Panaga School Weekly
Panaga School Weekly Issue Twenty-Five 03 May 2019
Panaga School IFM/4, BSP Company Sdn Bhd, Seria, KB 3534, Negara Brunei Darussalam (+673) 3375728/3372139 (Teraja), (+673) 3372694 (Mendaram/Rampayoh) Principal: Cindy Bin Tahal (+673) 3372355/8777028 email:
Updates from the Principal’s Desk Dear Panaga School Community, The international, community-minded Panaga School family constantly create the most meaningful connections right across our wider community and beyond. Our teaching team ensures learning remains central in all such endeavors. Shared learning Did you know that so far this year, Panaga School teachers have delivered a combined total of more than 300 hours of teacher professional development to more than 250 local colleagues? Training has also been delivered through English Language Workshops in other company locations. This weekend, approximately 40 members of the Bruneian Museums Community will learn about Photogrammetry, led by yet another skilled Panaga School teacher. These sessions will enable participants to produce 3D recordings of cultural data for the preservation and education of Brunei’s history.
You will see in today’s Panaga School Weekly (PSW) that this week teachers have modelled teaching in one of our local schools and students from Labi cindybintahal@panagaschool.com Road schools have spent time at Panaga School in shared learning experiences.
Panaga School Senior Administration Officer: Jalinah Bte Ali (+673) 3375728 email: jalinah.ali@shell.com Admin Support Rampayoh/Mendaram: Zurimah Bte Jumat email: z.jumat@shell.com Admin Support Teraja: Hasmah Bte Hj Salleh hasmah.salleh@shell.com
Such shared learning is beneficial to us all. The volume of work in these areas, led by Panaga School teachers, deserves recognition and celebration with our whole school community. Community connections As an extension to shared learning, teaching teams across Panaga School also explore other ways to ‘give back’ to beautiful Brunei. Examples of such efforts are so plentiful that pages of PSW each week frequently help to inform everybody of these meaningful and important projects. In conjunction with BSP’s 90 Acts of Kindness, school community projects were taken to a new level this week, as we worked together with our colleagues from all departments of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM).
Panaga School Weekly editor: The Seria Old People’s Home (visited by P4) and our adult learner friends from Damian Brady Kuala Belait have been provided with facility enhancements. damianbrady@panagaschool.com An idea of what has been created is pictured below in the before and after outdoor learning environment photos.
Panaga School Weekly Issue Twenty-Five 03 May 2019
Panaga School IFM/4, BSP Company Sdn Bhd, Seria, KB 3534, Negara Brunei Darussalam (+673) 3375728/3372139 (Teraja), (+673) 3372694 (Mendaram/Rampayoh)
Updates from the Principal’s Desk United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) growth Further to these community projects, teachers at Panaga School are also responsible for significant developments that enact the UN SDGs. This week, we have witnessed the very successful introduction of the lovable characters, Raffie and Simpor, through a new comic book that promotes and educates about wildlife conservation across Borneo. Please see the Borneo Bulletin article included in this week's PSW that celebrates this launch and informs you of where you can purchase your very own copy of this wonderful book. Acknowledgements to the teachers who have worked together with the Panaga Natural Historical Society and BSP to make this project a reality. Acknowledgements as well to the teachers who have embedded Adopt-aBeach into our school programme. The teaching and learning taking place through this active citizenship project is outstanding.
Major thanks also for the inclusion of our first and very own Animal Cam, which has been introduced through Teraja's Digital Education learning programme to provide unique insights into the animals in our local environment. This is a joint project with our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) whose funding has enabled us to move forward with such interesting cindybintahal@panagaschool.com initiatives.
Principal: Cindy Bin Tahal (+673) 3372355/8777028 email:
Panaga School Senior Administration Officer: Jalinah Bte Ali (+673) 3375728 email: jalinah.ali@shell.com Admin Support Rampayoh/Mendaram: Zurimah Bte Jumat email: z.jumat@shell.com Admin Support Teraja: Hasmah Bte Hj Salleh hasmah.salleh@shell.com
Parent Questionnaire If you haven't yet had the chance, could you please take the time to complete this year's questionnaire about Panaga School's operations and strategic direction. Parent input is crucial to help chart the course of our school's direction, in response to the needs and demands of families. The questionnaire shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to complete. For families with more than one child at Panaga School, you can opt to either complete the questionnaire once as a representation of your whole family, or respond multiple times in relation to each child's school experiences. Please access the questionnaire by following the link and password below: www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4924436/Panaga-Q-parents-2019 password: Seria2019 (cap S) Haze Please see this haze bulletin for information about school returning to usual start times as of next week.
