THE FOBISIAN June 2024, Term 3 Issue 45

FOBISIA CONFERENCES

STUDENT

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Issue 45 of The FOBISIAN eMagazine!

In this issue, we celebrate FOBISIA's amazing milestone of 100 Member schools. We're also thrilled to announce the upcoming FOBISIA 31st Leadership Conference, where educational leaders will explore the theme of "Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Nurturing Sustainable Communities in Education."

Additionally, we provide updates on the FOBISIA CPD Leaders Conference, FOBISIA Teaching Community Conference and the recent FOBISIA Business & Operations Conference. Of course, we showcase the outstanding achievements of our students in various areas.

Don't forget to check out the FOBISIA U13 Friendly Games 2024 photo gallery as well!

Enjoy reading this inspiring issue!

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

FOBISIA now accepts payments via credit card (subject to 3.5% processing fee*)

*email accounts@fobisia.org for a payment link

PUBLISHER FOBISIA

EDITOR

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Anthony Rowlands

British International School HCMC & FOBISIA Board

John Gwyn Jones MBE, Shana Kongmun, Janine Minchin, Dawn Jones, Swati Sinha Bedi FOBISIA HQ

Anna Gower St Andrews International School Bangkok

Anna Sheppard, Holly Sullivan

The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

David Johnston

The International School of Penang (Uplands)

Dean Evans Garden International School Kuala Lumpur

Jason Perkins

British International School, Phuket

Jon O’Neill, Krystal Waltho British School Jakarta

Marilla Wiggins Regent’s International School, Bangkok

Mark Beresford Kinabalu International School

Mike Tweddle Hua Hin International School

Namju Cho Dulwich College Seoul

Paul Rotherham TEEMS Global

Todd Skevington Marlborough College Malaysia

Tom Watkins

The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

Vicki Rotheram

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside

Vector images from freepik.com

ABOUT THE FOBISIAN

A termly eMagazine for sharing events and news among the membership. Three issues are published each academic year. If you would like to contribute, email: design@fobisia.org

FROM OUR CHAIR

Anthony Rowlands

FOBISIA Chair - March 2019 to June 2024

Principal, British International School Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to our new Chair

As I step down from my role as Chair of FOBISIA, I want to thank you all for the support and collaboration over the past 5 years in my role as Chair of FOBISIA. It has been an honour to lead this community through both challenges and achievements. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that FOBISIA will continue to thrive.

I am delighted to announce that Vanita Uppal OBE will be stepping into the role of Chair of FOBISIA. Vanita is the Director of The British School New Delhi, where her visionary leadership has fostered an environment of academic excellence and holistic development. With her extensive experience and dedication to education, Vanita has been instrumental in shaping one of the leading British international schools in Asia.

Vanita's contributions to education have been widely recognised, culminating in her being awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to British education overseas.

Vanita was first elected to the Board in 2018 where her passion for Safeguarding came to the forefront as she oversaw the creation of the Safeguarding Executive Committee and held the role of Board liaison to the committee. In 2023 she moved from Safeguarding Committee to the role of Vice-Chair where she has been instrumental in leading the creation of a new three year strategic plan for the Federation.

As the new Chair of FOBISIA, Vanita aims to build upon the solid foundation laid by her predecessors. She envisions a future where FOBISIA continues to be a beacon of educational excellence, fostering collaboration and innovation among its Member schools.

Join me in warmly welcoming Vanita Uppal OBE as the new Chair of FOBISIA. We look forward to a period of exciting developments and strengthened ties among our Member schools under her leadership.

My best wishes to you all,

FROM OUR CEO

John Gwyn Jones MBE

FOBISIA CEO

Dear FOBISIA Colleagues and Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are about to come to the end of yet another academic year. For me, it is the end of my second contract and 5 years as CEO of FOBISIA. How time flies!

We have tried to capture many of the exciting activities and events that have brought so much enjoyment to both students and staff since our last publication of The FOBISIAN. We are extremely proud of both the hosts and the participants and the photos you see clearly reflect the success and enjoyment that such events bring to members of our community.

We also feature several interesting articles and I wish to thank those that made such valuable contributions in sharing their thoughts and experiences. This is indeed one of the strengths of the FOBISIA network.

For me, it has been an exhaustive term with a great deal of travelling as I attempt to represent FOBISIA within and beyond our region. This has included my participation in:

. The BSME Conference in Doha

. The COBIS Conference in London

. Attending the FOBISIA Safeguarding Conference in Ho Chi Minh City (by the British Vietnamese International School HCMC)

. Led Candidate school visits of Network International School Myanmar; Stonyhurst International School, Penang; Lanna International School Thailand, Chiang Mai; and Aster International School, Bangkok

. Supported the FOBISIA Board and Heads’ Meeting hosted by the British School in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the Strategic Plan Collaboration Group of Heads at HQ

. Supported and hosted our Music and PE and Sport Executive Committees in FOBISIA HQ at Bangkok

. Supported and hosted the first FOBISIA Business & Operations Conference with FOBISIA HQ in Bangkok

We have also managed several EGM’s this term in asking for Full Member schools to vote for the inclusion of candidate schools as well as vacancy for a Board member on the FOBISIA Board. We would like to congratulate all the Candidate schools in becoming members of our community as well as Sian May of The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur for being voted on to the FOBISIA Board.

We are delighted to have celebrated an incredible milestone for FOBISIA in welcoming our 100th School Member - Lanna International School Thailand in Chiang Mai. I was one of the Founding Member Heads of FOBISIA and even when I came on Board as CEO of FOBISIA in 2019, when we had 68 Member schools, I would never have imagined having 100 schools! And it doesn’t stop there. By the end of this school year we expect to be 103 Member schools, with another 3 waiting to join at the start of the next academic year.

Finally, we wish to recognise the amazing contributions of our Chair, Anthony Rowlands, as he steps down from the Board at the end of this academic year. Anthony became an active member of FOBISIA as far back as 1993, and has given so much to our community. Of course, he will continue to be a Member School Head, yet I would like to record our thanks to him for all he has done for FOBISIA.

We look forward to working with, and supporting Vanita Uppal OBE as our new Chair. Vanita has been a Member Head since 2015 and a member of the Board since 2018. We are delighted to welcome our very first female Chair of FOBISIA.

Let me finally wish you all an enjoyable end of school year celebrations and congratulate you on everything you have achieved over the 2023-2024 academic Year.

Anthony Rowlands Chair

Principal British International School Ho Chi Minh City

Vanita Uppal OBE Vice Chair and Strategic Planning

Director The British School New Delhi

Dinah Hawtree Student Events - PE & Sport

Principal Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang

Nick Sheehan CPD

Principal Jerudong International School Brunei

B O A R D M E M B E R S

Martin Towse Secretary & Membership

Principal St. Christopher's International School, Penang

Duncan Stonehouse Treasurer and HQ Support

Head of School Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

Nick Magnus Heads' Support

Headmaster Dulwich College (Singapore)

Principal British School Jakarta

David Butcher Safeguarding

Caroline Drumm Communications and Marketing

Principal The British School Kathmandu

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

John Gwyn Jones MBE Chief Executive Officer ceo@fobisia.org

Swati Sinha Bedi CPD & Safeguarding Executive cpd-safeguarding@fobisia.org

Jitsaman (Pheung) Chan Accounts Executive accounts@fobisia.org

Shana Kongmun Executive Operations Manager eom@fobisia.org

Janine Minchin Student Events Executive student-events@fobisia.org

Head of College

David Ingram Student EventsAcademic and Performing Arts

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

SINGAPORE SOCIETY 95 Portsdown Road, 139299, SINGAPORE

THAILAND Headquarters 39/4 Todsamon Clubhouse Building, Mezzanine Floor Soi LaSalle 39/1, Sukhumvit 105, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND

Salinee (Tai) Chooputtaphong Administration Executive info@fobisia.org

Dawn Jones Marketing & Communications Executive marketing@fobisia.org

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell Communications Design Executive design@fobisia.org

CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU BECAME INVOLVED WITH FOBISIA?

I’m the Head of Creative and Expressive Arts at the Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur, one of the founding FOBISIA schools. We have brought students to many Drama Festivals and proudly hosted several online competitions. I took over as Chair of the FOBISIA Drama Committee in 2021.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE SERVING AS A COMMITTEE CHAIR FOR FOBISIA? WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES?

A highlight for me has been serving on the committee alongside so many dedicated colleagues. As a Drama teacher, you’re often part of a small team of 1-2 teachers. The FOBISIA Drama community provides its members with a supportive group of teachers to bounce ideas off and learn from. This was especially true during the lockdown years when Drama teachers faced the challenge of taking their kinesthetic, group work subject and reimagining it for teaching online. Out of that difficulty, a strong community, brilliant innovation in peer-led online CPD and our ever-popular online competitions, such as the Monologue, Devising and Stage Make-Up challenges, were born.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS YOU'VE UNDERTAKEN IN YOUR ROLE AS COMMITTEE CHAIR?

I was fortunate to take over a well-established Committee with a long history of brilliant events. I was eager to bring in newer voices and fresh perspectives, and I am proud of how our makeup is more diverse and reflects the breadth of schools involved with FOBISIA. By having both Lead roles and Delegate roles on the committee, we operate with a model that encourages both stability and representative perspectives. I see my role as one that encourages engagement and participation from as many schools and students as possible - and that all sits on the shoulders of a hard-working team of drama teachers who generously give their time and talents.

A CONVERSATION WITH...

HOLLY SULLIVAN

Head of Creative and Expressive Arts

The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur & Chair, FOBISIA Drama Executive Committee

WHAT INITIATIVES OR PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN DURING YOUR TENURE AS COMMITTEE CHAIR?

