Updates from the Principal’s Desk Dear Panaga School Community,
Issue Sixty-Six 19th June 2020
Panaga School IFM/4, BSP Company Sdn Bhd, Seria, KB 3534, Negara Brunei Darussalam (+673) 3375728/3372139 (Teraja/Melilas), (+673) 3372694 (Mendaram/Rampayoh)
Panaga School is officially back open to all students and what an absolute joy it is. The behind the scenes happy dances from staff playing out ahead of our students’ arrival on Thursday morning was very special. Painted welcome signs, jovial voices and an adapted learning environment that practises social distancing, while providing for cooperative, interactive learning. This is not easy to achieve, but because of the committed, capable, professional Panaga School team, this is exactly what has been delivered. On a global level, 2020 has certainly provided humanity with life experiences to practice our Personal Qualities, particularly our abilities to adapt and to be resilient. I would like to take a moment to congratulate our Panaga School Community for the way that we have all pulled together for the benefit of our children throughout this challenging time.
To all of our staff, I say thank you! I am genuinely in awe of our Panaga School teachers and Learning Support Assistants for their creativity and commitment. Our teaching team have worked hard, with short timelines, overcoming many Principal: an obstacle along the way to continue to provide to students individualised Cindy Bin Tahal learning throughout school closure. Our front office and cleaning teams have (+673) 3372355/8777028 cindybintahal@panagaschool.com done a tremendous job of ensuring the administrative and facilities requirements of our school are in order.
Head Teacher: Mark Walters markwalters@panagaschool.net
(+673) 3373972/8988224 Panaga School Senior Administration Officer: Jalinah Bte Ali (+673) 3375728 jalinah.ali@shell.com Admin Support, Rampayoh/Mendaram: Zurimah Bte Jumat z.jumat@shell.com Admin Support, Teraja: Hasmah Bte Hj Salleh hasmah.salleh@shell.com Panaga School Weekly editor: Damian Brady damianbrady@panagaschool.com
Thank you is also extended to our parent community. As a school staff, the collaboration and school to home connections that have been generated throughout this period have been appreciated. A necessary component in the delivery of remote, home-based learning. A new concept for us all. Parents, we respect and appreciate you. And then I come to our students. You are the reason that we walk through the school doors every day. You are our greatest asset. We are grateful to have you back in your learning environment and are committed to providing you with the most productive final few weeks of this academic year. Thank you for being the purpose for all that we do and thank you for being your joyful selves. On behalf of the School Leadership Team, I would like to thank our whole school community for working together to face the challenges of remote learning, while creating a smooth and safe return to school this week. Thank you! Kind regards, Cindy
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
P5 wish to say...
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
We have been amazed with all the entries in PGT this year. We hope that you enjoy viewing the acts on the Padlet: https://padlet.com/katecircuit/gzr9hb8x6dfp4u78. Congratulations to all the participants who have made it to the final!
Winners will be announced during the week of 29th June through the 'Live' final. - Kate Circuit
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
What P7D know I know the world changed on the 31st of December I know the first case of the virus will be one I always remember I know that in March 2020 our lives changed forever I know that this change meant that we could no longer learn together I know that the name of the virus is Covid-19 I know that the virus caused us to go into quarantine I know that the coronavirus sent us all to our homes I know that for three months I had to complete learning alone I know the 3 months at home without friends was tough I know everyone tried to be just good enough I know that many people of Panaga purchased new pools I know that I would still rather have been in our school I know that the pandemic has brought us all lots of grief I know that the outcome of crisis will be far from brief I know that across the world many people died I know that in most houses at some point people cried I know that people in healthcare put their lives on the line I know that recovery from this pandemic is going to take time I know that this virus is causing everyone stress I know that currently the world seems in a huge mess I know that many occupations have been put on hold I know that many homes and businesses have had to be sold I know that our families have sometimes felt on the brink I know that my family is stronger than they think I know that new cases are now beginning to slow down I know that many countries are coming out of lockdown I know the world is now on the mend I know that finding a vaccine will really mean the end I know that despite the hardships we should look for the good I know that misplaced anger can be misunderstood I know the world is on its way to recovery I know that Covid-19 vaccine is 2020’s next big discovery I hope that with love, care and compassion we can heal a little at a time I hope that eventually we will learn from this and things will turn out just fine‌
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Special edition reports from P7 students On Monday 8th June, the oldest children of Panaga returned to school. And on Thursday 18th June, the rest of the school returned too. After spending 3 months at home looking at screens, the wait for the threat of COVID-19 to decrease finally ended.
Getting Ready The day before school started (7th June), parents reported focused children busily packing backpacks. Lunchboxes and folders overflowing with home learning being stuffed into the bags were making back packs look like balloons!
Anxious or Worried? As parents escorted their children to school, a variety of mixed feelings hung in the air. Parents were sometimes taking worried or anxious glances at the main school doors and some others were looking confident that the school would keep their child safe and clean. One of the parents reported the she hoped her child would be okay.
By Akash (P7D)
New Looks As the pupils entered their class, some of them were heard saying that the new class looked a little different but overall much better than expected and lots better than sitting in front of a screen all day. In the class, they played games as the teachers got prepared for lessons. After the first hour in class, one stated, “We’re starting to get used to the new look already!”
The Real First Day When the children had washed their hands, they played tic-tac-toe with a partner and then the weekly timetable was explained and given out. After that, they had a short break. The children enjoyed being back and are already looking forward to the coming weeks.
Return to school The children of Panaga School left three months ago because the coronavirus (COVID19) was spreading. They got home and began to learn via websites like Edmodo and Padlet. Some people liked homeschooling because they could start when they wanted (like 10 o’clock) and end later. Also, some people said, “I can do more exercises’ which helps my mental health.” The children of M1 and M2 returned to school on 2nd June. The P7 children returned to school one week later. The rest of the school returned on Thursday 18th June. Most children felt very excited about coming back to school! All children agreed that they are happy to be back in school with their teacher, seeing their friends and learning together. Izaline (P7D)
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Returning to education On Monday 8th June 2020, P7 returned to Teraja after a long 3 months at home. The COVID-19 virus is under control in Brunei and the Phase 1 return was implemented. The rest of the world continues its fight.
Lockdown Children were forced to home learn because on Wednesday 10th March 2020 Brunei reported its first case of COVID-19. Everyday until the beginning of May 2020, Brunei announced new cases until the virus became under control, Bruneian children and expatriate children were forced to learn from home for their own safety.
Getting ready Some students were informed they were allowed to return to school on 8th June, the rest on 18th June. Many felt scared and did not know what it would be like. The reorientation hour for the children altered most of the concerns from the P7 children and their families. By Lucie (P7D)
The children all had different opinions, about returning to school; One child explained that she loved the orientation hour and was looking forward to being back in school, whilst another child felt that the experience was out of their comfort zone.
Week in The P7 children have now completed their first few weeks. The mood in the year group is very different. All of the children are happy to be back. Social distancing and hand washing is becoming the new ‘normal’, plus the children and teachers are enjoying face to face learning. Overall, the re– entry to school has been has been a resounding success.
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Socially distant, but together again finally, in P2!
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Pre-Nursery Zoom up before the real thing
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Luca (P3R)’s lovely home learning
Panaga School Weekly, Issue Sixty-Six, 19th June 2020
Pietro (Nursery Orangutans) takes pride in his home tasks