Panaga School Weekly editor: Ramadhan Damian Brady The sighting of the moon will take place on Sunday 5th May to determine damianbrady@panagaschool.com when the first day of Ramadhan will occur. The first day of Ramadhan will be either Monday 6th or Tuesday 7th May. The first day of Ramadhan will be a Public Holiday and school will close. On Sunday evening, parents will be notified, via Parent Representative WhatsApp groups, which day Ramadhan will begin. If any children are fasting, parents are asked to speak with class teachers and deputy head teachers to confirm relevant school arrangements. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Muslim members of the community a blessed month of Ramadhan ahead. Regards, Cindy
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
Monday 6th May First day of Ramadhan - school closed (date TBC) Wednesday 8th May P5 Exit Point Monday 13th May 9.00am: Pre-Nursery Stay and Play session Monday 20th May 9.00am: Pre-Nursery Stay and Play session Tuesday 21st May 8.00am: P3 Exit Point Holiday T Shirt Fashion Show Wednesday 22nd May The Revelation of Al-Quran - school closed (date TBC) Thursday 23rd May P2 Exit Point P4 Exit Point Friday 24th May 9.00am: Pre-Nursery Stay and Play session Last day of Term 3.1 Event information above is correct at the time of printing. To keep up-to-date with all school events, please go to: www.panagaschool.com/calendar
Sports Training Schedule with Nathan Edwards
Friday 10th May 6.25am-7.00am: Running Club P4-M2. P4 and P5 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Teraja Foyer
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
Panaga School Yearbook 2018-2019 - please pay in advance purchase information Teachers have been very busy the last few months putting together pages for this year’s Panaga School Yearbook - a special 70th Anniversary edition. The Yearbook covers many aspects of school life: class learning highlights, theme days, Challenge Days, cultural events, Residentials, sporting events and concerts; among many more. Again this year, the Yearbook will be published both electronically and in hard copy. Hard copies of the Yearbook will be released in the first week of July. We have managed to secure the cost of professional printing to still be only $14 per copy - the same price for the last 5 years. However, the printing company needs to know exact numbers before printing can commence. In past years, we have unfortunately had a numerous instances of people ordering (sometimes multiple) copies of Yearbooks, but not coming to pay for and collect them. As a result, this year we have had to implement a strict pay in advance procedure to adhere to the printing company’s requirements - and to be able to pay them on time. If you would like to purchase a Yearbook or multiple copies for friends and family elsewhere, please pay $14 for each book to either school office by Friday 24th May, at the latest. All purchasers will be issued a receipt stating the quantity you have paid for. Only receipt holders will be handed Yearbooks when the printing has been completed in July. Any requests for hard copy books made after Friday 24th May unfortunately cannot be entertained. As mentioned, the Yearbook will also will be published electronically in July and be available for downloading from the school website for those who have not purchased a copy by the above date. If you are buying a book or books on someone else’s behalf, or vice versa, can you please organise this privately and pay the school office the full amount, again by the above date. Many thanks in advance for your understanding and for your continued support.
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
This week, Miss Amy and Miss Laura were joined by Teraja’s Card Games, Photography and Singing ASA groups for the Beach Clean.
Next week, Lion King Actors from Rampayoh and Yoga Club from Teraja will be taking part in the Adopt-a-Beach ASA. Remember:
Make sure you have completed the Permission Form.
On the day, bring hats, sun-cream, bug-spray and water bottles.
Children are to be collected from their normal ASA location.
Panaga Panaga School School Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Twenty-One, Twenty-Three, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 19th March March April 2019 2019
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
Teaching and learning partnership with Seria Mulia Primary School During the course of the year, teachers across P2, P3 and P4 have collaborated to plan IPC and Maths lessons, which have been delivered to children at Seria Mulia Primary school in Bandar. It has been inspiring to be able to work with teachers who are embracing IPC with such enthusiasm. Together, we are searching for ways to provide engaging, energetic learning opportunities for all children. Sessions have been well received by the children, teachers, support teachers and leaders. Feedback sessions have allowed local staff to ask questions and reflect on strategies that might be used in the future. After initial visits to Panaga School to observe learning and receive support with planning, there were requests for model lessons to be delivered by Panaga staff to children at Seria Mulia in their own classrooms and environment. Back in November 2018, Miss Laura (P3) and Miss Jo (P4) delivered IPC sessions to Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 children at Seria Mulia.
Last Saturday 27th April, Miss Rachel (P2), Miss Laura (P3), Miss Rosie (P3) and Miss Suzanne (P4) had the pleasure of teaching yet more enthusiastic and curious children whilst being observed by ever curious teachers, assistants and leaders. We all felt privileged to have had this opportunity and very much look forward to continuing to support the IPC journey at Seria Mulia Primary School.
