year’s International Day and Challenge Days focused on the theme, ‘We’re better together’, and across both events, the celebration of our school’s diversity certainly proved this point. International Day is only possible when our parent body and teachers work successfully together. Whilst each year seems to witness the events reaching their peak, we are always astounded to see how everyone’s creativity brings up new ways for the children to learn about each other’s home countries.

International Day began with colourful parades around the school sites with the children dressed in colours and costumes of their home countries. This was followed by some time for each class to use their passports and learn about each country before further exploring whichever countries grabbed their attention.

Children were able to utilise all their senses as they listened to music, tasted the food and drinks and looked at artefacts and pictures from each place.

Parents were on hand to explain what the different things on display were and help the children complete their passport pages.

The younger children took time in their own classes to explore the tables that had been set up to try out new activities and share in an international snack time.

The days were truly a celebration of the rich diversity of our school community but also an example of when all these differences meet; ‘We’re better together’.

By Andy Ryan, Head Teacher, Teraja

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Students report on…

The partial solar eclipse Learning from the eclipse in P2

Children in P2 extended their learning about the solar eclipse through their writing and art. Using mixed methods, they created pictures showing what they had seen. They wrote about the eclipse using similes and metaphors, creating a very personal account of what this unique event meant to them.

‘The sun looks like a delicious banana hanging in the sky.’

‘I saw an astronaut on the moon and he waved at me!’

‘I love the sun and I never want it to go away.’

Other children spent time on the playground showing their friends how an eclipse is formed by using leaves to demonstrate. They showed how much of the event they had understood and their ability to share this learning with others.

This wonderful, once in a lifetime event fully proved the value of learning from the exciting things happening in the world, right here and right now. It also reminds us to take advantage of the learning opportunities that surround us each and every day.

By Rachel Marsden, EAL Teacher P2 & P3

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Students report on…

The partial solar eclipse 5M’s home learning challenge of recounting the partial solar eclipse experience By Matthew Hunt and 5M OCURRANCE OF NATURAL PHENOMENA IN BRUNEI

By Bram

THE SUN SHONE BRIGHT

By Kian On Wednesday 9th March 2016, approximately 600 children and 100 teachers and LSAs from Panaga School headed outside to see the partial solar eclipse. The Student Council provided special eclipse glasses to keep everyone’s eyes safe.

Warning! Don’t look at the sun without the glasses – the eclipse can cause serious damage to your eyes!

The moon started to eclipse the sun at 8am and it lasted for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

It reached its peak at around 8:37am.

Mr Matthew stated, “This was an amazing event for the children to experience.”

Declan Sweeney of P6 said, “The tension was rising waiting for the eclipse to happen.” During the eclipse in Brunei, the sky went dull but not completely dark like in Indonesia. The next solar eclipse is due to happen on 21st August 2017, visible from parts of the USA.

The Solar Eclipse

By Sofi On 9th March 2016, there was something that happened, it was the solar eclipse.

What is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse is when the sun and moon meet together and make an orange moon.

Eclipse Shades

By Uthman

Quotes from 5M students: “At Panaga School, the morning of the Eclipse began with an important safety and information briefing, led by P8 students,” reported William.

“It was amazing to see everyone peering up into the sky to witness a large crescent orange sun,” an excited Josie told us.

“When the darkness first began to fall, crickets only normally heard at night began to make their dusk chorus!” Reeffa reported.

Mr Matthew, when questioned, told me that he was happy to see the children able to access the natural phenomena; wrote Imogen.

“The birds fell silent as darkness fell but began to sing when the light became brighter,” observed Amni.

“The sight was beautiful and I also enjoyed the popcorn that the student council sold to raise funds for community projects!” exclaimed Ellis.

“I think everyone will remember this event for a long time!” stated Riley when asked about the impact of the solar eclipse on her class.

“All over Brunei yesterday, people were mesmerized by the partial solar eclipse,” James observed.. The eclipse started at 7.30am and lasted for approximately two hours and twenty four minutes. At 8.37am the maximum partial eclipse was observed as 76.5% of the sun was obscured by the moons orbit. Strangely, street lights were seen to come on and evening sounds filled the air until the sky became lighter. The next solar eclipse will not occur in Brunei for around thirty years.

Arsha stated, “It was unforgettable and such a wonderful feeling to observe something so special as a solar eclipse!”

“Did you know that there are four types of eclipse? A total eclipse, a lunar eclipse, a hybrid eclipse and a partial eclipse,” Zaki researched.

Solar eclipse Excitement

By Struan

Before we went outside we had a safety briefing including warnings about not When something is in front of the solar eclipse it looking at the sun without special eye protection or we could damage our eyes doesn’t show. Animals make loads of noise permanently. It was really sunny when we first went outside but then we saw when it’s going on. The moon turns a lot of the moon moving in front of the sun. The sky turned dark as the moon covered times. most of the sun, as it moved in between our planet and the sun. As the moon slowly moved to the side you could see only the crescent of the sun. Many What you need: Solar eclipse glasses, First Aid people, including me, thought at first that the moon was on fire but we soon people (in case your eyes get hurt), Water bottle, Hat, Parents to guide you (only if you’re 5 realized it was the sun. All the animals got confused thinking it was night and I could hear crickets and birds making lots of noise. Everything was confused! years old or under).

Even the street lights came on.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Students report on‌ The partial solar eclipse Stunning solar eclipse!

On Wednesday 9th March, a fantastic event happened: a solar eclipse! What are solar eclipses? How do they happen? You will learn all about this.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the moon goes in front of the sun, this means that a shadow forms on the Earth. Solar eclipse comes from solar meaning something to do with the sun, and eclipse - something covering something else.

Full solar eclipse A full solar eclipse is when you see the eclipse while you are standing in an angle so you don't see the sun at all.

The temperature will drop down and it will turn dark in the middle of the day! Animals will get confused and go to sleep. This happened in certain parts of Indonesia. In Brunei we only saw a partial eclipse so it didn't turn dark.

Solar safety During a solar eclipse you must wear special glasses, read the instructions to make sure that you are safe. By Isis, 6T

Brunei blackout!

A rare phenomenon for South East Asia.

An amazing solar eclipse happened in Brunei. An eclipse is a rare event that happens about every century. It's when the moon covers the sun therefore making a black out.

How does that happen? It happens because the moon has rotated around the Earth. Many Asian countries had a partial eclipse but Indonesia got a full eclipse.

The monkeys screeched, lizards ran and crickets started waking. The tension was rising. The whole school put their protective glasses on so they saw it happen. Birds tweeted.

Any minute now it was going to happen. No shadow was seen. Suddenly, everything went cooler. It reached its highest point. Everyone stared and then it was going again.

Safety is important, especially here in Panaga, so we wore solar eclipse glasses to protect us. Do not ever wear sunglasses and look at the sun! Protect yourself!

By Declan, 6T

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Students report on…

The partial solar eclipse A dark experience Through our solar eclipse glasses, we saw the moon transverse the sun until it formed a crescent shape.

Due to the material of the glasses, the sun’s crescent appeared as a bright shade of orange and a little bit of red.

Unfortunately, the clouds continually blocked the sun over and over again and we feared we may not get to see the whole eclipse.

Suddenly though at about 8.30am, the temperature dropped, the clouds shifted and it got darker. At about the same time, birds started to fly to their nests, confused about the sudden, strange darkness in the sky.

Additionally, we could hear insects producing piercing sounds as the world felt like it had just turned around.

Around us, we could see everyone shocked as we all witnessed the partial solar eclipse.

By Fadian, Adishwar, Julian and Hridyansh (P8)

The eclipse with a twist...

I sniffed the air. Something was wrong. As I jumped down from the tree, my tail gracefully followed. To my surprise, all of my black eyed friends had now gathered around the old oak tree too.

Curiously, they all stared up at the brightly-lit sky. A shiver ran down my spine, colder than usual. Then I heard the exciting shouts of children. I looked up at the sky, looking for more details. Where was the other half of the sun? Was this the eclipse everyone was talking about?

They all said the sun, the moon and the Earth would come in a straight line. I’ve never seen this before. The shrieks from my fellow monkey friends echoed around the forest. I walked away from the chaotic crowd of animals.

I strode towards the school, looking for some breakfast. As I arrived there, I was greeted by the most amusing sight. In front of me were hordes of children wearing weird-looking black glasses, looking up at the sun.

I knew for sure now...today was the day of the eclipse!

By Sakshi, Myrte, Vasumathi and Kania (P8)

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Panaga School Science Fair The first ever PTA Science Fair took place on Saturday 19 th March with over 50 interactive and fun experiments for the Panaga School community to gain learning from and enjoy. Almost 400 children and their parents attended.

The vision was to hold a PTA event which encouraged children’s curiosity and sense of wonder about the world through Science. Over 80 volunteers from the school community - parents, teachers, students and BSP and BLNG staff - supported the event by leading experiments, activities, organising the Toddler Area, selling tickets and contributing to the Bake Sale. The OGDC led the rocket making and launch, while HML Laboratory and Environmental Health Services hosted displays and hands-on activities. We were also very lucky to have the Kuala Belait Lego Club display their Lego city and trains which were a great hit! Last, but not least, a special mention to our own Panaga School students from P7 who planned and shared their own experiments and to the P8 volunteers who controlled the flow of traffic in and around the site throughout the morning. Without the commitment of all those involved, this morning would never have been possible.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

The goal was to cover the costs of the event and we were able to do that and a bit more. Surplus money raised will go to the purchase of a microwave oven on Teraja for Science-based activities, 30 new safety goggles have been donated to the school, a leftover volcano has made its way to Nursery and other Science-related activities will enhance the outdoor learning areas.

Some quotes from those participating: 'It was amazing! Better than I imagined!'

'I've been here 6 years and never experienced an event like this!'

'This is exactly what children need.'

'I was amazed. There was so much to do. We were here at the opening and still didn't see everything.'

'We loved the rockets. It was amazing to see them shoot so high.'

‘My children didn’t want to leave.’

‘When are you doing the next one?!?!'

Again, an enormous thank you to everyone who made the day possible and we look forward to an even bigger and better Science Fair in 2017!

By Rachel Marsden, Community Leader for Learning

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature The Panaga School Mini-Conference - as reported by the Brunei Times

Panaga seeks formal engagement with other Belait schools

Principal of Panaga School Tim Robinson (R) gestures during an interview, while the school's community leader for learning, Rachel Marsden, looks on. Picture: BT/Aaron Wong AARON WONG BELAIT Sunday, March 6, 2016

PANAGA School is seeking to formalise its engagement with primary government and private schools in Belait to allow greater sharing on best practices for reading, writing and teaching Mathematics.

