Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Panaga School Magazine Issue 49 March 2015
Panaga School HRF/4 Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd Jalan Utara Seria, KB 3534 Negara Brunei Darussalam (+673) 3375728/3372138 (Teraja) (+673) 3372694 (Rampayoh & Mendaram) Principal: Tim Robinson tim.robinson@shell.com Head Teacher, Teraja: Andy Ryan andrewryan@panagaschool.com Head Teacher, Rampayoh & Mendaram: Cindy Bin Tahal cindybintahal@panagaschool.com Senior Admin: Jalinah Bte Ali jalinah.ali@shell.com Admin Support, Rampayoh & Mendaram: Zurimah Bte Jumat z.jumat@shell.com Admin Support, Teraja: Hasmah Bte Hj Salleh: hasmah.salleh@shell.com
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Contents:
3. Message from the Head Teacher of Teraja 4. The unique PTA Art Fair 5. Chung Hua captivate us with their Lion Dance 6. International Day - Rampayoh and Teraja
7. International Day - Mendaram 8. International Day - Brunei stalls 9. International Day - poster competition winners 10. Brunei National Day Assembly 11. Teacher collaboration with Sekolah Rendah Panaga
12 and 13. Panaga School staff visit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School, Kuala Belait 14. Learning through play in the Early Years 15. T4W INSET with local teachers 16. Bike safety session for the Nursery 17. Transportation Exit Point in the Nursery 18. Pre-Nursery go on a Bear Hunt 19. IP2 and their toys 20. Panaga’s keen Green Screening
Panaga School Magazine Editor: Damian Brady damianbrady@panagaschool.com
21. ‘Bright Spark’ Maurice Millie teaches IP5D a few tricks 22. What’s happening at St Johns? 23. Challenge Day 2 - lots of colourful fun and learning 24. The 2015 Football Tournament - another shining success 25. Panaga School - first time BJSL Football winners!
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Message from the Head Teacher of Teraja
Andy Ryan
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
with:
Rick Zevenbergen, DP5/6R Teacher and Dutch Stream Transition Manager
A school united in learning — September 2015 In September 2015, our two streams, International and Dutch, will become united in learning following a single curriculum across the school. For many years, the children have been integrated in their learning in the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), P8 Science lessons, on residential visits, in concerts and during ASAs; but for the first time this September, children from all nationalities will be learning together as a part of the same classes. This year has been a transitional year during which we have been preparing the children in the Dutch Stream for the changes they are about to make. The children have been developing their English languages skills, working independently of their Dutch speaking teachers in IPC lessons and experiencing some of the different styles of lessons children in the International Stream follow such as ‘Talk for Writing’.
Challenge Day 2—Teraja
and language groups. You too can all help at home by talking to your children, both in the Dutch and International Streams, about the children they have been learning with. Consider arranging playdates with a wider range of children or take the opportunity to talk with parents from your child’s year group at the each end of the day, at IPC Exit and Entry Points and at functions and activities outside of class times.
During the second half of this year, we will be helping to bring the children together socially to support the devel- We will be having a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday 14th opment of friendships across streams. April for anyone who would like to hear about how the transition year is progressing and our continuing plans to Many of the children have always done this successfully, support the process as the streams merge in September but as with children in different International classes, chil- 2015. dren often make close friendships within their own classes
From the archives:
The Tortoise and the Kangaroo
Back in 2012, as a part of the IPC unit: They See the World Like This, Fern and Céline from IP8A and DP8B created artwork and a story representing the strong friendship they made whilst integrating for their IPC lessons.
The two animals became friends when the tortoise fell and hurt itself and was helped by the kangaroo who led the tortoise to safety. The two animals talked for a while and discovered that they got on very well. Later that day, the two animals chose to be partners in school and that’s how the two animals from different lands became best friends. By Fern (IP8A) & Céline (DP8B), 2012.
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) News “A unique PTA Art Fair” On Thursday 5th March and Friday 6th March, the PTA, in cooperation with the Panaga Student Council, hosted this year’s Art Fair in the Rampayoh Hall.
More than 500 pictures created by the children, were on sale, some professionally framed. The PTA are proud to announce that it was a wonderful success as over $2000 was raised. The Art Fair was a part of a PTA fundraising project and took many months of hard work and dedication to organise. All profit from the artwork sold will be used to fund PTA initiatives across all three Panaga School sites. Recent PTA-funded projects include the revamping of the reading area in the Rampayoh and Teraja libraries and extra resources for playtime activities.
Thanks to the PTA and Student Council, the children who contributed their art for sale and to the many parents and grandparents who purchased art and now proudly display it on the walls of their families’ homes here and abroad.
Information and publicity pictures supplied by Sander Suk.
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning Chung Hua Middle School bring in the Year of the Sheep at Panaga School On Friday 13th February, Panaga School children across Teraja and Rampayoh roared with excitement as students and teachers from Chung Hua Middle School performed the Lion Dance to welcome the 2015 Chinese New Year.
Cymbals crashed and drums thudded as the lion danced and meandered around the covered areas, snapping at the fingers of the children and teachers watching on in amazement. It was a wonderful show and fantastically performed in such hot conditions. Special thanks to Geok Cheng Hong from Chung Hua for leading her ‘pride’ of performers, all of whom gave up their day off school to captivate our staff and students. Thanks too to Miss Amanda and Miss Steph for coordinating their visit. By Damian Brady
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
Celebrating the cultures of over 30 nationalities: International Day
RAMPAYOH & TERAJA: International Day 2015 was another fantastic Panaga School event celebrating the national cultures of over 30 different countries. We started with a parade of students wearing their national dress or colours. As we walked around Rampayoh, all of the children, teachers and parents could see the fabulous range of activities on offer. There were delicious foods and drinks to taste, games to play and even Play-Doh echidnas to make! Everyone had an amazing time learning more about the different nations that make up our school community. Mileposts 1 to 3 were further inspired by their International learning during the Challenge Day activities on both Rampayoh and Teraja the following day. We all - children, staff and parents - had the opportunity to develop our International Mindedness. Thank you to all those who helped to make the day such a success. By Miss Laura B and the P8s
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
International Day at Mendaram - Friday 6th March
Pre-Nursery and Nursery children celebrated their International Day by learning about different cultures. There were over 30 countries represented, offering fun activities and displaying pictures, clothing and items. Afterwards, we enjoyed a shared international snacks. Thank you to all volunteers and parents for helping us make the morning a huge success.
By Miss Zoe, IPC Leader for Learning
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
Learning about Brunei
One of the highlights of this year’s International Day was the Brunei information stall. With the enthusiastic support of Rampayoh and Mendaram LSAs, an area rich with information, insights and cultural artefacts was created to enhance children’s learning about their host country. Children had the opportunity to find out about the flag, games, national foods and clothing, environmental features and other aspects of life here. Children remarked on how they had found out new things and also reflected on their own experiences whilst living in the Abode of Peace. By Miss Rachel Marsden, Community Leader for Learning
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
International Day Poster Competition Winners and Runners Up
Here’s another chance to see the fabulous winning posters from students in Teraja, Rampayoh and Mendaram advertising this year’s International Day. Also, have a look at some of the other amazing entries. As you can see, picking a winner was a very difficult task! Can you see your entry here? (Compiled by Miss Laura B)
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
CELEBRATING BRUNEI NATIONAL DAY On Friday 27th February, Panaga School’s Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) presented Brunei National Day assemblies for staff and students across all three school sites - Mendaram, Rampayoh and Teraja. Local musicians, fan dancing, a children’s story about the history of Brunei, along with a moving documentary engaged and entertained the audience. Congratulations and thank you to our LSA community. All assemblies were fuelled with national pride. By Cindy Bin Tahal
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
WAWASAN 2035 - Panaga Partnerships
In keeping with Panaga School’s vision to contribute positively to the development of education in Brunei, teachers from both Sekolah Rendah Panaga local school and Panaga School (BSP) met again to share ideas for education and curriculum development. These include joint sporting events through the PE departments, music and drama opportunities, Digital Education (DE) partnerships and reciprocal school visits to focus on teaching and learning both in an international and national context. Among the many teachers involved, Panaga School Digital Education (DE) teachers, Damian Brady and Neil Lynch worked with Den and Aneh from Sekolah Rendah Panaga to support their school’s document and internal information systems development.
“It was an awesome afternoon, I learnt some new tips to add to more interesting ways to teach and use my new knowledge for others,” commented Aneh. “The afternoon was interesting, informative… It’s been a 5* pleasure!” said Den.
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning Panaga School staff visit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School, Kuala Belait On Saturday 28th February, Panaga School teachers were warmly welcomed by the staff of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School in Kuala Belait on a visit to strengthen community links and share ideas between our two schools. Teachers from Rampayoh spent an enjoyable morning visiting classes and talking with children and pupils about their learning experiences. They joined children in their English, Maths and Phonic lessons and talked to staff about ways in which we could support and work with each other. Recently, staff from SOAS joined with parents and staff at Panaga School SOAS English Teacher Cathy Hadfield’s class learn about trawhere they took part in a Talk for ditional stories through songs and rhymes. Writing (T4W) workshop.
Mr Damian and Miss Rochelle enjoy reading time! By Jayne Tant
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning Panaga School and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School, Kuala Belait, Part 2 This trip was a part of an ongoing link with the local school in Kuala Belait SOAS. Last year, SOAS took part in some collaborative learning with P2 during the P2’s Our World IPC unit, where the children had a fun morning learning together. During the morning, they presented their Talk for Writing (T4W) texts to each other, collaborated in some environmental artwork based on an artist called Andy Goldsworthy and even sang to each other. It was definitely an experience to remember and one that may be repeated again this year. Watch this space!
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School children present their version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears to the P2 children of Panaga School.
The children from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien School and Panaga School took part in some collaborative environmental artwork. By Dave Jeffreys
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
Panaga School was delighted to welcome teachers from two local schools, St Johns and ISB, to our Early Years Department on Monday 2nd March for a workshop on ‘Learning Through Play’. Teachers were involved in brainstorming their own experiences of play and thinking about play in their own lives. We then looked at the Early Years Curriculum and the important role of play in the development of vital early skills, knowledge and understanding. The strong crowd of teachers were enthusiastic and were keen to learn new ideas to take back to their own classrooms. The presentation ended with a tour of the Early Years classes at Panaga School.
The teachers were keen to photograph displays and learn more about our setting and environment and the impact this has on learning. We look forward to maintaining relationships and further supporting these local schools in developing their own practice. By Yvonne Crooks and Louise Ramsden
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Community News Special Feature We are a school community united in learning
WAWASAN 2035 Sharing Professional Development -T4W Last year, local teachers joined us for a professional development session on Talk for Writing (T4W). The reception was so enthusiastic that in February, Maria Richards, UK-based Literacy specialist, came to school again to share her expertise with over 50 Bruneian teachers. Teachers from more than 8 local schools attended the session learning about how Talk for Writing has been put into practice in the UK and at Panaga School. She discussed the importance of oral storytelling before writing and emphasised the success of Talk for Writing for children with English as an additional language (EAL). Feedback from the session was very positive with local teachers commending Panaga School for the range of professional development sessions available to them. Many expressed interest in working with Panaga School teachers to find out more about how T4W is put into practice.
‘This was an excellent session. I’ve learned so much and I can’t wait to try some of the ideas with my children.’ - Local teacher, KB ‘I’m using many of the strategies I learned last time and I have been talking to a teacher at Teraja who has helped me with many resources and ideas for teaching children with English as a second language.’ - Local Year 3 teacher.
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Bike Safety Day in the Nursery Nursery students have been learning all about Transportation. We enjoyed Bike Safety Day where we each wore helmets and rode around the school. Mr Andy Ryan came in and spoke to us about the rules on the bike path and how to stay safe while riding our bikes. Mr Alan Ennis, who is a Road Safety Engineer and a member of the BSP Road Safety Committee, came also to show his support. Mrs Anna Brockman, who is an avid rider, also taught us how to wear our helmets properly. By Miss Nicole
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Transportation Exit Point in the Nursery To finish off our IPC Transportation unit, parents came in and helped make models out of recyclable goods. It was so nice to see such parent involvement with this activity. Junk modelling not only helps the environment, it also helps children in many developmental areas:
•Hand/eye co-ordination: Junk modelling requires a range of hand movements, skills and precision.
•Problem solving: By finding ways of building and sticking shapes together, your child will learn early problem solving.
•Emotional development: Children get a great sense of achievement when they make their own models.
Building relationships: In this case, children were able to share their success with someone they love.
By Miss Nicole
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!’ shout the Pre-Nursery For our unit, ‘Let’s Pretend’, the Pre-Nursery’s Talk for Writing (T4W) text was ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, by Michael Rosen. As our Entry Point, the children went on a ‘bear hunt’ in the Rampayoh Sports Hall. With great excitement, the children moved through the long wavy grass, a deep cold river, thick gooey mud, a deep dark forest, a swirling, whirling snowstorm and a narrow, gloomy cave. In that cave, they found a big friendly bear! The children used their bodies to move through these areas by crawling, running, jumping, and stamping. By Alice Vele
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Toys, Toys, Toys! IP2’s IPC topic in Term 2 was all about Toys. First was the Knowledge Harvest where the children thought about all the things they already knew and what they wanted to learn about, such as how toys worked, why some float and how to make musical toys. Children brought in their favourite toys to share with the class and during lunchtime break, the toys started to play together and read books in the classroom which surprised everyone!
In Literacy, children learnt about writing a recount. Mr Martin’s dad came all the way from the UK to show a video about his visit to the local toyshop, Nanyang’s. The children leant the story of his visit to the toyshop and then invented their own recount about their mid-term break holiday. In Digital Education (DE), children learned how to programme musical notes in Scratch then hook up Makey Makey devices to transform their toys into their own musical instruments; later playing them to their class.
Finally, for our IPC Exit Point, IP2 visited the bowling alley and games arcade in Seria to try out ten pin bowling and lots of different games upstairs such as shooting basketball hoops, driving racing cars and completing digital puzzles. What a wonderful way to finish the unit! By the P2 Teachers
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Green Screening - the (Chroma) Key to creative and fun learning Green Screening, also known as Blue Screening or Chroma Key, is a technique in video whereby you film your subject in front of a green or blue background then remove the blue/green colour to reveal another image behind it. Most people know it best from weather forecasts – the forecaster isn’t actually standing in front of a weather map at all. Green Screening was something that we had a go at a few years ago in school but the range of equipment and limitations of the software needed made it a difficult process. Recently however at Panaga School, we have invested in a set of mini iPads and one of the first apps loaded on it and widely used since was the Doink Green Screen app which made the process so much more simple, less time-consuming and ultimately much more rewarding. The IPC unit ‘Weather and Climate’ was perfectly suited to Green Screening as children were required to investigate the weather and climate of 6 locations around the world. Rather than make just another PowerPoint, we decided to make actual weather forecasts for each region. The job was to get into teams, do some research, choose a time of year for the forecast, search for some suitable images and finally write a weather script. This was a great cross-curricular activity between IPC and Digital Education (DE). Images gathered were loaded onto a PowerPoint weather forecast template which came with a range of icons. As time was limited, we chose to export the slides as images and then import to the app via the camera roll. With a bit more time, it would have been possible to animate the PowerPoint then make a screen recording of the animated slideshow. Nevertheless, it all worked out fine. In DE, the children took on roles as either presenter, cameraperson or prompt holder to make the forecast. Many groups swapped roles so everyone had a go at each job. We also decided to film the video using the built-in video application on the iPad and then import it into the Doink app, as this proved to be more straightforward. Along the journey, we found two additional pieces of software that helped us enormously - one was X Mirage which mirrors the screen of an iPad onto the Smartboard wirelessly and the other was iTools which made the job of importing images into the camera roll very simple and easy to organise. I’ve never found iTunes to be user-friendly and have found the others to be the ideal replacements. Overall, it was a fantastic experience all round for staff and pupils. I’ve seen the students gain self-confidence through acquisition of new skills and using new applications. Creativity is key here and this app can also be used to support children to become storytellers or allow pupils to explain a key concept they have learned in any curriculum subject. It could also be used in Literacy by giving children a purpose for writing. Some schools have reported that Green Screening activities have had a positive impact on the quality and length of writing. For best results, choose an evenly lit background, as any difference in shade of colour can cause problems. If possible, light the background and the subject separately, as this helps with crisp edges (and reduces the green halo effect). Try and avoid the subject casting shadows on the screen. Finally, it is difficult to get a good result when there is a lot of movement, so static scenes work best. We found that the exterior walls that we had painted green worked very well. By Neil Lynch, DE Specialist Teacher, Teraja
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Mastering Morrie sparks IP5D’s interest in Hydro-Electric Power On Tuesday 20th January 2015, IP5D children warmly welcomed IP7G Research Scientist and Hydro-Electric Power ‘Bright Spark’ Engineer Maurice Mille, aka ‘Mastering Morrie’ to his close personal friends and associates. Morrie was happy to demonstrate his very own, homemade power-generating watermill that, when fully charged under running water using spoons as paddles, was able to light up a bulb inside the structure, to the amazement and admiration of his IP5D audience. Patents are pending! By Mr Dermot
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
March 2015
News from our Neighbours: St John’s School, KB St John’s School’s new batch of Prefects Prefects play an important role in helping with the smooth running of the school. They give many opportunities to develop personal skills and qualities, including leadership, responsibility, sense of service and trust. This month, the new prefects of St John’s School, Kuala Belait, received their badges from the Principal, Dr Teh Keng Watt. The event was witnessed by the school discipline mistress, senior master, teachers and students. The memorable event was held in the school multi-purpose hall. The Principal, in her speech, reminded all prefects to carry out their responsibilities with full commitment as they were chosen as the highly successful people. They are given the responsibility because teachers know they will use their status wisely. In their speeches, the Head Boy and Head Girl promised to help school maintain discipline and working with teachers to create a better and safe place for learning, to name some. LEFT: The new line of St John’s School with Principal accompanied by Discipline mistress and senior master RIGHT: The new Head Boy, Sameer and Head Girl, Nurul Aqilah
St John’s School talks on HIV and AIDS It was a big opportunity for students of Year 10 and Year 11 of St John’s School, Kuala Belait, when six representatives from Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC) gave a talk on HIV & AIDS in the school multi-purpose hall recently. The speaker, EncikIswandy explained to students what AIDS & HIV is. He said that Acquired Immuno–Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by a virus known as Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). The illness changes the immune system by making people much more exposed to infections and diseases. HIV-Positive follows 3 stages; acute infection, clinical latency and the last one AIDS. Although students have learnt about sex in Biology in school, the talk opened their minds and perceptions on the topic. They were actively involved in the workshop organised by the group from BDAC. Also present were the Deputy Principal and other secondary teachers.
Students listening attentively to EncikIswandy explaining about AIDS and HIV
Students who participated in the workshop Stories courtesy of Jack Ding Jok, Head of Media, St John’s School
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Challenge Day Two - awash with fun learning and all Personal Goals Another high energy, exciting Challenge Day was held on Teraja and Rampayoh on 6th March where children from both campuses all did their teams proud by taking part in a kaleidoscope of acting, dance, song, art and craft, filmmaking and sporting activities; to name but a few. It was especially a wonderful moment for the P1 children who collaborated with their older peers for the first time. All Personal Goals were proudly demonstrated by all children which was just one aspect that highly impressed the teachers and parents in attendance. “The assembly was (also) a great showcase of an enjoyable morning. Seeing all the children up and performing for each other was perfect,” commented Mr Andy Winder. Many teachers too had the opportunity to display excellent acting, artistic and musical skills. For example, there is now no one better qualified than Miss Christina to drum and sing along to the Penguin Song. Many thanks to all teachers involved with organising another successful day. As Miss Cindy concluded, it was “A wonderful culmination to a very involved, engaging, colourful week.” By Damian Brady
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
2015 Panaga School Football Tournament—another shining success! 96 teams from across Brunei competed in 11 competition categories at this year's Panaga School Football Tournament. The games were played in tremendous spirit with each team competing with determination to win some silverware. With over 700 students playing, the day was all action with some finals even progressing to penalty shoot-outs. It was great to witness so many happy faces regardless of results, but the day could not be the success it was without the help of all the staff, parents and others who volunteered their time. Thank you. By Mr Nathan
Issue 49
Panaga School Magazine
Jan-Feb-Mar 2015
Panaga School - winners of 2015 BJSL Football Tournament A little bit of history was made last term when Panaga School won the BJSL Football Tournament for the first time. The previous winner, for the last 3 years, was Jerudong International School (JIS), but after much hard work on the training field, the students of Panaga School deservedly won this year’s trophy. Competition from JIS, Hornbill and ISB did not make things easy but thanks to the P5 girls, P6 boys, P6 girls and the P7 boys all winning their group, the final standings meant a comfortable overall win for Panaga School. Many thanks to all staff who helped on the day and to all parents involved for their support. By Mr Nathan