There are so many to choose from. Firstly, it is brilliant that we have hosted our first-ever Primary Festival at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City this month. Increasingly, FOBISIA schools are recognising the importance of Drama in the primary curriculum, and it was fantastic to support this growing area with a bespoke festival. Secondly, I am delighted that we now offer opportunities for students and staff to upskill and be celebrated for technical theatre practice. Drama is so much more than simply performing. Our Stage Make-Up Challenges have seen spectacular entries from all over the region and all age groups. Our Drama JAWs, hosted by Jerudong International School, will focus on technical theatre next year.

HOW DO YOU SEE FOBISIA EVOLVING IN THE FUTURE, AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK YOUR COMMITTEE WILL PLAY IN THAT EVOLUTION?

Just like the rest of FOBISIA, the work of the Drama Committee is going from strength to strength. Pre-COVID, we had one festival and one JAWs annually, but we have grown to three festivals (Primary, Junior, and Senior), a Conference, and a JAWs, as well as our termly ‘Spotlight On…’ CPD sessions. Drama Departments may be small, but our impact on school life is huge. I hope the same remains true of the FOBISIA Drama Committee - as Shakespeare said of Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream “though she be little, she is fierce.”

After 9 years at The Alice Smith School Kuala Lumpur, Holly is moving on to The Inter-Community School Zurich. We wish her well with the move and the new role but she will be greatly missed by the community!

FOBISIA 2024-25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST 2024

AQ

Staff events:

Student events:

Refer to Member Support page on www.fobisia.org for calendar updates. Dates for in-person events do not include travel days (with the exception of the FOBISIA Games). FOBISIA events may be subject to change.

26/08 - 06/12 Academic Short Story Competition Dulwich College (Singapore)

SEPTEMBER 2024

AQ

02/0927/02/25 Drama Online Radio Competition

Wellington College International Hangzhou

09/09 - 13/11 Academic Visual Arts Competition (online) Haileybury Almaty

12/09 - 14/09 Conference & AGM PE & Sport Conference & AGM British School Manila

19/09 - 21/09 Conference & AGM Drama Conference & AGM

23/09 - 27/09 Academic Online Maths Codebreaking Challenge

26/09 - 28/09 Conference & AGM Music Teachers’ Conference & AGM

St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

British International School, Phuket

Denla British School, Bangkok

27/09 JAWS Storytellers - Secondary English JAWS Bangkok Patana School

27/09 JAWS Secondary Maths JAWS

OCTOBER 2024

AQ

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

01/10 - 13/12 Academic Art History Competiton: “My Favourite Artwork” (online) Amnuay Silpa School

02/10 eJAWS Teaching Assistants eJAWS British International School Hanoi

04/10 JAWS Co-Curricular & House Leaders JAWS

Garden International School Kuala Lumpur & Tanglin Trust School

04/10 JAWS Emotion Coaching - Improving Behaviour, Wellbeing and Resilience in Students JAWS Denla British School, Bangkok

10/10 eJAWS Sustainability eJAWS: Embedding SDGs in the Curriculum Haileybury Almaty

11/10 JAWS KS3 History JAWS

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

28/10 eJAWS Managing Outdoor Activities/Trips & Risk Management eJAWS XCL International School

29/10 - 02/11 Sport Games FOBISIA U15 GAMES - Blue Group Sports Management Worldwide

NOVEMBER 2024

AQ

04/11 - 08/11 Sport Games FOBISIA U15 GAMES - Purple Group

Sports Management Worldwide

04/1117/01/25 Academic Social Studies Essay Competition (online) The English School of Mongolia

08/11 eJAWS Primary Humanities eJAWS

08/11 - 09/11 Sport Inv'l U15 Basketball

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong

Rugby School Thailand

09/11 - 10/11 Sport Inv'l U16, 18 & Under FOBISIA Football & Representative Team Selection Marlborough College Malaysia

09/11 - 13/11 Sport Games FOBISIA U15 GAMES - Green Group

15/11 - 17/11 Conference & AGM FOBISIA Annual Leadership Conference

15/11 - 16/11 Sport Inv'l 18 & Under Volleyball

16/11 - 17/11 Sport Inv'l 18 & Under Netball

21/11 - 25/11 Sport Games FOBISIA U15 GAMES - Pink Group

Sports Management Worldwide

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

Dulwich College (Singapore)

Sports Management Worldwide

22/11 - 23/11 JAWS Language Mastery: Strategies for EAL Success JAWS St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

22/11 - 23/11 Sport Inv'l 18 & Under Basketball

26/11 - 30/11 Sport Games FOBISIA U15 GAMES - Orange Group

29/11 Academic Minecraft Showdown (online)

NOV - APR Music Virtual Concerto Competition

DECEMBER 2024

AQ

Rugby School Thailand

Sports Management Worldwide

International School @ Park City

Jerudong International School Brunei

04/12 - 08/12 Drama Senior Drama Festival The British School New Delhi

05/12 - 07/12 Sport Inv'l Gymnastics British School Jakarta

06/12 - 07/12 Academic FOBISIA Chess

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

07/12 - 08/12 Sport Inv'l U12, U14, U16, 18 & Under Rugby Invitational & Representative Team Selection Marlborough College Malaysia

JANUARY 2025

AQ

13/01 - 28/02 Academic Photography Competition (online) The English School of Mongolia

16/01 - 18/01 Academic Secondary Maths Competition

Garden International School Kuala Lumpur

17/01 JAWS Sixth Form Leaders JAWS Kellett School Hong Kong

17/01 - 18/01 Sport Inv'l U13 & U15 Volleyball

Rugby School Thailand

JANUARY 2025 (continued)

AQ

17/01 - 19/01 Music FOBISIA Battle of the Bands 2025

23/01 - 26/01 Sport Inv'l

U18 & Under Touch Rugby @ venue TBC, Thailand

FEBRUARY 2025

AQ

17/02 - 21/02 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Orange Group

20/02 - 21/02 Sport Inv'l

21/02 - 23/02 Sport Inv'l

21/02 - 23/02 Sport Inv'l

U13, U15, Over15 Climbing @ Camp 5, 1 Utama, Kuala Lumpur

FOBISIA Swimming - Division 1 Event @ Rugby Shool Thailand

FOBISIA Swimming - Division 2 Event @ Thanyapura Phuket

22/02 - 26/02 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Pink Group

27/02 - 03/03 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Blue Group

28/02 JAWS Safeguarding through a DEI Lens JAWS

28/02 JAWS Primary Maths JAWS

28/02 - 01/03 JAWS Middle Leadership JAWS

28/02 - 02/03 Sport Inv'l

MARCH 2025

AQ

U10 & U11 FOBISIA Tennis @ True Tennis Arena, Hua Hin

04/03 - 08/03 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Purple Group

05/03 - 08/03 Drama Junior Drama Festival

Nexus International School, Malaysia

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

Sports Management Worldwide

Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara)

Rugby School Thailand

Amnuay Silpa School & Teems Global

Sports Management Worldwide

Sports Management Worldwide

King's College International School Bangkok

King Henry VIII College

Dulwich College (Singapore) & Tanglin Trust School

Hua Hin International School & Teems Global

Sports Management Worldwide

Garden International School Kuala Lumpur

07/03 JAWS History & Politics JAWS: Effective Teaching of the IGCSE Global Perspectives Course Dulwich College Beijing

07/03 - 08/03 Sport Inv'l U11, U13 & U15 Inaugural Table Tennis

07/03 - 09/03 Sport Inv'l U13, U15 & Over 15 FOBISIA Tennis @ True Tennis Arena, Hua Hin

08/03 Academic Chess Competition (online)

10/03 - 12/03 Sport Inv'l FOBISIA Golf @ multiple courses, Bangkok

10/03 - 17/03 Academic Short Film Challenge (online)

11/03 - 15/03 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Green Group

Wellington College International School Bangkok

Hua Hin International School & Teems Global

British School Jakarta

Wellington College International School Bangkok

Jerudong International School Brunei

Sports Management Worldwide

11/03 - 16/05 Academic Poetry Competition (online) Haileybury Almaty

13/03 - 15/03 Sport Inv'l U13 Basketball

14/03 JAWS Early Years Foundation Stage JAWS: What are the Foundations to Live Worldwise

Seoul Foreign School

Dulwich College Beijing

MARCH 2025 (continued)

AQ

14/03 Business Meeting FOBISIA Heads’ Business Meeting

14/03 - 15/03 Academic Primary Maths Competiton

17/03 - 21/03 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - Yellow Group

Tanglin Trust School

British International School Hanoi

Sports Management Worldwide

20/03 - 22/03 Conference & AGM CPD Leaders Conference & AGM Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar

20/03 - 24/03 Music Primary Music Festival

21/03 JAWS Well-being JAWS

21/03 - 22/03 Sport Inv'l U11 Basketball

21/03 - 22/03 Sport Inv'l U13 & U15 Badminton

22/03 - 26/03 Sport Games FOBISIA U13 GAMES - White Group

30/03 - 03/04 Academic FOBISIA Student Leadership Conference

APRIL 2025

AQ

21/04 - 25/04 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Turquoise Group

24/04 - 25/04 Conference Business & Operations Conference

25/04 - 26/04 JAWS Technical Theatre JAWS

25/04 JAWS Diversity and Inclusion JAWS

26/04 - 30/04 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Orange Group

29/04 eJAWS Beyond the Basics: Deepening Secondary Psychology Instructional Skills eJAWS

MAY 2025

AQ

05/05 - 09/05 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Pink Group

09/05 eJAWs The Importance of Experiential Learning in the Primary and Early Years eJAWs

10/05 - 14/05 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Purple Group

15/05 - 17/05 Music Intermediate Music Festival (Grades 2-4)

16/05 - 20/05 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Blue Group

17/05 - 18/05 Sport Inv'l U13 & U15 Netball

20/05 eJAWS Embedding Collaborative Learning to Improve Progress and Outcomes eJAWS

21/05 - 25/05 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Green Group

23/05 - 25/05 Sport Inv'l U11, U13, U15 Football Invitational

Wellington College International Shanghai

Taipei European School

Rugby School Thailand

Singapore International School of Bangkok

Sports Management Worldwide

Epsom College in Malaysia

Sports Management Worldwide

Bangkok, Thailand

Jerudong International School, Brunei

Nexus International School, Malaysia

Sports Management Worldwide

The International School @ ParkCity

Sports Management Worldwide

British International School, Phuket

Sports Management Worldwide

Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

Sports Management Worldwide

Dulwich College (Singapore)

Panyathip British International School

Sports Management Worldwide

British School Jakarta

MAY 2025 (continued)

AQ

27/05 - 31/05 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Yellow Group Sports Management Worldwide

28/05 - 31/05 Drama Primary Drama Festival Bangkok Patana School

TBC Conference & AGM Safeguarding Conference & AGM

JUNE 2025

AQ

02/06 - 06/06 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - Red Group

Marlborough College Malaysia

Management Worldwide

07/06 - 11/06 Sport Games FOBISIA PRIMARY GAMES - White Group Sports Management Worldwide

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

We understand the importance of providing our School Members with support to enhance their educational journey. That's why we highly value our Affiliate Members, who play a vital role in offering valuable products and services to meet the unique needs of our Schools.