Panaga’s principal Tim Robinson yesterday said the school has been hosting small conferences with the Ministry of Education's (MoE) Cluster 6, which encompasses all public schools in Belait, as part of its renewed push for integration among the local community.

Speaking after Panaga School hosted its first “professional development mini-conference” of 2016 with over 50 government and private school teachers from Belait, Robinson said MoE’s response to the content delivered was “encouraging”, paving the way for more regular workshops in the future.

“We had five sessions, each with about three topics, spanning fundamental key areas for child development that both MoE and Panaga School see as important,” said Robinson.

A pressing concern discussed was finding new ways to stimulate writing development among children, which now faces challenges due to their “increasingly sedentary” lifestyle.

“Writing among children these days needs addressing because they are using their fine motor skills required for writing less.

You see children spending more time on tablets, computers and much less time outside the classroom on writing,” said Panaga's community leader for learning, Rachel Marsden.

The longer these skills go undeveloped among children, the wider the gap in their writing ability, which becomes more challenging to address as the student becomes older.

“We first focused on exercises for shoulder, wrist, elbow and finger strength and flexibility. Then we looked at the development of the pencil grip and applications of skills through the initial writing process,” she said.

Marsden added that since primary education is where “key habits are formed”, making sure students have sound writing, speech and reading ability before progressing further is of critical importance.

“A student’s initial writing and reading in primary education has a profound impact in the later stages of a person’s life.

“So there needs to be a shift from traditional teaching where one just instructs, to involving and engaging students in the learning process so that they truly internalise the lessons and develop their ability,” Marsden added.

The Brunei Times

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Panaga School Professional Development Mini-Conference On Friday 4th March, over 50 local Bruneian school and the balance between theory and practical tasks proteachers attended this year’s Panaga School Profession- vided. al Development Mini-Conference.

Participants were unanimous in their positive feedback The teachers represented 10 different local schools, both and said that they had many things to share with their primary and secondary. They each attended 3 sessions colleagues in their own schools. One teacher commentthroughout the morning, chosen from an offering of 16 ed, ‘I can’t wait to share all of these ideas when I get different workshops. Each workshop focused on a wide back!’ breadth of teaching and learning; including Reading, This mini-conference marked yet another opportunity Writing, Mathematics and Digital Education. Other ses- for Panaga School and local teachers to further develop sions focused on the development of higher order think- relationships and create links for future collaboration. ing skills, interventions for struggling readers and the Already, plans are underway for local teachers to visit development of fine motor skills. lessons on a more individual basis to keep sharing good The Panaga School teachers who presented the work- practice. shops were praised for their depth of subject knowledge

By Rachel Marsden, Community Leader for Learning

Making Guided Reading Fun, with Rosie Hancock, P5 Teacher

Teachers try out different activities to develop children’s fine motor skills.

Laura Wilson, P4 Teacher, demonstrates written methods in Mathematics.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Ministry of Education impressed by our collaborative educational thinking

Cindy Bin Tahal, Head Teacher, Rampayoh and Mendaram, shares learning ideas with the Ministry of Education

Tim Robinson, Principal, showcases the importance of our personal and social learning goals

Collaboration with other schools is an essential part of strategic development. To remain at the forefront of educational thinking, it is essential we engage with external agencies frequently. We meet other schools’ teachers and educational authorities on a regular basis to share ideas, and from these meetings, we evaluate how we operate as a school.

On Friday 4th March, we hosted the Ministry of Education (MoE Cluster 6). Several government officials toured all three school sites. Their visit covered many areas including academic progress, professional development, supporting individual needs, involvement of parents in the learning process, differentiation, networking between schools and after school events.

The visit lasted the whole morning and Cindy and I were proud to explain to our guests how our school operates. The officials were interested to learn how we involve parents in the educational process and were impressed at how our parents are an active part of school culture, supporting the school’s daily operation.

An important aspect of such visits is the feedback mechanism that exists between us and the visiting group. Often processes that we see as normal are seen by others as a key feature of a school; parental involvement is one example. We too take on important points from our visitors. The MoE are important stakeholders in the school, therefore, it is important that we keep communication channels open.

Over the next few months, we intend to engage in more collaborative opportunities with the MoE.

By Tim Robinson, Principal

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Local teachers enjoy a Maths workshop with guest presenter, Michael Ymer, from Australia The teachers were able to participate in an interactive session during which Michael shared the importance of making Maths real, relevant and appropriate to an individual’s needs. He emphasised the need to support children through the developmental levels of understanding numbers 0-9, using practical resources in real life situations and games to extend and secure understanding before moving onto more abstract methods of calculations. Michael illustrated how you could differentiate and use simple board games to meet the needs of students with varying abilities.

During the first week of February, we were very fortunate to have Michael Ymer, a Maths Specialist from Australia, come and share his expertise with our students, parents and teachers. Opportunities such as these are sometimes rare so naturally we wanted to maximise his practical experience and skills with as large an audience as possible.

It was an interesting and engaging session which everyone enjoyed and appreciated. Some teachers took the opportunity to remain after the session to discuss some of the challenges they face in their classrooms further with Michael.

As a school, we look forward to building on the learning discussions that took place and developing further opportunities to support local parents and teachers in On Friday 5th February, we invited local teachers and the area of Maths. parents to attend a workshop focused on supporting ‘Maths development through real life contexts’ at

By Perminder Sanghera, Rampayoh Hall. We were very pleased to have over 25 Deputy Head Teacher, Teraja teachers from 6 schools from as near as Kuala Belait and from as far as Bandar Seri Begawan attend.

Teachers put themselves in the role of the learner.

Teachers from Sekolah Rimba II consider the changes they can make to meet the needs of their own students.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Teachers from St John’s School and Sekolah Rendah Panaga join us for Google Certified Educator learning sessions

This half term, teachers from St John’s School Kuala Belait, Sekolah Rendah Panaga and Panaga School joined forces in the attempt to all become Google Certified Educators (Level One).

Although the course (https://edutrainingcenter.withgoogle.com/certification_level1) is self-paced and can be completed by any teacher worldwide at anytime, it is always easier to learn together. Plus, it is fun learning in a community context.

“Thank you very much for this valuable opportunity,” said Kathy Kristina, a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Panaga, who organised 4 teachers from her school to attend.

Dr Teh, Principal of St John’s School, also praised this community teaching initiative. “My sincere appreciation to you and your school for your great community spirit in sharing learning,” she said.

Well done to the teachers from all three schools for taking this course and good luck for your exam in April!

By Damian Brady

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Panaga School teacher creates online programming tools Digital education specialist teacher at Panaga School Neil Lynch showing an online coding programme.

Picture: BT/Aaron Wong

AARON WONG BELAIT Saturday, March 5, 2016 A TEACHER from Panaga School in Seria has launched an online resource for teachers in Brunei looking for simple, free tools to teach computer programming to primary students.

Digital Education Specialist Teacher at Panaga School Neil Lynch said he developed the website in line with an increasing shift in the global IT industry that prioritises sharing and creation, signalling a need for the curriculum to focus on producing students as “creators instead of just users”.

Lynch's website at www.kidscodeprojects.com shares existing online resources for seven categories of coding, including HTML, Robotics and Python, which focus on ease of use, engagement and tangible results.

“Young students are unlikely to be receptive to studying purely syntax or technical programming without being able to visualise or see the end product,” said Lynch.

Lynch, a Google certified innovator, believes that simply informing or showing students is not sufficient for teaching coding.

“For things to really stick, and for students to be able to actually use the information gained in a meaningful way, they need to be actively involved and have ownership in the learning process.”

He provides an example on visual programming language software Kodu, widely popular among children as it allows them to make their own three dimensional games without having to learn a huge amount of code.

Lynch said students need to graduate with the ability to combine critical thinking skills with the power of computing to deliver solutions to global problems.

“IT education is changing around the world to keep up with a rapidly changing world that is about digital sharing. Many curriculums, including the one taught here at Panaga, have now replaced the ICT subject with digital education,” he said.

As part of a wider engagement with schools in Belait, Lynch will speak to teachers about programming, and hopes to spread awareness about the free teaching tools on his website.

The Brunei Times

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Healthy snack and lunch ideas for you!

As you all know, the Panaga School Student Council promotes healthy, well-balanced snacks and lunches to keep our energy levels up throughout the school day. They recommend daily: starches and proteins, some veggies, a piece of fruit, a small snack and a refreshing drink.

Here are some ideas to help you fill your snack and lunchboxes in Term 3 - the healthy way; because...rule number one for sticking to a healthy snacking plan: Don’t get bored!

Starch and Protein Grilled Eggplant Panini For something very different: Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap Roll some grilled chicken, your choice of hot sauce and some of your favourite greens in a wrap.

You may want to add some cayenne pepper and a bit of (blue) cheese.

Be creative!

10 min Chicken Fried Rice

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Spray Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per with oil then fry spring onions side. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil may- for 1-2 minutes. Add frozen vegetables and fry for a couple onnaise on four slices of bread. more minutes until cooked Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion through. Add rice, chicken and soy sauce and stir to. Heat for and the remaining slices of bread. a few minutes more then serve.

Snacks Of course you can have a snack, just make sure it is full of good ingredients. So...no pre-packed snacks! Make these tasty snacks yourself, or ask for some help at home and have fun making them together. Good luck!

Everybody needs 2 pieces of fruit and enough veggies daily, here is how!

Watermelon Pizza In the mood for a pizza?

Fill them with tomato, some herbs and (home made) hummus.

Banana-Nut Muffins Always fun! Bake some muffins, and make sure you add plenty of nuts and bananas. Also think about using whole grain flour.

Go for it!

Crackers with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread and Banana Dividing evenly, spread 2 crisp bread crackers with 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Top with one small sliced banana.

Mini cucumber sandwiches

Water

For us living in the tropics, we know how important it is to drink plenty of water. But, this is not always easy.

There are lots of great fruits, vegetables and herbs you can add to make your water much tastier. Think about cucumber, apple, strawberries and mint. The list goes on and on.

Just keep topping up and you will stay fresh all day.

By Barbara Diepenmaat

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature

Students report on‌ Beach clean up On January 17th at 9:30am, over 50 people went out onto the Panaga beach to collect washed up rubbish.

People of all ages spread in both directions, starting from the beach shelter, picking up rubbish along the shoreline.

Within a tiring hour, an outstanding 120 plus bin bags full of trash were collected!

It was great to see such an amazing effort made by the Panaga community.

This event was influenced by the surprising amount of disposed items people noticed lying around on our beloved beach beforehand.

In addition to this eyesore, all the waste was causing lots of pollution to our amazing environment.

You can help prevent putting our beach in danger by putting your trash in a bin.

Keep the beach clean!

Keep the world clean!

By Harton and Lachy, 7SG Photos by Ruben Bholasing

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature P4 Learning Support Assistant has her hair cut for a good cause In February, Miss Azira (P4 Learning Support Assistant) went to have her hair cut. This time though, she didn’t just want a normal trim or shorter hair, she wanted to donate a large portion of her hair to be made into wigs for children and adults with cancer.

Azira had heard of this initiative occurring in the United Kingdom and New Zealand but did not realise she could do it here in Brunei too.

Azira visited a hair salon in Kuala Belait, who cut her hair and sent the chopped crop away to made into a wig.

Although donated hair from customers like Azira is currently being sent to the UK and New Zealand for wig manufacturing, she is keen to try to get wigs made for cancer sufferers here in Brunei too.

Azira encourages other people to do the same, “As your hair will grow back!�

Providing your hair for a wig for children and adults with cancer could make a big difference to the quality of their lives. See Miss Azira on how you too can become involved.

By Jo Marshall, P4 Year Group Leader

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature A sweet play on Teraja to celebrate Brunei National Day On 19th February to celebrate Brunei Once upon a time there was a widow, National Day, we were treated to an Dang Ambon, who lived with her only son excellent, fun and informative assem- in Kampong Ayer. They lived a comfortably prepared by the Teraja LSAs: The ble life but were certainly not rich. She story of Jong Batu - a local tale of a loved her son Manis so very much. As a boy she used to sing this lullaby to him: mother’s love for her son…

Manis, Manis, My sweet natured boy!

Manis, Manis, Devoted and kind, Manis, Manis, Truly a mother’s pride!

One day a large trading ship docked at Kampong Ayer. There was a rumour that the owner of the ship was Manis! He was already called Nakhoda Manis for being the rich captain of the ship. Excitedly Dang Ambon paddled her small boat in the direction of the big ship. She was to be reunited with her beloved Manis! In anticipation she sang: Manis, Manis, My sweet natured boy!

Manis, Manis, Devoted and kind, Manis, Manis, Truly a mother’s pride!

When he was older Manis wanted to travel. He wanted to become rich. As a loving mother Dang Ambon knew she would miss him terribly. But because her love Nakhoda Manis was proud and he was was so strong she allowed him to go. She indeed rich. When he saw his mother he wanted him to be the happiest he could was ashamed of her and turned away possibly be. claiming not to know this poor old woman.

Dang Ambon was heartbroken. In her For a long time there was no news from despair she cursed the ship full of riches Manis. To console herself in her loneli– riches that had taken her son’s love ness Dang Ambon sang her song everyaway from her. day She would never sing her song again…

Manis, Manis, My sweet natured boy!

Suddenly, lighting flashed and there was Manis, Manis, a heavy storm. Rain, thunder and lightDevoted and kind, ning!!!

Manis, Manis, Truly a mother’s pride!

When the storm cleared, her son’s ship was gone and in its place was a huge Many years passed and there was still no rock in the sea. news from Manis. Dang Ambon kept herself busy by helping the poor. She gave Today this rock is known as Jong Batu. whatever she could until the day she herself became poor. Despite her now sad

By Neil Lynch situation she still sang everyday

Our LSAs also teach us how to play the traditional way on Rampayoh and Mendaram

ABOVE: A wonderful Brunei National Day assembly at Rampayoh Hall, hosted by Melissa Sim, with participation from our lovely Rampayoh and Mendaram LSAs, teachers and students. What a fun way to celebrate our country’s birthday!

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Community News Special Feature Panaga School staff answer the call to ‘Come Run with Us!’

By Matthew Hunt On Wednesday 2nd March, Panaga School staff joined other likeminded members of Brunei Shell Petroleum to take the first steps in a community-led drive to improve the fitness of all staff.

Dressed in red, following an extensive warm up, staff embarked upon a choice of 1km, 3km or 5km distances, side-by-side with colleagues from across the company. Getting fit is better when we are altogether!

The next event is planned to take place on 6th April and all participants are encouraged to wear green this time to again show their unity towards a common healthy goal. It is hoped this event will Above: Miss Cindy, Head Teacher of Rampayoh and Mendaram; Mr Tim, Principal; and continue to take place monthly.

Mr Matthew, P5 class teacher and Student The COMMIT TO BE FIT drive is led by the Managing Director of BSP, Council Coordinator, stroll into the finish.

Mr Andrew Faulkner.

Above: Panaga School staff with Mr Andrew Faulkner, BSP Managing Director.

Right: The course map

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine Community News Special Feature Panaga Football Tournament

93 teams from across Brunei competed in 11 age-group competitions at the 2016 Panaga Football Tournament.

The games were played in tremendous spirit with each team competing with determination to win some silverware.

With over 700 students playing, the day was all action with some finals even progressing to penalty shoot-outs.

It was great to witness so many happy faces, regardless of results, but the day could not be the success it was without the help of all the staff, parents and others who volunteered their time.

By Andy Vele

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

News from our neighbours: St John’s School, Kuala Belait Academic achievement recognition at St John’s School St John’s School, Kuala Belait, again celebrated and recognised its students’ academic excellence for the school year 2015 during its merit award ceremony held on Saturday 5th March 2016.

The programme started with the singing of the National Anthem and the school song accompanied by the SJS String Band. This was then followed by the recitation of prayer by Cikgu Noll and a speech by the Principal, Dr Teh Keng Watt.

In her speech, she proudly mentioned the excellent results of Year 6 in their PSR, wherein 6 students got straight As while 8 students obtained 4 As. She also congratulated the Year 11s for doing well in their GCE ‘O’ Level exams which raised St John’s School to one of the top 4 schools in Brunei. There were 2 students who score 9As in the GCE ‘O’ Levels.

The Academic Excellence Awardees: GCE ‘O’ Level winners and PSR posed with Principal and Deputy Principal

St John’s School not only achieved excellent results academically, but also participated in the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Competition (APICTA) and Princess Rashidah 17 Competition.

The Children Chorus too competed in the National Patriotic Song Competition.

Dr Teh not just congratulated the students but also commended the enduring support of parents and hard work of teachers. She concluded her speech with her inspiring quotes: “Set goals that makes you stretch, stretch just beyond your grasp. Such goals are worth the effort. When you reach such goals, you have achieved something of value.”

PRYNSA 17 participants proudly posed with Principal and School Board of Governors

In the ceremony, a trophy and a certificate were presented to the top student at each level. Individual awards were given for Excellent Achievement in PSR and GCE ‘O’ Levels wherein a trophy, certificate and cash award were given to recipients.

The APICTA and PRYNSA participants were given a trophy and certificate too.

The St John’s School Merit Award Night successfully concluded with the Secondary Choir’s performance of ‘Purih Bangsa’.

The two students who score 9As in the GCE ‘O’ Levels with their parents, accompanied by Principal and School Board of Governors

The three students who represented St John’s School in APICTA 2015 with Principal and School Board of Governors

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

News from our neighbours: St John’s School, Kuala Belait St John’s School celebrates the Year of the Monkey St John’s School, Kuala Belait, marked another event of the year by celebrating the Year of the Monkey 2016.

The event started when an exciting troupe of three lions entered the school premise; Thereafter, to the school principal’s office to perform the dance as well to receive the ‘Angpow’. The three troupes of lion made their way to the school multipurpose hall with the resounding thuds of handbeaten drums. The fascinating event was witnessed by the principal, teachers, students and parents.

The troupes performed the lion dance that consists of the ‘sleeping lion’ to entertain the audiences. Later on the lions were fed with some oranges, pomelos, pineapples, salad leaves and Coca Cola.

It was such an exhilarating, fascinating and spectacular event. This year celebration attracted more spectators than the last year’s celebration. Parents scrambled to grab the opportunity to get photographs of the lions with their children even outside the school hall.

All St John’s School articles

by Jack Ding Jok

One of the lions being fed by the principal

The principal, teachers and students having great time with the lions

Crowds of students throng into the hall and enjoy themselves, taking pictures with the lions

Secondary students perform one of the Chinese New Year dances, ‘Feng Yang Hua Gu’

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Pre-Nursery - an exciting learning environment

Children in Pre-Nursery have been enjoying lots of enhancements to their outdoor learning environment recently.

The new logs, stepping stones and planks, to name a few, are providing our children with necessary opportunities to challenge themselves physically and develop their gross motor skills, whilst having lots of fun with their friends.

As you can see this has extended into our movement sessions in the hall.

We are working especially hard to develop the children’s shoulder and arm strength to get them ready to write in P1.

By Louise Ramsden (Pre-Nursery teacher)

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

The Nursery Garden Since opening in September 2015, the Nursery Garden has developed into an established learning environment full of areas to spark children’s interests and extend their learning. Gardening is a popular activity and the children are responsible for planting seeds, seedlings and established plants and caring for them by watering them each day and clearing weeds.

Whilst gardening, wildlife is regularly spotted; including bugs, birds and monkeys, igniting further curiosity.

Children can role-play in a range of areas including a car garage, storybook character houses and a wigwam.

They can also create their own structures from crates, fabrics and poles in the den making area.

Developing core strength and gross motor abilities are key foci for the children’s Nursery year and areas of the garden such as the climbing/swinging bar, digging and car tyre pushing help develop children’s muscles.

By Georgina Hunter and Alice Vele, Nursery teachers

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

“From me town, to we town”

IPC topic: Houses and Homes

By Nicole Ebert Thank you to all of the parents who volunteer their time and energy by helping in our Nursery classes each week. I would like to share a story that recently touched my heart.

Oritse, Tomi’s mum, came in to tell a story to the Owls class using her imagination and some blocks. She handed a few students some blocks to make roofs, doors and windows.

She then explained that we would need to work together in order to build some strong houses.

The children were given a few shape blocks and needed to use their Personal Goals to problem solve and work together in order to build the houses. Later, all blocks were joined to become a town full of ‘we’ instead of just a building of ‘me’.

Well done, Oritse, and all of our parent volunteers for showing us how enquiry, cooperation, communication and thoughtfulness, among other Personal Goals, can help us build a home of great learning in the Nursery.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine Thank you KBBC!

The Nursery children have been reading the story, ‘Mr Gumpy’s Outing’ recently.

In addition to using costumes to act out the parts of the characters in the book, they were able to role-play on a real boat borrowed from KBBC. The children retold the story and innovated it by adding new characters and have become thoroughly immersed in the narrative.

We would like to thank KBBC for loaning us the boat which made this story come to life.

By Georgina Hunter

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

‘Up and Away’ Primary 1 children visit Anduki Airfield As our Entry Point for our ‘Up and Away’ IPC learning unit, the Primary 1 children had the opportunity to visit Anduki Airfield. The children explored the inside and outside of a rescue helicopter. They asked many questions, watched helicopters takeoff and land. They enjoyed the chance to wear the pilots helmet and learned how to use earplugs.

By Miss Donna (1DB)

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Sand and Water Primary 1 Entry Point

“We had blocks of ice, cubes and crushed ice.

The sand was wet and glittery - all over normal sand and toys. The water had bubbles and different colours and we could mix ice in and make it cold.” - Seren IP1DB

Term 2 got off to a very exciting start for Primary 1 children as they enjoyed the Entry Point for their new IPC learning unit, ‘Sand and Water’. The children spent the morning exploring water, sand and ice. Some of the children’s favourite activities included the waterslide, sitting and standing on ice, building glittery sandcastles and getting the teachers wet!

By Miss Donna (1DB)

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Talk for Writing in Primary One Through our Talk for Writing in Term 1 and Term, 2 the Primary One children have learned some traditional tales such as ‘The Enormous Turnip’, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’. This half term, we have learned the story, ‘How to Catch a Star’. When we begin each of these stories, we have a WOW factor to introduce it and make it fun for the children. Below are some photographs from our WOWs.

By Miss Donna (IP1DB) Goldilocks came to visit and ate Baby Bear’s porridge that we had set up outside our classrooms.

The children became detectives and looked around for clues to confirm that it had indeed been Goldilocks.

A mysterious box arrived in our classrooms that said, ‘PLEASE LOOK AFTER ME’. The children had lot of guesses at what could be inside.

The box was moving, and after carefully opening it, a troll jumped out giving everyone such a fright.

We received a letter from Goldilocks saying she was sorry for eating all the porridge and inside the envelope was a carrot for the children to share. We planted it to try and help it grow bigger and we ended up with an enormous carrot!!

We received a video to watch that showed an astronaut going into space and catching a star.

He passed it on to a helicopter pilot who then landed his helicopter at Anduki and had the box sent to P1 children at Panaga School.

We opened the box to find a large golden star.

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

P5-P8 celebrate very successful ISA results As many of you are aware, at the beginning of every academic year, our P5 to P8 students sit the International Schools Assessments (ISAs). ISAs are tests designed specifically for students in international schools, based on the reading, mathematical literacy and literacy frameworks of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Moreover, they are the agreed common assessments Shell Education Services have selected for all Shell Schools globally.

School and individual student reports are received during the second term. In the school report, which contains the results of all participating schools, we are compared with ‘all schools’ and specifically with ‘like schools’. The results of the tests provide a huge insight into both the academic ability of the students and the levels of learning taking place at Panaga School.

They are a great tool for us to use to assess and address the needs of our students and to consider the adjustments we may need to make in our teaching and learning programmes in order to continue to develop and maximise student learning.

Since beginning the tests in 2012, we have been proud to share with parents the significant improvement the students have made not only across all areas of learning, but also at all grade levels. As previously mentioned, each year the results are published and schools are compared with ‘like schools’ and ‘all schools’. This year, the children have achieved highly once again in both categories.

The results reflect the excellent levels of achievement our students are capable of as they continue to outperform other schools and maintain the high standards and expectations of our school.

The wonderful results that have been achieved by the students are a testament to the hard work and dedication of every single member of staff, every parent and of course, every child.

The learning partnerships between the school and parents are reaping amazing rewards and children are enjoying the benefits of our strong relationships.

By Perminder Sanghera, Deputy Head Teacher, Teraja

Grade Level

ISA Scores: Panaga School

ISA Scores: All Schools

Curriculum Area

Mathematical Literacy

Reading

Narrative Writing

Exposition/ Argument

Mathematical Literacy

Reading

Narrative Writing

Exposition/ Argument

P5

377

339

408

418

327

257

363

391

P6

422

389

432

455

377

316

406

427

P7

435

435

477

471

427

361

455

467

P8

495

495

519

544

464

406

480

489

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths - STEM Club “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” - Isaac Newton With the above quote as inspiration, the P4 and P5 engineers at Panaga School set off to learn all they could about bridges; why do we need them, what makes them special, some different designs, famous bridges around the world and should we burn them?

Our first stop: truss bridge designs and what would we use to create them. After a lengthy discussion, the group settled on toothpicks as a starting material. Carefully studying and discussing the positive and negative attributes of a selection of designs, plans were drawn up and ideas put into action.

The designs were laid out on grid paper and various attempts were made to perfect the selections you see in the diagram below.

After experimenting with toothpicks, and discovering their limitations, a new material was required. Look out craft sticks! With hot glue guns at the ready, an attack was made to perfect a design that could survive an ever-increasing load until finally it broke.

Many Personal Goals were achieved!