By Miss Laura, P3 Year Group Leader
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
On Tuesday, P3 hosted an Environmental morning for local schools from Belait and Labi Road. Students split into groups and visited four workshops that helped them think about ways to reduce, swap and recycle energy and waste. It was wonderful to hear the enthusiastic chatter and sharing of ideas from each group. At the end of the morning, each school made a pledge – identifying one way in which their school would make a change to help the environment. By the P3 Team
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
We have just taken delivery of a wildlife camera, sponsored by the PTA environmental committee. After just one day, the pics above show just how lucky we are to live in a country with so much wildlife. I’m sure it wont be long before we get some up close monkey action. Will keep you posted! - Mr Neil
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
Panaga’s BJSL success continues as we finish overall winners in T-ball
On Thursday 2nd May, Panaga’s BJSL teams were crowned overall winners in the T-ball Tournament at JIS. P5 and P6 won their categories undefeated and P7 came 3rd. Overall, we played 11 matches, won 9 and lost only 2. We are very proud of the teams. They deserved their victories due to their hard work at training in the lead up to the tournament. They displayed powerful hitting and intelligent fielding. Thanks to all parents who came along to support their children and to the other teachers for looking after the teams.
By Mr Nathan
Panaga Panaga School School Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th3rd March May2019 2019
Students and teachers worked together to create this magnificent mural during our Residential visit to Temburong last week. The mural combines traditional Iban symbols and patterns to create a very special and meaningful centrepiece for the Iban community living at Sumbiling Eco Village. Iban elder, Nanak, who is over 100 years old, visited the mural and was delighted to see Iban culture brought to life with such a dynamic use of pattern and colour. It was our way of giving a little something back to show our appreciation of the wonderful hospitality shown to us all during our 5 day stay in the breathtaking rainforest of Temburong.
By Miss Josie & Mr Zaim Art & DT Department, Teraja and Melilas
Panaga Panaga Panaga Panaga School School School School Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Weekly, Issue Issue Issue Issue Twenty-Three, Twenty-One, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Nineteen, 8th 22nd 26th 19th 3rd March March May April April 2019 2019 2019 2019
Wildlife Warriors’ first comic book throws light on Brunei’s flora and fauna | Daniel Lim | BRUNEI Wildlife Warriors, a group of like-minded people from various backgrounds aiming to educate children on the flora and fauna found in Brunei Darussalam, launched their first ever comic book titled Raffie & Simpor: Wild Adventure on Friday afternoon at the main hall of the Panaga Club in Seria. The comic book, produced collaboratively with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and the Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS) with support from the Ministry of Education, is part of an effort to help raise awareness on the various flora and fauna found in Brunei Darussalam via an easy-to-read format. Its initial concept was conceived by Steph Straatman, while its comic art was drawn by Indonesian comic artist Redy Prio. The guest of honour BSP Managing Director Dr Ceri M Powell officiated the book launch. Other attendees included renowned comic writer Ruud Straatman, the father of Steph Straatman; Chairman of the PNHS Lisa Thieme; Head of Cluster Six of Schools Asmah binti Awang Tengah; Annie Sindai from the Cluster Six of Schools; Social Investment Lead at BSP Haziq bin Abdullah Lim; as well as representatives from various schools across the country. The 90-page A4-size comic book, printed by Brunei Press Commercial Printing Services (CPS), tells the tale of two fictitious Brunei-born children Raffie and Simpor who had returned to Brunei after more than four years away due to their parents being stationed to work overseas. The comic depicts their lives learning about living in the rural area of Belait with their grandparents and the various flora and fauna found in the area. Besides the comic strip, the book, which is divided into English and Malay sections, also includes a part detailing the various flora and fauna the two children encountered, as well as several games and activities. In her opening speech, Dr Powell expressed her delight at the comic book launch, noting that it helps send a message to society on the importance of valuing the biodiversity around us. “Consideration for the natural habitat is an integral part of our business, and BSP is proud to play a leading role in many efforts to preserve it, be it the rainforests, peat forests, or the coastal environment,” she said. “I’ve been lucky to have had the privilege to reside in Panaga and witness the birth of many activities aimed at preserving the flora, fauna and environment such as ‘The Last Straw’ initiative to help curb plastic straw use. The managing director added, “I hope the comic will help encourage and inspire the younger generation to have an even keener interest in the rich plant and animal life around them, and I also hope that Raffie and Simpor will have the chance to enjoy many more adventures in future editions to come.” Dr Powell then handed copies of the new comic books – signed by Steph and Ruud Straatman – to the representatives of various schools across the country. Some 600 copies of the comic out of the over 1,000 printed are to be distributed and donated to schools across the country, with Brunei Press CPS contributing an extra 100 books as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Members of the public interested in purchasing the comic book can contact Steph Straatman at stephaniestraatman@panagaschool.net or by visiting the comic’s official Facebook page at ‘Raffie Simpor’.
Steph Straatman unveils the comic book.
BSP Managing Director Dr Ceri M Powell hands over the comic book to a school representative. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM