It has certainly been challenging over the past couple of weeks with the relentless rain but our students and staff have shown great resilience in ensuring clubs and learning continued, and with such wonderful outcomes.
Ahuge thank you to our Chinese community for the fabulousAssembly celebrating Chinese NewYear. It was wonderful to see the children immersing themselves in the rich cultural activities provided.
Our giant mural, depicting the animals of the world is now on display on our Teraja Campus; do come and look at it (you can't miss it!) and marvel at how each member of our 2023/4 school community contributed to this masterpiece!
Congratulations to our cross country runners and netball players who represented the school so well in recent fixtures. I know our FOBISIA team is also training hard for their debut performance in the Under 13 games, later this month.
We are currently reviewing our International Early Years and Primary Curriculum. Thank you to those parents that attended the Information session on Tuesday; if you didn't attend, please do complete the questionnaire that was sent out yesterday; your feedback will contribute to our action plan and help us develop an already excellent provision.
It was great to see students and families selling their wares at our first Car Boot Sale last week; hopefully this will become a regular fixture at the school. On the 28th February there will be another community event with the 'Panaga Bird Race' - please read on to find out more!
I was lucky enough to see some Year 2 auditions for our Shining Lights Extravaganza this week; I can't wait until the final performances in March if our Year 2s are indicative of the talent we have within our schoolthey were fabulous!
Areminder that classes will not be running on Wednesday 19th February but you are all invited to attend our Student Led Conferences. In these meetings, the students take the central role during discussions with the teacher acting as a facilitator, supporting and prompting where necessary. These conversations are about what your child is learning. Letters went out on Monday so please sign up if you haven't done so already.
Wishing everyone a relaxing and safe weekend.
Best Wishes, Brian, SLTand all of our staff.
UPCOMINGEVENTS
SchoolAcademic Calendar 2024-2025
SchoolAcademic Calendar 2025-2025 Mon 27/1
Parent Events Calendar
Public Holiday Israk Mikraj SchoolTerm Break
Mon 3/2
Red House Auditions (Teraja/Melilas)
4/2
Parent Information Meeting IPC
29/1
Public Holiday Chinese NewYear
5/2
Blue House Auditions (Teraja/Melilas)
6/2
7/2
ReceptionTrip to Anduki/Panaga Health Safer Internet Day
Year 2Auditions Shining Lights duringYGS Mon 10/2
11/2
12/2
13/2
14/2
Green House Auditions (Teraja/Melilas)
Mon 17/2
Year 2 Entry Point
Yellow House Auditions (Teraja/Melilas)
19/2
Year 5 & 6The Big Sing with JIS PTC for all Parents (No School)
Year 2 Exit Point School Council Bake Event Year 3 Exit Point
20/2
21/2
BJSLT-Ball (ISB Seria) Year 1 Exit Point U13 FOBISIA Final Parent Meeting
Gentle reminders:
In November nurse Sheena joined ourstudenthealthandsupportteam. Sheena is an experienced school nurse recently working in Scotland, and this is her second time living in Brunei. We are really fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable school nurse join us atPanagaSchool.
● If your child is unwell please keep them at home until they are fever free for 24 hours with no medication (panadol) and they feel well enough to return to school.
● A reminder that vomiting and diarrhoea is a return to school 48 hours after the last episode.
Any questions please contact nurse@panagaschool.net or pop in to see us at either Rampayoh or Teraja.
Chinese New Year Celebration in Mendaram.
We would like to say a massive thank you to the parents who organised these activities for our children.
GONG XI FACAI
Mendaram’s special visit from a geologist !
The amazing and knowledgeable Catherine, came to share her expertise about fossils and dinosaurs. The children were captivated by the artefacts, especially the coprolite or dino poo to you and I! The children ran out of school today to tell their parents about the visit.
Thank you Catherine from the bottom of hearts and for supporting the children’s learning and curiosity!
Exploring the world of circuits!
Year 4 students have been exploring the exciting world of circuits! They have been using a variety of components such as batteries, bulbs, and wires to build their own circuits. Throughout the process, students asked scientific questions such as “What happens when we add more batteries to the circuit?” or “How does the length of the wire affect the brightness of
In addition to developing their scientific knowledge, Year 4 has shown great resilience, communication, and cooperation during their investigations. When faced with challenges, they worked together to solve problems and help each other out. Whether in groups or pairs, they communicated clearly and
Y4 ACTIVE PLANET ENTRY POINT
Superb cooperation and communication whilst combining your mathematical and scientific knowledge as well as lots of creative thinking. We know who to call if we need an emergency rescue!
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Year 2
Mandarin Exploring theArt of Lion Dance: ACultural Experience
Students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural tradition of the lion dance.They get hands-on experience learning the techniques, movements, and teamwork involved in performing this iconic dance, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and symbolism.
Chinese Culture Club
In the Chinese Culture Club, students unleashed their creativity by making Chinese New Year greeting cards. They wrote "Xīn Nián Kuài Lè," which means "Wishing You a Happy New Year," and added their own artistic touchestocelebratethefestivespirit.
Chinese New Year Assembly
Our school joyfully celebrated Chinese New Year with a memorable assembly! Highlights of the event included a mesmerizing lion dance, heartfelt singing performances, a captivating piano recital, and wushu display by students from a local school, showcasing remarkable martial arts skills. The assembly united our community in honoring the rich traditions of Chinese culture and creating cherished memories. A heartfelt thank you to our Chinese community for making this celebration so special.
Cross Country BJSL
As the Sun rose over the sleepy slopes of Hornbill playing grounds, the buses arrived and the runners started to mingle. Meeting them like a giant asian river delta was the Cross Country course. Meandering around the grassy plains like a slithering snake, our runners were going to be challenged. Guidelines stood with military procession as our younger runners excitedly strutted to the start line. The boys took off like a pack of Macaques eager to impress through intense competition. The opposition were unrelenting in their passion for victory, but our boys never gave an inch! As each race progressed, Panaga School runners improved in confidence and fought for positions like concerned tigers. Once the races had all finished, and the positions logged, it was time to decmap to the stands for the presentation.Ahuge thanks needs to go to Ms Chris and Ms Cindy for their unwavering support during the event, helping with coaching, administering first aid, whilst also being our official photographers. We were all extremely proud of all our students, and once again, Panaga made the whole of our community proud. Well done also to Mr Jamie and his Hornbill staff for putting on a fantastic event that everyone enjoyed.
Our Panaga Medalists for their events were...
Nathan (Gold), Nilan, Lucia, Skye & Sofia (2nd), Haneen (3rd)
Cross Country BJSL
Year 8 have been studying genetics and carried out a DNA extraction procedure. They isolated DNA from banana tissue.About 60 percent of our genes have a recognizable counterpart in the banana genome!
International Day 2024 whole school mural
For International Day 2024, we came up with the idea of creating a mural of world map with animals from around the world. Nearly every child that attended Panaga School in the academic year of 2023-2024 took part in painting the mural, including many members of staff. The mural is finally on the wall, and apart from a few minor touch ups is complete. It looks stunning. It measures 5m x 2.44m and has 62 different colours First we projected the picture on four pieces of wood. We then added the numbers for the different colours. The mural was basically a paint by numbers project but on a huge scale. Initially, we taped of squares so that every child could paint a square. However, we soon came to realise that that would take too long. In the end, the children were allowed to use their own part of the mural to paint. Thank you to everyone that contributes to the mural.
Adding the numbers to the mural for the colours
Making squares using tape
The mural before the painting
62 colours mixed ready to be put on the mural
Itinerary
Friday 28st February registration for Teraja main
2-4 pm Panaga Bird Race entrance
Sunday 2nd March
End of bird race Melilas playground
1pm Hand in cameras/ questionnaires
Sunday 2nd March Panaga Bird fair Melilas playground
1—4 pm
Nature talks - Dr. Wong, founder of the Sunbear sanctuary
- Prof. Ulmar Graf, professor at UBD and president of
Henna art/ Loca l handcraft beading and Iban accessories
Panaga Bird Race T-Shirts
Fancy a great souvenir of your time in Panaga, then look no further.
To celebrate the Panaga Bird Race, we will be selling T-Shirts designed by a professional Dutch comic artist. The money raised will be going to good causes such as BSBCC, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Panaga Student Council. To purchase a T-Shirt, simply scan the QR code. T-Shirts are available in all sizes and colours, including a long sleeve option.
Short sleeve: 25BND
Long sleeve: 27BND
Panaga Bird Race
To celebrate the wonderful birds we have in Panaga, The Wildlife Warriors and Language Leaders together with Brunei Brits, who are sponsoring the event, are organising a Panaga Bird Race. The proceeds will be going to BSBCC, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the chosen charity of the Wildlife Warriors and the Panaga Student Council.
What is a Bird Race?
On the 28th February, between 1-4pm, you can register for the Bird Race in the Tereja entrance. You will receive an information pack to help you identify the birds around Panaga as well as a questionnaire about hornbills and sun bears. Participants have 48 hours to complete the bird race around Panaga. The aim is to take photos of different birds. The person with the most pictures of different birds is the winner. There will be prizes for different categories. There will also be a ‘hornbill hunt’ alongside the official bird race, where children can go around camp looking for recycled hornbills that people have created. The hornbills will have a QR code which will provide you with the information to fill out the questionnaire.
Bird fair at Panaga School
On Sunday 2nd March by 1pm, you have to hand in your cameras and questionnaire so we can find out the winners. On the same day, there will be a Bird Fair at Panaga School, in the Melilas area. We will have two guests of honour, Dr. Wong, also named Papa Bear, founder of BSBCC and Prof. Ulmar Graf from UBD, who will be holding nature talks. The Wildlife Warriors and Language Leaders will have different stalls with a variety of activities. We will also have vendors selling a variety of products. Brunei Nature Society BNS, will also be present. During the fair, you can decorate hornbill biscuits, paint a wooden hornbill, paint part of a mural, and much more. We hope to see you all there. There will also be a mini Bird Race for the younger children in the Teraja playground. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact Ms Stephstephaniestraatman@panagaschool.net.
Our Panaga School Community and Friends Car Boot Sale was a hit last weekend. Students got involved, showing off their enterprise by selling their handicrafts. Beautiful jewellery, delicious bakes, preloved clothes and games, and even serenades were on offer. Customers walked in through the rain and left with the sunshine, bathing in the glow of bargains galore. Don’t miss the next one!