Our Affiliate Members encompass a diverse array of organisations and businesses that cater to the educational sector. From curriculum providers and technology companies to school furniture suppliers and professional development trainers, these members bring a wealth of expertise and offerings to our network.

As a Member School, if you are looking for specific products or services, we encourage you to explore the offerings of our Affiliate Members. Reach out to them and mention you are a FOBISIA Member School and many offer discounts or special deals.

See all of our Affiliate Members on the website here

FRIENDS OF FOBISIA

Our Friends of FOBISIA Membership is open for a limited number of British international schools located outside of Asia, in order to strengthen our connections beyond the region.

See all of our Friends of FOBISIA Members on the website here

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Individual Members are a growing group of people who were previous Heads of School in a FOBISIA School. Their membership helps us to maintain an active network of experienced leaders and we can benefit from the knowledge and experience that they bring. We acknowledge those Individual Members who were also former Chairs of the FOBISIA Board or Founding Members as Honorary Individual Members.

See all of our Individual Members on the website here

FOBISIA CELEBRATES MILESTONE

100 MEMBER SCHOOLS

From starting 36 years ago with just five schools to this incredible achievement, a huge thank you to our community for your collaboration and support. Here's to the next chapter in FOBISIA's journey!

WATCH OUR VIDEO

FOBISIA - MAKING CONNECTIONS

FOBISIA CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE, along with the HQ team, have been actively engaging in the region and beyond to represent FOBISIA and foster stronger connections.

CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE and Vanita Uppal OBE, FOBISIA Vice Chair and Liaison for Strategic Planning, at the COBIS Conference in the UK.

While visiting the UK, John had the opportunity to meet with Diana Osagie and Stuart Lawrence.

The FOBISIA HQ team had the privilege of visiting the final group of the FOBISIA U13 Friendly Games for 2023-24, and were blown away by the dedication, skill, and camaraderie on display from the students, as well as the seamless organisation and hard work from the coaches and the organisers.

The FOBISIA Heads’ Business Meeting 2024 was hosted by British International School Ho Chi Minh City in March.

Marcus Sherwood, Principal of POWIIS Tanjung Bungah (far left) and John joined David Figes, Principal of Aster Interational School, and School Manager and Board Member Dr. Parita Suaphan as they visited the school as part of the application process to join FOBISIA.

John was joined by Glenn Moodie from Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar and Sam Gipson from Kinabalu International School as they paid a visit to Stonyhurst International School in Malaysia as part of the school’s application process to join FOBISIA.

John and Swati attended the FOBISIA Safeguarding and Pastoral Care Conference 2024, hosted by the British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City on 16 -18 May, 2024.

During his visit to Myanmar, John visited FOBISIA Member school The British School Yangon where he was warmly welcomed by the principal, Alison Fox.

Vanita Uppal OBE, FOBISIA Vice Chair and Strategic Plan Liaison met with Board Members Nick Magnus, David Butcher, and Duncan Stonehouse at HQ to lay the groundwork for the new 3 year Strategic Plan to be reviewed by members of the Strategic Plan Collaborative Group; Seen here with John and Shana at the meeting held at HQ on 26 April are Ben Keeling (SHK), Chris Sammons (BPS), Marc Mesich (ISPU), Sarah Raffray (KINGS), and Jackie Houghton (GISR).

As part of the application process to join FOBISIA, John, Simon Burbury from Marlborough College Malaysia, and Steve Shaw from The ABC International School paid a visit to the Network International School in Myanmar.

Chris Sammons, Bangkok Patana School, and Duncan Grice, XCL International School, joined John on a visit to Lanna International School, Chiang Mai to meet with Rob Stewart, the Head of School, Sarah Reynolds, Deputy Head of School and Primary Principal, and Kevin Pugh, the Secondary Head. Lanna joined FOBISIA as the 100th Member School as a result of this visit.

FOBISIA CPD LEADERS CONFERENCE 2024

Jason Perkins Head of Senior School

(IB Diploma Coordinator)

British International School, Phuket

From 7 – 9 March, BISP proudly hosted the FOBISIA CPD Leaders Conference under the theme "Leading with Impact: Navigating the Future through Inspired Coaching Excellence." This marked BISP's inaugural hosting of such an event, and it was met with enthusiasm from nearly 54 member schools, with approximately 85 delegates travelling to Phuket from locations as diverse as Kathmandu, Kazakhstan, and New Delhi.

As the delegates arrived in the warm embrace of Phuket, they eagerly anticipated reconnecting with both familiar faces and new acquaintances. Each attendee was warmly greeted with a Conference goodie bag, courtesy of the generous support from BISP Marketing and Making Stuff Better, a FOBISIA Affiliate Member.

The first day commenced with executive meetings facilitating connections among participants, culminating in a 'State of Union' address by the FOBISIA CPD Executive Committee Members. Here, they shared their focal points for the upcoming year alongside the challenges they envisioned.

Day 2 began with a heartfelt welcome from Susan Walter, BISP's Primary Principal, setting the stage for the enlightening proceedings. Keynote speaker Kathryn Hemming took centre stage, captivating the audience with her address on "The Gift of Deep Listening." Renowned for her wit, Kathryn provided delegates with invaluable insights into the transformative power of attentive listening. Throughout her session, she emphasised the importance of truly hearing someone—a skill often overlooked in today's fast-paced world. Delegates were encouraged to embrace the art of attentive listening, leaving a profound impact on all present.

The day's lineup featured esteemed speakers such as Radha Pandya, who delved into "Developing Positive Relationships," and Ryan Woolaston, exploring "Coaching with Cognitive Science." The professional learning concluded with a thought-provoking video presentation by educational writer Tom Sherrington on "Establishing a Coaching Culture." Day 2 culminated in a delightful reception hosted by BISP Headmaster, Simon Meredith, fostering further connections among delegates and Affiliates.

Day 3 of the Conference continued the momentum with several distinguished presenters discussing trends, challenges, and exciting opportunities in delivering educational CPD in schools. Notable speakers included Matt McGinlay, shedding light on "Evidence-Based Education," Andrew Mowat, exploring "AI and CPD," and Richard Driscoll, addressing "Evaluating CPD Impact."

The Conference concluded with a sense of shared accomplishment and renewed inspiration to drive positive change within our educational communities. As delegates departed Phuket, they carried with them not only new knowledge and insights but also a strengthened network of colleagues committed to fostering excellence in coaching and professional development. With gratitude for the enriching experience shared, we look forward to continued collaboration and growth until we meet again at the next FOBISIA CPD Leaders Conference.

CROSS POLLINATION AT ITS BEST:

FOBISIA BUSINESS & OPERATIONS CONFERENCE

Namju Cho Director of Communications & Marketing Dulwich College Seoul

It is always energising to step away from our day-to-day activities, connect with peers in other schools throughout Asia, and learn some tips on how they engage audiences in creative and innovative ways.

The inaugural FOBISIA Business & Operations Conference was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for FOBISIA as the first event of its kind. The conference featured inspiring keynotes from Anip Sharma, Angie Browne, and Sami Yousef, alongside engaging workshops and round tables that facilitated insightful discussions. This event was further enriched by wonderful exhibitors, including our generous sponsors One World Cover and TTS. The first day concluded with an enjoyable social event, providing a perfect opportunity for attendees to network, connect, and unwind after a full schedule of activities.

Read about the conference from a delegate's perspective;

The very first FOBISIA Business & Operations Conference held on 2-3 May in Bangkok included attendees from all areas of running an International School such as marketing/communications, HR, finance, compliance, etc. It was great to cross-pollinate with other areas as it improves understanding of our respective roles and how best to collaborate.

The keynote by Anip Sharma illuminated the significant growth in the demand for international education in Asia. He emphasised the shifting preferences of these communities away from American educational institutions towards Asian locales, driven by an increasing reticence towards the U.S.

Alexander Findlay's (International School @ParkCity in Malaysia) workshop on admissions processes shed light on effective strategies that have led to significant enrolment increases—from 900 to 1,700 students in just a few years. Findlay’s approach focused on refining tour processes and the admission funnel, from inquiry to

enrolment, stressing the importance of automation and personal engagement during school tours. His emphasis on asking the right questions and creating a narrative during tours underscored the importance of connection and impression in the admission process.

Anastassiya Nevenchannaya from the Haileybury schools in Kazakhstan offered insights into digital marketing strategies that have successfully connected with parents and students. She demonstrated how emotionally engaging content, like termly video newsletters narrated by students (that replaced weekly e-newsletters) highlighting key events and explaining how activities make learning more enjoyable for students, helped the community feel more connected and also highlight the value offered by the school.

I moderated a roundtable on alumni relations, and it was fascinating to learn how various schools engage alumni in different ways. One interesting difference was how schools defined alumni - some required at least five years of attendance while others like Dulwich also consider affinity the former student has with the school. Whether a school had a dedicated alumni staff (few did) or had University and Career Counselling or marketing teams scrambling to launch an alumni engagement programme, the common thread was a desire to do more with alumni and build a community of alumni globally.

I enjoyed the presentation on inclusive marketing by Shahnaz Nazimuddeen from the International School Brunei. We had interactive sessions in small breakout groups to assess whether various sample marketing materials were inclusive or not, and how they could be improved to be more inclusive.

The best parts of the conference included sharing best practices, meeting other peers, and adapting to global trends in education. It was great to see old Dulwich

Angie Browne's keynote addressed ways of creating inclusive communities for all school staff. She discussed perceptions around racial and ethnic discrimination, particularly noting the regional variations in how these issues are recognised and addressed. She challenged the audience to distinguish between race, ethnicity, and racism, and urged educational leaders to foster more inclusive environments.

College colleagues and meet new ones from our family of schools throughout Asia. No conference trip would be complete without a school tour, and Bangkok Prep did not disappoint. Bonus: They have not one but TWO slides and of course, it was fun riding one.

Huge thanks to team FOBISIA HQ including: Dawn Jones, Shana Kongmun, and Swati Sinha Bedi for organising everything and ensuring the event went smoothly!

FOBISIA TEACHING COMMUNITY CONFERENCE 2023

Vicki Rotheram

Assistant Principal Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside

Last November, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside hosted the Biennial FOBISIA Teaching Community Conference. Sponsored by Mind Your Health, the TCC was a great opportunity for colleagues from across the FOBISIA network to assemble and create time and headspace for learning.

The theme of the conference was Thinking and Talking: Making the Most of Learning Opportunites, allowing students to find their voices, and was presented in three stands which promoted understanding of SEN, Safeguarding and Well-being, Learning and Teaching, Back to the Classroom, and Oracy and Conversations. The line up of speakers was outstanding and included live sessions and online moments. This hybrid model allowed for speakers from the UK such as Peps Mcrea and Mr P ICT to deliver content alongside in person specialists such as Marcello Starifcoff, Lisa Low and Rt. Hon Stuart Lawrence.

The two-day conference was jam-packed with CPD opportunities as well as time to network, socialise and enjoy a tour of the host school. All three of the strands were popular and featuring expert-led sessions with titles such as Building Inclusive Communities, Promoting Conversations for Learning in

the Classroom, Resilience and Coping Strategies - there was something for everyone. At the end of the first day, panel discussions were held with a focus on women, identity and SEND, all of which were thoughtful and inspiriting.

Thank you to the schools who sent delegates, it was a wonderful event and a pleasure to organise.

Praise for the Conference:

"A great conference, I feel I am leaving with a lot of ideas and resources to help me develop my teaching practice and to promote across my school, thank you."

"The whole thing was really well organised and I came away with some many great ideas. Being away from the classroom for a couple of days really allowed me to reflect on my practise and network with others. I left feeling very inspired! Thank you."

"Mr P ICT was brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!"

"It was such a great atmosphere. It was nice to see similar themes and messages in many of the sessions. Fantastic opportunity and I'm glad I attended."

FOBISIA BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2024

Tom Watkins

Head of The Performing Arts Faculty

The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur

The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur were thrilled to have been selected by FOBISIA to be the host school for the Battle of the Bands 2024 competition.

We loved being a part of the 2023 competition at Bromsgrove school, and we were excited about welcoming all participating schools to take part. Incredibly, more than 60 videos were submitted to fight through the audition process and make it to the Live final.

Stakes were raised when it was revealed that the judges would be celebrities from different fields, each achieving huge amounts in the music industry themselves. We had Donne Ray Radford (lead singer of The Platters), Steve Borgovini (drummer for The Fun Lovin' Criminals), Jingles (huge musical director from London and LA) and Charlie Baker (manages and runs many award-winning function bands in London and Kuala Lumpur) adjudicating throughout the day.

The event itself was a resounding success, and each of the 14 bands that made it into the final brought their strongest performances to battle it out. Every band fought through nerves with passion and integrity, and it was a joy for all of us to see them rise to the occasion with professional, committed performances that we all agreed would not have looked out of place on the professional circuit. Well done to all schools and bands involved, and we wish you well for what is sure to be a long and successful career as a band.

Congratulations to those winning Gold, Silver and Bronze categories in both events and particularly to to overall winners Sound Cheque from Nexus International School Malaysia (Live) and Area 24 from Amnuay Silpa School (Online) for winning the KS3 categories, and to Eve (Live) from International School @Park City and Love on Top (Online) from The British School of Colombo for winning the KS4 & KS5 categories.

The Online Battle of the Bands was also a huge success, with 15 schools entering and the organisers would like to congratulate the participating schools and students for their passion and hard work. The Online event was very competitive this year, and we were especially impressed by the number of schools who had put on their own events and recorded live concert performances as their submissions.

"The most amazing junior drama festival run by the Arts faculty at British School Jakarta. Wow! Outstanding!"

Alex Hughes, a teacher at St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

"Thanks and congratulations to the BSJ Arts team for a superb festival."

Holly Sullivan, FOBISIA Drama Chairwoman

"Thank you to all the staff for making this happen! It was a wonderful experience and went so well! Your hard work paid off!!! THANK YOU!!!"

Zoe S, a BSJ student

FOBISIA JUNIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL

Krystal Waltho Faculty Leader of the Arts British School Jakarta

From 6th March to 9th March, the British School Jakarta (BSJ) was abuzz with excitement and artistic fervour as it hosted the FOBISIA Junior Drama Festival. This year’s theme, "Storytelling: Cultural Memories through Physical Theatre," set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, passion, and cross-cultural exchange.

A Tapestry of Talent and Tradition

The festival opened with a vibrant ceremony that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Audiences were enthralled by performances from Taiko Drummers Jakarta, Taman Mini Pendet and Papua dancers, and a comedic mime act by the renowned actor Septian Dwi Cahyo. The Saman dancers from Sekola Maleo added a mesmerising touch to the evening, setting a high bar for the events to follow.

Workshops: Nurturing Young Talent

Throughout the festival, students participated in a variety of dynamic workshops. KL Shakespeare Players look at the mechanics of the actors' bodies, Highly Sprung from the UK led sessions on physical theatre, while Paper Moon from Yogyakarta introduced students to the intricate art of puppetry. The Saman Dance workshop by Sekola Maleo and sessions on choral movement, speaking, and creativity with props led by BSJ’s own Y10 MYP Theatre and Y12 IB DP Theatre students provided a comprehensive learning experience.

Performances: Stories That Resonate

The performances were a testament to the young artists' talent and dedication. Paper Moon's "Scavenger" performance paid tribute to the unsung heroes of recycling, using simple yet powerful paper puppets and the bunraku puppetry style to create a deeply moving narrative. The KL Shakespeare Players returned with a captivating rendition of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," blending playful humour with modest props, puppetry, and physical comedy to delight the audience.

Closing Ceremony: A Celebration of Unity

The festival concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony. Highlights included an amazing LED Poi dance and an electrifying LED dance performance, complemented by musical acts from BSJ bands. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone dancing and celebrating the end of an extraordinary festival.

Heartfelt Thanks and Reflections

As the curtains closed on the FOBISIA Junior Drama Festival, the hard work and collaboration behind the scenes were evident. Months of preparation culminated in an event that not only showcased artistic talent but also forged new friendships and highlighted the transformative power of the arts.

Participating Schools:

- Wellington College International Hangzhou

- St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

- North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

- The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

- The International School @ ParkCity (Kuala Lumpur)

- British School Jakarta

The FOBISIA Junior Drama Festival 2024 was not just an event but a journey of cultural exploration and artistic expression. It reminded us all of the power of storytelling through theatre to bring people together, heal, uplift, and unite us across boundaries.

HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO

FOBISIA SHORT STORY COMPETITION

2023/24

Mark Beresford Head of Primary Kinabalu International School

I was blown away by the number of entries we received this year for the FOBISIA Short Story Competition 2023/24! The breadth of ideas and quality of writing on display from our incredibly talented students was a source of inspiration.

The advent of AI has led to many utilising its skill in creating different forms of extended writing. I myself have taken advantage of this at times - although I can promise there is no AI here! It could be said that, with AI able to write stories with the click of a button and in the blink of an eye, stories written by humans will soon become a thing of the past. However, it is clear that the spirit of creativity and imagination still burns brightly in the students from schools across our network. From Borneo to South Korea, Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, students and staff alike are keeping the tradition of storytelling alive.

The theme this year was fittingly based around Artificial Intelligence and technology, encompassing ‘Beep, Boop, Buzz’, ‘My Friend the Robot’, ‘Virtual Realms’, ‘Distant Galaxies’ and ‘Virtual vs Reality’. Aside from a title and representative image, the prompts were left intentionally vague. This allowed for the wealth of expression that we received and the variance in ideas and approach. No two stories were alike, each representing very different ways of interpreting the inputs provided, showing a greater degree of imagination than any AI chatbot I have ever seen.

This year the competition was opened out to its youngest competitors yet. Students from Years 1 and 2 were offered the chance to take part for the first time. Not only did this expand the number of entries received, but also helped to grow the idea of writing and storytelling in the minds of those starting their educational journey.

Although the stories submitted for our other categories were incredible, it was the joy and wonder on display in these stories which really drew me to them.

The quality of all these stories is a testament to the impact that an international school education can have on students’ lives. Seeing the development of storytelling by authors from 5 years old to young adults, you can witness the growth and progress of their stories firsthand. The Kinabalu International School community all took part in the mammoth task of reading the 240+ entries, which was in itself a lovely community bonding activity. Watching staff, parents and leadership discussing and debating over the written word was wonderful, and I hope that you each experienced similar camaraderie during your judging phases.

Before I leave you with the winners and runners up of this incredible competition, I want to consider for a moment the true scale of this competition. Although you will see just 5 overall winners presented here, that was a small percentage of fifteen winners/ runners up. Those were narrowed down from over 240+ official entries. As each school ran internal competitions of their own, that is potentially hundreds of stories per official entry. This means that tens of thousands of stories were written over the course of this competition by students all across South East Asia.

A mammoth achievement by all involved and something that we as FOBISIA members should be incredibly proud of. Enjoy!

Congratulations to all the Winners and Runners Up

YEARS 1-2 WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP:

Winner: Philip - Kellett School Hong Kong

Runner up: Nobel - Bromsgrove International School Thailand

Runner up: Yoyo - Harrow International School Bangkok

YEARS 3-4 WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP:

Winner: Morris - British International School, Ho Chi Minh City

Runner up: Jacob - Brighton College Bangkok

Runner up: Mishika - St Andrews International School, Bangkok

YEARS 5-6 WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP:

Winner: Andy - British International School, Ho Chi Minh City

Runner up: Claire - Dulwich College Seoul

Runner up: Sapa - The ABC International School, Ho Chi Minh City

YEARS 7-9 WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP:

Winner: Lila - Jerudong International School

Runner up: Abhimanyu - The British School, New Delhi

Runner up: Chloe - Kinabalu International School

YEARS 10+ WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP:

Winner: Varaa - The International School @ Park City

Runner up: Arun - The British School in Colombo

Runner up: Josiah - Wellington College International, Bangkok

YEARS

1-2 WINNER

Robots in the Year 3260

Meet the brilliant robots from the greatest kingdom of Beep, Boop, and Buzz in the year of 3260. It was a world where robots had become powerful as humans. These remarkable robots had special abilities that made them extraordinary. However, there was a big problem, each believed that they should rule.

These robots were very special. Beepers were robots that could sense danger with their special beeping noise, b-b-e-e-e-p beep. Boopers were known for making the loudest boop when tapped, b-b-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-p. Buzzers were strong and hardworking just like busy bees, b-u-u-u-u-z. Unfortunately, the robots kingdoms were always in trouble with each other. Everyday was filled with constant arguing which made their kingdom shadowed in darkness.

One day, something unexpected happened. The leader of the human world reached out to the robots for help. The human kingdom was in trouble because of pollution. He begged, “Please robots, we need your help as soon as possible! If you don’t come, we’ll be in big trouble. As a thank you, we will send our best scientists to upgrade your programs!” The robots were excited and thought it was a competition among kingdoms.

School’s Name: Kellett School Hong Kong

Student’s Name: Philip

Category: Year 1 - 2

Theme: Beep, Boop, Buzz

First, the Buzzers arrived in the blink of an eye and used their speedy power to clean up the street and sorted out trash and putting it in the recycling bin. Then, the Boopers reached the city where people were littering everywhere. They made the loudest boop to warn them and everyone started picking up their trash. Finally, the Beepers flew to the factories. They span in circles and beeped loudly to alert the factory owners about the waste they were creating. The factory owners felt ashamed and promised to clean up the pollution.

After a day of hard work, the robots realized how well they worked together. Humans and robots were happy and proud of their teamwork. Surprisingly, the robots even hugged each other! They understood working together was better than fighting. A few months later, they decided to live on Earth because they had so much fun making it a better place without fighting. It was the first time they got compliments instead of getting yelled at by other robots.

They learned to live peacefully and keep the environment clean. Also, the scientists upgraded their programs so they could have more powers. Now, they have even louder beeping, booping, and buzzing sound that everyone on every planet could hear. Remember, always put trash in the bins, not on the streets, or else they might come after you!

YEARS 3-4 WINNER

My Friend the Robot

School’s Name: British International School, Ho Chi Minh City

Student’s Name: Morris

Category: Year 3 - 4

Theme: My Friend the Robot

Once upon a time in the bustling city, there lived a young boy named Sam who loved robots more than anything in the universe. Sam was a brilliant inventor who loved designing and fixing machines in his small workshop. He had many books about robots on his bookshelves. He had a big dream: to create a real robot friend capable of aiding the entire city.

Sam loved his city extremely and always observed every place that needed assistance. He collected a vast amount of information on how to make the city more efficient and improve people's wellbeing. Sam began working on his great invention, which he called "Multi-Robot." For days and nights, he worked tirelessly on Multi-Robot. He crafted its shiny metal body and programmed it to be super helpful. Multi-Robot could perform various tasks, such as being a housekeeper at home, a teacher at school, a doctor in the hospital, and a rescuer in disaster areas. Sam hoped that Multi-Robot would become the city's best friend.

Every morning, Multi-Robot vacuumed the floors, washed dishes and mowed lawns in Sam's house. It also served his favorite dishes, allowing him to enjoy a homemade meal. Multi-Robot protected his home when they went outside. His family was delighted and thanked Multi-Robot for its help.

In the afternoon, Multi-Robot became children’s new teacher. It interacted with them, played handball, dodgeball, and even danced with them. Then, Multi-Robot went to the library, and they listened intently as Multi-Robot's robotic voice brought characters to life in their imaginations. Multi-Robot had truly become an important part of the school.

Multi-Robot's helpfulness didn't stop there. It went to the hospital and became a doctor's assistant, helping with surgeries and delivering medication and meals to patients' rooms. It also assisted patients in performing exercises and movements necessary for their recovery. MultiRobot became the patients' best friend in the hospital.

One day, the ground suddenly shook for a few minutes. It was an earthquake that caused the ground to shake and move. Fire following the earthquake, gas pipes cracked, and power lines were damaged. Suddenly, the city was inchaos, with people waiting for rescue in fire zones, earthquake-affected areas, or the hospital. Multi-Robot tried its best to help, but it couldn't handle all the chaos.

Sam realized that humans were becoming overly reliant on robots, leading to a decline in their own skills and abilities. So, Sam was determined to modify the program in his invention. He worked day and night to revise the programs, transforming Multi-Robot into a unit-function robot and changing its name to "Unit-Robot." The purpose was to ensure that humans could use technology mindfully and rediscover their own skills.

Finally, the city had many Unit-Robots responsible for a variety of tasks. Citizens realized they must be cautious not to become overly dependent on robots, even though robots had made their lives more convenient and efficient. The city was recovering from chaos and the robots remained the best friends of the city.

YEARS 5-6 WINNER

Virtual Realms

School’s Name:

British International School,

Ho Chi Minh City

Student’s Name: Andy

Category: Year 5 - 6

Theme: Virtual Realms

"You have waited four years for this." My prosthetic arm gripped tight onto the joystick. Questions had always been bubbling inside my empty, lifeless head for years. Why did people start treating me like a delicate piece of glass - bound to shatter at any moment? Why I am scheduled to visit this doctor every single week? And finally, why is the person who should know the answer to all of this the only one who doesn't? With clenched teeth, I slipped the waist of the VR headset on to learn the answers.

In the blink of an eye, I was in a plane. My eyes fixed onto the people that enveloped me as my head spun with confusion. Suddenly, I recognized that someone was talking to me as he stared into my soul. There was a tingle of recognition that sparked through my spine. But no, it couldn't be someone I knew. In fact, it wasn't someone I knew. Never seen this person in my life. I abruptly turned my back against him.

Without warning, the plane lunged forwards. Luggage bags poured out from the cabins without hesitation. We were a boulder plummeting down a cliff. I fixed my gaze at the beautiful ray of sunlight that illuminated the ocean’s deep insides, as people shrieked out their last "I love you". When the person next to me screamed into my ears like an unearthly creature, the memories flowed through me like a wave of tsunami. Once they entered, they refused to retreat. I was cornered to admit that I knew this person. It was you. My long-lost friend.

I remember this was our plane back home, excited as we discussed our 11th birthday plans. You never reached home though. Only I didafter replacing my arm in the hospital. All that was left of you, or this memory, was my artificial arm. You were pushed aside from my memory as if a magician played a spell on you and made you disappear.

Now I grip your shaking shoulders tight. Words gush out of my mouth, tripping over one another. A million empty promises spurt out of my heart with each pumping heartbeat. Time runs out as I do everything that I regret not doing on that day, 4 years ago. Each of our teardrops is a needle-prick that drills all the way through the center of my heart. You hold my face and whisper, “If this is our last goodbye, promise me to never forget each other.” I lock my pinky finger with yours because this is the only promise that I can keep. And then, all went white.

The headset was removed, as the therapy room revealed itself. It felt unreal but my shoulders felt light for the first time in years. Although you weren’t sitting here next to me, I could feel your presence in the air. All my worries drifted away for I knew that you will always be here with me. Inside my heart.

Rot for the Living

School’s Name:

Jerudong International School

Student’s Name: Lila Category: Year 7 -9

Theme: Distant Galaxies

The humans exiled to Calberg hadn’t always rotted. In the beginning, they’d been just as they were meant to be - a little out of their depth, as any human shipped off to another galaxy would be, but normal. Functioning. Fine. See, Calberg was a tiny, inhabitable planet. They were shipped onto a tiny, inhabitable island on this tiny, inhabitable planet. Conditions were liveable, and there was water and vegetation aplenty. The exiled were sent back to basics in a way - no technology to communicate with, no mansions or penthouses, no banks to rob or family members to murder in their sleep. It was the ultimate form of purgatory, or as some viewed it, the earthly, real version of Tartarus. It was a place intended for cruel souls to learn to be better in a less abrasive way than prison would’ve done so - rehab for criminals, if you will. That’s what it was intended to be.

The changes became permanent after one month. Before then, they all believed that the cuts that appeared out of nowhere were due to brambles near the camps. They all believed that their blood was blackening because of the new conditions and new air to breathe. They thought everything tasted sickly sweet because of the strange, sour dirt in which they’d started to grow their vegetables. None of the supervisors thought or dared to contact Earth about the states of both themselves and the exiled; after all, there was already enough going on at their home planet. What was the point in worrying them further?

They should have known that coincidences like those aren’t coincidences at all. After the one month mark passed, things began to... happen. Gangrene in fingers and feet. Obstructed airways that came around without any reason or rhyme. People vomiting up dirt and bugs, moths and cockroaches floating around in bile. Bulging eyeballs, the lids widening until the person afflicted seemed interchangeable with a monster in any 80s sci-fi film. The first of them died very quickly after that infamous first month had passed - limbs rotting and falling off, the people left to bleed out surrounded by moss and mushrooms. Death by asphyxiation, their throats found jammed with the corpses of insects and flowering weeds. Eyes burst, and irises that were once brown or green or blue or grey were drenched in blood, carrion flowers blooming from their cavities; the full details were far too gory to be recounted without sounding callous.

YEARS 7-9

WINNER

It wasn’t only the criminals, of course. The supervisors died out faster, seeing as there were fewer of them. A planet made completely of criminals sounds terrifying, but when a criminal’s own life is being slowly, painfully wrenched away from them, they tend to care less about others. The exiled would scatter around, go away from the camps to die in peace. Some didn’t accept their fate and tried to stay alive - sadly, or perhaps fortunately, their demise came about considerably faster than the others’ did.

The people on Earth who used to be in contact with the supervisors became worried; nobody was surprised by their concern. If someone shipped hundreds of inmates off to a different planet in a distant galaxy, they would want to know what was happening. So the scientists and mathematicians assembled a group of people, mostly law enforcement, and set them off to see what was happening.

It had been a year since the inmates had landed. They had all taken their last breaths more than half a year prior to the police’s arrival, and their bodies had decayed almost as long ago. They had decomposed quickly - the earth and dirt and bugs and fungi that had so eagerly weaved their way into the criminals’ flesh were more than ready to gnaw on their bones. Just like the inmates at the beginning of their final trip, the police found nothing strange about the deceitful planet of Calberg. What they did see as strange was that none of the inmates were to be found. They searched all over the island to no avail. They methodically examined what little remained of the camp, noted that a lot of the supplies were left untouched, and yet saw no other trace of any human life forms.

By the time the police had examined every inch of land on the island, every dip and rise in the ground, each leaf on each tree, three weeks had passed. They reported back to Earth and went home. But the earth of Calberg had not forgotten the taste or smell of human bones, and just when it began to crave it once more, it had come around again. Little bits of Calberg came home with the police, and as soon as they landed on Earth, they began to spread.

Virtualvs Reality

School’s Name: The International School @ Park City

Student’s Name: Varaa Category: Year 10+ Theme: Virtual vs Reality

I remove my headset to see the face of Mr Briggs, a man who I had come to dislike within the short space of half an hour for two reasons.

“Are you satisfied with our services, Mr Oliver?”

He was too loud, and he looked like a frog.

“Yes,” I say. “Thank you. Can I see the rest of the facilities?”

“Of course!” he croaks. “Right this way.” He strides forward, sending the pristine mechanics of the room into chaos as workers dive out of his way. Objects are pushed off tables, and are hastily dumped back into their rightful place, before falling off again. Glancing to the side, I see only cramped tables, with barely enough space to balance even half of the gadgets in the lab. I’d have to change that if I bought this place.

Mr Briggs has a coughing fit at the edge of the door, pausing for a moment before he continues his mission to escort me around. I had hoped, briefly, that he would suddenly fall ill due to an unknown disease and leave me in the hands of a competent tour guide, but no such luck. We stroll down the corridors, and he changes his pace in order to point out every “remarkable and magnificent” aspect of the company. I mentally disagree with him; everything he has shown me so far on this walk has been of abysmal quality. However, I remain optimistic as he pushes open two steel doors, so covered in scratches that I thought a wild animal had tried to barge through.

“And this, Mr Oliver,” he exclaims enthusiastically, pausing for dramatic effect... “is our testing room!”

I can see mold beginning to grow on the ceiling.

“We only offer the best of technology here,” he continues. “As you can see, we are not quite finished yet, hence the clamour, but I can assure you that when we are, it will be a room of quietude and tranquility.”

“I hope so,” I murmur as I make my way to the center of the chamber. Beds dot the floor, each one carrying a still corpse. Upon closer reflection, I see that they still breathe, their chests rising and falling like ocean waves. They pay no attention to the frantic dashes the employees make as they grab medical equipment, eager to keep their patients alive.

YEARS 10+ WINNER

I walk towards the bed closest to me. A man, middleaged by the looks of his beard, lays comatose on the white sheets, a stark contrast to his maroon shirt. His monitor displays his vitals: temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. They all seem to be normal, but his pulse is slowly rising. Pulling another screen towards me, I look at what his headset is showing him.

He stands, alone, on a prairie. A small, quaint cottage is to the left of him; to the right of him, a vast lake. A woman calls out from behind him, leaving her washing to come forward and draw him into a hug, her head resting on his shoulder. A boy, no more than ten, appears in the doorway, before rushing forwards to join the embrace. His family, I realise, as he calls the boy his son, before he steps forward upon the veranda, laughing as he leads them inside. What happened to him?

“I think that if you look around, you will see scenes more to your liking, Mr Oliver.”

The frog is back. I place the screen on the table, hesitating before I step to the next bed. I should not have seen that, should not have pried into his personal affairs. But the next tablet shows nothing personal, only a garden, filled with as many flowers as there are people in this building. The one further on exhibits a dark-lit room, with scraps of papers fluttering around like butterflies. The one after that flaunts a mountain range, the one after that depicts a beach. The one after that —

I quickly look away from the screen.

“Everything to your fancy, Mr Oliver?”

I nod hastily, taking in the room as a whole for the first time. It seems so empty. Only half the space available is in use, mainly for the beds and staff. The other half remains vacant, like it is hoping for patients. That is what they are now, staying here for periods of up to two weeks in the hope that they can cure their sadness, their melancholy, before having that dream shattered in front of them. It is better not to come, I think to myself, rubbing the edge of the frayed bedsheets between my fingers. Better not to remember.

I turn to the frog, no, man, who has been waiting by my side. “Shall we discuss price, Mr Briggs?”

FOBISIA ‘FLYING HIGH’: STEM COMPETITION

Marilla Wiggins ESS & Biology Teacher Regent’s International School, Bangkok

Regent’s International School, Bangkok was honoured to host the STEM Challenge over the weekend of the 22nd-24th March 2024. Eight schools and 68 students across Asia and Thailand were in attendance and the weekend kicked off with a Gala Dinner opened by our Founder and Chairman Dr Virachai Techavijit and special guest speaker Dr Pirada Techavijit, a Professor in Aerospace Engineering.

Students took part in three activities over two days which were designed to test their STEM skills and also their ability to work well as a team. The first task was the F1 challenge where they had to design and hand shape their own F1 race car going head to head for the fastest speed down a 25m track. Their final score consisted of the driver's reaction time and the time it took for their car to speed down

the track. The top 2 teams in this competition were separated by just 0.003 seconds. Teams also had to design and build a balsa wood glider battling for the longest flight distance after they were launched from our glider slingshot. Finally, students had to navigate and fly a drone through a challenging obstacle course competing for the most obstacles completed in the fastest time.

There was also plenty of opportunity for schools to socialise with each other especially during the Saturday evening entertainment.

Thai street food vendors were able to give all of the participants a taste of Thai life. Students from Regent’s International school also provided a variety of live music during the evening event which was a great end to the first day of the competition.

Students worked in teams of three and four and used their scientific knowledge, Maths and design skills to tackle and problem solve their way through each challenge. They demonstrated great teamwork and resilience with all teams enjoying the activities and putting in excellent effort over the course of the weekend. Particular recognition should go to Bangkok Preparatory School whose team were

commended for their unwavering support for each other and their collaborative efforts in all challenges and winning the Team Excellence Award.

Congratulations to King’s College Bangkok who took first place for the gold award as overall winning school, with Taipei European School coming in second place to take the silver award and our very own Regent’s International School in third place for the bronze award.

FOBISIA PRIMARY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024

Dean Evans Head of Primary Music & Head of Instrumental Music Programme Garden International School Kuala Lumpur

This year marked the triumphant return of the FOBISIA Primary Music Festival, hosted by Garden International School in Malaysia. Bringing together students from 15 international schools across Asia, the 2024 festival was a weekend of music making, new friendships, and exciting discoveries. With the theme of 'New Beginnings,' the festival was like a breath of fresh air after a five-year hiatus since its last stint, back in 2019, when it was hosted by the British School of Manila.

The festivities kicked off in style with a dazzling gala dinner, featuring the infectious beats of Tyffin Box, a local fusion band blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian rhythms. They introduced their instruments, some new and some familiar, and entertained us with songs about local food. Their performance of ‘Nasi Lemak’ had us tapping our feet and preparing our taste buds for the delicious local cuisine served up at the buffet dinner.

and drum circles. The students loved the workshops as they got to try out new skills and make new friends from other schools

The following morning was an adventurepacked excursion to Taman KLCC, where students marvelled at the majestic Petronas Towers and delved into the wonders of Malaysian culture. From tower tours to exploring the Aquaria and Petrosains centre, it was an exciting morning that left us all hungry for more.

Sunday was the grand finale, with two incredible concerts that left audiences spellbound and inspired. There was afternoon tea where all the students had the chance to meet their families who came from far and wide to share this event with their children. As the music faded into the night, we danced away at the disco, celebrating the bonds of friendship forged over the weekend.

Following the trip, afternoon rehearsals paved the way for an exciting evening at the Festival Showcase, where each school wowed the audience with their unique talents, from pop idol finalists to beautiful Thai dances and soulful songs from Sri Lanka. Saturday was buzzing with energy as we fine-tuned performances and delved into some exciting workshops, from Bollywood dance to print making

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone praising the seamless organisation, diverse programming, and inclusive atmosphere. As we bid farewell with hearts full of memories and minds buzzing with inspiration, we eagerly anticipate the future with optimism.

For us, the festival is more than just a showcase of talent—it's a journey of selfdiscovery, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships. As we look forward to the 2025 primary festival in Shanghai, excitement mounts among students, parents, teachers, and organisers alike.

HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO

OUR PRIMARY MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Anna Gower Head of Primary Music

St Andrews International School Bangkok

At St Andrews Bangkok, we are proud to be an 'inclusive' school. We run a well - established programme for children with additional needs, and place great emphasis on making all activities and events accessible to our whole school community. With this in mind, we decided to offer places on the trip to the FOBISIA Primary Music Festival to all the children who participate in our school Choir, of which Hudson is a regular member and we were thrilled when he stepped forward to ask for a place. Working with our SEND team, Hudson and his parents joined the STA group in Malaysia, superbly supported by the trip leader Mrs Rebecca from our Primary Music team and his wonderful TA Miss Bee. Here is some of the feedback from our group on their experiences:

My name is Hudson year 6, I had a great time participating in FOBISIA singing in Malaysia. I like singing in a big group, the host school was fantastic, the teachers were amazing and I enjoyed being with friends during the trip. There are wonderful memories of being a part of this group.

Visiting Parent: I made new friends too - with the other parents

Visiting Parent: it was a really great show and an amazing experience for the children for the first time staying 5 days away without parents. They did a great job with the help of all the teachers.

Tomoe year 5: This music festival with FOBISIA was the most exciting experience that I have had in in my whole 2 years here at St. Andrews. My time in Malaysia was very short but I really enjoyed it, especially the fun activities and the thrilling concert. There were so many people who came to watch us, and I loved singing in harmony, and with the orchestra! Although the food at St Andrews was better than the school in Malaysia, the size of the school was about three times bigger! I also got to be friends with students from other schools and hear about their music programs. At the singing rehearsals, not just the teachers from the school in Malaysia but also other teachers from other schools directed and helped us with the difficult notes and harmonies! I also really enjoyed getting to see the twin towers, and after that in school I even got to draw it in an activity! I have put it up on my wall in my room now! If I have another opportunity, I would love to go again, I think I improved in my singing because the teachers taught me a lot of new and good techniques.

FOBISIA ONLINE CHESS TOURNAMENT

Jon O’Neill ESS & Biology Teacher Tournament Director British School Jakarta

On 2nd March 2024, the second FOBISIA Online Team Chess Tournament was hosted by The British School of Jakarta.

The tournament’s ceremonial opening move was made by Phil Edwards, the Headteacher of the British School Jakarta’s Secondary School. Special mention was made of the international community aspect of being able to host a chess tournament across seven timezones. Chief Arbiter, International Master Andras Toth, then addressed the student chess players about the ethics of online team play and fair play.

In total, 279 students from 29 FOBISIA schools gathered online to take part, supported by their teachers. There were 62 teams, 2,131 games played, and a staggering 122,920 moves made during the 90 minutes tournament.

International Master Andras Toth, an award winning author and World Chess Championship commentator, has made a video presentation of the very exciting last 30 minutes of the tournament, which you can watch here.

First place was grabbed by The British School Manila, overtaking The British School Jakarta in the final seconds of the tournament. The British Vietnamese School Hanoi held on to the third place spot in a very tense battle against several other schools. Full details and all the games can be found using this link to the tournament. We look forward to hosting the Online Chess Competition again in March 2025. TOP 10 - FINAL STANDINGS

FOBISIA STRAITS TOUCH RUGBY INVITATIONAL

Todd Skevington Director of Sports Marlborough College Malaysia

The 16th of March 2024, saw the highly anticipated FOBISIA Straits Touch Rugby Tournament take place at Marlborough College Malaysia. Basking in the warmth of a sun-soaked day, players and supporters alike were treated to an ideal setting for a day of sporting excitement. Throughout the event, both the U14 and U18 teams had the chance to showcase their skills against a diverse range of opponents, including local and international teams. This unique aspect of FOBISIA tournaments provides invaluable opportunities for teams to test themselves against some of the region's best.

As the teams stepped onto the field, an air of excitement and anticipation filled the atmosphere, with each match serving as a captivating spectacle for all in attendance. From lightning-fast sprints to deft passes and strategic maneuvers, the on-field action was nothing short of electrifying. For the young athletes, the competition not only highlighted their hard work and dedication but also emphasized teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience.

In the U18 competition, congratulations were in order for Dulwich College (Singapore) for clinching the title, with St. Joseph's Institution International School securing a closely fought second place. Marlborough College Malaysia U18s claimed the bronze medal. Meanwhile, in the U14 Tournament, UWCSEA East emerged victorious, with TRC Hurricanes securing the runner-up position. Marlborough College Malaysia secured the bronze medal once again.

Irrespective of the results, each player should take pride in knowing they gave their all, leaving nothing on the field in their pursuit of victory. Recognition is also due to the dedicated supporters whose encouragement and cheers served as a constant source of motivation throughout the tournament.

A highlight of the day was the lively singing along to the student band during the lunch break, which uplifted coaches and players alike, setting a jovial mood for the finals after the break.

The excitement spilled over into Sunday, as Shrewsbury Riverside Bangkok joined forces with Marlborough College students to form three evenly matched teams, taking on staff and other teams. This further underscored the significance of FOBISIA tournaments and the bonds formed between players and staff from different schools. The staff emerged victorious, emphasizing that age is just a number, and sports should be enjoyed at all stages of life.

FOBISIA CLIMBING 2024

David Johnston School Counsellor & Event Organiser

The International School of Penang (Uplands)

182 competitors from 19 different schools across 3 countries came together for two days of intense competition at Uplands International School in Penang.

Bouldering was hosted at Project Rock, one of our much loved local climbing gyms. Top rope action was focussed at the Uplands school climbing wall. The standard of climbing across both disciplines was truly spectacular as competitors pushed their physical limits to score as many points as possible within a time frame. Skill, determination, passion, and emotion were all on display as each group of competitors worked their way up through the grades towards some nail biting finales. The winners were often separated by a single move at the top of the route. The spirit of the competition was fantastic and great displays of sportsmanship, humour and support were showcased throughout the event.

HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO

For one school this was the first international competition for a long time and for them it heralded a new and vibrant opportunity for international competition post covid. The unsung heroes of the event were our very own year 12 students who devised the schedules, organized the transport, designed the tee shirts, organized the catering, devised the scoring system and made sure the event ran smoothly on the day.

In the end the Singapore Schools of UWCSEA Dover, Tanglin Trust School and UWCSEA East along with Malaysia’s British International School of Kuala Lumpur came through with the team medals after a hard fought contest.

It was a true pleasure to host this competition and I wish ISPU the very best for next year's FOBISIA Climbing.

FOBISIA TENNIS INVITATIONAL 2024

Mike Tweddle, Director of Sport, Hua Hin International School & Paul Rotherham, Founder, TEEMS Global

The FOBISIA Tennis event unfolded over two consecutive weekends at the splendid Hua Hin Arena. TEEMS Global, in partnership with Hua Hin International School, organised this landmark event, marking a debut for the hosting school.

Participants included players from eight different countries, representing 21 schools, delivering an impressive showcase of Junior Tennis for FOBISIA.

The tournament kicked off with the U11 category, a new addition to the FOBISIA Tennis lineup, proving to be a valuable inclusion for future events. These young athletes demonstrated great pride in representing their schools, and TEEMS Global ensured each participant played multiple matches, allowing them to earn a UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) to aid their ongoing tennis journey.

THE AWARD WINNERS FOR THE FIRST WEEKEND WERE:

U10 GIRLS

1st Emily (WCISB)

2nd Loretta (DBS)

3rd Emma (TES)

U10 BOYS

1st Chollapoon (ANS)

2nd Archirawat (BPREP)

3rd Parintanau (SISB)

U11 GIRLS

1st Morgan (TES)

2nd Phiraya (DBS)

3rd Nami (SHR)

U11 BOYS

1st Rei (BPS)

2nd Dhanunbhum (SHR)

3rd Rui (BPS)

The following weekend catered to players from the U13 to O15 age groups, with high standards of competition noted across all categories.

THE AWARD WINNERS FOR THE SECOND WEEKEND WERE:

U13 GIRLS

1st Amanda (MCM)

2nd Augrey (MCM)

3rd Vlada (HAS)

U13 BOYS

1st Napradh (WCISB)

2nd Toby (SHR)

3rd Alexandre (BSM)

U15 GIRLS

1st Najada (SISB)

2nd Rino (BPREP)

3rd Rinca (BPS)

U15 BOYS

1st Akarin (HISB)

2nd Andrei (SHR)

3rd Sorawat (BPS)

OVER U15 GIRLS

1st Charlotte (DCSG)

2nd Yuzumo (SHR)

3rd Asama (BPS)

OVER U15 BOYS

1st Damian (BPREP)

2nd Pajara (HISB)

3rd Chren (ISPU)

Alongside tennis, the event included a pickleball tournament, a doubles competition, and additional UTR matches, providing a wonderful opportunity for students from various schools to connect, forge new friendships, and enjoy a fantastic FOBISIA Tennis 2024 experience.

Looking ahead, next year’s FOBISIA Tennis is scheduled at the same venue on the following dates:

Be sure to mark these dates in your tennis calendar!

FOBISIA GAMES GRATITUDE

Memories play a vital role in keeping our minds healthy. Nostalgia can help us to connect our memories with happiness and bring about that feeling of warmth. When we reconnect with our happy memories we are often met with feelings of gratitude.

Earlier this year at Dulwich College Singapore, FOBISIA Heads of PE and Directors of Sport were treated with a keynote presentation from gratitude guru Dale Sidebottom. Dale states that ‘gratitude is a form of appreciation for the gifts life has given us. When you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, you stop focusing on scarcity, learn to embrace what you have, and make room for abundance and happiness’.

When I think about the FOBISIA Friendly Games, I am filled with gratitude. The opportunity for students to come together, to play sports and take themselves out of their comfort zones. That sense of pride representing

their schools, the sense of achievement when performances go well and most importantly for me, the development of student character.

I have been fortunate as a coach on multiple trips to share the joy with students and parents and as a mum myself see the impact first-hand with my own boys. As Chair of the FOBISIA PE and Sport Executive Committee I am also fortunate to hear the wider impact that the Friendly Games have had on the many students and coaches who have been part of our member schools. I hope the pieces below can help take you back to your own Games experiences or a time where you too are filled with gratitude and the warmth the FOBISIA network brings.

Anna Sheppard

FOBISIA PE & Sports Executive Committee Chair Head of Secondary PE, The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

Throughout my sporting career, I have gone to many events including SEASAC, BMAC and FOBISIA competitions. Although I haven't been to FOBISIA Games since year 7 due to COVID, I still carry lots of memories from the trips today. Very fortunately for me and the rest of our team; my first FOBISIA was in Shanghai. Although I was only in year 5, I still remember running my 200m as fast as I could and then having to try to run my 800m straight after which I definitely struggled with. In my opinion these games give students a wide range of different opportunities that will help them later in life. For example, it teaches you how to be a better team player as you are often in teams with people you may not normally talk to as they aren't always in the same year. This is so important and I found that it helped me to bond and get along with all my teammates I have now including friends I made during FOBISIA and still play with now. Furthermore, the freedom and responsibility the Games provide students helps fuel their mind on what is a good decision. Students have to choose to sleep early and eat well in order to perform at their best which they might not think about on other school trips like residentials. In addition, it provides confidence and pride in a lot of young athletes when they receive medals or do well in an event which then leads to them having belief which can be quite hard to acquire. The fact that all the students I know from FOBISIA still keep and cherish every medal from the events makes this undeniable. For my sporting career, FOBISIA helped excite and motivate me to become a better athlete and to be resilient when things don't go your way. Without this key event at such an important age, I believe I wouldn't love sport as much as I do and I wouldn't spend hours every week participating in a variety of different sports.

Mya, Year 12, Bangkok Patana School

My first participation in the FOBISIA Games was in 2002, where I represented the Year 4 team at St. Christopher's International School in Penang.

This was my first of many participation in the FOBISIA Friendly Games, which was an incredible and exciting experience that I always looked forward to. I still have the medals, photos and t-shirts which bring back so many wonderful memories. Swimming was my strong competitive sport and over 20 years later, I find myself now teaching swimming at Stonyhurst International School in Penang, a FOBISIA Member school. Thanks to FOBISIA for creating such opportunities for students to be part of what is such a special community.

Rhys, Alumni, St. Christopher's International School in Penang.

One of the many lessons I’ve learned from FOBISIA is the value of savouring each moment and doing your absolute best, even if it’s different from others. The beauty of these games lies in pushing yourself to the limit while still knowing you can have fun. It is good for our mental health to do both while appreciating the present and seizing the opportunity to live life to the fullest. living genuinely, cherishing the moments, and realising that every encounter—win or lose— At the end of the day, we cannot relive the same moment twice.

Prae, Alumni, St Andrews International School, Bangkok

The incredible impact FOBISIA had on me growing up:

I've had the privilege to be selected by my school since year 5 to attend many FOBISIA competitions, and compete across all sports growing up. We competed in swimming, tee ball, basketball, football, and athletics. It was an incredible experience because not only did I have the opportunity to showcase my athletic abilities, but also had the chance to travel abroad with school mates, build strong bonds with my school mates, learn important values like teamwork and sportsmanship, make friendships with individuals across other international schools and create lasting memories which we still talk about until today. I can't emphasise enough the invaluable impact that these experiences and trips had on me to shape the person that I am today.

They not only provided me with unforgettable memories but also instilled in me a sense of identity as an athlete representing my school. The recognition of my abilities in sports, coupled with the opportunity to compete against other international schools in such well-organised events, was always very exciting. The dedication and hard work required throughout the year to prepare for these competitions became a great source of motivation for me. It was incredibly rewarding to see the results of our efforts culminate in the chance to compete and showcase our skills on the pitch/pool/court etc.

Being part of FOBISIA from a young age and seeing it grow over the years probably provided me with valuable lessons and experiences that have shaped who I am today. The sense of camaraderie and shared achievement that comes from representing your school and country in international competitions is truly special and can leave a lasting impression. FOBISIA has been an incredible journey filled with fun, learning, and personal growth both during high school and also later in life. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to be part of such experiences which will have a profound impact on individuals and contribute to their development both on and off the field. The opportunity to participate in these FOBISIA competitions was truly special and I would love to travel back in time and be part of something like that again.

Danielle, Alumni, Bangkok Patana School

The friendships I made through playing sports and FOBISIA Games are ones that hold a special place in my heart. They not only got our teammates even closer to each other but also sparked new friendships in other countries. One of which I bumped into years later in London and caught up on what we did with our lives after those games!

Just like in those games, life has its ups and downs. No matter how hard it was, we always gave it our all. Even now, I am going through life with them beside me, celebrating highs and supporting each other in our lows. Although I didn’t pursue sport professionally, the lessons, discipline and friendships are something that will stick with me forever.

Ferra, Alumni, St Andrews International School, Bangkok

A 'Thank you' sent to SMW for the 2024 Primary Games:

Our kids had the greatest time. Please do pass onto your team our thanks.

As you know, I have been to the Games since 2006 (yes I am that old!) & across all age groups & I have to say this was one of the smoothest and most enjoyable ever, with a really nice friendly atmosphere throughout.

A lot of that is down to the organisation and attention to detail that clearly goes into what I know is a mind boggling amount of work to achieve. I can't believe you still have 6 more to go this year!

My daughter - now 24 - participated in the Primary FOBISIA Games in 2009 and remarked that the experience she had was the most memorable part of her whole school experience.

Matt Deegan, Curriculum Leader - PE & Sport, POWIIS TB

The FOBISIA games was the first major sports competition that I attended during my time at St. Andrews International School Bangkok, throughout primary and secondary school. For me, these selected photos encapsulate the feeling of the games, and the long lasting effects it has had on myself, along with those around me. The same smiles, laughter, and connection we share on the pitch has since been translated to other parts of our lives and we still hold these fond memories together. It gave a whole new meaning to friendship, leadership and teamwork.

Pear, Alumni, St Andrews International School, Bangkok

19 countries, 100 schools and growing

SOUTH KOREA

Dulwich College Seoul (DCSL)

North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS)

Seoul Foreign School (SFBS)

SRI LANKA

The British School in Colombo (BSC)

TAIWAN

Taipei European School (TES)

THAILAND

Amnuay Silpa School (ANS)

Bangkok International Prepatory & Secondary School (BPREP)

Bangkok Patana School (BPS)

Brighton College International School Bangkok (BCIS)

British International School, Phuket (BISP)

Bromsgrove International School, Thailand (BIST)

Charter International School (CHA)

Denla British School, Bangkok (DBS)

Garden International School Eastern Seaboard Ban Chang (GISR)

Garden International School, Sathorn, Bangkok (GISBKK)

Harrow International School Bangkok (HISB)

Hua Hin International School (HHIS)

King's College International School Bangkok (KINGS)

Lanna International School Thailand (LIST)

RBIS International School (RBIS)

Regent’s International School Bangkok (REGB)

Regents International School Pattaya (REGP)

Rugby School Thailand (RST)

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus (SHB)

Shrewsbury International School, Riverside Campus (SHR)

Singapore International School of Bangkok [Pracha Uthit Campus] (SISB)

St. Andrew’s International School Sukhumvit 107 (StA107)

St. Andrew’s International School Bangkok (StAB)

St. Andrew’s International School, Green Valley (StAGV)

St. Stephen’s International School, Bangkok & Khao Yai Campuses (SIS)

Traill International School (TIS)

Wellington College International School Bangkok (WCISB)

UZBEKISTAN

The British School of Tashkent (TBST)

VIETNAM

British International School Hanoi (BISHN)

British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BISHM)

British Vietnamese International School Hanoi (BVISHN)

British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVISHM)

Renaissance International School, Saigon (RIS)

The ABC International School (ABCIS)

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FOBISIA CONNECT

FOBISIA Connect is a valuable resource for FOBISIA Member School Staff allowing you to connect with others in a similar role within the community. Use this platform as a go-to place to share insights, experiences, and support with others. See the latest FOBISIA events as well as news and updates!

www.fobisia.org/cpd/fobisia-connect

FOBISIA WEBINARS

FOBISIA offers a range of engaging webinars to its Members; recordings of past webinars are available on the FOBISIA website. Looking ahead we have an exciting lineup of webinars planned, covering diverse subjects and addressing emerging trends in education.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming FOBISIA Leadership Conference for the 2024 - 25 academic year - an essential event designed for Heads and senior leaders from our Member Schools. The theme for this conference is “Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Nurturing Sustainable Communities in Education”, and it promises to be an exceptional gathering, featuring top keynotes from renowned experts Rose Luckin, Nicola Morgan, Jeroen van der Waal, and Diana Osagie.

The conference will feature a diverse range of workshops, round tables, and an exhibitor hall showcasing the latest educational resources and technologies from our Affiliate Members. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from industry leaders, share best practices, engage in stimulating discussions, and network with peers to build lasting relationships within our vibrant community.

Don't miss out! Make sure to register and join us for what promises to be another exceptional conference.

JEROEN VAN DER WAAL Founder of The BlueBeat Group, OrcaNation and The Reef Company

ROSE LUCKIN CEO of EDUCATE Ventures Research Limited (EVR)

NICOLA MORGAN NSM Training & Consultancy

DIANA OSAGIE Courageous Leadership