Resilience—working with many difficult materials, plans not working out the first time and never giving up when all seemed impossible.

Cooperation and Communication—putting the final designs together with zip tie cables required support from team members, or the project could not have been completed.

Well done to all the P4 and P5 engineers on a very successful bridge building workshop. The designs reflect each individual’s hard work, skill with materials, industrial design and Resilience. I wonder what challenging project they will Enquire about next?

By Mr Rorie

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

P5 in a Wonderland performance!

On Wednesday 9th March, the children of P5 performed Alice the Musical.

The play was based on the timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland, and involved 8 major characters and 10 minor characters, along with a choir.

It ended up being a whole community event, with parents involved in costume making, set painting and make up artistry. The fabulous teaching assistants made all the props and designed the backdrop.

The result was a colourful, well-polished and high energy performance.

All of the students sang and acted with flair and finesse. Both parents and teachers were extremely proud of the final result.

Well done P5!

By Miss Tania

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

To Finish off the P5 IPC ‘Explorers and Adventurers’ unit, the children hosted an art exhibition showcasing art work in the style of Margaret Mee, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O’Keeffe and Albert Bierstadt.

To make the art work, each class rotated around the 4 classes of P5 where each teacher taught about one of the four artists.

At the gallery, welcome drinks and gentle, ambient music helped complement the mood. Students also shared their learning in their IPC books. Enthusiastically, children discussed their art work with parents and the Senior Leadership Team. They also considered the choices they had made with materials and processes for their final pieces of art. Many parents left impressed with new art to exhibit at home!

During the exhibition, some children created a live installation outside using collected local flora, showcasing their urge to understand and represent the world around them - just like the artists before them!

In my classroom, I taught the art style of Roy Lichtenstein.

Students adapted his style to retell a story about an adventurer. Can you see Captain Cook?

By Matthew Hunt, 5M

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine 5D’s IPC Exit Point - Art Exhibition

On Friday 19th February, P5 exhibited hundreds of pieces of artwork for their Explorers and Adventurers IPC Exit Point, which was very well attended.

Artists covered were Margaret Mee (top left) in Miss Rosie’s room, Georgia O’Keeffe (top right) in Miss Tania’s room, Roy Lichtenstein (bottom left) in Mr Matthew’s room and Albert Bierstadt (bottom right) in Mr Dermot’s room. Here, we recreated Bierstadt’s masterpiece The Oregon Trail in an attempt to capture his love of the great outdoors, the frontier, its ruggedness and the basic way of life back then. Also, in the more vivid colours and styles of celebrated pop artist Roy Lichtenstein (ink), Georgia O’Keeffe (pastels) and Margaret Mee (water colours), the children succeeded in replicating the wonderful works of these very creative and original artistic geniuses. Well done, P5!

By Mr Dermot

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine 5R’s IPC Exit Point The buzz of art spread through P5 in February as the children prepared for their art exhibition.

Working tirelessly, the children visited 5R to learn about the work of Margaret Mee; an explorer who travelled into the rainforest and painted pictures of interesting plants.

After researching the work of Margaret Mee, the children decided they needed to create a close-up painting of a tropical plant using watercolour paints.

They also noticed that the background of the artwork was clear and white and this would need to be replicated in order to paint in Miss Margaret’s style. A keen group of artists; the finished results were stunning!

By Miss Rosie H

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

5T E X I T

P O I N T The 5T children worked hard to prepare for our Exit Point about Explorers and Adventurers.

Firstly, we imitated the artwork of Margaret Mee, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O’Keeffe and Albert Bierstadt. Then, we examined the similarities and differences between pieces of art. To create the ambiance of an art gallery, we also served soft drinks and played jazz music.

By Miss Tania

March 2016

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine P6 History Experts!

March 2016

P6 took on the role of History Experts with their IPC unit, ‘Time Tunnel’!

In mixed classes, we explored the everyday lives, events, rulers, inventions and technologies of four time periods.

Some of us gained knowledge, skills and understanding asso-

ciated with World War II, some looked at the Ancient Greeks, others focused upon the period of Genghis Kahn, whilst the final group looked at world events between 1714 and 1830.

We were able to share our learning with our own classes. It was great fun teaching our friends!

Ask us about evacuees, the Battle of

Marathon, Genghis’s invasions or the French Revolution!

We took this new knowledge with us and created amazing timelines to tell the story of the historical period.

We used different skills to show what we had learnt.

By Mr Peter

Issue 54

Panaga School Magazine

March 2016

The many benefits of Dodgeball

Worldwide, there may have been some controversy recently over the value of Dodgeball, however, after witnessing both campuses engage in this activity as an ASA, one can say it is a very successful sport here at Panaga School.

Dodgeball not only offers an excellent cardio-vascular workout, as players run in intervals, it also improves muscle strength and hand-eye coordination. Essentially, students must use their Personal Goals to work together and communicate in order to play effectively. We have focused on playing respectfully and enhancing team cooperation skills.

The games we have played so far on Rampayoh have been between Panaga Thunder, The All Stars, The Fireballs and Team Yoda. Teraja have called their teams: The Canines, T-Rex, The Aggressive Pink Bunnies and The Deadly Choppers.

The main learning target of Dodgeball ASA is that children know that the game is not about winning and losing; it is more important they that try their personal best and have balls of fun.

By Miss Nicole